unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

New Beginnings

New Beginnings

The New Year was just around the corner, and our little group was buzzing with excitement. Beth had organized a small gathering at her place, and since Christmas had been so perfect, I was looking forward to this night. There was something about ringing in the new year with Ella that felt right, like we were stepping into a fresh chapter together.

The night was cool and crisp, snow still blanketing the streets outside. Beth had gone all out, decorating her apartment with twinkling lights and a "Happy New Year" banner above the door. Viv and Leah were in the kitchen setting out snacks, while Beth was arranging bottles of champagne on the counter, already in full hostess mode.

But Ella? She had been a little mysterious today, slipping out earlier without giving me much detail about where she was going. She'd just given me a soft smile, saying she had something she needed to take care of and that she'd be back in time. I couldn't help but wonder what she was up to, but I trusted her. And that trust felt good—like a foundation that was growing stronger each day.

Leah's POV

By the time Ella returned, the evening was in full swing. We'd settled into our little celebration, and I barely noticed her come through the door until I felt her arms slip around me from behind. I turned, catching her soft smile, and instantly, everything felt complete.

"You disappeared on me," I teased, nudging her playfully. "Where'd you go?"

Ella laughed, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, you'll see."

She looked toward Beth, who gave her an approving nod, clearly in on whatever surprise Ella had planned. Viv and I exchanged a glance, but before we could press her for more details, Ella reached for my hand.

"Come outside with me for a second?" she asked softly, her tone gentle and a little vulnerable, as if she was nervous about whatever was coming next.

I followed her to the door, glancing over my shoulder at the others, who were watching us with curious smiles. Outside, in the chilly hallway, Ella took a deep breath, looking at me with that same tender, thoughtful expression that always made my heart skip.

"Okay, close your eyes," she said, and I couldn't help but laugh, the suspense growing.

"Ella," I said, barely able to contain my smile, "what are you up to?"

"Just trust me," she whispered, her hand slipping into mine, warm against the cool air.

I closed my eyes, waiting for her cue. I could hear her shifting slightly, and then there was the faint sound of... paws? My heart stilled.

"Okay, open your eyes."

When I opened them, I found myself face to face with the most adorable little bundle of fur—a puppy with bright, curious eyes and a tiny, wagging tail, peering up at me from Ella's arms.

"Oh my god, Ella!" I gasped, reaching out to gently stroke the pup's soft fur. I could feel tears pricking at the corners of my eyes, completely overwhelmed. "You... you got me a dog?"

Ella's smile softened as she nodded. "Yeah. I thought... well, I thought you'd love him. He's a rescue, and he needs someone as wonderful as you."

The little dog wriggled happily in her arms, nuzzling closer as if he already knew he belonged with us. My heart swelled with joy as I took him in my arms, feeling the warm, hopeful weight of him snuggle into my chest.

"I don't even know what to say," I whispered, looking up at her, my heart full.

She shrugged, a little shyly. "Just tell me you're happy."

"I am. I'm more than happy," I replied, pulling her into a hug, the puppy squirming happily between us. "This is the best gift anyone's ever given me."

We took the little pup inside, where Beth and Viv immediately fell in love with him, showering him with affection. I could tell Ella was a little nervous as she watched, but her smile was full of warmth and satisfaction, as though this gift was her way of showing just how far she'd come, of taking a step forward into the life she wanted for us.

As the night went on, midnight grew closer. The energy in the room was electric, the countdown almost upon us. The puppy was curled up in a cozy bed Beth had put together in the corner, and Ella and I found ourselves back in the kitchen, stealing a quiet moment amid the noise and laughter.

The gentle strains of Florence + The Machine filled the room, and Ella turned to me, her hand reaching out.

"Dance with me?" she asked, her voice low and steady, her eyes catching the soft glow of the lights around us.

I took her hand, a smile spreading across my face. We swayed together in the dim light of the kitchen, the sounds of our friends' laughter filtering in from the other room, the gentle pulse of the music surrounding us. There was something magical about that moment—the feel of her in my arms, the warmth between us, the unspoken promise that this was only the beginning.

Ella leaned her head on my shoulder, her fingers laced with mine, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

"Thank you," she whispered, her breath soft against my neck.

"For what?"

"For everything," she said, lifting her head to meet my gaze. "For not giving up on me. For this year, for... just being you."

My heart melted at her words, and I kissed her, our connection deeper than ever before. She was letting me in, little by little, and I knew that whatever the future held, we'd face it together. This new beginning was a testament to that.

As the clock struck midnight, the cheers from Beth and Viv erupted from the living room, pulling us back to the present. We laughed, joining them, and as we all shared in the traditional countdown and toast, I looked around, feeling grateful for every person in that room.

I looked at Ella, her eyes shining with a new light, and I squeezed her hand.

"To a new year," I said softly, raising my glass with hers. "And to new beginnings."

She smiled, clinking her glass with mine, her gaze holding a promise. "To us."

And as we leaned into each other, the puppy curling up at our feet, I knew that this was it—this was the life we'd built, together. A life filled with love, hope, and the promise of many, many more dances to come.