playing for love (chapter 27)
pairing: fem!character x mason mount
summary: injured and lost, mason mount begins his recovery with the help of adeline alderidge, a tough yet brilliant physiotherapist. but, some wounds don't heal easily, and the closer they get, the more mason realizes she might need saving just as much as he does.
notes: this is the end of adeline & mason's story! i'm so grateful for everyone who has been supporting this fanfic, it's been amazing to see the comments and the enthusiasm after every chapter. so, thank you! it means the world to me that something, that is a hobby to me, made you feel happy. 🤍
warnings: a little tiny make out scene.
tag list: @avalentina @coffeevacation @destinyg237 @obi-wansgirl @luckysoullove @barcelonaloverf1life
other fanfics on my masterlist
The seven months that followed Mason’s first game of the season seemed to move both impossibly fast and, impossibly, slow — the kind of stretch where life rearranged itself, quietly, almost without anyone noticing, until one day, everything was different.
The news of the pregnancy had quickly turned into something much bigger than Mason and Adeline had anticipated. His family, once stunned into silence at the announcement, had rallied around her with the kind of warmth that left Adeline teary more than once. His mom, Debbie, became the voice of reassurance on the phone whenever nausea or fatigue made Adeline question if she could handle it all again. His dad, Tony, was endlessly practical, always dropping by with small fixes for their home or little things that, according to him, would “make life easier when the baby arrives.” Jaz, Mason’s sister, had slipped into the role of conspirator with Adeline — texting her names she came across, pictures of baby's furniture and clothing.
Then, there was Evelyn, Adeline’s mom, who had slowly woven herself into a rhythm she hadn’t thought possible a year ago. The sharp edges of their complicated past had softened, replaced by a tenderness that felt steady and true. She visited Manchester often, sometimes staying for days just to help with Lily or simply keep Adeline company when Mason was away. Evelyn had become a quiet, reassuring presence — cooking Adeline’s favorite meals, reading bedtime stories to Lily or just sitting on the couch with her daughter, sharing the kind of everyday moments they had once lost. In Adeline’s eyes, her mother had made up for the years of distance not with enormous gestures, but, with simple, unwavering love.
And, Lily — she had grown into her role as the soon-to-be-big-sister with all the gravity and delight a four-year-old could muster. Everyone spoiled her, shamelessly. Declan never showed up without a bag of sweets tucked in his pocket “just for Lily.” Ben was the master of lifting her up and tossing her into the air until her laughter rang out like bells. Kai and Sophia, with baby Mateo in tow, had folded her into their family outings, letting her help “take care” of the baby, as practice. And Summer, had become Lily’s shadow, the two inseparable whenever they visited Mason’s family.
By the time the calendar reached spring, the pregnancy had reshaped their home life entirely. Adeline’s body had rounded with the baby they still chose not to know the gender of — a decision that made Mason’s mom shake her head in mock exasperation and had Stella placing “bets” over tea. Mason himself carried it differently. If on the pitch he was fierce and restless, at home he was something else entirely — gentler, softer, protective in a way that went beyond words. His hand seemed to find her belly without thinking, like he was checking in, tethering himself to the little life growing inside her.
It was a quiet Saturday now, one of those days where time felt suspended, the city muted beyond the house's windows. The afternoon had melted into the evening, and Mason was down on his knees in the nursery, half-assembled crib in front of him. His hair was messy, his white t-shirt smudged with something that looked, suspiciously, like paint, and he was muttering under his breath at a screw that wouldn’t tighten.
Adeline leaned against the doorway, one hand on her belly as she watched him. The room had been transformed slowly over the past months, a space that carried both their fingerprints. The walls were a pale cream, chosen because neither of them wanted to lean into pinks or blues. The shelves already held books Lily had insisted the baby would “need to hear” — picture books, fairy tales and even one of Mason’s old footballs resting proudly on the top shelf.
“You look very professional, you know.” Adeline teased, her voice warm.
Mason glanced over his shoulder, a grin breaking through his frustration. “Professional? In what? Swearing at screws?”
She laughed, stepping into the room. “Professional in turning this into a home. Seven months ago this was just… four walls and a dream. And now…” Her voice softened as she let her fingers trail over the folded baby clothes stacked neatly in a basket. “Now, it’s real.”
Mason stood, crossing the room to her. He placed his palm gently against her belly, his expression shifting into something quiet, reverent. “It’s the only thing I can’t wait for more than a game day.”
Her heart swelled at the way he said it — simple, honest, like everything he carried about her and their growing family boiled down into that one sentence. She reached up, brushing a kiss against his jaw. “You’re already the best dad.”
“Not, yet.” He shook his head, but, his arm slipped around her shoulders, pulling her close. “But... I’ve had good practice with Lily.”
As if summoned by her name, a giggle came from the hallway. Lily appeared, clutching Summer’s hand, the two of them clearly up to something. Lily’s curls bounced as she skipped into the room.
“Daddy!” she chirped, running to his legs. “Summer says the baby’s gonna be a girl.”
“Oh, does she now?” Mason raised an eyebrow, feigning seriousness as he glanced at his niece. “And, how does Summer know that?”
Summer smirked, crossing her arms. “I just know.”
Adeline shook her head, laughter spilling into the room. “You’re all going to drive me crazy with these guesses.”
“We're just excited, love.” Mason said, crouching to scoop Lily into his arms. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, making her squeal. “We can’t wait to meet you, little one.” he murmured against Adeline’s belly, his lips brushing her skin through her dress.
The house smelled like cinnamon and rain — that faint, clean scent Manchester carried after a drizzle — the kind that made the world feel hushed, like the city was breathing slower. Lamps glowed soft amber instead of harsh overhead lights, casting a honeyed warmth across the living room. A record hummed low in the background, something old and mellow, just enough to fill the air without demanding attention.
Adeline was curled into the corner of the couch, one of Mason’s hoodies draped over her like a blanket, legs tucked underneath. Her hair was loose, a little messy in a way Mason loved, her belly a gentle, steady curve beneath the soft fabric. Her fingers lazily circled the rim of her mug, steam curling up to brush against her cheeks.
Mason sat next to her, half sideways, a book long forgotten on his lap. For the past twenty minutes he hadn’t turned a single page. Instead, he kept sneaking glances at her like she might disappear if he blinked too long — like every breath she took anchored him a little deeper into a life he never realized he wanted this much.
At their feet, Ace stretched out on the rug like a lion claiming his territory — almost one year old now, all gangly strength and big paws he still hadn’t quite grown into. His head rested against Adeline’s ankle, heavy and warm, tail giving a lazy thump every time she shifted. He wasn’t the tiny puppy Mason had first carried through this door — he was a proper dog now, shoulders broad, eyes always tracking the room, never too far from Adeline’s side as if even he knew she was carrying a baby.
“Your mom’s going to think I’ve kidnapped you.” Mason teased quietly, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. “Haven’t let you leave this couch all day.”
Adeline smiled without looking away from the rain-slick window. “You’re the one who made tea, banned me from laundry duty and bribed me with biscuits. I was doomed from the start.”
“That’s called looking after someone.” he said, squeezing her hand. “And you, love, don’t get to lift a single finger if I can help it. You're priority. Always.”
She arched a brow at him. “So what, I just sit here while you become a one-man household staff?”
“Exactly.” Mason said, utterly serious, then, cracked a grin. “Only thing missing is a bell, then you can call me from the other room.”
She laughed, warm and easy. “You’d love that, wouldn’t you? The drama of it.”
Before he could reply, the doorbell rang — a sharp, unexpected chime that made Ace instantly lift his head, ears perked, a low protective rumble curling from his chest.
Mason groaned, already standing. “Stay.” he said, pointing playfully at Adeline. “Doctor’s orders. And you, guard duty.” he glanced down at Ace.
Ace gave a single low huff, like he’d been briefed on this exact mission.
“You’re ridiculous, Mount.” Adeline said, but her smile softened everything.
“Knight in sweatpants.” Mason corrected, already padding down the hall.
When he opened the door, Stella was there — sunglasses perched in her hair despite the gray sky, bag sliding off one shoulder and pure chaos in human form.
“Tell me you have alcohol.” she said without even saying hello, stepping inside before Mason could answer.
“Good evening to you, too.” Mason said, dryly, shutting the door. “Everything alright?”
“No.” Stella blurted, kicking off her shoes. “Twitter thinks I’m engaged. Or pregnant. Or both. Ben’s mom already texted congratulations and I — oh my God, I’m spiraling.”
Adeline looked up from the couch, calm in a way that made Stella halt mid-rant.
“Hi.” Stella said, almost accusing. “Why do you look like you’re hosting a meditation retreat while my reputation burns online?”
Adeline gestured vaguely to her belly with a tiny shrug. “Pregnancy zen, maybe. Either that or I’ve hit my lifetime stress limit.”
Stella stared at her, then, laughed despite herself, dropping her bag onto the armchair. “This is unsettling. Usually I’m the one telling you to breathe into a paper bag.”
“Role reversal, babes.” Adeline said, lightly. “Hormones, probably.”
Mason reappeared from the kitchen holding out a cold bottle of sparkling water like he was presenting fine champagne. “Here — safest thing we’ve got for your crisis.”
Stella took it, unscrewed the cap, sighed like she’d been waiting to do exactly that. “Thanks. I hate how much I love you two together. It’s nauseating.”
“Cheers to nausea.” Adeline said, clinking her tea mug against Stella’s bottle.
