unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

Meeting the Family

Ella's POV:

Leah had mentioned her family a few times before—her mom, Amanda, her dad, David, and her younger brother, Jacob. She spoke about them with warmth and love, especially her mom, who she was clearly close to. They sounded wonderful, and I could tell they were an important part of her life. But when Leah invited me to officially meet them over Sunday lunch, I couldn't shake the nervous energy building in me. I wanted so much to make a good impression, to feel like I fit into her world, the same way she fit so effortlessly into mine.

We pulled up to her family home, a charming house in a quiet neighborhood. Leah gave my hand a reassuring squeeze before we got out of the car. "They're going to love you, Ella. I promise."

As soon as we got to the door, it swung open to reveal her mom, Amanda, with a warm smile and arms already reaching out to hug Leah. Her mom was exactly as I'd imagined—kind, open, and so full of love.

"You must be Ella!" Amanda's hug was just as warm as her smile, and some of my nerves melted away. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you. Leah has told us so much about you."

"It's great to meet you too, Mrs. Williamson," I said, smiling as we walked into the house.

"Oh, please, call me Amanda!" she insisted, waving her hand dismissively.

As we stepped into the living room, I saw her dad, David, and her brother, Jacob, sitting by the window, both standing up as we entered. David greeted me with a firm handshake and a kind smile, while Jacob, who had Leah's same warm eyes and easygoing smile, gave me a quick nod before pulling his sister into a playful hug.

"Finally decided to bring someone home, huh?" Jacob teased Leah, who rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile.

Leah gave him a light punch on the arm. "Be nice, Jake."

"Don't worry, I'm always nice," he replied, grinning.

It was instantly clear how much Leah's family adored her, and it was easy to see why she was as warm and grounded as she was. We settled in the cozy living room with tea and biscuits, and the conversation quickly flowed, her parents eager to learn more about me.

"So, Ella, Leah tells us you're a pediatric surgeon," David said with a hint of pride, and I caught the glimmer in Leah's eyes as her parents started asking me questions about my work.

"Yes," I replied, a little surprised but pleased that Leah had shared this part of my life with them. "It can be intense, but I really love what I do."

Leah's mom looked at me, her expression soft. "It takes a lot of strength and compassion to do what you do. You must make such a difference to those children."

Her words meant a lot, especially after the rough week I'd had. It was comforting to feel accepted by Leah's family, to feel like they saw me as more than just a visitor. As we chatted, I felt more at ease, and the nerves that had buzzed around my head when I first arrived slowly faded.

After a while, Amanda called us to the dining room for lunch, and we all sat down around a table covered in home-cooked dishes that looked and smelled delicious.

"So, Ella," Jacob started, grinning at me. "How exactly did you manage to win over my sister? Leah's pretty picky, you know."

Leah's cheeks turned pink, and she gave Jacob a warning glance. But her eyes softened as she looked over at me. "Well, I think it was actually her who won me over."

A warmth blossomed in my chest, and I reached under the table to give her hand a gentle squeeze. "I think we won each other over," I said, smiling at her.

The whole table fell into an easy rhythm of conversation, with Leah's family swapping stories and teasing each other. At one point, her mom started sharing childhood stories about Leah, and I couldn't help but laugh at the tales of Leah's mischief growing up, especially the ones Jacob chimed in on.

"Leah used to get in so much trouble in school," Amanda said, shaking her head fondly. "One time, she convinced half the class to hide in the playground as a 'team-building exercise.'"

"Oh no, you didn't," I said, giving Leah a mock-scandalized look.

Leah rolled her eyes with a sheepish grin. "Okay, yes, but I was ten. I didn't exactly think it through."

We all laughed, and I felt a wave of gratitude for this moment, for how easily Leah's family had welcomed me in. It was clear they loved her fiercely, and I could see how much they wanted her to be happy.

After lunch, we moved back to the living room for dessert. David pulled out a family album, and as we looked through old photos, I caught sight of young Leah—her same bright eyes, the same spark of mischief. Seeing her in this new light, surrounded by the people who loved her most, made me fall for her even more.

As the afternoon wore on, I found myself talking with Amanda in the kitchen while Leah helped her dad and Jacob clear the table. She turned to me, her eyes warm.

"I'm so happy Leah found someone like you," she said gently. "I can see how much she cares about you, and I hope you know you're part of the family now, too."

Hearing those words meant the world to me, and I felt a surge of emotion, grateful for how openly they'd accepted me into their lives. "Thank you, Amanda," I said, my voice soft. "It means a lot to me."

When it was finally time to leave, Leah's family hugged us both, and I could feel a new sense of closeness. In just a few hours, they'd shown me so much love and acceptance, and I knew I'd carry this day with me for a long time.

As we drove back to my flat, Leah reached over and took my hand. She looked at me with that same warm, steady gaze that I loved, and I squeezed her hand back, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love.

"So," she asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "How did you feel about meeting the family?"

I smiled, looking over at her. "Honestly? I loved them. I can see why you're so wonderful."

She chuckled, a little bashful. "I'm really glad you came. They loved you too, you know."

I leaned back, a happy warmth filling me. "Thank you for bringing me into your life like this. It feels... perfect."

As we drove through the quiet streets, hand in hand, I knew that Leah and I were building something special, something real. Today had shown me not only the love we shared but also the strength of the people who had shaped her. And as we headed home, I felt more certain than ever that I belonged by her side, just as she belonged by mine.