Chapter 14 - THE QUESTION HE ASKED WITHOUT A VOICE
Salvatore proposed on a Thursday night.
At the same restaurant where we first met.
I didn't know he had arranged anything.
He told me we were going to dinner.
When we arrived, the private dining room was empty.
One table.
Two chairs.
A chandelier.
I stopped.
Salvatore smiled.
Recognize this place?
I laughed.
Unfortunately.
He took my hand.
We sat.
The waiter brought dinner.
No jokes.
No whispering.
No humiliation.
Just kindness.
After dessert, Salvatore stood.
He looked nervous.
I raised an eyebrow.
What's wrong?
He smiled.
Nothing.
Then he knelt.
My breath caught.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a ring.
Simple.
Elegant.
His hands trembled slightly.
He signed:
The first night we met, you gave me something I thought I'd never have.
My eyes filled.
Someone who listened.
He paused.
Someone who saw me.
Tears spilled down my cheeks.
He smiled.
Will you marry me?
I laughed through tears.
Yes.
He stared.
Yes?
I nodded.
Yes.
He slipped the ring onto my finger.
Then stood and kissed me.
And somewhere beyond the dining room doors, Eli was waiting with a camera.
When he saw us, he grinned.
May you like
Then signed:
Finally.
