Chapter 14 - THE PROMISE MADE WITH TWO HANDS
Daniel proposed again in November.
Not at his parents' house.
Not in front of relatives.
He proposed in my classroom after school.
The walls were covered in children's paintings.
The tables were splattered with dried paint.
And the room smelled faintly of crayons.
He stood beside the easel he'd given me the previous Christmas.
“Mara.”
I smiled.
“Yes?”
He swallowed.
“I've been trying to find the right words.”
I laughed softly.
“That's unusual for you.”
He grinned.
“I know.”
Then he signed:
Will you marry me?
My eyes filled.
He continued aloud.
“Not because we have a wedding date.”
“Not because our families expect it.”
“But because I want to build a life where you never have to hide your voice.”
I stared at him.
Then signed:
Yes.
Daniel froze.
“Really?”
I laughed through tears.
“Yes, Daniel.”
May you like
He wrapped his arms around me.
And for the first time in months, I felt completely certain.
