Brian pointed across the table to his sister.“Deanna’s still single, too.”
“But you’re six years older than her,” their dad said.“She’s still got some time.”
“Yeah, bro,” Evan said.“Pretty soon you’ll be dried up and on the shelf, while the rest of us are luxuriating in wedded bliss.”
“Yeah, yeah.When I meet the right lady, I’ll know it.”
“How about that girl—I think her name is Sue—from Deaf Night Out?She seems interested.”
Brian’s face flushed, and Mercedes took note as Evan razzed him.She’d have to check out this woman next time they were there.
Deanna rushed in and saved Brian from any more questioning.“Have you made any plans yet for the wedding?”
Mercedes shook her head.“We only got engaged Friday night.I’m still basking in the glow of my beautiful ring.”
Evan winked at her.“How about that reception hall Blake and Carli had, huh?”
His mother’s face blanched.
“No, he’s only kidding,” Mercedes said.“Nothing fancy.Immediate family and close friends only.”She peeked at Evan, who nodded.They were on the same page.
She knew there’d be times in the future when they’d have disagreements and possible fights, but hopefully the love they had for each other would shine through to help them on their way.
Epilogue
Deanna Jameson picked up a deviled egg and took a big bite.So good.Yet this engagement party was a bit different from the one thrown for Carli and Blake last year at the Wentworth mansion.Today, they celebrated at the Elk’s Lodge in town with food brought in from friends and family.Her brother Evan was getting married to Mercedes, his childhood crush, their sister’s former roommate, and the love of his life.
It was funny that it had taken those two so long to figure out their feelings.Deanna had never said anything, but she’d sensed the tension between them for years.Good tension that leads to a lifetime of happiness.Hopefully.She’d love to find a man to share her life with someday.It hadn’t happened yet.
“To Mercedes and Evan,” her oldest brother, Brian said.“May they always be as in love as they are today.”
Everyone raised a glass and toasted the happy couple.A few more people said nice words with Brian interpreting for the hearing people in the crowd.
Once that was over, the guests nibbled on more of the food and talk began regarding the wedding.
“When’s the happy occasion taking place?”
“Have you chosen a venue yet?”
“Who’s in your wedding party?”
“Where are you going on your honeymoon?”
Mercedes and Evan fielded the questions like pros.“Probably in the fall.The wedding will be small.We don’t want anything elaborate.We can use the chapel at Tufts for the ceremony, and they have a cute little room we can use for the reception.I’ve already spoken to the chef at the dining hall, and he’s happy to cater it for us.”
Evan pointed some fingers.“I’m hoping Brian will be my Best Man and Blake and Jonas will be groomsmen.”
The men in question grinned and nodded.So much for asking them privately like Mercedes had done with them.
She smiled sweetly.“Carli is my Matron of Honor, and Deanna and my cousin will be bridesmaids.”
Deanna’s phone vibrated in her pocket—she loved that this dress had them—so she inched away and checked the screen.After reading what was on there, her breath stopped.
“Are you okay, honey?”her mother asked.“You’ve gone all pale.”
She shook her head, still not comprehending what she’d read.“Remember the army unit my class has been teaching to sign?There was a bombing near their base, and several of them were hurt.One of them was killed.”
Her father scowled.“Wasn’t one of them the uncle of your student?”
