Page 109 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 77

On Saturday, Alex and Hope parked in an overflow lot, hustled inside, and picked up an exhibitor map. The tiny print on the Bridal Bonanza chart indicated the booth number for wedding planners, bridal shops, jewelry makers, makeup artists, DJ’s, photography vendors, and caterers.

As they perused the huge diagram dotted with pink and red hearts, Alex said, “Wow. This is a huge trade show. I didn’t expect it to be this massive.”

Hope scanned the burgeoning crowd. “It looks as though everyone wants to get married.”

“Sheesh.” Alex rolled her eyes. “Not me. Let’s find Suzy’s booth.” Throngs of women filled the vast halls—brides-to-be, mothers of brides, and a sprinkling of grooms-to-be whose glazed-over eyes indicated they’d likely rather be anywhere else.

Alex spotted the Weddings by Suzanne booth and led Hope toward a pink tulle-covered table. Several women were lined up and either poring through Suzy’s wedding photo albums or filling out forms for her door prize, a romantic honeymoon to Jamaica.

“Nice touch on that prize.” Alex grinned. “I think my marketing genes are rubbing off on Suzy.”

Hope nodded. “From those long lines, it’s obviously a great draw. I remember Suzy said she worked out a deal with a travel agent for the Jamaican trip in exchange for providing wedding planning assistance.”

“Yeah, wasn’t the travel agent newly engaged?” Alex asked.

“Yep. Perfect timing all around.”

Suzy’s booth was draped in pink and black, the colors of her logo. Her brochures stood upright in a clear container on a black tablecloth. A pink backdrop showcased enlarged photos of a variety of weddings she had planned. Weddings by Suzanne pens were fanned out by the dozens near her business cards.

Alex elbowed Hope. “Jon and Fernando are here. Looks like they tore themselves away from baby Violet to help Suzy.” She chuckled. “Look at the women unknowingly hitting on them. They don’t know they’re out of luck.”

Hope winked in the guys’ direction. “Way out of luck.”

When they neared the front of Suzy’s booth, Alex whistled at the wedding planner. “You look fabulous.”

Winking and mouthing thanks, Suzy put her hands on both hips in a perfect model pose. She wore a silky pink blouse, black heels, and black slacks, her company colors, and held up a finger indicating they should wait while she focused on another client.

Hope turned toward Alex. “I’m excited about the cake competition.”

“Me too. I’m a little nervous for Cheri.” Alex checked her watch. “It won’t be long now.”

As brides bustled around her booth, Suzy pulled her long, red hair into a high ponytail, fanned herself with one of her brochures, and broke away to approach her friends.

“Hot?” Hope asked.

“Yes, I scurried around all morning carrying boxes and setting up.” Suzy hugged her friends. “Ken had a business conflict. Thankfully Jon and Fernando arrived earlier or I’d still be hanging photos.”

“Did I hear my name?” Jon hugged Alex and Hope. “Good to see you both.”

Fernando gallantly kissed the tops of their hands.

“Nice touch.” Alex winked at Fernando. “Want to train some straight guys for me?”

Hope kicked her foot.

“Ow. What’s wrong with that?”

Fernando chuckled. “Not a thing. We’re very happy.”

Jon put his arm around his husband. “Got that right. Happy but sleepy.” He yawned. “Who knew babies never slept at night? I’m beginning to think Violet is either a vampire or an owl.”

Everyone laughed as they viewed the newest photos of baby Violet while Suzy returned to her booth to chat with a potential bride and groom.

Alex spotted the stage and pointed. “Shall we head over and find Cheri? Maybe we can give her a pep talk before the competition.”

Suzy obviously overheard their conversation and glanced at her watch. “You’re right. It’s almost time.” She waved Jon and Fernando over. “Guys, will you watch the booth for thirty minutes, give or take, so I can cheer Cheri on?”

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