The Firestarter: How a Lost Girl Changed Our Lives

Chapter 13

Evans eyes were like pools of blue water, reflecting the sincerity and the love he felt for me. I felt a surge of emotion and squeezed his hand. He squeezed back and said:

EliseI love you. I want to be with you. Im sorry for our fight. I know you were angry and frustrated, but I also know we can make it work. We can be a family.

I nodded and looked into his eyes. EvanI love you too. More than you know. Last night, when I was in the ambulance, I had a moment of clarity. I talked to Lily and I understood something. Something that changed everything. Love is the reason were here. Love is the meaning of life. And I need to love myself more, because you love me. Because you see something in me that I dont always see. If I love myself more, I can love you better. I can love you the way you deserve. And I can love Lily too. She needs us. She needs our love.

We smiled at each other and leaned in for a kiss. His lips were soft and warm, his breath was minty and fresh. His kiss was tender and sweet, full of forgiveness and hope.

We were interrupted by a knock on the door. We broke the kiss and looked up.

Lily opened the door and stepped inside. She held a bouquet of flowers and a teddy bear in her arms, as if they were shields. Her eyes darted around the room, avoiding our gaze. She bit her lip and fidgeted with her hair. She cleared her throat and said in a small voice: Youre awake! I brought you some gifts. Theyre not much, butI hope you like them.

She probably thought I had lost my memories of last night. I smiled. Lilycome here. Thank you for the gifts. Theyre beautiful. Just like you.

I said it with sincerity, not pity. I meant it.

She came closer and put the gifts on a table next to the bed. EliseIm so glad to see your eyes open. Are you okay? Does it hurt?

I reached out my arm and pulled her into a hug. Im okay. It doesnt hurt much. And Im so glad to see you too.

EliseIm so sorry for what I did. I was scared and angry. I didnt mean to hurt you or Evan or anyone. Please dont hate me.

I felt her stiffen at first, but then melt as she returned my hug.

I said: Lily I love you. Youre my sister. Youre my daughter.

Lily sobbed: Really? You love me? You want me?

Yes, really. Yes, I love you. Yes, I want you. More than that, youre essential to me. Thats what I was just telling Evan. When I was talking to you in the ambulance last night, you helped me see that. You saved me, Lily.

Evan joined the hug and wrapped his arms around both of us. We love you, Lily. We want you. Youre our family.

We held each other tight, feeling the warmth of our bodies and the strength of our connection. I didnt want to let go. I wanted to stay like this forever. But then we heard another knock on the door. We reluctantly broke our embrace and turned our heads. It was Maria Smith, the social worker.

Hi everyone. Im sorry to interrupt this lovely moment, but I have something important to tell you. Something that might make you even happier.

We looked at her with curiosity and anticipation.

I regret the way we ended the phone call yesterday. It stayed with me all day. So last night I reconsidered my decision. Despite your difficulties, I saw how much you love each other. How much you depend on each other. She paused and looked at us with a smile. Ive gotten approval to make an exception and let you go ahead with the adoption if thats what you want. And I will also arrange for in-person therapy for both of you. As often as you need.

We were speechless for a moment, then we erupted in joy.

I nearly squealed and clapped my hands. Oh, Maria, thank you so much! You dont know how much this means to us!

Evan grinned and gave her a thumbs up. Yes, thank you! Youre amazing!

Lily beamed and nodded vigorously. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Maria tilted her head and smiled. Youre very welcome. Im happy for you. Ill be in touch with the paperwork and the details soon.

I exhaled: Okay, great.

Well, Ill leave you three to celebrate. Have a wonderful day!

We waved and smiled. You too!

Maria left the room and closed the door.

I gestured to them. Come here, you two. I need more hugs. They came to me, and we embraced. I felt their warmth and their heartbeat. I whispered in their ears. I love you both so much. Youre my family. Youre my everything.

We laughed and cried. Tears of joy and relief. Laughter of happiness and gratitude. We had been through so much. We had faced so many difficulties. We had almost lost each other. But we made it. We made it together.

I glanced out the hospital window at the jagged mountains that looked dry and dead but were actually filled with life that only those with open eyes could notice. The desert was a clean slate for all of us. Our little stucco home would be a warm place of quiet and tranquility. A place where we could be ourselves. A place where we mattered.

We looked at each other. We had grown so much. We had found our purpose. We had found our love.

Were so happy. Were so lucky.

We still feel that way, all these years later. Evan had said, The best is yet to come! And he was right.