Page 1 of Reckless Flames

Chapter one

Sophie

“Jesus, Mom, can you hear me now? This signal is shit,” I grumbled, as the scenic beauty of Finch Valley whizzed by. The lush greenery was a lovely contrast to New York’s concrete jungle, but my appreciation had been cut short by the spotty connection. I was speaking loudly, as you do when your phone’s connected to your car, but the strength of the signal trumps volume every time.

“Finally, Sophie! I was starting to think you’d been abducted by aliens on your way here.” My mom's voice crackled through, tinged with both relief and exasperation.

I couldn’t help but chuckle, easing the car around a particularly tight bend. “No aliens, just the never-ending joy of rural cell towers. How’s the madness at home?”

“Oh, you know, your sister is on the verge of a meltdown, and your dad and Uncle Joe argue over who’s going to man the barbecue. It’s chaos.”

I sighed, envisioning the familiar pandemonium that was our family gatherings—on steroids now due to my sister’s upcoming wedding. “Sounds about right. I’ll be there in twenty, assuming I don’t get lost in a time warp.”

There was a brief pause before my mom’s voice softened. “Sophie, it’s been too long. Everyone’s missed you. Who knows? Maybe this trip will bring you a reason to finally settle down.”

I rolled my eyes, even though she couldn’t see. “Mom, let’s not start this again. I’m not looking for anything right now. I’m just here to spend time with you all and see Madi walk down the aisle, not to find a boyfriend, because I know perfectly well that’s what you mean by settling down.”

“But honey, you never know. Finch Valley has a way of surprising you. Remember how you always said this place felt magical?”

“Yeah, when I was twelve. The only magic I believe in now involves coffee and deadlines.”

“Sophie, darling, all I’m saying is keep an open heart. Life has a funny way of throwing us curveballs, especially when we least expect it.”

I wasn’t about to argue with mom wisdom even though I wanted to. I wanted to tell her that my heart was just fine in its current state—guarded and focused on anything but romance. We would just have to see who had the last word on the subject when it was time for me to go back home.

“Okay, Mom.” I said dryly. “See you in a few.” The call disconnected, I turned my attention to the countryside around me—to the way the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over the fields and transforming the valley into a scene from a painting. The beauty of it was almost enough to make me wish I’d never left. Almost.

When I finally pulled into the driveway of my childhood home, the sun was low over the distant hills, bathing the world in the soft glow of twilight. The upcoming wedding and my mom’s attempts to get me “settled down” seemed a world away in that peaceful moment. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the whirlwind of family, grabbed my bags and headed for the front door.

“God, it’s like a zoo in here!” I exclaimed as I stumbled into the foyer, the cacophony of voices washing over me like a wave.

A chorus of “Sophie's here!” erupted, and I was engulfed in a flurry of hugs and backslaps, the scent of home-cooked meals, and my dad’s aftershave, grounding me in the chaos. I smiled. It was really good to be back home again.

“Where am I sleeping?” I called out to mom.

“In your old room. Do you need help with your bags? Jake, help your sister with her luggage,” Mom ordered, not waiting for a reply. He grabbed the big suitcase, the one I’d had to check.

“Jesus, Soph. Are you moving back in? This bag weighs a ton.”

“Of course I’m not moving back, you idiot. But I can write anywhere, so I thought I’d stay a while, and a girl needs her clothes,” I said, as we lumbered upstairs to my childhood bedroom. “Everyone but Madi seems to be downstairs. Where is she?”

“Try her bedroom. She’s here somewhere, I’m sure; she’s just been in a state lately.”

“What about you? Everything going well in your life these days?”

“Yes, but let’s catch up later, okay? I suspect that Madi needs you right now,” Jake said.

We got my bags into the bedroom, Jake went back downstairs, and I took a moment to look around, flooded with a lifetime of memories. Well, as much of a lifetime as you can have at thirty-one years of age. I still remember the joy of getting my own room and not having to share one with Madi anymore. I mean, we’ve always been close—she’s only two years younger than I am, but Iloved being able to decorate and organize my room just the way I wanted it. Back in the present, I hung up my jacket and went to find my sister.

I tapped on her door and then slowly opened it to see her sitting by the window, her silhouette bathed in the last glow of the setting sun. She was almost my spitting image, a reminder of our shared genetics though her hair cascaded in gentle waves and mine was straight.

“Madi?” I whispered, pushing the door open further.

She looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, the sight tugging at my heartstrings. Wordlessly, I crossed the room and wrapped her in a tight embrace, feeling her relax against me.

“I heard the noise when you arrived; I just wasn’t ready to go downstairs again,” she murmured against my shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re here, Soph. It all feels like too much.”

“I know, I know,” I soothed, rubbing her back, “but hey, you’ve got the toughest sister in town back now. We’ll tackle this wedding beast together.”

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