The house was unusually quiet, except for the occasional rustling of sheets as Isla adjusted Leo’s sleeping position. His little hands curled around her fingers, his soft breathing a comfort to her ears. It had been a long, exhausting night, but she and Dante had stayed by Leo’s side, unwilling to leave him alone for even a second.
Dante, standing by the doorway, rubbed his tired eyes. His heart clenched at the sight of Isla’s exhausted form hunched over their son’s crib. He knew she was running on little to no sleep, yet she refused to rest.
“Isla,” he murmured, walking over to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “You need to get some rest.”
“I can’t,” she whispered, shaking her head stubbornly. “What if he wakes up crying again? What if he needs me?”
Dante sighed, crouching beside her. “And what if you collapse from exhaustion? Who will take care of him then?” His voice was gentle, but firm. “I’m here, Isla. Let me take over for a while. Go lie down.”
She hesitated, torn between her instincts to care for Leo and Dante’s logic. Finally, she nodded reluctantly. “Just wake me if he needs me.”
“I promise,” he assured her, kissing her forehead softly.
She dragged herself to bed, her body giving in the moment she lay down. Dante watched as sleep claimed her almost immediately. His heart softened. She had been through so much, always putting their children before herself. He made a mental note to plan something special for her soon.
Turning his attention back to Leo, he adjusted the blanket around his tiny body. He looked so peaceful now, but Dante still couldn’t shake off the worry. Every little whimper made his protective instincts flare up.
A small voice interrupted his thoughts. “Daddy?”
Dante turned to see Amara peeking into the room, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
“Hey, princess,” he whispered, beckoning her over. “Did we wake you?”
She shook her head, climbing onto his lap. “I just wanted to check on Leo.”
Dante smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “He’s doing much better, thanks to Mommy’s love and care.”
Amara nodded, her little fingers tracing patterns on her father’s arm. “Mommy’s the best.”
“She really is,” Dante agreed, his eyes softening as he looked at his wife sleeping soundly.
For the next few hours, Dante stayed by Leo’s side, rocking him gently whenever he stirred. He barely noticed the time passing, completely focused on his son’s every movement.
When morning finally arrived, Isla woke up to find Dante fast asleep on the chair beside Leo’s crib, Amara curled up in his lap. Her heart swelled with warmth at the sight. Despite his tough exterior, Dante was always so gentle and loving with their children.
Quietly, she walked over, brushing a hand through his tousled hair. “Dante,” she whispered.
He stirred, blinking up at her sleepily. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.
She smiled, leaning down to kiss him. “Morning. Come to bed, you need rest.”
He groaned, stretching slightly. “Not yet. I want to make sure Leo is completely fine before I close my eyes.”
Isla sighed but didn’t argue. Instead, she sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for staying up with him.”
Dante wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. “You don’t have to thank me, Isla. He’s my son. I’d do anything for him.”
Leo let out a soft coo, making them both turn their attention to him. His tiny hands reached out, grasping the air, as if searching for comfort. Isla quickly scooped him up, rocking him gently.
“Good morning, baby,” she whispered, pressing soft kisses to his chubby cheeks.
Dante watched them with a fond smile. He reached out, running a finger down Leo’s soft hair. “Looks like he’s feeling better.”
Leo giggled, making Amara stir in Dante’s lap. She blinked up sleepily before gasping in excitement. “Leo’s awake!”
She scrambled off Dante and rushed to her mother’s side. “Good morning, baby brother!”
Leo responded with another giggle, kicking his tiny feet. Isla laughed. “Looks like he missed you, Amara.”
Amara puffed up proudly. “Of course! I’m his big sister!”
Dante chuckled, ruffling her hair. “That you are, princess.”
As the morning went on, Leo continued to improve, his usual playful energy slowly returning. By lunchtime, he was babbling happily in his mother’s arms, much to Amara’s delight.
Watching them, Dante felt a wave of relief wash over him. The past night had been stressful, but seeing his family happy and healthy made everything worth it.
As they sat together at the breakfast table, Isla reached for Dante’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “We make a good team, don’t we?”
He smiled, lifting her hand to his lips. “The best.”
Dante glanced around the table, taking in the peaceful sight of his family. Amara was animatedly talking to Leo, who was responding with giggles, while Isla watched them with a soft smile. His heart swelled with gratitude.
“Alright, troublemakers,” he said playfully, scooping up Amara and placing her on his lap. “What’s the plan for today?”
Amara beamed. “Can we go to the park? Leo needs fresh air!”
Isla chuckled. “She’s not wrong.”
Dante smirked. “Fine, but only if Mommy agrees.”
Isla leaned in, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I think it’s a wonderful idea.”