Page 131 of Babies at Coconuts

“Oh, God, I hate that term. I’m too old to be knocked up.” Suzy nibbled on a roasted carrot.

“Apparently not.” Hope held the last bacon-wrapped date in the air. “Not that I know anything about this stuff.”

“And . . .” Suzy polished off her tea. “I know it seems like I’m betraying Ken by telling you first, but I suppose I wanted to test your reaction. A baby was not in our game plan. Not even on the playing field. In fact, Ken recently mentioned we’d be empty-nesters in a few years in a swoony, happy kind of way.” She grimaced. “He may be disappointed.”

“I bet Icky won’t like this at all,” Alex said.

“Izzy will likely see the baby as a threat.” Hope scanned Suzy’s now-worried face. “She may become jealous. Be prepared for that.”

“See how complicated this is? It spans different generations. What will my grown son, Jon, think? And my ex? My parents and sister?” Suzy’s face fell. “I can only imagine the jokes and discussions behind my back.”

Alex dipped an asparagus spear in dill aioli sauce and chewed thoughtfully. “You’re wrong. No one will joke behind your back. Actually, I’m guessing everyone will love the idea. Give them time.” She clapped her hands. “I’ll be Auntie Alex.”

“And I’ll be Auntie Hope. We can throw you a baby shower.”

“Ooh. I’ll be Auntie Cheri. I’ve never been an aunt. What fun it will be to buy baby designer clothes.” She giggled. “I’ll get the baby’s first animal print outfit.”

“Slow down.” Suzy held up her hands. “Thanks for your support. It means the world.” She turned to her friends with tears in her eyes. “I love you and am glad you’re excited.” Pausing, she said, “I hope Ken is.”

“Want my advice?” Hope asked.

Suzy nodded.

“Tell Ken about the baby tonight. Who knows? Maybe this little bundle will continue your coupledom magic.” Hope smiled at her friend. “I marvel at your happy relationship. It’s what I want. Maybe. Someday. Oh, never mind. I’m not even dating.”

“Do you always have to be so rationale and make me look bad?” Alex threw a balled-up napkin at Hope, then turned to Suzy. “She’s right. Tell him tonight.”

“Ditto,” Cheri said. “But thanks for telling us first. I’m honored. This meal is on me, ladies.”

“Thanks, Cheri. That’s sweet. In that case, I’m off to see my husband and tell him the surprise. Wish me luck.” Suzy took a cleansing breath, gathered her purse, and stepped between Happy Hour patrons as she crossed the darkened room.

As the front door closed behind her, Alex shouted, “When will you know if it’s a boy or a girl?”

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