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The Final Game

Leah

Watching a game in Italy was … different than watching the game in Tacoma, Washington. For one, I didn’t understand half the languages buzzing around me. Thankfully Emily was with me most of the time and could translate what was said. Secondly, the vibes at this game were different. It was less … I guess, American. It didn’t give off football, played with your hands, fan vibes. There was more singing, which really got me. Apparently one of the guys on Niall’s team played for an Irish team during the regular season and his fans/team had their own song. It made me curious if the Dastards had any sea shanties they sang at home games or something.

But I didn’t have much time to dwell on that thought because after what felt like ages of back and forth in the middle of the field, Niall’s team finally pushed forward and I sprang to my feet.

I wouldn’t say I knew about soccer just yet, I still didn’t understand what roughhousing counted as a foul and what didn’t and I’d completely given up on understanding offsides. But I had caught on to the feel of the game. And I knew when things were shifting in a way that was good for my team.

The opponents had stolen the ball, but before they could get halfway to their goal, Niall stole it back. My heart climbed into my throat and I pushed the feeling out with a shout for him. It was all I could do as I, and everyone else in the stadium, watched him.

After watching his past few games, I’d understood what Kodi said about him lagging in the championship game. He was quicker on his feet now, his focus was sharper. He could keep his eye on his teammates, make sure they were treated fairly, even though he wasn’t captain here, and play well. Really fucking well if the crowd's response to him taking the ball was any indication.

Niall weaved through a series of men, getting the ball up to the big goalie box before passing it to Ricci. The other man moved the ball around for just a second before shooting between several players' legs and right into the back of the net.

Energy burst through the stadium, everyone on their feet, screaming, cheering. I was yelling, jumping around, waving the Dastard scarf Kodi made me pack. It was the best feeling, only made better when I caught sight of Niall and Ricci celebrating on the field. They did that high-five clasp into a hug thing, Taylor joining shortly after. They jumped around, holding hands, the biggest grins on their faces, the perfect image of giddy boys.

Before the energy died down, the opposing goalie threw out the ball so they could restart at the center. But we were already past the ninety-minute mark, so it was only a matter of time that the ref blew the whistle and the game was won.

I held my breath, heart racing as I watched the ball pass from player to player. Niall stole it again and then—

The ref’s whistle blew and that was game.

Niall won! He won the whole damn tournament!

Everything was pure chaos as Niall’s team swarmed together in the messiest group hug I’ve ever seen. They jumped around, patting each other on the back as confetti filled the air. After a few minutes of team celebrations, Emily and I and all the other family members were ushered onto the field by security.

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d run, but I ran into Niall’s arms. And he scooped me up, me and all my new baby weight, and spun me around.

“You did amazing! You absolutely crushed it,” I told him between giggles, clutching his shoulders tightly.

“We did it,” he corrected, setting me back down. I rolled my eyes at him and he laughed. “No, we did. You watched game footage with me all week. You made sure I slept, you let me yammer on about the games.”

“I don’t think being your sounding board equates to me being a part of the winning we.”

Niall shook his head and pulled me tight against him, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“It helped me a lot,” he whispered, then shuffled so he could place a hand on my stomach. “When we get back, it’s only a couple of days till the next ultrasound, right?”

“Yeah, just after New Years.” I set my hand on his and we "held" our baby together in the midst of all the wild celebrations.

“We’ve got this,” Niall said, meeting my eyes with so much confidence and joy and not a hint of worry or anxiety. I couldn’t do much to bite back a laugh and smile, mirroring those emotions.

“Yeah, we’ve got this.”

The Return Home

Niall

Five months later

“Honey,” Leah whispered with a hiss as we pulled up to her house to see three cars parked in front.

“Uh-huh?” I’d known the guys came over, I’d given them the keys after all. But they’d promised to get all the things done before we got home. I’d specifically put Kean in charge of this endeavor to ensure everyone stayed on track.

“How many men are in my house right now?” At the sound of her mother’s tense voice, Zoe cried. Leah sighed and shuffled around to reach into the back and coo at Zoe. I watched from the rearview and the baby seat mirror as Zoe grabbed her mom’s finger and tugged. Our girl was a snuggle bug; unless she was asleep, she wanted to be held.

Our girl. It’d been three days and I still wasn’t used to how those two words warmed my heart.