Page 35 of Until Then

His back is to me, but he’s in line for the popcorn and candy, his hands in front of him, and between his wide stance I make out two little feet in black dress shoes. No doubt, the nephew he can’t stop gushing about.

Maybe he wouldn’t want me to meet his nephew, and—no.

No. I’m not here to talk myself out of opportunities.

Not tonight.

I’m channeling my inner Mia and going with the flow. As if to prove my point, I catch sight of my fellow bridesmaid already sipping on her wine with the handsome stunt man. I shake out my hands by my sides. Ten steps away, five, one. I tap on Noah’s shoulder.

He reels around and I feel like my legs go boneless when his smile is instant.

“Wildfire.”

“Pretty Boy.”

I don’t even roll my eyes at the names. Almost like it’s natural, almost like it’s . . . us.

As suspected, Noah has a skinny little blond boy in front of him. He gently taps his nephew’s shoulders, drawing the boy to turn around.

My heart stops when Noah crouches in front of the boy and signs as he talks. “Jude man. This is my friend.” Each gesture is slow, but steady. “Can you say hi?”

I press a hand to my heart when Noah stands. He’s watching me, caution in his features, almost like he thinks I might turn around and walk away.

Has someone actually done such a thing?

Well, I will most certainly prove him wrong. I wave at Jude, then look to his uncle. “Does he read lips?”

Noah blinks. “Uh, no.”

“Got it.” I ensure my dress is decent, then lower to my knees in front of Jude Hayden. It takes a second to recall my signs, but I carefully introduce myself with my hands and words. “Hi, Jude. I’m Hayley.”

Jude greets me with a wave.

I tap the action figure in his hand and sign my question,Who is this?

The boy’s big brown eyes light up. He holds up the warrior on a plastic horse and points up at Noah.Uncle No.

Noah clears his throat, still looking at me like I sprouted four extra ears. “Uh, it’s the action figure of Kage Shade. My character.”

I inspect the figurine and lean in like I might whisper to Jude, but merely sign a little smaller, a little closer.He looks tougher than your real uncle.

Jude lets out a little breathy laugh, then gallops the toy up Noah’s leg, taking a step when the candy line moves forward.

I stagger back to standing and tug on my skirt before I flash the room. Noah’s face is unreadable.

He looks between his nephew, then back to me. “You sign?”

“My minor was in ASL and one of my occupational therapy clinical placements was in a school for the deaf and blind. I’m a little rusty, but I can get by.”

“Rusty?” Noah scoffs. “I don’t know what you said to him because you went too fast.”

“I insulted you and praised your fictional character.”

That draws a laugh. “Make my guy smile and I don’t care what you say, Wildfire.” Noah’s face sobers. He ruffles Jude’s hair, then lifts his gaze to mine. “Just when I thought you couldn’t get any more perfect.”

My stomach swoops like a whirlpool took hold of my insides. “I’m not perfect, Noah.”

“Hmm. Agree to disagree.”

---