The cold air bites at my cheeks as I step out of the car, my breath visible in the frosty December air. Sloane’s parents decided to throw us a baby shower, and the excitement makes me forget about the chill for a moment. As I walk up the driveway, I can see decorations peeking through the frosted windows—balloons, streamers, and Christmas lights.
“Come on, Zig! Don’t dawdle!” Sloane calls from the porch, her hair fluttering in the wind. She’s bundled up in a thick, puffy coat that makes her look even smaller, her cheeks rosy from the cold.
“Okay, okay! I’m coming!” I reply, hurrying up the steps. I push the door open, and a wave of warmth greets me, along with the inviting aroma of hot cocoa and freshly baked cookies.
“Welcome to the chaos!” Sloane’s mom, Mrs. Simmons, exclaims, bustling around the living room. She’s wearing a festive red sweater adorned with snowflakes, her hair tied back in a neat bun. “Zig, I’m so glad you made it!”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I say, shaking off the cold and stepping inside. The room is filled with laughter and chatter, friends and family mingling as they admire the decorations. A large banner reading “Baby Shower for Zig and Sloane” hangs above the fireplace, a cheerful reminder of the celebration.
“Zig! Over here!” I hear a familiar voice, and I turn to see Elijah waving me over. He’s standing next to Eden and a couple of their friends, a mischievous grin on his face.
“What’s up?” I ask, making my way through the crowd.
“Just soaking in the festivities,” Elijah replies, nudging me with his elbow. “You ready to become a dad? It’s a wild ride, you know.”
“Yeah, I’m realizing that,” I say with a nervous chuckle. “I can’t believe it’s actually happening.”
Sloane joins us, her smile bright against the backdrop of the holiday decorations. “Are you ready to open presents?” she asks, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
“Sure, but I’m not sure how many gifts we’ll get,” I reply, glancing around the room. “It’s kind of a last-minute thing.”
“Don’t worry! Everyone loves a good baby shower,” Sloane reassures me, her optimism infectious. “Besides, it’s not just about the gifts—it’s about celebrating our little ones.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I say, feeling my anxiety ease slightly. Just being here with her makes it feel a bit more real and a lot less daunting.
As we gather in the living room, everyone settles into the cozy space. Mrs. Simmons calls for attention, her voice cutting through the chatter. “Alright, everyone! Thank you for coming today to celebrate Zig and Sloane. We’re so excited to welcome these little ones into the world!”
A round of applause erupts, and I can’t help but smile. The warmth of the moment envelops me, the laughter and cheers filling the room like a comforting blanket.
Sloane and I take our seats in front of the gathering, our hearts racing with anticipation. She squeezes my hand, her touch grounding me. “Are you ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel.
The first gift is handed to us—a beautifully wrapped box with a bright yellow ribbon. Sloane eagerly tears it open, revealing soft, plush blankets adorned with little stars and moons. “Aww, that’s adorable!” she exclaims, holding it up for everyone to see.
“Perfect for late-night snuggles,” Elijah chimes in, grinning.
As we go through more presents—a collection of onesies, baby books, and diapers—I can feel the excitement building within me. Each item brings a new sense of reality, making it clearer that we’re about to become parents.
“Here’s one from me!” Eden says, handing over a medium-sized gift. I recognize her handwriting on the tag.
I rip open the paper, revealing a baby monitor. “Eden, this is awesome! We’ll definitely need this,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Trust me, it’ll come in handy,” she replies, winking at me.
As we continue opening gifts, I feel the love and support from everyone around us. Each item signifies a piece of the journey we’re about to embark on, and it’s comforting to know we’re not alone in this.
After a while, Mrs. Simmons announces, “Alright, it’s time for cake!”
The crowd buzzes with excitement, and soon enough, she brings out a stunning cake decorated with blue and pink frosting. “Happy Baby Shower!” it reads in delicate cursive.
Everyone gathers around, and I can’t help but chuckle at how festive it all feels. “This is insane,” I say to Sloane, watching as her eyes light up.
“I know! I can’t believe our families came together like this,” she replies, her happiness radiating.
As we slice into the cake and serve it around, I take a moment to soak it all in—the warmth, the laughter, and the anticipation of what’s to come. Outside, the cold winds howl, but in here, surrounded by our friends and family, it feels like a little oasis of love and joy.
“Cheers to new beginnings!” Elijah raises his glass of sparkling cider, and everyone joins in, echoing his sentiment.
“To new beginnings!” we all chorus, the sound ringing through the room.
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