Off The Field

forty-five

note: There's likely to be around three or four chapters left of the actual pregnancy which I'm hoping doesn't bother you guys but we're fast approaching the baby's arrival.

'Oh my heart...' Beth says softly as she presses a hand to her chest and watches Bunny hold a scarf up in the hair as she attempts to sing along to North London Forever as it rings out in the stadium.

'That might be the cutest thing I've ever seen.' Viv adds shaking her head as Courtney smiles.

'Been practising that all week with Le, haven't you?' Courtney says and Bunny nods her head as they all take their seats.

'She's got a new favourite player...' Courtney says glancing at Bunny who grins.

'Oh do you? Who's your favourite?' Viv asks.

'Stina Ballerina!' Bunny replies causing the Dutch woman to laugh.

'She overheard Le and Wally talking about tweets they'd read and that was it. She was sold on Stina Ballerina.' Courtney says.

'I wonder how Le feels about that.' Beth says nudging the little girl and raising her eyebrows.

'She can't be my favourite player... She's my Lele.' Bunny replies shaking her head.

'I sit on your knee, mumma?' Bunny asks and Courtney nods her head. Helping the little girl onto her knee, she wraps her arms around her waist securing her in place as the whistle blows to signify the start of the game.

'I can't believe you're actually here, Beth... By the time I'm thirty-seven weeks I fully plan on being at home with my feet up.' Courtney says causing Beth to smile.

'I feel good. I didn't really see any reason not to come today... I think he's going to be in here for a while yet.' Beth replies running her hand over her bump as Courtney smiles.

'Mm... Why do I feel the complete opposite? Thirty-two weeks and I swear sometimes it feels like baby is so low down that they could come at any moment.' Courtney says shaking her head.

'Oh really?' Beth asks and Courtney nods her head.

'I was having a ton of Braxton hicks the other day to the point I genuinely thought I was going into pre-term labour.' Courtney replies.

'Fuck, that doesn't sound fun. I've not even had any Braxton hicks yet. He's literally just too comfortable in there.' Beth says smiling.

****

'Did you know you're Bunny's favourite player?' Leah asks smiling at Stina as they make their way around the pitch thanking the fans after a relatively comfortable 5-0 win over Manchester United.

'No I'm not.' Stina replies shaking her head.

'You are, although she calls you Stina Ballerina because she heard Le and I discussing some tweets we seen online.' Lia says causing Leah to laugh.

'She was very disappointed when I told her she couldn't get your name on the back of her shirt because she was too tiny and your name is too long.' Leah replies causing Stina to smile.

'Is she here today?' Stina asks and Leah nods her head.

'Can I give her my shirt? Is that okay with you?' Stina asks causing the blonde to smile.

'Honestly? I think you'll make her year.' Leah replies smiling.

'Where is she at?' Stina asks glancing around before Leah points to where Courtney and Bunny are in the stands with Beth and Viv. Leading Stina over to the pair of them, Leah smiles as she watches Bunny's face light up as she leans on the railing in front of her supported by Courtney.

'Hey, little lady... Had a good day?' Leah asks and Bunny immediately nods her head.

'I was telling Stina how she's your favourite player in the whole wide world.' Leah says putting her arms out to take the three-year-old into her arms.

'I heard from Leah that your too little to get my name on your shirt?' Stina says softly and Bunny nods her head.

'I ask for my birthday.' Bunny replies quietly.

'Well since you're so special and just a little bit too little yet for it to be on your shirt, I thought maybe you could just have mine? Is that okay?' Stina asks watching the little girl gasp slightly. Immediately she removes her shirt and passes it to Bunny who grins and clutches it against her chest.

'What do we say to Stina?' Leah asks smiling as she glances at Courtney who has tears in her eyes.

'Thank you! Thank you!' Bunny squeals immediately throwing herself forward to wrap her arms around the woman in front of her.

'You are more than welcome, sweet girl.' Stina replies smiling.

****

'You know we're going to need to fight to get that off her?' Courtney says smiling as she glances into the backseat where Bunny is fast asleep in her carseat with Stina's shirt clutched against her chest.

'Mm... I figured we might.' Leah replies softly.

'You know, I don't know if she ever would've had this interest if it wasn't for you because I don't know if she ever would've had this access to it all if I hadn't met you.' Courtney says, her hand settling on the blonde's thigh as Leah drives.

'I think it's become bigger and bigger that she potentially could've had access to it at one point, I mean maybe not on this level but if she was interested then you would've found a way.' Leah replies.

'Thank you for making her feel so special. For bringing those wonderful humans into both our lives who made her feel so special every day.' Courtney says and Leah shakes her head.

'It's been over three years, Court. How many times do I need to tell you that you don't need to thank me... I love you and you have made my life so much better.' Leah replies smiling.

'Can you believe that in just eight weeks or so we could have another little one back there?' Courtney asks glancing back into the backseat where the carseat base has been installed.

'Mm... I can't wait. It'll be so good to finally meet that little person and figure out who they are, won't it?' Leah says and Courtney nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... Are you still leaning towards boy?' Courtney asks and Leah nods her head.

'I think so. I don't know why; I just- Well I guess I just have a feeling.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders as Courtney smiles.

'I still have absolutely no idea. I go between sometimes thinking it's a boy to other times thinking it's a girl.' Courtney says causing Leah to smile.

'Not long till we find out I guess... We still need to think of names.' Leah replies.

'There's no rush with that. I figure that it'll come to us when we see them, Le. When we know whether it's a boy or girl, when we're holding them in our arms we'll just know what they're supposed to be called.' Courtney says and Leah nods her head.

'Hopefully.' Leah replies.

'I was thinking though; Bunny has my mum's name as her middle name, if we have a girl would you like to give her your mum's name as her middle name?' Courtney asks causing Leah to smile.

'I'd love to, if you're okay with that of course.' Leah says and Courtney nods her head.

'I think it would be perfect.' Courtney replies smiling.