Page 98 of A Love Like Candle Light

“Oh my God.” I squeal, jump up and dart through my living room, then force myself to stop, as I pull up my chat with Gabriella.

Kylie: I might need to send you a bottle of champagne.

Gabriella: You found her?

Kylie: Apparently.

Gabriella: Hell yes. You can thank me with 50 pics of Abby.

Kylie: I will send you my whole damn gallery. Give your contact a little smooch from me!!

Gabriella: Ew, no.

Kylie: Okay, then tell him thank you.

Gabriella: Absolutely. Happy celebrating!

Damn, why does it have to be early in the day? I wish I could rush out there and find Erik. But even working from home means work. He probably wouldn't have time for me in the middle of his workday anyway.

Kylie: Erik, I'm so happy for you.

Then I change my mind and call him. He answers within two rings.

“Oh my God, Erik. Congratulations. I'm so happy for you!”

“Thank you, Kylie.” His words are heavy with meaning, voice raspy.

“So where is she? What's her name?” I stop by my living room window, watching the lake. Soft waves break against the slim beach, cluttered with fallen leaves.

“She doesn’t even live too far away, actually. Maybe a two-hour drive.” He sounds robotic, as if he's still in shock. “And the name we found her under is Maya Kennedy.”

“Wow, that's a few ways off from Lilith Madden. So, are you driving over there now? Do you want me to come with you?”

“I don't know yet.” His voice breaks. The poor guy. “I can’t believe it’s real yet. I've searched for her all my life, and now that I've found her, I'm… scared.”

My breath hitches, and his voice breaking sends a dagger right through my heart.

“Take all the time you need, Erik. You found her. The hard part is done. Hours, even days, of emotional preparation won’t change a thing.”

“I know.” He lets out a deep sigh.

“Do you want me to check if I can find out more about her online?”

He takes a moment to think about it. “No. Not right now. I’m already overwhelmed.”

“Okay.” Worry settles in the back of my throat.

“I wish you were here.”

I wish I could crawl through my phone and right into his arms, because he sounds like he really needs a hug right now. “Come over tonight,” I propose, earning an approving hum.

“I can’t imagine anything I’d like to do more. Is your ex gone?”

“Yep. And he won’t be back, so don't worry about him.”

“I wasn't worrying. Listen, Kylie, I've got to go. Jodie is waving at me, which probably means she got a call. I'll see you soon.”

“Can't wait.”