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“Can you believe it’s been five years since we first met?” Sawyer asked, breaking the silence. “I never would have thought we’d end up here, together, living this life. If only I’d known that the woman I met that one Wednesday in the control room would be the one with whom I’d spend the rest of my life…”

Mirren smiled, her heart swelling with affection. “I can’t either. It feels like a lifetime ago. But it’s the best kind of lifetime. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Me neither,” Sawyer replied, her voice low and sincere. “We’ve built something incredible. Every moment, every laugh, every challenge—it’s all been worth it.”

Mirren turned to look at Sawyer, her gaze filled with warmth and sincerity. “I love what we’ve created together. You’re my partner in every sense.”

Sawyer’s heart raced at the tenderness in Mirren’s eyes. “And you’re mine,” she said softly. “I’m so grateful for you. For everything.”

As the Northern Lights swirled above them, Mirren stepped closer, wrapping her arms around Sawyer’s waist, pulling her in for a kiss. Their lips met under the shimmering sky, the cold air surrounding them contrasting sharply with the warmth of their embrace.

“I love you,” Sawyer murmured against Mirren’s lips, feeling the weight of the moment settle between them.

“And I love you,” Mirren replied.