His brother was hardly shy, but this whole situation had turned his world upside down. Like their father, Harrison was a man who took control and made things happen. Blake may have been the older of the two Wentworth boys, but Harrison was the better choice to take over the family business. These circumstances were ones Harrison had no control over, though, and he didn’t like not being in control. Like their father.
Blake had to admit to a small amount of envy where his brother was concerned. Harrison had a beautiful wife and child, regardless of the hearing loss. That wasn’t something he could even begin to dream of having anytime soon, but his brother hadn’t spent half as long on his MBA from Harvard as Blake had in med school. He’d been cracking books, interning, and studying for as long as he could remember. It hadn’t even been a year that he’d been an attending doctor. Maybe in another few, he might find the time to date and get married, but who would be willing to put up with the lousy hours he got while being on call or dealing with emergencies? Priscilla sure hadn’t.
Opening the door into the audiology department, he started for the room Carli had mentioned a few days ago. Voices came from inside. Would his brother be ticked that he hadn’t been here on time?
When he stopped in the doorway, he saw Harrison standing near the window, his arms crossed in his defensive posture, the one he always adopted when he didn’t want anyone to tell him what to do. Or when he was unsure in a situation. Most people didn’t know the difference. They thought it was just his way of being intractable.
Annie sat on the floor with Parker in her lap while Carli sat facing them. Today, she wore a flowing pastel skirt and loose knit sweater. Those gorgeous strawberry curls covered her implant processors. How could he have been so stupid the other day? Today would be awkward, but perhaps with Harrison and Annie here some of the tension could be alleviated.
Standing silently in the doorway, he watched Carli and Annie talk. Harrison listened intently but remained quiet. That was his brother. Gathering all the information first, processing it, and then making some decisions. Harrison was scared and upset, but he’d never admit it. It was part of who he was.
The information Carli was giving them was the same he’d gotten the other day. Listening now, he realized how knowledgeable she was on the subject. Why hadn’t he seen this two days ago? It was also apparent that her speech pattern wasn’t an accent, it was from her hearing loss. Since it was barely detectable, she must have either lost her hearing later, gotten the implants very young, or gotten some great speech therapy. What was her story?
Grinning, he thought of all the things he’d like to learn about her. The reaction she’d caused in him had stayed with him, and he still felt it as he watched her interact with Parker. Her laughter rang through the room, soft and lilting, as she repeated some words to the child and moved her hands in a repeated motion. Was she teaching him sign language? He was only six months old, but if he couldn’t hear, then he’d need some form of communication. That much he’d read on the websites Dr. Virani had recommended to him.
Her soft, golden curls bobbed when she laughed, and when she tilted her head, he caught sight of the freckles that dusted across her slightly upturned nose. Generous pink lips turned up at the corners as Parker cooed and gurgled at her. As she leaned over to tickle the child, she turned and caught sight of him. Her smile slipped for a second, then returned. Okay, she was still upset at what he’d said. Couldn’t blame her. He’d been an ass. One that wanted the best for his nephew, but still an ass.
“Hi.” He raised his hand to wave. How much could she hear? The other day she’d seemed to understand what he’d been saying to the point he hadn’t realized she was deaf. But had she gotten it all? In hindsight, it also made sense why she focused so intently on everyone. Guess he wasn’t special. Yeah, he needed to get over himself.
“Blake.” Harrison pushed away from the window to shake his hand. “I thought you were going to meet us here at five.”
Yeah, baby brother was upset.
“Sorry. Emergency at the last second up in the unit. Annie, how’s my favorite nephew doing today?”
Squatting down, he picked up Parker to blow a big raspberry on the side of his face. The boy squealed in delight and kicked his arms and legs furiously.
“Your favoritenephew is just fine, Blake,” she answered, rolling her eyes since Parker was his only nephew. “Carli has been filling us in on what we need to do. She’s wonderful.”
He couldn’t disagree but figured her opinion of him was a bit different.
“What do you think of all this speech therapy and sign language she insists we start?” Harrison tried to hide his confusion. His brother hated having to ask for help. “Won’t it be unnecessary once Parker gets the implants?
“Carli’s the expert.” He didn’t miss the slight expression of disbelief on her face. “If she says he needs it, then I’d get it started.”
Annie got to her feet and shifted Parker to her hip. “We haven’t even decided if wearegetting implants yet. I certainly don’t have enough information at this time. All I know is you want to drill holes in my baby’s skull.”
“Annie,” Harrison started, then snapped his mouth closed as he eyed Carli. No arguments in public. That was a Wentworth golden rule and had been hammered into both of them from a young age.
“Ultimately, it’s your decision.” Was Carli aware of the tension in the room? Kind of hard to miss. “But a Baby Sign class would be a great place to start regardless. Many people take this, even if their children are hearing. It’s a way for infants to communicate effectively before they begin to speak. There’s a trial class next Monday night in Stoneham. People can see if they want to commit, and you can register right there if you’re interested.”
Annie asked about days and times as Harrison scowled.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Blake said. “I might go to see if it’s something I’d want to recommend to my patients. Will you be there, Carli?”
Her eyes widened at his question, then she glanced at Annie. “Would it make you more comfortable if I were there?”
Annie bobbed her head up and down. “Yes, thank you. Do you mind? We could even pick you up here and give you a ride, since you said you take the T to work.”
“I can get there on my own. Don’t worry. No sense in you driving all the way into Boston, then back north for the class. Let me get you the brochure with the address and contact information if you need it.”
As Carli showed Annie the pamphlet, he approached his brother. “You okay?”
“What do you think? I take too much time away from work and Dad’s going to throw a fit. He and Mom want Parker fixed, and fast.”
Remembering Carli’s words from a few days ago, he said, “This isn’t something you rush into, bro. It’s major surgery, and from what I’ve read thus far, there are possible negative side effects.”
Harrison’s brows pulled together and his lips thinned, but he didn’t say anything. The women moved closer, and Annie pulled him in for a hug as they said goodbye.
