Page 136 of Babies at Coconuts

Holding her last bite in the air, Alex’s face turned solemn. “I just realized something. I guess this is the end of our Coconuts tradition.”

“Oh, no.” Hope frowned.

“I hadn’t thought about that,” Cheri said.

“Never.” Suzy glanced at her friends. “I’m sure Gus will make me a Shirley Temple, soda, or hot tea. We’re still going to Coconuts for our girl time.”

“Thank goodness.” Alex swallowed her last bite. “Not to be selfish or anything but I couldn’t get through life without seeing you three at Coconuts.”

“Ditto,” Hope said.

“But after the twins are—” Suzy shrugged.

“We’ll cross that when we get to it,” Alex said. “For now, it’s about you and the health of your babies, sweet mama.”

Ken polished off his cake and sliced another piece. “This is delicious, Cheri. I’ll take a piece to Izzy. Wait until she finds out.”

Peering at her husband sideways, Suzy said, “That should be interesting.”

Alex stared at Suzy’s belly. “I wonder how much weight you’ll gain with twins.”

“Really?” Suzy narrowed her eyes. “You’re going there?”

“What did you expect? You know me.” Alex fished inside her plaid purse for her phone. “Hope and Cheri, let’s go buy some baby clothes. Stand sideways, Suzy. I want a before and after photo.”

“Alex.” Hope reached for Suzy’s hand. “You know we’ll be there every step of the way.” Cleaning up the plates, she said, “The reveal cake was delicious, Cheri. Thanks. And, Ken, yowza on the surprise.”

Eyes glistening, Suzy hugged her friends, then rubbed her barely-there baby bump. Whispering, she said, “I’d never get through this next phase of my life without you three.” Reaching for a paper napkin, she unfolded it. “Wait a second before you go.” Smoothing the white napkin out on the table, she asked, “Does anyone have a pen?”

Ken plucked a ball-point from his shirt pocket. “Here, but Cheri already covered the food and I paid for the drinks.”

“This isn’t a ticket, honey.” Glancing at her girlfriends, Suzy winked as she patted the napkin and made three columns. “This is a babysitting sign-up sheet.”

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