A New Chapter

epilogue

Wrapping her arms around the brunette's waist, Leah can't help but smile as she pulls the blonde back firmly against her chest and presses a gentle kiss to her shoulder.

'Morning, sleepyhead.' Courtney says, her left hand settling on top of Leah's.

'Morning... Something smells good.' Leah replies smiling as she tucks her face into the crook of Courtney's neck.

'Today's the big day... Thought we needed to have a proper breakfast to get through the day.' Courtney says causing Leah to nod her head.

'I can't believe it's already here... Where has the time gone, ey?' Leah asks and Courtney smiles.

'Mm... Time is going by far too quickly these days honestly.' Courtney replies.

'What time do we need to leave at today?' Courtney asks.

'Umm... Probably around half 12, get us there in plenty of time.' Leah replies and Courtney nods her head.

'And what time is your mum dropping the kids off at?' Courtney asks.

'She said they'll just meet us there. She's got their outfits so she's going to help Tommy get ready and do the girl's hair if they need help.' Leah replies causing Courtney to smile.

'Mm... So I've got you all to myself this morning?' Courtney asks turning herself in the blonde's arms and draping her arms over Leah's shoulders.

'Mm-hmm...' Leah replies smiling as she leans forward to capture the brunette's lips with her own. It's very rare these days that they get any time to themselves without at least one of the kids being at home so when they do they definitely try and make the most of it. The kids are definitely getting older now and they couldn't be more different but at the same time, so alike. Bunny is seventeen years old and still very much into her football while Tilly is thirteen years old and such a little girly girl, she loves experimenting with make-up (despite Leah's insistence that she's far too young) and wearing dresses. Charley is eleven and still very much Leah's little shadow, she's the most gentle, animal-loving little soul they've ever encountered and they're pretty sure when she's older she'll have a house full of dogs. Then there is Tommy who is their sensitive little soul. Tommy was diagnosed with Autism at the age of five after persistent fighting with their doctors about it. He's much more sensitive to noise than any of their other kids have been and like Charley, he is very much Leah's shadow, always tucking himself into her side whenever possible.

****

Tears fill her eyes as she sits in the stands staring out at the packed Emirates crowd; even after all these years it still blows her mind just how much the women's game has taken off. From making Emirates their home in 2024 to selling out every game in the years that followed, the game has just gone from strength to strength. The stadium brings back so many fond memories from her playing career but she's got a feeling that being here today might just be one of the highlights of her life. Taking a deep breath, she smiles as she feels Courtney's hand slide into hers as the crowd erupts into screams and they watch the seventeen-year-old confidently running out onto the pitch joining the likes of Katie Reid and Kyra Cooney-Cross who wears the armband securely on her upper arm.

'There she goes.' Courtney says quietly, reaching up to wipe her cheek as Leah mirros her actions.

'Our little Bunny isn't quite so little anymore, is she? Where have the years gone. I feel like it was just yesterday she was running around on that pitch with me, with Stina's top on that was far too big for her.' Leah almost whispers as she gently squeezes the brunette's hand.

'Mm... She's worked so hard for this moment, hasn't she? Been waiting for it for so long and now it's finally here.' Courtney says and Leah nods her head.

'She's always given it her everything. I was never in any doubt that she was going to make, that she was going to get here but I just- I can't believe we're watching this moment.' Leah replies.

'Mm... Wanted to be just like her Lele from such a young age, didn't she?' Courtney says softly watching as Tommy tucks himself into Leah's side, her little blue ear defenders securely on his head.

'See your big sister out there?' Leah asks softly as she leans down and kisses the top of the seven-year-old's head.

'Mm-hmm...' Tommy replies smiling. She feels a gentle tap on her shoulder and glances behind her to find her mum passing tissues to both her and Courtney as she gently wipes her own eyes.

****

'So Bunny, you made your senior debut today in a North London Derby... How are you feeling? How did you find that?' The interviewer asks causing Bunny to smile.

'Good... I feel great actually. I think to have made my debut in a place I remember coming as a child, to have made my debut with people that I've spent my whole childhood looking up to is just such a magical feeling. I don't think I truly put into words just how grateful I am to be here.' Bunny admits shaking her head as the interviewer smiles.

'I'm sure as the day goes by it'll all settle in... Are your family here today? Did they manage to come watch your debut?' The interviewer asks and Bunny nods her head as she glances towards where she believes her family are sitting.

'They did. They wouldn't have missed it for the world. My mums are both here, my siblings as well...' Bunny replies.

'They'll be so proud of you, I imagine. You should be very proud of yourself, Bunny. I'm sure you're going to go very far.' The interviewer says smiling. They spend around five or ten minutes finishing the interview before Bunny jogs off in the direction of where her family are sitting. She's immediately greeted by Leah who leans over the railing to wrap her arms around the teenager who smiles.

'How did I do?' Bunny asks.

'Amazing. You were absolutely amazing, babes. We're all so, so proud of you.' Leah replies smiling as Courtney joins her wrapping her arms around the teenager.

'Did you cry?' Bunny asks raising her eyebrows causing the blonde to laugh.

'Bawled like a baby.' Leah admits smiling. Wrapping her arm around Courtney's waist, they watch as Bunny moves on to hug Tilly, Charley, Tommy and the rest of the family who have come out to watch her debut.

Note: I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has stuck with this series and this little family because I have absolutely loved writing them and I'm so sad to see it end however I am hoping to get some more little one-shots uploaded in the other book of moments including the older girls meeting Charley for the first time so if there is anything you guys would like to see then please don't hesitate to let me know. Again, thank you so much for sticking with this series. I have loved reading all of your comments throughout the stories.