Love in the Little Things

by NutmeggingLife

Summary:

A collection of short stories where Tobin and Christen find love and romance in everyday moments of life.

Notes:

Hi, y'all!
So I have a bunch of cute short scenes that I haven't been able to include in any story with an actual plot, so I decided to create a collection of fluffy moments and share them instead. They're all from my Life Together universe and will include T and C when they were soccer players too. Hope you enjoy them!
I'm sharing five short stories/moments now but I'll keep updating this collection with more stories very soon, as I already have quite a few that only need some proofreading. Also, feel free to send prompts for cute moments you'd like to see included here! :)

Chapter 1: Two More Weeks

It was one of those nights when the distance between Portland and Chicago felt like an ocean. Christen sat on her bed, leaning against the headboard, her legs curled up beneath her. The house she shared with two other teammates was quiet for once, save for the soft murmur of her voice over the phone. Tobin’s voice, warm and familiar, drifted through the receiver, soothing the ache of separation.

“You know,” Tobin said, her voice playful yet sincere, “I was thinking… maybe you should just move to Portland. Problem solved.”

Christen laughed softly, her green eyes sparkling despite the tiredness from having played a full 90-minute game just a few hours ago. She loved how Tobin always managed to make things sound so simple. “Tempting. But then who would keep scoring for Chicago?”

Tobin chuckled as she lay sprawled out on her couch, one arm behind her head. “I think they’ll survive. But I might not if I have to go another month without seeing you.”

The longing in Tobin’s voice made Christen’s heart flutter. She could picture her so clearly—that big smile, those brown eyes that always seemed to have a glint of mischief in them. Even from miles away, Tobin had a way of making her feel like the only person in the world.

“I miss you too,” Christen whispered, her voice soft but full of affection. “But two more weeks, right? And one month later, we’ll have the off-season all to ourselves. We can do this.”

Tobin sighed, the kind of deep, exaggerated sigh that made Christen smile. “Yeah, two more weeks. But when I see you…” her voice dropped to a teasing whisper, “I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

Christen could almost see the playful smile tugging at Tobin’s lips, and the thought filled her with warmth. It wasn’t easy being apart, but they had found ways to make the distance bearable—late-night phone calls, random texts during training, and the small notes they’d leave hidden in each other’s bags after visits. Each message, each call, felt like a lifeline, pulling them closer even when they were far apart.

Chapter 2: Right Here With You

The hospital room was quiet, the sterile smell of antiseptic hanging in the air. Christen lay in the bed, her knee wrapped in thick bandages after yet another surgery. This was the third time in the past fourteen months, and though she tried to stay optimistic, the frustration and uncertainty gnawed at her.

Tobin sat beside the bed, her fingers laced through Christen’s. She hadn’t left Christen’s side since the surgery, watching over her like a quiet guardian and making sure she had everything she needed.

“How’re you feeling?” Tobin asked gently, brushing a strand of Christen’s dark curls away from her face.

Christen sighed, her eyes tired but grateful. “I’m okay,” she said softly, though the truth was, she felt anything but. The recovery process of her ACL injury was long and uncertain, and sometimes she felt like she’d never be able to play again.

Tobin sensed the unspoken fear in Christen’s voice, though. She leaned forward, resting her chin on the edge of the bed. “You’re going to come back stronger,” she said, her voice filled with a quiet determination that made Christen believe it, if only for a moment.

The younger woman met Tobin’s gaze, her eyes softening as she saw the love and care in Tobin’s face. “What if I don’t?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“Then I’ll still be here,” Tobin answered, squeezing her wife’s hand gently. “Whether you’re on the pitch or not, I’ll be right here and we’ll figure it out together. Don’t worry.”

Christen smiled gratefully through her weariness "Thank you, baby," she whispered, squeezing Tobin's hand back. “For always being here.”

“Always.”

Notes:

Feel free to send prompts if you wish! :)

Chapter 3: Hope

The apartment was quiet, too quiet, as Christen sat on the edge of the couch, staring at the blank TV screen. Her hands rested limply in her lap, the silence around her heavy, pressing down on her chest. Tobin was in the kitchen, moving around quietly, giving Christen the space she needed—but they both knew that space wouldn’t make the hurt go away.

The second failed IVF felt even heavier than the first. They had been so hopeful this time, so sure everything would work out. But now, they were left with the same hollow ache of disappointment.

Tobin emerged from the kitchen holding two mugs of tea. She approached her wife slowly, her footsteps soft as if she didn’t want to break the fragile air between them. She set one mug down on the coffee table in front of Christen before sitting next to her, not saying a word.

For a moment, there was just the sound of the soft clink of Tobin's mug on the table and the faint hum of the refrigerator in the background. Tobin shifted closer, her knee brushing against Christen’s, and without a word, she reached out and took Christen’s hand.

Christen let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, her fingers curling around Tobin’s instinctively. The older woman squeezed Christen’s hand gently, her thumb tracing small circles across her skin.

“I’m sorry,” Tobin whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I wish I could make this easier.”

Christen closed her eyes, leaning into Tobin’s warmth. “I know,” she said softly. “I just… I thought this time…” Her voice trailed off, the words catching in her throat.

“I did too,” Tobin admitted, wrapping an arm around Christen's shoulders and holding her closer. “But we’re not giving up, okay? We’re going to keep fighting for this.”

Christen nodded, her heart aching, but comforted by Tobin’s words. She turned her head slightly, resting it against Tobin’s shoulder. “I’m just scared, Tobin. What if—what if it never works?”

Tobin kissed the top of Christen’s head, holding her a little tighter. “We’ll find our way. And whatever happens, we’re in this together. We’re a team, we’ve always been a team, and we’ll get through this. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Christen answered softly, and for the first time that day, she felt a small flicker of hope, fragile but real.

Notes:

Feel free to send prompts!

Chapter 4: It's Here

Christen slowly opened her eyes, feeling the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Tobin lay beside her, still asleep, her face relaxed and peaceful, half-buried in the bedsheets. It was early, around 6 a.m., the time Christen usually rose for yoga, affirmations, and a quiet start to the day. For her, these mornings were a treasure, a space to ease into the day before waking Tobin for breakfast.

But today felt different. The pregnancy had sapped her usual energy, leaving her feeling tired and lazy. Even though she was nearing the second trimester now, the fatigue clung to her, making simple tasks feel heavier. And today in particular, her usual morning motivation was also replaced by the weight of her body, still tired from the night before. They had made love until sleep overtook them, leaving both of them blissfully worn out.

Still wrapped in her own thoughts, Christen felt Tobin stir beside her, snuggling closer in her sleep. Christen gently stroked Tobin’s brown hair, her fingers tracing soft patterns as she admired the peacefulness on her wife’s face. And then, Christen’s hand drifted almost unconsciously to her stomach, a gesture that had become second nature since learning she was finally pregnant. She hadn’t felt many changes aside from the morning sickness that had finally passed a week ago, but as her fingers lightly skimmed her abdomen this morning… something felt different.

Her eyes flew open as she pushed the sheets aside. There it was—a tiny bump, very subtle but undeniably present. Her heart swelled with joy and her eyes filled with happy tears. Stroking the small rise of her belly, she whispered, "Hey, little one. You’re really here."

The reality hit her with a mix of awe and excitement. This was the moment she’d longed for, the physical confirmation that their baby was growing. They had waited so long for this, through two heartbreaking failed IVF attempts. But now, here it was—proof that their little miracle was on the way.

“Chris?” Tobin’s sleepy voice interrupted her thoughts. Christen turned to see her wife blinking awake, her voice still groggy. “Were you talking to me?”

"Nope,” Christen answered with a smile, taking Tobin's hand on her own and  placing it on her belly. “I was talking to this little bean.”

Tobin’s eyes shot wide open, her face transforming into the brightest smile Christen had ever seen. “Wait… it’s… our baby?”

“It is!” Christen said, beaming. “I just noticed it! I honestly can't stop looking at it.”

Tobin’s hand gently caressed the very tiny bump, her expression a mix of awe and joy. "But when...? I'm pretty sure it wasn't there last night… and I spent quite a lot of time down there..."

“I'd say you were focused on something else,” Christen laughed, still tracing her fingers over her belly.

“Well, I’ll make sure to notice every inch from now on.” Tobin leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the barely noticeable bump. “Hi, peanut.”

“Peanut’s getting so much love already,” Christen smiled, her heart swelling as she watched Tobin’s sweet gesture.

Resting her cheek against Christen’s stomach, Tobin grinned at her wife. “Guy or gal? I’m calling it now… it’s gonna be a little guy.”

“You and your hunches, Tobin Heath,” the brunette chuckled. “I’m open to whatever. I just want to meet them.”

Tobin tilted her head up, giving Christen a playful smile. “Peanut’s getting a lot of love already, but don’t I owe my baby mama her morning kiss, too?”

“And finally, she notices it!” Christen laughed teasingly, as Tobin leaned up and kissed her, their lips meeting in the quiet morning light. It was one of those moments that felt like everything they’d ever dreamed of—just the two of them, sharing this simple yet profound joy together.

As they lay there, wrapped in the warmth of the moment, Tobin whispered, “We’re really doing this, Chris. We’re having a baby.”

“Yeah. We really are.”

Notes:

Feel free to send prompts!

Chapter 5: Finding Out

The ultrasound room was dimly lit, with the soft hum of machinery filling the air. Christen lay on the examination table, her heart racing in anticipation, while Tobin stood beside her, holding her hand tightly. The cool gel had just been applied to Christen’s belly, and the ultrasound technician was moving the wand across her skin, searching for the perfect angle.

Tobin squeezed Christen’s hand, her face filled with excitement and nervous energy. “This is it,” she whispered, her voice barely audible, as if speaking too loud might break the magic of the moment.

Christen’s eyes were locked on the screen, the blurry image shifting and moving until—there it was. Their baby, their little one, moving ever so slightly on the screen. The technician smiled, turning to them. “There it is! And looking very healthy already! Are you ready to know the gender?”

Christen’s breath caught in her throat, and she nodded, squeezing Tobin’s hand tighter. Tobin, who had been so cool and calm up until this point, was visibly trembling with excitement, her brown eyes wide and glued to the screen, unable to stop smiling.

“Congratulations,” the technician said after a few seconds of silence, her voice warm and kind. “It’s a boy.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke, as if time had slowed down. Christen’s eyes filled with tears, a bright, joyful laugh bubbling out of her as she turned to look at Tobin.

“A boy,” Christen whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.

Tobin let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, her face breaking into the biggest grin Christen had ever seen. “A boy,” she echoed, her voice filled with wonder. “We’re having a son.”

They both stared at the screen, mesmerized by the tiny life growing inside Christen. The technician smiled warmly at the sight and quietly said, “I’ll give you two a moment,” before slipping out of the room to give them some privacy.

Tobin leaned down and kissed the top of Christen’s head, her lips lingering for a moment. “He’s already so perfect,” she murmured.

“He is,” Christen nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. She looked up at Tobin, her heart so full it felt like it might burst. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

“Me neither,” Tobin chuckled softly, brushing a tear from Christen’s cheek with her thumb. “I told you, didn’t I? I had a hunch he was a boy.”

Christen’s lips curved into a smile as she rolled her eyes playfully. “You had a hunch every time! ‘I think it’s a boy,’” she mimicked Tobin’s voice, grinning. “Then you’d turn around and say, ‘Or maybe a girl... but probably a boy.’ You had all your bases covered.”

“Well, what can I say? Sometimes I just know,” Tobin laughed before leaning down again to press a kiss to Christen’s lips, gentle but filled with the weight of all the love she felt in that moment.

Christen’s fingers curled around Tobin’s, her green eyes still glistening with happy tears. “Okay, psychic Tobin, what’s next? Are you going to start predicting his future too?”

“Absolutely! He’s gonna be a soccer star, maybe even give the USMNT its first World Cup,” Tobin teased with a grin.

“No pressure at all, huh?” Christen laughed, shaking her head.

“None whatsoever,” Tobin squeezed Christen’s hand again before resting her forehead against hers. “But seriously… I’m just so happy right now. And so grateful, too. I love you so much.”

“I can’t believe it. You and me, and now him.”

As the two women held each other close, the ultrasound screen still glowing beside them, they knew their lives were about to change in the most beautiful way. And they were so ready for it.

Chapter 6: Sunday Morning Snuggles

Notes:

Here's a new one! Enjoy!

Sunday mornings had become a kind of sacred ritual for them. It was the one day of the week with no alarms, no meetings, no work, and no rushing to get the kids to school. The house moved at its own slow pace, and that was exactly how Tobin liked it.

Christen, however, had always been an early bird. Even on their lazy days, she was the first one up. She’d slip out of bed quietly, trying not to wake Tobin (which, honestly, wasn’t too difficult, considering how much her wife hated getting up early), and worked on her affirmations and did a bit of yoga. Today was another one of those Sunday mornings, where Tobin and the kids slept in while Christen enjoyed the peace and quiet the early hours always brought her.

By the time Tobin stirred awake, the bed felt colder without Christen beside her. She rolled over, blinking sleepily at the sunlight streaming through the curtains. The scent of coffee wafting from downstairs made her smile, and with a contented stretch, she pulled herself out of bed. Christen was probably already deep into her morning routine, so Tobin headed straight to the living room, ready to greet her wife and share breakfast, but what she found instead was an unexpected, heartwarming sight.

Curled up on the couch was Christen, fast asleep, with six-year-old Josh nestled against her side. His little head rested on her shoulder and both of them were still in their pajamas. Christen’s hair was a messy tangle of dark curls, and Josh was wrapped in his favorite dinosaur blanket.

Tobin stood in the doorway for a moment, her heart swelling as she took in the scene. She had always known Christen would be an amazing mom, but seeing her like this—so natural, so nurturing—it never failed to make Tobin fall in love with her all over again.

Christen stirred a little, her eyes fluttering open, and when she saw Tobin standing there, she gave her a sleepy smile. “He crawled in here earlier while I was meditating,” she murmured, her voice still thick with sleep. “Wanted some snuggles.”

Tobin’s eyes softened as she crossed the room, sitting gently on the edge of the couch, careful not to wake Josh. “You two look so cozy,” she whispered, leaning in to brush a kiss against Christen’s cheek.

“Wanna join?” Christen asked softly with a smile, shifting slightly to make room. 

Without a word, Tobin curled up on the other side of their son and pulled the blanket over them. She pressed a soft kiss to Josh’s head and then smiled at Christen. For a few minutes, the world was still, the only sound in the room being the little boy’s quiet, steady breathing as he slept peacefully between them. No words were needed. They knew it was in these small, quiet moments that their love truly thrived.

Chapter 7: Morning Chaos

The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow across the kitchen. Christen stood at the counter, preparing breakfast for everybody, when she spotted something tucked under her coffee mug. It was a small folded note, the paper slightly crinkled, with her name scrawled on it in Tobin’s unmistakable handwriting.

Hey CP , the note began, I know mornings are tough with the little ones, but you’re even tougher. You’ve got this. PS: You look cute in that shirt.

Christen smiled, warmth spreading through her as she glanced over her shoulder to see Tobin bustling around the kitchen, helping Josh find his shoes. Tobin caught her looking and winked, her grin playful and bright.

“Is this your sneaky way of getting out of breakfast duty?” Christen teased, holding up the note.

Tobin shrugged, laughing. “Guilty. But I figured you could use a little pick-me-up.”

“Well, it worked,” Christen said, feeling her heart swell. She rested her hand on her very pregnant belly, feeling Sophie give a little kick in response. It wouldn't be much longer now till she was finally here and Christen couldn't wait till that happened. “Also, this shirt? It’s about to quit on me,” she added with a laugh, tugging at the hem that barely covered her bump.

Tobin crossed the room in a few easy strides, her hands finding Christen’s waist, thumbs brushing the soft fabric of the shirt. “I’m telling you, it looks amazing on you,” Tobin said, her voice low and sincere. “And you look... breathtaking.”

Christen blushed, rolling her eyes but feeling the butterflies all the same. “Breathtaking, huh? I feel like a planet.”

Tobin leaned in, her lips ghosting against Christen’s ear as she whispered, “Well, I’m pretty sure I’m orbiting around you, so that checks out.”

Christen let out a soft laugh, swatting at Tobin playfully for her corny joke, but still feeling butterflies in her stomach. Just then, Josh ran into the kitchen, one shoe on, the other in his hand.

“Mommy, I found my shoes but I can’t find my other sock now!” he complained, his face scrunched up in frustration.

“I’ll help him,” Tobin said, pressing a quick kiss to Christen’s lips before she turned to Josh. “Come on, buddy, let’s go on a sock hunt.”

As they disappeared down the hallway, Christen stood for a moment, her hand resting on her belly, smiling to herself. Mornings like this, full of domestic chaos and stolen moments of affection, were exactly what made her heart feel so full.

Chapter 8: Bath Time Shenanigans

Notes:

I kinda love this one, especially because it's partly based on a true story, lol

The afternoon sun was beginning to set, casting a soft glow through the window of Christen’s home office. It was early evening, the time when things in the house usually started winding down—except for Josh’s bath time, which always brought a new level of chaos. Today, Christen had an important virtual interview lined up for RE-INC’s latest media expansion, and Tobin had promised to keep Josh busy in the meantime. For that, bath time was the perfect distraction—or so they had thought.

"So, Christen, what are your future plans for the media division of RE-INC?" Sharon, the journalist, asked in a warm tone from the other side of the screen.

"Well, our future is really exciting,” Christen began, her professional smile on full display. “We’re planning to launch a new show in a different language for the first time. It'll cover various Latin American leagues, and it’ll be in both Spanish and English. We’re thrilled to reach new audiences and..."

As Christen dove deeper into the discussion, she couldn’t help but notice something in the background—something reflected on her computer screen. Her focus slipped slightly, but she tried to stay composed, keeping her smile steady.

Sharon, completely unaware, continued with her follow-up questions. "That’s fantastic! It sounds like the business and the media division are growing more and more every year."

"Yes, definitely,” Christen nodded, regaining her focus, “that’s been the plan from the start. We wanted to—”

Christen trailed off again, unable to ignore what was happening behind her. Tobin was supposed to be handling bath time with Josh, but the muffled sounds she was hearing suggested things were... not going as smoothly as planned.

"Josh!" she heard Tobin whisper-shout, just loud enough for Christen to catch but quiet enough not to alert the journalist. Christen fought the urge to laugh as she tried to stay professional. Focus, Christen , she reminded herself.

"Josh, look, it’s the bunny towel! You love the bunny towel!" Tobin’s coaxing was met with giggles from their toddler.

Christen bit her lip, suppressing a laugh. It had happened again—Josh’s new favorite game: the great post-bath escape. He loved running away stark naked, leaving a trail of water behind him.

"Christen, is everything okay?" Sharon asked, noticing Christen's brief moment of distraction.

"Oh, yes, absolutely!" Christen replied quickly, trying to keep it together. "It's just—"

But before she could finish, a shriek of pure joy erupted from behind her. "YOU CAN'T CATCH ME, MOMMYYYY!"

Christen couldn’t stop herself from turning around, just in time to see Josh sprinting into the office—completely naked, still dripping from his bath, and clearly having the time of his life. Tobin appeared a split second later, slightly out of breath, her t-shirt soaked and her expression a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

"Josh, no!" Tobin whisper-yelled again, clearly trying to prevent further interruptions. But it was too late—the chaos had arrived.

"Christen? Is everything alright?" Sharon asked, clearly sensing something was up from the other side of the screen.

Christen quickly scooped up the dripping, giggling toddler before he could go any further. "Noooo Mamaaa!" Josh whined, though he was still grinning from ear to ear.

"Caught you, little rascal!" Christen laughed, hugging him close despite the mess.

Tobin finally stepped into view, her face flushed, looking both amused and a tiny bit embarrassed. “Uh, sorry about that,” she said sheepishly, offering a small wave to the camera. “Hey, Sharon!”

"Hi, Tobin!" Sharon said, chuckling. "Everything alright over there? Looks like there are some... bath time adventures happening."

"Yeah,” Tobin laughed awkwardly, running a hand through her damp hair. “He’s in this phase where he thinks it’s hilarious to run away right after his bath. We’re still trying to figure out how to catch him before he escapes.”

Christen wrapped the fluffy bunny bathrobe Tobin had handed her around Josh, who now sat on her lap and was looking curiously at the journalist on the other side of the screen

"I’m so sorry, Sharon," Christen said, a little sheepishly, though she couldn’t quite hide her amusement.

"Oh, no worries at all," the journalist replied with a grin. "This actually makes my job way more fun. And I’ve got two little ones myself, so I totally get it! How old is he now?"

"He’s almost three, so he’s at that age, as you can see…" Christen smiled, glancing down at Josh, who was now snuggled contentedly in her lap, bunny ears from his bathrobe flopping over his face.

"I know what you mean," Sharon chuckled. "Any chance we’ll see him as a special guest in your new show?"

"You never know—he’s already making surprise appearances,” Christen laughed, and with the giggles simmering down, she tried to refocus. "Okay, as I was saying, this new show will allow us to reach new audiences and—"

The rest of the interview went off without a hitch, though the atmosphere remained a little lighter, more relaxed, thanks to Josh’s impromptu cameo. By the time it wrapped up, Sharon had a grin on her face.

"Well, it was wonderful speaking with you, Christen, Tobin... and your special guest," she added with a wink.

Christen laughed and gave Josh a playful squeeze. "Yes, our mini CEO keeps things exciting around here."

Tobin popped back into the frame and gave the journalist a sheepish wave, then added with a grin: "He definitely runs a tight ship."

Sharon waved goodbye, still smiling. "Well, I’ll be looking out for his future board meetings. Have a great evening!"

As the call ended, Christen leaned back in her chair, hugging Josh close. Tobin sat beside her with a warm smile. “Well, that was unexpected,” Christen said, shaking her head.

Tobin chuckled, reaching over to brush a wet curl off Josh’s forehead. "That’s life with the mini CEO. Keeps us on our toes."

Chapter 9: The Pillow Fort

Notes:

Hey, thanks for all your kudos and comments, they really mean a lot to me! Hope you enjoy this new story about our favorite fictional family!

It had been one of those rainy Saturdays in Los Angeles, the kind where the sky stayed a dull gray and the steady patter of rain kept everyone inside. Josh and Sophie had been restless all morning, bouncing from room to room, clearly feeling the cabin fever.

“Mommyyy, I’m bored,” Sophie sighed, plopping herself onto the couch beside Tobin.

Tobin glanced out the window at the rain, then back at her four-year-old daughter, an idea forming. When she was Sophie’s age and the weather was impossible like today, she and her siblings always resorted to one thing that kept them entertained: a pillow fort.

Tobin leaned toward Sophie and lowered her voice like she was about to share a secret. “How about… we build the biggest, best pillow fort this house has ever seen?”

Sophie’s eyes lit up instantly, and Josh, overhearing from Christen’s office where he had been begging his other mom to let him watch cartoons, sprinted over.

“A pillow fort?! That’s awesome!” he said, his green eyes sparkling with excitement, all thoughts of TV completely forgotten.

Within minutes, the three of them were pulling cushions off the couches, grabbing blankets from bedrooms, and stacking pillows in every direction. Tobin took charge of construction, helping Josh arrange the biggest cushions as walls, while Sophie placed smaller pillows and her favorite plushies on the carpeted floor.

Christen, hearing all the commotion, decided to turn off her computer for the day. Work could wait until Monday, she decided. The smile on her face confirmed her decision as she stood at the doorway, watching her family hard at work. She finally joined in by carefully draping blankets overhead to create a cozy ceiling for their fort.

Once everything was in place, Tobin and the kids crawled inside, while Christen ran to the kitchen to grab snacks. The rain outside created a soft, soothing background noise as the kids giggled, settling into their little hideaway with Tobin lying beside them.

“Mommy, you’re stuck in the fort forever!” Sophie declared, her eyes wide with excitement.

“Oh no!” Tobin gasped dramatically, playing along. “But if I’m stuck here, does that mean I get to stay with you forever?”

“Yep!” Sophie giggled.

Tobin grinned, leaning in to kiss the top of Sophie’s head. “Sounds like a pretty good deal to me.”

Josh, not one to be left out, snuggled up next to Tobin, his wild curly hair tickling her cheek.

“We’re all stuck together in here!” the eight-year-old boy said with a mischievous grin.

Just then, Christen poked her head inside the fort, her eyes shining with amusement.

“Hey, wait for me! I wanna be stuck with y’all forever, too!” she said, crawling into the fort and lying down on the other side so that the kids were nestled between her and Tobin.

“Yay! Now Mama is stuck forever with us!” Josh exclaimed, snuggling against Christen.

Tobin caught Christen’s gaze, and despite being surrounded by blankets, pillows, and the kids’ playful energy, it felt like it was just the two of them for a brief moment.

“I’m okay with that,” Tobin said softly, her eyes meeting Christen’s with a warm smile.

For the next hour, they stayed in the fort, telling stories, laughing at Josh’s silly impressions, and at Sophie’s goofy antics. The rain outside didn’t matter; they were inside, safe in their little world.

As the evening rolled around, the fort slowly started to come down, and the kids began to wind down as well. Tobin and Christen moved to the kitchen to start dinner while the siblings relaxed on the pillows that were still scattered around the living room, exhausted from the excitement.

Tobin stirred the pot on the stove and glanced over at Christen, who was chopping carrots nearby.

“You know,” Tobin began, her voice thoughtful, “we really need to go on a date sometime. Just the two of us. It’s been… what, a month since we’ve had a night out without the kids?”

Christen chuckled, nodding. “I’m sure my dad would love to babysit. We’ve just been so wrapped up in everything…”

“I know,” Tobin said, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around Christen’s waist from behind. “But we deserve some time, too.”

Christen leaned back into Tobin’s embrace, smiling softly. “I’d love that. Let’s do it next week?”

“Sure thing, boss,” Tobin answered, kissing Christen’s neck softly.

“But honestly, Tobes, I wouldn’t trade any of this. Our life… even the busy, messy days.”

“I wouldn’t either. I’m just glad I’m stuck with you forever.”

Christen turned in Tobin’s arms, resting her hands on Tobin’s chest and looking into her brown eyes. “Forever with you sounds pretty perfect, you know?” she said softly, her voice full of affection.

Tobin grinned, leaning down to kiss her. “Yeah, it does.”

Chapter 10: Our Little Drama Queen

Notes:

Finally a cute moment with our favorite little girl as the main character, enjoy!

Tobin and Christen were doing their best to lighten the mood, but Sophie, being her three-year-old self, was having none of it. The little girl whimpered softly, her face buried in Tobin's neck, making it clear to both moms that today, she was in full drama queen mode.

“Hey, sweetie, you feeling better now?” Christen asked softly, glancing back from the driver’s seat.

Sophie shook her head, her grip tightening on Tobin’s shirt, her little body curling closer. “No,” she mumbled, her voice muffled against Tobin’s shoulder.

“Still hurts, huh?” Tobin said gently, rubbing her daughter’s back in slow circles.

The toddler nodded firmly, her lips quivering as she whimpered again.

Christen and Tobin exchanged knowing looks through the rearview mirror. They’d taken Sophie to her routine medical check-up, and the shot she’d been given had set off this whole ordeal. They had prepared her for days, explaining that it was just a tiny poke and even telling stories about how her big brother Josh had been brave when he’d gotten his shots. But no amount of prep could save them from this. The second the needle appeared, Sophie had burst into tears and clung to Tobin like her life depended on it.

Now, even half an hour later, Sophie was still acting like the sky had fallen. Tobin kept stroking her hair, doing her best to soothe her, but she knew her daughter well—Sophie could drag these things out when she wanted to.

“It’s okay, baby. You’re going to be super healthy now, thanks to that vaccine!” Tobin said cheerfully, trying to redirect her mood. “Like a superhero!”

Sophie stirred a little, sniffling. “Like Elsa?” she asked in a small voice, her brown eyes peeking out from Tobin’s shoulder.

Tobin grinned, giving her a playful nod. “Exactly like Elsa! And your boo-boo’s going to feel better really soon, you’ll see.”

“But it still hurts,” Sophie pouted, turning her gaze toward Christen now, her bottom lip trembling for extra effect. “Kiss it better, Mama?”

“I will, baby, just as soon as we get home, okay?” Christen smiled at her sweetly, taking her eyes off the road for a second to look at the girl.

But that just made Sophie’s pout deepen.

“But, Mama... it hurts a lot . I need a boo-boo kiss now!” she whined, her puppy eyes in full force as she looked from Tobin to Christen, hoping one of them would cave.

“Mama will give you the best boo-boo kiss in just a little bit, baby. But I can kiss it better now if you want,” Tobin offered, already leaning down to kiss Sophie’s head and then softly pressing her lips to the spot on her arm where the shot had been.

Sophie was content for a few seconds, but then with a frown looked toward Christen again.

“Mama? Kiss it better now?” she asked in a small, hopeful voice.

