Chapter 51 Part One 14 weeks later... Avery's face lights up as soon as I uncover her eyes, the bright luxury of Hermès Paris bathing us in gentle light. The streets are fairly quiet this evening, and the glass storefront beckons almost as if it's here only for us. Avery turns and hits me in the stomach, her excitement at my surprise obvious. "Oh my God, Hen! Hermès!" She rolls up on her toes and pushes her lips to my mouth before pulling back, beaming. "Okay, okay, forget everything I said in the hotel earlier. You're allowed to plan surprises. Definitely. A lot of them. As many as you want." I chuckle. "Yeah, yeah. I had a feeling you'd change your tune." "What are we doing here? Do you have an appointment? Wait...do you even know that you need an appointment to come to Hermès? Oh God, Henry." I laugh again, this time a little harder. "Yes. I know you need an appointment. I made one and have even chatted with the sales team about what I was wanting to do, and they're all on board. Dr. Moretti's office sent over the results, and they're all ready. Just waiting for us." "Dr. Moretti? Sent the results? What are you talking about?" She puts a hand to my forehead. "Are you feeling okay? You know this is a store, right?" My smile is so big my face feels tight. My God, surprising her with this makes me feel like a superhero. "Yes. I'm very aware that this is a store-and even more aware of the usual price tag. But this is a special occasion, and I wanted the venue to be appropriately Avery-themed." "Hermès is a good choice," she admits, humming, and I laugh. "Good." "So, what's happening?" she begs again, shaking me. "What's happening?" "Let's go inside and find out," I suggest, putting a hand to the small of her back and pushing her gently toward the door. She goes willingly, if inquisitively, and when we step inside to a ready and waiting staff, her eyes light up all over again. "Henry Callahan, you are so close to getting so damn lucky tonight." The salesman in front of us looks down to avert his eyes, a small grin lifting his lips, and I outright laugh. "Good. I have a feeling it's going to get even closer very soon." "Mrs. Callahan?" the salesman says, clearing his throat when I turn to face him. "Would you like to know the gender of your baby?" "Oh my God," Avery whispers harshly, her hands flying to her mouth and her gaze locking with mine. "You didn't." "I did. In the box in front of him is a mini Kelly. Depending on the gender of our baby, enclosed in the results sent over by Dr. Moretti, is a blue or pink bag, waiting to be loved by you." "I love you," she says, her eyes locked on mine despite how desperate I know she is to see the damn bag. "I love you too. More than anything." I wink at her. "Now, get over there so he can open the box, and we can find out." Part Two 17 weeks later... Avery The fifth floor of Luxe is alive with energy, gowns shimmering under the soft lighting, and the ladies from The Pines flit between racks of couture like kids in a candy store. It's exactly how I imagined it when Henry convinced me to finally go all in and create my own styling company. It feels like a lifetime ago that I admitted to Henry how I've always felt about Beau being the only Banks child with expectations of great things. That I'm supposed to be the fun, wild, completely unserious Banks sibling. Clearly, I'm still the most fun anyone could ever have, but I'm also more. I'm smart and capable and I can do great things too. Henry-my handsome, wild, also-happens-to-have-a-perfect-cock-that-knocked-me-up husband-helped me realize that. And Luxe isn't just a dream anymore; it's a powerhouse. And today, it's buzzing as usual, with my beloved troublemakers-Ethel, Blanche, Dottie, Joanne, and Sarabeth-trying on gowns for their charity dinner. The space is perfect: polished marble floors, velvet furniture in shades of blush and champagne, and mirrors that make you feel like you belong in the pages of Vogue. It's modeled after Hermès' private shopping floor in New York-because every client deserves to feel like a star. But right now, I'm a very pregnant star whose uterus is doing that stupid practice contraction thing. Braxton-Hicks, I think they're called. It's like my uterus thinks it needs to prepare for the Olympics or something. Relax, sheesh. The baby isn't due for another week. I adjust the strap on my stilettos-yes, I'm still wearing heels at thirty-nine weeks pregnant because who says you can't be glam when you feel like a walking watermelon-and try to focus on Ethel twirling in front of the mirror in a gold gown. "Darling, what do you think?" she asks, spinning with dramatic flair. "It's stunning," I say, keeping my voice even as another practice contraction rolls through my belly. "Are you sure, honey?" Blanche chimes in. "You're sweating like a man at a summer barbecue." "I'm fine," I say, brushing a