Page 138 of Under Southern Stars
Warmest regards,
Helen McKenzie
“Well,” I say, passing the card to Jack. “That’s unexpected.”
He scans it quickly, eyebrows rising. “A helicopter tour? And my mother talking to Judith bloody Wilson?” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Do you have any idea what this means? Wilson’s National Party, and my parents are staunch Labour supporters. They’d sooner drink California wine than vote National. She must be calling in every favor she has.”
“She called us family,” I point out, the word catching in my throat.
Jack’s expression softens. “She’s right. You are.” He takes my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “Both of you.”
Madison, who’d been reading over Jack’s shoulder, lets out a piercing squeal that makes both of us jump.
“EEEEEEE! I get to be in a WEDDING? IN NEW ZEALAND?” She is practically vibrating with excitement. “Can I tell Chloe? Please? She’s going to DIE.”
“I think that’s a yes to Lily’s invitation,” Jack laughs, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Are weddings in New Zealand different?” Madison asks, already typing furiously on her phone. “What do junior bridesmaids wear? Will there be a special dress? Does Lily like purple? Because I look amazing in purple.”
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Let’s start by accepting the invitation before you plan the entire wedding, sweetie.”
“Say yes,” Jack urges, his blue eyes alight with hope. “I want to show you everything we missed the first time. The summer harvest festival, swimming in Lake Dunstan, stargazing from the cottage roof…”
“Is that a yes?” Madison presses, her excitement palpable.
I look between them—my daughter and the man who has somehow become essential to both our lives in such a short time—and feel the last of my reservations melt away.
“Yes,” I say, squeezing Jack’s hand. “Let’s go back to New Zealand.” I pause, then add innocently, “And maybe we can takea quick flight over to Australia, too. I’ve always wanted to see a kangaroo.”
Jack’s face freezes in horror, as if I’d casually suggested drop-kicking a cocker spaniel puppy. His mouth opens and closes several times before he catches the mischievous glint in my eye.
“You!” He lunges for me, fingers finding my ribs. “You did that on purpose!”
I dissolve into laughter as he tickles me, squirming in his arms. “Your face!” I tease, breathless. “You should have seen it!”
“Aussies and Kiwis are natural enemies,” he informs me with mock seriousness, still tickling mercilessly. “Like Scots and other Scots.”
“Oh my God, CRINGE,” Madison groans, though she is clearly fighting a smile. “Get a room, you two.”
“This is a room,” Jack points out, finally releasing me as I wipe tears of laughter from my eyes.
“You know what I mean,” Madison rolls her eyes, already typing furiously on her phone. “Wait until I tell Chloe I’m spending New Year’s in New Zealand. She’s going to literally die.”
Jack’s smile is radiant as he pulls me close again, pressing a kiss to my temple.
“Best decision I ever made,” I say honestly, then pause for a moment’s consideration. “Well. I guess that’ll be two weddings we’re going to be at in short order-”
The doorbell rings, signaling Chloe’s arrival. Madison grabs her overnight bag, pausing to hug me fiercely.
“Have fun on your date,” she says. “Don’t wait up.”
“Text me when you get to Chloe’s,” I call as she heads for the door.
“I will!” She turns back briefly. “Oh, and Jack? My dad’s being weird about the formal next month. Says I can’t go because it’s a ‘breeding ground for promiscuity’ or something equally stupid. Can you talk to him?”
Jack exchanges a quick glance with me, silent communication passing between us. We’ve been navigating the Troy situation cautiously since our return, aware of the delicate balance between protecting Madison and not alienating her father completely.
“We’ll figure it out,” Jack promises. “Your mom and I will talk to him together.”
