Page 123 of Quiet Beautiful Things

EL

Merlot

Montana Winery

Limited Edition

She looks up with misty eyes. “You named a wine after me?”

“I did. Look closer.”

She studies the label. Behind each English letter is the shadow of the corresponding ASL letter. “Oh, my God. I love this. I don’t even care if it tastes like crud, I’ll drink every last drop.”

I laugh. “Believe me, it doesn’t. I spent months working with our vintner”—I fingerspell the word because I seriously have no idea if there’s an ASL sign for winemaker—“and I think you’re going to go crazy over it.”

She pushes away the corkscrew. “I’m not sure I want to open it. It’s one of a kind.”

“Actually, it’s one of a hundred. I have the other ninety-nine under lock and key, and they will only get better with age.”

“In that case.” She holds out her glass, waits for me to pour it, inhales the robust fruity scent with a hint of oak, then closes her eyes and takes a sip. “Wow.” Her eyes pop open. “If I didn’t already love you, this would have done the trick.”

I smile. “I’m glad you approve.”

She sets her glass down. “I have a little surprise for you too.”

I raise a brow in question.

She positions her right hand in the ILY sign, then, keeping the sign, taps her heart twice with her thumb.

I tilt my head, unfamiliar with the combination. “What does that mean?”

Her bright smile lights up the entire room. “It’s your name sign.”

I point to myself. “Mine?”

Ellie nods as Maisy claps. “It was Maisy’s suggestion that we give you a name sign. Of course she’ll still call you Dad, but she insisted you have one. When we secretly discussed our options, and I asked what she loves the most about you, she said it’s your giant heart and the way you love us. I think it’s the perfect sign because the ILY sign is similar to the sign used for alcohol—and everyone who knows you knows you’re all about wine. Not to mention there are three fingers used in the name sign signifying—”

I grab her gorgeous hands and complete the thought myself. “Us,” I sign and motion around the table.

These girls. These quiet, beautiful, amazing creatures who make my life worth living. I pray that I never take for granted their kindness, love, and unwavering zest for life.

After dinner, Ellie helps clean up as I deal with my very impatient daughter who is nearing the end of her rope.

Ellie emerges from the kitchen and signs, “Done.”

I chuckle and tell her she left the faucet running.Again.

She rolls her eyes and signs, “Deaf problems.”

I figure I’ve made Maisy wait long enough, so I announce, “I have a surprise for both of you.”

Maisy jumps up and down, signing, “Room. Room.”

Ellie’s eyebrows go up. “The big reveal?”

I smile and nod. “Follow me.”

We walk to the door at the end of the lower hallway. I’ve kept it locked so little prying eyes wouldn’t see the surprise.

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