the IT girl

last chapter

The sun shone brightly over the city as Lando, Lily, Gemma, and Daniel arrived at the park. The soft breeze carried the scent of freshly bloomed flowers, and the sound of children laughing echoed in the distance. It was one of those rare, perfect days that felt like it was pulled straight from a storybook.

Gemma squealed with delight as she spotted the swings. "Daddy, push me, please!" she said, tugging on Lando's hand.

Lando grinned. "Alright, princess. Let's see how high you can go!"

While Lando headed to the swings with Gemma, Lily sat on a blanket she had spread out under the shade of a massive oak tree. Daniel toddled beside her, his chubby hands gripping her fingers as he giggled at the birds hopping nearby.

"Look at him," Lily said softly, her heart swelling with love as she watched Daniel try to chase a butterfly.

"He's so full of wonder," she thought, pulling out her phone to snap a picture.

Gemma's laughter pulled her attention back to the swings, where Lando was now pretending to "catch" her mid-air, only for her to soar higher each time. The bond between father and daughter was undeniable, and Lily felt a wave of gratitude for the life they had built together.

After a while, they regrouped on the blanket, sharing a picnic Lily had packed earlier. Sandwiches, fresh fruit, and Gemma's favorite chocolate chip cookies were laid out.

"Mmm, these are the best cookies ever!" Gemma declared, her mouth full.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, sweetheart," Lily reminded gently, though she couldn't help but smile.

Lando leaned back on the blanket, his arm around Lily as they watched their kids. "This is perfect," he murmured. "I wouldn't trade this for anything."

Daniel crawled into Lando's lap, babbling in his baby talk. "Dada!" he exclaimed, holding up a tiny flower he had found.

"For me?" Lando asked, taking the flower with a theatrical gasp. "Thank you, little man."

As the afternoon wore on, Gemma and Daniel explored the park together. Gemma led her little brother to a shallow pond where they watched ducks paddling by. Lando and Lily trailed behind, hand in hand, soaking in the beauty of the moment.

"I still can't believe how far we've come," Lily said, resting her head on Lando's shoulder.

He kissed her forehead. "It's been an incredible journey, hasn't it? And it's only getting better."

Just as the sun began to set, casting the park in a golden glow, Gemma ran back to her parents, her eyes sparkling. "Look! The sky looks like a painting!"

Indeed, the horizon was painted in shades of orange, pink, and purple, with the last rays of sunlight dancing on the ripples of the pond.

Lando scooped Gemma into his arms while Lily held Daniel close. Together, they watched the sunset, their silhouettes framed against the breathtaking backdrop.

"Can we stay here forever?" Gemma asked softly.

Lando chuckled. "Not forever, but as long as we can."

Lily smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Gemma's face. "Forever wouldn't be long enough to show you how much we love you."

As darkness fell and the first stars began to twinkle, the family made their way back to the car. The day had been simple yet extraordinary ,a perfect snapshot of a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Lando glanced at Lily as he started the car. "Ready to head home?"

She nodded, her eyes glowing with happiness. "Home is wherever you are."