Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE IN THE BAKERY
Two years after their first meeting, Gabriel took Emma back to the bakery.
It was closed for the evening.
But the lights were on.
Emma looked confused.
“Why are we here?”
Gabriel smiled.
“You'll see.”
Inside, Sophie waited beside the window table.
She wore a blue dress.
Her hair was tied with a yellow ribbon.
Emma laughed.
“What is going on?”
Sophie grinned.
Sit.
Emma sat.
Gabriel took the chair opposite.
The same chair where Sophie had sat two years earlier.
He raised his hands.
His signing was fluent now.
Not perfect.
But confident.
Two years ago, you saw my daughter.
Emma's eyes filled.
You taught me how to listen.
He paused.
You taught me that love doesn't need power.
Emma covered her mouth.
Gabriel stood.
Then knelt beside the table.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple diamond ring.
He signed:
Will you marry me?
Emma stared.
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
She looked at Sophie.
The little girl was bouncing with excitement.
Emma laughed through tears.
Then raised her hands.
Yes.
Gabriel smiled.
She signed again.
Yes.
He slipped the ring onto her finger.
Then kissed her.
Sophie ran toward them.
They embraced.
Outside, rain began falling.
May you like
Just like the night they first met.
But this time, nobody was alone.