“I’m on the highway, baby. I can’t stop right now, can you wait just a little bit longer? Just a tiny tiny bit,” Christen said gently, trying not to laugh at Sophie’s persistence.

Sophie whimpered again, rubbing her eyes dramatically.

“But I feel really bad!”

Tobin glanced at Christen and they both shared another amused look—Sophie could definitely turn on the theatrics when she wanted to.

“You know,” Christen said after a moment, keeping her tone casual as she turned back to the road, “it’s a real shame you’re feeling so bad… because I was thinking maybe we could go get some ice cream. But if your arm hurts that much, we should probably just head home instead.”

Instantly, Sophie’s head popped up, her expression shifting as she processed this new information.

“Ice cweam ?” she repeated, perking up at the sound of her favorite treat.

Tobin bit back a smile, playing along. “Mmm, yeah, but we don’t want to make it worse, right? Maybe it’s best we go home if your arm is really hurting…”

“No! I feel good now!” Sophie said quickly, sitting up straighter, her eyes wide with sudden determination.

“Are you sure?” Tobin asked, her eyebrows raising in mock surprise. “Because Mama still hasn’t kissed it better yet…”

“I’m super duper, Mommy! Ice cweam , pwease ?”

Christen chuckled under her breath. “Well, okay then… what does Mommy think? Mama T, do you think Sophie’s feeling up for ice cream?”

Tobin gave Sophie a teasing look. “Hmm… I think so, she looks better now! Chocolate and strawberry like usual?”

“Yes!” Sophie exclaimed, her little hands now clutching Tobin’s face. “Let’s go, Mama!”

“Alright, alright, ice cream it is. Let’s go!”

Sophie squealed with delight, her earlier tears completely forgotten, and smiling to herself, Christen steered the car toward their favorite ice cream spot.

Chapter 11: Are We Dating Again?

Notes:

Hope you're all enjoying this collection!

Two months had passed since Josh was born, and life had been a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind. Between late-night feedings, diaper changes, and adjusting to life with a newborn, Tobin and Christen hadn’t had a single moment for just the two of them. Their world had become all about Josh—his tiny hands, his soft cries, his sleepy cute little face. And they loved it. Even if they were exhausted, they loved it. But when Tyler offered to babysit for a few hours, insisting they needed and deserved time for themselves, Christen and Tobin hesitated only briefly before realizing it had been too long since they had done something just for them.

However, they still had doubts about leaving without their baby…

“Seriously, just go and have a good time, you'll thank me later,” Tyler insisted, motioning toward the door for Tobin and Christen to finally leave their house after checking again if Josh was fine. “He's sleeping, he's fine, I can look after him for a couple of hours. Don't worry.”

“Okay, you're right, just let me check if…” Christen started saying tentatively.

“Sis, you've checked four times already, and Tobin checked another four. He's fine, and he can't wait to spend some quality time with his Auntie Ty Ty.”

And with that, Tyler kicked them out of their own house with a smile and a friendly wave.

As the couple stepped outside, it felt oddly quiet. Tobin glanced over at Christen, who was holding her hand, and they both shared a slightly nervous laugh.

“This feels… weird, right?” Tobin said, her thumb brushing against Christen’s.

“Yeah, really weird,” Christen chuckled softly. “Like… what do we do now?”

Tobin grinned, her eyes sparkling. “I guess we’re supposed to, you know, have fun? Like normal people on a date.”

They’d planned something simple—a walk through the neighborhood to a little café they loved and that was not far from their place. As they walked, hand in hand, the warm afternoon breeze made everything feel a little surreal. For the past two months, they had been so immersed in being first time moms that being just Tobin and Christen again felt like stepping back into something familiar, but also new.

“Do you think Josh is okay?” Christen asked suddenly, glancing over her shoulder as if she could see through the walls of their house and into the nursery where Tyler was watching their son.

Tobin squeezed her hand, laughing. “He’s fine. Tyler’s great with him. Plus, we’ll only be gone for a couple of hours.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Christen said, but she still couldn’t help the little pang of missing their baby boy. It was the first time they’d been away from him, after all.

When they arrived at the café, they found a cozy booth at the back, the warm light casting a soft glow over their table. The waitress brought them coffee and dessert, and they both exhaled, finally settling into the moment. It was still strange, being here without Josh, but as they talked, they realized how much they had missed these simple, quiet moments together.

“This feels nice,” Christen said, smiling as she took a sip of her coffee. “I mean, I miss him, but it’s really nice just being with you.”

Tobin leaned back, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I know what you mean. It’s weird without him, but I’ve missed you too—just us.”

They spent the next hour reminiscing, laughing about the early days of parenthood, and sharing little updates about their son, even though they were supposed to be focusing on themselves. It was impossible not to talk about him, but they also found themselves remembering how much they simply loved being together.

Later, as they walked home, Tobin leaned into Christen’s side, the warm night air making everything feel a little more intimate. “We should do this more often,” she said quietly.

“Yeah, we really should,” Christen nodded, her arm wrapping around her wife’s waist.

When they finally stepped back into the house, they found Tyler sitting on the couch, a soft smile on her face as she played with Josh who was on her lap giggling at the tickles his aunt was giving him.

“Who's the cutest little man? Yes, you are!” the older woman said, completely unaware she was being watched by her sister and her sister-in-law, who were melting at the sight. 

They couldn’t help but smile at each other, the quiet love between them even stronger now. Being parents had changed everything, but after their little date today, it was clear—they were still the same Tobin and Christen, still just as in love as ever.

Chapter 12: The Car Ride

Notes:

Bonus chapter today to celebrate CP's 100 games recognition!

Tobin could sense Christen’s exhaustion even before she stepped inside. The house was quiet now, a stark contrast to the chaos from half an hour earlier when baby Josh’s cries echoed through every room. He had finally settled down, his tiny head resting against Tobin’s shoulder as she cradled him gently. The car ride had done the trick, as usual...

 

"Seems like you love going for rides, don’t you, kid?" Tobin murmured, glancing at Josh in the rearview mirror. His eyes, now wide and curious, locked onto hers, and he let out a soft coo, tilting his head as if he was trying to understand what his mom was saying.

Tobin chuckled, shaking her head. "Yeah, yeah, now you're all cute and adorable, but fifteen minutes ago? Not so much. You had me thinking we were never gonna get you to stop crying."

Josh babbled happily in response, flashing her a grin that showed a few baby teeth, his chubby cheeks puffing up like he hadn’t been causing mayhem earlier.

"Alright, you’re cute ALL the time, I’ll give you that," Tobin admitted with a soft smile. "But you’ve gotta start sleeping a bit more, buddy. We’re all so tired—especially your Mama. She really needs to get some sleep."

"Mama!" Josh echoed, kicking his little legs in his car seat.

"Yeah, Mama,” Tobin said, her smile softening again. "She’s the most amazing woman in the whole world, and she loves you so much, Joshy. But she’s gotta rest too, you know? If she doesn’t sleep, she gets stressed and anxious, and we don’t want that for her, do we? We want Mama to feel happy and rested."

Josh gurgled something that sounded like “Mama Mommy,” his tiny hands tapping at the seat.

"Yeah, we love you too," Tobin said, reaching back carefully without taking her eyes off the road, brushing her fingers against his small hand for a moment. His coos filled the car again, but they were softer now, and Tobin knew he was finally getting sleepy, which had been the plan all along with this car ride.

As she softly hummed a lullaby—the same one she sang to him at bedtime—Josh’s breathing evened out, and a few minutes later, he was asleep. Tobin exhaled in relief, driving a little longer just to make sure he was deep into his nap before heading home.

 

Back at home, Tobin gently cradled a fast-asleep Josh in her arms. His small blue hat had slipped to the side, and a bit of drool glistened on her shoulder where his face rested. He’s definitely out , Tobin thought in relief, scanning the living room as she wondered where Christen was. The lack of sleep had been wearing on both of them, but Tobin knew Christen was especially drained. She just hoped her wife had found some time to relax while she was out being Josh’s personal driver.

Just then, Christen appeared, rushing from the hallway.

"Tobin! Oh my—"

"Shhh," Tobin whispered, smiling as she gently rocked their son. "He’s finally asleep. Let me put him down first, okay?"

Christen nodded quickly, her shoulders sagging with relief as she collapsed onto the couch. She sat there for a moment, sinking into the cushions, letting out a long breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. It had been one of those days—the kind that seemed to stretch on forever, where nothing quite went right, and no matter how hard she tried, the stress kept piling up. Motherhood was beautiful and rewarding, but it was also exhausting, and she had felt every bit of that today.

By the time Tobin returned from putting Josh in his crib, Christen had her eyes closed, focusing on steadying her breath. Tobin quietly sat beside her, the couch dipping under her weight. When Christen opened her eyes again, she found Tobin looking at her with a mix of tiredness and pure love.

"You okay?" Tobin asked softly. "He’s totally passed out in his bed. Hopefully, we’ll get a few hours of peace now."

Christen let out a weary sigh, leaning her head on Tobin’s shoulder and wrapping her arms around her wife’s waist.

"I just… I feel like a terrible mom sometimes," she admitted quietly. "On days like today, I have no clue what I’m doing. He’s crying, and I can’t calm him down, and I just—" She paused, blinking back tears. "I don’t know how to fix it."

Tobin’s heart clenched at Christen’s words, and she pulled her into a gentle embrace, her hand brushing through her wife’s curly hair.

"You’re the best mom, Chris," Tobin whispered. "You’re doing everything you can. We both are. And for the record, most days I feel like I have zero clue what I’m doing either. Some days are just hard, but that doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care."

"But I couldn’t even get him to stop crying," Christen said, her voice shaky. "You had to take him out for a drive because I just couldn’t handle it anymore."

"Hey," Tobin said softly, pulling back just enough to meet Christen’s eyes. "We’re in this together, remember? It doesn’t have to be you handling everything alone. I know how hard this is. We’re both learning. You’re an amazing mom, even on the days when you don’t feel like it."

Christen looked into Tobin’s warm, reassuring eyes and let out a shaky breath. "I just… I don’t want to let him down. Or you."

"You’re not letting anyone down, least of all me," Tobin said, pressing a kiss to Christen’s temple. "Josh is happy, healthy, and loved. And that’s because of you—"

“And you,” Christen interjected quickly.

"Okay, it’s because of us doing our best," Tobin chuckled. "We’ll get through the hard days, just like we’ve gotten through everything else. Together."

Christen smiled faintly, resting her head on Tobin’s chest, allowing herself to feel the comfort of her wife’s heartbeat.

"I don’t know what I’d do without you, Tobes."

"Good thing you’ll never have to find out," Tobin teased gently, resting her chin on top of Christen’s head.

And for the first time that day, Christen felt her stress easing as she nestled into Tobin’s arms, finally allowing herself to breathe again.

Chapter 13: Top Of My List

Notes:

Bless the Community Questions for giving us crucial information like Christen being at the top of Tobin's rooming list during USWNT camps, lol

It was late afternoon at the USWNT training camp, and the team was enjoying a rare bit of downtime. Most of the players were either lounging in their rooms or hanging out in the common area, resting up before another intense day of training ahead of their friendly against Canada. Christen had just finished a conversation with the coach when she ran into Lauren in the hallway.

“Hey, Press, where you headed?” Lauren asked, her voice casual, though her eyes twinkled with mischief.

“Just going back to my room,” Christen replied with a smile. “Tobin said she found some videos of the Canadian defenders and wanted to show me.”

"Of course she did," Cheney said, a grin spreading across her face.

Christen narrowed her eyes, sensing something in Lauren’s tone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lauren shrugged, trying to play it cool but failing miserably. “Oh, nothing... just, you know, you two are always roomed together at camp. It’s cute.”

“I mean, we’re best friends, after all. You always room with ARod too, right? I guess it just happens,” Christen shrugged, not fully understanding what Cheney was getting at but sensing there was something more to it.

“Happens?” Lauren raised an eyebrow. “That’s funny because Tobin literally always puts your name at the top of her list when we get to pick roommates.”

“Wait, what?” Christen blinked, feeling her face grow unexpectedly warm.

“Yup,” Lauren said, leaning casually against the wall, clearly enjoying Christen’s reaction. “Every single time. She’s done it for ages now. Thought you knew.”

Christen’s heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with this new information. Tobin had been choosing her—every time? A strange warmth spread through her chest, and she wasn’t sure why she suddenly felt both nervous and thrilled at the same time.

“No,” she said softly, mostly to herself. “I didn’t know that.”

Lauren stood there with her arms crossed, clearly enjoying the moment. She had been trying to get her two friends together for a long time, and this little revelation felt like the perfect next step in her master plan.

“Well, now you do, Pressy. But don’t tell her I told you—she’d be mortified.”

Christen felt her cheeks flush as she nodded, her thoughts swirling as Lauren’s words echoed in her head. Tobin had always chosen her. Every time. And now that she thought about it, she realized how much that had always made her secretly happy. Sure, they were best friends, but rooming with Tobin made the camps feel a little more... special.

As Christen made her way back to their room, she couldn’t shake the soft flutter in her stomach. She knocked lightly before stepping inside and found Tobin sitting cross-legged on the bed, her laptop open, apparently ready to show the videos she’d found.

“There you are,” Tobin said, looking up with a smile that sent another flutter through Christen’s chest. “You ready? These defenders are tough, but I found a few weak spots we can exploit.”

Christen nodded, but her mind was still on what Lauren had told her. Why did knowing that Tobin had always chosen her make her feel so warm inside? She sat beside her teammate and friend on the bed, trying to focus on the videos, but the thought of being Tobin’s first choice felt suddenly bigger, more significant.

Tobin must have noticed something was off because she glanced sideways.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m good,” Christen said, giving her a soft smile, trying to keep things light. And then, almost casually, she added, “I like rooming with you, you know.”

Tobin’s grin widened, her eyes brightening. “Yeah? Me too, CP,” she said, her tone softer than before.

And for a brief moment, something unspoken hung in the air between them. Christen’s heart fluttered again, and though she didn’t fully understand why, she realized that being Tobin’s choice was something that mattered more to her than she’d ever realized before.

Chapter 14: Where We Begin

Notes:

When I wrote "Grow Into Love" I included TC's first kiss but I decided to expand that moment (date included) a little bit more for this collection. Hope you enjoy! (and go read "Grow Into Love" if you haven't already, haha)

It had taken weeks to finally align their schedules, and Tobin wasn’t about to let this rare day off at the USWNT camp slip by without making it count. She had been thinking about this first date with Christen for what felt like forever, and even though they hadn’t told anyone, the secrecy only added to the excitement. Tobin had planned everything carefully, wanting it to be perfect—just for them.

As they stepped out of the hotel into the warm Los Angeles evening, Tobin glanced at Christen, her stomach flipping. Christen looked stunning—her curls bouncing with each step, and her eyes catching the glow of the streetlights. Tobin could barely keep it together. And when she noticed Christen’s gaze lingering a moment too long on her leather jacket and plain white shirt, Tobin smirked. So, she wasn’t the only one feeling the nervous excitement of this date.

"You look… really good tonight," Christen said, her voice softer than usual as they walked side by side toward the restaurant Tobin had chosen.

Tobin raised an eyebrow, lips curving into a grin. "Yeah? You too. Your hair looks beautiful tonight… I mean, it always does, but tonight it’s… wow," she stumbled over her words, a blush creeping up her neck, mentally kicking herself for being so awkward.

Christen laughed softly, her heart fluttering at how adorable Tobin was when she got flustered.

"Thanks, Tobes," she said, her eyes briefly flicking to Tobin’s lips before she quickly looked away.

The restaurant Tobin picked was perfect—right by the waterfront, with twinkling lights reflecting off the water, creating an intimate, romantic setting. It felt like they were in their own little world, just the two of them, away from the pressures of camp and the watchful eyes of their teammates. Over dinner, they laughed and talked about everything from soccer to favorite childhood memories, but beneath the casual conversation was a quiet tension. Both could feel it—the anticipation, the thrill of something more than just friendship.

Tobin couldn’t stop stealing glances at Christen, her heart skipping a beat every time their eyes met. Those green eyes were even more beautiful than she remembered, and the way Christen’s curls framed her face made Tobin’s breath catch in her throat.

"You keep looking at me like that, Tobin, and I might start thinking you’re planning something," Christen teased, her smile playful but her eyes soft, almost daring Tobin to make a move. She felt like a schoolgirl on her first-ever date, warm and giddy inside.

Tobin chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. "Maybe I am," she replied with a grin, her voice low.

Dinner passed in a blur of laughter, shared stories, and quiet moments where their hands brushed against each other, sending little jolts of electricity through them both. When it was over, they left the restaurant, walking hand in hand along the waterfront, neither wanting the night to end.

As they strolled back toward the hotel, the city quieting down around them, the cool breeze off the water brushed their skin, but neither of them noticed. They were lost in each other’s company, enjoying the rare opportunity to be alone together.

"Chris?" Tobin suddenly stopped, her heart pounding as she held Christen’s hand tightly.

Christen turned to face her, biting her bottom lip the way she always did when she was trying to keep her emotions in check. "Yeah?" she asked softly, her bright eyes glowing under the moonlight.

Tobin swallowed nervously, her pulse quickening as she stared into those mesmerizing eyes that had been driving her crazy all night. She took a deep breath and stepped closer, gently placing her free hand on Christen’s waist. "Can I… can I kiss you?"

Christen’s heart did a little flip at the question, her stomach fluttering with nerves and excitement. She smiled softly, letting go of Tobin’s hand and wrapping her arms around Tobin’s waist instead. She pressed their foreheads together, her voice barely a whisper as she said, "I’ve been waiting all night for that, Tobes."

Tobin’s breath hitched as Christen pulled her closer. Her heart raced, hands trembling slightly as she cupped Christen’s cheeks, their faces so close now that she could feel her breath on her lips. Then, finally, she kissed her.

The kiss started soft, tentative, but quickly deepened as Christen’s lips moved against Tobin’s, sending a wave of warmth through both of them. It felt like something had clicked into place—something right, something they had both been skirting around for too long.

Christen pulled back slightly, breathless but smiling, her forehead resting against Tobin’s. "That was amazing," she whispered, her fingers still gripping Tobin’s jacket. "I’ve been waiting for that for so long. You’re so beautiful."

Tobin let out a soft laugh, her heart swelling as she gazed into Christen’s eyes. "You’re so gorgeous," she whispered back, cheeks flushed with happiness and disbelief. "I couldn’t wait to do that."

Christen laughed softly, leaning in to kiss Tobin again—one kiss turning into two, then three, until they stood in the quiet street, lost in each other, the world around them fading away.

That night, under the soft glow of the moon, something new began between them—something real, something they both knew would change everything.

Chapter 15: Wrapped Around His Finger

Summary:

Tobin's not the only one wrapped around Josh's little finger.

It was a quiet Sunday morning, and the house felt unusually peaceful. Josh, who had just turned three, was busy with his toy cars on the living room floor, building a racetrack with pillows and chairs as obstacles. Meanwhile, Tobin sat nearby on the couch pretending to read but she was really just watching the little boy with a soft smile.

Leaning against the kitchen counter, a cup of coffee in her hands, Christen couldn’t help but notice how Tobin’s eyes were glued to their son. Every time Josh so much as glanced in her direction, Tobin’s face would light up, like she was waiting for him to ask her for something—anything.

"Hey, Tobes," Christen called, walking over and plopping down beside her on the couch. "You realize you’re completely at his mercy, right?"

"Aren’t we all?” Tobin laughed, but her expression shifted as she caught Christen’s playful smirk. “Wait, why do you keep looking at me like that?"

Christen grinned, leaning in closer. "I mean, Josh has you totally wrapped around his little finger. You don’t even pretend to resist."

Tobin scoffed, trying to play it cool. "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"Oh, really?" Christen laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Let’s see."

Right on cue, Josh toddled over, his big green eyes—so much like Christen’s—blinking up at Tobin. “Mommy,” he said sweetly, tugging on her sleeve. “Build a tunnel for my cars?”

Christen shot Tobin a knowing look, biting back a laugh as she watched her wife melt instantly. Tobin set down her book without hesitation, already reaching for the pillows.

"Yeah, buddy. Let’s make it the biggest tunnel ever!"

As Tobin knelt on the floor, fully committed to the project, Christen leaned back on the couch, crossing her arms with a playful smile. "See what I mean?" she teased, her voice light but affectionate. Even though she loved teasing her wife, her heart melted watching them play together. "He asks, and you’re on the floor in less than five seconds."

Tobin glanced over her shoulder with mock indignation. "What? I’m just helping him with his—"

"Oh, come on," Christen interrupted, laughing softly. "He’s got you completely wrapped around his finger. Admit it."

Tobin’s lips twitched as she tried to hold back a smile. “Okay, maybe a little. But can you blame me? Look at him!” She gestured toward Josh, who was happily arranging his toy cars, completely unaware of the teasing.

Christen shook her head with a grin. “I mean, I get it. He’s got those puppy-dog eyes…”

“…that he totally inherited from you, which is why I’m at his mercy in the first place,” Tobin added, grinning.

“Oh, so you admit it then?”

“Of course!” Tobin chuckled. “But so should you. Remember the other day when Josh asked for ‘just one more story’ before bed? You were halfway out the door, but then he gave you those eyes, and five minutes later you were reading him four more stories. Not one, but four ! Totally, absolutely wrapped around his finger…”

“Okay, but…”

“And don’t even get me started on the ice cream incident last week!” Tobin interrupted. “You told him ‘no more sweets,’ but then he pulled that little pout, and suddenly you were scooping him a second bowl! You didn’t stand a chance.”

Christen rolled her eyes, laughing. “Okay, fine , you’re right. But in my defense, he has a really cute face and that sweet little voice…”

They both paused, grinning at each other, silently acknowledging how powerless they both were when it came to spoiling their son.

“Mommas, come play race cars with me!” Josh called, now tugging on Christen’s sleeve and handing her a toy car. “Here, Mama, this is your car…”

“Sure thing, baby!” Christen responded immediately with a big smile.

“Of course, sweetie, let’s race!” Tobin added, almost at the same time.

Josh’s eyes lit up, delighted that his moms had agreed, once again, to be his playmates. Meanwhile, Tobin and Christen exchanged a look and burst into laughter.

“We’re doomed, aren’t we?” Christen asked, shaking her head.

Tobin grinned as she picked up a red toy car and lay down on the floor next to Josh, ready to play. “Yeah, we really are. And I wouldn't have it any other way.”

Chapter 16: Our Little Secret

Notes:

Another early days story. Enjoy!

It was nearing midnight at the hotel where the USWNT was staying, and the hallways were quiet. Most of the team had long since drifted off to sleep after the day’s match, but not Tobin and Christen. The adrenaline from the game against Germany still coursed through their veins, keeping them wide awake. Rooming together had always been their thing, even before they’d started dating a few months ago. But now, things were different—different in the best way—and they were still navigating the excitement and the privacy of this new relationship.

Lying side by side in the dark, their fingers intertwined, they knew they weren’t going to sleep anytime soon. Tobin turned her head, catching a glimpse of her girlfriend and grinning mischievously. “You awake?”

Christen giggled softly, rolling over to face her. “Completely. I don’t think I could sleep even if I tried.”

“I wouldn’t either if I’d scored the two goals that won us the game,” Tobin teased, shifting onto her stomach and leaning over Christen to give her a quick peck on the lips. “Can’t believe I’m dating the USWNT’s top goalscorer right now. Damn.”

Christen bit her lip, failing to hide the smile spreading across her face. “Those goals wouldn’t have happened without a certain #17 setting them up, so…” She reached up, cupping Tobin’s face, and kissed her. “Thank you for those, by the way.”

They kissed slowly, savoring the moment as seconds stretched into what felt like minutes. And just when Christen was ready to lose herself in the kiss for the rest of the night, Tobin pulled back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Hey, wanna sneak out? Just for a little while?”

Christen pouted, not ready to give up their moment. “Sneak out where? I was really into that kiss, you know.”

“Just trust me,” Tobin grinned, already pulling on her hoodie. “This’ll be worth it, I promise.”

With a sigh, Christen slipped into her hoodie and sneakers and followed Tobin as they tiptoed out of the room. They moved like teenagers sneaking out past curfew, trying to avoid any noise that might wake up their teammates. The excitement of sneaking around added to the thrill, and they stifled giggles as they made their way down the hallway.

When they reached the empty lobby, the cool night air hit them, a welcome contrast to the warmth of their room. Tobin reached for Christen’s hand and intertwined their fingers as they quietly made their way to the elevator. “Let’s go to the rooftop,” she whispered, eyes gleaming.

The rooftop was deserted, bathed in the soft glow of city lights. New York stretched out below them, twinkling in the distance. Up here, away from the buzz of the team and the noise of the city, it felt like they had the whole world to themselves. Tobin leaned against the railing, her arm brushing against Christen’s, their hands still joined.

“This feels like our little secret,” Christen murmured, glancing at Tobin with a smile. “Sneaking around like this.”

“Yeah,” Tobin agreed, her voice soft and full of affection. “It’s kind of fun, right? Just you and me, getting away from everything for a few minutes.”

Christen grinned, leaning her head on Tobin’s shoulder. “It’s perfect.”

For a moment, they stood there, letting the cool night air wash over them. Tobin fished a small chocolate bar from her hoodie pocket, holding it out with a sheepish smile. “I saved this for you from the post-game snacks.”

Christen laughed, taking the chocolate with a look of pure adoration. “You always know what I need.”

They broke the chocolate in half and found a bench tucked in the corner of the rooftop. Wrapping themselves in a blanket Christen had thought to bring, they settled in, the stars twinkling above them as the night’s quiet made everything feel more intimate. Tobin’s knee brushed against Christen’s, and when their eyes met, it felt like they were in their own little world.

“You know,” Tobin said quietly, her voice more serious now, “being here with you, sneaking out like this… It makes me feel like the luckiest person ever. Like I get to share these moments with you that no one else sees.”

Christen smiled, her heart swelling as she rested her hand on Tobin’s cheek. “I feel the same way. I love this—just us.”

Tobin leaned in, brushing her lips against Christen’s in a soft, lingering kiss, her hand resting on Christen’s waist as the city lights shimmered behind them. They kissed slowly, savoring the peacefulness of the rooftop, the stolen moment just for them.

As the kiss ended, Tobin pressed her forehead against Christen’s, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. “We should probably sneak back before someone notices.”

Christen nodded, but neither of them moved. Instead, the brunette kissed Tobin’s cheek and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, letting the moment linger a little longer. It was one of those times that felt too good to end.

Reluctantly, after a few minutes they finally stood and made their way back to their room, their steps soft as the hotel settled into its quiet. Once they slipped under the covers again, Christen reached for Tobin’s hand, holding it between them in the dark.

“I like sneaking around with you,” she whispered, her voice full of warmth.

“Me too,” Tobin whispered back, her voice tender and affectionate.

As their breathing finally slowed and the adrenaline from the game finally faded, they both knew this was more than just a rooftop adventure. It was a moment that made them fall even deeper in love.

Chapter 17: Not a Surfing Pro

Summary:

Surfer Tobin is not good for Christen's anxiety.

Notes:

Hi y'all,
Here's another update for you. It's not the sickfic someone requested but... kind of? There'll be a sickfic in this collection at some point, though!

Tobin winced as Christen carefully dabbed a cotton pad soaked in antiseptic on her split lip. Her jaw ached from clenching, but she forced a smile to lighten the mood.

“Guess that wave got the best of me, huh?” Tobin tried to joke, but Christen’s brow remained furrowed in concern. She stayed silent, focusing on the cut as Tobin fidgeted in her chair. Tobin tried again, nervously, “Well, at least—”

“Tobin, this isn’t funny,” Christen interrupted, her voice sharper than she’d intended. Catching herself, she softened her tone as she brushed a stray hair away from Tobin’s face. “When I saw you fall on your surfboard, I was terrified . I’ve seen you fall before, but this time…”

“I’m okay, really,” Tobin murmured, though the sting from the antiseptic—and the worry in Christen’s eyes—made her stomach twist.

Christen pressed the pad a little firmer against Tobin’s lip, making her gasp. “And that’s the problem. You keep saying you’re ‘okay’ after getting hurt out there. It’s like I’m the only one who cares about this.”

Tobin reached for her hand, her voice gentle. “Chris, it was just a small accident. I’ve had it way worse on the soccer pitch, you know that. You don’t have to wo—”

“Yes, Tobin, I do,” Christen interrupted, her voice cracking slightly. She paused, taking a deep breath as she focused on Tobin’s lip. “I care because I love you . And when you’re out there… I know it’s one of your happy places, but I can’t help but think about what could happen.”

Tobin’s heart softened as she took in the weight of Christen’s words, her gaze following Christen’s gentle movements. She brushed her thumb over the back of Christen’s hand, silently asking for a moment to speak.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I know it must be hard… me coming back with scrapes and bruises and, uh…” She gestured to her busted lip. “Cuts.”