Ace gave a quiet grunt and sprawled across Mason’s feet like a living barricade, big enough now that he practically anchored the whole corner of the room. Stella looked down at him and shook her head. “That dog is going to start asking for car keys soon.”
“Not before he learns to text me updates when Ady's moving too much.” Mason said, ruffling Ace’s ears.
The rain kept falling outside, steady and soft, while inside the living room glowed with a kind of warmth that made even chaos feel gentle. Stella sank into the chair, Mason slid back next to Adeline, his arm automatically finding its way around her shoulders, and Ace settled in with a sigh heavy enough to sound like contentment.
But, then, Stella leaned forward, elbows on her knees, bottle dangling between her fingers. “Okay.” she said, voice a little rougher now. “I need to say this out loud before I implode.”
Adeline tilted her head, already soft-eyed, mug cradled like an anchor. “Go on.”
“I like him.” Stella blurted, then immediately dropped her face into her hands. “God, I hate saying it out loud. But, I do. I really, really like Ben. And, it’s terrifying, because Twitter thinks we’re already halfway down the aisle and suddenly every message I get is either people warning me about him or begging me to post couple pictures like we’re running a fan account. It’s...” she groaned into her palms, muffled. “Too much.”
Mason shifted a little, arm still around Adeline, his voice calm in a way that quieted the air. “It’s a lot because it’s real.” he said gently. “If you didn’t care, none of this would rattle you.”
Stella peeked at him through her fingers. “Oh, profound Mount has entered the chat.”
He smiled. “Look, I get it. I know what it’s like to have the whole world start narrating something you’re still figuring out. It’s rubbish, honestly. Although, here’s the thing: you don’t owe them clarity. You owe yourself honesty. And Ben.”
Adeline reached out, lightly tapping Stella’s knee. “He makes you laugh?”
“Constantly.” Stella admitted.
“Yeah, he does.” Stella whispered, the edge of panic softening just a little.
“Then you hold onto that.” Adeline said, steady and warm. “Everything else is noise. Trust me, if we’d tried to micromanage every headline, Mason and I would have crashed and burned before we even had a chance to figure out what this was.”
“Exactly.” Mason agreed. “Most people know I’ve got a girlfriend, but, they don’t need the details. We don’t post every dinner or every match day hug. They’ve seen her at games, and yeah, they’ll talk — but, we choose what to share. The rest stays ours.”
“And the pregnancy?” Stella asked, eyes darting down to Adeline’s belly.
Adeline gave a soft smile. “We’re not hiding it. We’re just… holding it close a bit longer. It’s ours for now, not the world’s. Once we’re ready, we’ll share it. But, on our terms.”
Stella sat back, letting out a long breath, as if the room itself had just shifted weight off her shoulders. “You make it sound easy.”
“It’s not.” Mason said honestly. “It’s a hundred tiny decisions every day — what to say, what to ignore, what to protect. But, it’s worth it, because what’s real between us doesn’t change just because someone on the internet writes a story about it.”
Adeline squeezed Stella’s hand. “Ben’s solid. You know it. I know it. And, if you both keep talking to each other instead of trying to talk over the noise, you’ll be fine.”
For the first time that night, Stella’s mouth tugged into something small but real — a smile that reached her tired eyes. “God, you two are disgustingly wholesome.”
“Disgustingly.” Mason agreed with a grin, leaning back into the couch like the conversation had loosened the knots in all of them.
Ace let out a soft huff, as if seconding the motion, and the rain kept its quiet rhythm against the windows. The city outside could spin and tweet and speculate all it wanted, but, in that house — cinnamon, rain, warmth and a safe little bubble — it felt like everything, might, just turn out okay.
A sudden burst of tiny footsteps from the hallway broke through Stella’s gentle rant about Ben. Before anyone could react, Lily came flying into the living room, curls bouncing, cheeks pink from excitement, with Summer right behind her. “Aunty Stella!” Lily squealed, throwing her arms wide and barreling toward the couch. Stella blinked mid-sentence, then opened her arms just in time to catch her.
“Well, there’s my little tornado.” Stella laughed, hugging her tight.
Summer flopped down next to Mason’s legs, already giggling at something Lily whispered. “Mom.” Lily said, twisting around to look at Adeline. “Can me and Summer go play in the backyard? Please?”
Adeline gave her the soft but tired mom-look, one hand automatically sliding over her belly. “Lils, it’s raining.”
“But, it’s just drizzling.” Lily countered, putting on her best innocent eyes.
“No, sweetheart.” Adeline said, gently, already hearing the next argument forming in Lily’s head.
“But—” Lily started, when suddenly Ace’s ears perked up. He sat up sharply, tail wagging like he’d just spotted something forbidden. Stella didn’t notice him inching closer to her until he, with alarming speed, grabbed the small throw pillow from beside her and took off like a thief.
“Ace!” Mason barked, sitting up straight. “Oh, no, no, no — you’re not doing this now.”
The big shepherd darted toward the back door, pillow clutched in his mouth like a prize.
“Ace! Mate! Drop it!” Mason was already on his feet, running after him. “Don’t you—”
But, the back door hadn’t fully latched earlier and Ace shouldered it open with a shove of his big frame, bolting into the drizzle-soaked yard like he’d just discovered freedom.
Summer and Lily gasped like they’d witnessed the opening of Disneyland. “He’s outside!” Summer squealed.
“That means we can go too!” Lily declared triumphantly, eyes wide with glee.
“Lily!” Adeline warned, already laughing as Mason’s curses floated in from outside.
But, the girls didn’t listen. They looked at each other, then at Stella, then at the back door, then sprinted — two tiny rebels with matching mischievous grins — past Stella, before anyone could stop them.
“Oh, for crying out loud.” Stella groaned, half-laughing, half ready to join in. “I am not responsible if they come back looking like drowned rats!”
By now Mason was in the yard, barefoot on the wet grass, yelling, “Ace! Drop it, you oversized troublemaker!” while Ace darted between the hedges, tail wagging like a banner of victory. The girls screamed with joy, jumping in small puddles, cheering Ace on like he was winning a race.
Inside, Adeline was bent over, laughing hysterically on the couch, one hand on her belly. “This is what I get for saying no.” she gasped between laughs.
Evelyn appeared in the doorway from the kitchen, mug in hand, eyebrows raised. “Why does it sound like the house is being robbed by farm animals?” she asked, then, caught sight of Mason chasing the dog, the girls in the yard, Stella doubled over laughing by the sliding door, and Ace — massive, soaked, triumphant — with a floral pillow in his mouth.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake.” Evelyn chuckled, shaking her head.
“Welcome to my life, mom.” Adeline said, still laughing, tears forming in the corners of her eyes.
From outside came Mason’s exasperated yell. “You two — inside, now! Before you slip and I end up chasing three of you!”
“But, dad, Ace wants us to play!” Lily called back gleefully.
“He does not!” Mason shot back, though his grin gave him away.
Evelyn just sat down beside Adeline, sipping her tea like this was any ordinary day. “Well.” she said dryly. “At least it’s never boring here.”
Adeline leaned against her mother, still laughing softly. “Not for a second.”
The smell of lavender lingered faintly in the air, mixed with the lingering scent of rain clinging to the windows. Adeline moved quietly through the kitchen, spoon in hand, stirring the last bits of oatmeal into Mason’s favorite mug. She paused to sip, letting the warmth travel through her chest. The kitchen was soft-lit, the kind of amber glow that made even the mundane seem cozy, safe. She looked around, at the polished counters, the small vase of daisies Mason had picked up on the way home, the sunlight streaming weakly through the rain-streaked windows.
A year ago, she had never imagined a life like this. That tiny flat where she’d struggled to pay rent and make ends meet, the sound of the radiator that did little to chase away the cold — it felt like another life. Now, her fingers traced the curve of her belly as she looked at the neatness of the kitchen, at the stacks of folded baby clothes drying on the counter and she let herself breathe. Somehow, impossibly, this — this life, this home, this family — had become hers.
Upstairs, the sound of water splashing and small giggles reached her as she approached Lily’s bathroom. The door was slightly opened, and peeking in, she caught a scene that made her chest tighten with warmth. Evelyn was perched on the side of the bathtub, leaning in to guide Lily’s tiny hands as they worked at washing the stubborn mud from her legs.
“Mommy! I didn’t mean to get the floor wet!” Lily protested, looking at Adeline and bouncing in the tub as water splashed over the sides.
Evelyn laughed, her tone calm and amused. “Sweetheart, if your feet are muddy, the floor is just trying to join in. And, anyway, a little water never hurt anyone.”
“I didn’t make the mud! It’s the grass’s fault!” Lily exclaimed, shaking her curls, droplets flying like confetti.
Adeline leaned against the doorframe, hands on her hips, smiling at the exchange. “The grass is conspiring against you, huh?” she teased.
Evelyn shot her a playful glance. “You should’ve seen her earlier — she was plotting the perfect mud ambush. Honestly, I don’t know where she gets it from.”
Lily giggled, scrubbing at her tiny feet. “It’s a special skill!”
Adeline crouched slightly to Lily’s eye level, brushing a wet curl from her forehead. “You’re right. A very special skill. But, maybe next time, we stick to puddles, okay?”
“Yes! Puddles only!” Lily cheered.
Evelyn shook her head with a grin. “She’s lucky she’s cute. That’s all I’ll say.”
Adeline’s heart swelled. The gentle laughter, the warmth, the everyday love — it was soft and grounding, a reminder of the family they had built in these quiet months.
