Page 88 of Under Southern Stars
“Pyrotechnics,” Jack confirms. “They do it for every try.”
“Like touchdown flames! Awesome!” I cheer as the crowd roars again. “Wait, what just happened? Is that more points?”
“Conversion!” Madison explains importantly. “Two more points after a try!”
“Look at you with all the rugby knowledge,” I say, genuinely impressed by how quickly she’d picked it up.
She beams. “Jack explained it all. It’s actually pretty easy once you understand the basic rules.”
The rest of the match passes in a blur of shouting, cheering, and Jack patiently explaining rugby’s Byzantine rules. The Black Ferns win 27-18, and the crowd is delirious with joy.
As we file out of the stadium, Madison chattering excitedly about Thompson’s “impossible try,” Jack’s hand finds mine, fingers intertwining naturally.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
“For what?”
“For sharing this with us. For making Madison so happy.”
His smile is like sunrise breaking over mountains. “This is what I wanted—to show you my home, my world.”
“I like your world,” I tell him, and mean it.
Despite the lingering questions and all the things we still need to discuss, in this moment, everything feels right. Jack’s hand in mine, Madison bouncing ahead of us in her new jersey, surrounded by the joyful chaos of post-match celebration.
???
Back at the hotel, Madison is still buzzing with excitement, scrolling through her phone to show us highlights that are already being shared online.
“Thompson’s try is trending worldwide!” she announces. “Look, even ESPN posts it!”
“I’m going to grab a shower,” Jack says, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Back in a few.”
As soon as he disappears into the bathroom, Madison flops onto the couch beside me.
“So,” she says, trying and failing to sound casual. “He called me Madison McKenzie.”
“I heard,” I reply, equally casual.
“And I think we can both agree that it was not accidental.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Maybe he was just caught up in the moment.”
“Mom. He said ‘for now’ when I corrected him.” She gives me a significant look. “You heard that too. I saw your face.”
“I did,” I admit.
“So…” Madison draws out the word. “Is this, like, a serious thing?”
I consider my answer carefully. “It feels serious. But we’re still figuring things out.”
“You’re happy, though,” she says, not a question.
“I am.” I smile at her. “Are you? With all this? With Jack?”
Madison nods emphatically. “He’s cool. Not trying too hard like Dad’s girlfriends. And he actually listens when I talk.” She hesitates. “Plus, he looks at you like you’re…important. Like he actually sees you.”
My throat tightens unexpectedly. “That’s a pretty mature observation.”
