Rediscovering You

forty-two

16th December 2023 – one year and forty-six weeks old.

'And Imogen doesn't know that this is where we are today?' Laura asks glancing at Leah who is sitting on the sofa, a small-ish brown puppy curled up on her knee as she runs her fingers through the fur.

'She doesn't have a clue... I've told her that we can't get a puppy until we have a new house because my flat is too small but we have plenty of room for a puppy. Our place isn't any smaller than Steph's and she's got Calvy.' Leah replies smiling as she stares down at the puppy.

'She's going to be absolutely over the moon, isn't she? I mean you just watch her with Calvin and Myle...' Laura says and Leah nods her head.

'Mm-hmm... Her and Roo will be over the moon. So he'll be ready for me to pick up in the New Year, right?' Leah asks glancing to the breeder who nods her head.

'Yep. He'll be ready to go on the 9th of January.' The breeder replies causing Leah to smile.

'That's absolutely perfect... We'll have everything all ready for you then, little guy. All your toys and a nice comfy bed.' Leah says softly as she continues to run her fingers through the puppy's fur as he sleeps peacefully on her lap.

'He's quite content with you already so I think he's going to be just fine when he comes home with you.' The breeder replies, a small smile on her face as she watches the blonde. Making the decision to get Imogen a puppy wasn't one that made lightly; she's gone through all the pros and cons with Steph, everything they would need to put in place for when they were away whether it be on national duty or for away games and she's discussed everything with her mum who is more than happy to doggy-sit as well as baby-sit when she needs to.

****

'So do you wanna know a secret?' Leah asks softly as she glances at Laura across the table who nods her head and takes a sip of her juice.

'I've been in talks with a jewellers in Hatton Garden designing an engagement ring... I don't know when or where I'm going to do it but I pick up the ring right before Christmas.' Leah says causing the Austrian to gasp, a smile appearing on her face as she places her fork down on the table.

'No way? How exciting is that, Leah.' Laura replies and Leah nods her head as she glances down at her phone.

'I've got a mock-up picture of the ring... Do you want to see?' Leah asks and Laura immediately nods her head.

'Of course I do.' Laura replies smiling. Smiling, Leah flicks through her emails until she comes across the one from the jewellers which contains the picture. She chooses to enlarge it on her phone before sliding it towards Laura who lifts it into her hand.

'Wow... This is just- It's beautiful, Leah.' Laura says softly.

'I've spoke to Mia, Imogen's sister and then I've also spoke to Mini... You know from the Australian national team? Ims is really close to her so I just wanted to sound her out sort of thing. I just- I know she won't want me speaking to her parents and Mini is like another big sister to her so it just felt right.' Leah replies.

'Sounds like you've thought all about it, Leah.' Laura says and Leah nods her head.

'I just don't know where to do it. Do I do it when we're on holiday at New Year? I don't know. I guess the time will feel right, yeah?' Leah asks and Laura smiles.

'I'm sure you'll know when is the right time.' Laura replies.

****

'It was a shitty goal anyway.' Imogen mumbles, her face buried in the crook of Leah's neck as the blonde sighs.

'You couldn't have done anything more than what you did, babes.' Leah says, her hand running up and down the brunette's back as she groans.re

'It was a shit loss that never should've happened.' Imogen replies.

'Look, what's happened has happened. Let's just put the match behind us and have a really nice Christmas break, yeah?' Leah says softly.

'Mm... I'm so looking forward to Christmas with you and Rory.' Imogen replies smiling.

'Are you sure you're okay with coming to my family for Christmas? I know it can't be easy for you being estranged from your family so I don't mind if you want to do something just the three of us? I can go see my family another time?' Leah offers and the brunette immediately shakes her head.

'Don't be silly... I love your family, Le.' Imogen says smiling slightly, her arms remaining firmly around the blonde as she pulls back slightly to look at her.

'Did you get everything done today that you needed to get done?' Imogen asks and the blonde nods her head.

'Yep. Got everything done so I'm all yours now.' Leah replies smiling.

'Well I've got a few little bits I need to go pick up tomorrow and get done then that's me. You'll have my full attention.' Imogen says.

'Mimi!' Rory squeals as she rushes out of the living room.

'Okay, maybe not my full attention.' Imogen says smiling.

'Hi, little lady... How you doing? Did you have a good sleepover with nana?' Imogen asks unwrapping herself from the blonde's embrace and bending down to lift Rory into her arms.

'Went on a walk... On the swings, saw dog poo.' Rory replies causing the brunette to laugh.

'Well I'm sure that wasn't nana's intention for the walk was it?' Imogen says smiling as Leah shakes her head.

'All she's spoke about since mum dropped her off is dog poo.' The blonde replies smiling.

****

'This is me praying that, this is the very first page not where the storyline ends. My thoughts will echo your name until I see you again. These are the words I help back as I was leaving too soon, I was enchanted to meet you.'

Leaning against the doorframe, Leah smiles as she watches Rory cuddle further into the brunette's chest as Imogen sings softly; it's the same some she's sang different variations off since Rory was a baby but it's something that Leah will never get tired of hearing. Rory's little hand sleepily reaches up to settle against Imogen's cheek, the brunette turning her head slightly to press a soft kiss against her tiny palm, an action which is repeated every time they go through this little routine. Leah loves doing the bedtime routine and she does it most nights but there is something just so special about quietly watching Imogen carrying out the routine. Watching the bond that she has with Rory grow deeper and deeper all the time makes her heart so incredibly happy.

'Are you ready for bed, little love?' Imogen asks softly as she glances down at Rory. Quietly, Leah slowly backs away from the bedroom door and makes her way through to the living room allowing Imogen to finish the bedtime routine for the toddler.