Hæra grinned. The flight itself was the trip’s main event, but she was looking forward to their evening in Aberdeen, and she knew Madeleine was too. It wasn’t the most exotic locale, but they got away so rarely. The farm was a demanding, sometimes cruel mistress.

Years ago, Madeleine had asked Hæra if she’d consider giving it up. Hæra hadn’t been able to imagine it at the time. But now…

It wouldn’t be a huge leap to go from her LAPL to a private pilot’s license. Then she’d have greater freedom over when and where she could fly. And perhaps—if that went well, and she kept going⁠—

She couldn’t imagine herself in the cockpit of a giant Airbus, ferrying passengers around the world. Not if it meant leaving Madeleine behind for long stretches. But there were less demanding pilot jobs that could take her above the clouds, if she chose. And while Madeleine loved the farm, it exhausted her too. She could be ready for a change. She spoke of missing the classroom; she might like to be a teacher again.

Perhaps not in Orkney. Perhaps they’d go somewhere else. Hæra loved seeing the world with Madeleine—there was so much of it out there.

They might not be filthy rich, but they had options. That was worth more than anything you could find in a treasure chest.

“Hey,” Madeleine said.

Hæra looked up from checking the oil pressure gauge. “Hmm?”

“I’m proud of you too.” Madeleine squeezed Hæra’s shoulder, her grip firm through the warm layer of Hæra’s jacket. “I’m so, so proud of you, sweetheart. Do you know that?”

Hæra grabbed Madeleine’s hand and brought it to her lips. She kissed her wife’s knuckles and felt the calluses on her palm. “The feeling is mutual,” she said.

Madeleine beamed, and kissing her hand was not enough. Hæra leaned in. Madeleine tilted her head. It took some quick work to avoid the microphones, but their mouths came together in a kiss as sweet and soft as the landing would eventually be.

She finished her flight checks and signaled the attendant, Neil, who cleared her for takeoff by giving her a thumbs-up at the side of the airstrip. The Cessna taxied forward, gaining speed until the glorious moment when it gave up the earth in favor of the open air. As always, Hæra felt as if the plane had scooped her off the ground and was lifting her to where she most wanted to be.