Off The Field

forty-two

note: I just wanted to make it clear that the pregnancy isn't going to last for ages in this story. If there is a time jump it'll probably only be a week here and there and that will be made clear in someway at the beginning of the chapter. If there is any specific pregnancy related things you'd like to see do feel free to let me know.

'I just feel like this is something that will give us a bit of peace of mind...' Leah says causing Courtney to sigh.

'It's nearly £400, Lele. That's an insane price to pay for a baby monitor.' Courtney replies shaking her head.

'But it's not just a baby monitor, Court. It tracks the baby's heartrate and oxygen levels. It also senses when the room is too warm... I think it's well worth the money.' Leah says.

'Can we think about it? I just think nearly £400 is a lot of money to just fork out in the one go, especially when we've just ordered the nursery furniture.' Courtney asks and Leah sighs.

'Sure. Let's think about it.' Leah replies placing the item back on the shelf.

'Mumma! Lele! Look.' Bunny squeals causing both Leah and Courtney to turn their attention to the little girl beside them who is clutching a giraffe soft toy.

'Oh my goodness, isn't that cute? Do you want to buy it? It can be a present to your little brother or sister?' Courtney asks and Bunny nods her head.

'For baby.' Bunny replies grinning.

'Pop it in the basket then, squidge.' Leah says smiling as she lowers the basket and watches the little girl drop the toy inside. They continue walking around the large baby store, Bunny's little hand clutching tightly onto Leah's.

'So I've got a meeting with the management team to talk about how long I want to take off once the baby is here.' Leah says glancing at Courtney.

'Oh, really? So how long were you thinking about taking?' Courtney asks and Leah shrugs her shoulders.

'I don't know. I'm not really sure recovery-wise, how long will be best for you? I don't want to go back too early and then you're struggling at home.' Leah admits.

'I think it's a hard one to pinpoint because obviously if I ended up with a c-section for example, then my recovery is going to be a lot harder than if I just have a straight forward birth... Physically, I could do pretty much everything I needed to around two weeks after having Bunny.' Courtney says and Leah nods her head.

'So what if for now I say at least four weeks? Then we can extend that if need be?' Leah suggests and Courtney smiles slightly.

'Sounds perfect.' Courtney replies smiling.

****

'Hey, you... Fancy seeing you guys here.' A familiar voice says causing Leah to smile as she glances up to see Steph with Calvin.

'Hey... How are you? I'm just trying to get these two to burn off some energy so they'll actually sleep.' Leah replies smiling as she gestures to Bunny and Beau who are running around in circles.

'I'm good, how are you? No Court?' Steph asks and Leah shakes her head.

'She's spent the past hour throwing up so just me and troublesome two.' Leah replies.

'Oh that's shitty. It's rough that she's still so sick despite being what? How far along is she now?' Steph asks.

'Nearly twenty-five weeks.' Leah replies and Steph nods her head.

'Yeah, that's rough.' Steph says.

'It's hard because instinctively I want to be there, looking after here but we've also got Bunny to think about who needs the attention.' Leah admits causing Steph to glance over at the three-year-old who has now been joined by Calvin.

'Why don't you let me take Bunny and Beau for a couple of hours? Dean is literally on his way down to meet me. We'll tire them out and drop them back to you in time for bedtime.' Steph suggests.

'Steph, that wasn't what I-' Leah begins and Steph nods her head.

'I know. I'm offering. I know you would do the exact same for me... Go home and look after your girl, Bunny and I will have a great time with Calvy and Beau.' Steph says.

'Are you sure?' Leah asks and Steph nods her head.

'Absolutely.' Steph replies.

****

'Oh, love...' Leah says softly as she bends down behind Courtney who's leaning over the toilet.

'Did you tire her out?' Courtney mumbles.

'She's with Steph... We bumped into her and Calvy. She offered to tire them both out so I could come look after you.' Leah replies as the brunette leans back against her.

'I feel like shit.' Courtney admits and Leah kisses the top of her head.

'Are you going to be sick again or do you think you can manage going through to bed, love?' Leah asks.

'Gimme two minutes.' Courtney replies and Leah nods her head. She wraps her arms around the brunette who closes her eyes and rests her hand on her stomach.

'Do you think you could manage to keep down some toast?' Leah asks as she helps Courtney back to bed after spending a few minutes just sitting on the bathroom floor.

'No, I just- I need some time for this to settle then I'll try some food.' Courtney replies and Leah nods her head. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she runs her hand down Courtney's cheek as the brunette drops her head back to rest on the pillows.

'Why don't you try get some sleep, love? If you're feeling a bit better tonight then we could order the pram and carseat?' Leah suggests causing Courtney to smile.

'Mm... That sounds perfect.' Courtney replies nodding her head.

'Lie with me for a bit?' Courtney asks and Leah nods her head. Climbing into bed beside the brunette, she immediately pulls her into her side as Courtney lets out a small sigh.

'Can we start decorating the nursery soon?' Courtney asks and Leah nods her head.

'Of course we can. I have a week off at the start of December. Could start painting and stuff then?' Leah suggests.

'Mm-hmm... Sounds like a good idea.' Courtney replies quietly.

****

'What do you say to Stephy?' Leah asks causing Bunny to grin as she wraps her arms around Steph's legs.

'Thank you, Stephy!' Bunny says causing Steph to smile.

'You are so welcome, little lady.' Steph replies smiling. They watch the three-year-old run into the house as Leah smiles at her Aussie teammate.

'Thank you for having her and Beau for a couple of hours, Steph. I really do appreciate it.' Leah says causing Steph to shake her head.

'Don't be silly. Happy to have her any time.' Steph replies softly.

'How's Courtney doing?' Steph asks.

'She's doing better... Managed to keep some food down so that's an improvement from earlier. She's actually just in the shower.' Leah replies causing Steph to smile.

'That's good. I'm glad she seems to be doing better.' Steph says and Leah nods her head.

'Were they good for you?' Leah asks and Steph nods her head.

'Absolute angels... I better head off, Dean is on his way back with a takeaway. See you at training?' Steph says and Leah smiles.

'See you at training, Steph. Thanks again.' Leah replies smiling.