Chapter 21
The fire crackled low in the stone hearth, throwing a soft orange glow across the living room. Outside, October had taken a sudden turn into chillier nights, the kind that hinted at frost and early snow.
Inside, the warmth wasn’t just from the fire.
Declan sat with an arm draped across the back of the couch, Sydney leaning into him.
The rest of the people in the room were those he called his family.
Tansy and Jake shared the oversized armchair opposite, her legs tossed over his lap like it was their standard position—probably because it was.
Jeffrey was sound asleep on a blanket in front of the fire, head resting on Dixie’s rump.
Aiden and Petra were tucked into the love seat, Jinx sprawled on the floor at their feet with a slightly lopsided scarf she was knitting covering her legs. Logan sat in the lone recliner, feet up as he thumbed through an old woodworking magazine.
The laughter between them all came easy. The comfort—they’d earned.
It had been a hell of a year since Declan and his brothers had made the move to Heart Falls.
They’d all been pushed to their limits. Threats from the outside, old fears, deep family wounds. And yet here they were, safe and together in the living room at High Water ranch.
“Oh, hey,” Jake said, glancing around the room to make sure he had everyone’s attention. “I’ve got an update.”
That pulled everyone upright just a little. Jake never announced something unless it mattered.
“I got word back from my friends in the fire investigation team on the hall destruction.”
A hush settled.
Beside Declan, Sydney stiffened slightly.
“Don’t know if I mentioned this before, but for a while, I was worried the fire at the community center was somehow connected to the gang stuff we dealt with.” Jake glanced around the room. “Seemed logical, considering the timing. But I was wrong.”
Logan nodded slowly. “Good to know, but what was it?”
Jake tilted his chin in Sydney’s direction. “Someone closer to home. Someone mad about a small situation that spun way out of control.”
The room held still.
Jake continued, “Turns out, the source of the ignition was oily rags spontaneously combusting. A few larger fragments were recovered from the scene including a uniform shirt with a logo printed on one of the pockets. An auto shop in Hillcrest.”
Declan tensed. That was a good forty minutes away from Heart Falls.
“My contact said they visited the shop to find out their protocol to deal with the flammable material. Once the shirts are trash, one of the staff packages them up carefully and then it’s all sent to a hazardous waste centre. Only the usual staff didn’t deal with them that week—Cindy did.”
“Cindy who?” Tansy asked sharply.
“Nora Yemen’s daughter.”
Sydney shot upright. “Cindy?” Her voice cracked slightly. “But…why?”
Jake shrugged, but there was frustration behind it. “Best guess? She got embarrassed after you convinced Nora to move to the senior’s residence. The video she posted online of the confrontation you guys had—the comments didn’t go in her favor. Her pride got dented.”
“I didn’t even know she’d posted it,” Sydney murmured.
“She said she thought shoving dirty rags into the bags in your shed would ‘make your stuff stink’,” Jake said, making air quotes. “She never meant to start a fire, but spontaneous combustion doesn’t care about intentions.”
“Unbelievable,” Petra whispered.
Declan checked Sydney to see how this news was hitting. The fire wasn’t her fault, but she was still learning to let go of trying to run the world.
Her eyes were wide, her jaw tight, but she exhaled slowly.
“These things happen,” she said quietly. “People lash out for reasons that have nothing to do with reality.”
Tansy wasn’t so calm. “I want to drag her to the town square and make her watch that entire building go up again in slow motion.”
“That’s dramatic,” Jake muttered.
She glared at him. “Cindy contributed to the destruction of a community landmark where dozens of bake sales, harvest dances, and memorable bachelor auctions have been held over the years.” Tansy paused. “Oh. And also, Sydney almost died.”
“Thanks for putting that priority list in order,” Sydney deadpanned.
“Anytime.”
Jake held up a hand. “The police have it handled. They confronted Cindy and she confessed. Which means community service and a serious dent to her reputation. Plus, a strict order to stay away from Sydney.” Jake shrugged.
“About as much as the law can do. Bottomline, there will be no more fire-starting rags in her future.”
“That explains the terrible smell when I grabbed the gear,” Sydney said thoughtfully. “I never did go back and recheck later because of my ankle.”
“I’m shocked Cindy confessed,” Declan admitted.
A rude noise escaped Tansy. “Probably realized it was that or wait until Petra tracked her down and kicked in her front door.”
“I could still do that,” Petra offered then winked. “But I’m trying to be the calm, mature version of myself now that I’m going to be a mother. Again.”
Sydney blinked. “Wait, what?”
Petra grinned, her eyes sparkling. “Yeah. We’ve been waiting for the right moment to tell you guys. But yes—I’m pregnant.”
The room exploded.
Tansy leapt to her feet, arms flopping in the air as if she was calling a touchdown. “Oh! Wait!”
She darted out of the room before anyone could say a word.
Aiden shook his head fondly then carried on. “And the again part of that announcement is because Jinx’s adoption is now official. Paperwork’s all signed. Just waiting for her new ID cards.”
Jinx ducked her head, but the corner of her mouth lifted. “About time.”
“About time…Dad,” Aiden coaxed.
Jinx dove at him, knotting arms around his and Petra’s necks as laughter swelled. “You guys are the best,” she repeated for the millionth time since the idea had been floated.
Petra kissed Jinx’s cheek. “You’re part of our family in every way now, forever.”
Declan’s heart filled. This—this was what High Water was meant to be. A place for people to land. To belong.
And sometimes to heal. Logan didn’t say anything, but as usual, he watched the tangled hug with intense longing in his eyes.
Tansy came flying back into the room with two paper bags, thrusting one toward Petra and the other toward Aiden. “We planned ahead,” she said proudly. “Well, I had the idea, and Jake made sure it happened. Teamwork!”
