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billie_kent posted

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billie_kent: almost a year ago I told this man i couldn't wait to see him make his england debut, he didn't believe it was possible...you've done it starboy and I couldn't be prouder <3

COMMENTS:
jamie_tartt: I love you so much

will_kitman: mega!!!

colinhughes: the real life posh and becks

alfiesykes98: let it be known I wrote an article at the beginning of the year predicting this...

keeleyjones: you bloody cuties

It dawned on Billie as she entered Wembley stadium's VIP lounge that had been decked out for the England players' partners and families, that she hadn't ever watched Jamie play a match which wasn't in a work capacity. There was of course the Chelsea match, when he'd insisted that he take her up to sit with Rebecca, but until that moment she'd had every intention of staying pitchside.

But she was glad that on an occasion as big as Jamie making his England debut that she could keep her focus on him, rather than making sure she was spreading her attention equally between the team as she photographed them.

To be back at Wembley for a football match was daunting, given what happened after the FA Cup match, but the pair were in a far better place, and they had each other. Billie hoped that returning to the same locker room wouldn't affect Jamie, and from the few text conversations they'd had that morning, she knew he would want to focus on the match, and that was what she'd let him do. She hadn't seen him since she drove him back to St George's Park after Uncle's Day, and she wouldn't see him until after the match, which felt unfamiliar, given their routine of seeing each other before every match.

Billie's phone buzzed in her pocket, she pulled it out to see that Rebecca was calling, so she stepped to the side, glancing over at the women in football shirts and men in suits who she assumed were FA officials.

"Hey," Billie answered, "Everything alright?"

"I'm just about to head into the Akufo meeting," Rebecca sighed from the other end of her phone, "I just felt like a little pep talk from you would make me feel more prepared."

"You don't need to be prepared, Rebecca," Billie assured her, "It's Akufo that's trying to sell the dream here, he needs you and the other owners to join or his league won't exist, remember that."

"The only other women in that room will be the staff, I'm almost sure of it," Rebecca muttered, knowing that the meeting's contents would inevitably be stale and male.

"You deserve to be in there as much as any of them," Billie reminded her, "They were all little boys once, without their football clubs, they are still probably just old boys."

"I think you might be right about that," Rebecca sighed, "You haven't heard from Keeley recently, have you?"

"Not a peep," Billie told her, "I've sent seven texts and three GIFs today, not one of them have been answered."

"Sounds about right," Rebecca sighed, having experienced the same silence from her too, "I assume you've made it to Wembley."

"Yeah," Billie nodded, glancing across the room at the women who looked immaculately glamorous, despite being dressed in football shirts, who she'd assumed were the other wives and girlfriends, "It's a bit of a lionesses' den."

"You'll be fine," Rebecca assured her, "You're there to support your lovely boyfriend and they're there to support their's, just focus on yourself and Jamie, and it'll all be fine."

"If you say so, boss," Billie smiled, "We must do drinks one evening next week."

"Sounds good to me, lovely," Rebecca replied, "Speak soon."

Billie ended the call and shoved her phone in her pocket. She felt rather underdressed wearing her oversized England shirt with a short black skirt and chunky black boots, despite being the most 'Billie' way she could have worn the shirt.

"Hi," Billie looked up to see a blonde, model-esque woman standing in front of her, her hair immaculately curled and her football shirt had been cropped to display her toned stomach, "You must be Billie."

"That's me," Billie nodded, her mind instantly worrying if any of them had seen that leaked photo.

"You don't need to be worried, your Jamie's one of the only three new names on the team," She explained, "I'm Megan."

"So you've all known each other for a while then?" Billie replied, sensing a Dance Moms-esque atmosphere to the world of footballers' wives and girlfriends.

"It's been about five years since my husband played his first England match, Kate's been here the longest, her husband's the captain," Megan explained as she led Billie towards the group of women who were sat at a table with a perfect view of the stadium as the crowds slowly began to trickle in, "Girls, this is Billie, Jamie Tartt's girlfriend."

