by Sophie Love
“Yes,” she said, smiling wide. “It’s perfect.”
*
Late that night, Keira and Milo sat on the deck at the edge of the mountain. Everyone else had gone to bed, leaving them some privacy, and a bottle of champagne sat bubbling beside them. The view of the water was spectacular. On such a clear evening, she could see all the boats in the harbor.
“A toast,” Milo said, holding up his glass. “To new beginnings.”
As Keira clinked her glass against his, she thought about how just a week ago she’d toasted alone, on the deck of her ship, to her independence, to freedom from relationships. Yet here she was toasting to a new relationship. All at once, all the lessons she’d learned on love during her trip in Sweden converged in her mind, forming one clear picture. She laughed aloud.
“What is it?” Milo asked, looking at her with interest.
“I just realized something,” she said, looking him in the eye. “That falling in love doesn’t have to mean you lose independence. That you just need to find someone who respects your needs.”
“Is that your way of saying you’re falling in love with me?” Milo asked.
Keira looked deeply into his eyes. With the stars twinkling in the black sky behind him, he looked extremely beautiful.
“Yes,” she said, boldly. “I am.”
“Good,” he replied. “Because I am too.”
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
With Milo snoring softly beside her in bed, Keira typed on her laptop. She had a newfound sense of mental clarity, one that had eluded her the whole trip. Suddenly, everything made perfect sense. She typed the final line of her article and sent it to Elliot. Then she folded her laptop down, content, accomplished, and, more importantly, in love.
*
Breakfast at the Nilsson household was as jolly an affair as dinner. Milo’s alarm woke them early, and he led Keira to the kitchen, where his family was already awake. The smell of coffee perfumed the air, and a whole spread of foods had been laid out on the table. It was more elaborate than the cafe breakfasts they’d been eating so far.
“Help yourself,” Regina said, handing a mug of steaming coffee to Keira.
Keira filled her plate with bread, cheese, and meats, then settled at the table with the others. All hints of awkwardness she’d felt before had completely melted away. She felt like one of them, like she was at home.
“Keira, I was wondering,” Nils said, pausing between huge mouthfuls of food. “Have you ever been ice fishing?”
“No,” she replied. “I’ve never been normal fishing, either. It sounds interesting. What does it involve?”
She remembered the adventurous man Milo had painted of his father and presumed it would be something rather elaborate. His explanation did not disappoint.
“First, we trek to the lake,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “Then we drill a hole into the ice and set the bait.”
“Then we freeze our asses off sitting around,” Milo concluded.
Everyone laughed.
Regina added, “Actually, Dad makes his infamous hot chocolate to keep us toasty warm.”
“It sounds amazing,” Keira said. She wanted to have as many authentic experiences as possible during her last few days in Sweden.
Milo looked thrilled. “This is literally my favorite thing to do in the world,” he said. “But are you sure you’re up for it? There’s a lot of waiting around. And it’s very cold.”
“I’m not going to lie,” Keira admitted, “the idea of catching a fish does kind of gross me out. But it sounds really interesting. Not an experience I want to pass up.”
“Then it’s decided,” Milo said, addressing his father. “When shall we go?”
“No time like the present,” Nils replied. “If everyone’s finished eating.”
They nodded, and everyone began to tidy up after themselves. Keira noticed how Nils took over the washing up duties from his wife, kissing her on the cheek as he said, “Let me do that, darling.”
She smiled at their display of affection. Their relationship seemed so lovely and tender. Keira wondered if she and Milo could have something like that too, one day. She certainly hoped they could. It looked wonderful.
She headed back up to Milo’s room to get ready for the day, realizing she had no idea what would be appropriate to wear ice fishing. She hadn’t packed for such an occasion.
A moment later, Milo appeared. He was holding a bright red snowsuit.
“This is my mom’s spare one,” he said. “You can borrow it.”
Keira took the suit from his hands and held it up. “This?” she said. “It’s very… red.”
She noticed the smirk at the corner of Milo’s mouth. “We don’t want to lose you out in the snow, Keira,” he joked.
Keira pulled the suit on over her clothes and then went to look in the mirror. She both felt and looked absurd. Not that there was anything particularly embarrassing about wearing a snowsuit, but it was several sizes too large, the puffiness making it appear bigger still, and it was practically fluorescent. But then she looked over the shoulder of her reflection to see Milo coming up behind her, wearing an equally bright and puffy suit, not red, but green. For the third time during their short relationship, they looked ridiculous together.
Looking at their reflection, Keira couldn’t help but laugh. And she realized with a surge of confidence that she’d shed her usual skin of shame. In Milo’s presence, she didn’t care how silly she looked, be it in a Viking hat or a neon snowsuit. With Milo by her side, there was no such thing as embarrassment. He turned everything into a fun moment, a shared experience, an opportunity to smile. And smile Keira did.
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Keira trudged alongside Nils, Regina, and Milo, who were each carrying various types of equipment. They were making the journey to the frozen lake on foot, and the route took them through forests and snow-covered hillsides. Keira was freezing but she didn’t care, because the scenery was so breathtakingly beautiful.
