‘So,’ I reply, looking from the view to him. There is so much wisdom in his wide-set eyes, such nobility in the strong line of his jaw, and the smooth expanse of his forehead. His lips are parted, and I can see the tantalising tip of his pink tongue. Reminded of how I longed to kiss him in Oamaru, I glance away guiltily, back towards the view.

‘Thank you for coming up here with me,’ he says. ‘I know you probably had other things you would rather be doing.’

‘Nope,’ I say truthfully. ‘I am very happy to be here, albeit a little bit mystified as to why you invited me.’

Kit deflects me again by asking about my visa. My tourist one expires in March, but Bonnie is already looking into a family application, which will allow me to stay longer. The goal eventually is to become a resident, and my spirits lift up a notch as I explain to Kit just how much of a home New Zealand has already become. David understands and has given me his blessing, as well as promising to visit as much as he can. The benefit of being an author is that you can work from anywhere in the world, and he is planning to take full advantage of that fact.

‘I love this place,’ I say dreamily, gazing out at the shifting clouds. The lake is pitted with tiny bright sails, the only sound the caressing whisper of the wind.

Beside me, Kit moves one of his big legs and dips his free hand into the pocket of his trousers, extracting a small drawstring pouch.

‘What’s that?’ I ask.

‘A present for you,’ he says. Then, when I widen my eyes in surprise, he adds in a murmur, ‘Ahakoa he iti he pounamu – although it is small, it is greenstone.’

Fumbling as I untie the tiny knotted string, I turn the velvet sack upside down and tip the contents out into my flat, open palm.

‘Oh, wow,’ I say, taking in the fine gold chain and the jade-stone swirl at its end. ‘It’s so beautiful.’

‘It’s a koru,’ Kit explains, lifting the necklace and holding it up so I can see the symbol. ‘It’s supposed to represent a silver fern unfurling.’

‘It’s the same as the “O” of Koru Stables,’ I say in wonder.

‘That’s true.’ Kit looks almost nervous now. ‘But it also symbolises new life beginning, and peace, and strength, I guess. I wanted to get you something to make up for you losing your mum’s ring in the river that day, but if you don’t like it then—’

‘No!’ I protest, taking it from him and clutching it against my chest. ‘I love it. I really love it!’

‘I did look for your ring,’ he adds, as I lift my hair and fasten the necklace. ‘But I couldn’t find the bloody thing.’