Later, she walked toward her and Mason’s room, the smell of damp towels faint in the air. Peeking in, she caught a comical sight: Mason crouched beside the bathtub, Ace perched awkwardly on the rim of the tub, looking confused and, slightly, indignant. His wet fur clung to him, making him look half the size he actually was, but, still impossibly big.
“Stay.” Mason said, voice low but firm, eyes locked on Ace. “Do not shake, do you hear me? We talked about this yesterday.”
Ace blinked slowly, as if debating whether this order applied to him. Mason muttered. “I swear, when I first brought you home, you were just a little puppy. Now look at you… absolute chaos in German Shepherd form.” He leaned down, scratching behind Ace’s ears in a way that was almost reverent. “You have no idea how much trouble you cause, do you?”
Adeline couldn’t hold back her laughter. “I can’t believe you’re lecturing him like he’s a toddler, babe.” she said, leaning on the doorframe.
Mason glanced up, eyebrows raised, grinning. “Better than yelling. Works, almost, as well.”
She stepped in, grabbing the bottle of dog shampoo. “Alright, partner, let’s do this together before he decides the bathtub is a trampoline.”
Ace gave a small huff, resigned, as Mason and Adeline began washing him. Their movements were gentle, synchronized without even thinking. Mason rinsed his shoulders while Adeline lathered the soapy suds along his back. The two of them exchanged amused looks, remembering the first time Mason had tried to give Ace a bath — the puppy had wriggled out of the tub, entirely, sending both of them splashing into the water, soaked and laughing uncontrollably.
“Remember that day?” Adeline asked, smirking. “Ace leaped out like a furry missile and you ended up on the floor, yelling at the ceiling.”
Mason laughed, water dripping down his arms. “I think he’s trying to redeem himself now. Or… just making me look graceful in comparison.”
Once the bath was done, Ace was escorted to a towel on the floor, shaking out in a spectacular flurry of water droplets. Adeline grabbed the blow dryer while Mason held the dog steady.
“Stay still, Ace.” she instructed in her soft, playful tone. Surprisingly, Ace obeyed, his eyes half-lidded and trusting as she dried him off, one paw at a time. Mason hovered beside her, occasionally holding a paw or brushing damp fur out of Ace’s eyes.
“This is… actually going better than I expected.” Mason muttered, voice low and warm, as he glanced at Adeline.
“You should never underestimate a pregnant woman with a blow dryer.” she quipped, grinning.
Adeline finished drying Ace, fluffing his thick fur until it looked almost regal. The dog gave a happy shake, sending a few stray droplets onto the floor and throw himself into his favorite rug with a satisfied huff.
It's past midnight, the house is in silence, save for the steady patter of rain against the windows. Adeline lay awake, tracing shadows across the ceiling, feeling the gentle weight of her belly, the subtle stirrings of the life inside. Beside her, Mason was asleep, chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm, one arm draped lazily over the pillow. Ace was curled at the foot of the bed, snoring softly.
A craving tugged at her — a need for something sweet, something warm, something homemade. She shifted carefully, not wanting to wake him, and whispered. “Mase…”
His eyes cracked open, dark and groggy. “Hm?”
“I… can’t sleep.” she murmured. “I want… chocolate chip cookies. Warm. Homemade. Maybe, just a few.”
He blinked, then, smiled, that slow, lazy grin that made her pulse flutter even now. “You wake me at midnight for cookies? You’re lucky I love you.”
She eased herself closer, brushing a hand over his chest. “I know you’re tired. But… I thought maybe we could make them together. I can’t be trusted alone with the dough.”
Mason shifted, sitting up, one arm looping around her waist. “The dough’s dangerous, huh?” he said, voice low, teasing, but, edged with warmth. “Fine. But, I get to taste test. Fair warning.”
Adeline laughed, softly, leaning into him. “Deal. Only a few. The rest are for the baby… and me.”
Then, she tugged Mason’s hoodie over her shoulders, the warmth surrounding her, it smelled faintly of him — his shampoo, the trace of aftershave — and she breathed it in, feeling a little safer, a little more at home, a little more… content.
Mason leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Careful.” he murmured, voice low. “I don’t want you tripping over Ace or slipping on the stairs.”
“I’ll be fine.” she whispered, resting a hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. “Lead the way, chef.”
He chuckled softly, supporting her lightly at the small of her back as they crept down the hall. Ace stirred at the sound of their movement, lifting his head sleepily, then, immediately decided the safest place to be was under their feet. Mason adjusted his grip, making sure he didn’t bump her belly. “Let’s be quiet — Lily and my mom are asleep.”
The kitchen was dim, lit only by the under-cabinet lights and a faint glow from the fridge. Mason started pulling out ingredients — flour, butter, brown sugar, chocolate-chips — and placed them carefully on the counter. Adeline moved beside him, sliding onto the stool so she could reach without strain.
“Alright, this is teamwork, love.” Mason whispered, glancing down at her. “You stir. I… supervise. And, taste test.”
Everything smelled of warm butter and melting chocolate as Adeline carefully stirred the dough, Mason hovering beside her, a measuring cup in one hand, his other hand occasionally brushing against Adeline's hand as he helped fold in chocolate-chips.
“You’re being dangerously precise with those, love.” Mason murmured, eyes dark and amused. “Are you sure you want to make cookies or are you just trying to impress me?”
Adeline laughed softly, resting her belly against his side as she stirred. “Maybe... both. And, maybe, because I’m craving chocolate… and company.”
“Good answer.” he whispered, pressing a quick kiss to her temple before scooping a few chocolate chips into his mouth, eyes glinting with mischief. “Tray’s ready. Let’s see if our creation survives the oven.”
Once the cookies were baking, the two leaned against the counter, sharing quiet conversation and gentle touches. Mason would occasionally nudge her side with his hip or brush her hair behind her ear. When the timer finally chimed, the rich, sweet scent of freshly baked cookies filled the kitchen.
“Careful.” Mason said, grabbing oven mitts.
Adeline took the tray and they grabbed two mugs of steaming milk and tiptoed through the back door into the backyard. The drizzle had stopped, leaving a faint mist hanging over the grass and pool, reflecting the soft golden glow of the string lights Mason had strung up weeks ago. Cushions and a thick blanket were spread out on the deck, forming a cozy little nest that smelled faintly of lavender from the diffuser left there during the day.
Adeline lay down on the blanket first, head on Mason’s chest, wrapping one arm around him. He stretched out beside her, one arm cradling her shoulders, the other hand holding a cookie.
“You really are eating those like you haven’t had a meal in a week.” Mason said, half teasing, half affectionate.
“I—” she bit off a piece, quickly. “I’m savoring them, I promise. It's very efficient.”
He laughed, ruffling her hair gently. “Efficient, huh? Efficient and adorable. You know, you’re not supposed to inhale cookies, Adeline.”
“I'm allowed, though.” she shot back with a grin, pressing a cookie to her lips.
They lapsed into a warm silence for a moment, only broken by Ace padding over and nudging his nose into Mason’s arm, clearly claiming some of the cookie crumbs for himself. Mason scooped him up gently. “Alright, alright, you get a little, but, no stealing my half. I worked for it.”
Adeline shifted slightly, resting fully against him now, feeling the rise and fall of his chest beneath her. “It’s weird.” she murmured, voice soft. “A year ago, I never imagined I’d be here. In a house like this, with a backyard… with a family… with you… with Lily and Ace.”
He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, smiling down at her. “We’ve come a long way. And, it’s not always perfect, but, it’s ours. Every little chaos, every cookie crisis… it’s ours.”
Adeline laughed softly, nestling closer. “I love it. I love us. And… I love this view. Even a rainy Manchester night looks perfect like this.”
Mason took a cookie, breaking it in half and offering a piece to her. “I love you. I love this. I love everything about tonight. Even you eating cookies like a champion.”
She pressed her lips to his chest in a soft, grateful kiss. “I love you too. And… you know, for nine months pregnant, I feel like I’m doing pretty well.”
“You’re perfect.” he murmured, kissing her temple, then tracing soft circles along her back.
Ace huffed happily at her side, settling his head on her lap. Adeline stroked his fur, absentmindedly, as she took a bite of her cookie, Mason’s arm still wrapped around her. The string lights flickered softly, the steam from their milk rising like little clouds around them, and for a moment, the world beyond the deck didn’t exist.
They talked quietly about Stella and Ben’s drama, exchanged soft teasing over who'd eat more cookies and laughed at Mason accidentally spilling a few crumbs. They whispered about how many days until the baby and whether they’d post anything publicly after the birth, ultimately agreeing that these first, private moments are their, only.
In that quiet, golden, cookie-scented moment, wrapped in each other’s warmth, they felt utterly at home — ready for whatever life would bring next, together.
The morning light crept softly through the curtains, catching the edges of the room in a warm, quiet glow. Mason was already half-dressed, standing by the dresser, tugging a hoodie over his head as he glanced over his shoulder at Adeline. She sat on the edge of the bed, legs tucked carefully beneath her, her hands absently smoothing over the curve of her belly. He paused, studying her for a beat, brows pulling together in that subtle, protective way he’d picked up over the last few months.
“You’re really sure you want to come with me, love?” he asked, voice still rough from sleep. “It’s going to be a long morning — media stuff, light training. I don’t want you getting tired.”
Adeline lifted her head, a small smile playing at the corner of her mouth. “Mase.” she said, softly, “I’ll be fine. Lily’s spending the night at Jaz’s with Summer.” She stretched her legs carefully and stood, crossing the room to him. “Besides.” she added, leaning just slightly into his chest. “I like seeing you in your world. It makes everything feel a bit more… real.”
