The morning of the wedding was nothing short of chaotic. Alessia sat in her dressing room, the soft hum of last-minute preparations filling the air. The hairstylist was putting the finishing touches on her elegant updo, and Rachel, the ever-efficient wedding planner, flitted in and out with updates about the guests and the decor.
Meanwhile, Avery was not having any of it.
“Mama!” Avery wailed from the corner of the room, where Pamela was trying—and failing—to distract her with a stuffed bunny. Her little cheeks were flushed, and her tiny fists were clenched as she let out another ear-piercing cry.
“I don’t know what’s gotten into her,” Pamela said, bouncing Avery on her hip. “She’s usually such a happy baby.”
Alessia sighed, looking at her daughter in the mirror. “She’s probably overwhelmed. All these people, the excitement—she’s picking up on the energy.”
“Well, she’s certainly adding to the energy,” Pamela said, wincing as Avery let out another wail. “What should we do? She’s supposed to be the flower girl, and right now, she’s more like the storm cloud girl.”
Theo popped his head into the room, looking dashing in his suit. “How are my girls?” he asked, his smile faltering slightly when Avery’s cries reached his ears.
“Your daughter,” Alessia said, giving him a pointed look, “is having a meltdown.”
“Hey, I thought today was supposed to be about love and joy,” Theo teased, stepping inside and taking Avery from Pamela. “What’s wrong, princess? Are you not ready to be the star of the show?”
Avery hiccupped, her cries softening as Theo rocked her gently. For a moment, Alessia thought the storm had passed—until Avery reached out and grabbed the chocolate truffle Theo had been holding in his other hand.
“Avery, no—!” Alessia started, but it was too late. Avery’s tiny hands smashed the chocolate against her pristine white flower girl dress, leaving a large, sticky smear right in the middle.
“Oh no,” Pamela gasped, her eyes wide. “That’s not coming out.”
Alessia groaned, pressing her fingers to her temples. “Of course this would happen. Of course.”
Theo, to his credit, remained calm. “Hey, it’s okay. Rachel said there’s a backup dress, right?”
“Yes, but now we’re running out of time,” Alessia said, glancing at the clock. “She still needs a nap before the ceremony, or she’ll be cranky through the whole thing.”
“I’ll handle the dress,” Pamela said, already heading out the door. “You just focus on calming her down.”
Theo handed Avery back to Alessia, who cradled her close, swaying gently. “Okay, baby girl,” Alessia murmured, brushing a hand over Avery’s soft hair. “You need to rest, just for a little while. Mama needs you to be happy and smiling when everyone sees you, okay?”
Avery sniffled, her tiny fingers clutching at Alessia’s necklace. Alessia continued to hum softly, rocking her daughter in a soothing rhythm. Slowly but surely, Avery’s eyes began to droop.
“Is she…?” Theo whispered, leaning in cautiously.
“Shh,” Alessia hissed, shooting him a warning look. “Don’t jinx it.”
After what felt like an eternity, Avery finally fell asleep. Alessia carefully laid her down in a portable crib that Rachel had set up in the corner of the room.
“Mission accomplished,” Theo said softly, giving Alessia a thumbs-up. “You’re amazing.”
Alessia rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Let’s just hope she stays asleep long enough.”