Sparks - Daniel Ricciardo

Sixty Two

📍25th December 2022 - Perth, Australia

In the festively decorated dining room, the aroma of Christmas delicacies fills the air as Amber skillfully plates up a feast, a blend of Australian and Italian traditions. Laughter and chatter echo through the house as Daniel cradles his four-month-old niece, Isla.

Daniel gently rocked Isla in his arms, his eyes fixed on the tiny wonder nestled against him. "Look at her, Amber. She's fascinated by those ornaments. Christmas magic in her eyes already."

Amber smiled, a glow of anticipation in her eyes. "I can't wait for our little one to experience all this next year."

Leaning against the kitchen counter, Amber's mother, Elisabetta, entered, her eyes filled with warmth. "Amber, mia cara, do you need any help? I feel guilty not contributing to the feast."

Amber reassured her mother with a hug. "Mamma, your presence is the best gift. But if you insist, you can set the table."

As Elisabetta went ahead with Amber's orders, she placed a hand across her swollen stomach, feeling as the baby inside of her pushed careful kicks to the lining of her tummy.

Amber's hand rested on her baby bump, a tender smile playing on her lips. "I'll never get used to this feeling."

"Are you in pain?" Daniel started to panic as he rushed closer, ensuring Isla was glued on his hip at all times whilst she stared obliviously at the Christmas decorations. "Can I do anything?"

"I'm fine." Amber chuckled as she reached her hand up and grazed her skin onto Daniel's cheek. "You worry too much."

"Baby, I don't have a clue about this whole pregnancy thing. You could tell me that a symptom was growing horns and I'd believe you." Daniel laughed as his smile grew wider. "I just want to be there to help you. Whilst I can."

"Hey, stop that." Amber suggested as she firmly patted his chest in annoyance. "I won't have you feeling guilty for needing to work."

"I love my job, Ambs. But, I love you and our baby more." Daniel said as he watched Amber continue to mash the potatoes in front of her. "I hate knowing that I'll be back in Milton Keynes after the New Year."

"Dan, it's your career." Amber reiterated as she stopped what she was doing, wiping her hands across the apron tied around her waist. "I'm fine. Honestly, I've come to terms with the new feelings in my body. I'm not due until April. I wouldn't start to panic just yet."

Elisabetta chimed in, a twinkle in her eye. "Who's panicking?"

"Me." Daniel admitted before Amber could cover for him. "I don't want to go back to England. I don't want to leave Amber alone."

"Oh, sweetheart." Elisabetta gushed as she walked towards her son-in-law, placing her cold hands across his face. "You need to stop worrying, my dear."

"How can I not worry?" Daniel reiterated his point whilst he made eye contact with both ladies in front of him. "You're pregnant with my child. I don't want to miss out on anything either."

"You know I can't travel with you." Amber said. "Well, I can travel, but not very far and not very often."

"I know." Daniel nodded as he deeply swallowed. "What if you were to go into labour and I wasn't there?"