Le's Soldier

Part 93

Quieter.

Warmer.

Full.

Lilly stood in the doorway of the nursery, staring at the tiny bassinet they had spent months putting together.

Their little boy was finally sleeping in it.

Not a picture on an ultrasound.

Not a tiny Arsenal shirt sitting on a shelf.

Not a name they whispered while imagining what he would look like.

He was actually here.

Their son.

Lilly smiled to herself.

"Fuck..."

She quietly laughed.

"We actually did it."

Behind her, Leah's voice came from the hallway.

"You talking to yourself?"

Lilly turned.

Leah was slowly walking toward her, still recovering, one hand resting carefully against her stomach.

"Maybe."

"You're weird."

"You married me."

"I know."

Leah smiled.

Lilly immediately walked over.

"You shouldn't be standing too long."

"Lilly."

"What?"

"I can walk."

"I know."

"Then stop fussing."

"No."

Leah rolled her eyes.

"Come here."

She pulled Lilly into a gentle hug.

Lilly wrapped her arms around her carefully.

For a moment, neither said anything.

Then Leah whispered,

"Thank you."

Lilly frowned.

"For what?"

"For staying."

Lilly's expression changed.

"Always."

Leah rested her head against Lilly's chest.

"I was so scared."

"So was I."

"I thought I was going to die."

Lilly swallowed.

"Don't."

"Lilly—"

"I know."

She kissed Leah's hair.

"But you're here."

Leah nodded.

"I'm here."

⸻

That evening, they attempted their first family dinner.

Attempted being the important word.

Lilly was cooking.

Leah was sitting at the kitchen table.