As Alva slowly opened her eyes, expecting to see Cody lying next to her, something shiny caught her attention. A dazzling ring was practically glowing in her face. She knew that ring anywhere—it belonged to none other than her crazy best friend, Sophie.
"Alva! Wake up! Let's go shopping! Let's go shopping!" Sophie chirped excitedly, bouncing on the bed.
"Why?" Alva groaned, pulling the blanket over her head.
"My wedding is in two days! I need to shop for my wedding dress!"
"Oh, right." Alva rubbed her eyes. "Can't we go tomorrow?"
"No, no! Tomorrow is my bridal shower!"
"Find someone else. I want to spend some time with Cody," Alva mumbled, sitting up and stretching.
"You're my only best friend—actually, my only real friend. And besides, Cody is probably with Kyle."
"What about Alice?" Alva asked, pulling on a loose shirt as she walked toward Alice's room.
"She'll stay with Vicky."
"Nope. Vicky's busy with a project."
"Okay, then Tim."
Alva rolled her eyes and made her way to Tim's room with Alice in her arms.
"Tim… are you there?" she called, knocking lightly before pushing the door open—only to freeze at the sight of a girl in nothing but an oversized t-shirt. Tim stood beside her, looking guilty.
Quickly, Alva turned Alice's face away.
"She was just leaving," Tim said awkwardly as the girl slipped past Alva with a sheepish smile.
"What's up, sissy?" Tim asked as he casually began straightening his bed.
"Can you help babysit Alice for a few hours? Cody's out, and Sophie's dragging me shopping."
"Of course! I love hanging with my favorite niece!" he said, lifting Alice from Alva's arms. The little girl giggled as he spun her gently.
Alva smiled. "Thanks. You're the best."
She turned to Sophie, who was waiting at the door. "Okay, let's go."
---
At the Bridal Boutique...
They arrived at Ever After Bridal, a high-end boutique nestled in a cozy corner of downtown. The store was elegant and pristine, its interior filled with sparkling chandeliers and rows of delicately hung wedding gowns. Each dress sat like royalty on soft satin mannequins, surrounded by walls painted in champagne gold and ivory white.
They had already tried on half the shop's collection, but Sophie still wasn't satisfied.
"Oh my God, Sophie, just pick one already!" Alva sighed, flopping onto a velvet seat in the corner.
"No... not yet." Sophie tapped her chin, scanning the showroom again. Then suddenly, she turned and clapped her hands. "Hello! Can I speak to the manager?"
The boutique manager, a tall woman in sleek black heels and a name tag that read Clara, walked over politely. "Yes, ma'am?"
"Get me the most expensive wedding dress you have," Sophie said dramatically.
"Ma'am, you've already tried all of them," Clara replied gently.
"Oh… that's true," Sophie said, deflating slightly.
"Here," Alva interrupted, pulling out her phone and showing Clara a photo. "Can you get her something like this?"
Clara nodded. "Of course."
Sophie peered over her shoulder. "What did you just show her?"
"My type," Alva grinned mischievously.
Moments later, Clara returned carrying a gown fit for a fairytale.
It was a luxurious mermaid-cut wedding dress, made of shimmering white satin that flowed like liquid moonlight. The bodice was adorned with delicate lace embroidery and tiny crystals that caught the light with every movement. Off-the-shoulder tulle sleeves framed the neckline, and a cascading train trailed behind like a waterfall of silk and sparkle.
Sophie gasped the moment she saw it. "Oh... my... God."
She tried it on, and as she looked at herself in the mirror, her lips slowly curved into a wide smile.
"This is it. This is the one."
Alva stood behind her, admiring the sight. "Finally."
They paid for the dress, and with the gown packed neatly in a sleek garment bag, the two friends headed back home—laughing, chatting, and dreaming about the big day.
***
Late at Night...
Alva and Cody lay together in bed, the soft glow from the bedside lamp casting warm shadows across the room. Alva snuggled close, her face resting against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Cody wrapped his arms around her waist and gently pulled her even closer.
"I missed you, babe," he whispered, his breath brushing against her skin.
"Miss me, or miss being inside me?" she teased, lifting her head with a sly smile.
He smirked. "Uh… both."
Alva laughed softly. "I just hope Alice doesn't wake up crying again and make us stop like last time."
They both chuckled.
Cody leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, tender kiss. His hands roamed gently, exploring familiar curves as he began to undress her, leaving only her underwear. He caressed her carefully, but when he pressed down too hard on her chest, Alva let out a quiet gasp and playfully pushed him back.
"That hurt," she said with a pout.
"Sorry," he whispered, softening his touch as his fingers circled her nipple with care.
Alva's hands traced over his chest, her touch affectionate and lingering. "Go slow tonight," she murmured. "I'm not ready to give birth to another Alice just yet."
Cody chuckled, brushing his lips down to her collarbone. "Deal."
Just as things were heating up, the sound of a soft wail echoed through the baby monitor.
Alice.
Alva groaned and rolled onto her side. "Your daughter."
Cody sighed, got up shirtless, and padded down the hallway to Alice's room. She was crying, little fists clenched tight. But the moment he scooped her into his arms, her sobs faded into sniffles and then soft breathing.
He brought her back to their room and laid her gently between them on the bed. Alva, still facing the other way, didn't turn.
Cody leaned over Alice and kissed Alva's cheek. "Your daughter," he whispered teasingly.
