Page 132 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 91

Suzy raced home after meeting her friends at Coconuts. I’ve got to tell Ken and Izzy immediately. She broke out in a sweat wondering about their reactions. Who am I kidding? I only care what Ken thinks. Like it or not, Izzy will have to deal with it. Turning on a hard rock station to drown out her nagging doubts, she drove home on autopilot.

Stepping inside the kitchen, Suzy placed her purse on the floor and keys on the counter. Stalling by getting a glass of water, she noticed Ken was in his favorite recliner watching a game. Izzy sat cross-legged on the floor with her face glued to her phone. Suzy could only imagine how a crying baby would turn the teen’s life upside down—kind of how Izzy had turned Suzy’s life upside down. Karma really was a bitch.

Suzy forced a bright, cheery tone. “Hey, guys. Roast is in the crock pot, but before we eat, can we talk?”

Ken made a noise that sounded like “Mmmm” while Izzy ignored her.

“Okay, then.” Suzy clapped her hands. “Can I have everyone’s attention? Family meeting time.”

Izzy groaned. “What is this? The Army?” She continued staring at her phone, avoiding eye contact. “You’re always so formal.”

“How would you like for me to say it, Izzy?” Realizing her sharp tone, Suzy dialed it down since she wanted her stepdaughter to get aboard the baby train. “How’s this? I want to tell you both something really important. Please hear me out.”

Ken’s eyebrows shot up. “Important? Why didn’t you say so?” He muted the television. “What’s up, babe?”

Suzy moved to the couch and patted the seat beside her. Ken got up from his chair and placed his warm arm around her shoulders. Izzy stood, half glancing at her parents and half scrolling through her Facebook feed.

Ken studied his wife. “Well . . . Don’t keep us in suspense. What is it?”

Suzy held her husband’s face in her hands. Almost in a whisper, she said, “I wanted to tell you this in private. That would have been ideal but—” She glanced at the mostly bored teen. “Maybe this is better since we’re all a family now.”

Izzy threw her free hand in the air. “Stop with the drama. Geeze.”

Suzy’s eyes brimmed with tears.

Ken took his wife’s hands in his. His focus turned to palpable concern. “You’re shaking. Are you okay, honey? Is this about your health?”

Suzy shook her head. “No. Well. Sort of.”

Izzy grumbled. “Will you get to the point?” She turned back to her cell. “I have homework.”

Suzy glanced from Ken to Izzy. Swallowing past a colossal lump in her throat, she said, “Bottom line: I’m pregnant.”

Ken sat eerily silent for far too long. Izzy stormed from the room, yelling, “I’m the baby in this house.” She slammed her bedroom door.

That’s for sure. Suzy rolled her eyes.

Ken shouted, “You’ll always be my baby.”

Suzy wanted to gag. “This went over well.”

Ken turned to his wife. “Are you sure?”

“I took four pregnancy tests from two different stores. They all came back positive. Besides, my period is late. I thought it was due to the stress of Jon and Fernando’s wedding, baby Violet, and the funeral.” Suzy met her husband’s confounded eyes. “I’m sure, Ken. I’m going to have a baby.”

He stared at the muted television so hard he didn’t blink. After seconds that seemed like hours, he said, “I need to process this.”

A tear snaked down her cheek, even though Suzy had tried to suppress her emotions, she expected more positive responses from her husband and stepdaughter. Jutting her chin out defiantly, she said, “I’m keeping the baby.”

Ken put his hand on her leg. “Don’t get upset. I’m shell shocked, that’s all. I need a little time to adjust.” He kissed her cheek, her mouth, and then her belly. “You’re not keeping the baby. We’re keeping the baby.”

Full-on tears streamed down her cheeks. Suzy kissed her husband through salty tears. She mumbled, “We’re going to have a baby.”

Afterward, she frowned. “What about Izzy?”

Ken squeezed her closer. “Let me handle her. Izzy will come around. Give her time.” He kissed her belly again. “I love you, both of you.”

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