He tipped his chin down, eyes warm, hand instinctively finding the small of her back. “I just don’t like the idea of you pushing yourself.”
She laughed, quietly, that low, sweet sound that always softened him. “I promise not to run laps with the squad. And, we might even get some alone time tonight when we get back…” She tilted her head, playful now, eyes glinting with mischief. “No kid, no interruptions — sounds good, doesn’t it?”
Mason’s mouth curved into a grin, wide and slow, the kind that tugged dimples into his cheeks. “Now you’re bribing me to take you with me?”
“I'm not...” she teased, brushing her hand along his arm. “ I'm just stating the perks of a child-free night.”
He shook his head, muttering under his breath about her being trouble, even as he pulled her in for a brief, warm kiss, careful not to press too hard against her belly. Then, he stepped back, grabbed his bag, and slung it over his shoulder.
“Let’s grab Lily and get her ready.” he said, glancing at the time. “Jaz’s place isn’t exactly around the corner and I don’t want to be late.”
They left the room together, Mason’s hand sliding into hers as they walked down the hallway. The house was quiet except for the soft murmur of cartoons in the living room. Lily sat cross-legged on the rug, a bowl of cereal in her lap, eyes glued to the screen. Ace was sprawled beside her, tail thumping lazily as they approached.
“Lils.” Adeline called gently, crouching down to her daughter’s level, “You’ve got a big day with Summer ahead. Ready for your sleepover?”
Lily’s face lit up, cereal forgotten. “I already packed my bag!” she said proudly, pointing toward a small backpack leaning against the couch.
“Good.” Mason said, ruffling her hair with a grin. “You going to cheer extra loud for me tomorrow?”
“Only if you score.” Lily giggled.
“That’s fair.” he said, feigning a serious nod. “Pressure’s on.”
Adeline helped Lily slip on her little jacket, adjusting the collar while Mason grabbed the backpack. Ace nudged Adeline’s leg, earning a quick scratch behind the ears before he settled back down with a sigh, as if he knew the routine.
As they headed to the car, Mason opened the passenger door for Adeline, steadying her with one hand while she eased in. Lily climbed in the back, chattering about snacks and sleepover plans with Summer. Mason glanced at the rearview mirror, catching Adeline’s soft smile as she watched Lily in the back seat, and for a fleeting second, everything felt exactly right — calm, warm, steady — the quiet before the next chapter they didn’t even see coming, yet.
Jaz’s front porch was already buzzing with the chaos of a sleepover-in-the-making when Mason pulled up to the curb. Summer’s laugh carried faintly through the door even before Lily hopped out, clutching her backpack. Mason rounded the car to open Adeline’s door, offering his hand without a word — a quiet, instinctive gesture he’d been making more often lately — and she took it, letting him steady her as they walked up the path together.
The door opened before Mason even had the chance to knock. Jaz stood there, hair pulled into a messy bun, a mug of coffee in one hand, the other already reaching for Lily.
“There’s my partner in crime!” she said, crouching just enough to let Lily dart into her arms. “Summer’s got the fort ready, snacks are on standby — you two are off-duty parents for a whole day.”
Lily beamed and slipped past them, her little shoes tapping against the wooden floor, her voice already mingling with Summer’s somewhere deeper in the house.
Jaz straightened, her sharp eyes immediately scanning Adeline from head to toe, that subtle, but, unmistakable friend-check. “You look good, Ady.” she said, softly, leaning against the doorframe. “How are you holding up?”
Adeline offered a tired, but, warm smile. “Still breathing. Still baking,” she joked, one hand instinctively resting over her belly. “Honestly, I feel better than I thought I would. Just… heavy. All the time.”
Jaz chuckled, stepping in for a hug, careful and brief but full of that grounding warmth only old friends carried. “You’ve got this.” she murmured, then glanced at Mason with a raised brow. “And you — keeping her out of trouble?”
Mason smirked faintly, slipping an arm around Adeline’s waist almost on reflex. “She’s the one dragging me to work on my day off.” he said, kissing the top of Adeline’s head like punctuation. “But, yeah, I’ve got her.”
Jaz gave a little approving nod, the kind that said everything without needing words. “Good. Now go — I’ll keep Lily out of jail for twenty-four hours.”
“Please.” Mason said with a soft laugh.
Goodbyes were a blur of hugs and promises to call. Lily waved from the hallway, already distracted by glitter and construction paper, and Adeline stood for a second just watching her — that tug in her chest as she let go, even if just for a night. Mason pressed his hand gently at her back, guiding her down the steps with quiet patience.
The cool air met them as they reached the car, a little breeze that caught Adeline’s hair and made her exhale like she hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath. Mason opened the door for her again, steadying her as she slid in, then rounded to the driver’s side.
For a moment, they just sat there, the car engine humming softly, the street alive with the faint chatter of neighbors and the smell of someone’s breakfast wafting through. Mason reached across, his fingers lacing through hers, warm and sure.
Mason squeezed her hand once, then shifted into gear, pulling away from the curb, the city slowly opening up in front of them.
The drive to Old Trafford slid by quietly, the city unusually calm for a match weekend. Mason kept one hand on the wheel, the other loosely tangled with Adeline’s across the center console, their silence comfortable, the kind where every little glance meant more than words.
When they turned into the entrance, the sound of the city gave way to a softer buzz — a cluster of fans gathered near the gate, maybe ten or fifteen at most. Some held scarves, others jerseys and small signs, a few kids balanced on their dad's shoulders, faces lit up with that wide-eyed look Mason had seen a thousand times, but, never took for granted.
He slowed the car almost instinctively, leaning toward the window, scanning the group with a faint grin. “Quiet day.” he murmured, almost to himself.
Adeline followed his gaze, a smile tugging at her lips. “For once, yeah.”
Mason flicked the hazard lights on, already reaching to lower his window.
“Alright.” he said, glancing at her briefly, a tiny question in his eyes.
She nodded. “Go on. They’ve been waiting.”
He leaned a little out of the driver’s seat, the window rolled all the way down, and the first fan stepped forward — a boy of about ten, clutching a ball and looking like he might combust from excitement. Mason took the pen offered to him, signed the ball, ruffled the kid’s hair, and handed it back with a grin.
One by one, they approached — a teen with a folded program, a dad holding out a faded jersey, a grandmother who simply said: “Proud of you, lad.” before stepping back with a smile. Mason spoke to each, even briefly, even if it was just a smile. It wasn’t rushed, it never was with him.
From the passenger seat, Adeline watched quietly, a hand resting on her stomach. She loved seeing him like this — at ease, grounded, completely himself.
A girl, maybe thirteen, hovered just outside the main cluster, glancing between Mason and Adeline nervously. Finally, with a gentle nudge from her dad, she stepped forward, smiling shyly through the open window. “Hi.” she said softly, holding out a small scarf.
Mason signed it quickly, but, neatly, handing it back with his usual easy warmth. “There you go.” he said, then caught her sneaking a glance toward Adeline.
The girl blurted. “You’re Adeline, right?” then, looked instantly mortified at her own boldness.
Adeline chuckled, a quiet, kind sound, leaning just a little toward her. “I am.” she said, tone warm.
The girl’s dad added gently, “Congratulations, by the way.”
Adeline smiled, touched. “Thank you.”
Mason glanced sideways at her, a small grin tugging at his lips as he handed a signed photo back to another fan. “Making friends?” he teased under his breath.
“Trying to keep up with you.” she murmured, eyes still on the girl, who waved shyly before stepping back into the little crowd.
Mason finished up the last few signatures, a couple of selfies with phones handed carefully through the window, and then gave a final wave. “Thanks for coming out.” he called, voice carrying just enough for them to hear. “See you tomorrow.”
As he pulled the car back into gear, a small voice from somewhere in the group shouted. “Good luck, both of you!”
Adeline felt her chest tighten a little at that — unexpected, sincere, sweet. She turned her head just enough to meet Mason’s eyes for a second, and the quiet smile he gave her said everything words didn’t need to.
They slipped through the gate with the soft clunk of clearance, the guard leaning forward with a smile that said he’d been expecting Mason. The security man gave a small nod toward Adeline, eyes flicking briefly, respectfully, to the swell of her belly. “Afternoon, Mount.” he said warmly, stepping back to wave them through. Mason lifted a hand in thanks, and the car eased into the restricted lane that curved around Old Trafford.
It wasn’t loud here — not like match day with its rolling thunder of chants and the sound of traffic and broadcast trucks — but, there was a quiet hum of life. Staff in United's jackets crisscrossed between entrances, phones pressed to ears, lanyards swinging.
By the time Mason pulled into his usual spot in the underground lot, the small bustle had found their way toward them. One of the kit managers passed by with an armful of pressed training tops and stopped just long enough to grin. “Mount! Looking sharp as ever.” he said, then his eyes landed on Adeline, a warm flicker of surprise brightening into delight. “Miss Alderidge — congratulations, by the way. Heard the news.”
Adeline smiled, her polite instinct covering the little flush of embarrassment at her name traveling easily down corridors. “Thank you.” she said, hand automatically brushing her belly.
Another staffer — one of the younger physiotherapists Mason occasionally bantered with — jogged up to hand Mason a schedule printout. “Boss wants you in media first — content room.” he said, glancing at Adeline before adding, “And, seriously, congrats. Big news in the best way.”