strand of hair out of my face and plastering on a smile. "You're not fine," Ethel says, narrowing her eyes. "I think you're in labor." "I'm not in labor!" I snap, laughing it off. "My due date isn't for another week. These are just those fake contractions. Braxton-Hicks or whatever." The next contraction, though, makes me clutch the edge of a nearby chair. Blanche crosses her arms. "Avery, honey, you're in labor." "I'm not." "You're hunched over like a shrimp cocktail," Dottie says. "I'd say that's a sign." "Relax, everyone. I'm fine." I wave them off. "Try on more dresses. I'll grab some water and be right back." They don't look convinced, but I make my escape, my heels clicking against the marble as I head toward the bathroom. Once inside, I lock the door, lean against the counter, and try to breathe through another contraction. "Okay, baby," I whisper, pressing my hands to my belly. "Listen, I know you're eager to make your grand debut, but it's not time yet, okay? Mommy isn't ready. Daddy isn't ready. Your nursery isn't even fully organized yet, and I don't even have my hospital bag packed. And plus, I took you to be more of a fashionably late kind of baby. I mean, I am your mother after all." Another practice contraction hits me again, but it's so sharp and intense I'm starting to wonder how much more practice my uterus can do before it's not practicing anymore. Surely I'm not having this baby today...right? Part Three Henry My phone vibrates against the console as I pull into the parking garage behind Luxe. Another text from Ethel. Ethel: Henry, dear, Avery still hasn't come out of the bathroom. We're getting worried. I take the stairs two at a time, my heart racing. Luxe's fifth floor comes into view, and it's chaos. Blanche, Dottie, Joanne, Sarabeth, and Ethel are all pacing near the fitting area, their glittering gowns forgotten. Laura, Avery's assistant, stands stiffly by the bathroom door, her expression a mix of fear and panic. "Tell me she's not going to have her baby in our bathroom," Laura blurts the moment she sees me. Fucking hell, I'd prefer not. "She's fine," I assure her, but my gut twists. "She's not fine!" Ethel protests, waving her arms. "She's been in there forever, Henry. Forever!" "Relax, ladies. I've got this." I knock gently on the bathroom door. "Hey, baby, it's me." "I'm fine," Avery's voice calls back, but it's strained, and I can hear her breathing through another contraction. "Of course you're fine, honey," I say lightly. "I just wanted to stop by and say hey. Give you a kiss." "I'm fine," she says again, her tone sharper now. Classic Avery. "How about you open the door for me, then? Just for a second?" There's silence on the other side, and then, finally, the door unlocks and cracks open. Avery is leaning against the sink, her face damp with sweat, her normally flawless makeup smudged. She looks exhausted, but she's still stunning. Even in fucking labor, this woman takes my breath away. "Hey, beautiful," I say softly, stepping inside and shutting the door behind me. "Don't start with the sweet talk, Henry," she snaps, clutching the counter as another contraction hits. "It's fine. Just practice contractions." "Are you sure, baby?" I question the obvious. "Because those look pretty intense." "I'm fine, Henry," she snaps. "I can handle this." "Sure you can, baby," I say, walking over to her. "But you don't have to handle it alone." "I'm not alone. I have five busybodies and a panicked assistant waiting for me outside." She groans as the contraction eases. "And now you." "Lucky you," I tease, but my heart aches seeing her like this. "I swear to God, if you start being all cute and supportive, I will scream." "Noted," I say, suppressing a smile as I reach out and gently rub her back. "But let me just be a little supportive, okay? I've got you, Avery." She leans into me, and for a moment, she lets herself melt into my arms. "I'm scared, Henny," she whispers, her voice cracking. "I'm really scared." "I know, baby," I say, pressing a kiss to her temple. "But you don't need to be. I've got you. I'm not going to let anything happen to you or our baby. I promise." Her wide hazel eyes meet mine, filled with tears. "You promise?" "I promise," I say firmly, brushing her hair away from her damp forehead. Another contraction hits, and she grabs a fistful of my shirt, groaning through the pain. "Henry...I need drugs. Get me to a hospital now." I grin despite myself. "How about we get out of this bathroom first?" "Henry." Her tone is all Avery-sharp, demanding, and a little bit desperate. "Okay, okay," I say. "Let's go have a baby somewhere other than a bathroom." I don't waste time lifting her into my arms. "I'm too heavy for that!" she tries to refute, but I ignore her. I'll fucking carry this woman all the way to the hospital if I have to. "I've got you, Avery." And as I carry her