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“But why are we going for coffee at Shot Of The Day?”

“Why not? It’s a glorious day, the sun’s shining, and they serve the best coffee. Apart from the stuff in my apartment. But I’ve run out of those tiny, delicious Half Creams.”

Ella snorted. “Now we’re getting to the crux of it.”

“Also, double good news. I’ve been selected for the USA World Cup team. I leave for camp at the weekend. Let’s enjoy the time we’ve got.”

Ella threw her hands in the air. “You’re telling me all this while you’re driving and I can’t snog you? Unfair!” She laughed. “But congratulations, Hotshot. Of course you got in. Duh.”

Ten minutes later, the sky the colour of nightmares, Sloane jumped out of the car and ran around to Ella’s side. When she opened the door, she held out her hand. Ella took it. Sloane kissed her hand, slammed the passenger door, and didn’t let go. Instead, she pulled her towards the coffee shop, but stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Inside, customers stared out at them. A couple, seeing who it was, raised their camera phones. Sloane still held Ella’s hand.

She glanced down at their entwined fingers, then back up to meet Sloane’s focused gaze. “You’re still holding my hand.” That was still unusual.

A broad grin. “I know. I hope that’s okay. Because I want to hold it now, and for the foreseeable future, if you’ll let me.” Sloane paused. “Ella, I want this to be our local coffee shop. And if holding your hand means we might be photographed, there’s nobody I’d rather be photographed with.” She squeezed Ella’s fingers tight. “I’ve been offered a two-year contract at Salchester, and I’ve said yes. For two reasons. First, because I’ve fallen in love with the club and the area.” A fat raindrop fell on Ella’s nose. Followed by another. They both laughed.

Sloane kissed it away.

Ella swooned.

“But most of all, because I’ve fallen in love with you. I should have told you earlier. I’ve been stupid. I think I mentioned that. But I’m telling you now. I love you, Ella. And wherever you are, it’s where I want to be. I know your mum’s not around to be your main cheerleader anymore. But if the job’s still open, I’d like to apply.”

Ella’s eyes grew hot and wet, as her mind, on high alert, got to its feet and gave a standing ovation. All the weeks of hurt and the days of heartbreak. But now, Sloane stood in front of her, offering her heart, with added pompoms. She couldn’t be more perfect. Ella was ready to accept with everything she had.

“I love you too, Sloane Patterson, and I’ll have you as my chief cheerleader any day.” Her heart boomed. Sloane wasn’t moving back to the USA. She was staying here, and she was in love with Ella. This was turning out to be one heck of a day. “Although I can’t believe I’m telling you this while stood outside Shot Of The Day.”

“I can’t think of anywhere better.” Sloane’s eyes sparkled as she spoke. “I’m even in love with the constant rain.”

“Let’s not go overboard.” Ella was done holding Sloane’s hands. She needed to get closer. She threw her arms around Sloane’s neck and kissed the woman who was in love with her. She’d never tire of hearing that. “But I can’t believe you’ve gone from no PDAs to snogging in front of a whole cafe,” Ella mumbled into her lips. “You think we can go inside now before we get soaked?”

When they got there, Suzy and Michelle gave a slow clap. “Quite the show, ladies.”

Also, sat at the counter were Nat and Layla. They’d had an audience the whole time.

Ella blushed like mad. Maybe she needed to get used to public affection, too.

“Thank goodness you’re out in the open and I don’t have to watch what I say anymore,” Nat said, hugging them both. “But does this mean you’re staying, too?”

Sloane’s grin covered her face as she nodded. “Two more years. Next year, we’re going to win the league.”

“Yeah we fucking are! I’ll get coffee to celebrate.” Layla shooed them away. “Go grab some seats. We’ll bring them over.”

Sloane and Ella sat on the sofas by the window. Ella hadn’t been here half as much as Sloane, but she could see its charm. The main charm today being Sloane.

She took Ella’s hand in hers and kissed it. “One more thing. You’re coming to the World Cup, yes?” This year, it was in France.

Ella grinned. “I just thought. Am I a WAG now?”

“The very best one,” Sloane replied. “Once we’ve won, I’ve got two weeks off. I’ve booked an all-inclusive stay in a resort in Mexico. I was hoping you might come with me?”

“Once you’ve won?” Ella shook her head, but she loved the bravado, the arrogance. It was why Sloane was who she was. A winner. “Also, are you trying to buy me with an exotic holiday, Sloane Patterson?”

“I’m offering my body, too, whenever and however you want it.”

Ella’s grin was wide. “You drive a hard bargain, but you’ve got yourself a deal.”

EPILOGUE

“Icannot believe you’ve managed to organise this in a month,” Ella told her. “Or that you got the club to agree to it in the first place.”