Avery stood in the center of Janice’s living room, her hands resting on her growing baby bump. The space had been transformed into a whimsical woodland paradise, perfectly matching the nursery theme she and Ryan had chosen. Soft greens, earthy browns, and hints of gold decorated every corner, with little foxes, owls, and deer peeking out from centerpieces and garlands.
Janice, dressed in a bright yellow dress with a sash that read “Best Auntie Ever”, flitted around the room, making sure everything was in place.
“Jan, this is incredible,” Avery said, her voice filled with emotion. “You outdid yourself.”
“Of course I did,” Janice replied with a wink. “I don’t do half-hearted parties. You should know that by now.” She gestured dramatically to the snack table. “Behold! A feast fit for a queen and her tiny heir.”
Avery laughed, her eyes landing on the table filled with treats: mini sandwiches, fruit skewers shaped like trees, cupcakes with tiny woodland creatures on top, and a cake adorned with edible leaves and a sign that read “Welcome Baby Hayes.”
“It’s perfect,” Avery said, her eyes misty.
“None of that crying business,” Janice said, wagging her finger. “We haven’t even started the games yet.”
As Avery greeted the arriving guests, the room buzzed with excitement. Ryan’s mom and dad were among the first to arrive, carrying a beautifully wrapped gift box.
“Look at you, glowing as always,” Mrs. Hayes said, hugging Avery.
“Thank you,” Avery said, beaming. “I feel like I’m carrying a watermelon, but I appreciate the compliment.”
“Don’t worry,” Mr. Hayes joked. “The watermelon stage doesn’t last forever.”
Avery’s mom, Alessia, arrived next, bringing her signature charm and a platter of homemade cookies shaped like baby bottles and rattles.
“I couldn’t let Janice have all the glory,” Alessia teased, kissing Avery’s cheek. “You look stunning, darling.”
Janice clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, people! It’s game time. No slacking off—this is a competitive baby shower.”
She held up a basket filled with pens and notecards. “First game: Guess the Baby’s Due Date. Write down your best guess and put it in the basket. Winner gets bragging rights and maybe a little prize.”
Oliver, Avery’s younger brother, raised his hand. “Can I guess the baby will arrive on the exact day I’m free to babysit?”
“Knowing you, that’ll be never,” Janice shot back, earning laughter from the room.
“Hey!” Oliver protested, grinning. “I’ll be the best uncle. I just don’t do diapers.”
“Then you don’t do babysitting,” Avery quipped, making everyone laugh.
The next game involved writing down the funniest or most outrageous baby names. Janice went around the room, collecting cards and reading them aloud.
“Okay, let’s see what we’ve got,” Janice said, holding up the first card. “’Snickerdoodle Hayes.’ Really?”
“That was me,” Oliver admitted with a shrug. “It’s a solid name.”
“Solid if the baby’s a dessert,” Janice replied, rolling her eyes.
Another card read, “’Thor Thunderbolt Hayes.’”
“That one’s mine,” Ryan said, grinning from the couch where he sat with Sunny on his lap. “Just putting it out there.”
“Not a chance,” Avery said, laughing.
After the games, it was time to open gifts. Avery sat in a comfy chair, Ryan by her side, as Janice handed her each package.
“This one’s from Mom and Dad Hayes,” Janice announced, passing over a beautifully wrapped box.
Inside was a handmade quilt, soft and colorful, with woodland animals embroidered on each square.
“Oh my gosh,” Avery said, running her fingers over the stitching. “This is beautiful. Thank you so much.”
“We thought it’d be perfect for the nursery,” Mrs. Hayes said, smiling warmly.
Another gift came from Oliver, who presented a box filled with tiny sneakers in various colors.
“Figured the kid should start building their shoe collection early,” Oliver said, earning laughs from the crowd.
As the festivities wound down, Janice raised her glass of sparkling cider.
“Alright, everyone. Before we wrap up, I just want to say a few words,” Janice began, her voice tinged with emotion. “Avery, you’ve been my best friend for what feels like forever. Seeing you step into this new chapter of your life has been amazing. You’re going to be an incredible mom, and I know this little baby is already so lucky to have you and Ryan as parents.”
Avery blinked back tears as the room erupted into cheers.
“Okay, enough mushiness,” Janice said, clearing her throat. “Let’s eat cake!”