Inside were the obligatory candles.
Petra pulled hers out and burst into laughter. The label read, Warning: Hormones May Combust. Light at Your Own Risk.
Aiden’s had a cartoon of a terrified man holding a baby, and it read, You’re Going to be a Dad. Panic Accordingly. He lifted it in a toast to Tansy and Jake. “This I can do.”
“And you’ll do it brilliantly,” Tansy offered as she dropped back into her seat. “I’m not pregnant, but in the vein of sharing TMI, we are trying.”
“Ugh. I didn’t need to know that,” Jinx complained, squirming from the spot on the floor she’d returned to.
Tansy lifted a brow. “Just wait until your mom gives you the birds and the bees talk. I’m going to draw pictures.”
“And on that note, I’m headed to bed.” Logan rose and gathered his things, obviously looking to escape.
But he was smiling, happy to have been included in the announcements.
He paused, glancing at each of them. “Good night, everyone.” He dipped his head when he met Declan’s gaze. “I’ll take care of the early chores.”
It was Sydney who slipped to her feet and marched to his side, hooking her arms around him and squeezing him tightly. “Night, you. See you in the morning.”
“I should go, too,” Jinx said. She tilted her head toward the fire. “I’ll get the Jeffster into bed if you guys want to stay out here for a while longer,” she offered.
“You’re an awesome big cousin,” Tansy told her seriously. “Thanks.”
Arms full of drooping five-year-old, Jeffrey’s limbs dangling like a marionette, Jinx winked at Declan then paced toward the back of the house, Dixie strolling quietly at her side.
The six of them resettled.
Aiden spoke softly toward the fire. “Jinx is a great kid. And night and day different from a year ago.”
“You guys are making that happen more and more,” Declan affirmed.
Sydney nodded. “And Jeffrey’s doing amazing as well. He seems so much more peaceful.”
“Jake’s the perfect daddy for him,” Tansy affirmed. “A perfect dad, really. Thus the trying for more. And we’re ready.”
“I don’t know about the perfect,” Jake said. “But yeah, we’re ready to see what happens.”
Petra turned to Declan and Sydney. “Don’t worry. We’re fully aware babies aren’t in your future.”
Jake chimed in. “But fair warning, you will have full-time aunt and uncle duties.”
“Bring it,” Declan said with amusement.
Sydney smiled. Quiet. Content. “Oh, I didn’t tell you guys yet,” she said suddenly, “Lexie’s staying on at the clinic.”
Petra blinked. “Really?”
“Michael got his offer.” Sydney said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “And it turns out he’s allowed to work remotely. He’s moving to Heart Falls. They’re moving in together.”
Tansy mock groaned. “Ugh. Happy endings everywhere.”
“I know. It’s so gross,” Petra deadpanned.
Declan cleared his throat, nudging Sydney.
She gave him a sideways look. “What?” she said. “They already know.”
“Not from you.”
She sighed, and he grinned.
Declan raised his voice slightly. “Since we’re spilling everything tonight—Sydney is in love with me. And I love her. Just so it’s clear.”
Laughter bounced back instantly, along with a throw pillow courtesy of Aiden.
“Oh, really?” Petra said, eyes gleaming. “When did you figure that out?”
“It was the moment you jumped into a burning building, wasn’t it?” Tansy asked.
Declan nodded solemnly. “That definitely helped.”
Sydney leaned into him and whispered, “You’re such a drama queen.”
“I learned from the best,” he replied.
The fire crackled. The stories continued. Eventually, Aiden and Petra drifted to their suite, arms wrapped around each other. Jake and Tansy lingered a few minutes longer before they too retreated to the back of the house where Jeffrey already lay sleeping.
Leaving Declan and Sydney alone.
He stared at the glowing coals, her hand warm in his.
“I like this,” he murmured.
“Which part?”
“All of it. The quiet. The fire. The knowledge that everyone’s safe. That tomorrow your parents will show up, and there’ll be chaos and turkey and paperwork.”
Sydney grinned. “My mom has a spreadsheet.”
“She and Jake are going to get along great.”
She laughed then leaned her head on his shoulder. “It’s not only that things finished well. It’s that this feels like a real beginning.”
“I’ve made my claim,” he affirmed and kissed the top of her head. “Come hell or high water.”
She looked up at him, stars in those silvery eyes and a whole lot of love. “Claim accepted. Hey, Deck?”
“Yeah?”
Sydney leaned forward and offered her brightest smile. “I do love you.”
He dipped his head. “Good.”
They were both laughing as they leaned into each other, the fire crackling low, the promise of tomorrow warm between them.
I hope you enjoyed this story for Declan and Sydney. Thanks so much for reading, and if you do have a few minutes to leave a review for others, I’d appreciate it.
That concludes the Skyes of Heart Falls…
Maybe.
It’s the end of the three Skye brothers’ stories, but I’m still dreaming up bits and pieces set in Heart Falls, and maybe, just maybe…I can find one more. I’d like to write it—we have to see when.
There is one more book coming in the Heart Falls Vignette and Novella series as well, if you’re keeping up to date with all the bits and pieces. Hot Nights in Heart Falls is up for preorder now. (It says September, but I’m pretty sure that we’ll be moving that release date up to earlier in 2026!)
Make sure you’re on my mailing list to stay up to date on that idea and what else comes up in the future. The mailing list really is the best way to get information because I’m not super active on any social media.
IF YOU STARTED IN Heart Falls!!
Sorry for shouting, but you really do need to go back to the very beginning then and start with the Six Pack Ranch and Thompson & Sons saga. Rocky Mountain Heat is where to go!