The early morning sun streamed through the kitchen window as Alessia stood at the counter, cradling a cup of coffee in one hand and rocking Avery in the other. Avery cooed happily, her tiny fists waving in the air as Alessia smiled down at her daughter.
“You’re in a good mood today,” Alessia murmured, brushing a kiss against Avery’s forehead. “Let’s hope that means you’ll be on your best behavior for your dad.”
Theo walked in, adjusting his tie as he grabbed a piece of toast from the counter. “Ready to conquer another day at work?” he asked, flashing Alessia a grin. His eyes softened when they landed on Avery. “And how’s my little princess?”
“She’s ready to terrorize Christian,” Alessia joked, handing Avery to Theo. “I’m still getting used to this whole co-parenting thing, but it’s been… surprisingly smooth.”
Theo raised an eyebrow, bouncing Avery gently in his arms. “I’ll admit, I didn’t think Christian had it in him. But he’s been stepping up.”
Alessia nodded. “Yeah. He’s actually really good with her. I guess working from home gives him more time to focus on her.”
Theo smirked. “Don’t tell him I said this, but I’m glad. Avery deserves all the love in the world, no matter where it comes from.”
Alessia smiled, reaching out to touch Theo’s arm. “You’re amazing, you know that? Thank you for supporting this.”
He leaned down, planting a quick kiss on her lips. “You and Avery are my priority. Always.”
A short while later, Alessia and Theo stood at Christian’s front door. Christian opened it quickly, dressed casually in a T-shirt and joggers, his hair slightly tousled. He smiled as he saw Avery, his expression softening instantly.
“There’s my girl,” Christian said, reaching for her. Avery giggled as he lifted her into his arms. “You ready to spend the day with Dad?”
“She’s been fed and changed,” Alessia said, her tone businesslike but warm. “There’s extra formula in her bag, and a couple of outfits in case she decides to get messy.”
Christian nodded, balancing Avery on his hip like a pro. “Got it. You’ve got nothing to worry about, Alessia. She’s in good hands.”
Theo stepped forward, his tone light but firm. “And if you need anything, you call. Don’t try to handle something on your own if it gets overwhelming.”
Christian met his gaze, a flicker of understanding passing between them. “I won’t. I promise.”
Avery cooed again, tugging at Christian’s shirt, and Alessia smiled despite herself. “Okay, then. I’ll see you later, baby girl,” she said, kissing Avery’s cheek.
Later that afternoon, Alessia sat in her office at Kane Enterprises, scrolling through a set of reports while her phone buzzed on the desk. She glanced at the screen and saw Christian’s name pop up.
“Is everything okay?” she asked, picking up immediately.
“Everything’s fine,” Christian said, his voice calm. “Avery just wanted to say hi.”
In the background, Alessia could hear Avery babbling, her tiny voice full of excitement. Alessia laughed softly. “Put her on speaker. I want to hear her.”
“Alright, hang on,” Christian said. A second later, Avery’s babbles became clearer, and Alessia’s heart melted.
“Hi, sweet girl,” Alessia said, her voice soft. “Are you being good for Daddy?”
“She’s been an angel,” Christian said, a smile in his voice. “We read a few books, and now she’s having tummy time. She’s already trying to crawl.”
“She’s ahead of schedule,” Alessia said, pride evident in her tone. “Thanks for calling. It’s nice to know she’s happy.”
Christian hesitated for a moment before responding. “She’s always happiest when she knows you’re close by.”
When Alessia arrived to pick Avery up that evening, Christian was sitting on the couch with her, holding a bottle of milk as she drank contentedly. The scene was surprisingly peaceful, and Alessia couldn’t help but smile.
“You weren’t kidding when you said she’s been an angel,” Alessia said as she stepped inside.
Christian grinned, glancing up. “I think she likes hanging out with me. Don’t you, princess?”
Avery cooed in response, her tiny hand reaching out to grab Christian’s finger. Alessia sat down beside them, watching the interaction with a mix of gratitude and surprise.
“You’re really good at this,” she said, her tone genuine. “I’ll admit, I didn’t expect it, but… thank you for stepping up.”
Christian looked at her, his expression earnest. “I may have made mistakes, Alessia, but when it comes to Avery, I’ll do whatever it takes to be the dad she deserves.”
Alessia nodded, her walls softening slightly. “I just want her to have a good life. If we can work together to give her that, then I’m all for it.”
Christian smiled, his gaze falling back on Avery. “She’s lucky to have you as her mom.”
“And you as her dad,” Alessia said softly, surprising even herself.