Then finally, the trees parted and Keira saw the enormous frozen lake open up before her, like a sheet of gray glass.
“It’s amazing,” she mused aloud.
They headed down the banks. Keira was reticent to walk on the ice at first, having been told so many times in her life that frozen water wasn’t safe, but the Nilsson clan strolled right out, carefree. They’d done this a million times before, so Keira trusted that they knew what they were doing, and she waddled over to join them in her bright red outfit.
Nils began to cut a hole in the ice with what looked like a comically large corkscrew. He drilled it in by hand, then wound it back out in reverse, leaving a perfectly neat hole. Then it was Regina’s turn to use her equipment, which consisted of a wire line and bait. Once she’d set it up, everyone stepped back.
“That’s it?” Keira asked.
“That’s one,” Nils said. “We may as well set up a few. Increase our chances.”
They paced around the lake, selecting locations that were suitably far enough from the first, drilling the holes and setting the lines.
“Now we just wait?” Keira asked once everything was set up.
“Yup,” Milo said.
He unfolded the lightweight camping chairs he’d been carrying, while Nils took the flask of the promised hot chocolate from his bag. The flask was passed from one person to the next, and each poured a little mug of steaming chocolate to drink.
“Looks like it might snow,” Nils said, pointing at the gray sky.
Keira was too cold as it was to think about snow. But Regina shook her head.
“I’ve been keeping up with the reports,” she said. “The sky will clear by nightfall. We’re going to have a very interesting evening, meteorologically speaking.”
“Will we see the Northern Lights?” Keira asked, growing excited. She had adored the sight of them so far, and wanted to utilize as many opportunities to see them as she could.
“Oh yes,” Regina said, nodding. “It will
probably be the best display of them all year.”
“Awesome,” Keira said. She just had to make it until nightfall without freezing her butt off. At least the hot chocolate was helping. And the sun set very early at this time of year, so she was sure she’d make it.
“Let’s check the lines,” Nils said.
They each went over to their respective hole and tugged on the line. Keira tugged on her line and to her surprise, a huge, glistening trout flopped out of the hole. The sight of it was so surprising, Keira screamed and reeled back.
Everyone turned to her.
“Keira’s caught one!” she heard Milo call out.
But her attention was too focused on the fish flapping up and down, flying all over the place. It hit her boots and she squealed again. Then Milo was there, right beside her, chuckling in his usual laid-back way. He grabbed the trout expertly, and its fevered flapping ceased. He held it up to her and Keira calmed down instantly.
“Awesome job, Keira,” Nils said, coming up beside her and clapping his hand on her shoulder.
Keira beamed, proud of her accomplishment. And, she realized, she wasn’t even the slightest bit embarrassed about freaking out in front of them. She couldn’t even feel warmth in her cheeks. These people put her so at ease that she felt no hint of awkwardness. It was the greatest feeling in the world.
*
Before long, everyone had grown too cold to remain out on the lake. They began to collect their things just as the sun started setting.
Keira looked up at the sky and, just as Regina promised, it was clear enough to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Somehow, it was even more beautiful than the last time she saw them. The stars seemed brighter, too, as if she were gazing at every star in the universe. It was a humbling experience. She’d never seen anything more beautiful.
Milo came up beside her and she tore her gaze from the beauty to look upon his face. He smiled at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, before looking up at the Northern Lights for himself. But Keira had a new view to look at now; Milo. He was so handsome and kind and funny. His personality made him all the more attractive, not to mention his sense of adventure.
He must have noticed her staring then, because he looked down again, smiling his twinkling smile, gazing deeply into her eyes. As the stars twinkled behind him, Milo leaned in to Keira and planted a sumptuous kiss onto her lips. The world melted away and Keira sunk into him, lost in a moment of pure perfection.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Keira’s last day in Sweden dawned. She woke with a sense of trepidation. She didn’t want this to be the end of her time here. And she most definitely didn’t want it to be the end of her and Milo. But they had not discussed the future. She couldn’t even picture what a long-distance relationship with him would look like.
Over breakfast, Milo addressed his mother. “I was thinking that since it’s Keira’s last day today, it might be nice for us to spend the time together. Just the two of us.”
As he spoke, Keira could see that he was upset. Clearly, the future was weighing on his shoulders as much as it was hers.
“Of course,” Yolanta said, genially. “You two go out and have fun.”
They finished eating, called a cab and, once it pulled up outside, said goodbye to the family.
In the backseat, Keira asked Milo, “So what’s the grand plan for today then?”
But Milo seemed very quiet. “Keira, we need to talk about the future.”
Keira felt a swirling in her gut. “Yes. We do.” She reached out and grabbed his hand. “What do you want to do?”
“Honestly,” Milo said, “I want you to move to Sweden.” Keira’s eyes widened and Milo laughed. “But I know that’s not realistic.”
Keira shook her head. “It’s not that. I actually really like the idea. I could see myself living here.”
“You could?” he asked, suddenly hopeful.
“But I can’t,” she finished.
