He loved her hips.Glad someone did.As she slathered the honey butter onto her roll, she pondered what he said about indulging every so often.Did that include indulging with him?She certainly hoped so.
When the main dish arrived, Mercedes almost wished she’d chosen the beef.Evan’s beef medallions in mushroom sauce looked and smelled heavenly.Fish was much healthier, but the baked halibut with its lemon and herb crust didn’t call to her as much as the meat did today.
When she took a bite, she had to admit it was cooked to perfection and the couscous complimented it nicely, though she had never been a fan of Brussel sprouts.They ate silently for a few minutes, then Evan reached over and put something on her plate.It was a piece of his beef medallions.
What is this for?
That grin again.It would be the end of her.You want some.I know you do.The puppy dog eyes don’t fool me.
She wanted more than the beef.This man could read her mind.She thought back to many of the evenings when she’d known his emotions and moods without him saying anything.How had they become so in tune with each other?
Thank you.You’re the best.
Best roommate?Better than Carli?His impish eyes flirted with her.
You’re my best current roommate.Let him chew on that.
He bumped his shoulder into hers, and she laughed.A few eyes turned their way so she threw him a glare, just to keep in character with how they’d always teased each other.Evan’s mom smiled slyly, and Mercedes warmed to the thought of her accepting them as a couple.
As people finished their meals, Evan rubbed his hands together and Mercedes felt him tense up.He nodded her way and stood.She stood next to him.
“Excuse me,” he signed, and she voiced for him.
All eyes focused on them, and she gave him an encouraging smile.
“I wanted to say a few words, if people don’t mind.”
They received nods and smiles, so he began.“Carli was my first friend.She and I were always a team.Growing up, she followed me everywhere, or maybe I was the one following her.We’re only fifteen months apart, so we shared everything—toys, secrets … trouble.”
He paused to narrow his eyes at his sister.She rolled hers, but her lips turned up at the corners to soften the look.
“When she got her cochlear implants, I teased her.Probably too much.But it wasn’t because I thought there was something wrong with her or them, but because I was scared.Scared she’d move into a world where I couldn’t follow, where I didn’t belong.I worried she wouldn’t need me anymore.”
Mercedes had to clear her throat to get the emotion under control.Carli’s eyes were suspiciously wet.
“But she never left me behind.She always kept pulling me along.Her hand was constantly urging me forward with her.She’s like that.She doesn’t let go of people she loves.Then, Blake showed up.”
Evan set his eyes on his soon-to-be brother-in-law.“I’ll admit, I didn’t trust him at first.Hearing guy.Big smile.Rich.Too perfect.Hearing guys had come and gone before with Carli.However, Blake … he stayed.He learned our language—not because he had to, because he wanted to.He wanted to talk to her in the language of her heart.”
Blake and Carli smiled a secret smile at each other, Blake taking her hand.
“I see how he looks at her.Like she’s the most precious thing in his world.I see how she lights up when he’s near.That tells me everything I want to know.I don’t need words or signs to see their love for each other.Carli, you deserve someone who shows up for you every single day.Blake, thank you for being that person.I’m proud of you both, and I love you.To Carli and Blake, may you always be there for each other.”
Everyone that was gathered at the table applauded, even Blake’s stuffy parents.Mercedes quietly turned and snagged a tissue from her purse to wipe her eyes.Carli had done the same thing.
Even though Mercedes had known what was in Evan’s speech, seeing him tell his sister all those things had made her emotional because of the real emotion he’d put into his speech.Evan often joked around, but this was the serious side of him that she really liked seeing.
Carli skirted the table and wrapped her brother in a tight embrace, while Blake stood behind her.Evan closed his eyes as he hugged his sister, his bottom lip slightly trembling.
Mercedes couldn’t even try and deny it any longer.Evan Jameson was the man she loved and wanted to be with.Now to make sure he knew exactly how she felt.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Evan adjusted the bow tie, hoping he’d done it correctly.At the tux shop, he’d paid close attention to the clerk’s instructions on how to tie it.Then, he’d Googled a video as he put it on.It looked decent, and the tux made him seem classier, maybe even smart.
After stuffing his wallet and phone into his pockets, he trotted to the kitchen for a quick sip of Mountain Dew before Brian picked him up.Mercedes had left early this morning for hair and makeup with Carli, Deanna, and Annie.He couldn’t wait to see her in the bridesmaid dress.She’d refused to allow him even a glimpse of it but had said she absolutely adored it.
Brian’s car pulled up, so he hotfooted it outside and jumped into the passenger seat.Brian looked equally classy in his tux.“Looking good, brother.”
