unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

A Conversation About the Future

The morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the living room as Ella and Leah sat together on the couch, a quiet moment of peace after the hustle of their respective mornings. Leah was curled up with a cup of tea in her hands, her legs tucked beneath her, while Ella sat with a book open in her lap, though she wasn't really reading. Her mind kept drifting, the quiet of the house a perfect backdrop for the thoughts swirling in her head.

Leah glanced over at Ella, noticing the faraway look in her eyes. It wasn't unusual for Ella to get lost in thought, but there was something different about the way she seemed to be contemplating something, almost as if she was weighing a decision.

"You okay?" Leah asked softly, setting her coffee down on the table and shifting closer to Ella.

Ella blinked, her gaze focusing back on Leah. She smiled faintly but there was an air of hesitation to it. "Yeah, just... thinking."

Leah raised an eyebrow, curious but respectful of Ella's space. "About what?"

Ella took a deep breath, closing the book in her lap. "About us. About the future. And... about kids."

Leah's heart skipped a beat, not because she wasn't expecting it, but because it felt like such a big step in their relationship—a conversation that had always lingered in the back of their minds but never fully surfaced.

"Kids?" Leah echoed, sitting up a little straighter. She couldn't help but smile at the thought, though she wasn't sure what kind of answer Ella was searching for. "What about them?"

Ella chewed on her lower lip, searching for the right words. "I've been thinking about what I want in the future... with you. I know we've talked about it a little, but I've never really told you how I feel about having kids. It's something I've been avoiding thinking about for a while, mostly because I wasn't sure if I was ready for that kind of change. But now, I feel like... maybe it's time to think about it."

Leah's expression softened as she reached for Ella's hand, squeezing it gently. "I'm glad you're opening up about this. I've thought about it too, but I wanted to give you the time to figure out what you want. So... what's on your mind?"

Ella let out a slow breath, her thumb brushing over Leah's hand as she carefully considered her words. "I think I've always known that I wanted a family, but I've also been afraid of how much responsibility it would be. I mean, being a doctor, you carry a lot on your shoulders already, and adding kids into the mix..." She paused, her gaze flicking to the window as if searching for an answer in the outside world. "But I also know that, if it's with the right person, I could handle it. And I want that—eventually."

Leah nodded thoughtfully, her hand never leaving Ella's. "I get that. I've always wanted kids, but I've never really known what that would look like for me. What it would look like for us. But hearing you talk about it, I know I'm ready. Whenever you are."

Ella smiled, a mixture of relief and love flooding her chest. She had always known Leah was the one she could build a future with, but hearing Leah's words now, feeling the warmth of her presence, made everything feel that much more possible. "You're not worried about juggling everything? Your career, my career, and—"

Leah cut her off gently, shaking her head. "I think we'd figure it out together. We always do, right?" She squeezed Ella's hand again, giving her a reassuring smile. "We'd have to make sacrifices, sure, but I don't think that's a bad thing. I've always imagined us as a team, and that's what we'd be if we had kids. A team."

Ella felt a lump form in her throat as she met Leah's gaze. The thought of becoming parents together felt so right, and yet the reality of it also felt overwhelming. But for the first time, Ella could picture it clearly—long walks with a stroller, bedtime stories, late-night feedings, and the constant juggling that would come with being both parents and partners. And she couldn't imagine anyone else by her side through it all.

"I'm scared, though," Ella admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've never been good at asking for help, and I think... I think I'd be afraid of not being able to give enough to our kids or to you. To make everything work."

Leah's expression softened with understanding, and she leaned in closer, her voice steady and full of love. "You don't have to do it all by yourself, Ella. Not now, and not when we have kids. We'll figure it out, one day at a time. And I'll be right there with you. We'll make it work. Together."

Ella let out a shaky breath, feeling the weight of her fears lighten in Leah's reassuring presence. "I think... I think I'm ready to start thinking about that future with you. Even if it's just the first step."

Leah smiled, her heart full. "We'll take it slow. And when you're ready, we'll take the next step together. But we don't have to rush."

Ella nodded, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "I like that. I think I could be ready for it, if we do it together."

Leah leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Ella's forehead. "Whenever you are, I'm here. We'll start this journey together, no matter how long it takes."

Ella rested her head on Leah's shoulder, feeling the warmth of her love and support wrap around her like a blanket. "Together," she echoed softly, a sense of peace settling in her chest. The future might still feel uncertain, but in this moment, with Leah by her side, Ella knew that whatever came next, they would face it as a team.

And for the first time in a long time, the idea of a family didn't seem so far out of reach. It felt like the beginning of something beautiful, something they could build slowly, step by step, with love and patience. One day at a time.

 A/N: Sorry i've been a bit inactive but I had a lot of schoolwork etc., but I will try to post a few more chapters the next days, and pls dont forget to vote and let me  know what you think about the story so far. Please let me know if there are any grammatical mistakes, English isn't my first language but I can always learn new things.