Chapter 44
The bright afternoon sun bathed the backyard in golden light, casting a warm glow over the carefully decorated space. Victoria had transformed the garden into the perfect venue for her baby’s gender reveal, with pastel balloons floating in clusters, a table adorned with delicious treats, and a backdrop that read: “He or She? What Will Baby Be?”
Victoria stood near the dessert table, her growing belly prominently visible in a soft lavender maxi dress. The dress hugged her in all the right places, flowing gently at the hemline, emphasizing the radiance of her pregnancy. Her hair fell in loose waves, and a light dusting of makeup enhanced her natural glow.
Elena was the first to pounce. “Okay, you look absolutely stunning,” she declared, handing Victoria a glass of sparkling apple cider. “But you need to sit down before Zayden starts hovering again.”
“I’m fine, Elena,” Victoria said with a laugh. “Zayden’s not that bad.”
As if on cue, Zayden appeared from behind her, holding a platter of freshly grilled sliders. He was dressed in a casual white button-down and jeans, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his toned forearms. “What’s not that bad?” he asked, his lips quirking into a grin.
Elena smirked. “You. Being a helicopter dad already.”
Zayden raised an eyebrow. “It’s called being responsible. Someone has to make sure she doesn’t overdo it.”
“I’m pregnant, Zayden, not made of glass,” Victoria interjected, giving him a playful nudge.
“Still,” Zayden said, placing the platter on the table, “I’m not taking any chances. My girls come first.”
Elena’s eyes widened, and she pointed dramatically at him. “You said girls! You’re guessing it’s a girl?”
“Just a hunch,” Zayden replied with a shrug, though his smile gave away his excitement.
Tobias and Jonathan strolled over, each holding a plate piled high with snacks. Tobias, always the jokester, grinned at Victoria. “So, what’s the plan, boss? Are we cutting into a cake? Popping a balloon? Or is Zayden going to perform some kind of medical magic to reveal the gender?”
Jonathan snorted. “Knowing Zayden, he probably already knows and just hasn’t told anyone.”
Zayden raised his hands defensively. “Hey, I’ve been kept in the dark just like everyone else.”
Victoria chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s a surprise for all of us. And no, Tobias, no magic tricks. We’re doing a confetti cannon.”
“Nice,” Tobias said, nodding in approval. “I call dibs on firing it.”
“Absolutely not,” Elena cut in, placing her hands on her hips. “You’d aim it at Jonathan just to be funny.”
“Only if he keeps stealing my snacks,” Tobias shot back, nudging Jonathan playfully.
Victoria laughed, watching the banter unfold. The lighthearted atmosphere was exactly what she needed after weeks of stress and worry. Even with Gregory improving under surveillance, the lingering threats surrounding the company still loomed in the back of her mind. But today, none of that mattered. Today was about celebrating her baby.
As the afternoon went on, guests mingled, laughing and taking pictures against the backdrop. Children played with bubbles, and soft music played from the speakers. The energy was light and joyful, a stark contrast to the tension Victoria had been carrying for months.
Elena looped her arm through Victoria’s. “So, do we have a backup name in case it’s a boy? Or are we fully committed to girl vibes?”
Victoria smiled. “We have a name for either. But I don’t think I’m ready to share them yet.”
“Ooh, keeping secrets now, are we?” Elena teased. “Fine, but I’m going to be the bad influence aunty no matter what.”
Zayden walked over, a bottle of sparkling cider in hand. “As long as you don’t corrupt my child, we’re good.”
“Corrupt?” Elena scoffed, feigning offense. “I’m just here to show them how to bend the rules.”
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about,” Zayden replied, narrowing his eyes playfully. “You’re already planning mischief.”
“Relax, Dr. Overprotective,” Elena said with a grin. “The kid’s going to need someone fun to balance out your strict dad energy.”
“I’m not strict,” Zayden protested, looking to Victoria for backup.
Victoria laughed, shaking her head. “You’re not strict yet. But let’s see how you handle diaper duty before we make judgments.”
“Fair,” Zayden said, chuckling. “But I’m ready for the challenge.”
“Speaking of challenges,” Tobias said, walking over with a wide grin, “I think it’s time we find out what this little one’s going to be.”
Everyone gathered in a semi-circle around the confetti cannon, the excitement palpable. Victoria and Zayden stood in the center, their hands on the cannon, while Elena held her phone up to record the moment.
“Alright, any last-minute guesses?” Elena called out.
“Girl!” Zayden declared confidently.
“Boy,” Tobias countered. “Just to keep things interesting.”
“I’m with Tobias,” Jonathan added. “It’s a boy.”
Victoria laughed. “Guess we’re about to find out.”
She and Zayden looked at each other, a shared moment of anticipation passing between them. “Ready?” he asked softly.
“Ready,” she said, her hand tightening on the cannon.
“Three… two… one!” they counted together, twisting the cannon.
With a loud pop, a burst of pink confetti shot into the air, raining down over everyone. Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Victoria felt tears prick at her eyes as Zayden scooped her into a warm hug.
“It’s a girl,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe. “We’re having a little girl.”
Victoria smiled through her tears, her heart full as she looked up at him. “A little girl,” she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
