a new dimension

The atmosphere in the Arsenal Women's team meeting room was buzzing with anticipation, but not because of the usual pre-match chatter or tactical discussions. Today, there was an air of curiosity hanging over the room—something was about to shift, something that would change not only the course of the season but the lives of two very important people in the team.

Beth Mead sat at the edge of her seat, her fingers nervously tapping the table, her mind racing. Beside her, Vivianne Miedema sat with a calm exterior, but even she couldn't hide the subtle excitement in her eyes. The two women had been planning this moment for weeks, but now that it was finally here, a mix of emotions swirled inside them—joy, nervousness, anticipation, and a deep sense of connection to their team.

Beth took a deep breath, glancing sideways at Vivianne. The Dutch forward smiled back, her hand reaching out to gently squeeze Beth's knee, offering silent support. They had been through so much together, from their rise to stardom at Arsenal to becoming not only teammates but also partners in life. This announcement was the culmination of a dream they had both held onto tightly.

"Alright, ladies, let's settle down," Renee called out, clapping her hands to gain everyone's attention. The team was gathered for their usual mid-week meeting, but there was an unspoken tension in the air, a sense that today's agenda would be a bit different.

The team's captain, Kim Little, was seated at the front, her sharp eyes scanning the room. Beth could feel the weight of her gaze on her, sensing that Kim had caught wind of something. Across from her, Katie McCabe's eyes flicked between Beth and Vivianne, her usual mischievous grin replaced by a look of genuine curiosity. The atmosphere was charged, as if everyone in the room was waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop.

Renee stood at the front, scanning her clipboard before turning to Beth and Vivianne, her expression warm and inviting. "I believe we have something important to share today, don't we, Beth and Viv?" she said, her voice filled with kindness and knowing.

Beth nodded, taking a breath before standing up, her heart pounding in her chest. She and Vivianne had discussed this moment so many times, yet now that it was happening, it felt like time had slowed down.

"We... we have some big news," Beth said, her voice trembling slightly, but the smile on her face was genuine. She took Vivianne's hand again, holding it firmly as she glanced around at her teammates. "Viv and I... we're expecting a baby. Im pregnant."

There was a brief pause—complete silence in the room as the words settled in. The team members stared at them, processing the information, until the shock melted away into wide grins and gasps of joy. A few whispered exchanges rippled through the room, but before anyone could speak, Katie McCabe was already up on her feet, her face lighting up like a Christmas tree.

"No way! You're serious?!" Katie shouted, her voice full of excitement. Her arms flew out to hug Beth, lifting her off the ground in a bear hug, much to the amusement of the team. "This is amazing! I'm going to spoil that little one rotten!"

Beth chuckled, feeling her nerves begin to ease as the team's overwhelming warmth surrounded them. "You're already planning to spoil them Katie?" she teased, pulling away from the embrace. "I'm going to need all the help I can get!"

"I can't believe it!" Katie said, almost breathless. "You two are going to be the best parents. Seriously, I'm so happy for you both."

Steph Catley, who had been sitting quietly beside Caitlin Foord, was the next to stand. As Beth's best friend, Steph had known about the pregnancy for a few weeks, but seeing her teammate—her sister in arms—reveal the news to the whole team still brought tears to her eyes. She walked toward the pair, her arms open wide, pulling both Beth and Vivianne into a warm hug.

"I knew something was different, but I didn't expect this!" Steph said, her voice thick with emotion. "You two deserve all the happiness in the world."

Beth laughed through the tears, squeezing Steph tightly. "Thank you, Steph," she whispered. "We're so lucky to have you in our lives."

Caitlin Foord, who had been silently observing the moment, stood up next. Her quiet, supportive nature had made her the kind of person everyone turned to for a steady hand in difficult moments. "This is incredible news," Caitlin said, giving both women a sincere smile. "You've always been a great team on the pitch, and I have no doubt you'll be great parents too."

The warmth in the room continued to build. The team began to gather around Beth and Vivianne, offering congratulations, questions, and good-natured teasing. Even the quieter members of the team, like Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy, couldn't hide their excitement.

"How far along are you?" Kim Little asked, her eyes softening with genuine interest. "When's the due date?"

Beth smiled, her heart swelling with affection for her teammates. "I'm about 12 weeks along," she said, still processing the fact that she was openly sharing this with everyone. "The due date is in early spring."

"Spring baby!" Kim said with a bright smile. "That's perfect. Just in time for a break before the season kicks into full gear."

The discussion turned to more practical matters—when Beth would start to slow down training, how she and Vivianne planned to balance life as parents while maintaining their careers. But throughout all of it, there was one consistent theme: unwavering support.

Then, in the middle of the chatter, Vivianne took a step back, letting the team embrace Beth and congratulate her. She watched her wife from a distance, her heart swelling with pride. It was a side of Beth she didn't often let show—vulnerable and emotional, but radiating warmth and happiness.

Beth, catching Vivianne's gaze, smiled softly and walked over to her. The room seemed to quiet down as they shared a quiet moment between themselves, just the two of them. Vivianne reached out and cupped Beth's face in her hands, her thumbs brushing gently over her cheeks. "We're doing this together," she whispered, her voice full of love.

Beth's eyes glistened as she leaned in, kissing Vivianne's lips gently "I love you," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion.

"I love you too," Vivianne replied, her voice low and filled with tenderness.

It was in that moment, surrounded by their Arsenal family, that Beth and Vivianne knew they were ready for this next chapter. The road ahead would undoubtedly be filled with challenges—balancing life as professional athletes and parents—but they had each other. And they had the love and support of their teammates.

Katie McCabe, sensing the intimacy of the moment, threw out a playful remark. "Don't get too mushy, you two! Save some of that love for the baby!"

The team erupted into laughter, but it was clear that this moment had touched them all deeply. Even those who had known the couple the longest—like Steph and Kim—looked at them with newfound admiration, not just for their incredible partnership on the field, but for the bond they shared off it as well.

The rest of the meeting passed in a blur. It was supposed to be about tactics and upcoming matches, but it felt like nothing else mattered in that moment. The team was high on joy, full of questions and support for their two beloved players. Even the more stoic members, like Leah and Lotte, had smiles on their faces, their eyes filled with warmth.

As the meeting concluded, the team lingered a little longer, sharing laughter and lighthearted moments. Katie was already planning a baby shower, while Steph and Caitlin were discussing potential names for the baby. Meanwhile, Vivianne and Beth shared a quiet moment, standing side by side, knowing that this was only the beginning of their incredible journey together.

Later that evening, as the team dispersed and Beth and Vivianne walked hand in hand toward their car, Beth couldn't help but glance up at her wife, her heart full. "Can you believe it?" she asked, her voice soft and full of wonder.

Vivianne smiled, her arm slipping around Beth's waist. "I've never been more excited in my life."

And with that, the two women—who had conquered the world of football together—set their sights on their greatest adventure yet: becoming parents, surrounded by the family they had built both on and off the pitch.