Page 49 of Keeping Skylar (Fractured Hearts #1)

Epilogue

Skylar

One year later.

He’s done it again!

Heath has managed to surprise me with a one-week getaway to the Mornington Peninsula to celebrate my belated thirty-third birthday and our one-year anniversary.

During our trip, we’ve been soaking in the most stunning coastal views and diving into all kinds of outdoor adventures—relaxing in hot springs, horse riding through gorgeous vineyards, and my personal favourite, sipping on some of the region’s best wines.

It’s been pure bliss, like our own little slice of heaven.

And thanks to my delicious man, I’ve been completely spoiled.

We’ve been dating exclusively for a little over a year, and our relationship just keeps getting stronger.

Every day with Heath brings something new, something exciting, real, and deeply fulfilling in a way I never experienced with Kaden, not even in the beginning.

Sure, we’ve had our share of disagreements, bickering like an old married couple at times, but somehow, we always come out the other side closer and more connected.

And honestly, the make-up sex? Worth every single argument.

Our first Christmas together was spent with all of Heath’s family at his parents’ gorgeous home in Daylesford. That holiday marked a turning point for us, drawing me closer to his whole family—everyone except Liam, who, unsurprisingly, was nowhere to be seen.

Heath’s parents still joke about how surreal it is to see their son so utterly in love.

Apparently, not even his relationship with Natasha, ever came close.

Their genuine excitement and unwavering support has meant the world to me, so much; it’s as if they’ve become the second family I never knew I needed.

For New Year’s, Heath joined me on a trip to Sydney to visit my loved ones.

It was his first time meeting my mother, Tina, my sister, Mila, and best friend, Kirstin.

Though he was adorably nervous at first, surrounded by a group of strong, intelligent women, it was no surprise that he managed to win them all over by the end of our stay.

Honestly, what’s not to like about him? My man is the ultimate charmer, and with his irresistible allure, women can’t help but sneak glances whenever they get the chance.

Like that night at dinner, when Mila accidentally blurted out—loud enough for everyone to hear—that he was a ‘mouth-watering dish’.

The whole table erupted in laughter, and my sister’s face turned beet red I nearly peed myself.

Even Kirstin took a liking to my new man. After the two of them struck up a conversation about contemporary art, a topic he surprisingly knew quite a bit about, she began to warm to him. By the end of our short trip, she, along with everyone else, had welcomed him with open arms.

Looking back on the past year and a half, it’s been a whirlwind of unexpected twists, personal growth, and a mix of heartbreak and joy.

I uprooted my entire life to move to a new city alone, rebuilding everything from the ground up while enduring heartache and loss, and amidst all of that, I met the true love of my life, Heath.

To top it off, my divorce from Kaden was finalised three months ago. After six years of marriage to a toxic man, I was finally free.

During the divorce, Kaden and I communicated exclusively through our lawyers.

The process was long and exhausting at first, with lengthy back-and-forth negotiations, but in the end, Kaden offered to give me 85% of the profit from the house sale.

He said it was the least he could do after everything he’d put me through.

After being on the market for two weeks, the house sold for far more than we anticipated, thanks to the significant price and population growth in Sydney’s property market.

The generous profit allowed me to pay off half of the mortgage on my beachside townhouse that I now share with Heath.

Things couldn’t have turned out any better.

The moment we step inside the restaurant, I’m greeted by the delicious scent of woodfire and grilled meats.

The atmosphere has a cabin-like charm—calm, cosy, and inviting.

Every detail feels deliberately chosen: the warm ambient lighting, rustic timber furniture, exposed wooden beams, and a striking river stone fireplace crackling softly in the background.

It’s more charming and intimate than any of the fancy places Kaden ever took me to.

After Heath confirms our reservation, the hostess leads us to a private room tucked away at the back of the restaurant. Just as I reach for the door, Heath stops me, then steps behind to carefully tie a blindfold over my eyes, his touch both playful and gentle.

“Umm ... Heath? What are you doing?”

“This is your first surprise for the night,” he whispers into my ear before kissing the top of my head.

