Chapter 18 - The Ring
The winter snow blanketed the West Side estate in a quiet, pristine white, turning the sprawling gardens into a sparkling winter wonderland.
It was Wednesday night, exactly 8:00 PM.
The conservatory was warmed by a roaring stone fireplace, casting dancing amber flames across the lush green palms and the chessboard set up between our chairs. But tonight, the game remained untouched.
Instead of moving a knight or a rook, Salvatore reached into the pocket of his jacket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
He placed it gently on the center of the board.
My breath caught in my throat. I looked up from the board to his face, my heart hammering against my ribs like it had that very first night in the private restaurant dining room.
Salvatore reached out, took my hands in his rough, warm palms, and raised them slowly between us.
When I met you, you were carrying plates for people who didn't see you, his fingers signed, moving with deliberate, trembling emotion. You looked at a monster, and you saw a human being.
You brought light into my silence. You taught me how to live again.
He opened the velvet box. Inside rested a platinum ring set with a brilliant, flawless diamond, flanked by two delicate emeralds.
Will you stay in my world forever, Tessa?
May you like
Tears spilled over my cheeks, hot and bright in the firelight. I couldn't speak; my voice vanished entirely behind a wave of overwhelming joy.
I nodded rapidly, pulling my hands free just long enough to sign back with every ounce of my soul: Yes. Forever.
