The cozy living room was filled with the cheerful hum of family and friends, the scent of vanilla and buttercream wafting through the air from a beautifully decorated birthday cake on the dining table. Alessia, the star of the day, sat in her high chair in a frilly pastel dress, a glittery “1” pinned to her chest. Her dark curls framed her cherubic face as she clapped her hands, squealing at the colorful balloons floating around the room.
“She’s absolutely glowing today,” Elena said, setting down a tray of cupcakes on the table. “I mean, look at her! A born party queen.”
“Wonder where she gets that from,” Tobias teased, giving Victoria a pointed look.
Victoria laughed as she adjusted Alessia’s little tiara. “Definitely from her dad. I’m the quiet one, remember?”
“Quiet, my foot,” Zayden interjected from across the room, where he was blowing up another balloon. “You planned this entire party, Vic. There’s nothing quiet about color-coordinated desserts and custom goodie bags.”
Victoria shot him a playful glare. “I wanted her first birthday to be special.”
“It is,” Zayden said, coming over and placing a hand on her waist. “But you could’ve skipped the live clown you were debating about.”
“Don’t tempt me,” Victoria retorted, stifling a grin. She turned her attention to Alessia. “What do you think, birthday girl? Is everything perfect?”
Alessia responded by smacking her hands on her tray and letting out a happy shriek.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Zayden said, laughing.
Jonathan, who was perched on the couch with a cup of coffee, chimed in. “I think we’re all just waiting for her to dig into that cake. That’s the real showstopper.”
“She’s going to destroy it,” Elena predicted, pulling out her phone. “I’ve got the camera ready.”
Victoria clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Alright, it’s time for the cake! Everyone gather around!”
Zayden lit the single candle on the cake while the group sang an enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Alessia’s eyes widened as she stared at the tiny flickering flame, her hands reaching out curiously.
“Not yet, Alessia!” Victoria laughed, gently pulling her hand back. “Let’s blow it out together.”
Victoria leaned down, her face close to Alessia’s, and together they blew out the candle, eliciting cheers from everyone.
“Okay, let’s see what happens,” Zayden said, placing the cake on Alessia’s tray.
At first, Alessia poked at the cake tentatively, smushing the frosting with her tiny fingers. Then, with a delighted squeal, she grabbed a handful and stuffed it into her mouth.
“Atta girl!” Tobias cheered. “She’s got the right idea.”
Victoria wiped some frosting from Alessia’s cheek, laughing. “I can’t believe how much she’s enjoying this.”
“She’s her father’s daughter,” Elena joked. “Zayden can’t say no to dessert either.”
“I feel attacked,” Zayden replied, grinning as he grabbed a cupcake.
The party continued with laughter, games, and a lot of chasing after Alessia as she crawled determinedly toward anything shiny or new. As the sun began to set and guests started to leave, Victoria sat on the couch with Alessia in her lap, gently rocking her.
“You did amazing today,” Victoria whispered, kissing the top of Alessia’s head. “My sweet, beautiful girl.”
Zayden came over and flopped onto the couch beside them. “She had the time of her life. I think we did alright, don’t you?”
“We did more than alright,” Victoria said softly. She glanced at Zayden, a tender smile on her lips. “Can you believe she’s already a year old?”
“Not at all,” Zayden admitted. “Feels like just yesterday I was freaking out about how to hold her without breaking her.”
“And now she’s eating cake like a pro,” Victoria teased, her eyes sparkling.
As they sat there, a strange wave of dizziness washed over Victoria. She placed a hand on her stomach, frowning slightly.
“You okay?” Zayden asked, noticing her expression.
“Yeah, just a little lightheaded,” Victoria said, brushing it off. “Probably from all the running around today.”
“Or the fact that you didn’t eat anything,” Zayden said, narrowing his eyes at her. “You’ve been so busy making sure everyone else was happy.”
Victoria sighed. “You’re right. I’ll grab something in a bit.”
But the feeling lingered, along with a growing sense of nausea that she hadn’t wanted to acknowledge. Later that night, after Alessia was tucked into bed and the house was quiet, Victoria found herself pacing the bathroom, staring at a pregnancy test.
She didn’t want to overthink it. But the signs had been there—fatigue, nausea, the faint flutter of familiarity. When the test confirmed her suspicion, she let out a soft, incredulous laugh.
“Zayden?” she called, her voice trembling slightly.
He appeared in the doorway, already concerned. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” she said quickly, holding up the test. “It’s… I’m pregnant. Again.”
For a moment, Zayden just stared at her, his mouth slightly open. Then, a slow grin spread across his face, and he crossed the room in two long strides, scooping her into his arms.
“Are you serious?” he asked, his voice filled with wonder.
“Completely,” Victoria said, tears in her eyes. “We’re going to have another baby.”
Zayden pressed a kiss to her forehead, then her lips. “You’re amazing, you know that?”
Victoria laughed through her tears. “I’m a little scared.”
“Don’t be,” Zayden said, his tone steady and reassuring. “We’ve got this. Alessia’s going to be the best big sister.”
They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s arms, until Zayden pulled back slightly and grinned. “So… should we tell her?”
Victoria rolled her eyes. “She’s one, Zayden. She won’t understand.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “She deserves to know she’s getting a partner in crime.”