It’s Sunday evening. The sun is nearly gone, casting a warm orange glow across the living room.

Luna is running around, one hand clutching her stuffed horse, the other holding a half crushed biscuit. Even though you’ve told her at least five times not to run around with food in her mouth.

She’s murmuring something to herself, caught in her own little world, while you try to lie down for a moment, as much as your growing belly allows.

You place a hand gently on it, feeling the soft pull beneath your skin. The baby has been kicking the whole day. Three strong kicks, all right after lunch.

Luna was immediately fascinated. She pressed her little mouth to your belly and whispered “Hola bebé! Kiss.” Your heart melted on the spot.

Your phone vibrates on the armrest and you reach for it.

Lando.

Your heart skips.It’s race day in Australia. Final check before the start.

You couldn’t travel with him this time. Doctor’s appointments are lined up for tomorrow. Ultrasound for the baby and a check up for Luna.

You answer the video call and there he is, his face fills the screen. Tired eyes, a hint of exhaustion around the edges, but that smile?

Home.

“Hello, mi amor." He says, his voice carrying that warmth that always leaves you breathless.

You smile instinctively. “Hello, baby.”

“Daddy?” Luna stops in her tracks, her voice full of surprise and excitement.

“Hey baby! I love you!” Lando’s voice rings out from the speaker.

“Daddy!!” Luna squeals, bouncing up and down. Her brown curls jump everywhere, the forgotten cookie falling to the floor without a second thought.

You glance from her to the screen, grinning and run your hand across your round belly.

Lando sees it. His eyes soften instantly. “Te quiero mucho, mi amor." He says gently.

Those words. The first Spanish words he learned when he met you. Not “Hola" not even “Gracias." Just that.

“Te quiero mucho." You whisper back, your gaze locked on him.

Luna scrambles onto the couch beside you, climbing awkwardly before settling in with a soft thump. Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes bright.

“Daddy, I was on the playground with Mommy today!” She exclaims proudly, her words a little tangled, but brimming with excitement.

“Yeah? How was it?” He asks, his grin lighting up the screen.

“Fun! Mama said we have to go home. You’re doing vroom vroom!” She giggles, her little hands zooming through the air like she’s the one behind the wheel.

“Yeah! Daddy has to race soon. Will you wish me luck, mi amor?” He chuckles.

She nods fiercely. “Yes!” Then she leans close to you, placing her small hand on your belly. “Daddy…the baby kicked three times today! Really hard! I gave kissy!”

Lando’s expression softens even more. “Really? Already practicing racing kicks, huh? Just like Daddy.”

“Yeah!” Luna giggles again and looks up at you, then back at him. “Are you coming home tomorrow, Daddy?”

You hold your breath.

“Not yet, baby…Daddy has to stay a little longer. But Mommy's taking you and the baby to the doctor tomorrow, remember?”

Luna lowers her gaze, her bottom lip trembling slightly. “I…I want you with me, Daddy…”

You wrap your arm around her, kiss her forehead. “Sweetheart, we have to see the doctor to make sure the baby’s okay. Remember? You’re getting the sticker. The one with the heart.”

She nods slowly, eyes shimmering. “And glitter.” You smile. “Exactly.”

Lando leans in closer, as if he could reach right through the screen. "Hey..look at me, little one. I love you, okay? You’re so brave. I’ll be home before you know it. Promise.”

“Promise?” She whispers.

“Promise. With lots of cuddles!" He says with a soft laugh. She wipes at her eyes with the back of her hand. “Okay…”

“And you have to take care of Mommy, yeah? Will you do that for Daddy?” He adds gently.

You move the phone closer to her. Luna leans into your side and nods seriously. Then Lando looks at you.

“You take it easy, okay? No heavy lifting, no too much bending…just rest, yeah?”