Page 107 of Closer than Ever

“Thank you so much, Anna,” Myla said, when they finished. “It’s so great of you to come around and help us out at short notice like this.”

Anna placed the chainsaw in its case. “It’s no problem. Seriously, I’ve loved it. Thank you for getting me out of the house.”

Myla smiled, taking her safety glasses off. “We make a good team.”

They loaded the tools and brooms onto the truck, and Kelly got behind the wheel and turned the engine on. “Great work, guys. I’ll see you back at the house.”

Kelly rumbled down the small road, as if living her best life. Anna laughed quietly and took her own safety glasses off. She and Myla trailed Kelly’s slow-moving vehicle towards Glenbuinidh House. The road was littered with fallen twigs and leaves. The air felt clearer, though. It felt like summer was over now, which was kind of sad. It would still be very hot in southern Europe for another month or so. She and Hayley were so far apart.

Anna shook off the sad thought and turned to Myla walking beside her. “So, do you guys have a date yet for the wedding?”

“Um, not quite yet,” Myla said, shyly. “I’m thinking of building an extension to the stables and turning it into a wedding venue. I thought Kelly and I could get married there first, and then it can be open to the public. I think people would like it.”

“Wow, that’s so cool!”

“But I wanted to get the animal sanctuary completed first, so it will probably be well into next year. We’re okay to wait. At least, I hope Kelly is.”

“She’d wait an eternity for you. You’ve no worries there. Seriously, I love that idea. For you guys and for Balbuinidh. We do need a wedding venue here. It’s the perfect place for it. The hotel is too small. People will love it, I’m sure.”

“Thanks, Anna. It should create more jobs in the area too.”

“You’re like Balbuinidh’s guardian angel, you know that?”

Myla glanced over at her. “It’s what anyone would do.”

“It’s really not.”

They approached Glenbuinidh House. It seemed larger than normal, probably because they were walking up to it, rather than driving.

“Who’s for drinks?” Kelly said, dismounting the vehicle in her plaid shirt and gardening gloves. She looked so different from how she usually dressed for work. “I think we all deserve one after this.”

An hour later, they were all stretched out on the many sofas in the large living room. Barley was resting his adorable golden head on Myla’s lap. Anna had a nice buzz from the wine. This was a perfect way to spend a Saturday.

“Are we wanting another glass of wine?” Kelly asked, standing up.

“Yes, please,” Anna said.

“Shall I just bring the bottle through?”

“Bring the bottle,” Myla said.

Kelly left the room. Anna made herself even more comfortable on the plush sofa. “How are the baby trees that you planted last year? Were they okay in the storm?”

“They survived. Thankfully the stakes supported them without damaging them. Thanks for asking. I was really worried about them last night.” Myla smiled.

“That’s brilliant. I know how fond of them you are.”

“They’re my babies.” Myla stroked Barley’s head, causing a lazy wag of his tail. “Along with this guy.”

Anna smiled. It was so awesome that Myla seemed to love Barley as much as Kelly did. And it was so awesome to have made a new friend in Myla as well. “Did you enjoy the Highland Games?”

“We had a great day,” Myla said. “I’m really happy they went well again this year.”

“Yes, but not as well as last year,” Kelly said, appearing in the doorway. “That was pretty special.”

More wine was poured and sipped. Myla talked more about their plans for the wedding venue. It was nice, just sitting and hanging out with her friends.

“What about you?” Kelly said. “How have you been feeling about you and Hayley lately?”

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