Rediscovering You

fifty

11th January 2024 - one year and fifty weeks old.

'Did you see the picture Beth sent?' Leah asks glancing at Imogen who shakes her head.

'They've met up with Vic and gone to Notting Hill... Beth says they're going out for dinner so they'll just take Roo with them. Give us time to get him settled in.' Leah says.

'Rory will be having a ball with them, won't she?' Imogen says smiling at the blonde as she cradles the tiny bundle on her lap.

'Oh she'll be having the absolute time of her life... She probably won't even want to come home.' Leah replies reaching over to run her fingers through the puppy's fur.

'Have you thought of a name for our little guy yet?' Leah asks.

'Bear...' Imogen replies biting her bottom lip as she glances up at the blonde.

'Welcome home, Bear... Will we get you inside to all your new stuff?' Leah says softly causing Imogen to grin.

'You like it?' Imogen asks and Leah nods her head.

'I love it.' Leah replies smiling. They both get out the car and make their way up to the apartment as Imogen carries the puppy in her arms with a little blue blanket wrapped around him.

'Welcome home, little guy...' Imogen says softly as she sits down on the sofa with Bear on her knee.

'Are you happy with him, babes?' Leah asks as she snaps a few pictures before sitting down next to the brunette.

'I love him so much already... I honestly- I have no words.' Imogen replies shaking her head.

'Looks like he loves you as well... Look how content he is, babes. I can't believe we've finally got him home. I feel like this has been ages in the making.' Leah says smiling.

'I honestly just can't thank you enough, Le. He's everything I wanted in a dog, ever since I was little.' Imogen admits.

'You don't have to thank me, babes. I know people will think we're crazy getting a puppy a few months before we start IVF but it's a rough ride and I think he might be just what we all need as a family.' Leah says kissing the top of the brunette's head as she wraps her arm around her shoulders.

****

'Oh my goodness...' Beth says softly as she spots the puppy curled up on Imogen's lap.

'Hi, guys...' Imogen says glancing up at Beth and Viv as Leah follows them into the room with a sleepy Rory in her arms.

'Do you want to go meet our puppy, Roo?' Leah asks softly, her fingers brushing over the toddler's cheek as she tucks her face into her neck. She makes her way over and sits down next to the brunette, the little girl lifting her head slightly to peek at the puppy on Imogen's knee.

'Doggy?' Rory mumbles causing the brunette to smile.

'Mm-hmm... He's our doggy, Rory. His name is Bear, do you want to say hello?' Imogen says softly. Immediately, Rory pushes herself out of the blonde's arms and slides into the space between her and Imogen; her little eyes widening in amazement as she stares at the puppy.

'He's so beautiful... Smaller than he looks in pictures.' Beth says and Leah smiles as she glances up at the couple who have taken a seat on the opposite sofa.

'He's so calm.' Viv adds.

'Mm... He's been crazy since we got him home, hasn't he? We were playing with the ball and stuff so he's just chilled out a bit. Think we tired him out.' Leah replies smiling as Rory reaches out to clap the fluffy puppy.

'Are you happy, Imogen?' Beth asks and the brunette nods her head.

'I'm so in love with him honestly... I always knew that I'd love to have a dog but oh my god the love I feel for him already.' Imogen admits shaking her head.

'It's crazy, isn't it?' Beth says.

'What about you, Le? Are you head over heels yet?' Viv asks smiling as Rory climbs back onto Leah's lap and tucks herself into her arms.

'Completely. I mean look at him, how could you not be?' Leah replies softly.

****

'I thought I was going to find you on the sofa with the puppy...' Imogen whispers sleepily as she peeks her head into Rory's room where Leah is curled up in the rocking chair, Rory fast asleep on her chest with a blanket covering them both.

'Mm... I wish. She's thrown up about five times. Won't sleep unless I'm holding her.' Leah replies softly as she brushes her hand down the toddler's back

'Oh god... Do you want me to take over for a little bit? Let you get some sleep?' Imogen asks causing the blonde to shake her head.

'It's fine... I don't want to move her in case she wakes again.' Leah replies as Imogen leans heavily against the doorframe.

'Mama...' Rory mumbles stirring slightly as she tightens her grip on the blonde's shirt.

'I'm here, baby girl. I'm right here.' Leah says softly as Imogen makes her way into the room.

'Can you take her while I go pee?' Leah asks and Imogen immediately nods her head. She reaches down to take the little girl into her arms who instantly shakes her head and buries her face in Leah's chest.

'Mama... Mama...' Rory whimpers. Sighing, Leah leans down to kiss the top of her head before glancing up at Imogen.

'It's fine. It's just because she's poorly.' Leah says softly, her fingers brushing over the little girl's hair.

'Do you need anything?' Imogen asks and Leah shakes her head.

'No, I'm good. Go back to bed, babes. One of us should get some sleep tonight.' Leah replies. Leaning down, Imogen kisses the top of blonde's head.

'Shout me if you need anything.' Imogen says softly.

****

It's a little after 5 the next morning when she carefully places Rory down in bed next to Imogen who stirs slightly and rolls onto her side to face the blonde.

'You look shattered.' Imogen says softly, a small smile on her face as Rory immediately rolls closer to her and tucks herself into her arms.

'Mm... I am. She's not been sick for a couple of hours but she was asking for her Mimi so I figured I'd bring her in.' Leah replies smiling as she climbs into bed beside them.

'Mm... Family snuggles.' Imogen says draping her arm over the toddler to gently brush her fingers against the blonde's hip.

'Try get some sleep. I've got this if she needs me.' Imogen says and Leah nods her head.

'I love you.' Leah whispers sleepily.

'I love you too... Get some sleep, love.' Imogen says smiling.