“These towels are gorgeous,” Annie said.“I love the little roses embroidered onto the edges.” Go Annie.Her words, obviously meant to counterbalance the negative ones of her mother-in-law, rose above the crowd and many people agreed.Mercedes liked this woman more and more every time they met.
With Blake already having dinnerware and appliances, many of the gifts were items to make the condo more homey and comfortable.Audrey threw in snide comments, disguised as helpful information.
“I suppose the state-of-the-art sound system I purchased for Blake years ago, when he first moved there, isn’t of interest when you’re marrying someone without hearing.”
Funny how Blake’s parents were all about little Parker getting cochlear implants to ensure their grandson became “normal,” but Carli having them didn’t qualify her for that same category.Mercedes wanted to scream at the woman.When she glanced at Carli, her friend smiled and signed,I turned my CIs down very low so I couldn’t hear her during the shower.
You are brilliant.I suggest doing it often when she’s around.
A peek at Audrey showed her narrowing her eyes at their signs.The woman obviously loved to know every little details of what was being said and couldn’t stand to be out of the loop.Probably thought they were talking about her.And she’d be correct.
Finally, the last of the gifts were opened and clapped for, and Carli stood to stretch her back.“Thank you, everyone, for coming and for all the wonderful gifts.Blake and I appreciate your generosity and look forward to seeing you at the wedding next weekend.Please enjoy the desserts that were provided by Audrey Wentworth.”
Audrey stood and nodded sedately at the crowd, her smile smug.With a tiny wave of her hand, she sat down primly again.She and Prissy put their heads together and talked quietly.Mercedes didn’t trust the women, either of them, but she trusted Blake and knew Carli was more than capable of taking care of herself.
For the next twenty minutes, people milled around, taking a closer peek at the gifts and chatting with each other.The room was definitely divided into two groups: the wealthy ones and the normal ones.Having a good deal of money would certainly be helpful when you were married, but if this was the result, the nose in the air, she’d rather stay in her own tax bracket.
When Blake showed up a short while later, he had Evan in tow.
Good stuff?he signed from across the room, pointing to the gift table.
Lots of good stuff, she signed back, ambling closer to him.
Maybe we should have a shower.Get things we need for the apartment.
Her breath froze for a second.Did he realize what he’d said?You want us to get married to have a bridal shower?
His expression grew frightened in a comical way.No, just a shower to get better stuff.Don’t they have ones like that?
She laughed.No, sorry.To get a shower, you either have to get married or have a baby.
The corner of his lip turned down.Darn.
Why are you here?
They need my truck to move all this stuff to their place.I guess I come in handy for something, huh?
In her opinion, he came in handy for many things.That’s very generous.
He took a step closer and stroked her arm, then glanced quickly around to see if anyone was looking.Most people seemed to be occupied with other things.Do I get rewarded for being generous?
She shrugged.You’re not being generous to me.You’d have to ask Carli or Blake for a reward.
He gave a quick shake of his head.That’s not the kind of reward I was hoping for.
She pulled him behind the table piled high with gifts and pretended to show him what was there.What kind of reward were you looking for?
This.He held up a box, so it hid them partially from view, then he leaned in and kissed her.It wasn’t long or passionate, but it thrilled her that he did it here in the open.Kind of in the open.
Licking her lips, she savored the brief touch of his lips to hers.I suppose I can reward you later, once we get back to our apartment.Would that be adequate?
The mischievous look in his eyes was more than answer enough.
The house was bustling like always.Evan truly enjoyed coming to his parents’ house for Sunday dinner at least once a month.With the bridal shower yesterday, his mother had wanted to get rid of the leftover food, and she’d entrusted that job to her husband and children.Mercedes had been included in the group invitation.
You got so many wonderful gifts yesterday, his mother said as they sat at the large dining table after filling their plates at the counter.“Oh, sorry Blake.I need to remember to use my voice when you’re here.”
“No worries,” he replied.“I understood what you said.One of these days, I’ll be able to slip right into a Deaf crowd and eavesdrop.”
