Page 69 of Interpreter

I nod. “He’s changing.”

Cade tosses the little girl up and onto his shoulders, his hands steadying her with a firm grip. “Come outside. We’re all on the deck.”

I look at Breck and wonder why she needs to be off her feet. “Are you okay?” I ask when Cade kisses her on the forehead, which is so damn sweet it makes my heart ache.

“I’m fine. Just pregnant with twins who will more than likely outgrow clothes in weeks just like their daddy.”

Cade’s face lights up at her comment, like these babies outgrowing clothes is an admirable trait to have. But really, looking at this man and all his muscles, I think Breck will never worry about having to carry a vacuum up the stairs, banging your ankles and killing your arms. I may have some experience with this. I’m just saying, Breck seems to be one adored woman.

“Come,” she says, taking me by the arms as if we’ve been friends for years. “Major Jameson will only ask once.”

That must be a theme around here. Mr. Lambros says he’ll only ask once, but I can usually pull a couple out of him. I like a challenge.

The backyard looks like a guys’ playground. A full-size baseball field is within walking distance but far enough away that it doesn’t take away from the beautiful deck with its hanging Edison bulb lights and comfy deck loungers. Cade was right; everyone is out here, including my best friend who is spread out on a lounger by the pool. Marcus is next to him, each of them with a beer in their hand, listening to an animated Hayes.

“I’ll see you guys later,” a woman with midnight hair announces, hugging Breck and Anniston before she leaves. “Don’t let his ass drown; he’s had a few beers and showing off for our company.”

Anniston, her arms now wrapped around her own baby, responds, “Don’t worry, I’ll run it out of him later.”

“You must be Milah,” she says after a quick smirk to Anniston.

“I am,” I say, my hand, for some reason, wanting to sign.

“I’m Bianca, Hayes’s girlfriend.” At that comment, Anniston and Breck make this swooning noise that sends Bianca’s eyes rolling. “I have to go do my community service, but if you’re still here when I get back—”

“You won’t be available,” interrupts Hayes with a kiss so hard that it sends Bianca through the French doors. “I know you weren’t trying to leave without telling me bye, darlin’.”

I turn back to Anniston and Breck, unsure of what I might witness if I keep watching.

“I hope you don’t scare easily,” Anniston muses, she and Breck grinning.

I wave them off. “I live with Felipe.” I point to my roommate who has now lost his shirt and is taking a long look at the guy with a lot of tattoos.

“Wow. Look at Kane behaving.” This comes from Breck. I look again at Pe and wonder what in the world he could be saying that entertains Kane, which Breck and Anniston seem shocked by.

“Pe can entertain a goldfish,” I say with a shrug. “He has one of those personalities that you just can’t ignore.” So true. Pe is considerate and kind. He might not be humble, but he’s thoughtful, and like Breck said earlier, kindness is rare. She said honest, as well, but Pe isn’t honest. He likes his little white lies, and frankly, so do I. I don’t really want him to be honest when I ask how a new dress looks. I want the lie. Always the lie.

“Anniston. Brecklyn.” A young guy, probably in his mid-thirties, greets us on the back deck. I legit am going to have to make a cheat sheet for all these names and faces.

“Dr. Parker!” Anniston goes in for a hug. “I’m so happy you could make it!”

“Thank you for inviting me.” He seems sincere, not like he had to take a shot of Fireball to get over his nerves to come to a family barbecue. I am not speaking from experience, I swear.

“This is Milah,” Anniston says, turning Dr. Parker’s attention to me like I’m something special.

Dr. Parker’s eyes are kind as he holds his hand out. “It’s very nice to meet you, Milah. I’ve heard good things about you.”

He has? Who is this guy and why has he heard about me?

“It’s nice—”

“Dr. Parker….” Uh-oh. I know that tone. It’s Mr. Broody, and he’s not near as happy to see Dr. Parker as Anniston is. “What are you doing here?”

“Anniston invited me,” he returns, his hands signing along with his words. “And since you can’t remember where my office is, I figured I would come to you.”

“I’ve been busy,” he gruffs out, not signing.

“I see.” Why does Dr. Parker look amused by Tim’s behavior? “I was just introducing myself to Milah.”

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