"Hi," Billie smiled as the rest of the women offered her choruses of 'hellos' and 'nice to meet you.'

Billie wasn't exactly sure whether she belonged there, and would've much preferred the company of Rebecca and Keeley for Jamie's first international match; she had never wanted a match to begin as quickly as she did at that moment.

Over sixty minutes of the match had been played, and England were already winning 4-nil. Jamie had yet to play, given that one of England's strongest players was their strikers, it was uncertain whether he'd be substituted onto the pitch. Billie knew that it would depend on whether Southgate thought they'd need fresh legs up front.

Of course the England national team played a different style of football to Richmond, so it would take Jamie's versatility to adapt to a new style of play on the pitch.

"Substitution for England," The stadium announcer's voice echoed from the speakers, "Number twenty four, Jamie Tartt for number nine, Harry Kane."

Billie looked down at the sidelines, watching as Jamie jogged back and forth down the edge of the pitch to warm up. She wasn't sure she could think of a moment when she'd been more proud of someone.

Over two years ago he would've sulked over having to start a match on the bench, regardless of whether it was for England, Man City or Richmond. But Billie knew that was his father's voice that told him to think of the bench as a punishment. Yet the Jamie that was running onto the pitch to represent his country knew his value, and had silenced the voice of his father, because being picked for England in any capacity was an achievement to Jamie.

"Come on, J," Billie grinned, just one of ninety thousand faces in a sea of people as she watched Jamie run onto the pitch and immediately involve himself in the game.

Seeing him wear a number that wasn't his own touched her heart, remembering the conversation they'd had on facetime a few nights before. Jamie had been explaining that Southgate's key players had their shirt numbers set in stone, which as a fellow striker, meant that Harry Kane had Jamie's usual number. Jamie mentioned to Billie that he wanted to ask for twenty four to be his shirt number, as a nod to Sam, who he believed deserved a spot on the Nigerian international team. Billie of course loved the idea, and insisted that he should go with it, so to see him do that, knowing that Sam was watching with the rest of the team, she couldn't be more proud of him.

"Hello, stranger," Billie smiled as she leant against the bonnet of Jamie's car that she'd driven up to Wembley, knowing that he'd be free to come home to Richmond after the match.

"I've missed you," He grinned, wrapping his arms around her in a hug that he'd been waiting for all day.

"It's only been a few days, J," Billie looked up at him.

"A few days too long," Jamie sighed, kissing the top of her head, feeling more than content to have her back in his embrace again.

"What do you think?" Billie gestured down to her outfit as she pulled back from his hug.

"Give me a twirl." Jamie smiled, watching as she spun around on the spot, his smile growing at the sight of 'Tartt' printed on her back, given how many times she'd told him she believed it would happen, it just made it that little more worth it. To see her in an England shirt for him, well he was pretty sure it might've been the most perfect thing he'd ever seen.

"I'm so proud of you, starboy," Billie grinned, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, "I nearly fucking cried when you scored that goal in the seventieth minute."

"That one was for you, gorgeous," Jamie smiled, placing his hands on her neck and kissing her again, recalling his goal celebration when he'd blown a kiss up to the families and friends box for Billie as the fans chanted his song, "It were the best fucking feeling scoring that goal."

"Are you sure you're alright coming to Alf's birthday barbecue?" Billie asked, silently acknowledging how he'd opted for jeans instead of the sweatpants of his England tracksuit, "If you're too knackered, we can just go back to yours."

"Babe, I'd love to go," Jamie assured her, "It'll be good to see Alfie and Colin, anyways, who don't love an England player showing up to their birthday?"

"Alright, Mr England Star," Billie grinned as she placed her hands on his shoulders, "You're definitely going to blow Alfie's dad's mind turning up in an England jacket."

"I'll blow your mind later," Jamie smirked with a certain tone in his voice that sent a shiver through Billie's body, slipping his hands under the back of her shirt, letting them rest on her lower back.

"Is that a promise?" Billie bit her bottom lip.

