Page 27 of Battle of Hearts

It had been five years since Sawyer and Mirren had met each other in the control room on the Arctic base, since they had been assigned partners to prepare for a training mission, since they found themselves stranded in the horrific storm that had nearly brought them to death’s doorsteps. It had been five years since what happened had started it all, and now the women were living the lives they had promised they’d live together.

They now lived in a small, remote research station in northern Canada. The cabin was a cozy haven nestled among towering pines, with large windows that offered breathtaking views of the expansive icy landscape. They had switched into new jobs that both emotionally and financially benefited them, not just as individuals but their relationship, as well, living a happy life with their beloved Siberian husky Kodiak.

It had been an incredibly long day of training and research for Sawyer as she pulled her truck into the driveway of their cabin, eager to forget the exhaustion of the day with food and the comfortable presence of her wife. Sawyer entered home, her cheeks flushed from the cold and her heart warm with thoughtsof the life they had built together. She pushed open the door, the familiar creak greeting her like an old friend. The scent of something savory wafted through the air, and her stomach growled in anticipation.

“Mirren?” Sawyer called out, kicking off her heavy boots and shaking off the snow that clung to her parka.

“In the kitchen!” Mirren's voice rang back, bright and cheerful, echoing through the cabin.

Sawyer made her way to the kitchen, where Mirren was expertly plating a feast. The countertop was adorned with roasted beef and chicken, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and an assortment of glazed vegetables. A tray of macaroni and cheese sat simmering on the stove. The entire kitchen and house were soaked in a comforting air.

Mirren turned to Sawyer, her eyes sparkling with affection. “You’re home just in time! I’ve been working on dinner all day.”

Sawyer smiled, her heart swelling as she watched Mirren move about the kitchen with practiced grace. “It looks amazing. I can’t believe you spent all day cooking. I mean…what’s the occasion?” she asked, reaching out to wrap her arms around Mirren’s waist. She inhaled the rich scents, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her before she pressed their lips together.

“I wanted to make something special for you,” Mirren replied once they pulled away, her cheeks pinking under the warmth of Sawyer's embrace. “How was your day?”

“Exhausting but rewarding,” Sawyer said, stepping back to admire the spread. “We finished the cold-weather survival training today, and everyone did remarkably well. I’m proud of my team. We even had a couple of unexpected challenges—like when one of the trainees fell into a snowdrift while demonstrating how to navigate through the terrain.”

Mirren chuckled, her laughter light and melodic. “Was he okay?”

“Just a bit embarrassed, I think,” Sawyer replied, a smirk tugging at her lips. “But it was a good reminder to stay alert, you know? You can never underestimate the snow, especially with how it was piling up today.”

“Believe me.” A teasing look washed across Mirren’s face. “I know all about the consequences of underestimating bad weather.” At this, Sawyer smiled.

As Sawyer leaned against the counter, she observed Mirren as she expertly maneuvered the dishes onto the dining table. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow through the windows, illuminating the warm space they’d created together.

Mirren placed the last of the dishes on the table and turned to Sawyer with a proud smile. “Dinner is served. I hope you’re hungry.”

“Starving,” Sawyer called out from across the room, where she added more wood to the burning fireplace, bathing the home in warmth. As she approached the table, her mouth watered at the sight before her. They sat down together, the table adorned with a hearty meal that reflected the love and effort Mirren had poured into it.

“So, what’s next for you? Any big plans for tomorrow?” Mirren asked as they filled their plates, the clattering of utensils a familiar melody in the cozy cabin.

“I have a meeting with the research team to discuss the upcoming fieldwork,” Sawyer explained. “We’ll be heading to a new location for the next phase of our conservation project. It’s exciting stuff, and I’m eager to see what we can accomplish together.”

“Sounds thrilling,” Mirren replied, her interest piqued. “Do you know where you’ll be going yet?”

Sawyer nodded. Ancitipation bubbled within her. She was always ready and excited for new adventures. “Yes, we’ll be visiting some remote glacial areas. I hope to document some environmental changes and help our team assess the impact of climate change.”

Mirren listened intently, nodding along. “It’s incredible how much you’ve accomplished. I’m always amazed by your dedication to your team and the environment.” She tilted her head as she lovingly gazed at her wife. “You never fail to impress me, Sawyer.”

“Thanks,” Sawyer replied, a warm flush creeping into her cheeks. “It means a lot coming from you. You’re the one out there uncovering all the fascinating details about the geology of the area.”

Mirren smiled, her pride evident. Ever since moving to the area, she’d made it her personal goal to read up more on geology and learn more about the nature among which they lived. “It’s been a rewarding journey, especially since I’ve been able to explore the impacts of climate on the landscape. I can’t wait to show you some of my findings when we head to the park next.”

The two women settled into their meal. Sawyer relished the rich flavors of Mirren’s cooking, which filled her with love and warmth. She’d always cooked for herself, but now that she and Mirren lived together, she got to enjoy the most amazing, borderline professional homecooked meals almost every single day. Sawyer often joked with her wife by saying she might have pursued the wrong profession, while also encouraging Mirren’s stray thoughts of perhaps opening up a small café later on, closer to retirement.

In the back, Kodiak snoozed softly on a fluffy rug, his black and white belly rising up and down to match his leisurely breaths.

“Okay, your turn,” Sawyer said, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied sigh, her plate half-empty. “What did you get up to today?”

Mirren’s eyes sparkled as she picked up her fork, eager to share. “Well, I finished that book on the geology of the Arctic. It’s fascinating how much the landscape changes over time due to glacial movements.”

Sawyer leaned in closer, her interest piqued. “What did you discover?”

“I learned about some unique rock formations in the area. There’s a specific type of schist that’s incredibly old and holds clues about the Earth’s history,” Mirren explained, her voice animated. “I thought I might be able to take you to the site during our next trip to the park. I’d love to show you the formations in person.”

“That sounds amazing,” Sawyer said, her heart swelling with love and intrigue for Mirren. The woman was so incredibly intelligent, and every single day Sawyer found herself more and more impressed with her. “I can’t wait to see it.”

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