Unspoken

Prologue

Mia stood in the middle of the gallery, adjusting the placement of a delicate ceramic vase under a soft spotlight. The museum was quiet as always after hours, the fluorescent lights dimmed, leaving only the glow of the exhibits. She ran her fingers along the smooth, cool surface of the vase, admiring its intricate design. A soft smile tugged at her lips—she'd loved this piece since she'd first seen it arrive for the exhibit.

Stepping back, she surveyed the arrangement. Perfect. Her gaze drifted to her watch, and her brows furrowed. It was nearing seven. Jake was supposed to meet her here after work around six thirty. He was never late.

As if summoned by her thoughts, she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned, spotting Jake standing just beyond the archway leading into the gallery. His broad frame filled the space, his tousled dark hair catching the light. He wore that lopsided grin she adored, the one that made his brown eyes crinkle at the corners.

Her heart skipped a beat.

He raised his hands to sign, "Ready?"

Mia glanced down at her hands, brushing invisible dust off her dress. "For what?" She signed back, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

Jake approached her, closing the distance between them. As always, his movements were confident but easygoing, like he had all the time in the world. When he reached her, he leaned down, his face close to hers, signing deliberately. "You'll see. Trust me."

Her brows knit together in curiosity, but she relented, grabbing her bag from the desk near the gallery's entrance.

Jake held the door open for her as they stepped out into the brisk evening air. The sky above was a rich navy, the stars just beginning to peek through. Streetlights glowed faintly, casting long shadows on the pavement. Mia could feel the chill nipping at her cheeks, and she tugged her coat tighter around herself.

Jake reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers. His touch was warm, grounding. "No questions," he signed with his free hand.

She rolled her eyes but let him lead her down the street. They walked for a few blocks before turning into a small park. The path wound through towering trees, their bare branches swaying gently in the wind. Lanterns lined the walkway, their golden light flickering against the dark backdrop.

Mia glanced at Jake, her curiosity growing. He wasn't usually one for surprises, but tonight he seemed different—almost nervous. His grip on her hand was firm but fidgety, his thumb tracing small circles against her skin.

They stopped in a clearing, where a small table was set up under a canopy of fairy lights. A bottle of wine, two glasses, and a bouquet of flowers sat waiting. The scene took her breath away.

She turned to Jake, her eyes wide. "What is this?"

Jake stepped back, letting go of her hand. He took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly as he began to sign. "Mia, I've been waiting for the right moment to say this."

Her chest tightened, a mix of anticipation and disbelief flooding her senses.

"You've changed my life in ways I never imagined," he continued, his signs deliberate but steady. "I never thought I'd meet someone who understood me so completely, who made me feel at home, even when I felt like I didn't belong anywhere."

Tears pricked at Mia's eyes. She clasped her hands together, holding them to her chest as she watched him.

Jake dropped to one knee, pulling a small box from his pocket. Opening it, he revealed a delicate silver ring, the diamond catching the warm glow of the lights.

"Mia, will you marry me?"

Her hands flew to her mouth, her heart pounding. For a moment, the world around her seemed to blur, the only thing clear was Jake, kneeling before her with that hopeful, nervous smile.

She let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, her hands trembling as she signed back, "Yes. Yes, Jake."

He stood, slipping the ring onto her finger before pulling her into his arms. The warmth of his embrace, the steady beat of his heart against hers—it was everything.

Mia pulled back slightly to look at him, her smile brighter than the fairy lights around them. "You're full of surprises," she signed, her fingers moving quickly.

Jake grinned, brushing a stray hair from her face. "Only for you."