by Beth Carter
A tear slid down Vanessa’s cheek. “I know you’re gay and getting married. You mentioned in high school you had feelings for men. I told myself it didn’t matter because I thought I was in love with you.”
Jon exhaled. “At least that’s cleared up.”
“I’d never force you to be involved.” Vanessa rested her chin on her hand. “Tell me about your boyfriend.”
Jon beamed for the first time all day. “Fernando’s amazing. We got to know one another in Europe and he came back to the states to meet my family. He’s definitely the one.” He obviously thought about his words and winced. “Sorry if that hurts your feelings.”
Vanessa shook her head.. “Not at all. I’m happy for you.”
Suzy couldn’t believe her ears. Vanessa and Jon were actually having an adult conversation. She wasn’t sure if she expected an explosion, for him to flee again, or for Jon to embrace fatherhood. An adult conversation wasn’t on her list of possibilities after Jon’s initial reaction. Suzy excused herself, went to the restroom, and cried. She wiped her tears with a paper towel, wet the tip, and endeavored to rub the mascara off her cheeks.
When she returned to the booth, Jon’s hand covered Vanessa’s massive belly. Exuberant, Suzy slid into her chair.
“Mom,” Jon said, “feel this. The baby moves.”
Excitement was also not on her list of options. At least not so soon. She placed her hand on Vanessa’s expanse and waited. Soon, the baby kicked. Suzy burst into tears again. “This is a magical moment. These are happy tears, I promise.”
Jon reached for his phone. “I’m going to text Fernando. He needs to be involved.”
“Are you sure?” Vanessa and Suzy asked in unison.
“Positive. He has a big Italian family and loves kids. I have a good feeling about this.” After he finished, he set his phone back on the table. “I asked him to come to the restaurant.” Jon stared at his phone waiting for Fernando’s reply. After his phone vibrated, he read the screen and turned to his mother and Vanessa. “He’s in the neighborhood getting a Starbucks. He’ll be here in a few minutes.”
Chapter 89
When the server cleared their Mexican platters, Suzy ordered coffee. She wanted another glass of wine to bolster herself before Fernando arrived but decided to wait. Maybe he’ll take it as well as Jon. Or maybe he won’t. Her stomach roiled.
After Vanessa excused herself to go to the restroom, Suzy addressed Jon. “I’m proud of you for coming back inside. You’re the true gentleman I raised. How do you think Fernando will react?”
Jon shrugged. “He’s the most easygoing person I’ve ever met. I suppose he could surprise me and break up but I highly doubt it. I’ve gotta admit I’m still astonished. That isn’t a strong enough word.” He pinched himself. “Guess I’m not dreaming.” He glanced toward the door and his eyes lit up. “Here goes nothing. He’s here.” Jon held his hands out. “I’m shaking.”
Suzy got the server’s attention and ordered drinks all around except for Vanessa’s hot green tea. Vanessa was still in the restroom when Fernando approached the table.
“I’m glad you called. I’ve missed you today.” Fernando pointed toward the alcoholic drinks the server had perched on a nearby tray. “Are we celebrating or is this pre-wedding jitters?”
“Something like that.” Jon patted the seat beside him. “You might want to sit down.”
Fernando put his arm across Jon’s shoulders. “Aren’t we being mysterious?”
Vanessa waddled up to the table and stood awkwardly, obviously not knowing where to sit since Suzy was in her former seat.
Suzy jumped up and added a fourth chair. All eyes were on Vanessa as she grabbed the back of the chair and slowly eased herself down.
The young woman extended her hand. “You must be Fernando. I’m Vanessa.”
As gallant as ever, Fernando kissed the top of her hand. “Wait. Are you the Va—” He glanced from Vanessa to Jon. “Is this your high school girlfriend Vanessa?”
Vanessa turned toward Jon and grinned. “So, you didn’t totally forget about me after graduation.”
Everyone fell silent for what seemed like hours until Fernando broke the silence. “I see you’re expecting.”
Vanessa rubbed her belly. “Yep, in two months.”
