Page 137 of Under Southern Stars
“Absolutely. Madison’s off to Chloe’s at nine.” I check my watch. “I’m off at seven.”
“Perfect. I’ll be there at seven-thirty.” His radio suddenly blares a hard series of tones, and he grimaces. “Got to go. That’s dispatch.”
“Be safe,” I say, our ritual now.
He squeezes my hand quickly. “Always.”
As he jogs back to his rig, I return my attention to the trauma in progress, the momentary distraction set aside as I focus on the patient’s needs. But the warmth of Jack’s brief touch lingers, a reminder of how thoroughly he’d integrated into my life since our return.
???
Three hours later, I am stepping out of the shower when I hear Madison’s excited voice from the kitchen, followed by Jack’s deeper tones and laughter. I smile, wrapping myself in a towel. He must have let himself in with the key I’d given him last week.
When I emerge from the bedroom, dressed for our date in a simple black dress and low heels, I find them at the kitchen island. Madison is showing Jack pictures from her school project while simultaneously devouring what appears to be Thai takeout.
“I thought you were eating at Chloe’s,” I say, leaning against the doorframe.
Madison looks up, mouth full of pad Thai. “Change of plans. Chloe’s mom had a meeting, so I told her I’d find something here to eat instead.”
“And I brought dinner because I figured someone might be hungry,” Jack adds, his eyes warming as he takes in my appearance. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I move into the kitchen, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “This was thoughtful.”
“There’s green curry for you in the bag,” he says. “Figured you might want something before we go out.”
“Perfect.” I pull out the container, the familiar spicy aroma making my stomach growl. “How was the rest of your shift?”
“Busy. That second crash victim ended up having an occult splenic laceration that didn’t present until later.” He shakes his head. “But she’s stable now. Good catch by Dr. Ward.”
“She’s the best trauma attending we’ve got,” I agree, taking a bite of curry. “How was school?” I ask Madison.
“Fine. I got an A on my geography project.” She grins at Jack. “I did it on New Zealand. Ms. Garcia was super impressed that I’d actually been there.”
“Used those McKenzie connections, did you?” Jack teases.
Madison rolls her eyes. “I may have mentioned that my mom’s boyfriend’s family owns a famous vineyard. Just a casual reference.”
“Very subtle,” I laugh.
“Speaking of the McKenzies,” Jack says, sliding an envelope across the counter to me. “This came for you today. Express from Aotearoa.”
I recognize Helen’s elegant handwriting immediately. “Your mother?”
“Apparently.” He looks as surprised as I feel. “Emma texted that Mum was ‘up to something’ but wouldn’t elaborate.”
I open the envelope carefully, pulling out a thick cream-colored card with the McKenzie Estate logo embossed in gold. Inside is a handwritten note in Helen’s perfect penmanship:
Dear Sophia (and Madison),
Michael and I would be delighted if you would join us for the holiday season at McKenzie Estate. We understand your work schedules may make a Christmas visit challenging, but we could perhaps compromise on New Year’s? The summer harvest will be in full swing, and I’ve taken the liberty of reserving space for you both on the estate’s annual helicopter tour of the vineyards.
Emma insists that Madison’s rugby training continue, and Lily has already planned several excursions to wildlife sanctuaries that she claims Madison would enjoy. As for myself, I thought perhaps you might appreciate a tour of the Lakes District Hospital. Though quite small compared to your Metro General, I’ve spoken with Judith Wilson (our local MP) who assures me Te Whatu Ora would be most interested in your professional perspectives on rural emergency services. Judith mentioned they’re developing an exchange program for senior emergency staff, and your experience would be most valuable.
Lily also mentioned that she would be honored if Madison might consider being a junior bridesmaid in her February wedding to Oliver. I realize this would require a second trip so soon after the holidays, but Lily has quite fallen in love with Madison’s enthusiasm. As she put it, “anyone who gets that excited about rugby and kiwi birds is clearly McKenzie material.”
Jackson, of course, is welcome as well, though I imagine that goes without saying.
Please consider the invitation. Whatever our initial misunderstandings, family is family.
