From navigating personal relationships to dealing with the pressures of fame, follow Leah and Courtney as they encounter the unseen struggles of life beyond the playing field.
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leahwilliamsonn: I struggled to find the words to properly express just how grateful I am to have had the privilege of representing my country, of wearing the armband and leading my country out onto the pitch in many tournaments. There has been many moments throughout the years which have shaped me as both a player and a person, moments with I will never ever forget but the time has come for me to hang up my boots. To the incredible people I have had the honour of playing alongside, thank you. To the managers who have given me a chance, thank you. To the fans who have supported me each and every step of the way, thank you. To Sarina who has been more than patient with me these past few months, thank you will never be enough. Now is the time for some much needed quality time with my family but I will continue to be the lionesses biggest fan from the stands. All my love, Leah #205 x
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alexgreenwood: So happy to have got to sign off with you. Loved every minute of playing alongside you ❤ bethmead_: my LC! Always my skipper 💕 keirawalsh: my bestie! Can't wait to see what international retirement brings you ❤
****
Their journey back to the UK had been rough; they'd hit some intense turbulence and Bunny had been absolutely terrified. Their first few days after the winners parade which had been arranged had been spent trying to recover from the jetlag before taking their final few days off, before returning to work and training, as a chance to have a little trip to Scotland to see Courtney's family. The thought of flying again so soon made them both feel physically sick which is why they're currently halfway through a four and a half hour train journey. They considered driving but the thought of a six hour drive didn't appeal to either of them.
'How you doing, bub? Does it make it feel real now that you've released the statement?' Courtney asks and Leah nods her head.
'Mm-hmm... It's a strange feeling because I know I've made the right decision, I know that it was my time but it is strange.' Leah admits and Courtney smiles slightly.
'It's something you've been doing for years, Le. It's bound to take some time to get used to it.' Courtney says softly and Leah nods her head.
'I don't regret it. I know that this is going to give me so much more time with you, Bunny and Pickles but it will take some getting used to, having that down time.' Leah replies as she smiles down at Bunny who is fast asleep spread out across both her and Courtney's knees.
'There's this huge baby store in Glasgow, it's where I got Bunny's pram from and most of her nursery furniture actually... Maybe if we think we can get away with going without being pictured, we could have a look? Don't need to buy anything from there obviously but it would be nice to look.' Courtney says softly and Leah immediately nods her head.
'Sounds perfect, love.' Leah replies smiling.
****
'BunBun!' Elle shouts as she opens the front door and immediately lifts the little girl into her arms.
'Oh I've missed you.' Elle says softly as she cuddles Bunny tightly against her.
'You squishing me!' Bunny replies giggling as Elle loosens her arms and uses her free one to greet both Courtney and Leah.
'I didn't know you guys were coming to visit. Come in, when did you get here?' Elle asks ushering them inside.
'Only a couple of hours ago... We got the train up. We're only here for a few days until Le starts back at training.' Courtney replies as they make their way through to the living room.
'How exciting! I'm so, so happy to see you guys.' Elle says smiling.
'Do you want to give Auntie Elle her present, Bun?' Courtney asks and the little girl nods her head. Immediately she rushes over to take the bag from Leah who smiles and runs her hand over her head.
'Careful.' Leah says softly. They watch as Bunny makes her way over, passing Courtney the bag who immediately reaches in to pull out a bottle of her favourite wine.
'Oh thanks guys.' Elle says smiling.
'Read the label. I'm not sure it's the right one...' Courtney says. Turning the bottle over, Elle immediately gasps as she sees the label has been replaced with one entirely different, one that reads Pairs well with becoming an auntie again... Baby Williamson due February 2028.
'You're not.' Elle gasps and Courtney nods her head.
'Thirteen weeks...' Courtney says smiling as Elle immediately wraps her arms around both her and Leah.
'Congratulations! Best news ever! I thought nothing could've topped the engagement this year but this..." Elle replies shaking her head.
'Thought you'd be happy.' Courtney says smiling.
****
'She's sound...' Leah says softly as she makes her way into the lounge park of their hotel suite where Courtney is lying on the sofa.
'Mm... Perfect.' Courtney replies smiling. She lifts her head, letting Leah sit down before resting her head on the blonde's legs. Her eyes flutter closed as the blonde begins gently running her fingers through her hair.
'When are you wanting to announce our pickles to the world?' Leah asks softly causing Courtney to shrug her shoulders as she glances up at her.
'I'm happy whenever you are, Lele... My family all know, your family all know so I'm good whenever.' Courtney replies smiling.
'I want to tell Wally when we get home.' Leah says and Courtney nods her head.
'Of course. We can always announce once we're back home.' Courtney replies and Leah nods her head.
'Have you thought of any names you like yet?' Leah asks watching Courtney bite her bottom lip as she thinks about the question.
'Mm... For a boy I quite like Archie or Miles.' Courtney replies.
'Not massively into Miles if I'm being honest, reminds me too much of Myle... I do really like Archie though. Do you know what I really like for a girl? Lily.' Leah says.
'Mm... I don't know if I'm as into Lily. I quite like longer girl names.' Courtney replies and Leah nods her head.
'Do you want to find out what we're having?' Leah asks.
'Honestly? I'm happy either way. I am happy with the idea of it being a surprise but I'm also happy to find out if you want to prepare.' Courtney replies.
'I think so much about this journey hasn't been a surprise... We knew when we were doing the transfer, we knew when we could test. Having that as a surprise would be nice and we could just do the nursery neutral colours?' Leah says and Courtney nods her head.
'Mm-hmm... I mean we've got a few weeks before we can find out anyway but I am happy with the idea of it being a surprise.' Courtney replies.
'You look shattered, love.' Leah says softly as she runs her finger down Courtney's cheek.
'Mm... I am actually pretty tired. I feel like traveling is proper taking it out of me. I don't know if it's just because we did home from America to here with only a few days in between.' Courtney admits and Leah nods her head.
'Could be, love. Why don't we go through to bed? Get an early night?' Leah suggests and the brunette shakes her head.
'I'm comfy here, thanks.' Courtney replies smiling.
