Page 96 of A Cowboy's Claim

“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.