the IT girl

Welcome, Baby Daniel

The sun was just beginning to rise when Lily felt the first sharp pang in her belly. She gripped Lando's arm, shaking him awake.

"Lando," she said, her voice strained, "it's time."

Lando bolted upright, his hair a mess and panic written all over his face. "Time? As in right now?"

"Yes!" Lily groaned as another contraction rolled through her.

Lando scrambled out of bed, tripping over his shoes as he grabbed the hospital bag they had packed weeks ago. He sprinted down the hall to Gemma's room, where their little girl was still fast asleep.

"Gemma, sweetheart," he said softly, brushing her hair back. "Mommy and Daddy need to go to the hospital. Grandma's coming to stay with you."

Gemma blinked awake, her eyes widening with excitement. "Is the baby coming?"

Lando nodded, scooping her into a quick hug. "Yes, your baby brother or sister is on their way."

Gemma clapped her hands but stayed curled in her bed as Lando dashed back to help Lily into the car.

The drive to the hospital was a blur of quick turns and calming words from Lando as Lily breathed through the contractions.

"You're doing amazing, love," he said, his hand gripping hers tightly.

"I'd like to see you try this," Lily muttered, though her lips twitched with a small smile.

When they arrived, Lily was whisked into the delivery room, and Lando stayed right by her side, holding her hand through every moment. The hours stretched on, and Lily's grip on his hand tightened with each contraction.

"You're almost there," Lando whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Just a little more."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the sound they had been waiting for filled the room—a loud, hearty cry.

"It's a boy!" the doctor announced, holding up the tiny, wriggling baby.

Lily burst into tears, her exhaustion melting into pure joy. Lando stood frozen for a moment, staring at the little life they had brought into the world.

"A boy," he whispered, his voice trembling.

The nurse gently placed the baby into Lily's arms. She gazed down at him, marveling at his perfect little face, his tiny hands, and the soft tufts of dark hair on his head.

"Hello, Daniel," she whispered, her voice filled with love.

Lando leaned over, brushing a kiss against Lily's forehead before looking at their son. "Hi, buddy," he said, his voice breaking. "I'm your dad."

Daniel let out a small coo, and Lando laughed through his tears. "He's perfect."

A few hours later, Gemma arrived with Lily's mom, Elena. Gemma's eyes lit up when she saw the baby in Lily's arms.

"Is that my brother?" she asked, climbing onto the bed with help from Lando.

"Yes, sweetie," Lily said, adjusting Daniel so Gemma could see him better. "This is Daniel."

Gemma leaned in, her face filled with wonder. "Hi, Daniel. I'm your big sister."

Lando grinned, ruffling Gemma's hair. "And you're going to be the best big sister ever."

Elena snapped a photo of the family—Lily holding Daniel, Lando with his arm around her, and Gemma beaming at her baby brother.

As the evening settled in and the visitors left, it was just the four of them. Lando sat beside Lily on the hospital bed, his arm around her as they looked at their newborn son.

"Thank you," he whispered, kissing Lily's temple.

"For what?" Lily asked, her eyes never leaving Daniel.

"For this. For him. For everything," Lando said, his voice full of emotion.

Lily rested her head against his shoulder, a tired but content smile on her face. "We're in this together, Norris. Always."