I will never call silence protection when it is really fear. I will ask instead of assume. I will tell you the truth even when it changes how you see me.”
His voice trembled slightly.
“And I will spend every day being grateful that the first voice I heard when I returned to the world was yours.”
My vision blurred.
He lowered himself carefully onto one knee.
The movement was still difficult.
I reached for him.
“Ethan, your therapist will be furious.”
“She is standing behind you.”
I glanced back.
The therapist smiled.
“He practiced.”
When I turned again, Ethan was holding up the ring.
“Will you marry me?”
“We are already married.”
“Will you do it on purpose this time?”
Laughter broke through my tears.
I looked at my father, who was crying openly now.
At Vivian, whose hand rested on Jason’s arm.
At the garden carrying my mother’s
