Page 61 of Under Southern Stars

---

Madison: OMG YES! Can we get Mom something too? She pretends she doesn't care about sports but she totally does.

This kid.

Jack: Absolutely. Maybe a Black Ferns jersey?

Madison: PERFECT. Mom will pretend she doesn't want it but she'll wear it all the time. Like that hoodie of yours she "borrowed."

My heart clenches. They’ve already made room for me in their lives, these two incredible women. And I’m about to risk it all because I was too scared to be honest from the start.

Another text from Madison:

Madison: Dad's being weird about the trip. Says we can't afford it. Mom told him it's none of his business. She's right, right?

Jack: Your mum's always right. Don't worry about the cost.

---