**One Year Later - Isabella's First Birthday**
The estate's garden had been transformed into a Disney wonderland. Pink and white balloons floated from every corner, a small petting zoo occupied one corner, and a three-tiered cake sat on the main table decorated with edible,sweet scented flowers.
Isabella toddled unsteadily across the grass, her chubby legs working hard to keep her upright. She'd taken her first steps just two weeks ago, and now she was obsessed with walking everywhere, refusing to be carried.
"She's going to face-plant into the cake if we're not careful," Gia observed, watching her niece wobble toward the dessert table with a single-minded determination.
"Let her," Maria said, sipping champagne. "First birthdays are supposed to be messy."
Sienna intercepted Isabella just before she reached the table, scooping her up despite the immediate protest. "Nice try, baby girl. Cake comes after lunch."
