Page 105 of Under Southern Stars
“Monumentally,” Charlotte confirms, but her hand finds my other shoulder. “But if she’s half the woman you think she is, she’ll at least hear you out. Eventually.”
“If she doesn’t,” Emma says, her own tears starting again, “I’ll miss her. And Madison.” She sniffs. “That kid has serious rugby potential.”
I laugh wetly, wiping at my eyes. “God, Em.”
“What? She does.” Emma manages a watery smile. “Just, you know, when you grovel and beg for forgiveness, maybe mention I’d still like to coach her. If she wants.”
“I’ll add it to my list of desperate pleas,” I promise.
Lily pulls me into a hug, and after a moment, Emma joins, her strong arms wrapping around us both. Finally, Charlotte—who rarely initiates physical contact—completes the circle.
“For what it’s worth,” Charlotte says against my shoulder, “I think you did find yourself in America. You’re a better man than the spoiled brat who left here years ago.”
“Even if I am a manipulative coward?” I ask, only half-joking.
“You’ve always been a bit of a coward,” Charlotte replies. “But then you ran into burning buildings for strangers, so we forgave you that flaw.”
“Sophia might too,” Lily adds gently. “If you’re brave enough now to face the consequences and fight for her.”
We stand there among the vines, the four McKenzie siblings united again, as the sun begins its descent toward the mountains. For the first time since arriving at the estate, I feel a flicker of hope.
Not that Sophia would forgive me—that is entirely her choice, one I’d have to accept whatever she decides. But hope that somehow, I can show her the truth: that despite my deception, the man she’d fallen for is real.
And he is fighting for his way back to her.
CHAPTER THIRTY THREE
SOPHIA
I stare at the car keys in my palm, still warm from Lily’s hand.
“It’s just a loaner,” she’d said, her kind eyes so different from Helen’s assessing gaze. “Automatic transmission, so you don’t have to worry about that. GPS is programmed for Lake Wanaka—it’s about an hour away. Beautiful spot.”
“I can’t just take your car,” I’d protested weakly.
Lily smiles. “It’s not mine. It’s just one of the estate cars. We have several.” She pauses, studying my face. “You look like you could use some space, Sophia. Anyone would.”
I nod, grateful for her perceptiveness. “I’m going to see if Madison wants to come with me.”
“Of course,” Lily replies. “I was planning to show her the kiwi sanctuary, but that can wait.”
I find Madison on the sprawling lawn with Emma, learning proper rugby passing technique. She looks up, flushed with exertion and excitement.
“Mom! Emma says I have natural talent! She thinks I could play wing if I practiced—”
“That’s wonderful, sweetie,” I interrupt gently. “How would you feel about taking a drive with me? There’s a famous tree in a lake nearby that I’d love to see.”
Madison’s enthusiasm dims slightly. “Right now? But Emma was just about to show me how to—”
“I’d really like you to come with me, Madison,” I say, my tone making it clear this wasn’t really a request. “It’s supposed to be beautiful, and we can take some photos for your Instagram.”
She studies my face for a moment, her teenage perception catching something in my expression. “Okay, Mom. Let me just grab my phone from inside.”
“I’ll still be here when you get back,” Emma assures Madison with an understanding smile. “Maybe we can work on your kicking technique later.”
Now Madison sits beside me in the passenger seat of a luxury SUV that probably costs more than my annual salary, scrolling through her phone as I try to remember everything Lily had told me about driving in New Zealand.
“Stay left,” I mutter, adjusting the mirrors. “Always left.”
