After paying and getting the dress bagged, they hung it in the car and stopped at a small coffee shop nearby.
“I take it Harrison is taking care of Parker today.” Annie had confided that Audrey didn’t babysit, even for her own grandchild. Carli had to wonder if it was because the child was deaf or that she simply didn’t do children. With what Blake had told her of his childhood, she had a suspicion it was the latter.
“He is. Harrison was looking forward to a little father/son bonding time.”
“Are things okay? You mentioned before there was some tension between you.”
When the joy intensified on Annie’s face, Carli could guess the answer.
“It’s so much better. We had a talk last week after you left. He’s finally getting it. I’m not sure if it was something his parents said about Parker or the way they were trying to convince Blake he could—” Her eyes popped open as she bit her lip.
“Do better than me? I got that part. Blake hasn’t mentioned it, and I’ve been too chicken to ask. After a few weeks without my processors, I’ve been easing into wearing them full days. That’s not the kind of discussion you have when you can’t communicate properly.”
“I’m sorry you had to see that. They can be super great at times, but since Parker was born, I’ve seen more of the negative than the positive.”
“That really worries me,” she confided in Annie. “Having them for in-laws. Not that we’re anywhere near that step at this point. But if we go further in our relationship, how much would they resent me? Would I be able to put up with that?”
Reaching across the table, Annie tapped her hand. “You have no idea how much I’d love for that to happen. You and Blake together. You would be my sister-in-law, and Parker would have an aunt and her whole family who could speak his language.”
Carli canted her head to the side. “So are you not having the implants done? I thought Harrison was all about that.”
“He was, because his father had been pushing him. But it seems he hates the idea of our little boy being put under the knife if it’s not absolutely necessary. Maybe when he’s older and can make that decision on his own.”
“Has he told his parents yet?”
Annie shook her head. “He plans to let them know we love our son and think he’s perfect the way he is, hearing or not.”
“That’s great.”
Could she ever stand up to Audrey Wentworth and insist she be treated like everyone else? Would she ever feel good enough, or would her negative feelings and behaviors end up breaking up their marriage? Would they even make it that far?
“If his jaw doesn’t drop to the floor when he sees you, he isn’t a man.” Mercedes brushed the side of Carli’s long skirt and took a step back.
Gazing in the full-length mirror, Carli agreed she looked good. Better than she ever had. The jewelry she’d borrowed and the hair and makeup Mercedes had done added to the whole picture. That wasn’t what was making her a nervous wreck.
The light in her bedroom flashed two long flashes letting her know someone was at the door.
“I’ll get it.” Her friend rushed from the room.
She took her time with a few last minutes fixes of her curls, making sure they hid her processors. No sense adding to her awkwardness with people gawking at her. Her shawl lay on the end of the bed. She hoped it was warm enough for the night. The middle of March was not the frigid weather of deep winter, but there were still a few inches of snow that had fallen yesterday on the ground and her dress bared her shoulders.
With her shawl draped over her arm, she strolled down the hall taking cleansing breaths, attempting to slow her rapidly beating heart.
The whistle Blake let out at her approach was picked up easily by her processors. His jaw may not be on the floor, but his expression showed he approved.
“Wow. And I mean that. Really. Wow.”
So eloquent. It made her chuckle, though, and she lost some of the anxiety that had been shimmying through her all day.
“You can thank Annie. She helped me pick it out and insisted on paying for it, which I only did so I wouldn’t stand out tonight.”
Blake’s gaze roamed up and down her body in appreciation. “Oh, you’ll stand out. Take my word for it.”
Rolling her eyes did not fit with the elegant gown, so she attempted one of those “oh, please” looks his mother was so adept at.
“I plan on paying her back as soon as I can. I don’t want you to think I’m sponging off your family.”
Taking her shawl, Blake draped it around her shoulders. “I’ll settle up with Annie for the amount. Don’t worry.”
