The Captain's Heart

forty

7th August 2022 – six months and ten days old.

She can't help but smile as she watches Imogen spinning around in the little baby pool with Rory as the baby kicks her tiny legs. She watches Imogen throw her head back laughing as the little girl blows bubbles in the surface of the water. They've opted to spend some time by the pool today to make it easier to keep Rory cool and out of direct sunlight. She reaches for her phone as it vibrates on the table and smiles as she sees Alex's name flash up on the screen.

'Hey, Al...' Leah says accepting the call and holding her phone up at her ear.

'Hey, you. You alright?' Alex asks.

'Mm-hmm... Enjoying some chill time before pre-season. You good?' Leah asks.

'Yeah. I was actually just calling because I seen you guys were in Ibiza...' Alex says causing Leah to smile.

'Yeah, we just wanted a few days away.' Leah replies glancing back to Imogen and Rory.

'Well, I'm out here as well and I was just thinking why don't I take Rory for a couple of hours so you and Imogen can go for dinner.' Alex suggests.

'You don't have to do that, Al. You're on holiday as well.' Leah says.

'I know I don't have to do it but I want to, Le. You and Imogen never get time just the two of you. Let me take the little one for just a couple of hours. Doesn't have to be overnight or anything, just a few hours... I mean I'd absolutely love to have her overnight if you'd let me but it doesn't have to be.' Alex replies and Leah smiles as she watches Rory bury her face in the crook of Imogen's neck.

'Yeah, okay... Only if you're really sure though, Al.' Leah says.

'I promise I'm sure, Le. For however long you want.' Alex replies.

****

'So how would you fancy a little date night tonight? Just you and me?' Leah asks softly as she takes Rory into her arms, the little girl wrapped snuggly in a towel.

'What? How's that possible? What about Roo?' Imogen asks wrapping a towel around her own body.

'Well when you were in the pool with Roo, Al phoned me to say she's in Ibiza and she didn't mind having Rory so we could have a couple of hours, or even overnight to spend just the two of us.' Leah explains.

'Yeah? How do you feel about that? Are you comfortable with it?' Imogen asks.

'Yeah. As much as I obviously absolutely love her and I love watching you with her, it would be nice to have you to myself for a little bit... It's not like it's the first time I've left her and I know she'll be absolutely fine with Al.' Leah replies watching a small smile appear on Imogen's face.

'Well then I'd love to have a little date night with you.' Imogen says softly.

'I'm going to take this one up to the room and try put her down for a nap... I don't mind if you want to stay down here for a bit; grab a drink, do some tanning.' Leah replies and Imogen nods her head.

'I might for a half hour or so then I'll come up.' Imogen says.

'Take your time... There's absolutely no rush.' Leah replies. Leaning forward, she presses a quick kiss to the brunette's lips before grabbing her stuff and beginning to make her way back to the room with a sleepy Rory in her arms as Imogen settles down on a sun lounger.

****

It's less than twenty-five minutes later when Imogen makes her way into their hotel room to find Rory fast asleep in her travel cot and Leah passed out on the bed lying on her stomach, her sliders still firmly on her feet. Placing her items on the little console by the door, Imogen locks the door before quietly making her way over to the bed. Reaching out, she gently removes the sliders from the blonde's feet causing the blonde to mumble incoherently.

'Shh... It's alright, go back to sleep. I was just taking your sliders off, babes.' Imogen says softly.

'Mm... I didn't mean to fall asleep. I'm getting up.' Leah replies as Imogen rests her hand on her lower back.

'You don't need to get up. Rory is asleep, you must be tired as well. I'm just gonna sit out on the balcony and read my book. Get some sleep.' Imogen says smiling. Leaning down, she kisses the top of the blonde's head before making her way out to the balcony with her book and phone. She's just settled on one of the loungers when her phone vibrates, signaling a new text.

From Mia:
We've just landed in France! Hoping to get over to see you before we head back home! Can't wait to meet the girl who's stole your heart ❤️ xx

To Mia:
How exciting! Enjoy France and I can't wait to see all your pictures. Let me know dates when you've got them and I'll make sure I've nothing on xx

From Mia:
How are you doing since you got home? I know you always struggle a bit more after you've been back xx

To Mia:
I'm okay. We've come away to Ibiza for a few days so it's been a nice distraction. I think I need to tell her about everything that happened I just don't know how to even begin. She doesn't even know Logan exists xx

From Mia:
Just be honest with her Im. From what you've told me about her, she's a good one and she'll listen to me. I think things will be easier for you if you speak to her xx

****

Her arms wrap around Imogen's waist as they sway from side to side in time with the music. After agreeing that Alex could keep Rory overnight, they'd found themselves having a nice little romantic dinner before Leah somehow managed to get them some last minute tickets to Ushuaia, thanks to some of her Lionesses teammates, so Imogen can properly experience the nightlife of the island.

'Having a good time?' Leah asks smiling as Imogen nods her head and tucks her face into the blonde's neck.

'The best time... This place is absolutely amazing.' Imogen replies, her breath warm against Leah's skin causing the blonde to tighten her arms around her.

'Hey... Can I steal your misses for a dance?' Alessia asks making her way towards the couple causing Leah to smile. Grinning, Imogen untangles herself from Leah's arms before heading off to dance with the blonde who she's become incredibly close to in the few hours they've been here.

'God you're head over heels, aren't ya?' Ella says laughing as she slides a drink into the blonde's hand.

'Completely... I've never met anyone like her, Tooney.' Leah admits shaking her head.

'You look well happy, Le... I'm so happy for ya. She's a great girl as well. We all love her already.' Ella says smiling as she glances over to where the brunette is dancing with a few of the Lionesses and Man Utd team. 

'It's hard not to love her.' Leah almost whispers.