Page 34 of Babies at Coconuts

As if on cue, Mama Gia toddled over with a wet spot above her breast and a tray of small shot glasses containing a yellow liquid. “Suzy, I hope you don’t mind but I had a little chat with the bartender earlier and made sure he had limoncello. Let’s have a celebratory drink before the wedding. It’s a must at every Italian wedding.”

Suzy reached for a tiny shot glass. “I’m glad you remembered.”

Mama Gia nodded and smiled. “Drink yours first.”

“No.” Alex reached for the tray. “I’ll hold this, so the two moms can enjoy the first two shots.”

Hope whispered, “I think you have a maturity gene after all.”

“Haha. Not really.” While Suzy and Mama Gia clanked their miniature glasses together, Alex added, “I simply don’t like limoncello, but I’ll force it for this happy occasion.”

“Cheers.” Hope clanked her glass against theirs as one by one all four women drank a shot and gave quick toasts to Jon and Fernando.

“To our boys. Where are they?” Mama Gia asked.

Suzy reached for her hand. “They must be outside by now. Let’s go find them.”

Alex took Hope’s arm. “I think that’s our cue to take a seat.”

~ ~ ~

After Alex and Hope signed the guestbook, were donned with multi-colored leis by Izzy, they trudged through the thick sand.

Hope glanced from side to side. “Suzy outdid herself. I actually feel like I’m at the beach. I’ve never walked on sand before.” Kicking off her ballet flats, she said, “It’s easier to walk barefoot. The sand feels great. Try it.”

Alex peered at her friend sideways as her heels dug into the sand with each step. “Don’t you remember who you’re talking to? I don’t do bare feet on sand—or anything.”

“Oh, yeah, Miss OCD.” Hope shrugged. “Never mind.”

Hope and Alex made their way to the fourth row opposite Vinny, Frankie, and Luigi, who waved and winked, obviously recognizing them from the previous night. The men were dressed in khaki slacks and matching floral shirts, one green, one red, and one blue.

Waving back, Alex whispered to Hope, “I can’t imagine raising four boys.”

Hope’s mouth flew open. “I’ve never heard you utter anything about kids except for Tony’s son, I mean nephew, Joey.”

Adjusting her dark, oversized sunglasses, Alex said, “That’s because I don’t plan to have any.”

“That’s what they all say,” Hope said.

Alex raised her chin defiantly. “You’re one to talk. You don’t have any kids.”

“How did we get on this? My students at school are kids enough for me. Besides, that would require a husband—or at the very least a boyfriend.”

“Not really with modern science, but let’s change this dicey subject.” Alex glanced at the mingling wedding guests as she scanned the beachy venue. “I feel more relaxed already. Maybe I can ship some sand into my office. Dump some on top of Hannah.”

Giggling, Hope said, “That’s terrible but understandable.” Pushing her toes under the sand, she dabbed sweat off her forehead with a tissue. “I hope they start soon. It’s remarkably hot for this time of year.”

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