Fall'n For The New Guy | | Harrison Reid

Chapter 137

Weeks pass in the rhythm of our everyday routine work, home, teasing Harrison about how he still can't fold baby clothes properly, but today....today is different..Exciting.

Today is our gender reveal, and while we could've gone the traditional route with just a cake or a balloon pop, that wouldn't be us. Instead, we're having a small party with...you know..all the lifeguards. Which means chaos is inevitable. I let Harrison pick how the baby would be revealed, and honestly, I'm excited about what he's chosen because I know it won't be boring.

We're hosting it in Hoppo's backyard, a place filled with so many memories—family barbecues, weekend visits, and endless laughter. It's the perfect spot for something so special. The space is lit up with fairy lights, and the air smells like grilled food, which makes me smile.

I stand near the drinks table, rubbing my tiny but growing bump as Hoppo fusses over me, his big hand on my shoulder. "You sure you're feeling okay, Tess? Do you need to sit down?"

"Mum would've insisted I sit down every second, you know," I say with a smile, though I do accept the glass of water he hands me. "But I'm fine. Just excited."

He grins, squeezing my shoulder. "I know, I'm just making sure you don't do anything stupid like trying to climb on the trampoline."

"I'm not that bad," I laugh.

Olivia nudges me playfully. "Yeah, but with you two, there's no telling what's about to happen."

She's not wrong.

I glance across the yard, where Harrison is deep in conversation with a group of our mates, laughing as he gestures animatedly. Whatever he's saying earns a round of chuckles, and I shake my head fondly.

Just then, Harrison claps his hands together, getting everyone's attention. "Right! Enough suspense. You lot ready to find out if we're having a little surfer or a mini beach queen?"

The lifeguards cheer, some already placing last-minute bets.

"Hope you're all ready," Harrison continues, slinging an arm around me with a grin. "Because we're not just telling you. You're about to witness history."

A few people groan in amusement, but before anyone can question him, two lifeguards step forward: Maxi in a giant pink baby costume, Jake in an oversized blue one. The moment they appear, the crowd loses it, cheering, whistling, and taking photos of the utterly ridiculous sight.

I cover my mouth, barely holding back laughter. "Oh my God."

Harrison beams. "Welcome to the first-ever Baby Battle Royale!"

The music shifts to dramatic fight music, and the crowd cheers as the battle begins.

Jake charges first, but Maxi sidesteps like a pro, sending him stumbling. The next few moments are pure chaos—Jake swinging wildly, Maxi dodging with ridiculous baby-waddle movements. His oversized pink costume makes every move look ten times funnier, while Jake's blue one keeps getting in his way. They both trip and flail around, trying to gain footing, the crowd roaring with laughter as they spin in circles.

Maxi ducks just in time as Jake lunges forward again, causing him to barrel into a nearby inflatable pool. The splash sends water flying, and Maxi takes the opportunity to spin around, a mischievous grin on her face. She winks at the crowd, then charges forward herself, using the momentum to slide and knock Jake completely off balance.

Jake stumbles backward, his arms flailing, but he tries to recover. He pushes forward with one last desperate move, but Maxi sidesteps him once again, sending him sprawling onto the grass in a slow-motion crash. The crowd erupts in cheers and laughter, and Maxi stands triumphantly with her hands on her hips.

The crowd erupts in cheers and laughter. My eyes widen, my heart racing with excitement. "Oh my god!" I gasp, barely able to contain the surge of joy that floods through me.

"And that's it!" Harrison calls out with a grin. "We're having a girl!"

I let out a happy laugh, turning to him with shining eyes. "A little girl!"

Harrison looks at me, pure joy on his face. "A little girl," he repeats, softer this time.

He pulls me into a tight hug, pressing a kiss to my temple, while around us, our friends celebrate cheering, hugging, and, in Jake's case, dramatically rolling around in the grass in mock defeat.

I pull back slightly, smiling at Hoppo, who's grinning from ear to ear, clapping his hands. He's always been like a dad to me, and seeing the pride in his eyes as he shares this moment with me makes everything feel so right.

Maxi strolls over, out of breath from the battle. "So, what did you think?" he asks, a grin still on his face.

"That was amazing! Thank you so much!"

He pulls me into a hug, the fluffy baby suit enveloping me in a soft, ridiculous embrace. "Congratulations," he says warmly.

"Thank you!" I smile, feeling the weight of the moment settle in.

He pulls back, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Just so you know, when she's older, I'm definitely taking her for a sleepover at my place. I'll send her back with a sassy attitude for both of you."

I laugh, shaking my head. "I'm sure she'll already have one from me."

Maxi chuckles, nodding. "Yeah, you're probably right."

Just then, Olivia runs over, squealing, "OH MY GOD, TESS!" She grabs me in a tight hug, almost making me topple over. "I knew you were having a girl! I could sense it!" Maxi laughs and makes his way over to Harrison.

I laugh, holding onto her so I don't lose my balance. "I'm glad you were right!"

She pulls back, her face lit up with excitement, and gives me a once-over, eyes glinting with mischief. "I just knew it! I can already picture the tiny dresses and matching headbands. She's going to be so spoiled."

I shake my head playfully. "Oh, I'm sure she will be."

Olivia wraps her arms around me again, squeezing me tight. "I'm so happy for you, Tess. She's going to be perfect."

I smile, feeling the warmth of her love. "And just so you know, she'll know you as Auntie Liv."

Her eyes widen with excitement, and then tears start to spill down her cheeks. "Oh my god, babe!" She crashes into me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace.

I chuckle as she lets go.

Jake soon comes over, summoned by Olivia's tears. She crashes into him, nearly disappearing in his baby suit as she excitedly tells him what I said.

Jake looks over at me, offering a warm smile. "Congratulations, by the way. I can definitely picture Harrison having a daddy's girl."

A smile spreads across my face as I giggle. "Me too."

Just as Jake says it, Harrison comes over, and I pull him in close. "I can definitely picture it," I add with a grin.

And just then, everything was right in the world.