Page 25 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 19

Suzy’s stomach churned. As a wedding planner, she was normally a pro and effortlessly calmed her brides. But this was different. Today’s wedding was for her son.

Ken shuffled into the kitchen and kissed her as he reached for the coffee pot. “Big day.”

“I’d say.” She refilled her pink and black Weddings by Suzanne mug for luck. “What did you think of Fernando’s mother?”

Before Ken answered, Izzy appeared. “She’s bossy.”

“Guess she makes me look good,” Suzy said.

Izzy actually smiled. “Did you get my texts last night? I learned some new swear words. I translated her Italian for you.”

“Is that what you were doing?” Ken asked. “I figured you were chatting with friends.”

Suzy retrieved her phone from her purse and showed Ken fifteen texts from Izzy. She turned toward her stepdaughter. “Thank you, Iz. That was helpful.” Pausing, she said, “Maybe I should learn Italian.”

“Unless you want her talking about you.” Izzy reached for a box of Raisin Bran while Ken set the milk on the table.

“Eat up, you two. We’ll need our energy today.” Suzy placed a blueberry English muffin in the toaster and poured orange juice into three glasses.

~ ~ ~

After breakfast, Suzy rushed to the Crystal City Salon where the stylist fashioned her red hair into a messy side bun. Racing home to change, Suzy noticed Ken had already donned a navy and white tropical shirt and khaki pants to fit the luau wedding theme. “You look great, hon.”

“What about me?” Izzy appeared in the hallway wearing a green and white striped one-shouldered sundress adorned with colorful parrots.

“That’s a cute dress, Iz. Love the parrots.”

Ken handed his wife a cup of coffee and gave her a light kiss. “This is decaf. Relax. Everything will be fine.”

“How did you know I was nervous?” Suzy accepted the java and disappeared into her closet. Tears filled her eyes as she searched for her mother-of-the-bride dress. I want today to be perfect for Jon and Fernando.

She donned a gold and white strapless dress with a huge, striking jewel-accented orange blossom at the cinched waist. The orange clashes with my red hair but Fernando loves orange so . . . Deciding to wear white flip-flops to be comfortable while she set up the venue and grabbing a change of casual clothes, Suzy added a pair of gold, strappy heels and a beaded, orange clutch. Adding tasteful pearl earrings as the final touch, she twirled in the mirror.

Ken whistled when Suzy stepped into the living room. “Thanks, hon. We’ve got to go.” Ken and Izzy piled into Suzy’s Suburban and drove mostly in silence to Coconuts. After parking, Suzy groaned. “Look at her.”

“Her who?” Ken asked.

Izzy chuckled. “Mama Gia already looks pissed off.”

“Izzy. No cursing,” Ken said.

“She does look pissed.” Suzy unlatched her door.

Izzy hopped out with her phone practically glued to her hand. “I’ll translate.”

Ken glanced around the lot. “I don’t see Bill anywhere. Guess I beat him here.” Grinning, he said, “I’ll get the Russo boys to help me set up the chairs when they arrive.”

“Thanks, babe. Leave space for an aisle down the middle.” He gave an okay sign and motioned to Izzy. Suzy knew beating Bill to the punch was a small victory in Ken’s eyes but her ex was the least of her worries. As she crossed the crunchy parking lot, Suzy waved to Mama Gia who stood with her hands on her hips, scowling.

With obvious trepidation, Fernando’s mother followed Suzy inside Coconuts. After stepping inside the darkened bar, she watched half amused as Fernando’s mother surveyed the room.

Mama Gia’s lips were pursed. “Where is my boy getting married?”

“Right here.” Suzy held both arms out to her side.

“In a bar?”

“I had a lot of wine last night, but I’m sure we discussed this.” Suzy reached for Mama Gia’s hand. “Follow me back outside.” They both squinted as they strode into the bright sunshine in the lot beside Coconuts. “Actually, to be specific, they’re getting married here.”

Mouth agape, Mama Gia swiveled her head from side to side. She studied Suzy as if she were a unicorn. “In a parking lot? My boy’s getting married in a gravel parking lot?” Her voice rose a notch. “I don’t think so.”

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