Page 35 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 27

After not finding the grooms-to-be outside, Suzy and Mama Gia glanced around the darkened bar for Jon and Fernando.

Suzy’s stomach lurched as Jon’s impulsiveness gnawed at her. Surely, he wouldn’t chicken out. Maybe they’re hiding out in the men’s room.

While Mama Gia downed another limoncello, Suzy gave last-minute instructions to Vanessa and her dad and made sure her mother was already seated on the second row. While peeking at her watch for the hundredth time, Jon came from behind and kissed her cheek.

“Hi, Mom. I can’t believe the big day’s finally here.”

Fernando kissed her other cheek as Mama Gia bustled over and gave them all a group hug. “Sono felice.” He grinned. “That means, ‘I’m happy’.”

“I’m happy too.” Suzy hugged them both, took a deep breath, and clapped her hands together, clearly in wedding planning mode. “We need to start the procession. Everyone’s waiting in the hot sun.” She turned toward the grooms. “The priest is already standing at the arched platform. Have you two decided whether you’ll walk down last or would you prefer to go out the side door and stand at the front before the procession begins?”

The men exchanged glances and simultaneously said, “We’re walking down last.”

Fernando grinned. “We might as well make a grand entrance, don’t you think? I’m all about grand entrances. I wanted to salsa down the aisle but Jon wouldn’t go for it.”

Jon reached for Fernando’s hand. “I think we’re going to shock everyone enough with Vanessa and the baby. Why don’t we walk as normally as possible and hold hands like the typical couple we are?”

“Ah, yes. We’re definitely typical, well, except for the baby thing.” Fernando smiled at Vanessa. “It might be unorthodox to some, but not to me.”

“Hey, who said we’re unorthodox?” Vanessa playfully punched him.

Fernando kissed her freckled cheek. “You know I love you.”

She beamed. “Ditto.”

Gianni’s face was a combination of excitement and puzzlement. “I might be discovering your surprise but I’m confused.”

Suzy patted his arm. “Later, Dad. We’ve got to begin.”

“Enough chatter, everyone.” Mama Gia wiped her hands on the sides of her dress and glanced at the wet spot which was thankfully almost dry. “Tell us what to do, Suzy.”

“On it.” Suzy put her hands on everyone’s shoulders and lined them up near the outer door. She placed Mama Gia at the front to be escorted by her son, Vinny. Her three sons had fought over who would get to accompany their mom. After a few bombastic arguments, they ended up arm wrestling for the honor. Suzy shook her head at how different Fernando was from his rough and tumble brothers.

Suzy positioned her father behind Mama Gia to hold her spot. Vanessa would proceed after the moms and didn’t want an escort, saying baby made two. Jon and Fernando lined up to go last. Once everyone was in place, Suzy asked, “Ready, everyone?”

They proceeded to the side door as a sweaty Vinny appeared and propped it open. Suzy noticed Vinny’s dark hair had begun to curl around the edges. She winked at Jon and Fernando, and kissed her dad’s cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

Gianni squeezed his daughter. “Likewise, honey.”

Everyone squinted as bright sunlight filled Coconuts. A few patrons were at the bar but Gus had told the regulars about the wedding and most had steered clear of the venue.

Heart racing from both nerves and excitement, Suzy attempted to will herself to relax. The boys’ luau beach wedding came together.My parents are here, Fernando’s family made it over from Europe, the grooms are ecstatic, and Vanessa still hasn’t had her baby. Even Izzy is being pleasant. All is finally going according to plan.

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