Page 70 of Cowboys at Coconuts

Already crossing the living room to change, Suzy said, “Respond that we’re on our way. Is baby Violet going to be there? It has been too long since I’ve held her.”

“I believe the whole gang will be there.” Ken responded affirmatively using both thumbs.

~ ~ ~

As they climbed into the car, Suzy struggled with her seatbelt. “These babies are getting bigger.” Giggling, she said, “I’ve got to loosen the strap.”

“Protect that precious cargo, sweetie.” Ken eased onto the highway and took the first exit sign for IHOP. “I’m starving. I’m glad Jon and Fernando suggested breakfast.”

When they entered the busy lobby, Fernando held a cooing baby Violet high in the air. Jon studied a menu near the hostess stand, and Vanessa ran to hug Suzy. “You’re glowing, Suzy.” The freckle-faced young mother patted Suzy’s baby bump. “Just a few more months. I can’t wait to see the twins. Have you thought of names?”

Ken and Suzy exchanged glances. He shook his head. “We haven’t decided.” Suzy reached for Vanessa’s hand. “I remember when you were pregnant last year. You, Jon, and Fernando chose the perfect name for Violet Grace. We’re struggling with names for the twins.”

Wrapping his arm around his mom’s waist, Jon said, “It’ll come to you. Thanks for joining us last minute.”

Handing baby Violet to Suzy, Fernando kissed both of Suzy’s cheeks. “I’m sure you want to hold your granddaughter, Mama Suzy.”

After they were seated and ordered, Suzy played Patty Cake with Violet who was dressed in her usual lavender at Fernando’s insistence. Within minutes, the server brought coffee, juice, hot tea, and platters of pancakes, bacon, biscuits, and eggs.

Suzy set Violet in a high chair and cleaned the tray with anti-bacterial wipes. Tearing off tiny pieces of food, she placed it on the baby tray. Giggling, Suzy said, “She eats it faster than I can get it to her.”

Everyone chuckled. Fernando said, “Some days Violet out eats my husband.”

“Thanks for inviting us. I love spontaneous get-togethers.” Suzy’s eyes filled with tears. “I was having a bad morning, hormonal, I guess. This is just what I needed.”

Jon and Fernando exchanged glances. Vanessa stared at her food. Picking up on their non-verbal actions, Suzy said, “What’s going on? I get the feeling this isn’t an impromptu breakfast.”

Jon opened his mouth and closed it. Fernando squared his shoulders. “Mama Suzy, there wasn’t a good time to do this.”

“To do what?” Suzy asked, eyes already filling with tears.

Fernando reached for his mother-in-law’s hand. “We’re leaving for Italy after breakfast.”

Suzy stopped with a bite of multi-grain pancake in mid-air. “You’re leaving now? Today?”

“Sorry, Mom.” Wincing, Jon said, “Fernando, Vanessa, and I discussed how to handle this. I know this seems abrupt, but you’ve been distraught lately, so we thought this might be best.”

“What do you Americans say?” Fernando waved his coffee cup in the air. “Rip the Band-Aid off?”

Leaning against Ken’s shoulder, Suzy said, “I know your mother wants to be part of Violet’s life. I can’t be a selfish grandmother, but this stinks.” Wiping away a stray tear, she said, “We’re going to the airport with you.”

Jon shook his head. “No, that’ll make it harder. Let’s say goodbye here.”

Sniffling, Suzy reached for baby Violet. “You’ve got to send me pictures every week. We must live chat too.” Kissing the baby’s cheeks, she said, “I want to watch her grow.”

“Done,” Jon said. “I love you, Mom. We’ll be back in a few months.”

Fernando attempted to lighten the mood. “No worries about the live chats and photos. My mama will see to it, otherwise she’ll thump our heads.” Vanessa rubbed Suzy’s arm. “Sorry, Suzy. I’m going to miss you too.” She brightened, “But I’m really excited about my first plane ride and seeing another country.”

“We’ll manage.” Ken reached for the check. “Breakfast is on me. Have a safe trip across the pond. Please stay in touch.”

After tearful farewells in the parking lot and many more kisses and hugs, Suzy and Ken wrapped their arms around one another as they waved goodbye. When the car was out of sight, Suzy squeezed her husband’s hand. “I wish I could drink.”

Chapter 69

Cheri had already spoken to two clients and checked in with Fifth Avenue Catering. Her new pastry chef, a female, seemed to get along with Julio and had promised to email several new quiche recipes for a socialite’s upcoming wedding brunch reception—one with bacon, one kosher, and another vegetarian. Cheri responded, “Make sure you also have fresh fruit, chocolate hearts with the couple’s initials, several pitchers of mimosas, and it will go smoothly.”

She signed off, changed clothes yet again, and paced while waiting for Cole.I wonder what exactly Cole meant by camping when he called?Glancing at the clock, timely as always, the doorbell rang at noon. Cheri opened the huge, rather squeaky, front door. “Hi.”

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