I hear the door creak open, followed by the soft click of the latch. Then, Heath’s warm hand slips around my waist, steadying me. His other hand clasps mine, guiding me slowly as we move further into the room.

It’s quieter inside this space, with only the sound of faint murmurs coming from outside the room. After a few steps, we come to a halt, and without warning, Heath removes my blindfold.

“SURPRISE!”

I freeze, the chorus of voices quickly filling the room. My breath catches as my hands fly to my mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.

Standing before me, gathered around a long banquet-style table, are all the people I cherish most. On one side, I immediately spot Heath’s family: his parents, Carol and Howard, and his sister, Hannah, with Nate, cradling their twelve-week-old son, Luca.

Their beaming smiles wash over me like a warm cup of tea.

Across the table, I spot my mother, Kirstin, and Mila standing together, each wearing the same expression—pure, unfiltered joy.

That’s when it hits me: Heath must’ve been secretly keeping in touch with my family, planning this behind my back just to bring us all together.

My heart feels like it’s about to burst.

“Oh my God. Am I imagining this right now?”

The entire room breaks into laughter.

“Oh honey, do you have any idea how hard it’s been to keep this secret? We were so sure Mila was going to open her big trap and accidentally say something,” my mother jests, making everyone chuckle.

“Umm ... excuse me! I do know how to keep secrets. Just look at my head,” she points to her temples. “It’s grown to the size of Jupiter from all the secrets.” More laughter ensues.

“Happy birthday, dear. Heath has certainly outdone himself this time,” Carol says as she wraps me in one of her warm, motherly hugs.

I squeeze her gently, cherishing this sweet, beautiful moment. “I completely agree. Your son sure knows how to pull off one hell of a surprise. I really had no idea.” I glance over to Heath and smile.

He lifts my hand to his lips and places a soft kiss. “It wasn’t just me,” he says with a grin. “I can’t take all the credit. Everyone here played a part in making this night happen. We just want you to have the most unforgettable evening.”

After exchanging warm hugs and heartfelt birthday wishes with everyone, Heath leads us to our seats across from Hannah and Nate, pulling my chair out with a quiet smile.

As the rest of the group settles in, we chat and catch up on life, sharing stories and letting our families get acquainted with one another.

Then, we dive right into our delicious three-course meal, savouring every mouth-watering bite.

I look around the room, unable to suppress a big smile. All the people who mean the world to me are gathered here, in this cosy little place, to celebrate my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday. And once again, it’s all thanks to my incredible man.

Mila’s infectious laugh draws my attention to her as she casually chats with Hannah and Kirstin, while simultaneously pulling faces at Luca, making him squeal and giggle in response. Seeing our families getting along so effortlessly brings a warm smile to my face.

“How’s everything going?” I ask Mila.

“I can’t complain. I started my new job as a speech pathologist at a clinic in the city last week, and I’m really enjoying it so far. It keeps me on my toes.”

She and her boyfriend, Dean, have been broken up for almost a year now.

She never explained why it ended or why she never speaks about him, but I have a gut feeling it’s more serious than she lets on, especially since she moved on as if he never existed.

In the end, I decided not to pry, figuring she’d share the details with me when she was good and ready.

“Congratulations, sis! It’s well deserved. And good on Jase for being so understanding, and letting you focus more on your studies than babysitting in your last year. The extra time and hard work really paid off.” I give her a proud smile.

There’s a sad, distant look in her eyes when Jason’s name comes up. From what little I know about their relationship, they’ve stayed in occasional contact ever since she stopped working for him. But every now and then, I get the feeling she misses him more than she’s willing to admit.

Before I can steer the conversation elsewhere, she beats me to it.

“Anyway, I know this is probably not the best time to bring this up, but I figured it’s worth mentioning considering its quite big news. It’s about Kaden and Lucia, and before you tell me to shut it, I think you should hear me out first.”

I catch Heath tense at the mention of my ex-husband’s name.

So, I give Mila a subtle shake of my head, signalling that the topic is off limits.

“I’d rather not talk about him,” I say firmly.

“I’ve already wished him and Lucia the best with their new baby and their life together. There’s really nothing more to say.”