unexpected love (Leah Williamson)

A Quiet Morning, A Bold Plan

The morning after their heartfelt conversation, Ella woke to the scent of pancakes wafting through the air. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, painting the room in warm hues. She stretched lazily, the memory of last night's conversation bringing a soft smile to her face.

Leah was already up, judging by the empty spot beside her, and the faint sound of Florence + the Machine playing from the kitchen confirmed her suspicions. Ella slipped out of bed, throwing on one of Leah's oversized hoodies before padding down the hall.

In the kitchen, Leah stood at the counter, humming softly as she poured two mugs of tea. She was still in her pajamas, her hair a mess of golden waves. Ella paused in the doorway, watching her fiancée with a sense of awe and contentment.

"Good morning," Ella said, her voice still heavy with sleep.

Leah turned, her face lighting up instantly. "Morning, sleepyhead. I was just about to bring this to you."

Ella moved closer, wrapping her arms around Leah's waist and leaning her head against her shoulder. "You're spoiling me," she murmured, inhaling the comforting scent of coffee and Leah's familiar perfume.

"Only because you deserve it," Leah teased, handing Ella a mug before pulling her to the small kitchen table.

They sat together, sipping their coffee in comfortable silence. The peaceful morning was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions they'd navigated recently, but it was exactly what they needed.

Leah's Secret Plans

While Ella showered and got ready for her shift at the hospital, Leah found herself scrolling through her phone, making notes and mentally piecing together the next big step in her plan. The proposal had gone perfectly, but Leah wasn't one to rest on her laurels. There was something else she'd been thinking about—a way to take their life together to the next level.

As she jotted down ideas, her phone buzzed with a message from Beth.

Beth: Oi, don't forget you owe me a drink for my stellar distraction skills during the proposal. Also, when are we planning this housewarming? Ella needs to be surprised again; it's my turn to host something dramatic.

Leah laughed softly, shaking her head. Beth always had a flair for the theatrical. Still, her message sparked an idea.

Leah typed back quickly. Leah: Hold that thought. I've got an idea brewing. Let's chat later.

She was already mentally compiling a list of things to do. First and foremost, she wanted to surprise Ella with something more tangible—a home they could call their own. They'd talked about it casually before, but Leah wanted to make it a reality.

Ella's Day

At the hospital, Ella found herself lost in the rhythm of her work. The steady pace of patient rounds and consultations kept her mind focused, but every so often, her thoughts drifted back to Leah. She'd shared their engagement news with a few close colleagues, and the congratulations she'd received had warmed her heart.

But in quieter moments, doubts crept in. Could she balance her demanding career with the future they'd imagined? The thought of kids, a home, and everything else felt daunting, no matter how much she wanted it.

During her lunch break, she sent Leah a quick text.

Ella: Thinking about last night. You're my everything. Love you.

Leah's response came almost immediately.

Leah: Right back at you, babe. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. Also... no spoilers, but keep next weekend open. Love you too.

Ella smiled, her heart fluttering at the thought of whatever Leah was planning.

Leah's Preparations

While Ella worked, Leah spent the day putting her plan into action. After training, she met up with Beth and Viv at a café, spreading out a notebook filled with sketches and notes.

"Okay," Leah began, her voice low but excited. "I want to surprise Ella with a house—a place that's just ours. Not a rental, not temporary. A real home."

Beth's eyes widened, and she leaned forward eagerly. "Oh, you're really going all in now, aren't you? I love it. What's the plan?"

Leah nodded. "I've been looking at places for weeks. There's one I think she'd love—a cozy little place just outside the city. Close enough for her to get to the hospital easily, but with a garden and enough space for... you know, future plans."

Viv grinned. "You mean kids."

Leah laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Yeah, that too."

The three of them spent hours brainstorming ways to make the surprise perfect. By the time Leah headed home, her excitement was barely contained.

A Surprise in the Making

That evening, as they curled up on the couch, Leah couldn't stop herself from dropping little hints.

"Do you ever think about where we'll live someday?" Leah asked casually, her fingers tracing patterns on Ella's hand.

Ella glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "I mean, I like where we are now. But yeah, I guess I've thought about it. Why?"

"No reason," Leah said with a small smirk, clearly up to something. "Just wondering."

Ella narrowed her eyes suspiciously but didn't press further. She'd learned that when Leah got like this, it was best to let her have her fun.

Leah smiled to herself, already imagining Ella's reaction when the time came. This was just the beginning, and Leah couldn't wait to see what the future had in store for them. Together.

A/N: Sorry I've not posted in a while but i've been busy with exams and school but I will try to write a few chapters this week. Please let me know what you think about the story xx