Page 98 of Babies at Coconuts

Chapter 69

“I can’t believe it’s finally moving day.” Jon poured coffee into a disposable cup and handed one to Fernando. “Are you ready for our life change?”

“Absolutely. I’m already thinking about barbecuing on that shady deck.”

“I can’t wait to sit on the porch swing in the morning.” Jon nudged his husband. “And having Vanessa and Violet around all of the time will be—”

“Fabulous.”

Jon drained his coffee. “You’ve been incredible about this.”

“I asked you to stop bringing this up.” Fernando glanced around their apartment. “Just think. We won’t have to listen to neighbors stomp overhead or play music too loudly.”

“Or smell weird food,” Jon said.

“I can’t wait to live in a real home.”

“Me neither.” Jon tossed his coffee cup into the last trash bag, threw away their breakfast paper plates, and tucked a roll of paper towels under his arm. “Ready?”

“I was born ready.” Fernando stepped toward the hall. “I’ll take one last look around and make sure we didn’t forget something small like a charger.” He returned within minutes. “All good. Let’s go.”

~ ~ ~

After backing into their new driveway, Jon hopped out and lifted the heavy door of the U-Haul. Fernando unlocked the front door and propped it open.

As they began unloading, Jon said, “I’m glad I thought of labeling the boxes.” He winked as he took three to the kitchen.

“I thought I was the one who mentioned how helpful labels would be. You laughed if I recall.” Fernando winked as he stacked three boxes and placed them in the bedroom. “I’m glad we told Vanessa to wait and let Violet nap first.”

Straining with more heavy boxes, Jon said, “Yup. Me too.”

After two hours of unloading and sorting, Vanessa drove up. As she bent over to get the baby out of the car seat, the men spotted her from the living room and rushed outside.

Fernando dangled a blindfold.

Vanessa’s forehead creased. “Um, what’s that for?”

“You’ll see.” Jon reached for the baby. “Trust us.”

Fernando steered Vanessa between rows of boxes and toward the nursery. Jon followed with the baby.

Once she stepped inside the bedroom, Vanessa wrinkled her nose. “What’s that smell?”

Jon and Fernando exchanged worried glances, even though she couldn’t see them.

“Maybe Violet should sleep in a different room for a few days,” Jon said.

“Until it airs out. It won’t take long.” Fernando crossed the room and opened two windows. A soft breeze blew the white, lacy curtains.

“When can I look?” Vanessa asked.

“Oh, I forgot.” Fernando untied her blindfold.

Vanessa placed both hands on her cheeks and gasped. “It’s lilac. The entire room is lilac.”

“Actually, it’s violet.” Jon teased. “What do you think?”

Mouth agape she stared at a white rocking chair, white crib, and a changing table above a white dresser. On one wall a koala bear climbed up a lifelike tree with sprawling branches covered in green leaves, purple, and lavender flowers. An oversized ‘V’ adorned one wall, and a white wicker toy chest filled a corner. A tiny bookshelf lined another wall awaiting books for Miss Violet’s library. A toddler-sized ballerina wearing a violet tutu was poised above the bookshelf.

Vanessa finally found words. “I. Can’t. Believe. This.” Eyes glistening, she turned toward both men. “Violet’s nursery is gorgeous. It couldn’t be more perfect. I may sleep in here with her. I love it.” She shook her head. “When did you find the time?”

Grinning from ear to ear, Jon said, “We made the time.”

Fernando extended his arms wide.

Beaming, Vanessa embraced them.

“Welcome home,” both Jon and Fernando chimed. Baby Violet kicked her legs and vomited on Jon’s shirt.

Vanessa’s face turned pink and Fernando roared. “I see she isn’t quite housebroken.”

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