Page 33 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 26

Peeking out a side window, Suzy noticed guests had lined up to sign the guestbook. Smiling, she noticed Izzy had remembered to place leis around their necks and appeared to be enjoying herself and off her phone for once. Suzy marveled that the men remembered to wear Hawaiian floral shirts while most of the women wore tropical sundresses. I guess some people read wedding invitations after all.

She grinned as many guests kicked off their shoes and placed them in large baskets strategically placed near the guestbook. Many sported hats or sunglasses and chatted while holding little umbrella drinks: piña colada, rumrunner, and strawberry daiquiri cocktails, which Gus had pre-made, and placed in rows on a grass-covered bar.

Checking her watch, Suzy wondered where Ken was, why Bill still hadn’t appeared, and jumped when she heard a familiar voice.

“How’s the mother of the groom?” Alex hugged her from behind.

Suzy swiveled. “Impressive. You’re here sort of early.”

“You can thank Hope for that.” Alex twirled in her knee length red, strapless sundress adorned with white sequined tropical flowers. A white gardenia was tucked behind her ear. “Approve?”

Whistling, Suzy said, “Definitely, as will all of the guys.” Suzy glanced at Alex’s shoes. “You look gorgeous but those red heels will sink in the sand.”

Hope cleared her throat. “Hey, I’m here too. What about me?”

Both friends swiveled toward Hope who wore tan Capri pants, a pink blouse accented with dark green palm fronds, and silver sequined ballet flats.

“You look adorable, girlfriend, but you need this.” Alex removed her flower and tucked it in Hope’s mass of brown curls. “There. Perfect.”

Hope touched the delicate floral. “Are you sure?”

“Positive.” Alex fished in her purse. “Besides, I have another one.” She plucked a silk purple hibiscus and pushed it over her ear.

“Do you have a rabbit in there, too, because I might need a magician today,” Suzy said.

“Uh-oh. Trouble already?” Alex scanned the sparse crowd. “Where’s Fernando’s mother?”

Suzy glanced over her shoulder. “I just saw Mama Gia go into the restroom. From the red stain on her bosom, it looks as though she splashed a little marinara sauce on her dress.”

“Marinara sauce?” Hope asked. “Did you change the menu? I thought you were serving seafood for the luau?”

Suzy lowered her voice and waved as a guest walked by. “She changed the menu. Apparently, she and her sons cooked all night so we’d have Italian food too.”

Alex cocked an eyebrow. “She cooked at your house?”

“No. Somehow, they cooked a feast in her hotel room.”

“Wow. That’s impressive.” Alex grinned. “It’ll be eclectic.”

Hope rubbed Suzy’s arm. “I’m surprised you’re handling this so well after all the planning you’ve done for Jon’s wedding.” She hugged Suzy. “Surprised—and proud of you.”

Shrugging, Suzy said, “I’ll be honest. My blood boiled at first but the more she discussed wanting to contribute and how much they love pasta, I realized it’s her son’s wedding too. I’m forcing myself to go with the flow.”

“Aren’t you mature?” Alex readjusted the flower in her hair. “Too bad I don’t have that gene.”

Leaning forward, Suzy whispered, “My parents are here.”

Hope gasped. “What? After the falling out from your—”

“Almost-wedding.” Alex finished her sentence. “How did your parents know about Jon and Fernando’s wedding?”

Filled with emotion, Suzy’s voice wobbled. “Both Ken and Jon invited them. They said Ken paid for their plane tickets from Canada.”

“I’m glad. Family feuds are horrible.” Hope teared up. “I know that all too well. Having them here will make the day complete.”

“Ditto.” Alex put her hands on her hips. “We need some wine to celebrate. Where’s Gus?”

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