Page 102 of A Love Like Candle Light

“Anyway, I think I'll head out.” I pick up my to-go cup and the cinnamon roll, pushing the last bite of mine into my mouth.

“The cinnamon rolls are the bomb, Caleb. You're a genius.”

“I know. Say hi to Kylie for me.”

“Will do.”

I give them a wave over my shoulder and head out. Surprisingly, telling them actually helped. Saying it out loud to them opened the curtain, broke the barrier to accepting the reality. Even if it gives me no clue what to do.

When I arrive at Kylie’s home, she's already waiting for me on her porch. Abby is running around the front yard, chasing after leaves.

My emotions are balancing on the edge to the surface and I can’t hold them at bay much longer. And I don’t want to.

I jump out of the car, and my first tentative steps toward her turn into a run within seconds. As soon as I climb the steps she’s already there and I throw my arms around her middle and bury my face in the crook of her neck. Everything is hitting me at once, and I don't even fucking know what to say.

“Hey, it's okay,” she whispers, snaking her arms around my shoulders, running her fingers through my hair. “Everything will be fine.”

I tighten my hold, sink to my knees and pull her with me. I can’t breathe.

“Fuck,” I mumble against her neck. Kylie’s hands draw slow circles over my back, fingers running over my scalp, and her soft voice mumbles reassurances into my ear as I greedily suck in air and try not to fall completely apart.

“You're okay. Everything is okay. Today was a lot. Let it all out.”

“Thank you.” I keep mumbling it over and over, and for once she accepts it without objection. Hot tears overflow and disappear into her sweatshirt, and she hugs me as tight as she can.

“I got you, babe.”

I can't help the shaky laugh that turns into a sob. Fuck. All the years of searching and false hope break over me like a wave and pull me under.

“Breathe with me,” she mumbles and takes a deep breath, the same way I did before. I follow suit. “That's it, baby. Come on, another one.” Before I know it, she's pulled me back to the surface and I can breathe again.

Abby appears beside us, her nose worriedly nudging my shoulder.

“It’s okay. I'm okay,” I mumble and draw back, wiping my face.

“No, you're not,” she says softly and replaces my hands with hers, wiping hot tears away with her thumb. “And that's okay. Nobody would be. Come on, let's get you inside.” Reluctantly, I loosen my grip around her so she can get up. She offers me her hand and I let her pull me to a stand.

“Did you come up with a plan?” she asks me as I nudge my shoes aside with my foot.

“No.” I run my hand over my face and through my hair. “I'm still grappling with the fact that we found her at all.”

“You haven't told your aunt yet?”

“No.” I shake my head, and gulp heart heavy. “I want to meet her first. Hell, I don't even know if she knows she's got a whole-ass family out here looking for her. Or how she'll react when I tell her our dad is in jail. If she reacts badly, at least the two of them don't have to experience it.”

“Sometimes you're too noble for your own good.” She motions for me to sit down on her couch.

“Maybe.” I pull off my jacket, then remember the paper bag in its pocket. “I brought you a cinnamon roll from Caleb’s.”

It’s a little smashed, but still, her face lights up. “You are the best.” She kisses my cheek, then heads to the kitchen to make herself a coffee.

“Do you want one too?”

“No, just had one of Caleb's.”

“I figured, but thought I’d ask.” Once it’s finished, she sits down next to me, her thigh pressing into mine. I lift my arm she scoots closer, leaning her head against my shoulder.

“Why do you have to go through the pain of rejection alone? Potentially. To spare your aunt and dad. I guess your dad can't exactly go and visit her, but your aunt…”