Page 19 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 14

Two servers broke the awkward conversation as they cleared the uneaten food, dirty dishes, and brought fresh coffee.

In order to keep Mama Gia at bay, Ken stood and made a beautiful toast to the two grooms-to-be, discussing how Fernando was a welcome addition to the family.

Glancing at a now semi-relaxed Jon, Suzy noticed he and Fernando were both having seconds of the Kulfi and had already polished off their Coconut Ladoo. From where she sat, she could see specks of powdered sugar on her son’s bottom lip and resisted the urge to tell him. She assumed Fernando’s mother would have wiped the white substance off if it were on his mouth and was determined not to be an overbearing mother.

“My turn.” Already tearing up, Suzy stood and tapped her wineglass. “I’d like to toast my son and son-in-law-to-be.” Her voice cracked. Locking eyes with Jon, she said, “I hope I can get through this. You’ve truly been the best son a mother could have. You’re wise beyond your years—stubborn at times—but definitely one of the good guys. The best, actually. You excelled in school, but more importantly, you always did—and continue to do—the right thing. You’re kind, sweet, smart, and generous.” Her voice broke. Taking a sip of wine for fortitude, she continued. “You’ve chosen a wonderful life partner in Fernando. I couldn’t be more proud to be your mother.” She glanced at Fernando and added, “And I’ll be equally proud to be your mother-in-law. I love you both.” Wiping her nose with a napkin, Suzy said, “And Vanessa, having Jon’s baby with Fernando fully embracing the little bundle is icing on the—”

“Baby? What baby?” All heads swiveled toward Bill.

Suzy heard Jon mutter, “Shit. Here we go again.”

Turning toward Vanessa, Bill said, “I can see you’re pregnant. What’s this baby news?”

Suzy rubbed her forehead, sorry Vanessa had to endure the conversation yet again. “I’ll fill you in later, Bill.”

A vivacious, always spirited Fernando piped up. “Why wait? I’ll fill you in now. Vanessa’s having Jon’s baby. She got pregnant at their high school prom. We’re going to be one big happy family so get ready, Grandpa #2.”

Alex burst into laughter. “I wish I could give a succinct recap like that at one of my bank board meetings. Congratulations, Grandpa #2.”

“Sorry, Dad. I meant to tell you. We’ve been so busy with the wedding and—”

Bill set his coffee cup down. “No problem, son, but just so we’re clear, I want a sexier name than Grandpa.”

Alex snorted. “I don’t blame you.”

Bill winked at Vanessa. “Congratulations, darlin’, and same to you, boys.” Rubbing his hands together, he said, “So I’m not late again, what time is the wedding tomorrow?”

“It’s at five o’clock but feel free to help us set up at two,” Suzy said.

Ken’s jaw tightened. “Thanks anyway, Bill. No need. I’ve got everything covered.”

Suzy noticed Izzy worked both thumbs again. She reached for her husband’s hand. “Honey, I think we can use all the help we can get. Remember we’re transforming a huge section of the Coconuts parking lot into a beach.”

“Whatever,” Ken muttered.

Bill glanced at his ex-wife. “I’ll be there early tomorrow.”

Ken lowered his voice. “As if we don’t already have enough friction with—” He nodded toward Mama Gia.

“Do you want to lug one hundred chairs?” Suzy asked.

Rolling his eyes, Ken said, “All right.”

Suzy noticed Vanessa and Izzy were deep in conversation.

The teen perked up, placed her phone on the table, and laid her hand on Vanessa’s belly. Izzy squealed. “The baby kicked. That’s so dope.”

Vanessa grinned. “It is dope. You can play with her any time.”

Suzy couldn’t believe her eyes. Izzy finally seemed interested in something other than her cellphone.

Straining to hear a conversation between her husband and her ex, Suzy heard Bill enthralling Ken with his latest elk hunting adventure and mentioned going to Canada for a boys’ hunting trip. He hasn’t changed a bit.

“Ooh.” Vanessa lurched and rubbed her belly. “That was a big kick. Baby is super active tonight.”

Jon’s eyebrows shot up. “She just needs to hold on another week until we get back from our honeymoon.”

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