Lily Ralph, a 23-year-old Greek model, is strong-willed and independent. Growing up in an abusive household, she developed deep trust issues, making it hard for her to let people in. Despite her tough exterior, there's a vulnerability underneath, on...
The day of the baby shower was bright and sunny, the perfect backdrop for a celebration. Lando and Lily had decided to host the event at their home, transforming their spacious backyard into a festive wonderland. Balloons in soft pastel blues and yellows floated along the perimeter, and a giant sign reading "Baby Norris #2 on the Way!" stood proudly by the entrance.
Gemma was the most excited of all, bouncing from one decoration to another. "Mama, look! Balloons!" she exclaimed, tugging on Lily's hand.
"I see, sweetheart!" Lily said with a smile, bending down to smooth Gemma's dress. "You're going to help greet everyone when they arrive, okay?"
"Okay!" Gemma agreed, spinning in her tiny floral dress.
Soon, family and friends began pouring in. Lando's parents arrived first, carrying gifts wrapped in neutral tones. His sister, Flo, followed with a mischievous grin.
"You know, Lando," Flo teased, "you better hope this baby doesn't have your stubborn streak. Gemma's already a handful."
Lando rolled his eyes but laughed. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Flo."
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were next, arriving together with matching gift bags.
"Carlos insisted on getting something practical," Charles joked, holding up a neatly wrapped baby carrier. "I wanted to get a miniature racing suit, but he said it was 'impractical.'"
"It is!" Carlos defended. "You'll thank me when you need to carry the baby around the paddock."
"Practical or not, thank you," Lily said, hugging them both.
The stream of guests continued, with Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo, and Oscar Piastri adding to the lively mix. The backyard buzzed with laughter and chatter, the sound of a family coming together.
The shower kicked off with a few classic baby shower games, much to everyone's amusement. The first was a blindfolded diaper-changing competition.
"Alright, Lando, show us your dad skills!" Flo called out as Lando stepped up to the table, blindfold in hand.
"Easy," Lando said, confident.
As the timer started, chaos ensued. Lando fumbled with the tiny doll's diaper, struggling to secure it properly. Meanwhile, Carlos, his competitor, managed to fasten the diaper backward, drawing roars of laughter from the crowd.
"I think we're in trouble if this is how you're planning to handle diapers," Lily teased, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
Next was a baby food taste test. Charles reluctantly volunteered, grimacing at the jars of mashed peas and carrots laid out before him.
"I drive at over 300 kilometers an hour, but this is terrifying," he joked.
When he accidentally guessed that mashed carrots were "mango pudding," the entire group burst into laughter.
As the games wound down, it was time for speeches. Lando stood with a glass of sparkling cider in hand, looking around at the group of people who had gathered to celebrate this special moment.
"I just want to say thank you to everyone for being here today," he began, his voice warm. "Lily and I feel so lucky to have such incredible friends and family supporting us. This baby is already so loved, and we can't wait to meet them."
Gemma, sitting on Lily's lap, clapped enthusiastically. "I'm going to be a big sister!"
"Yes, you are," Lando said, grinning at her.
Lily's eyes glistened with emotion as she looked around. "Thank you all for making today so special. It means the world to us."
After the speeches, it was time to open gifts. Gemma took it upon herself to be the "gift helper," eagerly tearing at wrapping paper and handing items to her parents.
"Look, Mama!" she exclaimed, holding up a soft blanket embroidered with the words "Baby Norris."
"Thank you, Flo," Lily said, beaming.
Carlos' practical baby carrier was met with nods of approval, while Charles' racing suit finally made an appearance, drawing laughs and applause.
"Had to sneak it in," Charles said with a wink.
One particularly touching gift came from Lewis, who handed Lily a beautifully framed photo of their growing family, taken during a recent McLaren team event.
"This is perfect," Lily said, her voice soft.
As the afternoon turned into evening, the guests began to trickle out, each leaving with small party favors—a candle with the words "Baby Norris 2025" etched on the side.
Lando's mom gave Lily a warm hug before leaving. "Take care of yourself, dear. And remember, we're always here if you need anything."
"Thank you," Lily said, her heart full.
When the last guest had gone, Lando sat on the couch with Lily and Gemma, the three of them surrounded by wrapping paper and gifts.
"Well," Lando said, leaning back with a satisfied sigh, "that was a success."
Lily smiled, resting her head on his shoulder. "It really was. I feel so grateful."
Gemma climbed onto Lando's lap, holding her favorite gift of the day—a stuffed animal someone had given for the baby.
"Is the baby coming tomorrow?" she asked innocently.
Lando chuckled, kissing her forehead. "Not yet, Gem. But soon."
As the family sat together, surrounded by love and laughter, it was clear that the next chapter of their lives was going to be just as wonderful as the one they were living now
@LiLy_Norris
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