Christen sighed, her expression softening as she looked into Tobin’s eyes. “I’m used to you— and me—coming back with bruises. That’s just part of being soccer players. But surfing? It feels different, Tobes. It just seems… I don’t know, more dangerous. Like something life-threatening could happen.”

“You’re right, yeah…” Tobin said softly, gently stroking Christen’s arm.

The younger woman tucked another strand of hair behind Tobin’s ear, her fingers lingering as she met Tobin’s gaze. “You’re a soccer pro, not so much a surfing pro…”

“And you’re right again…”

“Oh, I’m loving how this conversation is going for me,” Christen joked, smirking, her expression more relaxed now.

“I know you are. Just trying to win back some points here,” Tobin smirked as best as her split lip allowed. She squeezed Christen’s hand apologetically. “But yeah, that’s completely true. Surfing doesn’t love me as much as soccer does. I’m sorry, baby. I’ll be more careful—I promise.”

Christen’s lips curved into a small, tender smile, her anxiety finally easing as she leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss over the corner of Tobin’s mouth, avoiding the cut. Tobin melted into the kiss, feeling the warmth of Christen’s care seep into her.

“Good,” Christen murmured, resting her forehead against Tobin’s for a beat before pulling back. “Because if something like this happens again? You’re sleeping on the couch for a week.”

Tobin chuckled, wincing slightly. “Then I better not fall off my board again, or that couch and I will become best friends.”

“Better be careful then,” Christen teased. “Because you don’t want to mess with a stressed-out nurse and wife, either.”

Tobin grinned, squeezing her hand. “Deal. Besides, I prefer my warm spot in bed with you.”

Christen’s face softened as she returned the squeeze. “Good choice. That couch might be comfy, but it has nothing on my cuddles and goodnight kisses.”

Chapter 18: A Special Anniversary

Notes:

Thanks for all your kudos and comments! :) Enjoy this one!

On the evening of their anniversary, Tobin and Christen sat side by side on the couch, bathed in the warm glow of their living room lamps. Josh, only a month old, lay bundled in Christen’s arms, his tiny fists curled as he peacefully dozed. Soft music played in the background, and the remains of takeout from their favorite Mexican spot rested on the coffee table. It wasn’t the fancy dinner they might have planned in years past, but somehow, it felt absolutely perfect.

Christen’s dad had offered to watch Josh so they could go out and celebrate, but as new moms, they had gently declined. They were entirely smitten with their little boy and, now that he was here, healthy, beautiful, and perfect, they wanted nothing more than to spend every moment with him.

Tobin reached over, gently tracing a fingertip along Josh’s soft cheek, awe filling her eyes. “Hard to believe, isn’t it? Thirteen years together… and now we’re here, with him.” She looked up at Christen, a soft smile tugging at her lips. “I don’t think I’ve ever loved you as much as I do right now.”

Christen’s gaze softened, and she leaned in, her shoulder resting against Tobin’s. “I feel the same way,” she murmured, glancing down at Josh. “It’s like every little moment we’ve shared over the years—every laugh, every adventure, every challenge—it all led us here.”

Tobin took Christen’s hand, her thumb brushing over her wedding ring. “Every anniversary has felt special in its own way… but this one?” She chuckled, her eyes misting. “When your dad offered to watch him, I thought for a second we’d go out like old times, but honestly, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

Christen nodded, resting her head against Tobin’s shoulder. “I can’t imagine a better way to spend it this year.” She pressed a gentle kiss to the baby’s head, then leaned in to kiss Tobin. It was slow and soft, filled with gratitude and years of love.

Josh stirred slightly in Christen’s arms, and they both paused, holding their breath until he settled back into his nap with a contented little smile. Tobin chuckled, brushing her fingers gently over his thin, baby-fine hair. “Look at him, completely out,” she whispered. “This little guy has no idea how much he’s loved.”

“Maybe not yet. But he will,” Christen smiled, her voice a soft murmur. “Happy anniversary, baby.”

“Happy anniversary, CP,” Tobin answered, pecking her wife’s lips.

They sat in comfortable silence, wrapped in the warmth of their little family. And when Josh stirred again, Tobin leaned down and whispered, “You’re our greatest adventure yet, little guy.”

Chapter 19: A Midnight Sway

Notes:

Just a cute little update for those of you who love the sweet baby stories! :)

It was well past midnight, and the whole house was quiet—except for baby Sophie, now seven months old. Her soft cries echoed through Tobin and Christen’s room as Tobin held her close, rocking her gently back and forth. Sophie’s cheeks were flushed, her little fists clenching and unclenching as she squirmed against her mom’s shoulder. She’d been crying on and off for nearly an hour; teething pains were making sleep impossible, no matter how hard she tried.

Tobin pressed a soft kiss to her daughter’s warm forehead and rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Hey, it’s okay, baby girl. I know it hurts,” she whispered, her voice gentle and loving despite the exhaustion she felt. “But Mommy’s got you. I’m right here, okay?”

Meanwhile, Christen lay on their bed and leaned against the bed frame, watching her wife’s efforts with an exhausted but adoring smile. Dark circles smudged under her eyes, but she couldn’t tear herself away from the scene in front of her. There was something so tender, so mesmerizing about the way Tobin was caring for their daughter, and it made her heart swell.

“Alright, let’s try the dance move,” Tobin murmured to Sophie with a playful glint in her eye. She adjusted the baby so that they were cheek-to-cheek and swayed side to side, humming softly, her voice low and comforting. To everybody’s relief, the motion seemed to soothe the little girl a bit, and her small fists slowly uncurled. The baby’s eyes fluttered, just barely staying open as she started to nestle into Tobin’s shoulder, her tiny hand coming up to grasp the fabric of Tobin’s shirt.

“Yeah, that’s my girl,” Tobin cooed, rubbing her back gently. “You’re so strong, Soph. Let Mommy help you too, okay?”

Christen let out a soft chuckle, her tired gaze still fixed on Tobin and their little one. “You know,” she said quietly, “you’re amazing with her. I don’t know how you do it.”

Tobin glanced over, her eyes warm and soft and, as she continued rocking Sophie, who had finally calmed down and had her eyes barely open, she approached Christen.

“Our girl just needed a little dance,” Tobin said, a smile tugging at her lips. She reached out with one hand, and Christen took it, their fingers lacing together. “Mama fed her first, then a little dance with Mommy, and that’s it, ready to sleep!”

At that moment, Sophie let out one last, tired whimper before her eyes finally closed, her breathing evening out in Tobin’s arms. The older woman smiled and gave Christen’s hand a gentle squeeze as she sat down on the bed next to her.

Christen sighed, brushing a strand of hair off Tobin’s forehead. “I love you,” she murmured, voice thick with both exhaustion and affection. “The way you are with our kids... it makes me love you more every day, you know.”

“I love you, too,” Tobin whispered back. “So much. We make a good team, don’t we?”

“The best.”

Chapter 20: The Secret's Out

Notes:

We're going back in time with this one!

The team’s Halloween party was in full swing by the time Tobin and Christen arrived, stepping into the dimly lit common room decorated with fake cobwebs and strands of orange and purple lights. Tobin adjusted the straw hat of her scarecrow costume, while Christen fiddled with the pink bandana around her neck, trying to suppress a grin. They had tried to convince themselves that matching farmer and scarecrow costumes were “just for fun,” but they knew that showing up in coordinated outfits might draw attention. After months of sneaking around during camps, they were ready to let their teammates know about their relationship—no announcement, just… letting everyone find out.

As they walked further into the party, Megan Rapinoe, dressed as a very exaggerated pirate, nudged Alyssa Naeher with a grin. “Look who finally showed up. And would you look at that… matching costumes.”

The usually stoic Alyssa raised an eyebrow and barely hid a smirk this time. “Well, well… farmer and scarecrow, huh? Very… ‘platonic.’”

Christen felt her cheeks flush as she fiddled with the hem of her shirt, but she smiled as she turned to her two friends, trying to keep things light. Yes, she and Tobin definitely sucked at acting.

“Hey, it’s Halloween—you know how these things go. Pure coincidence!” she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

“Oh, pure coincidence, of course,” Pinoe replied, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Nothing says ‘just friends’ like matching costumes.”

Tobin, resisting the urge to roll her eyes, scratched the back of her neck and grinned. “Pinoe, don’t you think that’s a bit of a stretch?”

Lauren quickly chimed in, pretending to be skeptical. “Is it, though? I could’ve sworn I saw you two sneaking off together to the beach at the last camp.”

Tobin shot Christen a sideways glance, trying to keep from laughing as she stepped a little closer. “We weren’t sneaking anywhere. We just went for a walk!”

Christen jumped in, attempting to keep a straight face but failing. “Exactly. Just walking. Teammates do that all the time.”

“Teammates do not walk hand-in-hand on the beach, Press,” Lauren said, a little too loudly, drawing amused glances and chuckles from a few other teammates nearby.

“Lauren!” Tobin and Christen chorused, both shooting her a glare.

But Lauren only grinned, crossing her arms. “I’m just saying, I know what I saw.”

“Whatever, I’m getting a drink…” Tobin muttered, already walking somewhere else, with Christen following her as their friends giggled like teenagers.

The two women tried to brush off the teasing, blending into the party and sticking close to each other but keeping things low-key. That plan, however, barely lasted ten minutes.

Soon enough, Pinoe, Alyssa, and Lauren sidled up to them again by the snack table, where Tobin was now busy fishing out a mini Snickers from under a pile of pretzels without disturbing the entire tray.

“So,” Pinoe said, leaning in conspiratorially, “just checking in… purely curious. You two aren’t hiding anything… interesting from us, right?”

Tobin popped the Snickers into her mouth and looked at them with exaggerated innocence. “Hiding anything?” She glanced at Christen, who was already biting her lip, trying not to laugh.

Lauren leaned in even closer, relentless. “Listen, I’m just saying, I’ve known you two for years, and there is no way you both chose matching costumes on a whim.”

Alyssa crossed her arms, shaking her head with a smirk. “Do you really think we’re buying this? I train with Christen every day, and all she does is bring up Tobin in every single conversation…”

Finally, Christen couldn’t keep up the act. She rolled her eyes, letting out a laugh as she looked at Tobin, who looked like she just wanted to eat her Halloween candies in peace.

“Okay, fine. You got us.”

“Guess it’s not much of a secret, huh?” Tobin shrugged, pretending to look defeated but smiling all the while.

Pinoe let out an exaggerated gasp. “Wait, are you saying…” She paused dramatically, making both Tobin and Christen laugh. “That our resident scarecrow and farmer are actually dating ?”

Lauren raised her cup in a mock toast. “To things that were never actually secret,” she said with a grin.

“Cheers to that,” Alyssa added, nudging Pinoe with a smirk. “We’ve been onto you two for ages.”

Tobin laughed, finally wrapping an arm around Christen and pulling her in close. The secret was out, no more sneaking around. Lauren looked between the two of them, grinning as she whispered, “Just don’t expect us to let you live this down. Matching costumes next year, too?”

Christen groaned, leaning into Tobin’s shoulder. “Please, one matching costume was enough. It took us forever to pick this one.”

“It took you forever,” Tobin teased. “I was sold on it from the start!”

“Fine, Tobin, I’m picky, whatever…”

“Well, it did make this the best Halloween yet, so it was worth it,” Tobin shrugged, pressing a quick kiss to Christen’s temple.

Their friends let out a collective “Awww,” and even though Tobin and Christen rolled their eyes at them, they knew this would be a Halloween they’d remember for a long time.

Chapter 21: I Forgive You

Notes:

Loved writing this little Tobin-Sophie moment. Hope you enjoy it, and thanks so much for your kudos and comments!

Tobin barely registered the noise at first—Sophie darting back and forth across the living room, her little feet thudding along with bits of a funny song she’d made up on the spot. Normally, Tobin found her daughter’s little songs endearing, but today she couldn’t tune out the sound; they were a constant reminder of how much she hadn’t been home recently. She’d been on an away trip with Angel City, and then coaching back-to-back training sessions with the team. Now, with a new big game looming and a dozen other tasks demanding her attention, she was unusually tense, her mind buzzing.

“Mommy, look!” Sophie called, holding up one of her stuffed animals proudly. “She’s a soccer player, just like you and Mama! She’s got her very own team—”

“Soph,” Tobin said tightly, keeping her eyes on her notes, “I need you to calm down a little, okay?”

But Sophie, still bubbling with excitement, didn’t hear the tension in her mom’s voice. She held the stuffed bear up again, waving it in the air. “Mommy, can she join your team? Maybe she can help Angel City win!”

Tobin felt her patience snap without warning, the stress finally spilling over. She turned to look at her daughter and with a voice sharper than she intended, she said: “Sophie, I said calm down! Go play somewhere else, please!” 

The smile fell from Sophie’s face immediately, and her lower lip started quivering as her big brown eyes filled with tears. But before Tobin could take back her words, the five-year-old turned and ran down the hall to her room, her little footsteps echoing in the silence that followed.

Tobin’s heart sank instantly, regret flooding her. As she sat there, wrestling with her guilt, Christen appeared in the doorway, having overheard the exchange from her own office. She walked over quietly, placing a gentle hand on Tobin’s shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding.

“Hey,” she murmured softly. “I know you’re under a lot of pressure, Tobes, but you should go talk to her. She just wanted a bit of your attention, babe. You’ve been away so much lately—she just misses you a lot.”

“I know, I know,” Tobin sighed, rubbing her hands over her face. “I already feel guilty about that. She was just being her usual self, and I… I didn’t mean to snap at her.”

Christen nodded, squeezing her hand. “She’ll understand. Just be honest with her.”

Taking a deep breath, Tobin got up and made her way to Sophie’s room, her heart heavy. She knocked softly on the door before opening it to see the little girl sitting on the edge of her bed, still clutching her stuffed bear, her cheeks streaked with tears.

“Hey, baby,” Tobin said gently as she knelt down to her daughter’s level. “Can I talk to you?”

Sophie looked up, still sniffling, her expression guarded, and Tobin’s heart twisted seeing how hurt she looked.

“I’m really, really sorry, kiddo,” Tobin said, reaching out to take her daughter’s small hand in her own. “Mommy was feeling stressed about some grown-up things, and I took it out on you. That wasn’t fair at all.”

“Did I… do something bad?” Sophie asked, her brow furrowing as she tried to understand.

Tobin shook her head quickly. “No, sweetheart, you didn’t do anything wrong. You were just being you—full of fun and ideas and happiness, and that’s exactly what I love about you.” She tucked a stray strand of light-brown hair behind the girl’s ear, giving her a small, reassuring smile. “Sometimes grown-ups mess up, too. I was feeling a lot of things and got overwhelmed, but that’s never a reason to make you feel sad. I’m sorry, bug.”

Sophie’s face softened and her small fingers squeezed Tobin’s hand. “It’s okay, Mommy. I forgive you.”

Tobin’s heart melted, and she pulled Sophie into a tight hug, rubbing her back gently. “Thank you, Soph. I’m so lucky to have such a kind and beautiful little girl as my daughter. I’m so proud of you, you know?”

Sophie hugged her back just as tightly, her voice muffled in Tobin’s shoulder. “I love you, Mommy.”

“I love you too, baby,” Tobin whispered, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She pulled back slightly, brushing the last tear from Sophie’s cheek. “You know, I think that bear of yours really could help Angel City. Think she’s ready for some coaching tips?”

Sophie’s face lit up, excitement flooding back. “Yes! I’ll tell her everything you teach me!”

Tobin grinned, playfully inspecting the stuffed bear. “Does she have a name, by the way?”

“Of course! Her name is Coco the Soccer Bear,” Sophie announced proudly.

“Oh, well, Coco the Soccer Bear sounds like she’s destined to be a star,” Tobin said, feigning deep admiration. “Think we should start practicing some tactics?”

“Yes!” Sophie exclaimed, her laughter filling the room again.

Tobin chuckled, feeling the weight of her stress ease as Sophie’s joy filled the room again. They spent the next few minutes devising “plays” for the bear, and the little girl’s laughter reminded Tobin that, no matter how much pressure she faced, this, her family and their love, was what mattered most.

Chapter 22: Pregnant and Grumpy

Notes:

To anyone going through a rough time today, I hope this cute little story brightens up your day ❤

And to @krashinglife, here's your moody grumpy Christen story :D Thanks for the prompt!

Christen lay sprawled on the couch, shifting dramatically from one side to the other. “Tobin,” she groaned, “I swear I’m carrying around a small planet. My ribs are squished, my feet are puffy, and my belly…” She gestured toward her eight-month belly with a look of pure exasperation. “It’s… so in the way.”

Tobin chuckled, leaning casually against the doorway. “Anything I can do to make Planet Press feel more at ease?”

Christen’s eyes narrowed. “Yes. For starters, you could not smirk at me or call me a planet! How’s that?” She grabbed a throw pillow and tossed it in Tobin’s direction, though it barely went anywhere. With a sigh, she surrendered, her hand finding its way back to rest on her belly. “Ugh, never mind, throwing things is way too much work.”

Biting back laughter, Tobin walked over, picked up the pillow, and gently placed it at Christen’s feet before bending down to rub her shoulders. “Alright, alright, no smirking or affectionate nicknames. Duly noted.”

Christen leaned forward as much as her big belly allowed. “And my back hurts,” she muttered. “And I want snacks. Why doesn’t anyone keep enough snacks around here? I shouldn’t be expected to grow a whole human without the right snacks.”

“Already ahead of you!” Tobin replied with a grin, rushing to the kitchen and coming back with a bowl. “I come bearing mangoes, sliced to absolute perfection. Only the best for you.”

Christen gave the bowl a dramatic sniff before taking a bite. She scrunched her face, looking displeased. “Too tangy. And not… I don’t know, mango-y enough.”

“Too tangy?” Tobin blinked in surprise, already searching for her car keys, ready to go to the nearest store to get a different snack. “No problem. I will scour the earth for the sweetest mangoes and be back before you can say ‘pregnancy cravings.’”

Christen reached for her hand, a sheepish smile tugging at her lips. “Wait. It’s not just the mangoes.” She flopped back on the couch with an exasperated sigh. “It’s everything . I can’t get comfortable, nothing tastes right, and I think my ankles are a lost cause.”

“A lost cause?” Tobin repeated, grinning. “Well, at least they’re cute puffy ankles.”

“Cute? Cute?! ” Christen rolled her eyes, cradling her big round belly. “I’m uncomfortable and miserable and just— ugh !” She threw her head back dramatically, covering her face with her hands. “I’m basically an extremely pregnant drama queen.”

“Oh no!” Tobin teased, leaning over her and gently brushing a stray hair out of her face. “Not an extremely pregnant drama queen!”

“Yes! Exactly!” Christen looked at her with wide, serious eyes. “And you don’t even understand what I’m going through, Tobin. My ribs hurt when I breathe, my feet feel like sausages, and my nipples… ugh . Tobin, my nipples feel like cactus needles.”

“Oh, the poor nipples,” Tobin murmured with exaggerated sympathy.

“Yes, Tobin, the poor nipples !” Christen shot her a playfully sharp look, though her lips were twitching. “And I don’t even want to think about what I’ll do when this little guy wants to play soccer in here. I think he’s practicing with a full-sized soccer ball already.”

“Just think,” Tobin said, squeezing Christen’s hand and pressing a kiss to her temple, “one day I’ll be the one getting him up for his 6 a.m. practices while you stay in bed.”

Christen raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you think so, huh? You’re going to handle all those early practices? And I’ll stay in bed with my mangoes?”

“Absolutely,” Tobin grinned. “But only if you let me bring the mangoes personally—even if they’re not perfect.”

“You’re lucky I love you, Heath,” Christen smirked. “Otherwise, I’d tell this kid all about the tangy mangoes when he’s older. He’d be horrified.”

Tobin burst out laughing, sinking down onto the couch beside her. She took Christen’s hand and pressed a kiss to it. “I love you—grumpy, craving mangoes that may or may not exist, and everything in between.”

Christen rolled her eyes but couldn’t keep from smiling as Tobin wrapped an arm around her, holding her close. She let her head fall onto Tobin’s shoulder, the lingering frustration melting away as her wife traced gentle circles on her arm. “Fine, I love you too,” she murmured, a smile playing on her lips. “But next time you bring mangoes, they better be perfect.”

“I wouldn’t dare bring you anything less,” Tobin whispered, brushing a soft kiss to Christen’s forehead. And as she held her, she felt, in that cozy moment—through all the humor, the comfort, and the love—that every grumpy, craving-filled adventure was worth it.

Chapter 23: The Little Note

Notes:

Story #23 of this collection, and it's definitely a special one :') Enjoy!

Their IVF journey hadn’t been easy. The heartbreak and disappointment from trying to get pregnant the first time had felt endless, each failed attempt adding another weight to their hearts. When Christen finally got pregnant with Josh, the joy was overwhelming. They both realized every single challenge had been worth it for that beautiful moment and the little boy who brought so much light into their lives every day.

But they hadn’t forgotten how bumpy that IVF road had been.

So when they decided to try for a second child, both kept their expectations in check. Christen, especially, had her fears, and Tobin sensed it—she could see it in the way Christen’s hand would linger over her stomach at night, hopeful but almost afraid to dream too big.

To help Christen through it, Tobin had taken up the small habit of leaving daily notes for her. Each morning, Christen would find one tucked into her purse, on her pillow, or even in the fridge if Tobin was feeling extra sneaky.

One morning, as Christen opened her makeup drawer, she found a folded slip of paper resting on top of her mascara. The note read:

"One day at a time, and I'll be here every day with you. ❤️ - T"

On another day, she opened her lunchbox to find a note nestled between her salad and dressing:

"Whatever happens, you’re already the best mom in the world. I love you, CP."

And each note, as small and simple as it was, made Christen feel seen and supported. It felt like Tobin was holding her hand through every step, even when she wasn’t right next to her.

Then, one morning, while Tobin was out taking Josh to preschool and Christen was working from home, she decided on a whim to take a pregnancy test. Lately, she had started feeling like her body was trying to tell her something, but she didn’t expect much, and she had to brace herself as she watched the test slowly reveal the results. She almost didn’t dare look, but when she did, her heart skipped a beat.

Positive.

For a moment, she simply stared, disbelief turning to shock, and then a wave of joy crashed over her. She covered her mouth, feeling tears prick at her eyes, and realized she needed to tell Tobin in a way that would capture how much this journey meant to them.

With trembling hands, she found a slip of paper and, in her neat handwriting, wrote:

“Mommy T, are you ready to meet me in nine months? I love you. ❤️ - C”

An hour later, Tobin returned and dropped her keys on the counter as she usually did. But this time, something caught her eye—a small note that hadn’t been there earlier. Smiling, she picked it up, already expecting one of Christen’s own loving notes. But as her eyes scanned the words, her mouth fell open. Her gaze lingered on the words Christen had written, as if she couldn’t believe they were real. Slowly, her hand went to her mouth as tears filled her eyes.

At that moment, Christen stepped into the kitchen, watching Tobin with a gentle smile.

“It’s real, Tobin. It worked.”

Tobin looked up, eyes glistening, and immediately crossed the kitchen and pulled her wife, her life partner , into a fierce embrace. She held her tightly, one hand resting against Christen’s back, the other gently cradling her face as if she were holding something delicate and precious.

“Oh my god, Christen,” Tobin whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I can’t believe it. After everything…” She pulled back just enough to look into Christen’s eyes, her own tear-filled but overflowing with love. “Thank you. Thank you for going through all of this, for trusting us, for… just everything.”

Christen let out a soft laugh, wiping a tear from Tobin’s cheek. “I couldn’t have done it without you, Tobin. You, Josh, and those little notes kept me going. Every single one made me believe in us and in this little miracle a little more.”

Tobin laughed, shaking her head in disbelief, then pressed her forehead against Christen’s. “I think Josh is going to lose his mind. He’s been asking for a sibling for so long…”

“He’s going to be the best big brother, I know it.”

And for a long time, the two women just held each other in the middle of the kitchen, wrapped up in the joy and relief of this shared victory, feeling the weight of every past struggle finally lifting.

Chapter 24: You’re Lucky You’re So Cute

Notes:

Enjoy the cuteness!

Christen lay curled up on the couch, finally allowing her eyes to close after a night of endless rocking, shushing, and pacing the floor with Josh. The little guy had been fussy all night, and neither she nor Tobin had managed to get any sleep. They’d stayed close to him, worried something might be wrong.

But now, with Tobin out on a quick shopping trip and the house finally quiet, Christen was desperate for just a few minutes of rest. Wrapping herself in a cozy blanket, she leaned back, letting her tired body relax.

As soon as she did, though, a tiny cry rang out from the bassinet beside her.

Her eyes flew open. She lay there for a second, hoping it was just a fluke or maybe part of a dream. But then came another little whimper. With a tired sigh, she pushed herself up.

“All right, buddy,” she murmured softly, rubbing her eyes as she made her way over to the bassinet, where her five-month-old lay, his tiny arms and legs wiggling in the air. She peered over, half-expecting to see him still squirmy and upset.

But the moment Josh spotted her, his whole face lit up in a huge, gummy smile. His bright, wide eyes sparkled, and his little fists waved in excitement at the sight of his mom.

“Ohhh, baby boy,” Christen whispered, her heart melting as exhaustion slipped away, replaced by pure adoration. She leaned down, resting her forehead gently against his soft little cheek. “You’re just impossible, you know that?”

Josh let out a soft gurgle, clearly thrilled by her attention, and reached out, his tiny hand managing to latch onto her finger. He squeezed it, his smile growing even wider, as if he knew exactly how much his little expression meant to her.

“You’re just lucky you’re so cute,” she whispered with a gentle laugh, her voice soft with affection. “Keeping me up all night and then hitting me with that smile? Not fair, little guy.”

Christen scooped him up from the bassinet, cradling him close to her chest, and he nestled in, still wearing his big, gummy grin. She walked over to the couch, talking to him in a low, soothing voice.

“You know,” she murmured, sitting down and holding him close, “your mommas love you more than anything, even if you make it hard to sleep sometimes.” She kissed his forehead, her heart swelling as he gazed up at her, perfectly content.

Josh cooed, reaching up to touch her face, and Christen felt herself relax, sinking back into the couch. This time, though, she let herself drift off with him nestled in her arms, savoring the quiet, precious moment.

When Tobin returned a short while later, she found them both fast asleep on the couch—Josh snuggled safely in Christen’s arms, and a soft, peaceful smile still lingering on her wife’s face. Despite the restless night, it was the most precious sight Tobin had ever seen. And as she quietly made her way toward the two people she loved most, she offered a silent prayer of gratitude for her little family.

Chapter 25: Just One Kiss (Or Maybe Two)

Summary:

Sometimes they feel like they're in their twenties again, even in a supermarket.

Notes:

Hope y'all enjoy this new story!

It was one of those hectic Saturday mornings where Tobin and Christen had a list of errands as long as their arms. Between picking up supplies for the kids' projects, grabbing groceries for the week, and somehow squeezing in a pharmacy stop, they'd barely had a moment to themselves all week long.

They were halfway through the grocery store, maneuvering through the crowd, when Tobin suddenly slowed her stride, a mischievous grin pulling at her lips. She glanced over at Christen, who was scanning the shelves, completely oblivious to her wife’s sly look.

Without a word, Tobin reached over, catching Christen’s hand to stop her. Christen turned, brows raised in question just as Tobin leaned in, her lips finding Christen’s in a warm, lingering kiss. It was sweet and completely unexpected, the type of kiss that had Christen’s cheeks flushing instantly, caught off guard but loving every second. She barely had time to react before Tobin pulled back, with that familiar smirk Christen loved so much lighting up her face.

“Tobin!” Christen laughed, her green eyes sparkling as she swatted her playfully, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed. But this particular aisle was, thankfully, empty, and the world felt like it had shrunk to just the two of them for a brief, stolen moment.

“What?” Tobin said innocently, though the twinkle in her eyes betrayed her. “Just thought you could use a little break.”

“Oh, did you?” Christen asked, trying to hide her grin as she nudged Tobin with her hip. Despite the blush still warming her cheeks, she couldn’t resist leaning a little closer, their arms brushing as they continued down the aisle. “You’re so distracting, Heath.”

“That’s my job,” Tobin replied with a cheeky grin, her tone low as she shot Christen a wink. “Besides, you know you love it.”

Christen rolled her eyes, biting back a smile as she tried to focus on the shelves again, though she couldn’t help sneaking glances at Tobin. Her toned arms, peeking out from her rolled-up sleeves, and that playful smirk had always been irresistible to Christen. Even after years together, it felt like they were in their twenties again, sneaking in stolen moments when no one was watching.

And as they made their way through the store, their casual flirting only continued. Tobin would occasionally “accidentally” brush her hand over Christen’s when reaching for something, her fingers lingering just a second too long. Once, she even whispered in Christen’s ear about how great she looked today, causing her to laugh and shove Tobin lightly, blushing as she tried to refocus on their list.

