The backyard was buzzing with excitement, decked out in pastel decorations of blues and pinks. Strings of balloons swayed gently in the breeze, and a large “Big Sister in Training” banner hung over a small table stacked with cupcakes. Alessia, now toddling around on her chubby little legs, wore a frilly white dress with a pink and blue bow. The words “Big Sister” sparkled across her chest in glittery letters.
“She looks like she already knows she’s the star of the show,” Elena said, crouching down to snap a picture of Alessia.
“She is the star of the show,” Victoria replied, balancing a tray of refreshments. “It’s her and the baby’s big day.”
“Let’s not forget the parents who organized this whole thing,” Zayden quipped, sidling up beside Victoria and sneaking a sip from her lemonade.
Victoria swatted him playfully. “You did nothing but blow up a few balloons.”
“And supervise!” Zayden said with mock indignation. “Supervising is a crucial part of any operation.”
Elena rolled her eyes. “Oh please, Zayden. You’ve been on cupcake duty, at best.”
Meanwhile, Tobias crouched near Alessia, holding out a bright pink balloon. “What do you think, Alessia? Boy or girl? Blink twice for blue, once for pink.”
Alessia, entirely uninterested in the balloon, turned and toddled toward the snack table instead.
Jonathan laughed as he joined them. “Smart girl. Always go where the food is.”
As the guests mingled, Victoria pulled Zayden aside, a hand resting lightly on her belly. “Are you nervous?” she asked softly.
“Nervous?” Zayden grinned, sliding an arm around her shoulders. “Not at all. Excited. Thrilled. Maybe a little terrified, but in a good way.”
Victoria laughed. “I’m just… I don’t know. It feels different this time. Like the stakes are higher somehow.”
He squeezed her gently. “It’s not different, Vic. It’s just more love to go around. Alessia’s going to have a best friend for life, and we’re going to be parents to two amazing kids. We’ve got this.”
She smiled, leaning into him. “You always know what to say.”
“Comes with the territory of being an amazing husband,” Zayden teased, earning a laugh from her.
A few minutes later, Zayden called everyone to gather around a large white box sitting on a decorated table. The box was tied with a thick ribbon, and everyone knew that whatever color came out would reveal the baby’s gender.
“Alright, folks, this is the moment!” Zayden said, holding up his hands. “Any last-minute bets? Boy? Girl?”
Elena raised her hand. “I’m team girl. Alessia needs a sister.”
“Boy,” Tobias chimed in confidently. “It’s definitely a boy. Zayden’s overdue for a miniature version of himself.”
Jonathan shrugged. “I’m just here for the cupcakes.”
Victoria laughed, her nerves fluttering in her chest as she stepped forward. Zayden followed her, placing a reassuring hand on the small of her back. Alessia was in Elena’s arms now, watching the proceedings with wide, curious eyes.
“Ready, big sister?” Victoria asked Alessia, who responded with an excited squeal.
“Alright, here we go!” Zayden said. Together, he and Victoria pulled the ribbon, and the box flung open, releasing a cascade of blue balloons into the air.
“It’s a boy!” someone shouted, and the backyard erupted in cheers.
“A boy!” Victoria gasped, turning to Zayden with wide eyes. He pulled her into a tight hug, lifting her slightly off the ground.
“We’re having a son,” Zayden said, his voice filled with awe. “Vic, can you believe it?”
“I can’t,” she whispered, tears springing to her eyes. “A boy.”