“Boy or girl?” Fernando asked.
She beamed. “A girl.”
Jon turned toward his fiancé. Reaching for Fernando’s hand, he said, “I’ll just get to the bottom line.” He cleared his throat. “Prepare yourself for a shock. The baby’s mine.”
Fernando nearly choked on his drink. He wiped his wet chin. “What? The baby’s yours?” He pointed toward Vanessa’s belly. “This baby?”
Jon nodded as he studied Fernando’s reaction.
Fernando continued, “You didn’t want to ease into that-that choice morsel?” He glanced from Jon to Suzy to Vanessa and back again with his mouth wide open the entire time. Then he laughed almost uncontrollably.
Jon raised his eyebrows. “You think this is funny?”
Suzy joined in with a nervous laugh. Vanessa sat silent.
“Have you chosen a name?” Fernando asked.
Jon’s mouth flew open. “That’s your question? The name? Don’t you want to know the timeline of all this? How it happened? Why it happened?”
Fernando waved his hands dramatically. “Not important. I know you two dated. I knew you had sex before me. I knew you were bi in high school. Sorry, Suzy, if you didn’t know.”
Suzy’s mind swirled. Another nervous laugh escaped. “Let’s just say I’m not surprised by anything at this point. Apparently, everyone knew Jon’s true feelings before I did.” She winked at her son.
Fernando took Jon’s hand and stared into his eyes. “I didn’t just fall off a pear cart, you know.”
“It’s apple but whatever.” This time Jon had the anxious laugh. “You amaze me.”
Suzy considered the unusual dynamics and decided to be quiet and let it play out before her eyes. In real time. After all, they were adults and each one was intricately involved.
Fernando studied Vanessa. “Do you have a boyfriend?”
Her cheeks reddened as she shook her head.
“Are you still in love with my boyfriend?” Fernando asked.
Jon’s mouth flew open. “Don’t ask her that.”
“It’s okay.” Vanessa smoothed her light blue, form-fitting sundress before answering. “Jon will always hold a very special place in my heart but I can see he’s happier with you. We were more like friends than a couple, really, except for that one fateful night. By the way, it was all my idea. I want you to know that, Fernando.” Her eyes reddened. “I caved to stupid peer pressure, didn’t want to be a virgin, and Jon was the only guy I’d ever dated. He didn’t want to—” She choked back sobs. “I’ll understand if you walk away but I’d love it if you were all involved with this baby because my family—” her voice cracked “—has basically abandoned me.”
Fernando jumped up and hugged her. “Shame on them. I, we, want to be involved, right Jon?”
Jon managed a nod.
Suzy grinned. “I’m going to be a grandma.”
Fernando continued, “We’ll be a modern Brady Bunch except with one kid instead of six, and rather than a mom and dad, we’ll have two dads, a mom, and a grandma.”
“And a grandpa.” Suzy chuckled. “The Brady Bunch needed to be modernized.”
Jon’s eyes glistened. He turned toward Fernando. “You’re unbelievable. No wonder I fell in love with you. You don’t know what your understanding means to me, to all of us . . .”
Vanessa wiped away tears. “Thank you for taking the news so well. I’d love for us to be one big family. I know baby will love that too.”
“Everyon
e, stop crying already.” Fernando clapped his hands together. “We’ll make it work. I have three older brothers. I always wanted a sister. It’ll be fun to have a baby girl around.” He waved to the server. “Do you have champagne? We need champagne. We’re celebrating a baby!”
“Non-alcoholic for me,” Vanessa said.
Jon shifted in his seat as he muttered, “Maybe they won’t card me.”
Elbowing her son, Suzy said, “I’ll vouch for you . . . this time. We have reason to celebrate.” She glanced at Fernando. “I don’t want him driving, though.”
Fernando and Jon exchanged glances.
“Mom.”
Fernando patted Suzy’s hand. “No worries. I’ll drive. We’ll leave his car here if necessary but I don’t think one glass-”
“Shhh.” Jon motioned toward the server balancing gold-filled glasses.
