The Captain's Heart

fourteen

16th January 2022 – forty weeks pregnant.

'When I made sure I had nothing booked in for today, I didn't think we'd be spending it walking around Tesco with you.' Alex says causing Leah to laugh as she drops another pack of baby wipes into the trolley.

'Neither did I... I really thought she would've been here by now.' Leah replies rolling her eyes as one hand pushes the trolley while the other brushes across her stomach.

'Have you really had like no signs? No contractions or anything?' Alex asks and Leah shakes her head.

'Nope, absolutely nothing... I've had a lot of Braxton Hicks but no real contractions just yet.' Leah replies shrugging her shoulders.

'Well hopefully she'll make her appearance soon because there are so many people who are looking forward to meeting her.' Alex says as they continue walking round the supermarket.

'What have you got planned for this week then?' Leah asks.

'Not much. I've just made sure everything can be moved or covered for when you go into labour.' Alex replies causing the blonde to smile.

'You didn't have to do that. I would've understood if you had something on. I mean she literally could come any time in the next two weeks.' Leah says.

'You want me to be there and I want to be there, Le. I'm going to be there.' Alex replies.

'She's so lucky to have you in her life, you know. We both are.' Leah says shaking her head.

'And I'm just as lucky to have both of you... Is there anything you need to get sorted before she's here? Obviously if you're going to be staying at your mum's afterwards?' Alex asks.

'I don't think so. I've already packed some stuff and it took it round to hers. She's going to drive my car to and from the hospital because it's got the carseat installed in it... I think I'm all sorted. Just waiting on her deciding to make an appearance now.' Leah replies.

****

'This has got to be by far the cutest thing I've ever seen.' Alex says smiling as she runs her hand over the little Arsenal home kit which is hung up on the handle of the wardrobe door.

'The girls got that for her...' Leah replies glancing up from where she's folding tiny sleepsuits at the dresser.

'What's this? A belly casting kit?' Alex asks lifting the box into her hand.

'Oh the girls bought that as well... I meant to do it but I've just never got round to it.' Leah admits shrugging her shoulders.

'We could do it today if you're feeling up to it? Before she decides to make an appearance?' Alex offers causing Leah to smile.

'Yeah? May as well otherwise she'll make an appearance and I won't get a chance.' Leah says smiling. They set about getting everything ready to do the cast and the blonde gets changed into a pair of shorts and a sports bra. They get situated in the kitchen before Alex begins placing the wet strips of plaster across her stomach.

'Is it cold?' Alex asks smoothing out a strip of plaster on the blonde's bare skin.

'Mm... It's cold but it's okay.' Leah replies.

'How far are you wanting it? Do you want it up over your boobs?' Alex asks and the blonde nods her head.

'It looks better when it's done that way. If you're not comfortable though...' Leah says and Alex shakes her head.

'We can do it however you want. I'm good with it.' Alex replies smiling as she continues with the cast.

****

'Hey... I didn't realise you had company. I just wanted to pop by and see how you were doing.' Imogen says smiling as the blonde stands at the front door.

'Hey, you... It's just Alex and I here. Come on in and you can meet her properly.' Leah replies causing the Aussie to smile as she takes in the sight of the belly cast which is setting on the blonde's stomach.

'What is this?' Imogen asks gesturing to her stomach.

'The belly cast thing you guys got me... I hadn't got round to doing it yet but I wanted to make sure I got it done before she comes.' Leah replies smiling as the brunette presses a soft kiss to her cheek as she makes her way into the house.

'Al is just in the toilet. She'll be out in a minute; do you want a drink?' Leah asks.

'I can get it. You have a seat on rest those poor swollen ankles.' Imogen replies causing the blonde to laugh.

'They're so swollen, aren't they? Probably cause I was dragging Al round Tesco this morning.' Leah says lowering herself onto the seat she was on previously as Imogen grabs a bottle of water out of the fridge.

'Le, who was- Oh, hello.' Alex says smiling as she makes her way into the kitchen.

'Imogen just popped round to see how I was doing.' Leah explains.

'I won't stay long, don't want to impose on your guys' day.' Imogen says and Alex shakes her head.

'Don't be silly... We don't have any plans or anything, just trying to get this baby to get a move on.' Alex replies smiling.

'I told you, she's far too comfortable in there. I clearly make a very good home.' Leah says causing the other two women to laugh.

'I'm telling you, she'll make her appearance while we're all away on international break. Everyone will be meeting her through the phone, although at least you'd probably get peace and quiet for a bit before everyone got back.' Imogen says.

'When is international break again?' Leah asks.

'Starts on the 24th.' Imogen replies.

'Oh I'll get her here before that.' Leah says smiling.

****

Sitting on the armchair, Alex can't help but smile as she glances over at Leah who is stretched out on the sofa; her legs spread across Imogen's lap as the Aussie gently rubs at her swollen ankles. They successfully finished the bump cast and ordered in a takeaway before settling down to watch a movie.

'Is it normal for them to be this swollen?' Imogen asks softly and Leah nods her head.

'Spoke with my midwife the other day about them. She said they're not overly swollen and I've got no other signs of pre-eclampsia so just to keep an eye on them.' Leah replies causing Imogen to sigh.

'Okay. Are they painful? I'm not hurting you, am I?' Imogen asks and Leah shakes her head.

'No, that actually feels really good.' Leah replies smiling.

'Well doesn't look like she's going to be a due date baby, does it?' Alex says and Leah shakes her head with a sigh.

'Unfortunately not...' Leah replies, dropping her head to rest back against the pillows as Imogen continues to massage her poor swollen ankles.