Off The Field

forty-nine

'Why isn't our baby crying.'

Those words, the pain behind those words will forever be etched in Leah's memory not to mention the look on Courtney's face as she stared up at her, willing her to make everything better when the blonde felt as helpless as ever.

'Hey... Where've you gone?' Courtney asks softly as she glances over at the blonde who's staring out the window causing Leah to immediately shake her head and run her hand over her face.

'Sorry... I was miles away there. I was just thinking.' Leah replies quietly as she turns away from the window.

'It's okay, Le. I'm okay and she's okay. Although I think she would like a snuggle from her mama.' Courtney says glancing down at the tiny bundle cradled against her chest. Making her way over to the bed, Leah can't help but smile as Courtney gently removes the baby from her chest and passes her over to the blonde.

'Hey there, little lady...' Leah almost whispers as she gazes down at the baby who is dressed in a little cream croissant print sleepsuit, a little nod to the city they discovered her existence in.

'She's got your eyes, bubs.' Courtney says softly as she smiles at her fiancée and their daughter.

'Mm... How are you feeling, Court? You really went through it.' Leah asks and Courtney nods her head as she rests back against the pillows.

'I'm okay. In fact, I'm more than okay.' Courtney replies smiling.

'She still needs a name.' Courtney says softly after a few minutes.

'What? You mean we're not actually calling her pickles?' Leah asks causing Courtney to laugh.

'Somehow I don't think pickles is appropriate for our daughter.' Courtney replies smiling.

'Mm... We'll find her name.' Leah says softly as she runs her finger down the newborn's cheek as the baby sleeps peacefully in her arms.

****

'Hi...' Courtney says smiling as she wraps her arms around Bunny who has climbed up onto the bed with her.

'Hi, mumma.' Bunny replies grinning as her head rests against Courtney's chest.

'How are you? Have you had a good time at Nanny Amanda's?' Courtney asks and Bunny nods her head. Kissing the top of the little girl's head, Courtney smiles and takes a deep breath as she glances over at the plastic crib containing their newest little family member.

'Do you want to meet your baby sister?' Courtney asks.

'A sister?' Bunny squeals glancing between Courtney and Leah who both nod their heads.

'A baby sister just like you wanted.' Leah says softly.

'Where she?' Bunny asks and Leah makes her way over to the plastic crib causing the little girl's eyes to follow her every step.

'That her?' Bunny asks and Courtney nods her head.

'That's your baby sister... Sit here with mumma and Lele will get her out for us to have a snuggle if you like?' Courtney suggests causing the little girl to nod her head. She moves to sit beside the brunette as Leah lifts the baby into her arms and carries her over to the bed.

'Bunny, meet your baby sister... Baby sister, meet your brilliant big sister Bunny.' Leah says softly. She positions the baby so Bunny is partially holding her while Courtney supports her to ensure the baby is being cradled properly. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Leah smiles as she uses her phone to capture pictures of the moment; it's been a long, hard journey to get here but as Leah takes in the sight in front of her she can't help but feel like it was all worth it.