Page 135 of Babies at Coconuts

As the baby reveal sank in, Alex gasped. “No. No way.”

Suzy’s face turned ashen. Grabbing the cake table with both hands, she nearly toppled it over.

Cheri steadied the table while Ken caught his wife before she fainted.

As he led Suzy toward a chair and stroked her sweaty red hair off her cheek, his face turned grim. “Maybe this wasn’t the best idea.”

Wild-eyed, Suzy studied her husband’s face as if it were the first time she had seen him. Turning toward her best friends, she pleaded, “Someone please tell me I’m dreaming.”

Alex covered her mouth with one hand in an obvious attempt to keep from laughing, but a rogue chuckle broke through. “Sorry, Suzy Q. You’re apparently a fertile, almost-forty mama. If my deductive skills are working, it appears you’re having twins.”

Still pale, Suzy stared at her husband for confirmation. “Ken?”

“Yes, sweetie, you’re—we’re—having twins. One boy and one girl.” Ken kissed both of his wife’s hands and then her mouth. “Amazing, isn’t it?”

Suzy ran her fingers through her hair. “I can’t-I can’t . . . We may need to renovate the house. Does this mean we need two nurseries or will they be in the same room? What about—? Wow. Oh, my goodness. This is the last thing I expected.”

Winking, Ken said, “I didn’t expect twins either but I’ve had a week to get used to the idea. Like Alex said, you must be fertile.” Ken winked. “Maybe I had something to do with it. I wish Izzy were here. She insisted on staying home since she has finals tomorrow.”

“I’m going to need her help more than ever.” Suzy bit her nail. “And yours, honey. This will take a team effort. Actually, a group effort.” Laughing, she said, “Maybe even the Army.”

Alex held her flute in the air. “It’s wonderful, Suzy Q. But better you than me.”

“Haha. Thanks, friend.”

Hope clasped her hands together. “I’m really, really excited. I’ve never known anyone who has had twins.” She eyed the cake. “What flavors are those?”

Cheri beamed. “I decided on a vanilla bean cake with cream cheese icing. One filling is cherry and the other layer is blueberry.” She added, “Ken swore me to secrecy since I made the cake. Congratulations, you two.”

Hope brightened. “I’ll help babysit.”

“I’m afraid of babies.” Alex shivered. “I’d probably be of better help with your bridal business. Or not. I wouldn’t have the patience for some of your neurotic brides, but hey, I’d give it a shot.” She glanced at the cake table. “Are we going to stare at that luscious dessert all afternoon or eat it?”

Suzy seemed to find her composure. “I’ll serve. It’s the least I can do since I’ll never have time to do anything again in the future.” A nervous laugh escaped as Jon and Fernando bounded inside.

“Mom, are you having a boy or a girl?” Jon asked.

“Yes and yes.” Suzy beamed. “Want some cake?”

“Whoa.” Jon froze in place. “What?”

Fernando elbowed him. “You’re obviously not in the medical field. I think she means she’s having twins.”

Jon gulped. “That’s cra—” He stood silent for several seconds. “You’re taking this well, Mom.”

Ken patted Jon on the back. “This has been the season of babies. Congratulations, big brother.”

“That’s so weird.” Jon scratched his head. “But a good weird, Mom. A really good one.”

Suzy’s eyes widened. “At my age, how will I handle twins?”

Alex cocked her head. “You can do anything, Suzy Q. Anything. Although . . . this is a lot, even for you.”

Beaming, Ken held a piece of white cake in the air. “Who wants a slice?”

Suzy held out her hand. “Pass me some since I’m eating for two. I mean three.” She placed her hand on her chest. “Oh, geeze.”

Hope reached for a plate. “You know I won’t turn it down. Sit down, Daddy. I’ve got this.” After she doled out the cake, everyone was unusually quiet, likely from shock.

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