Kyle home…
"Kyle," Sophie murmured.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
"You broke the cell phone. You broke the spoon. You broke the door handle… even the tap," she said, exasperated.
"It's not my fault I'm strong," he mumbled, reaching out to touch her.
"Don't touch me—so you don't break me too," she snapped, stepping back. "Today is Alice's pool birthday party, and we need to be there. Don't carry her either—you might break her."
Kyle looked sheepish.
"From now on, I will be the one feeding you, so you don't break anything," Sophie added, giving him a small push. "Now go take a bath. And please—please don't break the shower… or the tub!"
****
Vicky and Brian
"Hey, it's Alice's birthday! Are you coming?" Vicky asked while arranging decorations in the living room.
"Yeah, I'll be there," Brian replied with a smile.
---
Alva and Cody in Alice's Room
Alva and Cody walked into Alice's room.
"Happy birthday to our baby girl!" they sang softly, waking her from sleep.
"Papa! Mama!" Alice said, smiling.
Cody scooped her up in his arms. "Happy birthday, princess," he said, tickling her gently.
Alva brought over a new outfit—a cute short gown. She helped Alice put it on, then placed a small crown on her head. Alice touched it and giggled as it shifted a little.
"Mama," she called, reaching out to be held.
"Alice," Alva said sweetly, lifting her into her arms while they all laughed.
Later, while giving Alice a bath, Cody said, "Since Alice is one now… why don't we have another baby?"
"Stop," Alva chuckled. "I told you I don't want another child. You were the one who said you didn't want a baby, remember?"
"Did I?"
"Yes, and I remember it clearly—it was around this time of day."
"I was joking," he whispered before kissing her.
---
At the Party
They entered the decorated living room, filled with guests. Alice was in Cody's strong arms, while his other hand rested on Alva's waist. Alva wore a flowing purple gown that matched Alice's. Cody wore a sharp black outfit that matched the gloves on both Alva and Alice.
As they walked down the stairs into the party space, everyone turned to them.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" the crowd shouted in unison.
The room was beautifully decorated, with Alice's photos displayed on a billboard. A curtain read, Happy Birthday to the Most Beautiful Baby, Alice.
Alva walked over to Sophie. "Hi, Sophie!"
"Hey, buddy!" Kyle said to Cody, reaching to shake his hand but then pulling back.
"What's wrong?" Cody asked.
"My wife says I break anything I touch… so I don't want to break your hand," Kyle replied.
Cody laughed and shook his hand anyway. "Man, your wife wasn't lying!" They both burst into laughter.
The party kicked off—music, dancing, and laughter filled the space.
"Can she walk yet?" Alva's mom asked.
"No, Mom," Alva replied.
"What have you been feeding her?" she joked.
Just then, Alice slipped from Cody's arms and crawled toward Alva. She stood on her own, stumbled, then took her first wobbly steps.
"She just walked!" someone shouted, and everyone clapped and cheered.
---
At the Corner of the Room
"You've got a really nice family," Sam said to Tim. She was wearing a light blue gown, the same one she bought from that boutique earlier.
"I wish I could say that," Tim replied quietly.
Just then, an old man approached them.
"Hello, Tim," he said.
"Hello, Gramps," Tim greeted him.
Sam lowered her head slightly. "Hello."
Gramps grinned. "Finally, a real girlfriend!"
Sam smiled.
"So, what's your name?"
"I'm Samantha. And you?"
"Me? I'm Donald. You're the first girl to ever ask my name," he chuckled, turning to Tim. "I like her already. You should marry her."All three of them laughed.
"So, where are you from?"
"New York," she said.
"Are your parents here at the party?" he asked, glancing around.
"Gramps…" Tim started.
"It's okay, Tim," Sam said softly. "I'm an orphan."
Donald gasped gently. "Oh… I see."
Just then, one of Cody's guards stepped forward.
"The pool is ready! Everyone, time to change!"
Everyone nodded in excitement.
"Are you a good swimmer?" Sam asked, teasingly.
"Let's find out… at the bottom of the pool," Tim replied with a grin.