Page 84 of Keeping 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 hellof a surprise. I really had no idea.” I glance over to Heath and smile.
