Chapter 13 - THE PROMISE BESIDE THE LAKE
One year after their first date, Adrian took Emma to the lakefront.
The wind was cold.
The water dark blue.
The skyline glowed behind them.
Emma wore a red coat.
Adrian wore a charcoal scarf she'd bought him for Christmas.
They walked slowly.
Then stopped beside a quiet overlook.
Adrian looked unusually nervous.
Emma smiled.
What's wrong?
He shook his head.
Nothing.
She laughed.
You're a terrible liar.
He smiled.
Then reached into his pocket.
Emma froze.
Adrian knelt.
He opened a small velvet box.
Inside was a ring.
Simple.
Elegant.
Beautiful.
Emma covered her mouth.
Adrian signed:
Emma Brooks.
Her eyes filled.
You came into my life because someone lied to both of us.
He paused.
But everything good that followed happened because you told the truth.
Tears slipped down her cheeks.
He continued.
You never treated my deafness as weakness.
You never tried to own my voice.
And you reminded me that trust isn't something power can demand.
Emma began crying harder.
Adrian smiled.
Then signed:
Will you marry me?
She laughed through tears.
Yes.
His eyes widened.
She signed again.
Yes, Adrian.
He stood.
May you like
She threw her arms around him.
And beneath the Chicago skyline, they kissed.