“Appreciate it, mate.” Mason replied with that easy grin that carried him through these halls like sunlight. He glanced at Adeline, softening instantly. “C’mon, I’ll walk you up.”
The walk in felt almost like muscle memory for her now. She’d been here before — on loud days, the place vibrating like a living thing — but, today had a different texture. The corridors breathed quietly. No chants echoing through concrete. Just low voices, the hiss of coffee machines in staff rooms, boots squeaking faintly on polished floors.
They passed a few more familiar faces — nutritionists, analysts, security — all polite, most with a glimmer of curiosity or warmth in their eyes, but, never intrusive. A few murmured congratulations, each one landing like small pebbles dropped into still water, rippling gently outward without ever disturbing her calm. Mason kept her hand in his, thumb tracing lazy arcs against her knuckles, a silent reassurance that this was still their pace, no matter what the world around them was doing.
They reached the media room, where Mason had a short list of obligations — all pre-match polish, nothing strenuous. A United comms manager, clipboard tucked under his arm, met them at the door. “Mount, got you for sponsor content first, then socials, then a quick walk-and-talk with MUTV. Shouldn’t take longer than forty-five.”
Mason shot Adeline an apologetic glance, but, she was already sliding onto a padded bench along the wall, crossing her legs with a serene patience that made him smile. “Go.” she said, amused. “I’ve seen you do worse under pressure.”
The room was a flurry of quiet efficiency: two ring lights already on, staff adjusting lenses, a backdrop bearing the sponsor logos lined up like obedient soldiers. Mason moved into the routine like a man stepping into a perfectly broken-in pair of boots — reading a few scripted lines about an upcoming charity event, answering soft-ball questions about team spirit, recording a birthday message for a long-time season ticket holder named Bernard.
Between takes, he’d glance at her. Once, when they were adjusting mics, he mouthed: “Still okay?” and she gave a tiny nod and a smile, that could’ve leveled him if the cameras weren’t rolling.
After the sponsor work, he moved seamlessly into a social content block — answering light “favourites” questions, doing a two-minute rapid-fire quiz with one of the younger academy players, recording a little clip teasing the next match for the club’s Instagram.
Then, came a quick, casual interview with MUTV — mostly about his return from injury, the lift in morale, how training had been sharp all week. His answers were clean, thoughtful, with that same understated confidence that made the fans love him.
When it was all wrapped, Mason returned to her, peeling the microphone pack off as he walked, tossing it to the waiting staffer like he’d been doing it all his life. “Done.” he said, a little breath escaping with the word like it carried more weight than it should. “Sorry — that felt longer than forty-five.”
“You were very professional.” Adeline teased, lightly, standing with his help. “Almost... charming.”
He grinned, leaning in just close enough that only she could hear. “Almost?”
Her laugh was soft, but, genuine, the sound of two people still quietly finding each other in rooms full of other lives. Together they headed for the next step in his day — the light training session — the sound of the stadium slowly growing again around them like the heartbeat of something just waiting to roar.
Adeline had been watching Mason from the stands, letting herself sink into the rare quiet of a non-match day at Old Trafford. The stadium hummed faintly with distant staff movements, the occasional roll of a ball and the steady rhythm of Mason’s teammates going through drills. She smiled at the familiar patterns — the tilt of his head as he called out to one of his teammates, the way his muscles flexed with effortless power, the focused intensity in his eyes as he sprinted across the pitch.
Her stomach rumbled, a reminder that she hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and her cravings were beginning to whisper insistently. She stood carefully, brushing her hand over her belly as she made her way down the steps, muttering under her breath. “Okay, little one, Mama’s gonna grab a snack… you’ve been patient, but, I don’t know how much longer I can wait.”
The vending machines at the far end of the corridor glowed under harsh fluorescent lights. She pressed the buttons, muttering more things to the baby — something about how they’d be born right in the stadium if they didn’t behave, a little joke she couldn’t resist. “Don’t you go making a scene, sweetheart.”
And, then… it happened. A sudden warmth pooled between her legs, unmistakable. Her eyes widened, and she froze for a split second, the baby apparently agreeing that now was the perfect time.
A staff member rounding the corner stopped abruptly, startled. “Oh! Uh… are you alright?”
Adeline looked down at herself, then, grinned, letting out a soft laugh. “Well, I guess the little one didn’t like my snack delay. I think you’d better tell Mason what just happened, though.”
The staff nodded, wide-eyed, fumbling for a phone. “Uh… right. Okay, I’ll—”
Adeline chuckled softly, pressing a hand to her belly. “Easy there, okay? We’ll get this sorted.” She took a moment to steady herself, sitting on the bench nearby, letting her legs stretch and muttering another joke under her breath: “See, now everyone knows you’re dramatic.”
Mason had just wrapped up a few light drills when one of the club staff approached him, brisk, but, calm. “Mason… Adeline’s asking for you.” she said.
He frowned, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Everything alright?”
“She said you’d know when you see her.”
A tight knot of worry formed in his chest, not panic, but concern. “Okay… I’m coming.” he said, moving, quickly, through the quiet stadium corridors. The energy inside Old Trafford was different from match day — empty stands, faint echoes of footsteps and the soft sound of air conditioning — but, his mind was all on her.
When he reached the lounge, he saw her sitting calmly in one of the chairs, a small smile on her face. His heart jumped.
“Hi.” she said lightly. “You’re here.”
“Yeah… uh, what’s going on?” Mason asked, slowing as he approached, noticing her calm demeanor, but, sensing something was up.
“You’ll see.” She laughed, softly.
And, then, he noticed the small puddle at her feet. His eyes widened. “Wait… Is this—”
“Yep.” she said, still smiling. “Baby’s a week early. No contractions, yet.”
Mason exhaled, his shoulders tightening. “Okay… okay. We’re… calm.” he muttered, kneeling briefly to take her hand. “I think I'm panicking, a bit.”
Adeline smiled, her hand, gently, squeezing his. “Hey, it’s your first time. It’s allowed. Just… try not to faint in the corridor, yeah?”
He gave a shaky grin. “No promises. I might need a helmet for this baby thing.”
She laughed, softly, brushing her thumb across his knuckles. “You’re going to be fine. We’ve got this, Mase.”
Mason straightened, giving her hand another squeeze, still, nervously shaking his head. “Right… together. Quietly. Hopefully no alarms, no photographers, no… headlines.”
“Just you, me, and our little early surprise.” Adeline said, winking. “Now, let’s get you to the car before you start hyperventilating.”
He chuckled despite himself, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “Yeah… yeah, let’s do that. And, maybe I should practice my dad jokes for the delivery-room while we walk.”
She rolled her eyes, smiling, warmly. “Oh, God. I love you.”
“Shit. This tiny human already making me question my life choices, babe.” Mason murmured, wrapping an arm protectively around her as they headed toward the car, his grin softening into affection.
The ride to the hospital was a tense mixture of quiet and rushed instructions from Mason, who kept glancing over at Adeline to make sure she was comfortable. “Easy there, love… careful with every bump.” he murmured, one hand on the wheel and the other occasionally brushing hers. Adeline leaned back, trying not to laugh at how meticulously he was driving, squeezing his hand to reassure him — and maybe, herself too.
They pulled up to the main entrance of Saint Mary’s Hospital in Manchester, the morning sun spilling golden light across the glass doors and reflecting off the wet pavement, from an earlier drizzle. A few staff members were already moving briskly between entrances, pausing to glance at Mason as he jumped out of the car. “Wheelchair, please!” he called, already opening the passenger door.
Adeline tried to stand, but, Mason gently guided her back into the seat. “No, no, don’t argue with me. We’re going full VIP tonight.”
A nurse appeared, almost immediately, smiling warmly at Adeline. “Morning, Mrs. Alderidge. Let’s get you inside safely. We’ve called your obstetrician. He’s on his way.”
Adeline gave a soft laugh, placing a hand on Mason’s arm. “Well… looks like we’re punctual after all.”
At the reception, another nurse greeted them and directed Mason to the elevators. “Right this way, Mr. Mount.”
Mason nodded, gripping the handles of the wheelchair with determination. “Please… take care of her, she’s… very special.” he added softly, his voice tinged with a panic that Adeline found endearing.
While the nurses guided them to the private maternity rooms, Mason pulled out his phone with one hand, tapping out messages. In quick succession, his mom Debbie, his dad Tony, Jaz, Summer, and Stella were notified.
He let out a breath, glancing at Adeline. “Everyone’s going to freak out, but… it’s okay. It’s you and me.”
Adeline squeezed his hand. “You’re adorable when you’re panicking.” she whispered. “Now, breathe. It's going to be okay, babe.”
The nurses wheeled her down the hallway, calm and efficient, while Mason hovered at her side. One of them reassured them. “Dr. Adams is on his way. You’ll be with him in no time. Everything’s set up for you, Mrs. Alderidge.”
Adeline gave a soft nod, letting herself sink into the wheelchair, feeling a strange mix of excitement and, surreal, calm. Mason bent down, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
She chuckled softly, teasing him even now: “You’re acting like I’m about to lift a car instead of having our baby.”
Mason grinned nervously. “I can’t help it. You’re… well, everything. And this tiny human is going to be unstoppable, I just know it.”
With that, they continued moving through the corridors, the sound of the hospital around them, and the comforting voices of nurses guiding them safely to the maternity ward where their little one was about to make their grand entrance.
The contractions were growing stronger, more insistent than anything Adeline had felt during Lily’s pregnancy. Each wave brought a sharper, deeper sensation that made her arch, slightly, clutching the bed sheets, gripping Mason’s hand, or pressing against the pillows as the nurses guided her through each breath.
