Page 36 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 28

Alex peered over her shoulder. “I wonder if Vanessa will be in the procession.” As if directed, she saw the young, pregnant woman toddle past the door. Wincing, Alex said, “Poor thing looks miserable. When is she due again?”

“In two weeks, I think. I don’t know the exact date.” Hope held her frizzy hair off her neck and fanned herself. “Can you imagine how this baby is going to change Suzy’s life?”

Alex shook her head. “Our best friend is going to be a grandmother.”

Hope grinned. “I can’t wait to babysit.”

“Have fun. I’m afraid of babies.” Alex adjusted her dress. “They make me feel old.”

“Don’t be silly. We’re young at heart and always will be.”

Alex watched as Izzy placed leis around the necks of a few last-minute stragglers. Soon, everyone settled onto a chair facing the floral archway. The priest smiled as beads of sweat formed on his forehead. Guests snapped photos, fanned themselves, and chatted.

“Isn’t that sweet?” Hope pointed toward a huge heart drawn in the sand near the altar. Jon and Fernando’s initials were carved in the middle.

“Nice touch,” Alex said. “Suzy thinks of every detail but I’m nervous for Suzy and Jon.”

“I’m nervous, period,” Hope said.

Another guest shushed them as Mama Gia and Suzy were escorted down the aisle. Leaning over, Alex said, “Suzy’s dress is stunning.”

“It’s gorgeous.” Hope touched the flower in her hair. “I see Suzy added a Bird of Paradise bloom beside her chignon. We all have flowers in our hair.”

Mama Gia posed for the cameras as Vinny held his head high, likely trying to appear taller since he was the shortest brother—and since he had won the honor of escorting his mother.

~ ~ ~

Suzy squeezed her father’s arm. “Ready, Dad?” Her eyes glistened with happy tears.

Gianni kissed Suzy’s cheek. “You look beautiful, honey.”

“Thanks, Dad. It’s our turn.” They took a step toward the door leading toward the sandy ceremony.

Gianni whispered as they stepped onto the sand. “I wish your sister could have come. Tara wanted to surprise you but couldn’t get off work.”

“I understand.” Suzy turned back toward Jon one last time and blew him a kiss. She smiled at the photographer and well-wishers as they made their way down the white rose petal-filled aisle. Perfectly shaped orange ribbons hung from the back of the chairs at the end of every row.

Dressed in a maxi-length green dress with sequins, Mama Gia waved so much her Bird of Paradise wrist corsage nearly fell off. Vinny puffed out his chest and made a cocky face as he passed his brothers.

Both mothers took their seats on the front row on opposite sides of the aisle.

“Suzy looks gorgeous,” Hope said.

“She’s already crying. Look.” Alex pointed. “She’s dabbing her eyes.”

“You would be too,” Hope said.

“I don’t cry.”

Another guest hushed them as Vanessa ambled down the aisle. Wearing white sequined flip-flops and a floor-length white gown with a pink ribbon at the empire waist, the red-faced young woman adjusted the sash above her baby bump.

Hope whispered, “She looks miserable.”

“She’s as big as my Mustang.”

Hope frowned. “Alex.”

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