Alva turned her head and pointed at their little girl, who was now staring up at her parents with wide, sleepy eyes.
"Okay," she sighed with a smile.
Cody kissed her again, and the three of them settled into the blankets, tangled in warmth and love. It wasn't the night they'd imagined—but it was theirs.
***
The Next Morning…
Alva woke up to find Alice curled up against Cody's chest, both of them fast asleep. The peaceful sight made her smile. Quietly, she got out of bed, stretched a little, and headed into the bathroom to freshen up before making breakfast.
As she reached for her toothbrush and applied the paste, she suddenly felt warm arms wrap around her from behind—a firm chest pressing gently into her back.
Cody.
He placed a kiss on her shoulder, then sat on the closed toilet seat and pulled her onto his lap, his hands resting on her thighs.
"Good morning," he whispered, brushing his lips against hers.
Alva chuckled. "What if Alice walks in and sees her daddy like this?"
"She won't. She's still sleeping," he said confidently, lifting her shirt just slightly as he kissed her again.
"And what if she does?" Alva asked, breathless, even as she leaned into him.
"She won't," he replied with a grin, deepening the kiss.
She had missed this closeness with him, though a part of her stayed alert—just in case. But for a moment, she gave in to his affection, letting herself be wrapped up in the warmth of their love… until a tiny voice called out, "Dada… Mama…"
Alva quickly stood up and scooped Alice into her arms. "Let's brush your teeth," she said awkwardly, trying to ignore the amused look on Cody's face.
As they brushed, Alva and Cody's hands kept brushing against each other, their fingers intertwining as they playfully passed toothbrushes and towels. Alice, still half-awake, watched them with sleepy eyes.
After brushing, Alva gave Alice a warm bath, dressed her in a soft yellow dress with bunny prints, and tucked her gently on the bed with her toys.
"Stay here, sweetheart. Mama and Daddy need to take a quick shower," Cody said. Alice nodded solemnly and lay back down with her stuffed bunny.
Alva and Cody showered together—sharing laughter and soft kisses under the water, teasing each other playfully like two teenagers in love.
Downstairs, the smell of something warm and sweet began to fill the kitchen as Alva and Cody moved around like a perfect team. Cody stood at the stove flipping golden buttermilk pancakes, while Alva worked on the scrambled eggs, her hands moving quickly and confidently.
The pancakes were soft and fluffy, stacked high on a ceramic plate. Alva added a generous handful of fresh berries—strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries—then poured warm maple syrup over them. It drizzled down the sides like melted gold. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar finished them off.
On the other burner, Alva scrambled the eggs with shredded cheddar cheese, folding them slowly so they stayed creamy and soft. She added some freshly chopped chives for a touch of green and flavor. Cody, now beside her again, fried bacon until it crackled, then grilled some breakfast sausages until they were golden brown and juicy.
They worked without needing to speak much—just soft smiles and stolen glances, their hands brushing now and then, the kitchen warm with the sounds of sizzling and the rich smell of breakfast.
Cody poured two glasses of fresh orange juice, the color glowing in the morning light. Alva brewed coffee in the corner—one cup with cream and sugar for her, and one black for Cody.
For little Alice, they made a special plate—mini heart-shaped pancakes with just a drop of syrup, tiny pieces of fruit, and eggs arranged in a smiley face. Her sippy cup was filled with light orange juice, just the way she liked it.
When everything was ready, they set the table with four plates and also—one for Alice, even though she'd probably insist on sitting in someone's lap halfway through. As they all sat down to eat, the soft clatter of forks and gentle laughter filled the house.
It was just breakfast, but in that moment, it felt like a little piece of happiness.
then later they brought some gift for the bridal shower.
***
As Alva, Alice, and Cody entered the stunning Kyle mansion, they were awestruck by its grandeu.The bridal shower at Kyle's mansion was intimate and magical. Soft fairy lights twinkled above elegant blush-pink decor, with fresh flowers and gold accents adding charm to every corner. A gentle love song played in the background as guests sipped champagne, laughed, and celebrated Sophie. The room glowed with warmth, love, and the promise of a beautiful future.
-
Alva handed Alice to Cody, instructing him to watch the little one while she stepped away. She made her way to Sophie, who was getting ready in a nearby room.
"On your wedding day, were you this nervous?" Sophie asked, her voice laced with anxiety.
Alva's eyes widened in surprise. "Yes, I was. But why are you nervous? This isn't even your wedding—it's just a bridal shower."
Sophie remained silent, prompting Alva to ask, "Does your dad know you're getting married?"
Sophie's silence turned into a quiet admission. "I didn't tell him."
Alva's expression turned stern. "You didn't tell your dad? What's wrong with you? Your wedding is tomorrow, and you didn't even inform him? Did you tell Stephane?"
Sophie shook her head.
"Who's going to walk you down the aisle when you marry Kyle? Who's going to hold your hand and give you away?"
Sophie's voice cracked, full of emotion. "It's fine... you can do that for me."
Alva's words hung in the air as Sophie suddenly stormed out of the room, leaving her standing alone.
As Sophie descended the grand staircase, the room fell silent. The light from the chandeliers caught the shimmer of her dress, making her look almost ethereal. She wore a stunning blush pink gown that hugged her figure perfectly, the soft satin fabric cascading down her curves like flowing water. The bodice was delicately embroidered with silver thread and tiny crystals, forming intricate floral patterns that sparkled with every step she took.