Page 93 of Under Southern Stars
“Whatever,” Madison shrugs, grinning. “I’m cool with it. I wanted to FaceTime Chloe anyway, show her all my photos from today. Plus I’m literally about to pass out.”
Twenty minutes later, we’ve walked Madison back to the hotel, making sure she is settled with access to room service and promises to text if she needed anything.
“Just us, then,” Sophia says as her daughter’s—her daughter’s, I mentally correct—door closes.
“I was thinking,” I say, taking her hand. “There’s this place by the lake, Little Blackwood? Nice cocktails, great view. Would you…would you like to dress up a bit? Have a proper date night?”
Her eyes light up. “Really? That sounds lovely.”
“I’ll give you some time to get ready?” I offer. “I can go check on a few things, be back in thirty minutes?”
“Perfect,” she agrees with a smile.
I use the time to make a quick reservation, ensuring we’ll get that perfect corner table overlooking the lake, then return to find the bedroom door still closed. I change quickly into dark slacks and a blue button-down shirt that Emma always saysmatches my eyes, adding a sports coat I had packed specifically for tonight.
When Sophia emerges from the bedroom, I actually forget to breathe for a moment.
She wears a deep burgundy dress that hugs her curves before flowing gently to just below her knees—elegant but comfortable enough for walking. Her dark hair falls in loose waves around her shoulders, and she’d added small gold earrings that catch the light when she moves. The dress is cut to show just enough of her collarbones and shoulders to make my mouth go dry, but it is practical enough that she can walk comfortably in the low heels she’d paired with it.
“You look…” I begin, then falter completely. “You…I…buh-buh—” I stop, swallow hard, and try again. “Beautiful. So beautiful.”
A smile spreads across her face, part amusement, part pleasure at my reaction. “Did I just render Jack McKenzie speechless?”
I nod, still recovering. “First time for everything.”
She crosses to me, straightening my collar with a gentle touch. “You clean up pretty well yourself, McKenzie.”
I catch her hand, press a kiss to her palm. “Shall we? I can call a car if you prefer.”
“It’s a beautiful night,” she says. “Let’s walk. I packed these shoes specifically because they’re comfortable enough for actually moving around.”
I offer her my arm, ridiculously pleased when she takes it. As we make our way through the Queenstown Gardens, the settingsun bathes everything in golden light. Sophia draws admiring glances from passersby, and I can’t help the surge of pride and possessiveness I feel with her on my arm.
“You’re staring,” she notes as we walk along the lake path.
“Can’t help it,” I admit. “You’re stunning.”
She squeezes my arm gently. “Sweet talker.”
Little Blackwood is exactly as I remember—intimate but not pretentious, with a roaring fire and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake. The maître d’ greets us warmly, guiding us to the corner table I’d reserved, angled perfectly to catch the lights of the TSS Earnslaw as it glides across the water.
“This is beautiful,” Sophia says, settling into her seat. “Perfect way to end the day.”
I order a Gibbston Valley Pinot Noir, carefully avoiding any McKenzie Estate offerings on the wine list. The sommelier raises an eyebrow but makes no comment.
“What a perfect spring night,” Sophia remarks, gazing out at the clear, star-strewn sky above the lake.
“Perfect autumn night,taku ipo,” I correct gently. “Remember, we’re upside down here.”
She laughs. “Right. I keep forgetting.” She takes a sip of wine, her expression appreciative. “This is excellent.”
“Central Otago Pinot Noir,” I explain, more comfortable on this topic than most. “The region’s specialty. The combination of hot days, cool nights, and these rocky soils gives it a unique profile. Notes of dark cherry, a bit of spice.”
“Listen to you,” she teases. “Secret wine expert?”
I shrug, aiming for casual. “You pick things up, growing up around here.”
“Tell me more about tomorrow,” she says, leaning forward. “Your family’s place. What should I expect?”