By the time they reached the checkout, Christen’s cheeks hurt from smiling and her heart felt light and giddy, all thoughts of the day’s endless to-do list completely forgotten. She glanced at Tobin, who was watching her with that soft, warm smile that always made her heart skip a beat.

As they loaded their bags into the car, Tobin leaned in, brushing a stray curl behind Christen’s ear. “Thanks for running around with me all day,” she murmured, her voice soft and genuine. “Wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.”

Christen felt her heart swell, and she grinned, resting her hand against Tobin’s cheek for a brief moment. “Me neither. But next time, maybe keep it to just one kiss, huh?”

“Not a chance,” Tobin whispered, eyes sparkling as she leaned in for one last, lingering kiss, which Christen gladly melted into, wishing they could stay in this moment just a little longer.

Chapter 26: Bedtime Battle

Summary:

At four years old, Sophie is already a master manipulator.

Bedtime in the Heath-Press household was often a tug-of-war, but tonight, Sophie seemed especially determined to claim victory. Wrapped in her unicorn blanket, the four-year-old clutched The Very Hungry Caterpillar to her chest like it was a legal document.  

“Just one more story,” she pleaded, her brown eyes wide and glimmering with innocence.  

Christen sat on the edge of Sophie’s bed, her lips pressing into a line. “Sophie, we’ve already read three stories. It’s time for bed, sweetheart.”  

“But, Mama,” Sophie whined, drawing out the word in dramatic fashion. “The caterpillar is still hungry!” 

“That caterpillar has been full for 50 years, Soph,” Christen said with a smirk, gently tucking a loose strand of her daughter’s wavy hair behind her ear. “No more stories—lights out.”

Sophie’s lip quivered in exaggerated protest. Then she turned her wide, hopeful gaze toward Tobin, who had just entered the room after tucking Josh into bed.

“Mommy,” Sophie whispered, her voice tinged with dramatic sorrow. “Do you love me?”  

Christen turned to glare at her wife, her expression full of warning. “Don’t you dare,” she mouthed silently.  

Tobin hesitated, glancing between Christen’s narrowed eyes and Sophie’s doe-eyed expression. She caved within seconds, walking over to sit beside her daughter. Stroking Sophie’s hair, she said softly, “Of course I love you, Soph. But—”

“Then one more story?” Sophie interrupted, her mischievous smile breaking through.

“Sophie…” Christen began, her voice firm, but Tobin had already started reaching for the book.

“Tobin!” Christen’s sharp tone stopped her wife mid-motion.

“What?” Tobin asked innocently, shrugging. “It’s just one more!”

Christen pinched the bridge of her nose and exhaled slowly, her patience wearing thin. “We said that two stories ago.”

Sensing the shift, Sophie clung to Tobin’s arm and grinned cheekily at Christen. “Mommy is so good ,” she declared, batting her eyelashes in Tobin’s direction.

“Oh, you are so going to bed now, Sophie Heath-Press,” Christen said, standing up and pointing at the pillow, which had Sophie pouting immediately, realizing the game was over.

With a sheepish smile, Tobin put Sophie’s book aside and kissed the girl’s forehead gently. “Alright, kiddo. No more stories tonight, but your Mama already read three amazing ones, right?”

“Yes,” Sophie mumbled, her lips in a dramatic pout.

“And didn’t she make all the funny voices for the stories?” Tobin continued. “Isn’t she the best?”

Sophie’s pout softened slightly. “Yes.” She glanced at Christen with a tiny, guilty smile.

“So what do we say to Mama?” Tobin prompted gently.

“Thank you, Mama,” the girl said, shooting Christen a sincere smile this time. “I love your stories.”

Christen’s expression softened, and she knelt to take Sophie’s tiny hand, pressing a kiss to it. “You’re welcome, baby. Tomorrow, your Mommy can read you more stories, okay?”

“Promise?” Sophie asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“Promise,” Tobin said with a wink, tucking the girl in. “Sleep tight, bug.”

As they finally dimmed the lights and quietly shut the door, Christen let out a long sigh in the hallway. “What was that, Tobin?”

Leaning against the wall, Tobin crossed her arms with a sheepish grin. “I’m sorry. She just has that look… like she’s plotting something but still so cute. I couldn’t resist.”

Christen raised an eyebrow, her hands on her hips. “And I’m the one left being the bad cop. As usual.”

“You’re not the bad cop,” Tobin said, stepping closer to wrap her arms around Christen’s waist. “You’re just… firmer.”

“Gee, thanks,” Christen deadpanned, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

Tobin tilted her head, her voice softening. “I’m sorry, babe. I’ll back you up next time. She’s just really good at this game. Wonder where she gets that from?”

Christen snorted, resting her forehead against Tobin’s shoulder. “I don’t know.”

“Really? Because I know a really good negotiator who’s amazingly good with words. I married her, actually. And your dad told me that when you were little you…”

“Okay, enough about this person you’re talking about and I’ve definitely never met,” Christen said, muffling her laugh on Tobin’s shoulder. “And for the record, your mom told me you were a master manipulator at Sophie’s age, so this is definitely your fault.”

“Should we actually believe my mom? I have zero recollection of that,” Tobin smirked, kissing Christen’s temple. “But Cody? He says you were the queen of getting your way.”

Christen rolled her eyes, grinning. “Fine. Let’s just agree that Sophie’s a sassier, more stubborn version of both of us combined.”

Tobin laughed. “Deal.”

Silently, they peeked into Sophie’s room, where she was already fast asleep, her small frame curled around her favorite teddy bear.

“That little one’s so stubborn. What are we going to do when she’s older?”

“Pray for a lot of patience, I guess,” Tobin said with a soft smile.

Christen chuckled softly, leaning her head on Tobin’s shoulder. “She’s amazing, though. Even when she drives us crazy.”  

“Especially then,” Tobin agreed, pressing a kiss to Christen’s temple as they stood there, watching their little stubborn girl sleep peacefully.

Chapter 27: A Spoonful of Chaos

Summary:

Sophie’s first foodie adventure is a messy adventure for her moms, too.

It was a big day in the Heath-Press household: today, Sophie was going to try her first solid food. Tobin had taken this milestone as a personal challenge, spending the morning in the kitchen preparing an array of baby-friendly options—mashed sweet potatoes, pureed carrots, and a small bowl of applesauce. She approached the task with the intensity of a chef tackling her most ambitious meal yet, her face a mix of focus and determination.  

Leaning casually against the counter, Christen grinned, clearly entertained by the sight of Tobin being so meticulous in the kitchen for once.  

“You know,” Christen teased, “if this works out, maybe you can take over cooking duties full-time.”  

Tobin turned, holding up a spoonful of mashed carrots like a trophy. “Let’s not get carried away. One step at a time, CP. But I think I’m crushing it so far. What do you think?”  

“It looks good,” Christen admitted, eyeing the vibrant orange mush. “Let’s just hope our little critic isn’t too picky.” She raised a playful fist. “LFG!” 

“LFG!”

With everything ready, Tobin brought the small bowls over to Sophie’s high chair, presenting each one with exaggerated flair, much to Christen’s amusement. Meanwhile, Josh, perched on a stool nearby, watched eagerly, his eyes big with curiosity.

“Okay, baby girl,” Tobin said, crouching in front of Sophie with a hopeful smile. “This is your big moment! Let’s see what you think of Mommy’s cooking.”  

Sophie, wide-eyed and wearing a bib that read Future Foodie , studied the spoonful of mashed carrots being slowly offered to her. After a brief pause, she opened her tiny mouth and accepted the offering, her expression curious as she worked the new texture around her mouth.  

For a moment, it seemed like it might be a success. But then, the baby’s face scrunched up in a dramatic look of disgust, and with a swift swipe of her little hand, she sent the spoonful of carrots flying… straight onto Tobin’s white shirt.  

Josh burst into laughter, practically falling off his stool as Tobin stared at the orange splatter on her top with a look of disbelief.

“Soph doesn’t like carrots!” the four-year-old boy giggled, covering his mouth to stifle his laughs.

Christen, barely containing her own laughter, smirked. “Hey, don’t take it personally, baby. Maybe it’s not the carrots… maybe it’s the chef.”  

Tobin rolled her eyes but couldn’t help grinning. “Oh, you think you could do better, CP? Fine. Let’s see what she thinks of this,” she said, grabbing the bowl of sweet potatoes with renewed determination.  

Sophie eyed the spoon suspiciously as Tobin wiggled it through the air like a tiny airplane. “Look, Soph, it’s a plane! Vrrroooom —coming in for a landing!”  

Sophie’s face stayed unimpressed as she reluctantly took a taste, and a moment later, her tiny nose wrinkled even more dramatically than before. Without hesitation, she launched the orange blob toward Christen this time, hitting her shoulder.

At that, Josh burst into laughter once again, which only seemed to encourage his sister, who joined in with an infectious baby laugh. Christen picked up a paper towel, wiping the mess off her shoulder before turning to wipe the splatter off Tobin’s shirt, too.

“Well,” she said, trying not to laugh, “maybe Sophie just has high standards. Not everyone can appreciate…whatever this is.”  

“I don’t think it’s the food,” Tobin said, narrowing her eyes at Sophie, who was grinning up at her in triumph. “I think someone just likes being the center of attention.”  

Christen chuckled as she leaned in to give Tobin’s shoulder a sympathetic pat. “To be fair, she is your daughter.” 

Undeterred, Tobin grabbed the bowl of applesauce. "All right, you two, don’t give up on me yet. I’ve still got the applesauce! This one’s a winner, I can feel it."

With renewed determination, she scooped up a small spoonful of applesauce and offered it to Sophie, who looked at it with mild curiosity. This time, she didn’t scrunch her face quite as much, and after a tentative taste, to everyone’s surprise, she even let out a tiny, approving “mmm.”

Christen gasped, clapping her hands in delight. “She likes it! Look at that—you do like Mommy’s cooking, huh?”  

Tobin threw her arms up in victory. “Yes! I knew it! She’s a fan after all.”  

But her celebration was cut short as Sophie reached into the bowl with her tiny hand, grabbed a handful of applesauce, and slapped it onto Tobin’s cheek with a gummy smile.  

“Soph, you got Mommy again!” Josh shouted, his laughter echoing through the kitchen as the baby giggled.  

Christen couldn’t help herself and, laughing, she snapped a picture of Tobin, who was now a sticky mess of carrots, sweet potatoes, and applesauce, but was still smiling despite the chaos.

“You know,” Tobin said, wiping the applesauce from her face and looking at her baby girl with an affectionate sigh, “I really don’t think this is about the food at all. You just like keeping us on our toes, don’t you?” 

As Sophie squealed with laughter in response, Christen walked over and wrapped an arm around her wife’s shoulders. “Well,” she said, her voice warm with love, “if nothing else, we know this little lady likes applesauce… and that she definitely has personality.”  

Tobin chuckled, glancing at the messy high chair and the remnants of their food adventure scattered across the kitchen. “Personality, yeah. And a future in baseball, apparently.”

Chapter 28: You're Famous?

Summary:

Josh finds out that his moms might have been really, really good at soccer. Sophie just knows that she doesn't like sharing her moms with anybody.

Notes:

Had a lot of fun writing this one. Hope you enjoy it!

On a sunny Saturday morning, the Heath-Press family strolled along a tree-lined street near their favorite café. Tobin had one hand casually tucked in her pocket, while Christen held Sophie’s hand, swinging it gently as the four-year-old skipped alongside her. A few steps ahead, Josh stretched out his arms, pretending to be an airplane.

As they passed by a small park, a group of young women sitting on a bench suddenly perked up. One of them gasped audibly, her voice carrying across the quiet street. “Oh my God! That’s Tobin and Christen!”

Josh stopped in his tracks, turning back to glance curiously at the women. “Moms?” he called, his face scrunched with confusion as he looked between his parents and the strangers now approaching.

The group came closer, their excitement bubbling over but their steps hesitant. “Hi, sorry to interrupt,” one of them began, her voice a little shaky. “We’re huge fans. You two were such an inspiration to us growing up!”

“Hey, thanks for saying that,” Tobin said with a warm smile. “What’re your names?”

The fans introduced themselves, their enthusiasm growing as they chatted. One nervously held up her phone. “Would it be okay if we got a picture with you both? It would mean so much!”

Christen exchanged a glance with Tobin, who gave a slight nod. “Of course!” Christen said with her usual warmth.

As the fans shuffled to prepare their phones, Josh tugged on Tobin’s sleeve. “Mommy, why do they want pictures with you? How do they know you?”

Tobin crouched down to his level, brushing his curls back affectionately. “Well, they used to watch me and Mama play soccer when we were on the national team,” she explained.

Josh’s eyes widened. “Like… in the World Cup?”

“Exactly,” Tobin replied, her tone playful but proud. “Guess what, buddy? You’ve got famous moms.”

Meanwhile, Sophie’s eyes darted between the fans and Christen, suspicion written all over her little face. She tightened her grip on Christen’s leg and, when one of the fans giggled while snapping a picture, her frown deepened.

“She’s my Mama!” Sophie announced loudly, wrapping her arms around Christen’s leg protectively and glaring at the group.

The fans burst into laughter, charmed by the little girl’s fierce declaration. “Don’t worry,” one said with a grin, “we were just borrowing her for a second.”

Christen bent down, scooping Sophie into her arms and gently stroking her back. “It’s okay, lovebug,” she murmured, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s hair. “They’re just saying hi. I’m still all yours.”

Sophie stared over Christen’s shoulder at the fans, her little brow still furrowed, but she seemed satisfied with her mother’s reassurance.

The fans, now wrapping up their photos, turned to Josh, who was still standing with his arms crossed, deep in thought. “You know,” one of them said brightly, “your moms are two of the best soccer players ever . Christen scored so many goals, and Tobin was the most amazing playmaker. They’re soccer legends !”  

Josh’s eyebrows shot up. “Wait, really? Legends like Alyssa Thompson?” 

“Yes!” another fan chimed in. “They’ve inspired so many people, including Alyssa, and us.”

Josh turned to Tobin and Christen, his expression a mix of awe and disbelief. “You guys were that good?”  

Tobin smirked, resting her hand on the seven-year-old’s shoulder. “Well… yeah. We had some fun. Won a lot of stuff, too.”  

“And we worked really hard to win all that stuff,” Christen added, her voice tinged with fondness as she exchanged a glance with Tobin, both momentarily lost in memories.

Josh nodded slowly, clearly processing this revelation. He knew that his moms had played soccer in front of many people, but that was before he was born, so it was a really long time ago. He’d seen photos and medals, and his grandparents often shared stories from those days, but he never realized other people knew who his moms were.

As the fans waved goodbye with heartfelt thanks, Josh looked up at his moms again. “So… you’re not just my moms? You’re really famous?”

“Guess so, bud,” Tobin said with a shrug, trying to downplay her pride, but then broke into a laugh with Christen, both exchanging looks again.

Meanwhile, Sophie, still in Christen’s arms, rested her head on her mom’s shoulder and, oblivious to the conversation going on, she murmured, “You’re my mommas… and Josh’s mommas.”

“And that’s the best title we’ll ever have,” Christen chuckled, kissing Sophie’s temple.

Tobin grinned, slipping an arm around Christen as they continued walking. “So, who’s up for pancakes? I think that’s what famous soccer moms are supposed to do after meeting their fans.”  

“Yes!” Josh yelled, immediately taking off in a sprint and forgetting for a moment all about this new revelation about his moms. “I call the biggest stack!”

As they all walked toward the café, Tobin leaned in close to Christen, her voice low. “See? Even when we’re legends, they still just want pancakes.”

“And that’s exactly how it should be,” Christen whispered back, her smile full of love as she squeezed Tobin’s hand.

Fame might have brought admiration, and yes , they had helped change women’s sports for the better, but moments like these—just being a family—were everything they’d ever need.

Chapter 29: Back on the Pitch (Part 2 of “You’re Famous?”)

Summary:

Josh and Sophie finally get to see their moms and 'soccer aunties' play together in front of thousands of fans.

Notes:

Hope you enjoy this sequel to "You're Famous?" :)

The roar of the crowd was deafening as Tobin and Christen stepped onto the pitch, hand in hand with Josh and Sophie. The charity game had been hyped for weeks—a reunion of some of the greatest USWNT players to ever grace the field. While it was for a good cause, it was also deeply personal for the two women. It marked the first time in nine years since retiring that they were lacing up their cleats together, and it was the first time their kids would see them not just as "Mommy" and "Mama," but as players, as soccer legends.

Josh practically beamed with pride in his red #17 USWNT jersey, a replica of Tobin’s, while Sophie clung to Christen in a white #23 jersey that bore her Mama’s legendary number. Above the numbers, both jerseys displayed the name Heath-Press, a detail Christen had added to surprise the kids.

“There are so many people!” Josh exclaimed, his eyes wide as he scanned the packed BMO Stadium.

Sophie, a little overwhelmed, gripped Christen’s hand tightly. “Are they all here to see you and Mommy?” she asked in a small voice.

Christen crouched down and smiled reassuringly. “They’re here to see us and a few of our friends,” she said, nodding toward the lineup of legendary players on the field.

Sophie’s eyes lit up as she spotted a familiar face waving at her. “There’s Auntie Alyssa!”

Tobin chuckled, ruffling the five-year-old’s hair. “That’s right, kiddo. Auntie Alyssa’s ready to play.”

Once the family joined the lineup, Tobin and Christen knelt beside their kids. “You ready to see how we used to do it?” Tobin asked, grinning.

Josh nodded so eagerly that his curls flopped into his eyes. “You’re gonna score, right?! Like in those videos you showed us?”

“We’ll do our best,” Christen promised with a wink. “For you, guys.”

 

*******************

 

From the stands, Josh and Sophie sat sandwiched between their grandparents—Cindy and Jeff on one side, Cody on the other. Sophie was perched comfortably on Cindy’s lap, her legs swinging, while the eight-year-old boy clutched a small soccer ball, practically vibrating with excitement.

“Look!” Josh pointed toward the field, where Tobin was juggling a ball with effortless precision. “That’s Mommy doing her tricks!”

“That’s her, alright,” Jeff said with a chuckle. “She’s still got it.”

When Sophie spotted Christen passing the ball to Megan Rapinoe, she gasped. “Mama’s playing with Auntie Megan!”

“Your moms were the best,” Cindy said, pressing a kiss to the girl’s head. “Just you wait—you’ll see what I mean.”

 

*******************

 

Once the game kicked off, the kids were glued to the action. Tobin dazzled the crowd with her signature footwork, weaving around defenders before sending perfect crosses into the box; and Christen’s precision shone as she set up goal after goal and sent a few powerful shots of her own. They played with an ease and joy that mirrored their professional days, sharing laughter and cheeky grins as they passed to one another.

When Christen scored the first goal of the game, the stadium erupted. She turned immediately to the stands and pointed toward her children before making a heart with her hands and holding it over her chest.  

“Mama scored! She scored for us!” Josh gasped, a big smile on his face. “Grandpa Cody, did you see that goal?!”

“It was so cool! Gooo, Mama!” Sophie added, bouncing next to her brother.

Not long after, Tobin struck a stunning volley into the back of the net. After celebrating on the field with her former teammates, she ran directly to the stands, leaping over the barrier to wrap her children in a tight hug.

“This one’s for my biggest fans!”

“Mommy, that was amazing!” Josh said, wrapping his arms around her neck. 

Before Tobin could respond, Christen jogged over, still catching her breath. “Can’t let you have all the hugs!” she teased, pulling them all into a family huddle.  

The crowd erupted in cheers again, and for a moment, it felt like the world had faded away, leaving just the four of them in their little bubble.  

 

*******************

 

After the final whistle, the players walked around the field, greeting fans and soaking in the moment. As soon as Tobin and Christen spotted their kids waiting near the sideline, they jogged over, arms open wide.  

Josh bolted toward them, nearly tackling Christen with the force of his hug. “Mama, you were amazing! You scored a goal, and you ran so, so fast! And Mommy you did all those cool moves!”  

“And she scored, too!” Sophie chimed in, jumping into Tobin’s open arms. “You’re my favorite soccer players!”  

Tobin kissed the girl’s cheek, her heart melting at her kids’ enthusiasm, and a little part of her wished they could have seen Christen and her shine when they were professional players. How would it have been?

“You think so, baby?” Tobin asked, and then added teasingly: “I thought Alyssa Thompson was your favorite!”

Christen elbowed Tobin softly. “She can have many favorite players… but if we are the favorites now, I’m not complaining,” she smirked.

“You and Alyssa are my favorites,” Sophie giggled.

“You’re definitely my favorites now!” Josh nodded enthusiastically, a big grin on his face. “You’re even better than the players in my video games!”  

“Well, that’s high praise!” Tobin laughed, ruffling the boy’s hair and kissing his forehead.

As they walked back onto the pitch together, Tobin and Christen exchanged a glance, their hearts full. This wasn’t just about soccer or the crowd’s cheers; it was about sharing a piece of their lives from before they became parents, about letting their kids see a chapter of their story that had shaped who they were. The lights of the stadium glowed brightly above them, but nothing could outshine the warmth of their little family and of this memory they would carry forever.

Chapter 30: Glasses Have Never Looked So Good

Summary:

Christen can't get over how good Tobin looks in glasses.

The scent of freshly cooked pasta filled Christen’s Chicago apartment as she stirred a bubbling pot of marinara sauce on the stove. She was humming softly to herself, excited for her cozy night in with Tobin, who was staying over for a few days during a break in their busy soccer schedules.

The sound of the bathroom door creaking open caught her attention, but nothing prepared her for what she saw when she turned around.

Tobin emerged, toweling off her damp hair, dressed casually in black jeans and a plain white t-shirt that hung just right on her athletic frame, and on her face… glasses. Simple, understated, but they framed her beautiful eyes perfectly, making her look effortlessly intellectual and, frankly, ridiculously hot.  

Christen froze, spoon still in hand, as her brain scrambled for coherent thought. She wasn’t sure what hit her harder—the glasses, the casual outfit, or the way Tobin nonchalantly adjusted the frames before giving her a soft smile.  

“Smells good in here,” Tobin said, her voice warm as she crossed the small kitchen to peek at the sauce.  

Christen realized she’d been staring like a complete idiot and quickly turned back to the stove, pretending to focus on the sauce. “Uh, yeah. Dinner’s almost ready,” she stammered, her cheeks heating up.  

“You okay?” Tobin asked, leaning casually against the counter, her eyes peeking over the rim of her glasses.  

“Fine! Totally fine,” Christen replied, a little too quickly.  

Tobin raised an eyebrow but didn’t press, instead grabbing plates and utensils to set the table. Christen took a deep breath, willing herself to get it together.  

---  

During dinner, Christen tried her best to act normal, but her gaze kept flickering to Tobin’s glasses. It was as if she’d discovered a whole new level of attractiveness in her girlfriend, and it was wreaking havoc on her usually calm demeanor.  

“Chris, the pasta and the sauce are amazing!” Tobin said, gesturing to her plate. “You’re spoiling me.”  

The younger woman smiled, trying to focus on the conversation. “Just wanted to make my cute guest feel at home.”  

Tobin grinned, her glasses sliding down her nose a fraction as she leaned forward. “Cute guest, huh? Well, my host is even cuter,” she wiggled her eyebrows playfully and Christen’s heart did a little flip.

“Stop,” she said, playfully tossing a piece of bread at Tobin, who caught it mid-air with a laugh. “Okay, no, keep telling the host and chef of the day how cute she is.”

“Will do,” Tobin smirked.  

Throughout the meal, Tobin kept stealing glances at her girlfriend, who was uncharacteristically flustered, even dropping her fork at one point. Tobin’s curiosity grew, but she decided to let Christen come to her in her own time.  

---  

After dinner, the two stood side by side at the sink, washing and drying dishes in comfortable silence. Tobin handed Christen a clean plate, her glasses slightly fogged from the steam rising from the hot water.  

Christen couldn’t help herself—she stared, biting her lip, the words threatening to spill out.  

“Okay,” Tobin said suddenly, breaking the silence. She set the sponge down and turned to face Christen, one hand on her hip. “What’s going on?”  

“What do you mean?” Christen replied, feigning innocence as she continued drying the plate in her hands.  

Tobin’s smirk widened as she leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Then what is it?” she asked, tilting her head. “Chris, just tell me.”

Christen sighed, setting the plate down with a clatter. “Fine,” she mumbled, avoiding Tobin’s gaze. Her cheeks were bright pink now, and her fingers fiddled with the dish towel. “It’s your glasses, okay?”

“My… glasses?” Tobin echoed, blinking in surprise.

“Yes, your glasses!” Christen admitted, exasperated but still flustered. “You look so… so good in them. Like, ridiculously good. It’s distracting, honestly.”

Tobin broke into a wide grin, clearly enjoying herself now. “Distracting, huh?” she teased, adjusting the glasses with deliberate flair. “Good to know all it takes to throw you off is me being able to see.”

“What does that mean?”

“I forgot my contacts in Portland,” Tobin explained. “If I don’t wear these, I can’t see anything past my hand. But hey, I’m glad my desperation glasses are such a hit with my very cute host and girlfriend.”

Christen groaned, both flustered and amused. “Seriously? You make them look so cool, and they’re just a backup?”  

“What can I say?” Tobin shrugged and then stepped closer to the other woman. “I aim to impress—even when I’m half-blind.”  

“Well, you’ve succeeded,” Christen admitted, softer now, as her eyes met Tobin’s.  

“You’re adorable when you’re flustered, you know that?”  

Christen rolled her eyes, trying to fight her smile, but Tobin took the plate from her hands and set it aside.  

“Hey,” Tobin said, her voice dropping to a tender murmur as she gently pressed Christen against the counter, her hands on her girlfriend’s hips. “I’m glad you like them. I’ll wear them more often if it makes you happy.”

“They make me more than happy,” Christen answered in a low voice, biting her lower lip and feeling her body warming up at Tobin seducing her so effortlessly.

“Good,” Tobin murmured, leaning in to press a kiss to Christen’s lips.  

Christen responded immediately, melting into the kiss. Her hands slid to Tobin’s shoulders, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened, slow and deliberate, and when they finally pulled apart, Tobin rested her forehead against Christen’s, her smirk returning. “You know, if you keep looking at me like that, I might never take these glasses off.”

“Good, because I definitely don’t want you to.”

Chapter 31: A Very Special Thanksgiving

Notes:

Hi, fam!
I'm not entirely convinced about how this short story turned out, but I did want to gift you a cute little Thanksgiving moment with this family, so here it is. Hope you enjoy it and happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving at Tobin’s family home in New Jersey was always lively, but this year felt extra special. With Christen’s dad joining them for the first time and little Sophie experiencing her first Thanksgiving surrounded by cousins and grandparents, there was a deep sense of gratitude and warmth in the air.

Tobin’s parents had been preparing for their arrival all week, filling the house with autumn leaves, pumpkin decorations, and the smell of freshly baked pies. And the moment Tobin, Christen, Josh, Sophie and Cody stepped through the door, they were immediately met with hugs and cheerful voices.

Josh ran straight into his grandparents’ arms and then squealed with delight when his Uncle Jeffrey swooped him up high into the air, just the way he loved. Meanwhile, baby Sophie looked around wide-eyed and curious at some of the new faces, her chubby little fingers clutching tightly onto Christen’s sweater.

“Look who’s here! My little Thanksgiving pumpkin!” Cindy exclaimed, reaching for Sophie.

The baby stared at her grandma for a moment, her chubby cheeks puckered in concentration, then broke into a toothless grin that made everyone laugh.

Josh tugged eagerly at Grandpa Jeff’s sleeve. “Grandpa, can I help with the turkey? You promised!”

Jeff crouched down, his face lighting up. “Of course, buddy! I’ve got the most important job just for you.” He leaned in conspiratorially. “You get to be my official taste-tester. Think you’re up for it?”

Josh beamed. “Yes! I’m the best taster!”

As Jeff led him to the kitchen, Tobin glanced at Christen, squeezing her hand. The sight of her children being so adored by their grandparents filled her with gratitude and happiness.

Cody, now lounging on the couch, watched the cheerful chaos with a smile. “This family… they sure know how to make you feel welcome,” he said warmly, gesturing toward Cindy, who was now making silly faces to keep Sophie giggling.

“They really do,” Tobin agreed, her voice soft as she watched her mom cradle Sophie. “She’s been counting down the days to spoil these two again.”

“Well, I’m glad I get to join the fun this year! I love being part of this chaos,” Cody said with a big smile. When Josh raced past him, cheeks puffed out from his latest taste test, he ruffled his hair. “You working hard, kiddo?”

“I have to make sure everything’s perfect, Grandpa!” 

As the day unfolded, the house filled with even more family members, and every corner buzzed with laughter. Tobin and Christen played games with their nieces and nephews, while Josh proudly showed off his ability to balance a spoon on his nose. Sophie, the youngest of the bunch, was passed lovingly from one relative to the next, each one doting on her as if she were the star of the holiday.

