Velocity - Daniel Ricciardo

Chapter Forty Eight - Self Conscious

📍1st July 2021 – Spielberg, Austria
Amelia's POV

The view from our hotel in Austria was breathtaking—rolling hills, green meadows, and the backdrop of towering mountains. The peaceful scene should have calmed my nerves, but I was too focused on how pregnant I felt at nearly 32 weeks. My feet were swollen beyond recognition, and I'd officially given up on trying to wear anything that wasn't stretchy.

But today wasn't just any day. Today was Daniel's birthday.

A smile crept onto my face as I rested my hand on my belly, feeling the slight flutters of movement from our baby girl. I'd spent the morning trying to plan something for him, but between the race weekend and my waddling state, I had to keep it simple. Still, I was determined to make today special, no matter how much Daniel insisted he wasn't fussed about his birthday.

The door clicked open, and in he walked, all casual confidence, but with a brightness in his eyes that told me he was excited. He crossed the room quickly, grinning as he plopped down next to me on the bed, his energy filling the space.

"Well, look who it is," I teased, leaning back into the pillows. "Did the birthday boy come to check on his extremely pregnant girlfriend?"

He laughed, reaching for my hand, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin. "Came to see if my two girls were behaving themselves. Thought I'd check if I'm getting any birthday kicks from our little one."

I chuckled, guiding his hand to my belly. "She's been moving, but I don't think she's planning any big kicks just for you."

As if on cue, our daughter gave a firm kick against his palm, making us both laugh. Daniel's eyes lit up, and he leaned down, pressing a kiss to my stomach. "There she is! That's my girl."

I couldn't help but smile at him, so in love with the little life growing inside me. "Happy birthday, Daniel."

He looked up, his expression softening. "Thanks, love. But honestly, you don't have to make a big deal about it. I've got you, and our baby girl's on the way. That's all the birthday I need."

My heart swelled at his words, but I wasn't going to let him get away with thinking today was just another day. "Still, you deserve something special. I've got a little surprise planned for later."

His eyebrows raised, a curious smile playing on his lips. "A surprise, huh? Should I be nervous?"

"Not nervous," I said, shaking my head. "But you'll have to wait."

He groaned, leaning his head back dramatically. "You're torturing me on my birthday? That's cruel, Amelia."

I laughed, leaning into him. "You'll survive, I promise."

Daniel wrapped an arm around me, pulling me close as we settled into a comfortable silence, his hand still resting on my belly, waiting for more kicks from our little girl. There was something peaceful about moments like this—away from the track, away from the noise, just the three of us.

"So, how's the birthday boy feeling?" I asked after a while.

"Pretty damn good," he said, turning to kiss the top of my head. "But I'd feel even better if you promised to take it easy today."

I sighed, knowing where this was going. "Daniel, I'm fine. I'll rest when I need to."

"I know you are," he replied softly, his thumb brushing over my shoulder, "but I don't want you overdoing it. You've already made the trip to Austria for me. That's more than enough."

I smiled, touched by his concern. "I'm here because I want to be. Besides, you only turn thirty-two once."

"Yeah, but I don't need a whole production," he said with a grin. "Having you and our little girl here is all I could ask for."