The waitress approached them and set three glasses of champagne and sparkling grape juice on the table.
Fernando held his glass in the air while the others followed suit. “Here’s to our very own Brady Bunch.” They clinked glasses.
Jon gave Fernando a quick peck. “See why I love this man?”
Fernando rubbed his hands together. “We have a lot of work to do.” He ticked off his fingers: “Finalize the wedding. Decorate the nursery—” He turned to Vanessa. “Unless you’ve already done that. We should buy lots of pink and pick out a baby name. Do you have any names in mind?”
Vanessa placed her hands on top of Fernando and Jon’s. She stammered. “This is unbelievable. I never dreamed you’d be excited and want to be involved. Thank you a thousand million times. To answer your questions, no, I haven’t decorated the nursery and I’m terrible with names.”
Fernando grinned. “A baby and a wedding. I can’t believe it.”
Jon nudged Suzy. “Hi, Grandma.”
Suzy beamed. “Wait until Ken hears he’s going to be a grandfather.”
Fernando did a little salsa chair dance, obviously giddy from the champagne, as well as the news. “We want you at our wedding, Vanessa. Actually, I think she should be part of the ceremony, don’t you agree, Jon?”
Jon’s brows knitted. “Uh, let’s slow down. Everything is happening at breakneck speed. Let’s let the baby news sink in for at least a day.” He scratched his head. “Maybe you and I should discuss some of this privately.”
Fernando shook his head dramatically. “Ridiculous. We’re going to be a modern family starting with the wedding.”
“I’d be happy and honored to come as a guest. I don’t need to be in the actual ceremony.” Vanessa rested her hand on her belly. “That is if baby doesn’t come first. When is it?”
All heads swiveled toward Suzy.
“I’ve tentatively narrowed it down to two beachside resorts pending Jon and Fernando’s approval but it’s the peak season,” Suzy said. “We’ll have to see what’s available.”
Fernando sighed. “My family has been difficult. That’s why we don’t have a date pinned down. We’ve had delay after delay. They’ll fly in from Italy. Jon wants a barefoot wedding on the beach. A destination wedding. Sounds romantic, doesn’t it?”
“I can’t fly,” Vanessa interjected.
“Why?” Jon asked. “Are you afraid?”
“My doctor won’t allow it. I’m too close to my due date. I can’t risk having a baby on a plane.”
Fernando’s eyebrows shot up. “Oh, heavens no. We can’t have that.”
“Makes sense but now what?” Jon frowned and peered at Suzy. “Should we put our wedding off until after the baby is born?”
Suzy’s thoughts raced. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint Jon and Fernando. This unbelievable, impromptu meeting had gone so well.
“Have the ceremony without me,” Vanessa pleaded. “Don’t let me spoil your special day. You’ve been incredibly understanding about the baby. I don’t want to be a burden.”
Suzy scanned the restaurant as her mind raced. She held up a finger. “I’ve got it.”
Chapter 90
Waiting until she had Jon, Fernando, and Vanessa’s full attention, Suzy paused while everyone leaned forward in obvious anticipation.
“Don’t keep us in suspense, Mom. This day has been eventful enough.”
“How about if I create a tropical wedding right here?”
“Here where?” Fernando asked.
The server interrupted and asked if anyone wanted refills. No one bothered to look at her as they collectively shook their heads.
“I’ll have sand and shells trucked in. We’ll get a giant beach mural. I can rent several fake palm trees and string white lights on the trees and tables. We’ll play Jimmy Buffet music before the actual ceremony and ask guests to wear sundresses or Hawaiian shirts. We can provide tropical drinks with little beach umbrellas at the reception, and—”
“I love it. Done.” Fernando clapped, then peered at Jon. “That is, if you like the idea.”
Jon beamed. “It’s a perfect solution. You’re pretty damn quick on your feet. No wonder you’re a successful wedding planner.”
Vanessa squeaked. “Are you sure? The last thing I want is to spoil your special day. A tropical wedding sounds dreamy, though.”
