Page 80 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 56

Cuddling on the couch in the middle of the afternoon, Ken and Suzy watched the movie Four Christmases for the gazillionth time, even though it wasn’t the holiday season. Ken always made Suzy giggle when he requested the flick because he could never remember how many Christmases were in the title. He’d say, “Let’s watch Five Christmases.” Suzy would cock her head and smile.

He’d try again. “Six?”

“Ken, they each have two sets of parents who divorced and remarried, so that makes four. It’s ‘Four Christmases’.” Suzy shook her head. “It’s not that difficult, hon.”

He shrugged and pulled her tighter. “Whatever.” Pointing toward the screen, Ken said, “We should role play like Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon in the beginning of the movie. It’s pretty hot.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “What do you think?”

“I think you’re a nut. A crazy nut who I love.” Suzy reached into a bowl of popcorn she had sprinkled with steak seasoning.

Ken popped a handful in his mouth. “What’s on this?”

“Steak seasoning.”

“Because everyone puts that on popcorn. Now, who’s the nut?” Ken reached for another handful.

With her mouth full, Suzy mumbled, “I like it.”

After he swallowed, Ken said, “It’s surprisingly good.” He nuzzled his wife. “We have a good life. I know Izzy is a challenge but do you realize she’ll be looking at colleges soon?” Squeezing her, he said, “You’re a good mom, stepmom, grandma, and wife. I’m a lucky man.”

“I’m lucky.” Suzy stroked her husband’s arm, then laughed.

“What’s so funny?”

“Alex would gag over our sugary sweet conversation. She isn’t into sweet nothings whispered in her ear.”

“Who cares?” Ken tipped his wife’s chin up and kissed her. “Do you realize we’ll be empty nesters in a few years? Jon and Fernando are married. Izzy’s in high school. Soon, it’ll just be us.”

Suzy paused the movie and turned to stare at Ken. “I guess I hadn’t thought about it. Our short marriage together has been such a whirlwind. I can’t imagine an empty house. What will we do with ourselves?”

“I can think of a few things.” Ken stroked her cheek. “We only waited twenty years to reconnect. It’s finally going to be our turn. Just you and me.”

“I love the sound of that.” Suzy ran her finger along his lips. “Honestly, I can’t wait until it’s just us. But I do plan to babysit our granddaughter often.”

“That goes without saying.” Ken reached for another handful of popcorn and kissed Suzy. “I love you.”

“I love you too, popcorn breath.” She grabbed the remote. “Are we ever going to finish this movie?” Winking, she added, “You know you’re at risk of my putting the holiday decorations up early every time I see this film.”

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