Mason stayed by her side the entire time, moving carefully around the room, adjusting pillows, brushing damp strands of hair from her face, whispering encouragements she could barely hear over the surge of pain. His presence was constant — a sound she could hold on to, even when the contractions left her breathless and immobile. Sometimes, the waves felt too sharp that she had to pull away, pressing her face into the mattress or curling into herself, and Mason’s hands hovered, unsure whether to touch or give her space.
Evelyn, quietly watching, leaned toward Mason when she could, murmuring soft, practical suggestions — little ways to distract himself, to focus on the rhythm of her breathing, to notice small moments in between the contractions. Her voice was calm and grounding, reminding him to breathe, to stay present, and to trust in Adeline’s strength.
Then, the door opened and Dr. Adams stepped in, his presence calm, but, purposeful. “Morning.” he said, gently, clipboard in hand, scanning the room before his eyes softened when they landed on Adeline. “How are we holding up?”
Adeline gave a small, weary smile. “Good... I think.” She let out a shaky laugh, gripping Mason’s hand. “But, I think my legs disagree.”
Dr. Adams nodded, kneeling slightly to meet her eye level. “Alright, it’s been a few hours of steady contractions. I need to check to see if we’re ready to push. Is that okay?”
Adeline took a deep breath, steeling herself. “Okay.”
He smiled reassuringly. “Good. I’ll walk you through the steps.”
As he checked, Adeline winced slightly, but, spoke softly. “Still feels different from Lily… sharper, more intense.”
Dr. Adams nodded, attentive. “That’s normal. Each labor is unique. Deep breaths. You’re doing great.”
Mason squeezed her hand, murmuring low words of encouragement. “Almost there, love.”
Minutes passed, the room filled with the rhythmic sound of her breathing and the soft beeps from the monitors. Finally, Dr. Adams sat back, slightly, eyes meeting Mason’s with a nod. “She’s fully dilated. Ready to push. Mason, this is it — just you in the room. Everyone else step back.”
Evelyn leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Adeline’s forehead. “I love you, sweetheart. You’ve got this.”
Adeline smiled, weakly, tears in her eyes. “Love you too, Mom.”
As Evelyn quietly stepped away, the room shrank to just the two of them and Dr. Adams guiding them through the first pushes. Adeline gritted her teeth, Mason’s hand firmly in hers, whispering encouragement, counting with her, coaching her through every effort.
“Push.” Dr. Adams encouraged. “Good, keep it steady, feel your strength.”
Adeline pushed again, but, a sharp, unusual, pain shot through her body. She gasped, clutching Mason’s hand tighter. “Something… feels wrong.” she whispered.
Mason’s eyes widened. “Ady?”
Dr. Adams intervened calmly, but, urgently. “Adeline, I’m a bit concerned. The baby’s in distress — if we continue pushing, it could become dangerous. We need to move to a C-Section. Mason… I need you out of the room for this part.”
Adeline’s breath caught, a weak, strained laugh escaping. “God... Alright, I was not expecting this.” she said, trying to reassure herself, but, her voice trembled.
Mason’s chest tightened. “Wait—what? No, I—” He swallowed hard, trying to mask the panic clawing up his throat. “You… you’re gonna be okay. I—I’m right here.”
Adeline’s eyes softened, a flicker of calm, despite the pain. “I’m okay… you trust me, right? Just… I need you to wait out there, Mase.”
He nodded, though his jaw clenched. “I love you. I’ll be right there when it’s over. I promise.” With a final squeeze of her hand, Mason stepped back, voice low and ragged.
The team moved quickly around her, preparations for surgery blurring into a swirl of white coats, machines, and urgent, yet, controlled movement. Dr. Adams gave her one last reassuring nod as Mason reluctantly left the room, his heart pounding, every step heavy with fear and anticipation, the sound of the operating room doors closing behind him echoing in his chest.
Mason sat, rigidly, in the small waiting room outside the operating theatre, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Every few seconds he glanced at the clock, then, at the floor, then at the group gathered with him — his parents, Debbie and Tony, Evelyn and Stella, each of them radiating quiet worry in their own way. The room smelled faintly of antiseptic, and the low sound of distant hospital activity made the silence between them feel even heavier.
“Has anyone heard anything?” Stella muttered, breaking the quiet. Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her usual sharpness.
“Nothing.” Mason said, shortly, jaw tight, though his tone was steadier than he felt. “They said it’d be a couple of hours.”
Debbie reached over to place a hand on his arm. “Mason… she’s strong. Adeline’s tough — she’s been through this before.”
Evelyn, for her part, sat beside Stella, squeezing her hands together. “It’s normal to be anxious, dear.” she murmured. “Right now, there’s nothing else we can do, but, wait.”
Mason exhaled slowly, trying to ground himself, but, his heart kept hammering. He kept picturing her in that operating room, small and vulnerable beneath the bright lights, yet, strong enough to carry him and the baby into the world. His mind flipped between imagining her holding their newborn in his arms and… scenarios that made him flinch every time the thought struck.
An hour passed like that — heavy, suspended. Conversations were whispered; feet tapped softly against the tiled floor. Stella kept fiddling with her phone, but, even she wasn’t checking her phone. It was impossible to distract themselves.
Then, the door swung open. Dr. Adams appeared, walking briskly toward them, his face calm, but, carrying a subtle urgency that immediately drew Mason’s attention.
“Mason.” the doctor called, voice steady, yet warm. “Congratulations. Both Adeline and the baby are doing perfectly.”
The words hit him like a wave. Relief surged through him strongly that he nearly stood before his knees could catch themselves. “What… Really?” he asked, voice catching, slightly.
“They're totally fine, Mr. Mount.” Dr. Adams reassured him with a nod. “The surgery went smoothly. Adeline’s a little sleepy from the anesthesia, but, you can see her now.”
Mason’s parents exhaled simultaneously, Debbie letting out a relieved laugh while Tony muttered a quiet. “Finally.” Evelyn’s hand flew to her mouth and Stella’s eyes glistened with tears of relief.
Mason’s legs moved almost on their own, and he stepped toward the doctor, heart hammering, voice shaking. “Thank you… thank you so much.” he said, gripping the doctor’s hand briefly before Dr. Adams gestured for him to follow.
As Mason turned back, his family crowded around him, sharing the relief like a warm, tangible presence. Debbie hugged him tightly, whispering, “You’re going to be a dad, sweetheart.” while Tony gave his shoulder a firm squeeze. Evelyn pressed a hand to his chest, letting him absorb her calm strength. Stella’s laughter was shaky, but, genuine as she said. “You made it, Mase. You actually made it!”
The small group stepped aside as Mason followed Dr. Adams down the sterile hallway. His steps were quick, but, careful, his mind a whirlwind of anticipation.
And finally, at the door to Adeline's room, Dr. Adams opened it, gesturing for him to enter.
The place was quiet except for the soft beep of the monitors and the low hum of the hospital’s night shift. Morning light filtered through the blinds, gentle and calm, painting the room in pale gold. Adeline lay on the bed, exhausted, but, serene, a soft rhythm to her breathing as she slept. Mason stood beside her, leaning slightly over her, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. His lips pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her temple.
“Hey, you.” he whispered, voice thick with emotion. “I'm proud of you, my love.”
He lingered a moment longer, memorizing her face, every line softened by sleep, every curve of her still-full belly. Then, quietly, his eyes traveled to the crib beside the bed. The transparent hospital bassinet held a tiny little human, wrapped in a pale blue blanket. The surprise of the moment hit him — neither he nor Adeline had wanted to know the gender, and now, seeing their baby for the first time, his heart hammered like never before.
His breath caught in his throat as he leaned closer. The baby’s tiny fists were curled against his chest, soft tufts of dark hair crowning a perfectly round head. The little boy’s eyes flickered open, blinking at the sunlight and the shapes around him. Mason’s hands shook slightly as he lifted the baby, cradling him against his chest, tears slipping freely down his cheeks. Every instinct, every ounce of love he had, poured into that moment.
“Hi, mate. I'm your dad.” Mason breathed, voice cracking, a mix of wonder and joy. “You’re… you’re perfect.” He pressed a gentle kiss to the baby’s forehead, marveling at the way he fit so completely against him, tiny and fragile, yet, whole. “I would have loved a little girl too, but… you… you make my heart explode.”
Minutes passed as Mason simply held him, rocking him, gently, whispering soft, reverent words only they shared. Then, stirring beside him, Adeline’s eyelids fluttered open. She blinked, groggy, then followed his gaze to the baby in his arms. A smile tugged at her lips.
“He’s… he’s got your nose.” she murmured, voice warm and sleepy. “And… your eyes. You know, he’s already making me nervous with all this handsome.”
Mason’s tears spiked again, and he laughed softly, the sound choked with emotion. “He’s… he’s ours, Ady. Our son.”
Adeline’s hand reached up weakly to touch his cheek, brushing her fingers through his damp hair. “Our little boy.” she whispered, voice thick with wonder. “And… he’s beautiful, just like you.”
Carefully, Mason sat on the edge of the bed, keeping the baby cradled against his chest. He lifted Adeline’s hand to rest on the baby’s back, letting her feel the gentle rise and fall of his tiny breathing. “We’re a family now.” he said, voice low, trembling. “All of us. And I… I never thought anything could feel like this.”
Adeline leaned her head against his shoulder, smiling softly. “I love you, Mase.” she said. “And I love him… so much already.”
