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I heave a sigh. So, the shock is from my voice, not my question. Feeling vulnerable in a way I never have before, I decide to put some distance between us without giving her any actual space. I grab my cell out of my back pocket and type out a quick text.
Me: Is that a yes?
Violet’s eyes widen, and she pulls her cell from the pocket of her flannel shirt. When she looks at the screen, she frowns and starts tapping away.
Violet: What?
Me: I asked you to marry me
Violet: You didn’t ask
I think back and realize she’s right. I didn’t so much ask as demand.
Me: Will you marry me?
Rather than respond by text, Violet sets her phone on the bench and reaches for my hand. She tugs me to sit next to her and begins to sign.
“Why’d you switch to your cell?”
“Seemed easier.” I thrust a hand through my hair before continuing. “Besides, this is an important conversation. Wouldn’t want any wrong sign language to fuck it up.”
Violet’s lips tip up in a small smile. “Have I messed anything up since I came in here?”
“No,” I admit.
“I had to take a foreign language class when I started college, and I chose American Sign Language. That gave me the basics. Cece’s also been working with me, and I’ve been watching a lot of online tutorials.”
Warmth fills my chest, and it’s an unfamiliar sensation. But I don’t hate it. I’m not sure I trust it, but definitely not the worst feeling.
“Why?”
She tilts her head. “Seems like I was going to be spending a lot of time with you while I was here.” Violet shrugs. “Figured I should be able to communicate on a level beyond basics.”
“But you’ve got a cast.”
Again, she shrugs. “Hasn’t seemed to be a problem.”
Recognizing that we’re getting way off-topic, I do my best to reign it back in. As awkward as my question might be, as completely insane as it might seem, it sort of makes sense.
Sure, to you. But you have to make it make sense to her.
“You still haven’t answered my question,” I remind her.
Rather than answer, she holds up her hand and that ugly fucking diamond taunts me from her finger.
“I’m engaged, Grim.”
Stiffening, I roll my eyes. “No shit. But I think you’re the only one taking that seriously.”
Violet flinches as if I struck her. I know my words are harsh, but they’re the truth. I may not have confirmation, but I have zero doubt that herfiancéis responsible for all her pain.
I force a smile, hoping that by softening my expression, she’ll realize I’m not trying to hurt her. I’m simply speaking the truth.
“Why would I marry you? What could you possibly think that would solve?”
“It would solve a lot.”
“Like?”
