Page 133 of Babies at Coconuts

Epilogue

THREE MONTHS LATER

I get to find out the sex of my baby today. Suzy’s heart raced with excitement. Palms sweaty, she studied her husband as a cheesy grin seemed plastered on his face. Ken strode toward her in the kitchen and placed both arms around her neck. “Today’s the big day. Are you ready for the big reveal?”

“I can’t believe you already know the baby’s sex. Maybe I shouldn’t have agreed to a gender reveal party in front of everyone.” Suzy wiped her hands on her clothes. I can hardly take the anticipation.”

Ken kissed his wife. “Trust me, it’ll be worth the wait.”

Suzy turned her head sideways. “Hmm. ‘Worth the wait.’ Does that mean it’s a girl or a boy?”

“Nice try.” He poured himself some coffee and offered her a cup. Shaking her head, she pointed toward her hot green tea. “I’m antsy enough without caffeine.”

After a few sips, Ken continued. “I’m glad you agreed to wait. I wanted you to enjoy the moment with your girlfriends. I know how much they mean to you.”

Suzy’s eyes blurred with tears. “I do want them there.” She sniffled and dabbed her eyes with a tissue. “Thank you for understanding how special our friendship is.” Placing her head on Ken’s shoulder, she added, “You’re pretty special too. You know that? What time is the party?”

Glancing at the clock, Ken winked. “Two more hours. We arranged it at lunchtime so Alex and Hope could be there. I didn’t want to make you wait until after they got off work.”

“Small favors. Will there be food? I’m sure the girls will be hungry if they’re coming on their lunch hour.”

Ken heated his coffee in the microwave. “You’re always thinking of others. You’re going to be a great mom.”

“I’m already a mom.” Suzy grinned. “And a grandma. This is so weird.”

“It’s not weird. It’s wonderful. Now that I’ve gotten used to the idea, I’m surprisingly excited about a baby at my old age.” Sipping coffee, Ken said, “I’m glad the party’s today too. I can’t tell you the number of times your doctor, nurses, and I have nearly slipped with the pronoun.”

“Everyone has been mum. I still don’t have a clue.”

“You’ll know soon.” Saying he had to shower, Ken left the room.

Suzy ate a chocolate chip cookie, paced, and alternately checked her watch every ten minutes. She turned her laptop on, pulled up the Facebook page for Weddings by Suzanne, but couldn’t concentrate on work, other than noticing several more brides had recommended her services with five-star ratings. A few made inquiries as to her wedding planning pricing.

Making a mental note to make the baby announcement on her page—or not—she absentmindedly rubbed her belly. Would brides hire me if they knew I was pregnant? Maybe I shouldn’t announce it until I can’t see my toes. Still barely showing, she giggled. I’ve forgotten how much my body changes while pregnant.

Closing the laptop, her thoughts seesawed from one sex to the other. Do I want a boy or a girl? I already have a grown boy and a beautiful granddaughter. Oh, I don’t care. I just want a healthy baby.

Still, she couldn’t keep from weighing the options. On one hand, a baby boy would be familiar territory. But a little girl would be new and different and she could be best buds with Violet Grace.

How is it I’m going to be a new mom and a grandmother at the same time? Suzy took deep yoga breaths in an attempt to calm herself before stepping into the master bath.

Kissing Ken’s wet back, she said, “What color should I wear to our baby reveal?”

“Whatever you want.” He hung his wet towel on the rack and strode through the room naked.

“I thought you might slip and say pink or blue.” She studied his firm body and ran her hand along his toned arm. “Too bad we’re on a schedule.”

“I like the way you think.” He buttoned a yellow shirt and pulled on dark jeans. Patting her behind and pointing toward his shirt, he said, “I’m not giving you any clues.”

“Can’t get anything past you.” Scanning her closet, Suzy chose a silky, lavender full-length dress and matching heels. I might as well attempt glamour before I’m as big as a bus. Besides, pink and blue combined would create violet. It’s perfect for both sexes—and it’s our granddaughter’s name. Feeling satisfied with her choice, she added a new silver elephant necklace for good luck and brushed her hair.

Whistling, Ken said, “You look stunning, honey.” Kissing her cheek, he said, “Ready to go?”

She glanced one more time in the mirror, frowned, and leaned forward. “I think I’m getting a new forehead wrinkle. New moms aren’t supposed to have wrinkles.”

“Stop it. Come on, beautiful.”

As they drove, Suzy said, “Where’s the reveal party?”

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