Lauren had just taken a sip of her coffee when the words came out of her mother’s mouth. Stunned, she choked, the coffee spewing out of her mouth like a geyser. “Mother! I can’t believe you of all people would even think that.” She took her mother’s napkin, wiped her face and her pajama bottoms. Then she burst out laughing at the absurdity of the question.

“Never in my lifetime did I think you and I would have this conversation, but to answer your question, yes, I like men. In the romantic way, as in getting married and having babies someday. I haven’t found anyone special that I’d want to commit to for the rest of my life. I can’t believe you asked me that. That’s one’s personal business, but you can stop worrying. If and when I fall in love, I promise you’ll know.” She smiled. “Does Dad think I’m gay?”

“I don’t believe so,” her mother said, her cheeks a bright pink.

“It’s okay to say the word, Mom. The world is different now. It’s changed in my lifetime in ways I never thought possible. I’m hopeful that there’s someone out there for everyone, myself included.”

Her mother sighed. “I’m so glad we had this talk. We’ve been concerned, your age and all.”

For the second time in a few short minutes, Lauren cackled with laughter. “Mom, women are having babies in their forties, and a few in their fifties. You and Dad are just old-fashioned, and I respect that. If I ever meet someone and fall in love, I want him to knock my socks off, blow me away. You think that’s asking for too much?” Immediately, she was reminded of Mr. Hunk. John.

“Too much what?” Her father’s presence filled the room when he entered the kitchen. He wasn’t limping; he wasn’t stooped. He was Dad again, with a touch of something that affected his mood, and that was all right. He would get better.

“Morning, Pops.” She hadn’t called him that in forever.

He smiled. “Right back at ya, Buttercup.”

Her childhood nickname because her hair was so blond.

“Lauren is waiting for the right man to knock her socks off and blow her away before settling down.”

She heard her overemphasizing the word man and sharing a look with her husband.

“Now that we have my love life in context, how about I make blueberry pancakes? I’m going to be out of town for a few days, and who knows if I’ll remember to eat.” Lauren got up and went to the pantry, returning with the makings for pancakes. “Mom, you have blueberries in the freezer, right?”

“I do. Though it might take a bit for them to thaw.”