When everyone finally gathered at the long dining table, Cindy raised her glass.

“I just want to say how thankful I am to have my family together this year,” she began, her voice thick with emotion. “We don’t get to be all together as much as we’d like, but when we do, it fills my heart in a way I can’t even describe. So here’s to family, to love, and to all these little joys that make everything worthwhile,” she said, her voice wavering as she raised her glass and looked lovingly at all her grandchildren.

“To family,” everyone echoed, clinking glasses.

After the toast, Jeff leaned toward Josh with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Hey bud, what do you say we sneak a piece of pie before dessert officially starts?”

Josh gasped. “But Grandpa, isn’t that… sneaky?”

“Exactly,” Jeff whispered with a wink. “It’s our little tradition.”

The two tiptoed dramatically toward the kitchen, Josh glancing over his shoulder with exaggerated caution. Christen shook her head with a fond smile.

“At this rate, he’s not going to make it through dessert,” she remarked.

“Probably not”, Tobin chuckled. “But look at him—he’s so happy. That’s what matters.”

As Sophie began to nestle sleepily against Tobin’s chest, her tiny hand curling around Tobin’s finger, Christen leaned over to brush a kiss against the baby’s head before pressing her lips softly to her wife’s. “Happy Thanksgiving, babe. I love you.”

“I love you too,” Tobin murmured, her voice thick with the gratitude that had surrounded them all day.

The night ended with everyone gathered in the living room, children snuggled cozily under warm blankets with popcorn as they watched holiday movies with some of the adults, who looked even more excited about the movies than the kids. And as Tobin and Christen looked around, surrounded by family and with their hearts full, they knew they couldn’t be more grateful for the life they had built.

Chapter 32: A Lazy Morning

Notes:

Hope you enjoy this new story!

The morning sunlight peeked through the curtains of Tobin’s Portland apartment, casting a soft, golden glow across the room. Cocooned in a thick comforter with only her eyes and nose visible, Christen peeked out from her mound of blankets.

“God, it’s freezing,” she muttered, her voice muffled by the layers.

Tobin, sitting cross-legged on top of the bed with her phone in hand and no blanket in sight, glanced down at her girlfriend and grinned. “Freezing? It’s barely cold! This is perfect weather.”

“Perfect weather?” Christen retorted, narrowing her eyes. “Tobin, my toes feel like icicles, and I haven’t left this bed all morning. How are you just sitting there like that? You’re not even wearing socks!”

Tobin shrugged nonchalantly, her grin widening. “Jersey winters toughen you up. You’re just a California softie.”

“I am not a softie!” Christen protested, pulling the comforter tighter around her shoulders.

“You’re literally a human burrito right now, Chris, don’t deny it,” Tobin teased, reaching over to poke at the bundle of blankets.  

“Because I’m smart and don’t want to freeze to death,” Christen countered, swatting Tobin’s hand away.  

But Tobin leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Face it, Press. You’d never survive a Jersey winter.”  

“Take that back,” Christen said, narrowing her eyes at her girlfriend, but her voice was mock-serious.  

“Not a chance,” Tobin quipped, leaning in closer until their faces were inches apart.  

“You’re really asking for it, huh?” Christen narrowed her eyes again.

“Oh, am I?” Tobin asked, raising an eyebrow, her tone full of playful challenge.

But before Christen could reply, Tobin struck, her fingers diving below the blanket and right into Christen’s side. A shriek of laughter erupted from the younger woman as she squirmed, trying to evade Tobin’s hands.

“Tobin! No! Stop! That’s not fair!” the woman laughed, against her will. “I hate tickles!”

“Fair?” Tobin laughed, pinning her gently under her weight as she continued her merciless tickling. “You called me a snow-loving maniac, CP. You earned this!”  

“What?! I didn’t call you that, you’re…” Christen gasped between giggles, twisting and trying to retaliate. “Tobin!” Finally, her hands managed to find Tobin’s sides, and suddenly the tables turned.  

“Oh no, you didn’t!” Tobin yelped, collapsing into a fit of laughter as Christen launched her counterattack.  

Their laughter filled the room, and the blankets got tangled around their legs as they wrestled and tickled, both completely lost in their silly battle. Finally, out of breath, Christen grabbed Tobin’s face between her hands, stopping her mid-laugh.

“Okay, okay. Truce,” she panted, her soft breath against Tobin’s lips.

“Truce?” Tobin asked, her voice still breathless and her cheeks pink from laughing.  

“Truce,” Christen said firmly, and then she kissed her.  

The kiss started soft but quickly turned into something deeper, full of warmth and love. Tobin melted into it, her hands finding Christen’s waist and pulling her closer, until there was no space separating them.

When they finally broke apart, Christen grinned at her girlfriend, her nose just inches away from Tobin’s. “You’re lucky I love you, even if you’re a cold-weather-loving lunatic.”  

“And you’re lucky I love you, even if you’re a blanket hog,” Tobin shot back with a smirk, nudging her nose against Christen’s.  

Christen laughed and pulled the comforter over both of them, wrapping her arms around Tobin and snuggling close. “See? Now you’re under the blankets with me. Admit it—you’re warm and happy.”  

Tobin pressed a soft kiss to Christen’s forehead. “I’m always warm and happy when I’m with you.”

“You're such a sap,” Christen muttered with a laugh, though her smile didn’t waver.

"You love it."

"I do."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s arms and the soft cocoon of blankets, their laughter replaced by quiet murmurs and sweet kisses. Outside, the cold winter wind howled, but inside, everything was warm and full of love.

Chapter 33: From the Sidelines

Notes:

Loved writing this one. Thank you nethog for suggesting this prompt, this one's for you!

The sun shone brightly over the small soccer field, casting long shadows as children darted across the grass. It was the perfect weather for Josh’s big game with his U9 team. On the sidelines, Tobin and Christen stood shoulder to shoulder, their calm exteriors masking a bubbling mix of excitement and nerves.

They had played in packed stadiums, faced the pressure of World Cup finals, and worn gold medals after historic victories, but today they were discovering that watching their eight-year-old son play soccer was an entirely different kind of pressure.

Tobin’s arms were crossed, her eyes glued to the field as she paced slightly. “Why is my heart racing? It’s just a kids’ game!”

“Because it’s our kid’s game,” Christen smirked, fiddling with the zipper of her jacket. “Also, stop pacing—you’re making me anxious.”

“I’m making you anxious?” Tobin shot back, though her teasing tone was betrayed by the way her gaze darted back to the field. “You haven’t sat down once since we got here!”

Meanwhile, Sophie, completely oblivious to her moms’ anxious energy, sat cross-legged on the grass. She wore a tiny “Heath-Press #23” jersey and held a juice box in one hand, waving enthusiastically with the other. “Go, Joshy! Run faster!” she cheered.

Josh, playing midfield, sprinted after the ball, his cleats kicking up bits of dirt. His team was down by a goal, and the tension had every parent on the sidelines leaning forward.

“He’s moving so well,” Christen said proudly. “Look at his positioning. He’s reading the game already.”

“Yeah, and he’s hustling back on defense, too,” Tobin added, equally proud.

Just as Tobin spoke, Josh made a decisive run toward the ball—but so did an opponent. The clash ended with Josh hitting the ground, his knees scraping against the rough turf.

“Oh, no! Josh!” Tobin gasped, freezing mid-step.

Christen’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh my God! Did you see that tackle?!”

Sophie stood abruptly, her juice box forgotten for a moment. The five-year-old clenched her fists at her sides as she yelled, “Hey! That kid hurt Josh! That’s not nice!”

Tobin blinked, torn between worry and Sophie’s dramatic indignation. “Sophie, it’s part of the game—”

“I don’t care!” Sophie huffed, glaring at the field. “It’s a red! It’s a red!”

Josh, meanwhile, was already brushing himself off, and now his face was set in a determined scowl.

“That’s…that’s your face,” Christen said, biting back a laugh.

“My what?” Tobin asked, still focused on their son.

“Your ‘you’re-gonna-regret-messing-with-me’ face,” Christen smirked, nudging Tobin lightly.

Josh jogged back into position, his shoulders squared, his eyes sharper than before. And when his team won possession, he didn’t hesitate to throw himself back into the action. Then came the whistle—a foul just outside the opponent’s penalty box. Immediately, Josh’s coach waved him forward, pointing toward the ball.

“Oh my God, they’re letting him take it,” Christen whispered, gripping Tobin’s arm.

Tobin’s eyes widened. “He’s got this. We practiced this a million times.”

.......

A Week Before…

The Angel City FC training pitch was quiet, the players long gone by now. The golden sunset bathed the field in warm light as Josh lined up a free kick, his tiny cleats shifting in the dirt.

“Plant your left foot here—yes, exactly. And keep your head down when you strike,” Tobin instructed, her hands on her hips.

“Like this, Mommy?” Josh asked, his voice high with focus.

“Exactly like that,” Tobin said with a grin. “Now let’s see it.”

The little boy took a few steps back, then ran up and struck the ball with surprising accuracy. It soared over the makeshift wall of cones Tobin had set up and dipped into the bottom corner of the net.

“YES!” Josh shouted, throwing his arms in the air and grinning widely at his mom.

Christen, who had just arrived to pick them up, clapped from the sidelines. “That was amazing!” She walked over and ruffled her son’s curls. “You’ve been paying attention, huh?”

“Yes! Mommy and the team helped me today!”

“Hey, CP,” Tobin smirked, passing a soccer ball to her wife. “How about you show our kid how it’s done?”

Christen raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you mean remind you who the real free kick specialist is?”

At that, Josh’s eyes widened. “Show me, Mama! Please?”

With a theatrical sigh, Christen set her bag down. “Alright. Watch and learn, little man.”

She lined up, her movements still as fluid and precise as ever. When she struck the ball, it curled effortlessly into the top corner.

“Whoa,” Josh whispered, his eyes wide with admiration.

“Your mama’s still got it,” Tobin said proudly, draping an arm around Christen’s shoulders.

Smiling, Christen crouched beside Josh, setting the ball back in place. “Now it’s your turn. Visualize where you want the ball to go, and stay relaxed when you kick. You’ve got this.”

With his moms’ encouragement, Josh nailed his next shot, and the next ones, too. By the end of practice, he was beaming with pride—and so were Tobin and Christen.

.......

Now, standing on the field under the bright sun, Josh wore that same determined expression, the lessons of that afternoon at the training pitch etched into his every movement. 

He stepped up to the ball as the referee’s whistle blew. The field held its breath.

He sprinted forward, striking the ball cleanly. It sailed in a perfect arc, dipping just under the crossbar and into the net.

The sidelines erupted.

“YES! THAT’S MY BOY!” Tobin shouted, nearly toppling over in excitement.

“JOSH!” Christen clapped her hands, her voice ringing with pride. “That was amazing!”

“GOAL, JOSHY! YUSSS!!” Sophie shouted, jumping up and down.

After celebrating with his teammates, the eight-year-old turned to the sidelines, his radiant grin  a mirror of Christen’s own after scoring goals during her career. He sprinted to his family and threw himself into Tobin’s open arms.

“Did you see, Mommy? Did you see?!”

“See it? I almost lost my voice screaming!” Tobin laughed, hugging him tightly.

Christen joined the embrace, ruffling his sweaty hair. “You were perfect, buddy. Absolutely perfect.”

“My brother’s the best!” Sophie added, squeezing her way in and throwing her arms around the boy.

Josh grinned, looking at his family like they were his biggest trophy. “That goal was for you guys!”

“We’re so proud of you. Now go back to the game, your teammates are counting on you!”

As Josh jogged back onto the field, Tobin and Christen exchanged a look, their hearts bursting.

“World Cup finals are nothing compared to this,” Tobin muttered.

Christen laughed, leaning into her wife. “You’re telling me.”

Hand in hand, they returned to the sidelines, their family pride glowing brighter than the sun.

Chapter 34: Snapshots of a Growing Love

Notes:

Enjoy the cuteness!

Tobin adjusted the camera lens, her fingers trembling slightly with excitement as she prepared to capture the first photo of what would become her most cherished collection. Christen stood in front of the cream-colored wall in their bedroom, glowing with a soft, almost surreal happiness. At just 12 weeks along, her bump was barely visible, but Tobin didn’t care. This was the beginning of something extraordinary, and she wanted to freeze every moment in time.

“Okay, babe,” Tobin said, crouching slightly to frame the perfect shot. “Smile… or don’t. Actually, just look at me like you did when we got married. That worked for me.”

Christen rolled her eyes but couldn’t help breaking into a radiant grin, her hands resting lightly on her stomach. “You’re such a dork.”

“Yeah, well, you married this dork,” Tobin shot back, snapping a few shots. She glanced at the camera screen, then back up at Christen, her face softening. “God, you’re beautiful.”

“Tobin,” Christen said softly, her cheeks flushing as her hand instinctively rested over her belly. Her eyes glistened as she met Tobin’s gaze, and for a moment, the world outside their bedroom felt very far away.

Tobin lowered the camera and stepped closer, wrapping her arms gently around Christen’s waist. “You and me,” she murmured. “And now, him. Our team just got bigger, Chris.”

Christen smiled, leaning her forehead against Tobin’s. “It’s a pretty great team.”

They stood like that for a few more moments, the camera forgotten, wrapped up in the quiet joy of this new beginning.

………

By week 20, Christen’s bump had grown into an unmistakable curve that made Tobin’s heart swell every time she saw it. For this week’s photo, they decided on their garden, where the sunlight filtered softly through the trees. Christen stood in a sundress, her light brown skin glowing in the golden light.

“Turn a little to the side,” Tobin instructed, camera poised. “I want to get the full silhouette. You’re glowing, Chris.”

Christen laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think it’s just sweat. Your idea to take pictures outside in July might need some rethinking.”

Tobin snapped the shot, then lowered the camera and walked over to her wife, crouching to place her hands on Christen’s belly. She pressed a kiss to the fabric of her dress. “Baby boy, you better appreciate your mom. She’s out here melting for you.”

Christen smiled down at her, running her fingers through Tobin’s soft hair. “And your mom is out here obsessing over weekly pictures like she’s a photographer for Vogue .”

Tobin grinned up at her. “Hey, these are historical documents. Our kid’s gonna look at these someday and think, ‘Wow, my moms were so cool.’”

“Hopefully, he’ll think we’re cool for a long time,” Christen said, chuckling.

………

By week 30, Tobin could hardly believe how much had changed. Christen’s belly had grown so much that it was impossible to ignore, even when she wore her favorite oversized hoodie. For this week’s photo, Tobin insisted she wear something more form-fitting, and after much teasing and coaxing, Christen relented.

“Fine,” Christen said, slipping on a snug, loose sleeveless dress and smoothing it over her bump. “This is the only dress I have left that still fits,” she said, rolling her eyes playfully. “So let’s make the most of it before I outgrow it.”

“You look beautiful,” Tobin said, adjusting the lighting. “Like, unfairly beautiful.”

Christen struck a mock model pose, one hand on her hip and the other cradling her belly. “How’s this?”

Tobin burst out laughing, nearly dropping the camera. “Perfect. Stay like that forever.”

After Tobin snapped a few pictures, Christen tilted her head. “How about some of all three of us?”

“Yes!” Tobin’s face lit up. “Absolutely.”

She set up the camera’s timer and hurried back to Christen’s side, wrapping an arm around her and resting her other hand on her bump. As the camera clicked away, the baby shifted, and Christen laughed and grabbed Tobin’s hand to let her feel the movement.

“He’s saying hi for the camera!” Tobin grinned, looking down.

“He’s already a show-off like his Mommy”, Christen smiled, kissing Tobin’s cheek.

………

By week 40, the photos were Tobin’s most treasured possession. Each one told a story: Christen laughing at Tobin’s bad jokes, her hands instinctively finding their way to her bump, the quiet moments when her joy and anticipation shone through her eyes.

The night before Christen’s due date, Tobin sat cross-legged on their bed, sorting through the printed photos spread out before her. Christen was propped up on pillows, her hands resting on her very large belly as she watched Tobin with a fond smile.

“Looking through them again?”

“Just making sure I didn’t miss anything,” Tobin replied, her voice soft.

Christen chuckled. “Babe, you’ve been so disciplined with these pictures there’s no way you missed anything. They’re amazing, and I’m so glad you did this.”

“Me too,” Tobin glanced up, her expression tender. “This is the most important moment of our lives. I had to keep a record.”

Christen reached out, brushing her fingers against Tobin’s cheek. “I love you, you know?”

Tobin leaned into her touch. “I love you more.” She smiled, her eyes dropping to Christen’s belly. “I can’t wait to meet him. But, honestly? I’ll miss this, too.”

“Miss what?”

“Getting to watch you like this,” Tobin said, her voice thick with emotion. “You’re everything, Chris. You always have been. But seeing you like this? It’s like I’m falling in love all over again.”

Christen’s eyes welled up. She leaned forward as best as she could, pulling Tobin into a kiss. “I love you, Tobes. And I can’t wait for us to meet our baby together.”

“Me neither,” Tobin smiled, wiping away a happy tear. “Now, scoot over—I need a picture of this moment.”

Christen laughed but obliged, letting Tobin snap one last photo for the album, of the two of them, glowing with love and anticipation, ready to welcome the newest member of their family. They both knew this was only the beginning of a lifetime of memories.

Chapter 35: Worth Every Tear

Notes:

Hope you enjoy this new story, and as always, thanks for your support!

The pediatrician's office smelled faintly of antiseptic and baby lotion, a mix that did nothing to calm Christen's nerves. She paced the small waiting area, bouncing three-month-old Josh gently in her arms, his tiny hand gripping her shirt as he cooed happily, blissfully unaware of the big milestone ahead—his first round of vaccinations.

Tobin, seated in one of the bright orange chairs, tried to act relaxed, but her bouncing knee gave her away. “Do you think it’s really necessary to do them all today?” she asked for the fifth time, her voice tinged with concern.

Christen gave her a look that was more anxious than annoyed. “Yes, Tobin. We’ve talked about this. It’s important to stay on schedule.”

“I know,” Tobin muttered, running a hand through her hair. “It’s just… what if it hurts too much? He’s so little.”

Christen softened at her wife’s worry. Sitting down beside Tobin, she placed a steadying hand on her bouncing knee. “I don’t like the idea of him crying or hurting either, but this is for his health. We’ll be right there the whole time.”

“Yeah…” Tobin nodded, setting her jaw in determination. “We’ve got this.”

When the nurse called their name, both women stood simultaneously, their nerves palpable. Tobin grabbed the diaper bag while Christen held Josh close, whispering softly to him as they followed the nurse into the exam room.

The pediatrician, a kind man with a warm smile, greeted them and began the routine check-up. Josh was all gummy grins and happy gurgles as the doctor measured his head, checked his reflexes, and weighed him.

“He’s growing perfectly,” the doctor said, jotting notes onto his clipboard.

After hearing that, Tobin let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “That’s my boy,” she said, grinning at Josh, who was busy trying to gnaw on his tiny fist.

Then came the part they had both been dreading. The doctor prepared the vaccines, setting out needles that looked far too big for Josh’s little legs. Christen instinctively held Josh closer, while Tobin stepped nearer, taking one of his hands.

“This will be quick,” the doctor assured them with a practiced smile. “I’ll need you to hold him steady.”

Christen swallowed hard, adjusting Josh so one chubby leg was exposed. “It’s okay, sweetheart,” she murmured, her voice gentle. “Mama and Mommy are right here.”

Josh’s cheerful expression crumpled the instant the needle touched his skin. His face flushed crimson, and an ear-splitting wail erupted from his tiny lungs.

Christen flinched, her eyes welling up with tears. “Oh, Joshy,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Tobin’s fists clenched, her heart breaking at the sight of her son’s distress. “It’s okay, buddy,” she said softly, stroking his silky baby hair. Tears streaked her cheeks as she added, “You’re so, so brave. And your mommas are right here.”

The doctor worked efficiently, administering the remaining shots in quick succession. But each cry from Josh felt like a dagger to their hearts. By the time it was over, Tobin's cheeks were damp, and Christen's eyes were shiny, trying her best not to cry in front of the doctor.

As soon as the doctor stepped back, Christen pulled Josh close, rocking him gently as he sobbed into her chest. She kissed his forehead over and over, murmuring, “It’s all done, sweetheart. Mama’s got you.”

Tobin rubbed his back in soothing circles, her free arm draped around Christen. “You did so good, Joshy. So good. And you’re even healthier now.”

It took several minutes, but Josh’s cries eventually quieted into soft hiccups as he snuggled against Christen, his little body relaxing in her arms.

“He’s okay,” Tobin said softly, more to reassure herself than anyone else.

By the time they stepped out into the bright morning sun, the tension began to fade. Christen turned to Tobin, her lips trembling before letting out a small laugh. “Did we just almost cry more than him?”

“I think we did,” Tobin admitted with a chuckle, wiping her cheeks. “I definitely did.”

Christen laughed harder, though tears still clung to her lashes. “God, we’re such a mess.”

“Speak for yourself,” Tobin teased, her face still streaked with tear marks. She leaned down to kiss Josh’s head. “But he’s worth it. Every single tear.”

“Absolutely,” Christen agreed, her heart swelling as she looked down at their son, now peacefully dozing, his tiny fist curled against her.

After carefully tucking Josh into his car seat and adjusting his soft blue blanket, the moms climbed into the front seats. Tobin reached over to grab Christen’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“We survived his first shots.”

“Barely,” Christen replied with a soft laugh. “But yeah, we did.”

They shared a smile, both silently promising to face every challenge together—tears, laughter, and everything in between.

Chapter 36: Who are Tobin and Christen?

Summary:

Josh has a BIG realization.

It all began one afternoon when Josh overheard something strange. Christen and Tobin had invited a couple of friends, Jack and Lynn, over for coffee. The grown-ups chatted and laughed while Josh sat cross-legged on the rug, zooming his toy cars across an imaginary racetrack.

But as the conversation drifted in and out of his awareness, something caught his attention. Jack and Lynn kept calling his moms “Tobin” and “Christen.”

Josh froze mid-zoom, scrunching up his nose in confusion. His moms weren’t Tobin and Christen—they were Mommy and Mama! Why were their friends getting it so wrong?

Later that evening, after their friends had left, Josh climbed onto the couch where his moms were relaxing. His baby sister Sophie, not even a year old yet, was perched on Tobin’s lap, happily chewing on a teething ring.

“Mama,” Josh began, his voice full of curiosity, “why did Jack and Lynn call you Christen?”

Christen paused mid-reach for her water, glancing at Tobin, who smiled knowingly. “Well, buddy,” she started, setting her glass down, “that’s my name. Just like your name is Joshua.”

The four-year-old boy froze and stared in disbelief at his moms. “No, your name is Mama! And your name is Mommy!” he added, pointing at Tobin.

Tobin chuckled, bouncing Sophie gently on her knee. “That’s what you call us, Joshy. But other people call us by our real names—Tobin and Christen.”

Josh’s jaw dropped, and he shook his head as if trying to clear it. “No, no, no! That’s not right! You’re not Tobin and Christen. You’re Mommy and Mama !”

Christen slid closer to Josh, brushing his curls away from his forehead with a gentle hand. “Baby, I am Mama to you, and that’s the most special name anyone has ever given me. But when I was born, my parents named me Christen, so that’s what other people call me.”

Tobin nodded in agreement. “It’s like how we sometimes call you ‘Joshy’ or ‘Buddy,’ but your name is really Joshua. Names can be different depending on who’s talking to you. Do you remember how Grandpa Cody calls Mama ‘Mo’ sometimes?”

“I thought it was short for Mama…”

Christen smiled. “Not quite. For Grandpa Cody, ‘Mo’ is his nickname for me, just like ‘Mama’ is what you and Sophie call me. And what about Grandma Cindy and Grandpa Jeff? Do they call your Mommy, ‘Mommy’?”

Josh looked at Tobin and scrunched his nose, trying to remember. “No… but… you’re still Mommy!”

“Exactly,” Tobin said with a wink. “But only to you and Sophie, I’ll always be Mommy. Other people will call me Tobin.”

As if on cue, Sophie, oblivious to the existential crisis unfolding next to her, smacked Tobin’s arm with her tiny hand and let out a high-pitched babble. “Ma-ma-ma-ma!”

Josh turned to his baby sister, his expression suddenly triumphant. “See? Even Sophie knows you’re Mama!”

Christen grinned, kissing Sophie’s chubby cheek. “You’re right. To her, we are ‘mommas’, too.” 

The baby gurgled in agreement, then grabbed Tobin’s hair with surprising force. “Ow, Soph! Easy!” Tobin said with a laugh, gently untangling her daughter’s tiny fist.

The little boy sighed, climbing into Christen’s lap and resting his head on her shoulder as if he had had the longest day at work. “I still don’t like it. You’re Mama, and you’re Mommy. That’s the rules.”

“Those are very good rules,” Christen said, holding him close. “And I promise, we’ll always be Mama and Mommy to you and Sophie. Forever.”

“That’s our special name just for you two,” Tobin added softly.

Josh looked up, his big green eyes searching for confirmation. “Forever?”

“Forever,” Tobin said firmly, leaning over to ruffle his curls.

“Okay…” Josh said slowly, before nodding. “But I’m still not calling you Tobin or Christen. That’s just weird.”

“Deal,” Tobin said with a grin. “It is pretty weird.”

As the evening went on, the four of them snuggled together on the couch. Sophie dozed off in Tobin’s arms while Josh absentmindedly played with Christen’s hair.

“Mommy and Mama forever,” Josh mumbled sleepily, his eyelids drooping.

“Forever,” Christen whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.

Tobin smiled, her heart swelling as she looked at her little family. “Best names we’ll ever have.”

Chapter 37: The Great Christmas Tree Disaster

Summary:

The Heath-Press family has to work together to fix Christmas.

The Heath-Press living room was a scene straight out of a holiday postcard—at least, it was before chaos struck. The family had just brought in their Christmas tree, a lush green fir standing proudly in the corner of the room, filling the air with the fresh scent of pine. Tobin was in charge of untangling the lights, Christen was carefully unwrapping ornaments, and the kids were buzzing with excitement.

“I get to put the star on top!” declared Josh, now eight, holding the golden star triumphantly above his head like a trophy.

“No! I want to do it!” Sophie, five years old and brimming with determination, shot back, crossing her arms.

“You’re too small,” Josh said matter-of-factly, trying to sound like the older, wiser sibling.

Sophie stamped her foot, her loose curls bouncing as she protested, “I’m not small! I’m a big girl!” She looked to her moms for backup, her cheeks puffed with indignation.

Christen, always the peacemaker, crouched down to their level. “Okay, you two, let’s not argue. How about we decide who gets to put the star on top after we finish decorating the tree?”

Josh nodded, satisfied with the compromise for now, while Sophie hesitated before giving a reluctant, “Fine…”

Meanwhile, Tobin was knee-deep in her annual struggle with the lights. “Why do these things get more tangled every year?” she muttered, shaking the string of lights in frustration.

“It’s because you don’t roll them up properly,” Christen teased, walking over to help.

“Oh, is that so, Miss Perfect Lights?” Tobin shot back playfully. “Next year, I’m leaving this mess for you.”

“Deal,” Christen replied with a smirk, leaning in to peck Tobin’s cheek which, predictably, made their kids chorus ‘Ewww, gross!’.

Finally, after much untangling and teasing, the lights were ready. Tobin and Josh began draping them around the tree while Sophie danced around them, eager to help.

“Let me hold it!” Sophie chirped, grabbing the end of the lights and holding it high over her head like a prized ribbon.

“You’re doing an awesome job, bug,” Tobin said encouragingly as she stepped back to admire their progress.

But in her enthusiasm, Sophie decided to give the lights one big tug to straighten them out—and that’s when disaster struck.

The tree swayed once, twice, and then— CRASH!

The majestic fir toppled forward, ornaments spilling onto the floor and hooks clinking loudly against the hardwood.

Sophie froze, her eyes as wide as saucers. “Oh no!” she cried, her lower lip trembling. “I broke Christmas!”

“No, no, sweetie,” Christen rushed over, scooping Sophie into her arms. “You didn’t break Christmas. It’s okay, I promise.”

“But the tree is on the floor! Santa won't leave any gifts!” Sophie wailed, burying her face in Christen’s shoulder.

Josh stood frozen in horror, staring at the fallen tree. “The tree’s wrecked!” he cried. His big, dramatic gasp made Tobin stifle a laugh even as she crouched down to assess the damage.

“Alright, team,” Tobin announced, brushing stray pine needles from her hands, “this is no big deal. We’ll fix it.”

Sophie sniffled, peeking up at Christen. “But it’s all messy now…”

“Messy can be fixed, honey,” Christen said, rubbing her daughter’s back soothingly and trying to sound encouraging. “Christmas isn’t about a perfect tree—it’s about us making it special. And we can make it extra special by working together as a team now!”

