The soft morning light poured into the room as Alessia stood by the changing table in Avery’s nursery, carefully dressing her daughter. Avery kicked her tiny feet, babbling happily as Alessia slipped her into a soft yellow onesie adorned with little daisies.
“Hold still, sweetheart,” Alessia said with a small laugh, brushing Avery’s hair back from her forehead. “Mama’s almost done.”
Avery squealed in response, her little fingers clutching at Alessia’s wrist. Despite the chaos of her thoughts, Alessia found herself smiling at her daughter’s unrelenting energy. She was a reminder of the simple, innocent joys that still existed in her world.
From the kitchen, the sound of Theo clattering pans and the occasional sizzle of something cooking drifted through the house. The comforting aroma of bacon and eggs wafted down the hall, blending with the faint scent of Avery’s lavender baby lotion. Alessia adjusted Avery’s socks before picking her up, resting her on her hip as she made her way to the kitchen.
Theo was at the stove, dressed casually in a fitted T-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly tousled. He flipped a slice of toast onto a plate with practiced ease, his movements smooth despite the obvious tension in his shoulders.
“Good morning, ladies,” he greeted, turning to them with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. He gestured toward the high chair. “Avery’s throne is ready for her royal breakfast.”
Alessia managed a small smile, placing Avery in the high chair and fastening her in. “Thanks. Everything smells great.”
Theo nodded, his expression softening as he crouched to Avery’s level. “Good morning, princess,” he cooed, kissing her forehead. “Ready for some scrambled eggs?”
Avery giggled in response, reaching out for Theo’s face. Alessia watched the interaction, her heart pulling in two directions—love for the father Theo was to Avery and the lingering unease from Zoey’s revelation.
As Theo placed plates of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast on the table, Alessia settled into her seat, keeping an eye on Avery as she played with her sippy cup. Theo sat across from her, his expression turning serious.
“Alessia,” he began, his tone steady, “about what you told me last night…”
She looked up from cutting Avery’s eggs into smaller pieces, her brow furrowing. “What about it?”
Theo exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m going to find out what Zoey really wants and if what she said is true.”
Alessia set the knife down, her gaze sharp. “What do you mean? You don’t believe her?”
“It’s not that,” Theo said quickly, leaning forward. “It’s just… this came out of nowhere. Zoey and I haven’t had any contact in years, and now she shows up, saying I have a child? I can’t take that at face value.”
Alessia nodded slowly, her hands tightening around the edge of the table. “So, what’s your plan?”
Theo sat back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “I’ll start by looking into her. A background check. I want to know where she’s been, what she’s been doing, and why she decided to come forward now. If she really has my child, I’ll take responsibility. But I need to make sure Zoey’s being honest.”
“A background check?” Alessia repeated, her tone uncertain. “You think she might be lying?”
“I don’t know,” Theo admitted, running a hand through his hair. “I just… something feels off about the timing. Why now? Why didn’t she come to me sooner?”
Alessia tilted her head, considering his words. “What if it’s true?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Theo reached across the table, his hand covering hers. “Then I’ll do what I need to do.”