Page 99 of Closer than Ever

“You poor thing.”

“I just don’t know if it’s going to work out.”

“Do any of us know that for sure?”

Anna took a sharp intake of breath. She felt uneasy. “Hmm. Good point. I can’t picture what our life would be like. A long-distance relationship? Me following her around the world or to the US? I can’t see her staying in Balbuinidh. She’s not going to be satisfied with Scotland, or any one place, when she could literally go anywhere in the world or go back to the States where her family and friends are.”

“Hey. I grew up here.”

“Sorry, but you know what I mean. It’s so small. She would get bored in a week, if she isn’t already.”

“Yeah. I do know what you mean. Christ knows how many times I tried to leave in the past.”

“Exactly.”

“But if she falls in love with someone, she might want to stay. It does happen.” Kelly smiled.

“How are things with Myla?”

Kelly beamed. She really was glowing today. “She’s great. Anna, we got engaged!”

“What! That’s amazing! Congratulations!” Anna hugged her, making excited noises. “When did this happen? Who proposed to who?”

“At the weekend. I wanted to tell you in person. I proposed.”

“How? Where?”

“We went down to London to go see Myla’s favourite band at The Apollo and visit her aunts. I booked out a private area at the top of The Shard for an hour, after a very fancy dinner. They set up the most beautiful space for us decorated with candles, lanterns and hundreds of rose petals. With a panoramic view of London, I got down on one knee and proposed. We sipped champagne and slow danced at the top of the world. It was perfect. But guess what?”

“What? That’s so romantic by the way. Good going.”

“Myla had picked out a ring too! She didn’t have it with her, but she was going to propose when we got home at the top of our mountain!”

Anna laughed. “That is the most lesbian thing. You two are so fucking sweet.”

Kelly held out her hand for Anna to see her ring. It was a gigantic diamond ring that Anna couldn’t believe she hadn’t spotted immediately.

“Remember I said to you last year that I was really happy when Myla and I first started sleeping together?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, I still feel like that but it’s even better now. I can’t imagine my life without her.”

“And neither should you. Kelly, this is amazing.”

“Thanks, Anna.”

Anna smiled. “I’m so happy for you guys. Have you set a date?”

“Not yet. We want to take our time with it. We’re going to keep things pretty low key. Myla doesn’t want a big wedding. I’ll be happy with something small, too. We’re thinking of having it at Glenbuinidh House.”

“Aw, that sounds fucking perfect.”

“I’m not going to have any bridesmaids. Neither is Myla. I wanted to let you know because if I was going to have any, I would be asking you.”

“Fuck convention, Kelly. You guys do whatever the fuck you want.”

Kelly laughed. “We’re going to walk each other down the aisle. We’re two grown women who are jointly going into this.”

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