Mason kissed the top of her head, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
They sat together like that for what felt like hours, just the three of them. Mason whispered names softly, tentative at first, then, certain, and Adeline offered little giggles and suggestions. Every glance at their baby, every brush of his tiny fingers against theirs, sent waves of joy and love through them.
The world outside the hospital room seemed to fade away. There were no deadlines, no press, no schedules — only them, a tiny boy who had just made them a family, and the quiet, profound love that filled the space between their hearts.
Mason gently adjusted the baby in his arms, looking at Adeline. “What about… Oliver?” he asked, voice hopeful but tender.
Adeline smiled, eyes shining, head resting against his chest. “Oliver Tony Mount.” she whispered. “I like it.”
He laughed, softly, brushing his lips against her forehead. “Then, Oliver it is. Welcome to the world, mate.”
And, in that warm, golden light, Mason, Adeline, and their son sat together — a family forged in love, awe, and the quiet magic of that first perfect morning.
Oliver's 3rd Birthday
Manchester, U.K.
The house was still quiet — a rare, sacred thing these days. Sunlight spilled in through the curtains in lazy golden stripes, warming the duvet and the bare skin beneath it. Mason stirred first, his arm heavy around Adeline’s waist, his breath warm against the back of her neck.
Three years since that night in the hospital that turned into the sweetest kind of chaos. In that time, everything had shifted — not suddenly, but, in slow, waves. Manchester had become home. United had won a domestic cup, Mason had been named captain twice when Bruno was out, injured. Adeline’s physiotherapy practice had grown, branching into a small, but, respected clinic in the city, flexible enough to let her be a present mom. Lily had turned into this fierce, funny little girl who’d just started school — all curiosity and kindness. And Oliver… he had gone from a newborn, to a whirlwind with curls and a smile that melted everyone who'd met him.
Now, on his third birthday, the house would soon be full of balloons, squealing children and too many adults pretending to like juice boxes and tiny sandwiches.
Although, for now — it was just them.
Adeline stirred, a sleepy noise slipping out as she tucked herself back into Mason’s chest.
“Babe.” she murmured, eyes still closed. “Do we have five more minutes before we have to pretend to be functioning adults?”
Mason chuckled low, pressing a kiss to her temple. “Five? That’s ambitious. I’m giving us three minutes before a certain someone climbs into bed, demanding pancakes.”
She cracked one eye open, smiled against the pillow. “You promised him pancakes.”
“I did.” Mason admitted, running a slow hand down her side. “But, only because his mom promised me a kiss if I handled breakfast duty.”
She laughed, softly, rolling on her back to look at him — messy hair, stubble, that ridiculous grin that still made her heart flutter like they were on their twenty's and sneaking around her flat.
“Bribery works both ways, Mount.” she teased, tugging him closer by the edge of the duvet. “Besides, I might’ve promised you more than a kiss if you pulled off today without setting off a smoke alarm.”
He smirked, hovering just above her lips. “That a challenge, Alderidge?”
“Maybe.” she whispered, kissing him anyway, slow and soft, until he deepened it, until her hand slid into his hair and they both forgot for a second that two kids could barge in any moment.
And, of course — timing was never on their side.
A little knock, then Lily’s voice: “Mom? Dad? Ollie’s awake and he’s sitting in the laundry basket.”
Adeline broke the kiss first, burying her face in Mason’s neck to muffle her laugh. “Parenting. The ultimate mood killer.”
Mason sighed, kissed the top of her head, then, sat up, raking a hand through his hair. “Right. Birthday boy out of the laundry basket, party preparation, pancakes, balloons inflated, gift table set…”
“And, somewhere in there.” Adeline said, grabbing his hand before he stood, eyes softening, “Maybe we remember it’s still our story too.”
He looked at her for a beat — like she’d just said something that went straight to his chest. Three years, two kids, two careers, a hundred little storms later and she still had that look. The one that made him want to marry her yesterday.
He squeezed her hand, kissed her knuckles, then stood, all warmth and quiet promise.
“Go rescue our son, Mase.” she said, grinning.
“On it, my love.” Mason said, already halfway to the door, but, pausing just long enough to look back at her — messy hair, sleepy eyes, his whole world in one person.
The backyard looked like a craft-shop had exploded. Paper dinosaurs — some, perfectly cut, others clearly victims of Lily’s enthusiastic scissor skills — were scattered across the grass. Streamers looped from one tree to the next in lopsided arcs, balloons half-tied rolling like tumbleweeds across the pool. Somewhere near the picnic table sat a box of party stuff, currently being “guarded” by Ace, who had decided that any unattended object was his new toy.
“Stells, hand me the sticky tape — before Oliver turns that T. Rex into a hat.” Adeline said, her voice just this side of frantic, hair falling from the bun she’d wrestled it into earlier.
“On it.” Stella replied, already laughing as she reached past a tray of sausage rolls to grab the tape, narrowly missing Lily, who was crawling under the table in pursuit of a balloon.
“Got it!” Lily announced triumphantly, popping up with the balloon held high. “Mom, this one’s still alive!”
Adeline exhaled a laugh, relief slipping through the chaos. “Brilliant, love. Now go ask your dad to tie it before it floats off like the last three.”
Across the lawn, Mason was wrestling with a foldable table that refused to stay upright, Oliver “helping” by handing him random items — a napkin, then a biscuit, then a toy car — as if each one might fix the issue.
“Mase.” Adeline called, hands on hips. “Are you winning, or do I need to call in structural support?”
He looked up, a grin splitting across his face. “Nearly there. This thing just has trust issues.”
Oliver giggled like it was the funniest thing in the world, climbing up onto Mason’s knee. “Daddy’s funny.”
Adeline’s heart did that thing again — the soft, involuntary melt that happened every time Oliver mirrored Mason, perfectly. Same grin, same cheeky glint. It was like watching Mason in miniature form and she couldn’t help the warmth that filled her chest every time she saw her boys together.
“Alright.” Stella said, smoothing down a streamer like it might somehow balance the entire scene. “Food’s sorted — sandwiches, sausage rolls, the fairy cakes and those little jam tarts Lily insisted on. Drinks are chilling, party bags are done, dinosaur hats are… somewhere.”
“In Ace’s bed.” Lily piped up matter-of-factly, adjusting a plastic triceratops headband on herself.
“Of course they are.” Stella muttered, shaking her head, though her grin gave her away.
Ace barked happily from across the garden as if to confirm.
Adeline crouched beside Oliver, brushing a curl from his forehead. “Are you excited, birthday boy?”
Oliver nodded so hard his curls bounced. “Dinosaurs!”
Mason leaned over from where he was finally persuading the table into submission, pressing a kiss to Adeline’s cheek as he passed her the balloon Lily had rescued. “We’re pulling it off, love.” he murmured low, just for her.
She smiled, glancing at the garden — a little wild, a little crooked, utterly perfect. “It’s a bit mad, but, it’s good..”
Oliver tugged Mason’s sleeve. “Daddy, can we roar like dinosaurs now?”
Mason scooped him up effortlessly, grinning. “Oh, mate, we can do better than roar. We can terrify the neighbours.”
Lily squealed, immediately joining in, both kids letting out their fiercest dinosaur impressions while Ace barked along like he, too, had been turned into one.
Adeline caught Stella’s eye across the lawn, both of them laughed until their sides hurt, the sound cutting through the commotion like sunlight.
It wasn’t elegant. It wasn’t calm. But, as Mason spun Oliver in circles while Lily chased after them, roaring at the top of her lungs, Adeline felt it — that quiet, steady hum in her chest. Love. Chaos. Home.
The party had already spilled into every corner of the house and backyard. Children darted between adults with paper crowns slipping over their eyes, balloons bobbing overhead like lazy clouds, and someone had just dropped a tray of sausage rolls near the garden gate. Stella and Ben were helping Lily’s friends toward the craft table, Declan had somehow ended up refereeing a football match with the boys, and Sophia and Kai were leaning over a platter of scones like they were judging a bake-off. Mason’s parents chatted warmly with a few of Adeline’s neighbors and Evelyn, a beautiful chaos was exactly what family should sound like.
Adeline, as always, floated through it all — a quiet, steady pulse in the middle of madness. She topped up drinks, greeted parents, straightened Oliver’s paper party hat three times before he tore it off, anyway. It wasn’t until she paused to catch her breath near the back door, eyes scanning the crowd, that a little frown pinched between her brows. Mason was nowhere — not on the lawn, not with the boys, not laughing near the drinks table.
She ducked into the kitchen, half-expecting him to be wrestling a balloon or stealing cake. Instead, she turned the corner and — thump — collided with a solid chest. His hands shot out, steadying her with an easy, familiar strength.
“Looking for me?” Mason’s voice was low, amused, and dangerously close to her ear.
“Mason.” she hissed, glancing toward the doorway like someone might walk in. “I’ve been running around like a headless chicken, and you’re....”
“Waiting for the perfect moment, love.” he cut in, that grin spreading slow and wicked, like he already knew what she was about to say.
“Don’t even start.” But, her protest was already thinner than air when his hands slid from her arms to her waist.
“Five minutes.” he murmured, eyes flicking toward the pantry door.
“Mason, there are thirty people in this house.” she whispered, half scolding, half breathless.
He only raised a brow, tugged gently, and before she could find a real reason to resist, she was in the pantry with him, the door clicked shut, the faint smell of flour and spices filling the tiny space.
