Chapter 13 - THE PROPOSAL BY THE RIVER
A year later, Fay opened her own small catering business.
She called it Little Sparrow Events.
The name made Rafferty smile every time he saw it.
The business began modestly.
Weddings.
Birthday parties.
Corporate lunches.
Fay worked hard.
Mrs. Odette mentored her.
And Rafferty remained her most enthusiastic customer.
Though Fay refused to let him pay more than the listed price.
Josie started school.
She continued using sign language.
Her hearing technology helped her access some sounds, but she still relied on visual communication and support.
She was bright.
Funny.
Stubborn.
And obsessed with paper boats.
One afternoon, Rafferty invited Fay and Josie to the river.
A small wooden dock had been decorated with white flowers.
Fay looked around.
“What's this?”
Rafferty smiled nervously.
“A surprise.”
Josie grinned.
She clearly knew something.
Rafferty knelt.
Fay covered her mouth.
“Rafferty?”
He looked up.
“Fay Delacroix.”
His voice shook.
“When I was a boy, you made me believe there was a world beyond the walls where I grew up.”
Her eyes filled.
“Then I lost you.”
He smiled.
“And somehow, twenty-five years later, you found me again.”
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a simple ring.
Elegant.
Beautiful.
Not extravagant.
Just right.
“Will you marry me?”
Fay began crying.
“Yes.”
Rafferty laughed through tears.
“Yes?”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
Josie jumped up and down.
Then signed enthusiastically:
Finally!
Everyone laughed.
Rafferty stood.
He kissed Fay.
Then knelt beside Josie.
He signed carefully:
May I be your family too?
Josie's eyes filled.
She nodded.
May you like
Then threw her arms around him.
And for the first time in his life, Rafferty Cain understood what it meant to be chosen.