Jon grinned at Suzy. “Mom will create a tropical wedding right here in Crystal City. I have complete confidence in her.”
Fernando swayed in his chair again. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s a done deal. We just have to choose a date so I can alert my mom and brothers. They’ll need enough notice to buy plane tickets.” He glanced at Vanessa’s protruding belly. “But it has to be before two months, obviously.”
Suzy scribbled notes. “Let me work on this. I know you want it to be perfect and so do I.”
The men helped Vanessa out of her chair. She embraced Suzy and whispered, “Thank you.” Jon and Fernando got on either side of her, offered their arms, and Vanessa waddled between them out of the restaurant.
Suzy overheard Fernando ask more details about the nursery and marveled at how well the baby announcement had gone after Jon’s initial shock. She pressed her phone to her ear with a newfound urgency for beach rentals. After several calls for palm tree rental prices and truckloads of sand, Suzy Googled colorful floral leis, tiny umbrella drink holders, and found faux green grass skirts to hang around the food and gift tables. She rubbed her hands together. It’s already coming together. This will be perfect.
Chapter 91
At Coconuts the following evening, Jon and Fernando were huddled around an iPad. Suzy and Hope glanced at the couple.
“They’re intense,” Hope said.
“Probably researching more beachy-themed wedding ideas,” Suzy said.
A voice over her shoulder said, “I thought that was your job.” Alex held both hands out, Egyptian-style. “I’m baaaack.”
Suzy and Hope jumped up to hug their friend.
“I’ve missed you,” Suzy said.
“Coconuts wasn’t the same without you,” Hope said.
“You don’t have any idea how happy I am to be home. I took a chance you’d be here. Being on the road was torture.” Alex made a face. “I don’t want to talk about it.” She turned to Suzy. “Back to my question. I thought wedding planning was your job.”
Suzy winked. “It is. I’ve done the majority of the planning but these guys are very hands on.”
“Let’s catch up,” Alex said. “Drinks are on me.”
Suzy grinned. “You’re going to need a drink. A big one.”
Alex’s eyes widened. “Oh, really? Looks like I got back just in time.” She waved Gus over.
“It’s good news for once,” Suzy said.
Fernando strode over and thrust his iPad in front of Suzy’s face. She squinted at the screen.<
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“What do you think of this white, strapless maternity sundress for Vanessa? I think it’ll fit her. We could add a pink sash for the ba—”
Alex obviously remembered the name. “Vanessa? Wasn’t that Jon’s—”
Fernando answered, “Yes, Vanessa was Jon’s high school girlfriend who is now very pregnant with his baby.” He beamed. “We’re going to be fathers.”
Alex gasped. “Wait. What?”
Suzy chuckled. “You heard the man.”
Hope’s brows knitted. “I don’t understand.”
Alex pulled up two more chairs and motioned toward both men. “Sit. Explain.” She smiled. “Please.”
Jon climbed onto a bar stool while Fernando stood behind him. Fernando nudged his partner. “Explain the baby, fiancé.” He roared with laughter. “And you thought coming out was hard.”
Jon took a deep breath and told his mother’s friends about Vanessa and the baby. Hope and Alex sat riveted, mouths agape. No one uttered a word until he finished speaking.
After what seemed like a full minute of silence, Alex broke the awkward silence. “Sheesh. Look what I almost missed while being with boring bankers.” She extended her hand. “Congratulations, guys.”
Hope hopped off her bar stool and hugged the men. She patted Suzy’s arm. “You’re going to be a grandma.”
Alex laughed. “Oh, my God. That’s right. You’re old.”
Suzy put her hands on her hips. “You’re impossible. I couldn’t be happier to be a grandmother. We just found out. We’re all still getting used to the baby news.”
Hope reached for the cashews that had magically appeared, thanks to the best server ever, Gus. “How did Ken and Izzy take it?”
Alex roared. “Let me guess. Izzy ran into her room because she’ll no longer be the center of attention.”
Suzy sipped her wine. “Actually, she just stared at her phone, cocked an eyebrow, but was mostly non-communicative, as usual.”