Josh, his tears suddenly forgotten, brightened at the idea. “Yeah! We can make it even better! Like a Christmas rescue mission!”

“Exactly, buddy,” Tobin grinned, ruffling his hair. “And you two are our top helpers.”

Sophie perked up, wiping her nose on her sleeve, much to Christen’s mild horror. “I can help too!”

“Of course you can, sweetie,” Christen said gently, handing her a box of tissues with a raised eyebrow.

And so the family sprang into action. Tobin and Christen carefully propped the tree back up, Josh swept up fallen pine needles as best as he could, and Sophie focused on picking up the unbroken ornaments with extra care.

“Okay, new rule,” Tobin said as they stood the tree upright, slightly lopsided but still standing tall. “No more tugging on the lights, right, Soph?”

“I won’t tug,” Sophie promised, her serious expression making her moms smile.

“Good girl,” Tobin said with a smile.

The second round of decorating went much smoother. Josh insisted again on hanging the star, but Tobin hoisted Sophie up too, so they could place it together. When they finally stood back to admire their handiwork, the tree sparkled with colorful lights and glittering ornaments.

“It’s perfect,” Christen said softly, slipping an arm around Tobin’s waist.

Josh grinned proudly, his green eyes sparkling. “We’re the best decorating team ever!”

“And we fixed Christmas!” Sophie added, clapping her hands excitedly, her face glowing with pride.

“That’s right,” Tobin said, chuckling as she pulled them all into a playful group hug. “We saved the day! Go team!”

“And go family!” Christen said, smiling as she reached out for a round of high-fives. 

“Family!” the kids and Tobin shouted in unison.

The evening ended with the family curled up together on the couch, hot cocoa in hand and Christmas music playing softly in the background. The toppled tree wasn’t a disaster after all—just another hilarious and heartwarming memory that made the season magical.

Chapter 38: The Magic of Christmas Morning

Notes:

'Tis the season, so here goes an extra Christmas story! Merry Christmas and happy holidays, guys, and thanks for reading! I really appreciate you <3

The sun was barely peeking through the frosted windows when little Josh and Sophie woke up with an explosion of energy typical of Christmas morning.

“Mommy! Mama! Wake up! It’s Christmas!” Josh’s voice rang out first, followed by the sound of his footsteps pounding down the hallway.

Christen groaned from the bed, already knowing what was coming next. “Is he in our room yet?” she mumbled sleepily against Tobin’s neck.

“Ten seconds, tops,” Tobin replied with a grin, stroking her wife’s back softly.

And just like that, Josh burst in, followed closely by his four-year-old sister, both wearing matching Christmas-themed pajamas.

“Come onnnnn!” the boy begged, hopping at the foot of the bed like he was on a trampoline. “Santa came! I saw the presents!”

“Really?” Christen asked playfully, rubbing sleep from her eyes as the kids climbed on the bed. “We didn’t hear anything! Did you see Santa?”

“I didn’t see Santa,” Sophie shook her head, clutching her favorite stuffed bunny. “But I felt him, Mommas. He was here!”

Josh, not to be outdone, added, “I’m sure I heard the jingle bells! And I think I saw a shadow by the tree!” He tugged at Tobin’s arm, trying to pull her up. “Come on, get up! We have to see what he brought!”

After stretching a bit, Tobin finally sat up, her hair sticking up in every direction. “You felt him, huh, Soph? And you, Joshy, heard the jingle bells?! WHOA! Heard that, Chris? Christmas magic!”

“Yes! It’s the most magical day of the year!” Christen added, pretending to be surprised and completely succeeding at it, judging by the kids’ excited faces.

“Santa’s so sneaky!” Sophie added with a little frown. “I wanted to see him and say hi!”

Christen sat up, ruffling Sophie’s loose curls with a laugh. “Oh, yeah, he’s the sneakiest. And you two are so awake. Did you even check what time it is?”

Josh grinned unapologetically. “Nope. It’s Christmas! Time doesn’t matter, Mama!”

Christen pushed herself up with a dramatic yet playful groan. “Alright, alright, we’re up! But you guys better have checked if Grandma and Grandpa are awake. You know the rules—no presents until everyone’s downstairs.”

Josh froze. “Uh… I’ll go check!” And just like that, he jumped off the bed and bolted out of the room, his excitement impossible to contain.

“Mommas, can we go see the tree now?!” Sophie asked, taking advantage of the moment to flop into Tobin’s lap.

“Of course, sweet girl,” Tobin said, kissing her daughter’s cheek. “But let’s all go together, okay?”

Downstairs, the house was already starting to come alive. Jeff and Cindy were in the kitchen making hot chocolate and warming pastries, and their laughter mingled with the Christmas carols playing softly on the radio. The big tree in the living room glowed warmly, decorated with a mix of new ornaments and old ones Tobin and her siblings had made as kids.

Josh was bouncing from foot to foot at the edge of the living room, his face already smeared with a bit of chocolate from the cookies his grandma had given him. “They’re awake! They’re awake!”

Tobin had Sophie perched on her hip, her little arms wrapped around Tobin’s neck as she giggled and waved hello to her grandparents.

“Good morning, everyone!” Christen called out. “I see Christmas is in full swing already!”

“Merry Christmas!” Cindy replied, wiping her hands on her apron before coming over to give them hugs.

“Did Santa treat you guys well?” Jeff asked with a wink, ruffling Josh’s hair as he passed by.

“We haven’t seen anything yet!” Josh exclaimed. “We were waiting for you!”

“Okay, okay, sit down, guys,” Jeff called as he brought out plates with warm cinnamon rolls. “Let’s have a little family breakfast first.”

Cindy chuckled as she followed with mugs of cocoa for the kids. “And you’ll need some fuel before you start ripping open gifts.”

“I don’t think they need any more fuel, Mom,” Tobin chuckled, taking a mug with chocolate.

“Thanks, Jeff, thanks, Cindy,” Christen said, settling onto the couch with Sophie, who was already munching happily on a cookie.

After sipping their hot chocolate and trying some of Jeff’s famous Christmas cinnamon rolls, the family gathered around the tree, the soft glow of the Christmas lights casting a warm ambiance over the scene.

The first present to be opened was Josh’s, and he ripped off the wrapping paper with a dramatic gasp. “YES! A new soccer ball!” He held it up triumphantly, and Tobin whooped from the couch.

“Alright, buddy! That’s what I’m talking about!”

“I told Santa I wanted this one,” Josh bragged, spinning it proudly.

“Well, Santa listens when you’ve been good all year,” Christen said with a wink. “And that’s an awesome soccer ball. You’re going to score so many goals with it!”

Next came Sophie, who carefully opened a small gift to reveal a couple of new dresses for her stuffed bunny.

“New clothes for Bunny!” she squealed, holding the little garments up with delight.

A few minutes later, the siblings exchanged excited glances as they spotted two larger boxes under the tree. With a quick nod from Tobin, they pounced on them, tearing away the wrapping paper to uncover stacks of colorful books.

“These are the ones we wanted!” Josh said, thumbing through the pages with wide eyes. “Look, Soph! It’s got dragons in it!”

Sophie gasped. “I love dragons! And look at this one, it’s got unicorns!”

And then came the last surprise of the morning. Tobin handed Josh and Sophie matching rectangular boxes, a playful twinkle in her eye.

“Okay, you two. I don’t know about these, but they sure look extra special.”

Josh tore into his wrapped box immediately and let out an excited shout when he pulled out a brand-new Arsenal jersey. “Mommy, look! It’s the new one, my favorite!”

Sophie was a bit slower, her tiny fingers peeling back the paper until she revealed her own miniature Arsenal jersey. “I have an Arsenal jersey, too! And it’s red like Santa’s clothes!”

Tobin grinned, leaning back on the couch as she sipped her hot chocolate next to Christen. “That’s because Santa’s a Gunner, just like us.”

Josh’s eyes widened. “Really? Santa loves Arsenal too?”

“Of course!” Tobin said with a completely straight face. “Why do you think his suit is red? He’s a big fan.”

Christen gave Tobin a side-eye and elbowed her playfully, trying not to laugh as she whispered, “You’re such a bad influence.”

“Santa’s a Gunner, so I’m a Gunner too!” Sophie exclaimed.

“It’s so cool!” Josh said, already trying to pull his jersey on over his pajamas.

Cindy chuckled from the kitchen. “You’re going to have those kids chanting ‘Come On You Gunners’ by lunchtime, aren’t you?”

“Already have,” Tobin replied with a smirk.

Cindy chuckled from the kitchen. “You’re going to have those kids chanting ‘Come On You Gunners’ by lunchtime, aren’t you?”

“Already have,” Tobin replied with a smirk.

The morning continued with laughter, hugs, and happy Christmas morning chaos. Wrapping paper littered the floor as the kids tore into boxes, discovering more books, toys, and games. Meanwhile, Christen and Tobin exchanged their own gifts quietly—Tobin had gotten her a beautiful pair of earrings she’d been eyeing, while Christen gave Tobin a new journal and a framed photo of the four of them at the beach, the sunset casting a golden glow over their smiling faces.

As Christen admired the earrings, Tobin pulled one more small box from under the couch.

“And this one,” Tobin said, handing it to Christen with a soft smile, “is just because I saw it and thought of you.”

Surprised, the brunette opened the box to reveal a delicate gold necklace with a small pendant shaped like a star. Her eyes softened as she traced the tiny charm with her thumb.

“Tobin, it’s beautiful,” she whispered. “You know me so well.”

Tobin leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to Christen’s cheek. “You’re welcome. You light up my life, so it only made sense.”

“I love it,” Christen smiled, turning her head just enough to brush her lips softly against Tobin’s. “And I love you.”

Eventually, the kids were sprawled on the floor in their new jerseys, Josh already juggling his soccer ball while Sophie proudly marched around the room in her oversized kit. Tobin sat back, wrapping an arm around Christen as they watched their kids.

“You know, I used to think Christmas mornings couldn’t get better than when I was a kid,” Tobin murmured.

“And now?” Christen asked softly, leaning into her wife.

“Now it’s so much better,” Tobin answered with a soft smile.

At that moment, Cindy appeared in the doorway holding her phone, smiling warmly at her daughter and daughter-in-law. “Let me get a picture of the family in their Arsenal gear. I’m sure Santa would love to see it.”

Josh beamed, striking a pose with his ball, while Sophie held up Bunny in her new dress with one hand and a book with the other. Christen and Tobin laughed as they settled in beside their kids, Tobin whispering, “Smile big—Santa’s watching!”

And as the camera clicked, the Heath-Press family soaked in every moment of the warm, joyful morning together. It was Christmas—and it was perfect.

Chapter 39: Maybe You Feel It Too

Summary:

Just two best friends crushing hard on each other.

Notes:

Last story of the year! Thank you so much for your kudos and comments this year. I still love writing for this fandom, even more so now that TC are so open and share so much, so expect more stories from me in 2025! :)

The hum of the plane was a low, constant backdrop as Christen leaned her head against the window, watching clouds drift lazily below. The rest of the team was scattered throughout the cabin—some dozing, others watching movies or listening to music. Tobin sat beside her, eyes closed, hoodie pulled up and arms resting on her legs, which were tucked up into the seat.

It wasn’t long before Tobin’s head started to tilt, swaying with the subtle dips and rises of the plane. Christen smiled to herself, stealing a quick glance at her best friend. She looked peaceful like this—soft, quiet, far removed from the whirlwind of soccer and the constant energy Tobin carried around like second nature.

Christen shifted slightly, careful not to wake Tobin, but the movement seemed to pull the other woman closer. Without thinking much of it, Christen let her hand rest on her own lap, brushing lightly against Tobin’s.

The first time their fingers touched, it was by accident. The second time, it wasn’t.

Tobin’s hand curled gently around Christen’s, her grip loose but intentional. Christen’s heart fluttered in her chest, but she didn’t pull away. She couldn’t.

A few moments later, Tobin’s head found its way to Christen’s shoulder, her hair tickling lightly against Christen’s cheek. She froze for a moment, caught between the sudden warmth pooling in her stomach and the very real possibility that moving would ruin everything.

Tobin stayed asleep, her breath soft and even, and Christen? Well, Christen spent the next hour staring at the back of the seat in front of her, wildly aware of every single place their bodies touched.

It wasn’t as if she hadn’t thought about it before. There had been moments—laughter over inside jokes that no one else understood, lingering hugs after tough games, the way Tobin always seemed to drift toward her during team gatherings like it was second nature. And every single time, Christen’s stomach would flip in ways she couldn’t ignore. But this? This was something else entirely.

Christen shifted her gaze down to their hands, their fingers loosely intertwined like it was the most natural thing in the world. Maybe it was. Maybe it had been for a while now, and Christen had just been too careful, too afraid of what it might mean.

Her thumb traced the curve of Tobin’s knuckles absentmindedly. Maybe it was time she said something.

Eventually, the captain’s voice crackled overhead, announcing their descent. Tobin stirred, blinking groggily as she finally sat up. It was only then that she noticed their hands were still joined.

“Oh,” Tobin mumbled, her eyes flicking down to their hands. But neither of them let go right away. Christen felt the blush creeping up her neck, and she could see the telltale pink rising on Tobin’s cheeks too.

Instead, they both sat there, pretending the flush on their cheeks wasn’t obvious, or that the moment wasn’t something bigger than either of them wanted to admit just yet.

As the team started gathering their things, Tobin rubbed the back of her neck, looking adorably sheepish. Christen caught the movement out of the corner of her eye and nearly laughed at how nervous Tobin looked, shoving her hoodie into her bag with way too much focus.

“Here, let me get that,” Tobin said quietly, reaching for Christen’s duffel from the overhead bin. Their fingers brushed again, and for a moment, neither of them moved. Tobin cleared her throat and handed it over, her face slightly red. 

“Thanks,” Christen said, her voice just as soft.

They lingered near the gate at the airport, bags slung over their shoulders. Their connecting flights—one to Portland, the other to Chicago—were boarding soon, but neither seemed in a hurry to leave. Christen adjusted the strap on her backpack, sneaking another glance at Tobin, who was rocking nervously on the heels of her sneakers.

“Well… I’ll see you at the next camp,” Tobin said, scratching the back of her neck. Christen smiled—because of course she was doing that.

Then Tobin added with a grin, “FaceTime later?”

“Yeah, sure,” Christen replied, her smile softening as she shifted closer. Before she could overthink it, she wrapped her arms around Tobin, pulling her in for a quick hug. Tobin hugged her back without hesitation, her chin briefly resting against Christen’s shoulder.

When they pulled apart, Christen’s heart was thudding just as hard as before.

“Let me know when you land, ‘kay?”

“Sure thing. Have a safe flight, CP.”

“Yeah, you too, Tobes.”

As Tobin walked away, Christen caught herself smiling like an idiot.

Yeah, it was definitely time to tell her best friend exactly how she felt.

Chapter 40: The Couch Queen

Notes:

Happy 2025, fam! Hope you like this first story of the year. It's a super sweet moment inspired by all the AMAZING content TC keep feeding us with, and also by all the pics of KMew sleeping on the couch lately, haha <3

The couch had become Christen’s new best friend.

She was curled up in the corner of it, wrapped in one of Tobin’s oversized hoodies that practically swallowed her whole. Her dark curls were a little wild from the nap she had just taken, and there was a throw blanket draped haphazardly over her legs. Her hand rested gently on her bump, which at six months was getting harder to miss.

Tobin stood in the doorway for a moment, just watching.

Her wife looked impossibly soft like this. The kind of soft that made Tobin’s heart melt right into her chest.

“You comfy over there?” Tobin asked with a grin as she crossed the room.

Christen opened one eye, a sleepy smile tugging at her lips. “Mmm. Very.”

Tobin laughed under her breath, kneeling by the couch to press a soft kiss to Christen’s forehead. “You’ve been in this exact spot for three days straight.”

“It’s my spot now,” Christen declared, tugging the blanket higher. “I live here.”

Tobin smirked, brushing a few stray curls away from Christen’s face. “I guess I’ll just bring all your meals to the couch then.”

Christen let out a dramatic sigh, her green eyes twinkling. “I wouldn’t say no to that.”

“You’re getting spoiled,” Tobin teased, but she leaned down and kissed Christen’s belly anyway. “But I guess you and the little guy deserve it.”

Christen’s hand found its way to Tobin’s hair, her fingers curling into it lazily as Tobin lingered by her bump.

“You really like talking to him, huh?” Christen asked softly, her voice half-laced with affection, half-teasing.

“Of course,” Tobin said, glancing up at her. “I have to make sure he knows I’m the fun parent.”

Christen rolled her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”

Tobin grinned. “You love it.”

“I do,” Christen admitted, pulling Tobin up by the collar of her hoodie until their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss.

When Tobin finally pulled back, she tucked herself onto the couch, wedging into the tiny space beside Christen despite the lack of room.

“You know there’s a whole other side of the couch,” Christen pointed out, arching a brow as Tobin all but laid on top of her.

“Yeah, but this side has you,” Tobin murmured, looping an arm around Christen’s waist and nuzzling against her shoulder.

They sat like that for a while, Tobin tracing light patterns on Christen’s stomach while the baby shifted lazily beneath her palm.

“I think he likes this couch too,” Tobin whispered after a beat, feeling a little nudge against her hand.

“I told you,” Christen said, eyes half-closed. “It’s the best couch.”

Tobin kissed her bump once more before shifting her attention back to Christen. She brushed her thumb lightly over Christen’s cheek, letting her fingers trail gently through the curls at the base of her neck.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” Tobin whispered, her voice low but sincere.

Christen opened her eyes, catching the softness in Tobin’s gaze.

“I’m six months pregnant and live on the couch. I don’t know if beautiful is the right word,” she teased.

“It’s exactly the right word,” Tobin replied, pressing another kiss to her temple. “You’re growing our whole kid. That’s pretty incredible.”

Christen’s hand covered Tobin’s on her stomach, lacing their fingers together. “We’re growing him,” she corrected gently.

Tobin’s chest ached in the best possible way.

She tugged the blanket over both of them, settling even closer to Christen.

“Alright, couch queen,” Tobin whispered, settling her cheek against Christen’s shoulder. “I guess I’m moving in too.”

Christen smiled as she let her head rest against Tobin’s.

“Good,” she whispered back. “I was hoping you would.”

Chapter 41: The Childhood Bedroom

Notes:

Enjoy this early days sweet moment!

Tobin’s childhood bedroom was a time capsule. 

The walls were still plastered with soccer posters—old U.S. Women’s National Team lineups, dozens of Arsenal posters, and, hilariously, a giant cutout of Mia Hamm mid-strike that took up an entire corner of the room. A dusty collection of trophies and medals sat on shelves, and a corkboard by the desk displayed faded ticket stubs, team photos, and notes from friends that teenage Tobin had clearly thought were too important to throw away. 

Christen was lying on the bed, her head propped up on one arm as she studied the room with a smile. “It’s like stepping into a Tobin Heath museum exhibit,” she teased, running her fingers over the quilt that had probably been there since Tobin’s high school days.

Tobin stood by the door, hands stuffed in the pockets of her Portland Thorns hoodie, trying not to look too embarrassed. “Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up,” she muttered, though her lips twitched into a grin. “My mom never let me change anything. She said it was ‘too precious.’” 

“Well, she’s not wrong,” Christen replied, reaching for a small framed photo on the bedside table. It was of a much younger Tobin, grinning from ear to ear and holding up a championship trophy. “You were adorable.”

“Was?” Tobin asked, raising an eyebrow as she flopped down onto the bed beside her. 

Christen laughed, leaning over to kiss her cheek. “Still are.”

They’d been staying with Tobin’s parents for a few days during the off-season, enjoying the quiet, home-cooked meals, and the occasional walk through the chilly New Jersey streets. It was sweet—nostalgic for Tobin, and new for Christen, who had quickly won over Jeff and Cindy with her charm and easy laughter.

But that night, things took a turn. 

It was well past midnight when the heater gave out. Tobin woke to a sharp chill in the air and immediately tugged the blankets up higher around them. Stirring beside her, Christen snuggled closer. 

“Is it freezing in here, or is it just me?” Christen murmured sleepily, her nose brushing against Tobin’s shoulder.

“Nope, definitely freezing,” Tobin replied, her breath visible in the dim light. “The heater must’ve died. Classic old house.”

Christen groaned, burying her face in Tobin’s hoodie. “Of course it picks the coldest night of the year to give up.”

Tobin chuckled and wrapped an arm around her girlfriend to pull her closer. “Guess we’ll just have to keep each other warm,” she said, her voice low and teasing.

The younger woman hummed in agreement, already tangling her legs with Tobin’s under the blankets. “Teenage Tobin must be screaming right now,” she joked, her tone light despite the cold. “You think she ever imagined cuddling with her girlfriend in this bed?”

Tobin laughed softly, her breath ruffling Christen’s curls. “Oh, teenage Tobin definitely did not see this coming. She was too busy pinning up posters and pretending she didn’t have a crush on half her teammates.”

Christen pulled back just enough to meet Tobin’s eyes in the dimly lit bedroom, her expression warm despite the chill. “Awkward teenage Christen would have loved to meet cute and chill Tobin.”

“Yeah?” Tobin asked, her voice softer now, her gaze dropping to Christen’s lips.

“Yeah,” Christen whispered, leaning in to kiss her. It was slow and sweet, a kiss that made Tobin forget about the freezing room and the layers of blankets that didn’t seem to help.

When they pulled back, Tobin pressed her forehead to Christen’s, her grin widening. “I should probably be embarrassed about all this,” she said, gesturing vaguely at the room decoration. “But honestly, I don’t care. Having you here makes it… better. Makes it feel like home.”

Christen’s heart swelled, and she kissed her again, her hands slipping under Tobin’s hoodie to rest against her warm skin. “Home is wherever we’re together,” she murmured against her lips.

The heater stayed broken for the rest of the night, but neither of them cared. They fell asleep like that, curled up together on Tobin’s childhood bed, the room filled with old memories and the warmth of new ones being made.

Chapter 42: The Backyard Bug Scientists

Summary:

The kids love nature. Their moms love admiring nature... from a distance.

Notes:

Hope this story brightens up your day, guys! Much love to you all <3

The backyard buzzed with the sounds of summer—chirping crickets, rustling leaves, and the excited chatter of the Heath-Press siblings. Eight-year-old Josh was deep into his animal-enthusiast era, devouring wildlife books and sketching animals with impressive accuracy for his age. If it crawled, hopped, or flew, he wanted to learn about it. And his five-year-old sister, Sophie, who loved following him anywhere, was, of course, always tagging along on his backyard expeditions.

“Okay, Soph,” Josh said, crouched low to the ground, his magnifying glass in hand. “Keep your eyes peeled. Lizards like to hide near rocks.”

“‘Peeled’ like an orange?” the girl asked, scrunching her face as she mimicked peeling an invisible fruit.

“No!” Josh laughed. “It means looking really hard. Like this,” he demonstrated, squinting and scanning the ground dramatically.

“Ohhhh!” Sophie nodded solemnly, copying her big brother’s intense expression.

From the patio, Tobin and Christen watched their kids’ antics while sipping iced tea. Tobin leaned toward her wife with a smirk. “Is it bad that I’m secretly rooting for the lizard to stay hidden?”

“Not at all,” Christen chuckled, shaking her head. “The last time Josh found a lizard, he tried to bring it inside. I’m still recovering.”

Tobin snorted, but before she could reply, a loud “Found something!” rang out from Sophie, pulling their attention back to the children.

In one corner of the yard, the kids had created their own “discovery zone,” a small area filled with treasures from past hunts: smooth stones, a shed snakeskin, and twigs that Josh claimed were “bird perches.” And the discovery zone now had a new addition—a tiny gray roly-poly Sophie had spotted under a bush.

“ Whoa , it’s a roly-poly!” Josh exclaimed, carefully picking up the bug and holding it out for Sophie to see. “Look how it rolls up—it’s like its armor!”

Sophie giggled as the bug curled into a ball in Josh’s hand. “It’s so cute! Can we name it?”

Josh thought for a moment. “How about… Roller?”

“Roller sounds cool!”

Their excitement spilled over as they dashed toward their moms to show off the find. “Look, Mommas! It’s a roly-poly!” Sophie exclaimed, cupping the tiny bug in both hands.

Christen instinctively leaned back. “Oh, wow, that’s… nice,” she said, trying to mask her unease.

Josh tilted his head. “You don’t think it’s cool?”

“Oh, it’s cool, buddy,” Tobin interjected with a supportive tone, though she kept a cautious distance. “Super cool. You’re like a… little bug scientist.”

“ Entomologist ,” Josh corrected proudly. “That’s what it’s called when you study bugs.”

Tobin raised an impressed eyebrow. “Entomologist, huh? Fancy.”

“Yup!” Josh puffed up with pride before returning to the yard, Sophie skipping along beside him. 

The critter crusade continued as the siblings dug near the garden, where after a few minutes Josh unearthed a long, wriggling worm.

“Soph! Look at this!” the boy called triumphantly.

“It’s so wiggly!” Sophie said, clapping her hands. 

Christen froze mid-sip of her tea, her eyes widening. “Oh, no. Nope. Nope .”

But Josh trotted over happily toward his moms once again, worm in hand. “Mama, it’s just a worm! It’s harmless!”

“Josh, honey,” Christen said, her voice higher-pitched than usual, “I fully support your love of nature, but can we admire it… from a distance?”

Tobin, standing behind her, bit back a laugh. “Your mom’s serious, buddy. Worms aren’t her thing.”

Josh frowned, puzzled. “Why not? It’s just a worm.”

“Because it’s slimy and squirmy,” Christen said, backing up as Josh stepped closer.

“Mama’s scared of a wiggly worm!” Sophie giggled.

“I am not scared,” Christen protested, though her expression said otherwise. “I just… prefer things that don’t wiggle.”

Josh shrugged and turned to Tobin. “You’re not scared, are you, Mommy? Here, hold it!”

 “Oh, uh—”  Tobin started saying, her eyes widening. “I’m good, buddy. Worms are your thing.”

Josh sighed dramatically. “You two are missing out. Worms are important for the soil, you know.”

Christen placed a hand on her chest in mock gratitude. “Thank you, Professor Heath-Press. Now, can we put the worm back where it belongs?”

Josh shook his head, clearly unimpressed with his moms’ lack of appreciation for worms. “Grown-ups don’t understand nature like we do, Soph,” he muttered, walking back to the garden with his little sister in tow.

A few days later, the family took a nature walk on a nearby trail to channel the kids’ endless energy. Josh and Sophie bounded ahead, marveling at every flower and leaf and, of course, tiny creatures.

“This is the best day ever !” Josh declared, hopping onto a mossy log.

“Yeah! Nature is awesome !” Sophie chimed in, crouching to peer at a patch of wildflowers.

Tobin grinned. “Think we’ve got a future biologist and ecologist on our hands?”

“More like a bug hunter and a mud artist,” Christen replied with a chuckle.

Suddenly, Josh shouted, “Mommy! Mama! Come here! It’s a frog!”

Christen froze mid-step. “A frog?”

But by the time she had finished asking, Josh was already cupping a tiny green tree frog in his hands, his face glowing with pride. “Look how small it is! Isn’t it amazing?!”

“It’s so cute!” Sophie clapped. “Can we keep it?”

“Nope, frogs belong in the wild,” Tobin said gently, crouching beside them. She caught Christen’s horrified expression out of the corner of her eye and fought back a laugh. “But you can look at it for a little while.”

Josh nodded seriously but turned to Christen with hopeful eyes. “Mama, hold it! It’s so soft!”

Christen’s eyes widened in panic. “Oh no, no, no, buddy, I’m good.”

“It’s not scary, Mama! Here, try it!”

Before Christen could protest, Josh had gently placed the frog on her arm. The woman let out a startled squeak, standing frozen as the tiny creature hopped along her sleeve. “Ohmygodohmygodohmygod,” she whispered.

Tobin bit her lip, struggling to hold back laughter. “Okay, Froggy needs to go back to his log before your mom has a meltdown.”

Josh carefully returned the frog to its home, his grin ear-to-ear. “See, Mama? That wasn’t so bad!”

“Define ‘not so bad’,” Christen muttered, brushing off her sleeve.

That evening, once the kids were asleep, Tobin and Christen curled up on the couch, exhausted but happy.

“They’re so into it,” Christen said, shaking her head but smiling. “I love how curious they are, but I could do without the worms and frogs.”

Tobin chuckled. “It’s pretty cute, though, how Sophie just dives right in. She’s fearless because her brother is fearless.”

“And Josh,” Christen added, “he’s so smart. Did you hear him say ‘entomologist’ the other day like it was nothing?”

Tobin nodded, her expression softening. “Yeah. He’s something else.”

Christen leaned her head on Tobin’s shoulder. “We’ve got some pretty incredible kids, you know.”

