Page 46 of Under Southern Stars
“She likes everything except Troy’s green smoothies.” Sophia stretches up to kiss me. “Thank you for this morning. For dealing with Troy. For…everything.”
“Taku ipo,” I murmur against her lips. “This is just the beginning.”
We walk back through the park hand in hand. The future suddenly seems full of possibility—New Zealand, meeting families, building something real together.
Three weeks until we fly. Three weeks until she sees the estate, meets my family, discovers exactly what I walked away from.
But watching her laugh as a dog chases a frisbee past us, feeling her hand warm in mine, I’m not worried. Sophia sees me—really sees me—not my family’s money or expectations.
Just Jack.
And that’s exactly who I want to be.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
SOPHIA
Mid-shift chaos. That’s what I call Tuesday afternoons when the weekend warriors have finally decided their injuries need attention, and the lunch-break heart attacks start rolling in. I’m reviewing the board—twelve patients in various stages of treatment—when my phone buzzes.
Jack: Thinking about you. Can't wait for NZ. How's your day?
I smile despite the controlled mayhem around me. Three weeks until New Zealand. Three weeks until I meet his family, see where he grew up. The anticipation mingles with something that feels dangerously close to hope.
I type back quickly:
Me: Typical Tuesday. Missing my coffee delivery service.
His response is immediate:
Jack: Service can resume anytime. Just say when.
“Get a room,” Maria mutters mischievously, fluttering her eyebrows suggestively as she passes by with lab results. “Some of us are trying to work here.”
“Some of us ARE working,” I counter, pocketing my phone. “Where’s Tasha?”
