Love Runs Deeper Than Blood

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY

Last night, Sammie had slept with Ali, and Ash had slept on the couch. Today was her first full day living with Ali and Ash, and she couldn't be happier. Not just because she was finally adopted, but was adopted by two of her idols. The girls had the day off today, so they decided to go and get some stuff for Sammie. Like a bed, sheets, and whatever else she needed. They went to the furniture store, and they got her a twin sized bed and mattress, a bureau, nightstand, and a desk. They then went to Target and got her a sheet set. They went home and the furniture men were waiting for them, and they assembled the bed. Sammie flopped on it when they were done.
"I love it! My own bed and my own room. I've never had my own room before."
"I'm so glad you're happy, Kiddo. " Ash says. Do you want to go out and play some. See what you're made of?"
"Of course!"
"Alright let's go then! You got gloves with you. "
"Yeah, they're not very good. They were the one Christmas present I got last year."
"I have an old pair you can use. We're gonna go to a park that not many people know about to avoid being bombarded."
"Ok" and they were off.

"Get in the goal, Sam" Ashlyn instructed her daughter, placing the ball about 12 yards out. She hit some at her feet, to see her form, which was very good. Then she hit some shin level, getting harder and harder with each kick. She executed the saves with perfect form. Ash decided to test her diving. She hit a few on the ground on either side, and she never missed one. Then she began to fire the shots in the air to either side, and again, never missing one. Mind you, Ash wasn't hitting them as hard as she could, however, the form was there, and she was going to be very good, Ash could tell.
"Hey Sam! You're amazing. You've never had any training?"
"Not on a team. I just used to have the other kids in the home shoot on me. I never liked to lose, so I would always just throw myself in front of the ball. I guess I just picked it up, and I enjoyed it."
"You're amazing! Most 9 year olds can't do anything close to that with training. I can't believe it!"
"Well, soccer was the only thing that I could do most of the time, and I enjoyed it. I just did it all the time."
"It shows kiddo. Let's call your mommy. I want her to see this."