“We do,” Tobin agreed, wrapping an arm around her. “Even if they love grossing us out.”

They both laughed, knowing the kids’ adventures would bring plenty more surprises—and wiggly worms and slimy frogs—in the future.

Chapter 43: The Chillest Fan in the Stadium

Summary:

Little Sophie's not very interested in soccer (yet), but she does know how to steal the show.

Notes:

What can I say, I have way too much fun writing Sophie Heath-Press lol

It was a perfect evening for a USWNT game.

The stadium buzzed with energy, packed with fans decked out in jerseys, scarves, and face paint, ready to cheer their hearts out. And among them, in the VIP section, sat the Heath-Press family—Tobin, Christen, Josh, and little Sophie.

At seven years old, Josh was already a ‘soccer junkie’ and was fully immersed in the game, sitting on the edge of his seat, eyes locked onto the field. “Did you see that move Trinity did? That was so good!” 

Tobin grinned. “Yeah, bud, that was sick!”

Christen reached over to ruffle his hair. “You paying attention to the formations, too?”

“Yeah! They’re pressing really high—”

Meanwhile, Sophie, four years old and vibing at a completely different frequency, was in her own little world.

Dressed in an oversized USWNT jersey (because Christen insisted on getting her a bigger size to ‘grow into’), denim shorts, and her favorite sparkly sneakers, Sophie exuded effortless cool. Tobin had put her hair up in two tiny pigtails, and she had accessorized the look with her heart-shaped toy sunglasses—plastic, slightly crooked, and dramatically oversized for her face.

She lounged back in her seat, legs stretched out, fully relaxed. In one hand, a juice box. In the other, a bag of goldfish crackers.

Every now and then, she’d lift her sunglasses, peek at the field like she was checking if something really interesting was happening, then push them back down, unimpressed.

 

The game was intense.

Jenna Nighswonger sent a stunning long pass down the wing. The crowd roared . Josh jumped to his feet, hands in the air.

“OH MY GOSH! DID YOU SEE THAT? THAT WAS INSANE!”

Tobin and Christen clapped, smiling at their son’s enthusiasm.

Sophie? She popped another cracker into her mouth.

Mal Swanson scored, and the entire stadium erupted. Fans leaped out of their seats, high-fiving and cheering.

Josh went feral .

“GOOOOOOAL!!!” he screamed, grabbing Tobin’s sleeve and shaking it like his life depended on it. “MOM, THAT WAS AMAZING!!!”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Tobin exclaimed, giving her son a high-five while Christen laughed, joining in the cheers.

But Sophie, unfazed, just took a slow sip of her juice box.

At one point, Christen leaned over, amused. “Sophie, baby, are you watching the game?”

Sophie looked at her Mama and adjusted her sunglasses. “Mmm… a little.”

“Sophie, this is so important!” Josh exclaimed.

Sophie blinked. “Okay.” Sipped her juice again.

Josh threw up his hands. “She doesn’t even care!”

Christen patted his head. “She’s just here for the vibes, buddy.”

Tobin, chuckling, nudged Sophie’s shoe with her foot. “Hey, at least tell me who you’re cheering for.”

Sophie grinned. “Us.”

“Good answer,” Tobin grinned back.

 

Then it happened.

The stadium’s massive screen flickered, cycling through shots of celebrating fans.

And then—

A close-up of Sophie.

For a second, she stared, confused. Then, realization dawned .

Her entire face lit up.

She gasped dramatically, juice box forgotten. “That’s ME !!!”

Josh turned to look, eyes wide. “No way! You’re on the big screen, Soph!”

Sophie immediately struck a pose—tilting her sunglasses down slightly and flashing a tiny peace sign.

The entire section lost it .

The crowd awwwwed and laughed. Even the commentators took notice, one chuckling into the mic: “Well, folks, some fans live and breathe soccer… and some just come to steal the show.”

Tobin and Christen? Absolutely gone.

Christen was practically in tears, leaning into Tobin, who was shaking with laughter.

“That is so your child,” Christen wheezed, wiping at her eyes.

Tobin, still laughing, pulled out her phone. “Oh, this is going on the internet.”

 

Later that night, Christen posted the moment online:

@christenpress: She inherited all of Tobin’s hard chill.

Attached was a picture from the game: Sophie, lounging back in her seat, sunglasses perched on her nose, sipping her juice box while the game unfolded around her. Absolute peak toddler coolness.

The comments flooded in.

@USWNT: Legend behavior.

 @LindseyHoran: Soph-Soph is already cooler than her aunty Linds.

  @AliKrieger: She’s just here for the vibes.

 @wosojunkie876: The way she only got hyped for herself I CAN’T

 @tobinheath: That’s my girl. 😎

And just like that, Sophie Heath-Press, age four, became a viral icon.

And the chillest fan in USWNT history.

Chapter 44: Breathe, Aim, Score

Summary:

Sophie is 14 and she's definitely good at soccer now.

Notes:

Had a lot of fun writing this one. Never thought I'd even mention the kids being a little older but I loved how this one turned out. Hope you enjoy!

Sophie’s heart pounded as she stepped up to the penalty spot. The whole game had led to this moment—the U15 Championship on the line, the pressure settling heavily on her shoulders. She could hear the cheers from the crowd, the excited shouts of her teammates, but they all blurred into background noise as she looked up into the stands.

Tobin met her eyes first and offered her a calm smile and a thumbs-up. Christen did the same beside her, nodding with quiet reassurance. And then there was Josh, now as tall as his moms, standing beside them, cupping his hands around his mouth as he shouted, “You got this, Soph!”

Sophie let out a slow breath. Breathe. That was what her Mama always told her before big moments. Steady yourself. Believe in your technique.

She set the ball down, took three steps back, and exhaled one more time. Then, with all the confidence she could muster, she ran forward and struck the ball cleanly. It rocketed past the goalkeeper, hitting the back of the net with a satisfying thud.

For half a second, there was silence. And then the world erupted.

Her team rushed toward her, screaming in celebration. The sideline exploded with cheers. Sophie barely had time to register the victory before she was buried under a pile of ecstatic teammates, their arms wrapping around her, their shouts ringing in her ears.

But as soon as she broke free, she turned—searching, knowing exactly where she wanted to go first.

Her moms. Her brother. Her family.

She sprinted toward the stands, pointing straight at them. Tobin and Christen were already making their way down, their faces shining with pride. Josh was bouncing on his feet, grinning so hard it looked like his face might split in two.

The moment Sophie reached them, it was all arms and warmth—Tobin ruffling her hair, Christen pulling her into a fierce hug, her brother tackling her from the side. The sound of their laughter and praise surrounded her.

“You did it, Soph!” Josh beamed, squeezing her tightly. “I knew you would!”

Tobin kissed the top of her head, then wrapped her in a tight hug, rocking her slightly. "That was ice-cold," she murmured against Sophie’s hair. "I’m so, so proud of you, Soph." Then she pulled back just enough to press another kiss to her forehead, her hands squeezing her daughter’s shoulders like she never wanted to let go.

Christen cupped Sophie’s face gently, brushing damp waves back from her forehead. Her eyes were shining, full of so much emotion and pride that it made Sophie’s chest ache in the best way. “That was incredible,” she whispered. “You were incredible.”

Sophie grinned, breathless and giddy. “I kept hearing you in my head,” she admitted, looking at Christen. “Telling me to breathe.”

Christen let out a soft laugh, brushing a thumb over Sophie’s cheek. “And look what happened.”

Sophie just nodded, still grinning. She looked back at her family—the people who had been by her side for every kick in the backyard, every drill, every moment leading up to this one. But before she could say anything else, her teammates came rushing over, calling her name and wrapping her into another round of excited hugs. Sophie glanced back at her family one more time, catching the proud, loving expressions on their faces before she was pulled back into the celebration. As she disappeared into the sea of cheering teammates, her moms watched with full hearts, their hands still clasped.

 

……………

 

Later that night, after the celebrations had settled, Tobin and Christen knocked on Sophie’s door, peeking inside to find her already in bed, scrolling through her phone. The excitement of the day still buzzed in the air, and neither of them could resist coming in to say goodnight.

“Hey, champ,” Tobin murmured as she sat on the edge of the bed, hugging the fourteen-year-old. “Can’t believe our girl won the whole thing.”

Christen sat on the other side and pressed a warm kiss to Sophie’s temple. "You were amazing, Soph. We are so incredibly proud of you."

Sophie let them hug her, let them kiss her forehead and cheeks and murmur how much they loved her, but after a few moments, she let out a groan, wiggling away slightly. "Okay, okay, I love you guys, too, but you’re getting super mushy now."

"Thought you’d be used to it by now, kid," Tobin laughed, pressing one last kiss to the top of her head.

With a final round of goodnights, they left her to unwind. Now in the quiet of her room, Sophie smiled to herself as she scrolled through her phone, sifting through the countless pictures from the day. After a while, she finally picked three: one of her moms back in their playing days, arms raised in victory as they celebrated their 2019 World Cup win, gold medals around their necks and pure joy on their faces; another of herself as a toddler, giggling as she kicked around a tiny soccer ball with them on a sunlit field, her chubby hands clutching onto Christen’s fingers for balance while Tobin crouched beside her with an encouraging grin; and the last, a fresh memory—a post-game picture from today, her moms standing proudly on either side of her, arms wrapped around her shoulders, and Josh grinning beside them, all four of them beaming with the same proud and overjoyed smiles.

She uploaded them to Instagram with a caption that read:

Best coaches I could have asked for. (Even if they’re still annoying sometimes.)

(And yeah, Josh, I guess you helped too. A little.) 

 

The comments rolled in quickly:

@josh_heathpress10: A LITTLE? Excuse me? Who was your training partner literally your whole life?!
     —-> @sophieehp23: Okay, okay, fine. You helped. Medium.
     —-> @josh_heathpress10:  Wow. Unbelievable.
     —-> @sophieehp23: Relax, you’re still my favorite brother

@tobinheath: That’s our girl. Ice in her veins. 🤙⚽🔥

@christenpress: Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. ❤️

@mrapinoe: SOPHIE!! I knew you were a baller from the moment you could walk!

@LindseyHoran: Legend in the making. Congratulations, Soph!!

Chapter 45: Cradled in Love

Notes:

Just a quick little update inspired by a post Tobin liked a few days ago. In case you haven't seen it, it's this one: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFdA-tYMRsa/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D

(I've no idea how people find out about those things, lol, I just saw it on Tumblr and thought it was super cute)

Winter nights had nothing on Christen. No matter how many blankets she layered on, no matter how warm the house was, she always felt cold. Luckily, she had Tobin—her own personal heater, always steady, always warm, always hers .  

As soon as they slipped into bed that night, Christen wasted no time curling into Tobin, pressing as close as possible, her cold hands sliding beneath Tobin’s shirt to rest against her back. Immediately, the older woman let out a sharp gasp at the shock of the icy touch.  

“Chris,” she groaned, but it lacked any real protest.  

Christen just hummed, already half-asleep, her breath warm against Tobin’s collarbone. “You’re so warm,” she mumbled, sighing as she melted against her.  

Tobin huffed, but she didn’t move away. Instead, she wrapped an arm around Christen, pulling her in tighter, letting their bodies fit together in that perfect way they always did. The weight of Christen against her, the steady rhythm of her breathing, the way her legs tangled with Tobin’s—it was home . It was love, wrapped up in warmth and the steady comfort of them .  

For a while, they stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, sinking into the peace of the night. But at some point, Tobin started to feel too warm. Not in a bad way, not enough to be uncomfortable, but just enough that she wanted a little space. Just a little.  

Carefully, she shifted, peeling herself away just slightly and rolling onto her other side. The moment the cool air hit her, she sighed in relief.  

But before she could even settle—  

“Tobs?”  

The soft, sleepy murmur of her name stopped her instantly. She barely had a second to register it before a hand fumbled for her, finding the back of her shirt and tugging gently but insistently.  

“Where are you going?” Christen’s voice was quiet, thick with sleep, but so tender, so full of that soft, unfiltered love that always knocked the air from Tobin’s lungs.  

Tobin smiled, her heart already pulling her back.  

“I was just a little warm,” she murmured, even as she turned back toward Christen, letting herself be drawn in again.  

Christen made a pleased little hum as she nestled against Tobin’s chest, wrapping herself around her once more. She sighed, her breath warm and slow against Tobin’s skin. “Stay,” she whispered, pressing the softest kiss to Tobin’s collarbone. “I sleep better like this.”  

Tobin’s arms came around her automatically, holding her close, letting their bodies mold together in that perfect, familiar way. Christen’s warmth against her wasn’t just about temperature—it was about safety, about love, about the quiet, unshakable knowing that this was where they belonged.  

Tobin pressed a kiss to the top of Christen’s head, feeling the way her body softened in her arms, fully at ease, fully home .  

“I’m not going anywhere,” Tobin murmured.  

And with that, they sank into sleep—wrapped up, as always, in the warmth of each other.

Chapter 46: Auntie Alyssa’s Master Plan

Notes:

Another short story, this time with a very special guest: the one and only Alyssa Naeher.

It was a bright and sunny morning when Tobin and Christen loaded Josh and Sophie into the car, their bags packed with cleats, gloves, and enough snacks to feed a small army. Today was special—their old friend Alyssa Naeher was hosting a goalkeeper camp for kids, and while their children had never expressed an interest in goalkeeping, their moms thought it would be a fun experience. Plus, any excuse to see Auntie Alyssa was always a win.

“I don’t get it,” Josh said as he fastened his seatbelt. “Why would anyone want to be a goalkeeper? Scoring goals is way more fun.”

“Yes!” Sophie chimed in, swinging her legs. “Goalies just stand there waiting to get hit in the face.”

“Please don’t say that in front of Alyssa,” Christen said, trying not to laugh. “She will make you regret it.”

Tobin grinned from the driver’s seat. “Yeah, let’s see if you’re still talking big after a few rounds with her.”

When they arrived at the field, Alyssa was already out there, surrounded by a group of excited kids. She spotted them instantly and walked over, her usual no-nonsense demeanor softened by affection for the family.

“Well, well, look who finally decided to give goalkeeping the respect it deserves,” she teased, giving Josh and Sophie a fist bump before the kids jumped onto her, wrapping their arms around her in a tight hug. “You two ready to learn how to actually play soccer?”

Josh squinted up at her. “Auntie Alyssa, we do play soccer. We score goals .”

“Oh, so you think you know how to play,” Alyssa smirked at the nine-year-old boy. “Got it.”

Tobin burst out laughing. “I like this already.”

Christen elbowed her. “Be nice. They’re going to get enough of that from Alyssa.”

The kids joined the other campers, and the drills began. At first, Josh and Sophie were hesitant—especially when they realized how much work goalkeepers actually did. But as the session went on, something changed. Alyssa made everything sound so cool, from diving saves to commanding the defense. She talked about how goalkeepers saw the whole field, how they had to be the smartest players out there.

Soon enough, Josh started diving with a little more determination. Sophie, the smallest one there, took Alyssa’s advice about positioning and started making saves against kids bigger than her.

Christen nudged Tobin. “Look, they’re getting into it.”

Tobin frowned dramatically and said, loud enough for Alyssa to hear, “This is dangerous. What if they actually like it?”

“Oh, they will, Tobin, just you wait!” Alyssa answered back loudly with a proud smirk.

By the end of the day, after hours of drills, games, and one particularly hilarious moment where Sophie tried to trash-talk a kid twice her size ( “Is that all you got?” she had yelled after stopping a weak shot), the kids ran over to their moms, breathless and excited.

Josh, still panting, looked up at them with wide eyes. “Moms! We wanna be goalkeepers now!”

Tobin nearly choked on her water. Christen blinked. “Wait… what?”

Sophie nodded enthusiastically. “It’s so cool! We get to dive and yell at people and wear gloves ! And a special jersey just for us! And Alyssa says we’re the boss on the field.”

“Auntie Alyssa says forwards are nothing without goalkeepers,”  Josh added matter-of-factly, then flashed a mischievous grin. “So maybe you two aren’t that cool after all.”

Tobin turned to her old friend, hands on her hips. “Okay, what have you done?”

Alyssa smirked, arms crossed. “Just enlightened the next generation. You had your time, Heath-Press.”

Christen shook her head in disbelief. "I swear, you should’ve gone into sales. This is impressive."

"Auntie Alyssa is the best player ever!" Sophie declared, just as Alyssa had coached her beforehand to say. The goalkeeper laughed and scooped the six-year-old up in triumph, shooting a smug look at her friends.

Tobin gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. “Okay, now I’m personally offended.”

Alyssa patted her shoulder. “It’s okay, Tobin. I know it must be hard realizing you peaked years ago.”

Christen burst out laughing as Tobin pretended to be wounded, and the kids giggled, clinging to Alyssa like she was their hero.

Later, as they packed up the car and headed home, the siblings chattered nonstop about everything they had learned. Tobin and Christen exchanged an amused look.

“Well,” Christen said, glancing back at them. “We support your dreams, whatever they may be.”

Tobin sighed. “Even if that means we’re raising goalkeepers .”

Josh and Sophie beamed.

And Alyssa? Alyssa just texted them later with one sentence: Told you so.

Chapter 47: Still Crushing On You

Summary:

Just two dorks who are (still) very much in love.

Notes:

Enjoy the cuteness!

The sun hung lazily in the sky, golden and warm, casting a perfect glow over Cody’s backyard. Laughter echoed through the air as kids sprinted across the grass, the sounds of summer filling every corner of the family gathering.

Christen stood on the patio, her drink in hand, casually chatting with her older sister, Tyler, but her eyes kept drifting back to where Tobin was. She just couldn’t help it.

Her wife was in the middle of the yard, utterly drenched, carrying a giggling Sophie on her shoulders. The little girl’s wavy hair bounced as she gripped Tobin’s forehead, squealing with delight. "Go, Mommy, go! Faster!" the toddler demanded, kicking her tiny legs against Tobin’s chest like a jockey urging a horse forward.

Tobin, ever the playful mom, took off in a dramatic sprint, zigzagging away from an equally soaked Josh, who was armed with a water gun and determined to chase them down. Their cousins joined in, shrieking and laughing as they pelted Tobin with sprays of water.

"You can’t run forever, Mommy!" the six-year-old boy called, his green eyes glinting with mischief as he pumped the trigger, sending a stream of water their way.

"Oh, but I can try !" Tobin yelled, laughter bubbling from her chest as she narrowly dodged the spray, only to stumble slightly, sending Sophie into a fit of uncontrollable giggles.

Christen exhaled, her stomach flipping with that old feeling—like when she first fell for Tobin all those years ago. God, she was ridiculous. They’d been together forever, married, had two incredible kids, yet here she was, feeling lightheaded just watching her wife play with their children.

Tyler must have noticed because she nudged Christen’s shoulder with a knowing smile. "You’re looking at her like you did when you two were just kids playing for the national team."

Christen scoffed lightly, shaking her head. "I am not ."

"Christen, you’re literally staring at her like she hung the stars,” Tyler said, raising an eyebrow. 

"That’s ridiculous," Christen muttered, though the warmth on her cheeks betrayed her.

Tyler just grinned. "Uh-huh."

Christen let out a dramatic sigh before finally relenting, her lips curving into a soft smile as she watched Tobin chase their kids through the yard. "Okay, fine. I can’t help it."

Tyler chuckled, nudging her again. "Didn’t think so."

As if sensing her wife’s gaze, Tobin finally turned toward her, breathless, soaked from head to toe, but grinning widely. Sophie clapped her hands on Tobin’s head. "We won , Mommy!"

"No fair, you’re older and faster!” Josh complained, rolling his eyes.

"Faster, sure. But old? You’re hurting my feelings, bud.”

“I’m gonna win next time!” the boy grinned, already running off to refill his water gun, while Sophie clambered down from Tobin’s shoulders and skipped after him and their cousins.

Tobin took the opportunity to walk up to Christen and Tyler, running a hand through her wet hair and pushing it back in a way that, Christen thought, was unfairly attractive.

"Hey, babe," Tobin said, noticing the way Christen was still staring. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

But before the younger woman could answer, Tyler smirked. "Oh, your wife here was just crushing on you."

"Crushing?"

Christen just smiled, shaking her head fondly before tugging Tobin a little closer and pressing a soft peck to her lips. "Meh, don't listen to her. Now, let me get you a towel."

 

…………

 

Later that evening, after dinner and bath time, the kids were winding down watching a movie together in the living room. And Christen… Christen still couldn’t stop thinking about Tobin playing with them that afternoon, so joyful, so free, so tender. It made her heart beat faster just thinking about it even though they had been together for what felt like forever.

After checking on Josh and Sophie, Christen went looking for her wife and finally found her in the kitchen, leaning against the counter, scrolling through her phone. Without hesitation, Christen walked up, wrapped her arms around the other woman’s waist, and pulled her in for a deep, slow kiss.

Tobin hummed in surprise but melted into it, hands immediately finding Christen's hips.

When they finally pulled apart, Christen rested her forehead against Tobin’s and whispered, "Still got a crush on you, Heath."

Tobin chuckled, a teasing grin appearing on her lips. “Oh yeah? So Tyler was right, then.”

“Yeah, as usual,” Christen murmured, her hands sliding up Tobin’s arms. “I swear, every time I watch you with our kids, I just...” She sighed, shaking her head with a lovestruck expression.

Tobin smirked and leaned in, brushing her lips against Christen’s in a soft, teasing kiss. “Well, maybe I should play in the backyard with the kids every single day if it gets this kind of reaction from you.”

"You already do. And I love it," Christen answered, and then kissed her partner again, deeper this time, losing herself in the warmth of Tobin’s touch.

"And for the record, CP, I don't have a crush on you… I'm ridiculously in love with you."

"Still?" Christen asked against Tobin's lips, feeling a million butterflies in her stomach.

"Still."

But just as things were getting even softer, a little voice rang out.

“EWWWWWW!”

The two women broke apart to see their son standing in the doorway, making exaggerated gagging noises.

“You guys are always so mushy!” Josh whined, pretending to collapse against the doorframe.

Before either of them could respond, Sophie suddenly appeared beside her brother, completely unfazed by the moment. "Mommas, can I have some water?!"

“Oh, yeah, me too,” Josh added quickly.

Christen sighed, running a hand down her face. "Yeah, guys, I'll get you some. If Josh stops being dramatic."

“Never,” the boy smirked.

Once the kids were gone with their waters, Tobin turned back to Christen, sighing dramatically. "Our children totally ruined our moment."

Christen leaned into her wife, resting her head on Tobin’s shoulder. "They really did."

But despite their complaints, both of them were smiling, their hearts full. Because as much as they missed having uninterrupted moments, they wouldn’t trade this life for anything.

Tobin wrapped her arms around Christen, hugging her tightly. "Love doing life with you, CP."

Christen laughed softly, closing her eyes. "Me too, Tobes. Me too."

Chapter 48: Repeat After Mama

Summary:

Little Sophie learns words she's not supposed to say yet.

Notes:

Just a silly and funny short story that I hope brightens up your day! Enjoy :)

It all started with a stubbed toe.

Christen had been folding laundry in the living room when she miscalculated the distance to the coffee table.

“Ugh—seriously?!” she hissed through clenched teeth, hopping on one foot. And then, because the pain was sharp and immediate, the word just slipped out.

A soft but unmistakable “Damn it!” echoed into the quiet room.

From her spot on the rug, Sophie blinked up at her mom, eyes wide with curiosity. She didn’t say anything at first, and Christen was too busy massaging her foot to notice the wheels already turning in her three-year-old’s head.

It wasn’t until dinner that the consequences fully revealed themselves.

Josh had just dropped a forkful of peas onto the floor, and before Christen could remind him to be careful, Sophie—sitting across the table with her stuffed bunny by her side—tilted her head dramatically and sighed.

“Damn it.”

Tobin froze mid-bite, eyes snapping toward Christen. Josh immediately burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter, as if he had been waiting for this moment to happen.

“Oh no,” Tobin whispered under her breath, trying (and failing) not to smile.

Christen’s cheeks flushed as she straightened in her chair. “Sophie! We don’t say that word.”

Sophie frowned, poking at her mashed potatoes. “Why not? You said it.”

Christen shot Tobin a desperate look.

“Because…” Tobin started, keeping her voice calm. “Those are grown-up words, baby. They’re not for kids.”

Josh snickered into his hands. “She said it exactly like you, Mama!”

“Josh,” Christen warned, giving him The Mom Look .

But it was too late. Little Sophie, clearly proud of her brother’s reaction, tried it again. This time she shook her head dramatically at her bunny, like the poor thing had disappointed her.

“Damn it, Bun-Bun.”

Josh slid right out of his chair, laughing so hard he nearly knocked his juice over.

“I am never going to live this down,” Christen muttered, covering her face.

 

..........................

 

The next day, Tobin caught Josh and Sophie whispering in the hallway. Josh was crouched at Sophie’s level, speaking in hushed tones, while the little girl nodded eagerly, clinging to his every word.

“What are you two up to?” Tobin asked, arms crossed as she leaned against the doorframe.

Josh spun around, hands behind his back like he and his sister had been caught with something illegal.

“Nothing, Mommy,” the boy answered, flashing his most adorable smile.

Suspicious.

But Tobin let it slide—until later that afternoon when they went to the grocery store.

Tobin was loading items into the cart while Christen picked out fruit when Sophie spotted a watermelon that looked slightly off.

She planted her little hands on her hips, inspecting it critically.

And then, clear as day, she said: “What the hell?”

Tobin nearly knocked over the cereal display, and Christen’s head whipped around so fast she almost gave herself whiplash. Meanwhile, Josh was trying (and completely failing) to look as innocent as possible.

Tobin crouched down quickly, keeping her voice low but firm. “Sophie, honey, where did you hear that?”

Sophie smiled sweetly and innocently pointed at her big brother. “Joshy taught me!”

“Josh,” Tobin deadpanned, glaring at her son.

He immediately threw his hands up. “She already knew one bad word! I was just helping!”

“Helping?” Christen pinched the bridge of her nose, barely holding in a laugh.

“I think we’ve been betrayed by our own children,” Tobin whispered.

Josh grinned. “She’s kinda funny, right?”

Christen knelt down and gently brushed a curl from Sophie’s forehead. “Sweetheart, we don’t say those words, okay? Even if they make Josh laugh.”

The girl considered it carefully, then pointed at her brother again. “But why does Josh laugh?”

Tobin sighed, lifting her into the cart. “Because Josh is a six-year-old boy, and he thinks everything is funny.”

Sophie scrunched her nose. “I’m funny, too!”

Josh just grinned and gave her a thumbs-up from the other side of the cart.

 

..........................

 

For a while, things settled down. Sophie seemed to forget the colorful vocabulary… until the following week, when Tobin accidentally knocked over a glass of water.

From the living room, Sophie’s tiny voice floated over. “Damn it!”

Tobin groaned, dropping her head onto the kitchen counter.

“We can’t win,” she mumbled.

Christen patted her back sympathetically. “Look at it this way—at least we know she listens to us.”

“Yeah, great,” Tobin grumbled. “We’re role models for swear words.”

In the doorway, Josh smirked mischievously. “It’s okay, Mommas. I’ll teach her more!”

“Josh Heath-Press, you stay right there!”

Chapter 49: Midnight Confessions (and Baby Fever)

Summary:

It's New Year's Eve, Christen is more than a little tipsy, and she gets completely unfiltered and lovey-dovey.

Notes:

Hi y'all,
Haven't updated in a while, so I thought I'd do it with the fluffiest story ever, lol. Gotta love drunk unfiltered CP. Hope you enjoy!

Tobin wasn’t sure who was more excited for the party—Christen or Christen’s entire extended family, who had been buzzing about the annual New Year’s Eve celebration since they arrived three days earlier. The Press household was packed, the kitchen full of noise and wine and the kind of laughter that only happens when you’re surrounded by people who’ve known each other forever.

Tobin stood in the archway between the dining room and the living room, sipping her cider and watching as Christen, currently barefoot and two glasses of champagne in, tried to convince her cousin Mia to dance with her in the middle of the rug. Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy” blasted from the speakers, someone had turned the lights down, and a string of fairy lights twinkled above like stars.

“I swear to God, she’s gonna make me do the worm again,” Mia laughed, already caving.

“She will,” Tobin called from the archway. “Don’t trust that face.”

Christen spun around when she heard Tobin’s voice, bright-eyed and flushed from wine and heat and happiness. Her curls bounced as she all but skipped across the floor. “Baaabe,” she said, drawing the word out like a sigh, arms already outstretched. “You’re standing all alone, looking like a movie star . Come dance with me.”

Tobin grinned and reached for her, letting Christen fall against her chest in a loose, giggly hug. “You’ve had, what, two and a half glasses?”

“ Three ,” Christen corrected, swaying just slightly. “And a mimosa earlier. And some wine while we were cooking.”

“Uh-huh. So, like, six glasses.”

