Page 41 of Babies at Coconuts

“License and registration, please.” He put one hand on his hip. “You’re going to get a ticket, lady. Maybe two.”

Suzy felt her face flush. “My, my . . . Vanessa is having a baby.”

The officer raised his eyebrows. “Your daughter?”

“No, she’s my—”

Fernando’s voice rose. “The baby’s going to be my daughter.” He pointed toward Jon. “Our daughter. My new husband’s daughter.” Motioning with his head toward Suzy, he added, “Her granddaughter.”

The cop narrowed his eyes. “Sounds complicated.” He followed their eyes as the doors closed behind the paramedics.

“Complicated isn’t the half of it.” Suzy sighed. “If you must give me a ticket, will you please do it inside? My son got married a few minutes ago. Now he’s about to become a father. We don’t want to miss the birth.”

The officer regarded Jon, Fernando, Suzy, Ken, Izzy, and the bustling scene as the Russos ran over and filled the air with Italian phrases. An almost-smile crossed his lips. He closed his ticket book. “Go on.” He added, “But don’t run any more red lights.” The cop paused. “And congratulations.”

They sprinted toward the hospital. Suzy shouted, “Thank you” over her shoulder.

As everyone bolted toward the enormous revolving doors, they nearly toppled an elderly man and woman over in the process. Many “sorrys” later, they shot past the couple explaining “baby.” The older couple nodded and waved.

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