Page 20 of Babies at Coconuts

Bill chimed back in. “So it’s a girl. I guess I’ll have to get the news piecemeal.”

Alex crossed her legs. “Fernando announced the sex earlier but you were even later to the party than me.”

“Dad, enough with the questions, okay?” Jon made his way toward Vanessa. “I think we need to get her home.”

Nodding, Vanessa yawned. “It has been a long day. I’m really tired all of a sudden.”

Fernando pulled out Vanessa’s chair. “We don’t want to wear you out. You’ll need your strength for—”

“Don’t say it.” Jon held his arms out to the side. “Don’t jinx anything.”

“Right.” Fernando helped Vanessa up.

Luigi set his wineglass down. “Can you put a plug in that thing until after the wedding?”

“Luigi.” Mama Gia smacked him on the head.

“What’s the matter? What do I know about baby stuff?” His brothers playfully punched him on both sides as Jon and Fernando ushered Vanessa outside and helped her into her car.

Suzy glanced at Ken. “Let’s call it a night. We have a big day tomorrow.” She asked Mama Gia if she needed directions to her hotel.

Holding her phone in the air, Mama Gia said she had it under control and mentioned they had a couple of stops to make before checking in.

Suzy wondered what in the world she’d need the night before the wedding but decided it was probably something mundane like a toothbrush or shower cap.

After a server attempted to refill her coffee, Mama Gia shooed him away. “Jetlag just hit me. I’ve got to get some rest before the wedding. Let’s go, boys. We have errands to run.”

“Jon, do you want to join us for a nightcap at the hotel? I’m sure my mother has some wine in her suitcase.”

Jon shook his head. “Thanks, but I’m exhausted. I’ll walk out with you.”

Suzy and Ken paid the chef and thanked everyone for attending. Soon, the room was empty sans dirty dessert dishes.

In the parking lot, Luigi grabbed Fernando around the neck then raked his knuckles back and forth across his scalp.

“Ow. Stop it,” Fernando said.

“My little bro’s getting married. You deserve a noogie for that.” After a throaty laugh, Luigi raked his knuckles across Fernando’s head a few more times for good measure.

Vinny and Frankie circled them chanting, “Fernando’s getting married. Fernando’s getting married.”

Fernando grimaced. “I see some of us haven’t grown up.”

Obviously not sure what to do, Jon muffled a stilted laugh. “I’m glad I’m an only child.”

“What?” Luigi released Fernando’s neck slightly. “And miss all of this brotherly fun? You’re next.”

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