“I’m just festive.” Christen beamed, tilting her head back so she could look up at Tobin with the softest, drunkest eyes Tobin had ever seen. “It’s New Year’s. The year’s ending. A new one’s starting. And I’m just…” She leaned her forehead against Tobin’s collarbone. “So in love with you.”

Tobin chuckled, wrapping her arms around her wife’s waist and holding her steady. “You’re also very, very tipsy.”

“Tipsy and in love. It’s a package deal.”

“Are you hitting on me in your dad’s living room?”

“Yes,” Christen said, like it was obvious. “Because you look hot in this sweater. Because you’re amazing. And I’ve been thinking…” She trailed off, eyes dreamy, voice dropping like she was about to confess something life-changing. “You would look so good holding a baby.”

Tobin blinked. “Wait, what?”

Christen’s expression turned into something bordering on reverent. “Just imagine it, Toby. You… in like… a hoodie. Baby in your arms. Soft baby beanie. You’d be—ugh.” She melted against Tobin dramatically, arms tightening around her waist. “That’s the real dream.”

Across the room, one of Christen’s sisters snorted into her wine.

“Did she just call you ‘Toby’?” Channing, Christen’s younger sister, asked.

“Yes,” Tobin whispered back, barely containing a laugh as she smoothed a hand down Christen’s back. “She does that when she’s emotional. Or drunk.”

“I do not!” Christen insisted. She turned around just enough to glare at her sister with all the authority a champagne-soaked woman in fuzzy socks could muster. “I’m being serious. It’s time. My ovaries are screaming. And this one—” she jabbed her thumb at Tobin, “—is walking around like some kind of... hot mom in waiting.”

Tobin leaned into Christen’s ear and murmured, “Didn’t know we were announcing our baby plans over disco music.”

Christen turned around again and wrapped both arms around Tobin’s neck, pulling her in close. “Not announcing. Just… manifesting .”

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Tobin said, giving her a kiss on the cheek, then another just to watch her smile wider.

“Oh my God,” Tyler groaned. “They’re literally obsessed with each other. I give it fifteen minutes before they sneak off and don’t come back until morning.”

“You better not,” Channing said, pointing a chip at them like a threat. “It’s New Year’s! We’re playing charades at midnight. There are teams .”

“I won’t abandon my team,” Tobin said solemnly. “Even for this clingy, affectionate wine monster currently trying to fuse our faces together.”

“I love your face,” Christen mumbled into her neck.

Tobin giggled and swayed with her. “You’re gonna be so embarrassed tomorrow.”

“No, I won’t. You’ll still be here.”

That quieted Tobin a little.

Because as funny as tipsy Christen was, this was the part that always got to her. That deep, honest part of Christen that came out when her walls were down—the part that loved hard, dreamed big, and trusted Tobin with all of it.

“I’ll always be here,” Tobin said, brushing her hand over Christen’s curls.

Christen blinked slowly, then nodded like she was filing that away in her soul. “I know.”

They stood like that for a while. The living room buzzed around them—laughter, clinking glasses, a new playlist queued up with classic throwbacks. But Tobin was barely aware of it. She just swayed gently with Christen in her arms, smiling as her wife hummed “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” into her shoulder.

At some point, a countdown started in the background—ten, nine, eight—

Christen perked up and turned in Tobin’s arms, her face suddenly serious. “Babe. Babe. It’s almost time.”

“I know.”

“You better kiss me like it’s the last second of the decade.”

“It’s not the end of the decade.”

“Still counts,” Christen whispered urgently.

“Okay, okay,” Tobin said, laughing as the countdown hit three—two—

And when it hit one—when the room erupted in cheers and confetti and noise makers and clapping—Tobin kissed Christen. Really kissed her. A kiss that said, yes, I’m in. Yes, I want it all. Yes to the babies. Yes to the chaos. Yes to you.

When they finally broke apart, Christen was smiling so wide it made Tobin feel a little lightheaded.

“I think I want two,” Christen whispered.

“Two what?”

“Babies.”

Tobin paused. “Right now?”

“No,” Christen said, laughing. “I mean... not not right now.”

Tobin kissed her again just to stop her from spiraling further into family planning in the middle of a party. “Let’s sleep on it.”

“Okay,” Christen agreed easily. “But just so you know… I’m picturing them already. And they have your eyes.”

Tobin pulled her close again and rested her forehead against Christen’s. “Happy New Year, Press.”

“Happy New Year, Heath.”

“And just for the record,” Tobin added as she tucked a strand of hair behind Christen’s ear, “you’re the one who’s gonna look really good with a baby on your hip. I’ll be the one drooling over you.”

Christen’s eyes sparkled. “So we’re really doing this?”

“One day soon, yeah,” Tobin said. “I can’t wait.”

And neither of them could stop smiling.

Chapter 50: Rooted

Notes:

Chapter 50 of this collection of short(er) stories, wow! Thanks for your support and kind comments, always :)
Here's more family fluff for you, guys, hope you enjoy!

The first thing Tobin noticed when she blinked awake was the weight.

Warm and heavy and tangled all around her.

It took her brain a second to catch up — the early morning light barely creeping through the cracks in the curtains, the thick quiet of the room — but then it clicked.

Josh and Sophie.

Tobin smiled sleepily, sinking deeper into the mattress, feeling a small foot pressed against her thigh and a tiny hand curled into her shirt.

The storm from the night before had been brutal. Cracks of thunder so loud they rattled the windows, flashes of lightning that turned the whole room silver for a split second at a time. It hadn’t taken long before the pitter-patter of feet echoed down the hallway and two scared little bodies launched themselves into bed with them, whimpering and burrowing into their moms without hesitation.

And now… morning had come.

The world outside was calm again. Quiet. Still.

And Tobin — for once — was awake first.

She shifted slowly, careful not to disturb the chaos around her, and propped herself up on one elbow. Her gaze swept over the bed, and her heart just… cracked wide open.

Josh was tucked in closest to Tobin, curled up tight against her side, his little chest rising and falling steadily. His hair — Christen’s hair, really — was a soft wild mess against the pillow, all dark waves and stubborn cowlicks. His lashes were long and fanned out, mouth slightly open as he snored quietly.

Sophie was sprawled across Christen’s stomach like a starfish, her tiny hand clinging onto the edge of her Mama’s tank top. The toddler’s cheeks were round and flushed pink from sleep, and her loose honey-colored waves were a wild mess this morning, sticking out in chaotic tufts that caught the early light.

And Christen.

God.

Christen was on her back, one hand resting protectively over their daughter’s small body, the other stretched out toward their son even in sleep. Her face was relaxed, soft in a way Tobin didn't think she'd ever get used to. Golden in the pale morning light. Beautiful in the kind of way that made Tobin’s chest hurt.

Tobin just… watched.

For a long time.

Long enough for the morning to shift from blue to gold.

She soaked it all in — the little hiccuping breaths from Sophie, the way Josh instinctively leaned toward Christen even in his dreams, the way Christen’s fingers twitched slightly, like even asleep she was still reaching for the people she loved most.

Tobin’s throat tightened.

She remembered a time — not so long ago, really — when she thought she would’ve hated this.

The weight. The noise. The responsibility.

Back then, her life was planes and hotel rooms and chasing the next trophy, the next championship, the next World Cup. She’d been a nomad by choice. No roots. No strings. Just a ball and a bag and a passport stamped to hell and back.

She didn’t think she would’ve wanted this.

Need this.

A messy bed. Tiny bodies clinging to her. A partner whose whole existence felt like home.

But now?

Tobin swallowed against the sudden lump in her throat, reaching out to brush a strand of hair off her daughter’s forehead.

Now she couldn't imagine wanting anything else.

She wouldn’t trade the chaos, the cluttered house, the early morning cartoons, the art projects taped crookedly to the fridge, the constant sticky fingers and endless "why?" questions — for anything.

She wouldn’t trade this .

This morning. This breath. This exact feeling in her chest — overflowing, consuming, terrifying in the best way.

Josh shifted in his sleep, murmuring something incoherent, and Tobin instinctively tucked the blanket higher around him. Christen stirred slightly too, brow furrowing for a second before smoothing out again when her hand found Sophie’s back.

Tobin smiled.

Soft and full and completely wrecked in love.

She leaned down, pressing a kiss to the crown of Josh’s head, then carefully to Sophie’s, and finally — like she couldn’t help herself — she kissed Christen’s temple too.

A whispered “I love you” on each kiss, even if she didn't say it out loud.

Maybe later they'd wake up slowly, tangled together. Maybe there’d be pancakes and cartoons and messy hair and syrup sticking to every surface. Maybe the day would be chaotic and loud and exhausting in the way only life with little kids could be.

But for now…

Tobin tucked herself back into the bed, pulling them all a little closer.

For now, she just breathed them in.

Her family.

Her whole world.

And in the quiet morning light, Tobin Heath — the girl who once ran from anything that felt too heavy to carry — realized she was exactly where she was always meant to be.

Rooted. Steady. Home.

She closed her eyes, heart full to bursting, and let herself drift again — wrapped in love, tangled in limbs, held together by something far stronger than storms or fear or even time itself.

By choice.

By love.

Again and again and again. 

Chapter 51: A Day At The Park

Summary:

It’s a Tobin-Josh kinda morning.

Notes:

Just a cute lil' something I felt like writing :)

The second Christen kissed Josh’s curls goodbye and stepped into the salon, Tobin was already grabbing the Paw Patrol mini backpack packed with toddler essentials and slinging it over one shoulder like she was prepping for an expedition.

“Alright, bud,” she said, adjusting her sunglasses as she buckled Josh into the car seat. “You ready for some park time with Mommy?”

Josh clapped his hands. “YEAH! Slide, an’ swing, an’ DOGGIES!”

Tobin laughed. “All the good stuff.”

Josh, now three and full of opinions, kicked his little red sneakers excitedly against the seat. “We see ducks too, Mommy?”

“Absolutely. We’ll find every single duck in LA if we have to.”

Josh gasped. “A MILLION DUCKS?”

“At least a million,” Tobin confirmed solemnly, starting the car.

.............

The moment they arrived, Josh was ready to leap out of the stroller Tobin had packed “just in case.” She unbuckled him and he took off at full toddler speed—a mix between running and bouncing, arms flapping at his sides like he was mid take-off.

“Hold up, track star!” Tobin called, jogging to catch up. “At least wait for me to uncap your water bottle.”

But Josh was too busy climbing the jungle gym to care. “Watch me, Mommy! I go UP!”

“I’m watching, big guy. You got this!” Tobin said, crouched by the bottom of the slide. 

The little boy grunted, clambering up the tiny steps with determination. “Up... up... UP !” He reached the top, arms raised like a mini gladiator. “I DID IT!”

Tobin clapped. “You’re amazing. Olympic gold medal for stair climbing!”

Josh beamed and launched down the slide. “ Wheeeee! ”

He landed on his feet, almost tipped over, and caught himself, blinking up at Tobin like he wasn’t sure what just happened.

“You STUCK that landing!” she said, scooping him up and kissing his cheek. “I think you might be part ninja.”

“ Nin-ja ,” Josh whispered reverently, clearly storing the word for future power play.

They wandered toward the dog park next, where Josh pointed and squealed at every dog like it was the first time he’d seen one.

“Mommy, that one go WOOF! He go WOOF LOUD !”

“That’s true,” Tobin nodded. “ Very loud woof. What do we say?”

“Hi doggie!” Josh called, green eyes shining happily while he waved frantically through the fence.

A golden retriever barked once and the boy clutched Tobin’s leg. “He say hi back!”

“He totally did.” She smiled and ran a gentle hand over her son’s curls. “I think he likes you.”

Josh tugged on her hand. “Mommy, carry me?”

“You sure?” Tobin asked. “You’ve been zooming around like crazy.”

Josh just lifted his arms. Toddlers don’t negotiate. Tobin laughed and hoisted him up.

“You know you’ve got me wrapped around your tiny little finger, right?” she murmured, kissing his temple as he nestled his face against her neck.

“Yeah,” he said into her collarbone.

.............

Later, after Tobin had chased him through the trees pretending to be a monster (Josh shrieked with giggles), he suddenly stopped, stooped, and plucked a tiny wildflower—technically a weed—from the grass.

“For you, Mommy,” he said, holding it up with a big smile.

Tobin gasped like he had handed her a diamond. “You brought me a flower?!”

He nodded. “It boo-tiful .”

Tobin crouched and accepted it like it was a royal ceremony. “It’s the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen. Thank you, sweetheart.”

Then Josh whispered, “I save ‘nother for Mama.”

“She’s gonna love it,” Tobin grinned, already picturing the look on Christen’s face.

.............

As they made their way back to the sandbox, a little girl nearby was crying. Her ice cream had flipped and she was clearly devastated. Josh watched her for a second, then wandered over slowly with the extra snack he hadn’t touched yet. He held it out like a peace offering.

“Here,” he said, small and sincere. “You can have my crackers.”

The girl hiccupped and took them. Her mom thanked Josh and ruffled his hair.

Tobin, watching from a few feet away, just melted into a puddle. She walked over, knelt beside her boy, and pulled him into a tight hug.

“Joshy, that was so kind, baby,” she said, voice warm and reverent. “That little girl was sad and you helped her. You have such a big heart. Mama’s gonna be so proud of you too when we tell her.”

Josh blinked up at her. “I share ‘cause it’s nice.”

“Yes, it is. And you are SO nice.”

A dad sitting on a nearby bench chuckled. “First time with a toddler?”

Tobin glanced over, laughing. “Is it that obvious?”

“Just a mom with a totally smitten look on her face.”

“Busted,” Tobin grinned. “I’m a goner for this one.”

.............

Later, on the way to pick up Christen, Josh was half-asleep in his car seat, humming to himself and still holding the slightly wilting second flower he’d insisted on saving.

When Christen opened the car door—fresh trim, subtle highlights, and looking effortlessly stunning—Tobin’s jaw dropped.

“Okay, okay , Mrs. Heath-Press,” Tobin said, leaning over for a kiss. “Who let you walk out of there lookin’ like a movie star?”

“It’s just a trim,” Christen laughed, a slight blush on her cheeks.

“Uh-huh. And I’m just the president of your fan club.”

From the back seat: “Mamaaaaa! I gotted you a flower!”

Josh held it out triumphantly. It was slightly crumpled, missing a petal, and had definitely been sat on at some point, but Christen looked at it like it was gold.

“Oh, Joshy, it’s beautiful! Thank you, baby!”

“I pick it wif my HANDS!”

“I can tell,” she said, kissing his chubby cheeks. “I love it so much.”

Tobin grinned, slipping her hand into Christen’s as she pulled the car door closed. “Babe. You have no idea how amazing he was today. He made friends with four dogs, climbed everything , gave a little girl his crackers when she cried, and he called a random bald dad a potato—nicely, I think.”

Josh giggled. “Potato head!”

“You didn’t!” Christen gasped, looking mildly horrified at her son, then at her wife.

“The dad laughed!” Tobin added. “It was a hit.”

Christen turned back and kissed her wife’s cheek. “Sounds like you two had a perfect morning.”

“We really did,” Tobin murmured, full of pride. “I think we’re raising a good one.”

From the back seat, Josh declared, “I love you ten!”

Tobin grinned. “We love you infinity, bud.”

And as they drove home, the windows opened, laughter floating, and the scent of flowers lingering in the air, Tobin couldn’t stop looking at her little boy in the mirror—and at her wife beside her—and thinking, this was exactly the kind of day her heart was made for.

Chapter 52: Fruit Snacks and Dinosaurs

Notes:

Just a quick and wholesome update! Hope you enjoy!

The end-of-day school crowd was buzzing with kids and parents, but Christen stood just outside the main entrance, sunglasses perched on her face even though the sun was dipping lower in the sky. She’d walked from the parking lot a few minutes early and had been people-watching in silence, nodding vaguely to the rhythm of some old song stuck in her head, her fingers fiddling with her keys.

She wasn’t even sure why she felt so heavy today.

Okay, that wasn’t true.

Her mom's anniversary was three days away. And it always showed up like this: not so much with a bang, but with a quiet ache in her chest, a sudden impatience with small things, the urge to cry during that one Subaru commercial with the dog.

She was doing her best to hold it together. She was a mom now. And Josh and Sophie deserved a mom who was present, happy, curious, soft.

But today, she was a little quiet.

And, of course, her little boy noticed.

He was five now—five and chatty, five and funny, five and full of every kind of question. He burst out of the school with a crooked backpack and hair that looked like he’d rolled through a tornado made of glitter and stickers. One sock was halfway off.

“Mamaaaa!”

Christen crouched to hug him as he ran into her arms, all backpack and sticky hands. “Hey, lovebug.”

They walked together hand in hand through the small park on the edge of the school parking lot—Christen always liked the long way back to the car when she had time. It was quieter. A little pause between school chaos and home.

Josh skipped ahead a few steps, then slowed down to match her. He looked up, studying her face with those deep green eyes that matched hers exactly.

“Mama?”

“Hmm?”

“Are you sad?”

Christen blinked. “What makes you ask that, buddy?”

Josh shrugged. “You’re making that face again. The one that’s like…” He squinted his eyes and puffed out his lips, mimicking her thinking-face to terrifying accuracy. “That one.”

Christen laughed, caught off guard.

Josh reached up to hold her hand again, this time more gently. “Did someone make you feel sad in your classroom?”

She smiled. “No, sweetheart. No one made me feel sad.”

“Then is it a grown-up sad?”

Christen stopped walking. “A grown-up sad?”

“Yeah. Like when you don’t know why you feel yucky in your heart, but you just do. Like when I have a bad dream but then you or Mommy tell me it wasn’t real but I still feel yucky for a bit.”

“…Yeah, kiddo,” Christen whispered, heart clenching. “It’s a grown-up sad.”

They sat down on the bench near the duck pond, Josh’s legs dangling and swinging. Christen felt his warm little hand in hers, still tacky from a melted snack. He leaned his head on her arm.

“Do grown-ups cry?” he asked.

“Of course we do.”

“Even you and Mommy?”

“Even us,” Christen said softly with a smile. Then she exhaled, watching the ripples in the water. “Sometimes we cry because we miss someone. Or because we feel tired, or overwhelmed, or… it’s hard to explain.”

Josh pulled out a smooshed fruit snack from his pocket. It looked like it had been living there for approximately a decade. He peeled off the lint (mostly) and held it out to her in his small, open palm.

“You can have this,” he said. “So you can feel better.”

She swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Thank you, baby.”

Josh tilted his head like he was thinking Very Seriously.

“It’s okay to be sad,” he said. “Sometimes I just need to lay on the carpet and think about dinosaurs.”

Christen stared at him and held his hand. “Wow. That… that actually sounds like the best coping strategy I’ve ever heard.”

Josh grinned, swinging his legs again.

They sat in silence for a moment, until he leaned his head on her again and whispered, “Do you want me to lay with you on the carpet later? We can think about dinosaurs together .”

Christen wrapped her arms around him so fast and so tight he made a little oomph sound.

“Yeah,” she whispered, kissing his temple. “That sounds perfect.”

“Okay!” Josh said brightly. “And we can wear our pajamas and eat tiny marshmallows and name the dinosaurs. But only the sad-looking ones so they feel special.”

She laughed again, wiping her eyes. “You’re the best, Joshy. I love you so much.”

“I love you too, Mama,” he said, proud and calm like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Then, after a beat: “Do you think T-Rexes cried?”

“Definitely.”

“Hmm,” he nodded. “They probably laid on the carpet and thought about us .”

Christen smiled through her tears. “I think they did.”

They walked the rest of the way to the car slowly, hand in hand, the fruit snack still squished in her palm like a little sticky token of love.

And at that moment, Christen realized she didn’t feel so heavy anymore.

Chapter 53: Playing Free

Notes:

Hope you enjoy this one! :)

The sun was warm against Christen’s skin as she sat on the sideline, hands folded in her lap, eyes locked on the field. She could hear the chatter of parents around her, the sharp whistle of the referee, the occasional excited yells from the kids playing. But her focus was entirely on Sophie.

Her daughter—eight years old, full of life—was running across the field with boundless energy, chestnut hair bouncing in braids Christen had carefully done that morning.

Christen smiled. Sophie was thrilled to be here. She wasn’t the fastest player on the field, nor was she the strongest, but she had something Christen had only found later in her own career: pure joy .

And God, it made Christen emotional.

Because she remembered.

She remembered being Sophie’s age, stepping onto the field for the first time with her mom watching from the sideline. She had loved the game from the moment her foot touched the ball, but with that love came a pressure that had never quite left her.

Her mother had never meant to put it there. She had always been her biggest supporter, the one who believed in her more than anyone else. But she had also been the one who reminded her— You need to score, Chris. Keep pushing.

And Christen had pushed. She had spent her entire career pushing.

She had wanted to make her mother proud, to live up to the expectations placed on her, even the ones that weren’t spoken aloud.

So she had worked. Harder than anyone. Faster, sharper, more precise. She had built her entire identity around scoring goals, because that was what made her valuable , right? That was what made her special.

And then…

Then she had retired.

Then she had become a mom.

And suddenly, she was looking at the game with fresh eyes.

She glanced to her side, where Tobin sat, leaning forward, watching the game with a small, easy smile. She wasn’t yelling instructions. She wasn’t gripping her knees with stress. She was just watching, enjoying it, the same way she had always approached the game herself.

Christen had always admired that about Tobin—how she played free . How she had never let the weight of expectations take away the simple love of the game.

And that was what they wanted for their kids.

Christen turned back to the field, watching as Sophie danced through the midfield, weaving between players, making smart passes, laughing as she played.

She wasn’t thinking about scoring. She wasn’t overanalyzing her touches.

She was just playing.

And God, Christen felt something settle in her chest.

They were doing this right .

They were raising their kids without the weight she had carried.

–––

The game ended 3-3.

Sophie hadn’t scored.

Christen waited, wondering if there would be a flicker of disappointment on her daughter’s face, the way there used to be on hers after a game like this.

But then the little girl turned, scanned the sideline—and beamed .

She came sprinting toward them, cleats kicking up bits of grass, her entire face alight with excitement.

“Mommas!” she yelled.

Christen barely had time to stand before Sophie crashed into her, arms wrapping around her waist.

“You were amazing ,” Christen murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her sweaty head. “I loved watching you play.”

“I didn’t score,” Sophie said, pulling back slightly. Christen felt something tighten in her chest for a brief second—until Sophie grinned. “But did you see my assist?”

Christen laughed, nodding. “I saw! It was perfect!”

Tobin had stepped up beside them and pulled Sophie into a hug. “It was so smooth. You saw the play before it even happened.”

Sophie puffed up with pride. “Right?! And I almost had a goal, but the goalie barely got to it in time.”

“Next time,” Tobin said, winking. “And if not, who cares? You played so well. And did you have fun?”

Sophie beamed, nodding.

And Christen—God, Christen was so happy .

Because her daughter wasn’t measuring her worth by whether or not she had scored. She wasn’t putting pressure on herself, wasn’t feeling like the game only mattered if she was the one putting the ball in the back of the net.

She was just happy .

Christen swallowed the lump in her throat, wrapping her arm around Sophie as they began to walk back toward the car.

Her mom had loved her. Had always wanted the best for her. Christen had no doubt about that.

And if her mom could see her now—if she could see her granddaughter playing the game freely—Christen thought she’d be proud.

Just like Christen was.

Chapter 54: Birthday Dance

Notes:

Enjoy the sweetness!

The backyard was soft with golden light, the kind that melts into everything and makes even plastic cups and half-eaten cupcakes look like magic. A warm breeze rustled through the leaves overhead as bubbles drifted lazily in the air, leftovers from an earlier game that Josh and his cousins had gone completely feral over. They were still at it, barefoot and wild in the grass, running in circles while they laughed.

But the party was winding down.

Paper plates sat stacked next to the remains of the pastel birthday cake—lavender frosting and sprinkles and one lopsided “1” candle, which Sophie had gleefully squished into with both hands. Gift bags slumped open, flower garlands drooped slightly, and folding chairs were gathered in a loose semicircle where friends and family were still telling stories and passing around chips and babies.

A little apart from the circle, Tobin sat on the patio loveseat. She’d chosen the quieter spot to rock Sophie to sleep, one leg bent under her, the other swinging lazily, the small bundle of sweetness nestled against her chest.

Her daughter was finally slowing down.

She’d powered through the day with that toddler-level stamina: cake, hugs, peekaboo under the table with her cousin Mia, attempting to eat wrapping paper, and a dozen wobbly half-crawls toward her Grandma Cindy. But now, she was ready to shut it down.

Her thumb was in her mouth, head tucked under Tobin’s chin, curls a little frizzy from the heat and excitement. Her cream dress, patterned with tiny blue flowers, was rumpled and frosting-stained, but she still looked like a doll, sleepy-eyed and completely blissed out in her mommy’s arms.

Tobin kissed the top of her daughter’s head, breathing in the mix of baby shampoo and birthday cake.

“You did good today, little bear,” she murmured. “You were the life of the party.”

Sophie gave a sleepy sigh in response, thumb still tucked in, her tiny hand resting right over her mom’s heart.

Christen wandered out from the kitchen with a half-full glass of sparkling lemonade. Her hair was up in a soft bun, her pastel pink dress slightly wrinkled from chasing after kids and setting out snacks, from being the magical, multitasking birthday host she always was. Barefoot now, her gold anklet caught the last rays of sun.

She paused at the edge of the patio, just... taking it in.

Her backyard. Her wife. Her baby girl. Her son running barefoot with joy tucked into every limb.

The speakers, mostly forgotten after the shuffle of cake and candles, had drifted into something slow and sweet. A soft acoustic song she didn’t recognize—mellow guitar, gentle harmony—filled the air.

And Christen, without thinking, started to sway.

She closed her eyes and let the music move her: arms raised slightly, glass still in hand, body relaxed in that way you can only be when everything that matters is exactly where it’s supposed to be.

Tobin looked up, smiling.

“Are you dancing by yourself, Press?”

Christen cracked one eye open. “It’s a celebration. I’m vibing.”

“You’re vibing?”

“Mom-vibing,” she said, now rolling her shoulders in slow, exaggerated movements.

Tobin laughed, adjusting Sophie just slightly so she could stand, the baby still curled against her like a koala. The little girl blinked but didn’t complain.

“Well then,” Tobin said, stepping closer, “we can’t let you vibe alone.”

Christen’s face softened at the sight: her sleepy daughter in one arm, her wife in loose linen pants and a soft navy tee, hair in a messy bun, eyes tired but glowing with affection.

Tobin slid her free hand onto Christen’s hip and Christen rested her forehead against her wife’s for a moment.

“This party was perfect,” Christen murmured.

“You made it perfect,” Tobin replied.

“We made it perfect.”

Sophie hummed, then suddenly giggled when Tobin dipped slightly, bouncing her just enough to make her squeal.

“I think she wants in on the dance party,” Tobin said.

And just like that, the three of them began to move.

Not gracefully. Not like a real waltz or anything rehearsed. Just gentle swaying, shuffling in the grass. Christen rested a hand on their daughter’s back and leaned into Tobin, who spun them both once for good measure, making Sophie squeal again.

“Dosh,” she mumbled between sleepy giggles, though her big brother was nowhere near.

“Baby, your brother’s still chasing bubbles,” Tobin said, glancing at the far end of the yard where Josh was now sword-fighting with pool noodles against his uncle Jeffrey.

Christen laughed softly. “She’s just letting us know who her favorite person is.”

“Rude,” Tobin whispered. “We’re literally spinning her around like royalty.”

Sophie didn’t care. She tucked her head back against Tobin’s collarbone and yawned dramatically, then looked up at Christen with pure mischief in her eyes.

“Mamaaaa,” she said in that sweet, breathy way, stretching the last syllable like it was a song.

Christen melted on the spot.

“Hi, birthday girl,” she whispered, kissing Sophie’s cheek.

They danced until the song ended, then kept swaying after, because it was quiet now, the sun nearly down, and their daughter was halfway between giggling and falling asleep in their arms.

The backyard was littered with streamers, stray napkins, and half-deflated balloons. The sky had gone lavender and blush.

And the three of them were still dancing.

Josh eventually ran up barefoot and breathless, shouting, “You’re dancing without me!”

Tobin grinned. “Come here, buddy.”

Josh crashed into them with full five-year-old force, wrapping his arms around both moms’ legs and hugging Sophie’s side too.

She grunted sleepily, blinked, and smiled at her brother. “Dosh.”

“Happy birthday, Soph,” Josh whispered. “You’re my best sister ever.”

“She’s your only sister,” Tobin said.

“Still counts,” he grinned.

And then they were four again, pressed close under the string lights, swaying gently as the next song began.

Tobin kissed Christen’s temple.

Christen kissed Sophie’s head.

Josh leaned into all of it like it was the safest place on earth.

And for that moment, it was.

Notes:

Thank your for reading! Feel free to leave kudos and comments if you wish, and prompts, too. :)

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 35 of Life Together