Avery stood in the middle of her new living room, adjusting a vase of fresh flowers on the coffee table. The smell of lavender candles and fresh-baked cookies filled the air, and soft music played from the speakers. Every corner of the house gleamed with effort—the result of hours of cleaning, organizing, and decorating.
“This place looks amazing,” Ryan said as he walked into the room carrying a tray of appetizers. “I mean, not that I doubted you, but wow.”
Avery turned to him, smirking. “You’re just saying that because I made you hang up 50 feet of fairy lights in the backyard.”
Ryan grinned, setting the tray down. “Worth it. Those lights make the place look magical. Though my arms might disagree tomorrow.”
Avery laughed, pulling him close. “Thank you for going along with all my crazy ideas. Tonight’s going to be perfect.”
As the first guests trickled in, Avery and Ryan greeted them with warm hugs and excited smiles. Avery’s parents, Theo and Alessia, were the first to arrive, bringing a bottle of champagne for the guests and a sparkling cider for Avery.
“This house is stunning,” Alessia said, looking around. “It’s everything I imagined for you two—and the baby, of course.”
“It already feels like home,” Avery said, her hand resting on her bump.
Soon after, Janice arrived, carrying a ridiculously large houseplant.
“Congrats on the house!” she said, hugging Avery tightly. “This monstrosity is for you. I read somewhere that plants help with air quality or something.”
“It’s perfect,” Avery said, laughing. “I’ll name it after you.”
“Please do,” Janice said, winking. “And don’t kill it. I’ll be checking.”
The party spilled into the backyard, where the fairy lights Ryan had painstakingly hung sparkled in the evening air. Tables were set up with a mix of food and drinks, and a DIY photo booth with props drew laughs as guests took turns posing.
Oliver, Avery’s younger brother, was by the grill, flipping burgers and chatting with Ryan.
“This is a sweet setup,” Oliver said, glancing around. “But are you ready for all the chaos that comes with homeownership and a baby?”
Ryan chuckled. “As ready as I’ll ever be. But, hey, at least we’ve got you to teach the kid all the bad habits.”
“Absolutely,” Oliver said with a grin. “Fun uncle duties start immediately.”
After dinner, Avery gathered the guests for a special moment.
“We wanted to share something with you all,” she said, leading them upstairs. “The nursery is finally done, and we’d love for you to see it.”
She opened the door to reveal the baby’s room—a serene, woodland-themed sanctuary. The walls were painted a soft sage green, adorned with decals of trees, foxes, and owls. The crib stood proudly against one wall, its matching changing table nearby. A cozy rocking chair sat in the corner, draped with a knitted blanket Alessia had gifted them.
“Oh, Avery,” Alessia said, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s perfect.”
Janice walked over to the bookshelf, inspecting the little collection of children’s books. “I love this,” she said, pulling out a copy of Goodnight Moon. “This was my favorite as a kid.”
“Mine too,” Avery said, smiling.
Ryan stood by the crib, running his hand over the smooth wood. “It feels so real now,” he said softly.
Theo clapped him on the shoulder. “It’ll feel even more real when you’re changing diapers at 3 a.m.”
The room erupted in laughter, and Avery felt a swell of gratitude for the love and support surrounding them.