out, past her worried entourage, I feel nothing but pride, love, and the thrill of what's about to come next-we're about to meet our baby. Part Four Avery I'm going to be honest; I don't think anyone fully prepares you for what it feels like to push an entire human being out of your body. If it weren't for the epidural, I'm positive I'd be screaming bloody murder right now. Because, really, who wants to feel their vag being ripped to shreds? Henry is holding one of my legs, and a nurse has the other. His face is lit up with this stupidly handsome grin that has no right being so distracting right now. "Henry," I manage between pushes. "I really don't think you need to be all up in it, you know?" He just smiles, leaning down toward me. "I love you. You're beautiful. And I say this with all the love in the world, but shut up, Avery. I'm going to be all up in watching my beautiful wife bring our baby into this world." I glare at him, but I'm too focused on the task at hand to argue. June is standing on one side of me, holding my hand, her other hand resting on her still-slightly-rounded belly. She just had Caleb a few months ago. My little nephew with his fat cheeks, bald head, and the most pinchable smile you've ever seen. My mom is on the other side, brushing sweaty strands of hair away from my face, whispering, "You're doing so good, sweetie. Just a little more." Dr. Moretti glances up from the foot of the bed. "Avery, the baby's crowning. On the next contraction, I need you to push." "Got it," I pant, bracing myself as another contraction tightens my body like it's in a vise grip. Henry gives my leg a reassuring squeeze. "You've got this, baby. Strongest woman I know." My heart squeezes at his words. But then, because I'm me, I decide to multitask. "Henry," I start, between breaths, "I think we can both agree that, right now, I'm doing the most out of the two of us." He narrows his eyes, grinning like he already knows where this is headed. "I mean, I'm pushing our baby out of my body," I continue, giving him my best doe eyes. "Uh-huh," he says, laughter in his voice. "So, I think we can also agree that I should get the final say on the house." We've been house hunting for months now but haven't found anything we've agreed on or loved enough to buy. And while Henry's condo is nice to live in, it's a bachelor pad. Sure, it has a spare bedroom for the baby's nursery, but it's not where I want to raise our baby. The man actually chuckles. "Okay, Avery. You get the final say." "Good." I wince as another contraction builds. "Because I already told our Realtor this morning to put a bid in on that house on Maple." By the way, it's a gorgeous two-story home that has five bedrooms and four bathrooms and the most perfect gardens and terrace I've ever seen-aka the ideal place for our family. His grin falters for half a second. "The one overlooking the water?" I nod, gripping his hand as the contraction slams into me. "They accepted it, by the way," I say through gritted teeth. Henry just laughs and presses a kiss to my knee. "Of course they did." Before I can retort, Dr. Moretti chimes in. "Avery, the baby's head is out. One more big push, okay?" It's like the room holds its breath as I push with everything I've got. And then, the most beautiful sound fills the air-our baby's first cries. "It's a girl!" Dr. Moretti announces, and the room erupts with emotion. I already knew-Henry made sure of that with my perfect pink Kelly bag, but hearing it from the doctor's mouth is like an out-of-body experience. Tears stream down my face as the doctor places our daughter on my chest. She's warm and squishy and perfect. I can't stop crying as I run my hand over her soft head, already covered in a patch of dark, silky hair. June is crying. My mom is crying. And Henry... Henry has tears in his eyes as he leans down to press a kiss to my forehead. "I love you," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I love you too," I whisper back, my heart bursting. He kisses our daughter's tiny head, his hand brushing her little cheek. "And I love you, Coco Callahan." I blink up at him, my heart skipping. "We're naming her Coco?" Henry nods, smiling down at our baby girl. "Yeah. Our little Coco." Coco was my top pick-a la Chanel-though Henry pretended to be unsure until now. And as I look at our little daughter, at her big eyes and adorable cheeks, I know he's right. She's our Coco. Tears spill down my cheeks as I cradle her closer. I've never felt so much love in my life. Henry kisses my forehead again. "I love you, Avery. And I can't wait to raise our little Coco in our new home." I laugh through my tears, looking up at him. "You're the best, Henny." He smirks. "I know." And as I look at him and our beautiful baby girl, I know one thing for sure-I get to spend forever with the two most important people in my life. My very own family.