On the phone with Ali
"Hey Ash what's up?"
"I'm at the park with Sammie, and you gotta get down here."
"What happened?" Ali was genuinely concerned.
"Nothing happened. You just need to see her play. She's amazing."
"I'll be right down. "
"Ok. See you then."
They hung up.
"Hey Sammie. Come show me your punts."
"Ok, I haven't really practiced these much. There wasn't really anywhere to do it. I'll show you though."
She tried to punt, and it didn't go as Ash was expecting, but she could see she had the power. She also saw that all she needed to adjust was the way she kicked. She was using the side of her foot, not the top. Once Ash corrected it, there was a huge difference. Just as she hit her best one of the afternoon, shooting it over Ash's head, who was positioned at the bottom of the circle in the same half, Ali emerges through the woods.
"Wow Sammie. That was awesome!"
"Thanks mommy!"
"Hey Als!" Ash shouted running back.
"Watch this! Ready Sam?"
"Yep." Ash placed the ball down, and hit one hard around head height to Sammie's left. She dove, reacting quickly, knocking it wide. Ali's face said it all. She was shocked. It was the most amazing thing.
"Pick your jaw up Ali." Ash teased. "She is amazing though."
"Oh my god. Sammie girl that was awesome. You're amazing. And you've never played on a team?"
"Nope never."
"Dang girl. Your Aunt Hope is gonna love you."
"Aunt Hope?"
"Oh right." Ash started. "The kids on the national team refer to the players as their Aunts. It's just easier that way. So you'll have 21 aunts on the team."
"Oh. That's cool. I can't wait to meet them. When's the next camp? I want to meet them."
"The next national team camp is in a few weeks, but you'll get to meet the spirit girls tomorrow."
"Awesome. Now can we go. I'm tired and hungry."
"Sure. I am too."
"Ash, you're always tired and hungry." Teased Ali.
"But, this time we have to leave because our daughter want to. Not me" she threw her hands up in defense. They all laughed and heads home as a family. When they got home, Sammie went to shower, and Ali and Ash were talking.
"Ash?"
"Yeah?"
"We have to tell people, you know?"
"Yeah. Who do you want to tell first?"
"Well, probably Jim and the spirit coaches, Then text the girls on the spirit. Then we can tell Jill and the National team coaches. Then we can send a message in the national team chat."
"Sounds good. Why don't you text Jim, and I'll text Jill. Tell him not to tell the girls. We'll do that."
"Ok"
Message to Jim
Hey coach. Ash and I have some big news. Yesterday we adopted a 9 year old girl named Samantha "Sammie" Marie now Krieger-Harris. She is the sweetest girl on the planet, plus she is an amazing goalkeeper. ;) Just wanted to let you know and make sure that it is ok that we bring her to training tomorrow to meet the girls. Don't tell them yet, we will text them later. Thanks
Ali
She got a response almost immediately.
That's fantastic Ali. I'm so happy for you guys. Of course she can come to practice, and bring her cleats and gloves. I want to see if she is as good as you say she is! Have a good one
Coach.
Meanwhile, Ashlyn had texted coach Jill Ellis.
Hey coach. Big news!! Yesterday, Ali and I adopted a child. She's 9 y/o and her name is Samantha, but prefers Sam or Sammie. Just wanted to let you know. Don't tell the gals, we will text them later. But we were hoping to bring her to camp next month if that's ok. Turns out she idolizes Alex and Hope, plus she's an insane keeper for a 9 year old. Thanks
Ash
Ash too got a response almost immediately.
Congrats ladies!! I'm so happy for you. Of course she is welcome at camp. I won't tell the gals, that's up to you. But let me remind you that if you don't want it out, tell them not to post anything. Ps. Paul is looking forward to seeing her play. Bring her stuff!
Coach
"Well Ali, both coaches are cool, now we have to text the girls."
"We should wait for Sammie to get down. You know they are gonna want pics."
"Yeah I know."
5 minutes later Sammie walked in.
"Hey sweetheart. We're gonna text the teams now and tell them about you. We already texted the coaches and they can't wait to meet you."
"Ok "
Ali sent out a text in the Spirit GM
Hey ladies, just wanted to let you know that there is going to be an additional lady at our training tomorrow. Yesterday, Ash and I adopted our daughter. 9 year old Samantha Marie Krieger-Harris, but she prefers Sammie. You'll all get to meet her tomorrow! See you then!
Ali
Responses began flowing in.
OMG congrats. Pics??!
Pics!!??
Congrats girls. Well wishes. Pics?
Ali rolled her eyes, "told you they'd want pics, Ash!"
"I never doubted it"
Ok hold on. Before we send pics, nobody post this anywhere. We haven't told our families yet. We plan on flying them in this weekend, so we don't want them to hear before.
"Now smile Sammie."
"Wow, I never noticed how beautiful you were, Sammie!" Ali said.
"Thanks mommy" Sammie giggled.
Ash sent the picture and the response was great.
"So pretty. Congrats girls!!"
"She's so adorable! Can't wait to meet her!"
Now that the spirit was over with, the national team was next. They know jay this would be a long one.
Hey ladies! Ash and I have big news! Yesterday we adopted our daughter, Samantha Marie Krieger- Harris. She is 9 years old and likes to be called Sammie. She will be coming to camp in a few weeks so you can meet her then! Also, please don't post anything about this anywhere, we haven't told out family yet, but are flying them in this weekend. Then we'll post something. That's when you'll know it's ok to post something.
Ali
The response was immediate
Oh my gosh. Congrats!! Pictures?!?
Congratulations! We need pics though!
Ash sent the pic, and their phones blew up with compliments and congratulations. Alex said that she was gorgeous and Hope agreed. The Ash also sent
Plus, she is an amazing goalkeeper. We took her out today, and she killed it!
Awesome!! Can't wait to see her play. -
Hope
Same!!-
Alyssa
"Ok, now that the teams know, what do you want for dinner?" Ash asked.
"I'm good with anything."
"Same"
"So... Mac n' cheese?"
"Sure."
They ate, and before they know it it was time for bed because they had to wake up early tomorrow for training.

AN: Hope you guys liked it. The next chapter will be on Sammie meeting the spirit players. The the next will be on her meeting Ali and Ash's families. Thanks for reading!!