— I saw my life flash before my eyes. “American actress accidentally murders McGregor matriarch during Scottish dance.” That would’ve made a great headline.
— My grandmother is tougher than she looks. She was rock climbing into her seventies.
— Why am I not surprised? That woman is superhuman.
Another silence settles between us—less tense now, but still charged with something electric.
— I can’t believe we actually did it, Jane says finally. We’re married. Officially. Legally.
— With paperwork and everything, I confirm. The performance has officially begun.
— It was different from what I imagined.
There’s something in her voice I can’t quite place. Hesitation. Maybe a question.
— Different how? I ask, turning my head slightly to try and make out her expression in the dim light.
She’s quiet for a moment.
— I don’t know exactly. More real, maybe? When I was little, I imagined marrying Prince Charming in a princess dress. Then I grew up and decided marriage was an outdated institution I’d avoid at all costs.
— And now here you are, married to a Scottish man you barely know.
— Life has a strange sense of humor, she agrees. But what I mean is… despite the unusual circumstances of our arrangement, today felt…
— Beautiful? I offer when she trails off.
— Yes, she whispers. Beautiful. Genuine, in a way… despite everything.
— I know what you mean, I murmur.
I feel her turn toward me, her body now facing mine, though still at that carefully maintained distance.
— I’m sorry, Jane.
— For what?
I swallow, then force myself to say what’s been circling my mind since we got into bed.
— Those kisses weren’t professional, I admit, my voice rougher than usual.
— No?
— No.
The silence that follows crackles with tension. My skin feels hypersensitive, aware of every inch of air between us.
— You know, Jane says after a moment, breaking the silence, you could argue that now that we’re legally married, Article 7, subsection B is a little…
— Restrictive? I suggest.
— I was going to say ridiculous, but restrictive works too.
I swallow hard.
— Jane… what exactly are you saying?
I hear her breath hitch slightly.
