Page 117 of A Love Like Candle Light

“I’ve heard of it.” She nods slowly and nervously brushes a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Molly,” I quickly clarify. “Our aunt’s name’s Molly. She’d love to meet you.”

“Me too.” She sounds a little uncertain, though. “One day. I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything.”

“Yes, of course.” I clear my throat. “I’m happy to answer any questions you might have, if I can.”

“What’s my name?” she mumbles. “Mom and Dad didn’t think to ask.”

“Lilith,” I reveal and try to clear all the pesky emotions out of my throat.

Pain flashes across her face. “Lilith,” she repeats in a whisper and nods. “I like it.”

“Maya suits you too, though.”

“Thank you.” A shy smile tugs at her lips. “And you’re the girlfriend?” She turns to Kylie. “The one who loves true crime?”

“Yes. That’s me.” Kylie’s face lights up and the mood quickly lifts. Gone is the air almost too thick to breathe.

“I bet you’ll love the book we ordered for you.” Maya breaks into a ramble about the author.

This is where the family reunion ends. Maya has a lot to take in. But sooner rather than later, an awkward silence settles once more.

First Kylie’s lips turn into a smile. Then she’s the first to let out a nervous laugh. Before I know it, the three of us are giggling.

“Oh man.” Maya leans back in her chair and stares at the ceiling. “Funny what life throws at you.”

I don’t really have a reply to that apart from a nod.

“It’s a lot for one day,” Kylie declares and gets up, pulling me with her. “Erik, how about you leave her your number so she can reach out once she’s ready?”

Damn, I’m so glad she tagged along. I would have forgotten.

“Of course.” I glance around the room for a pen and paper and find some on the kitchen counter. My fingers are trembling. Still, I make painfully sure every number is legible.

“Just to be clear,” she asks just as we’re about to walk out the door. I freeze and slowly turn around. “Do you want to keep in contact? I mean, this must be so weird for you too.”

“Maya, I spent years searching for you. We thought you were dead. So yes, I’d love to keep in touch and get to know my older sister.” Her eyes turn glassy and she snakes her arms around herself.

“I’d like that too. I can’t even remember being a sister.”

“And I barely remember being a brother. We’ll figure it out. And when or if you’re ever ready, I’d love to introduce you to aunt Molly and Dad. They’ve missed you a lot.”

“I can’t even imagine.” She shakes her head and then throws her arms around me again. “Thank you for finding me.”

“Thank you for not freaking out,” I chuckle and hug her back.

Maya shakes her head against my chest. “Trust me, I did. You weren’t here to see it happen is all.” She breaks the hug and takes a step back.

“Get home safely, you guys. I’ll be in touch.”

“Can’t wait to hear from you,” I mumble and sneak my hand into Kylie’s again.

The light rain has turned into a nasty downpour by the time we’re back downstairs. As we leave the store, I pull her jacket’s hood over her head and tuck the book I got for her under my jacket.

“I’m driving,” I declare and walk right ahead to open the door for her so she can jump into the car.

“Do you feel better now?” Kylie asks once I’m behind the steering wheel, her hand on my knee.