the IT girl

A Quiet Night at Home

The day had been long but filled with happiness. Lando and Lily had spent the afternoon taking Gemma and Daniel to the park. Gemma had insisted on playing on every piece of equipment, while Daniel toddled around on his chubby legs, giggling every time Lando swung him in the air.

Now, the family was back home, the sun setting in golden hues over the horizon. Lily carried Daniel into the house, his little head resting sleepily on her shoulder. Gemma trailed behind, holding Lando's hand, her cheeks rosy from the day's excitement.

"Bath time, Gemma," Lily said with a soft smile, setting Daniel down in his playpen.

"Do I have to?" Gemma pouted.

"Yes, or you'll still have sand in your hair tomorrow," Lando teased, scooping her up and tossing her over his shoulder. Gemma squealed with laughter, kicking her legs in delight.

Once both children were clean and tucked into bed, the house finally grew quiet. Lily stood in the kitchen, rinsing out Daniel's bottle, while Lando leaned against the counter, watching her. She was still wearing her casual sundress from earlier, her hair loose and slightly damp from the evening's shower.

"You're beautiful, you know that?" Lando said, his voice low.

Lily glanced over her shoulder, a small smile playing on her lips. "You're just saying that because you're tired."

Lando stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I'm saying it because it's true."

Lily turned to face him, her hands resting on his chest. "The kids are finally asleep. I don't think we've had a moment like this all week."

"Then we shouldn't waste it," Lando murmured, his lips brushing against hers.

The atmosphere in the house shifted as they moved to the living room. The soft glow of a single lamp cast a warm light over the room. Lando pulled Lily onto the couch, his hands sliding around her waist.

"You know," he said with a playful grin, "I've been thinking about this moment since we left the park."

"Have you now?" Lily teased, leaning in closer.

Lando didn't answer with words, instead tilting her chin up to kiss her deeply. The stresses of the day melted away as they lost themselves in the warmth of each other's presence.

Just as things began to heat up, a faint cry came from the baby monitor.

Lando groaned, resting his forehead against Lily's. "Of course," he muttered with a chuckle.

"I'll get him," Lily said, standing up.

"No, you stay here," Lando insisted, placing a quick kiss on her cheek. "I'll check on Daniel."

Lando disappeared into the nursery, where Daniel was fussing softly in his crib. "Hey, little guy," he said gently, picking him up. "What's the matter? Did you have a bad dream?"

Daniel settled almost immediately in his father's arms, his tiny hands clutching Lando's shirt.

When Lando returned to the living room, Daniel was fast asleep against his chest. Lily looked up from where she was curled on the couch.

"Is he okay?" she asked softly.

"Yeah, just needed some cuddles," Lando replied, sitting down beside her.

Lily reached over, brushing a strand of hair from Daniel's forehead. "You're such a good dad, you know that?"

"And you're the most amazing mom," Lando said, leaning over to kiss her temple.