Page 92 of Cowboys at Coconuts

After meeting with a potential bride at The Coffee Drip who received an unfortunate breakup text during their consultation, Suzy tried to console the distressed bride-to-be to no avail. Weeping loudly, Suzy rubbed the young woman’s arm and spoke in soft tones. Doing her best to soothe the heartbroken woman, she asked if she’d rather go outside.

“No! My life’s ruined.” The almost-bride-to-be wailed, moaned, and slammed her fists on the table. Every coffee shop patron turned toward them. Wincing, Suzy said she could relate since she had been through something similar with a previous fiancé years ago—different but still heart wrenching—and it all worked out for the better.

Sniffling, the woman whimpered, “You have?”

“Yes, and thank goodness I didn’t marry that man.” Calming down slightly, Suzy took her cue. “Hon, I have a doctor’s appointment. Can I make a call for you? To your mom, maybe?”

Head still on the table and plucking every napkin out of the dispenser to blow her nose, the almost-bride handed her phone to Suzy. “Her number’s under ‘Mom.’” Suzy scrolled through the contact numbers, dialed, and handed the phone to the girl. Glad she had a reason to leave, she whispered good-bye, and drove across town for her appointment.What a nightmare that wedding would have been.

~ ~ ~

Sitting in the waiting room for an appointment with her obstetrician, Suzy again compared herself to many of the young, twenty-something, if that, moms. Covered in tattoos and piercings, she held herself back from giving them advice and wondered if Alex would be able to do the same.Doubtful.

A baby wailed in the corner.I should take advantage of my peace and quiet while I still have it.Scrolling through her Weddings by Suzanne Facebook page, Suzy gave an update to potential brides, commented on her tagged photos, and thanked them for referrals.

Her phone pinged. Feeling a huge sigh of relief when she realized the boys, Vanessa, and the baby had landed safely in Europe, Suzy scrolled through new photos of baby Violet. Jon had sent photos of the baby at the airport, on the plane, in a car seat, and one with a smiling Mama Gia holding the precious bundle. Fernando’s brothers, Luigi, Vinny, and Frankie, photobombed the shot and held rabbit ears behind each other’s head.I can almost see Jon rolling his eyes. Maybe being around Fernando’s crazy brothers will loosen him up a bit.

Chuckling as if Fernando’s Italian brothers had heard her, the next photo sent from Fernando’s phone showed Luigi giving Jon a noogie.He’s going to hate that, but I’m sure it’s a rite of passage in this crazy family. At least he’ll enjoy fantastic food. Fernando’s mother knows how to cook. She proved that at the guys’ wedding last spring.

Texting back saying she missed them already but was glad they had landed safely, Suzy asked the guys to keep the pictures coming. Staring at each photo again, she felt one kick and then another. Placing her hand on her lower belly, she took a selfie of her belly, and said:The twins said hello. They just kicked for the first time. I love you, son. You’ll have a brother and sister in a few months. Mom

Chapter 84

Staring at Tony over her zebra print coffee cup, Alex’s mind swirled with potential ideas for the use of the money. One idea rose to the top. “Why don’t you set up a trust fund for Joey’s college?”

He brightened. “That’s a good idea. But how?”

“Easy. Show-Me Bank has a trust department. I’ll schedule a meeting for you.”

“Slow down on setting up an appointment. I want to think about this. Weigh my options. Decide if I even want the dough.”

“Want it?” Alex’s eyebrows shot up. “Why the hell wouldn’t you? Obviously, Mrs. Magilicutty wanted you to have it.”

Tony ran his fingers through his hair. “You haven’t even told me the amount. If it’s a huge like you said, then it’s too much for one boy’s college.”

Grinning, Alex said, “I could help out by making a helluva dent at T.J. Maxx. Maybe I’ll even buy the whole damn store.”

Spewing his coffee, Tony said, “It’s that much?”

Absentmindedly stirring her coffee, Alex tried to comprehend the will and fact that Tony’s the beneficiary. “Even though I work at a bank and am surrounded by cash, I’m not used to considering how to blow through massive amounts of money.”

“How massive?” He leaned forward. “Tell me.”

“Three mil, Tony. Three. Million. Dollars.” Alex spoke slowly and deliberately as if she were talking to a two-year-old.

“Holy shit.” Shaking his head, he muttered, “That’s a far cry from a cop’s lousy salary.” Tony let out another slow whistle. “Damn. Why, Mrs. M, why?” He rubbed his forehead as if trying to understand the reasoning behind his beloved elderly shoplifter. “I’ve got to handle this the right way. I don’t want to blow through it. I want to be responsible and make Mrs. M proud.” His eyes widened. “I think I’ve got it. I’m pretty excited about this.” Reaching for Alex’s hand, he said, “Let’s go.”

Holding a bite of pie in mid-air, Alex said, “Wait. What is it?”

“Later.” He ate one more mouthful, fished out forty dollars, and left it on the table for Gus. “My treat. Let’s go to your house and watch the Alex and Tony show.”

“You’re impossible. Don’t you ever get tired of that show?”

“Never.”

~ ~ ~

Alex drove Tony back to Walgreens so he could get his car. After both pulled up in front of her house and stepped inside, she wrapped her arms around Tony’s neck. “I know this has been a rough day. I’m freaking exhausted after all of the travel, but I’m sorry about that sweet old lady. I know she meant a lot to you.”

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