The house was buzzing with excitement as Alessia held baby Avery in her arms, gently rocking her while the guests began to arrive. The living room had been transformed into a cozy, elegant celebration space. Soft pastel decorations adorned the walls, with pink and white balloons floating near the ceiling and garlands of greenery weaving through the room. A banner above the fireplace read, “Welcome Home, Avery” in delicate gold letters.
The dining table was covered with a crisp white tablecloth and laden with an array of treats. There were finger sandwiches, miniature quiches, and a variety of desserts—macarons, cupcakes topped with baby-themed decorations, and a gorgeous two-tier cake with Avery’s name written in elegant script. A sparkling cider fountain bubbled at one end of the table, and glasses clinked as guests toasted the newest addition to the family.
Pamela was the first to arrive, carrying a large gift bag covered in glitter. She practically bounced into the living room, her excitement palpable.
“Where’s my favorite baby girl?” she called out, setting the bag down and rushing to Alessia.
Alessia laughed, shifting Avery slightly so Pamela could peek at her. “She’s right here, taking in all the fuss.”
Pamela gasped, her hands flying to her chest. “Oh, she’s even cuter than the last time I saw her! Look at those little cheeks!”
Zane arrived shortly after, holding a stuffed giraffe nearly as big as Avery. “Thought she might like this,” he said, placing the toy in the corner of the room.
“Subtle,” Alessia teased. “But I think she’ll love it.”
“You better believe it,” Zane said, grinning as he leaned over to take a closer look at his niece. “She’s already got that ‘I’m the boss’ face. Takes after her mom.”
Theo smirked from across the room, where he was helping to set out more plates. “Or her dad. I’m the boss in this house, thank you very much.”
Everyone laughed, the lighthearted banter filling the room with warmth.
As more guests arrived, the house grew livelier. Victoria and Zayden beamed as they held their granddaughter, taking turns cooing at her and snapping photos.
“She has your eyes,” Victoria said, brushing her finger lightly over Avery’s tiny nose.
“And her dad’s temper,” Theo joked, earning a playful smack on the arm from Alessia.
“Don’t listen to him, Avery,” Alessia whispered, kissing the baby’s forehead. “You’re an angel.”
The guests mingled, their laughter mingling with the soft lull of background music. Pamela had organized a little guessing game where everyone tried to predict Avery’s future—would she be an artist, a scientist, or the CEO of Kane Enterprises?
“CEO, no question,” Zane declared confidently. “It’s in her blood.”
The mood shifted when the doorbell rang unexpectedly. Alessia frowned, glancing at Theo, who was helping himself to a plate of mini quiches. “Were we expecting anyone else?” she asked.
Theo shook his head, setting his plate down. “No, I thought everyone was here.”
Alessia handed Avery to Pamela and walked to the door, Theo close behind her. When she opened it, her breath hitched. Standing on the porch was Christian, his expression a mix of frustration and hurt.
“Christian,” Alessia said, her voice cautious. “What are you doing here?”
He looked past her, his jaw tightening as he saw the decorations and heard the laughter inside. “I came to see my daughter,” he said flatly. “Why wasn’t I invited to her welcome home party?”
Theo stepped forward slightly, his presence protective. “This is a family gathering, Christian.”
Christian’s eyes snapped to Theo, his tone sharpening. “I am family. Avery is my daughter, or have you conveniently forgotten that?”
Alessia sighed, her patience thinning. “Christian, this isn’t about excluding you. It’s about what’s best for Avery. You’ve made things complicated—”
“Complicated?” Christian interrupted, his voice rising. “I’m her father. I have every right to be here.”
The tension at the door was thick enough to cut with a knife. Theo’s jaw clenched, but he kept his tone calm. “This isn’t the time or place for this conversation. If you want to discuss Avery, we can do it privately.”
Christian ignored him, turning back to Alessia. “You didn’t even think to tell me? To let me know she was coming home? How do you think that makes me feel?”
Alessia took a deep breath, meeting his gaze. “I understand you’re upset, Christian, but barging in here uninvited isn’t the way to handle this.”
His expression softened for a moment, his voice lowering. “I just want to be part of her life, Alessia.”
Theo stepped in. “And that’s something you can work out civilly. But today isn’t about you. It’s about Avery.”
Christian glanced between them, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Of course. The perfect little family. That’s what this is about, isn’t it?”