He kissed her before she could speak again — hot, quick, like a man who had been thinking about it for hours, not minutes. She gasped against his mouth, then, melted, her hands finding his shirt, pulling him closer like her body had been waiting for this break as much as his had.
His hands roamed over her curves, tracing the outline of her hips, pulling her flush against him. She could feel his hardness pressing into her, a clear indication of his desire. Her own body responded, a wave of heat rushing through her as his lips left hers to trail kisses down her neck, his stubble rough against her soft skin.
She arched into him, a soft moan escaping her lips as his teeth grazed her collarbone. Mason's hands found the hem of her dress, slowly inching it up, his fingers brushing against her bare thighs, sending shivers down her spine. She could barely think, lost in the sensation of his touch, her body aching for more.
“God, I missed this.” he muttered between kisses, voice rough against her jaw, fingers tracing the curve of her hip.
“You saw me this morning, Mase.” she breathed, trying for sarcasm, but, her tone came out needy instead.
“Not like this, love.” he said, kissing her again, slower now, deeper — the kind of kiss that made the noise outside the pantry fade into a dull, meaningless sound.
She laughed softly against his mouth, a shaky, blissed-out sound. “We're completely insane.”
“Probably.” he agreed, nipping lightly at her bottom lip, one hand sliding up her back. “But, tell me you don’t love it.”
Her reply came as a quiet, desperate little sound — not quite a yes, but, enough to make him grin against her skin.
They stayed there for a heartbeat too long, foreheads pressed together, both of them breathing like they’d just run a mile — the muted thump of music and children’s laughter just beyond the door, but, it might as well have been another world.
Mason gave a low chuckle, the kind that rumbled in his chest and made her toes curl. “I've been thinking.” he murmured, brushing his thumb over her lower lip like he couldn’t quite let her go. “About you, all morning.”
Adeline huffed out a shaky laugh, still catching her breath. “You’ve been thinking about me while handing out cakes and blowing up balloons?”
She rolled her eyes, but, her cheeks were warm, and he noticed — of course he noticed. His grin softened, turned into something slower, deeper.
“I need you upstairs.” he whispered suddenly, his accent thick, lazy, and devastating.
Adeline blinked. “Upstairs?”
“Yes.” He pressed another quick kiss just below her ear, like he was rewarding her simply for asking. “In our room.”
She swallowed, her pulse leaping. “Mason, we have a house full of guests. Children. Your mom is in the garden making conversation with Declan about pies.”
His grin turned positively wicked. “Exactly why we should make it quick, right?”
Her mouth opened, closed. “You're impossible, Mount.”
“And, yet.” he murmured, his hands already smoothing over her hips before letting her go. “You’re thinking about it now.”
She gave him a look — sharp, knowing, helpless — and he only stepped back, ruffling his hair like nothing at all had just happened in a pantry full of tea and cereal boxes.
“Five minutes, love.” he repeated, softer now, almost serious, though the heat still burning in his eyes. “Just meet me, yeah?”
She should’ve said no. She should’ve reminded him of the party, of Oliver’s cake, of Lily needing help with the crafts table. But, instead, Adeline just stood there for a moment after he slipped out, heart pounding, lips swollen, her brain tripping over every single reason why this wasn't — and none of them strong enough to outweigh the sound of his voice in her ear.
Adeline checked her watch for what had to be the tenth time in four minutes. Mason had said five. He’d said it like it was a promise — or a threat — and now, she was pacing near the hallway like a teenager sneaking out after midnight.
She glanced at the garden — Stella laughing at something Ben said, Declan trying to take Jude toward the bubble station, Oliver covered in icing, Lily braiding Sophia’s hair with all the confidence of a hairstylist. No one seemed to notice her lingering.
Then, one more look at her watch.
“Right.” she muttered to herself, smoothing her dress like that would calm her racing pulse.
She walked casually toward the stairs, or at least what she hoped looked casual. Every step she kept half an ear out for Lily or Oliver — her children had a knack for appearing out of thin air whenever privacy dared to exist. But, no soft footsteps, no squeaky voices called out “Mom!” behind her.
The landing was quiet. Too quiet.
Candles. Small tealights lined along the hallway carpet, flickering in soft pools of gold, like a breadcrumb trail leading home. Her heart gave a, strange, little jolt.
“What on earth…” she whispered.
She followed them, careful not to trip, eyes catching on the wall just outside their bedroom — photos.
Photos from everywhere. Some from nights out, some from lazy mornings, one where Mason was holding Oliver as a baby with Lily leaning in, grinning. Another of Mason looking at Adeline instead of the camera, like he couldn’t believe she was real.
Alright, this was officially too much for sex.
She reached for the door handle, her hand trembling a little, and pushed.
The room smelled faintly of candles and the cologne he only wore when he wanted to drive her mad. Mason was sitting on the edge of their bed, elbows on his knees, a clean shirt stretched across his chest — navy, crisp, like he’d actually bothered.
He looked up. And, smiled.
“You’ve changed.” she blurted, nerves spilling out as a joke before she could stop herself. “I mean — if this is about a quickie, you’ve gone very formal.”
Mason let out a soft laugh through his nose, shaking his head. “Always with the jokes.”
But, then he stood. And, suddenly — her lungs forgot how to work.
He stepped toward her, slow, steady, eyes never leaving hers. “Ady.” he said, quiet, but, full of that kind of certainty that made everything else fade away.
She swallowed hard, heart slamming against her ribs.
“I’ve been trying to find the words for months.” he started, a hand rubbing the back of his neck — nervous and smiling at the same time, like even the nerves couldn’t drown out what was coming. “But, every time I look at you, they just… fall apart. Because nothing I say ever feels enough for what you are to me.”
He exhaled, stepping closer still, until they were almost chest to chest. “I loved you before I even knew it. Back in that bloody hospital room — you walked in, all serious, all professional, trying to keep me in line while I was a stubborn, injured mess — and I swear to God, something in me just… stopped. You smiled — barely — but, it was like the whole world tilted.”
Adeline’s eyes burned. She blinked fast.
“You saved me, Ady. Not just my knee. Not just my career. You — you gave me a life I didn’t even know I wanted. A home. Laughter. Two little humans who are somehow the best of both of us. You make everything — every stupid hard day, every injury, every headline — worth it. Because... I get to come home to you.”
He swallowed, voice soft now, cracking just a little. “I’ve watched you love our kids with more patience than I’ve ever deserved. I’ve watched you carry everything on your shoulders and still laugh like you’re the luckiest person alive. But, the truth is, I’m the lucky one.”
He took a shaky breath, pulled something from his pocket — a small velvet box — and finally sank down on one knee.
“Adeline Alderidge.” he said, eyes shining, a crooked, terrified, wildly in love smile pulling at his lips. “Will you marry me?”
For a second, Adeline just stared.
The room — the candles, the photos, the man she loved more than anything on this earth down on one knee — blurred at the edges like someone had smudged reality with their thumb.
Her lips parted, but, nothing came out. A sound — half laugh, half sob — clawed, way up her throat instead.
“Oh my God.” she whispered, a shaky hand flying up to cover her mouth. “Mason...”
He looked up at her, waiting, eyes soft and terrified. That smile of his, the one that always undid her, was trembling at the corners like he might actually break if she said nothing.
Adeline shook her head once, then again — not no, but, disbelief, like her brain couldn’t catch up with her heart. “You...” she breathed, laughing now through tears that burned hot down her cheeks. “You’ve got me standing here thinking you dragged me upstairs for sex and you—” Her voice cracked completely. “You’re on one knee.”
Mason laughed — a small, nervous huff of air — he didn’t move, didn’t dare.
She knelt before she even thought about it — not all the way, just enough to cup his face in her hands, to make him look at her like he always had, like she was the only person that had ever mattered.
“I love you.” she said, fierce, like it had been sitting in her chest all this time waiting to punch through. “I love you so much it’s disgusting. You drive me crazy, Mason Mount. You make me swear at you in my head at least five times a day — and still — God, there is no one, not one person on this planet, I could ever imagine doing this life with.”
She let out a wet, shaky laugh. “Of course I’ll marry you, you ridiculous, beautiful man.”
That was it — Mason’s shoulders dropped, the weight of weeks, months, maybe years melting off him in an instant. He let out a sound — somewhere between a gasp and a laugh — before crushing his mouth to hers like he’d been holding back oxygen.
The kiss wasn’t neat. It wasn’t slow. It was desperate — fingers in her hair, her hands clutching his shirt like she could anchor herself to him forever.
When they finally pulled back, foreheads pressed together, breaths ragged, Adeline let out a trembling giggle. “You know Lily’s going to scream the house down when she finds out.”
Mason’s grin spread wide, warm, a little wicked. “Good.” he murmured. “Let the whole bloody world hear it.”
Later, long after the noise of the party drifted through the floorboards like a heartbeat they didn’t have to answer to yet, Mason and Adeline stayed there — just the two of them, on the floor of the room that had seen sleepless nights, whispered arguments, babies soothed against tired chests, and laughter so loud it had shaken the windows.
They’d been a mess once — broken pieces trying to make sense of each other — but, they’d built something whole out of it, something fierce and tender, a love that wasn’t perfect but was theirs.
And as Mason traced circles over her hand, over the new weight of the ring that now sat there like it had been waiting all along, Adeline leaned her head against his shoulder and smiled.
They had never played safe, never played simple. But, they had always, somehow, been Playing For Love — every risk, every leap, every messy, beautiful turn had led them here, together. And, in the end, that’s what made them win.
