A Most Special Occasion

Vera sat on the couch when Alina walked in with two glasses. They smiled sweet at each other until Vera thanked her for the drinks. She’s only nineteen after all, Alina said, still grinning. Was Alina sure she hadn’t wanted to go out? Vera asked. It was a special night. Yeah, she was sure. She wanted to stay in, keep Vera to herself. So, should they toast? Absolutely. Glasses lifted. ‘To you, my love, my heart, my best friend, happy anniversary,’ Alina whispered. ‘And to you, my special girl, I love you so damn much, happy anniversary,’ Vera answered. Their mouths met, slow and easy, then they eased back, staring at each other like the rest of the world had dropped away. Already a year, can you believe it? No, Vera said, the time flew. Best twelve months of her life, Alina added. Vera squeezed her hand, eyes soft. She never thought she’d find real love at this stage, let alone the crazy way it started. Better late than never. They laughed, then a hush settled. Alina asked if Vera ever felt bad about how it all went down. Vera shook her head. ‘We didn’t set out to hurt him. The heart wants what it wants, and mine wanted you.’ Alina took a breath, asked when Vera had known it had grown past a fling. Vera told her the weekend he left on that business trip—Saturday morning, eyes open, Alina still asleep beside her, hair across the pillow. Vera knew right then. Alina nodded, a small grin creeping in. Then she said she had a surprise, told Vera to close her eyes. ‘Yes, ma’am,’ Vera laughed, shutting them. When Alina came back, Vera opened her eyes and saw Alina on one knee, small velvet box open, a diamond glinting inside. ‘Will you marry me?’ Alina asked, voice shaking. Vera stumbled over words, told Alina to stay right there, then reached behind the cushion, yanked out her own box, and dropped to one knee. They faced each other, both kneeling, both holding out rings. Alina’s hand flew to her mouth. Vera smiled. ‘You stole the words right out of my mouth.’ Alina surged forward, grabbed her tight, kissed her hard. She broke away just long enough to shout, ‘Yes, absolutely yes!’ Vera answered the same, voice rough with feeling. They slid the rings on each other’s fingers, fingers trembling. People might stare, mother and stepdaughter marrying, but Vera said she didn’t care. Alina said she never would. They pressed close again, tongues hot, hands hungry, moving over bare skin and fabric, the room suddenly too small for how fast their hearts beat.