Milo seemed to deflate like a balloon. “I wouldn’t feel comfortable moving to New York City,” he said, sadly.
“I know.” She squeezed his hand. “You told me when I first met you that you were a homebody. I wouldn’t expect you to leave this place, your job, and your family for me.”
Milo turned his gaze from his lap to meet Keira’s. She’d never seen such sadness in them.
“Then what happens next?” he asked.
He seemed to be bracing himself for an ending. But Keira wasn’t ready for that. Not by a long shot. She’d learned too much in Sweden, too much from him, to let go this soon.
“Would it be completely crazy to try this long distance?” she suggested. She chewed her lip in consternation. “I mean the world is so much more connected now than ever. There’s video calls and messaging, and we could make sure we fly out to see each other as often as possible.”
Milo’s expression changed immediately, from one of dejection to one of elation. “Really? You want to give it a go?”
Keira nodded. “Yes! If you do.”
Milo was pulling that face that reminded her of a Labrador. It was like all his Viking monuments had come at once.
“I do,” he exclaimed. “I don’t want this to stop yet. I think we need to at least try.”
Keira nodded. She felt as overjoyed as Milo looked. And for the sake of complete honesty, she added, “In a couple of months, we can think about the next step.”
Milo reached over, taking her in his arms. He pressed a kiss into her neck. Keira giggled.
“I’m so happy,” she heard him say in her ear.
She snuggled in, breathing in his scent, absorbing his warmth. “So am I.”
*
The cab dropped them off at a strange new location Keira had not yet been to; a sort of icy wilderness. She looked around her in wonder, feeling like she’d stepped into Narnia.
“Where are we?” she asked. “And what’s with all the snow?”
“We’re just a little farther north, and a little higher above sea level, so the temperature is low enough for the snow to not melt,” Milo explained. “I thought it would be cool to watch a sled race together.”
Keira’s mouth dropped open. “Awesome!” she exclaimed. Then she shivered. “I just wish I’d worn my red snowsuit! It’s freezing.”
Milo reached for her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. Warmth from his body radiated into her.
“Better?” he asked.
Keira nodded.
They trudged together toward the gathered crowds. Most people in the audience were typically tall Swedes, and Keira had to muscle her way forward in order to be able to see. Just as she caught sight of the track, a group of huskies dragging a sled came racing past. She squealed, in shock and delight, and got a faceful of fluffy snow kicked up under their tracks.
She turned back to face Milo, blinking snow from her lashes. He laughed loudly.
More sleds were approaching, ready to pass them, and Keira started to cheer them on, along with the rest of the crowd. It looked like so much fun, and the dogs were gorgeous. Keira loved huskies. She remembered Anita on the boat and the photo she’d shown her of her own husky, then smiled to herself at the memory. It really had been a great trip.
When the final sled passed, Keira turned to Milo, grinning with exhilaration.
“That. Was. AMAZING!” she cried, sounding as unapologetically enthusiastic as Milo often did.
He seemed thrilled she’d enjoyed herself so much. “Good. I hope that means you’ll like our next stop too.”
“There’s more?” she asked.
He nodded. “Yes. I want you to see all my favorite places before you have to fly home.”
He took her hand and led her back through the snow. To Keira’s surprise their cab was still waiting, ready to take them to their next stop like a chauffeur. Keira couldn’t help but think of the Viking minibus with its neon Swedish flag on the side.
They got in the back and sped away. Keira felt her excitement grow. Milo
was great at dates, and she couldn’t wait to see what he had lined up.
Keira looked out the window, thinking the view seemed familiar. “We’re heading back to Stockholm,” she said.
“Yes,” Milo told her. “There’s a really great place in the city I want you to see.”
A short while later, the cab pulled up outside the strangest-looking building Keira had ever seen. It was like an enormous golf ball.
“I’m guessing you haven’t brought me here for the architecture,” Keira commented as they got out the cab.
Milo laughed. “No. Not at all. This is the Ericsson Globe. The world’s largest spherical building.”
Keira laughed. Milo just couldn’t help himself with the facts!
“It’s usually a sporting venue,” he explained, “but that’s not why we’re here.”
Keira raised an eyebrow. “Why are we here?” she asked.
Milo just winked. He took her hand and together they went inside. It was very noisy, with lots of flashing lights, and Keira felt a little overwhelmed by the juxtaposition of the winter wonderland and the flashing lights of the globe. On their right was a large, metallic, winding staircase. Milo began leading her up it.
It seemed to go up forever. Keira’s legs grew more and more tired. Then finally, they emerged into a large glass dome-shaped room. Keira gasped. Now she understood what was happening. This was a viewing tower, and from here she could see the whole of Stockholm.
“Milo,” she gushed, walking over to the window and placing her fingertips against it. “It’s amazing.”
She felt overwhelmed with emotion, looking out at the view of the city that had made such an indelible mark on her soul. She turned, tears glittering in her eyes.
“Thank you for bringing me here,” she whispered.
Milo wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, swaying her back and forth, and together they looked out at the amazing city that had brought them together.