EPILOGUE
SOPHIA
“Trauma team to Bay One. Trauma team to Bay One.”
The familiar page echoes through Metro General’s ER as I finish reviewing lab results for a chest pain workup. My shift is almost over, but the adrenaline kicks in automatically, my brain shifting into the focused state I’d cultivated over years of emergency medicine.
“What’s coming in?” I ask Maria as I pass the central desk.
“MVC rollover. Multiple patients. First one’s critical.” She glances up from her computer. “Medic 402 is bringing them.”
My heart does the familiar little skip it always does at the mention of Jack’s unit. Three weeks since our return from New Zealand, and that reaction hasn’t faded—if anything, it has intensified.
I reach Bay One just as Nathan is setting up, his movements efficient and precise. “Partial amputation, right arm,” he reports. “They’ve got it controlled for now, but he’s lost a lot of blood.”
The bay doors whoosh open, and there is Jack, guiding the stretcher alongside Rodriguez. His face is set in the professional mask I recognize, but his eyes find mine immediately, a flash of warmth breaking through before he refocuses on his patient.
“Thirty-six-year-old male, ejected during rollover,” Jack reports crisply as they transfer the patient. “Partial amputation, right arm at the elbow, CAT tourniquet applied. Hypotensive at scene, responding to fluids. GCS 14, alert but confused. No loss of consciousness reported.”
Dr. Ward moves in immediately, already assessing the mangled arm as the trauma team swarms around the patient. Jack steps back, giving them room to work, and moves to my side.
“Hey,” he says softly, just for me.
“Hey yourself,” I reply, unable to suppress a smile despite the chaos around us. “Bad one?”
“Second patient’s less critical. 405 is bringing her in now.” He glances at the trauma team working efficiently, then back to me. “We still on for tonight?”
“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.
Warmest regards, Helen McKenzie
“Well,” I say, passing the card to Jack. “That’s unexpected.”
He scans it quickly, eyebrows rising. “A helicopter tour? And my mother talking to Judith bloody Wilson?” He shakes his head in disbelief.
“Do you have any idea what this means? Wilson’s National Party, and my parents are staunch Labour supporters.
They’d sooner drink California wine than vote National.
She must be calling in every favor she has. ”
“She called us family,” I point out, the word catching in my throat.
Jack’s expression softens. “She’s right. You are.” He takes my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. “Both of you.”
Madison, who’d been reading over Jack’s shoulder, lets out a piercing squeal that makes both of us jump.
“EEEEEEE! I get to be in a WEDDING? IN NEW ZEALAND?” She is practically vibrating with excitement. “Can I tell Chloe? Please? She’s going to DIE.”
“I think that’s a yes to Lily’s invitation,” Jack laughs, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“Are weddings in New Zealand different?” Madison asks, already typing furiously on her phone. “What do junior bridesmaids wear? Will there be a special dress? Does Lily like purple? Because I look amazing in purple.”
I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Let’s start by accepting the invitation before you plan the entire wedding, sweetie.”
“Say yes,” Jack urges, his blue eyes alight with hope. “I want to show you everything we missed the first time. The summer harvest festival, swimming in Lake Dunstan, stargazing from the cottage roof…”
“Is that a yes?” Madison presses, her excitement palpable.
I look between them—my daughter and the man who has somehow become essential to both our lives in such a short time—and feel the last of my reservations melt away.
“Yes,” I say, squeezing Jack’s hand. “Let’s go back to New Zealand.” I pause, then add innocently, “And maybe we can take a quick flight over to Australia, too. I’ve always wanted to see a kangaroo.”
Jack’s face freezes in horror, as if I’d casually suggested drop-kicking a cocker spaniel puppy. His mouth opens and closes several times before he catches the mischievous glint in my eye.
“You!” He lunges for me, fingers finding my ribs. “You did that on purpose!”
I dissolve into laughter as he tickles me, squirming in his arms. “Your face!” I tease, breathless. “You should have seen it!”
“Aussies and Kiwis are natural enemies,” he informs me with mock seriousness, still tickling mercilessly. “Like Scots and other Scots.”
“Oh my God, CRINGE,” Madison groans, though she is clearly fighting a smile. “Get a room, you two.”
“This is a room,” Jack points out, finally releasing me as I wipe tears of laughter from my eyes.
“You know what I mean,” Madison rolls her eyes, already typing furiously on her phone. “Wait until I tell Chloe I’m spending New Year’s in New Zealand. She’s going to literally die.”
Jack’s smile is radiant as he pulls me close again, pressing a kiss to my temple.
“Best decision I ever made,” I say honestly, then pause for a moment’s consideration. “Well. I guess that’ll be two weddings we’re going to be at in short order-”
The doorbell rings, signaling Chloe’s arrival. Madison grabs her overnight bag, pausing to hug me fiercely.
“Have fun on your date,” she says. “Don’t wait up.”
“Text me when you get to Chloe’s,” I call as she heads for the door.