AVA AND AXEL

Chapter 20: Baby Shower Shenanigans and the Grand Reveal

The baby shower may have started as an elegant affair, but it wasn't long before Ava's Luxe Street Riders crew brought their own brand of wild energy into the mix. Greg had insisted on keeping things alcohol-free, but it turned out the gang had stashed a few bottles in their bags. By the time the main event was underway, they'd found ways to sneak sips, and "low-key" was officially out the window.

Ava and Axel, sipping sparkling juice, exchanged glances as they watched the chaos unfold. Connor, barely able to contain his grin, grabbed the mic from the jazz band mid-song, announcing, "Ladies and gentlemen! Let's make some noise for Ava and Axel, and let's make it a little louder for the mini-rider in the making!"

The Luxe Street Riders gang erupted, shouting and clapping with enthusiasm. By now, they were making bets on whether the baby would end up inheriting Axel's affinity for adrenaline or Ava's eye for detail. Greg's face reddened, his patience clearly wearing thin as he watched the increasingly rowdy scene unfolding.

"Is this... normal?" Greg muttered, turning to Vivian, who was politely ignoring the antics.

"Oh, dear, relax. They're just having a little fun!" she replied, shrugging with a grin.

Just as things seemed ready to settle, Morgan waltzed in with a fully loaded confetti cannon smuggled in without anyone noticing and placed it proudly at the center of the room. "Alright, everyone!" she yelled, barely able to contain her own excitement. "It's time for the big reveal!"

Ava and Axel stepped up, each placing a hand on the cannon, sharing a quick, knowing smile. The entire room held its breath as they twisted the cannon, releasing a massive cloud of pink confetti that exploded into the air. It was official, they were having a girl!

"Woohoo!" Axel shouted, pulling Ava into a big hug, twirling her around as everyone cheered. But that's when things got a little... lively. The Luxe Street Riders team, already pretty well into their drinks, took the pink confetti reveal as their cue to unleash their full party mode.

"Ava," Greg said, dusting glitter from his blazer, "are these people your friends or... your clients?"

Ava struggled to hold back laughter. "Both?"

The evening carried on, with Luxe Street Riders transforming the baby shower into something between a rock concert and a family reunion, complete with Axel's coworkers starting a slightly out-of-tune rendition of "Sweet Child O' Mine." Greg shook his head, watching it all with disbelief as Ava's friends roared with laughter.

By the end of the night, the posh restaurant was barely recognizable with confetti scattered everywhere, centerpieces skewed, and plenty of champagne glasses left strewn about. But for Ava and Axel, it was a baby shower to remember, full of laughter, love, and the perfect chaotic celebration to kickstart their new adventure as parents-to-be.

As the night wound down, the Luxe Street Riders team showed no signs of letting up. Philip, nursing his third glass of champagne, wobbled over to Ava and Axel, declaring in a loud, confident whisper, "Now, listen, both of you. Here's the key to a happy marriage." He dramatically paused, eyes half-shut as if about to reveal the secret of life. "Never share your favorite snacks. That's it. Yours are yours."

Axel raised a brow. "Solid advice, Phil."

But it was Connor who stole the moment. As things calmed down and the wild vibe softened, Axel took the chance to make an announcement. "I'd like to name Connor and Morgan as our baby's godparents," he said, grinning.

Conner and Morgan, barely holding back tears, hugged Ava and Axel. "Man, we got you. Always." They exchanged a look that held years of friendship, trust, and memories in one silent promise. Ava smiled, her hand resting on her stomach, thinking how lucky she was to have a group of people who genuinely had their backs.