Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN WHO WOULDN'T BE BOUGHT
The following morning, Gabriel offered Emma a job.
A generous salary.
Private transportation.
Flexible hours.
A contract allowing her to work with Sophie as a communication aide while the family arranged qualified Deaf educators.
Emma read the offer carefully.
Then looked up.
“This is too much.”
Gabriel frowned.
“Too much?”
“The salary.”
He leaned back.
“I can afford it.”
“That isn't the point.”
“What is?”
Emma took a breath.
“I don't want to become another person who says yes to everything because you're paying them.”
Gabriel studied her.
She continued.
“Sophie needs people who can disagree with you.”
He smiled faintly.
“You've already demonstrated that ability.”
Emma laughed despite herself.
Gabriel leaned forward.
“What would make you comfortable?”
Emma considered.
“A defined schedule. Independent professional supervision for her education. And I want Sophie to have Deaf adult role models.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Agreed.”
“And I don't want to be treated like a replacement for Isabella.”
His expression changed.
Emma swallowed.
“I'm not her mother.”
Gabriel looked toward the window.
“I know.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then he said quietly:
“I don't want you to replace anyone.”
Emma looked at him.
“What do you want?”
Gabriel hesitated.
Then answered:
“I want my daughter to be happy.”
Emma nodded.
“Then we start there.”
That afternoon, Sophie attended her first session with a Deaf instructor named Rachel Kim.
Rachel was warm, confident, and fluent in ASL.
Sophie watched her with fascination.
For the first time, she met an adult who communicated like her.
Emma stood beside Gabriel.
He watched his daughter signing rapidly with Rachel.
“She looks different,” he whispered.
Emma smiled.
“She looks understood.”
Gabriel looked at Emma.
“And you?”
She blinked.
“What about me?”
“Who makes you feel understood?”
Emma looked away.
For a moment, she thought of Noah.
Then she said softly:
“I haven't figured that out yet.”
May you like
Gabriel studied her.
And something in his expression changed.