"If you drive and let me sleep on our way back then definitely," Jamie remarked with a slight grin.

"Anything for my pretty boy passenger princess," Billie smiled.

Billie and Jamie pulled up outside Alfie's family home, a nervous Colin who they'd picked up on the way, sitting in the back middle seat as if he was their son.

"Fuck me, that's a big gaff," Jamie muttered under his breath as he looked up at the large detached house that made his terraced childhood home feel like a caravan in comparison, "You used to come here as a kid?"

"Yeah," Billie nodded, "I always used to feel a bit weird when Liz would drop me back home to the estate, but she'd not the sort of person who minded who her kids hung out with."

"Right," Jamie nodded.

"She's a dentist so the money's good," Billie explained, glancing over her shoulder at Colin who was nervously bouncing his knee, "You okay, boyo?"

"Do you think they'll like me?" Colin asked.

He'd yet to meet Alfie's family, given that he'd only just come out to his teammates, attending his boyfriend's birthday party and meeting his family kind of felt like the next natural step. Alfie had met Colin's family a few times on trips to Wales, but he understood Colin's hesitance to meet his. When Colin told Alfie that he'd come out to his teammates, Alfie cried with pride, peppering his boyfriend's face with kisses, unsure how to articulate what the feelings in his heart were.

They both agreed that the next natural step was for Colin to meet Alfie's parents, so Alfie had finally told his parents who his boyfriend was, asking that they keep it to themselves, given that Colin's sexuality was not public knowledge. They were delighted to hear that their son had found someone to love, and they welcomed the idea of Colin with open arms.

"Colin," Billie turned to face him, taking his hand in hers, "You are one of the kindest souls I know, and Liz and Richard have hearts of gold, they'd be fools not to adore you, alright?"

"You think so?" Colin smiled timidly.

"Yeah," Billie nodded, "Besides, you'll have me and Jamie by your side as long as you need us."

"Thanks, guys," Colin replied.

"I don't know about you two, but there's a burger in there with my name on it," Jamie glanced between Billie and Colin.

"Let's go, boys," Billie smiled as the trio climbed out of the car, she linked her arms through Jamie and Colin's, letting them walk either side of her as they made their way up the impressive driveway, "Richard does a sensational barbecue, you're in for a treat."

"You think your brother'll mind if I use today as a treat day?" Jamie asked as they reached the front door.

"What Roy doesn't know can't hurt him," Billie nudged him as she rang the doorbell.

The door promptly opened and Liz stood in the doorway with a delighted smile on her face, a glass of prosecco in her hand, "Billie, it's so good to see you, lovely lady!" Liz wrapped her in a hug.

"It's been too long, Liz," Billie smiled as she hugged her.

"Well, our Alfie says you're very busy with work," Liz assured her, "And this lovely boyfriend of yours."

"Alright," Jamie nodded with a smile.

"It's lovely to meet you, Jamie," Liz smiled as she gave him a quick hug, "I hear you've been treating our lovely Billie like a queen."

"Well she deserves nothing less," Jamie replied.

"Exactly," Liz nodded as she turned her attention to Colin, "Colin, it's wonderful to finally meet you."

"You too, Mrs Sykes," Colin smiled.

"Oh don't be silly, call me Liz!" She remarked before giving him a hug too, "You're family now, Colin."

"Shall we fix the boys a drink?" Billie suggested, aware that they were standing on the doorstep, "These footballers, they're thirsty creatures."

"Yes, absolutely," Liz nodded, leading the trio down the hallway and through to the kitchen, "You boys on the beer?"

"That'd be great," Colin replied.

"I'm driving," Jamie answered, not wanting to explain that he'd considerably cut down his alcohol intake, despite having just finished a week with the England team.

"You'll have to try some of Rich's mocktail mix," Liz told him as they reached the kitchen, the large kitchen island was covered in various drinks and platters of food, the large bi-folding doors were wide open, looking out onto the expansive garden.

"Sounds good," Jamie nodded.

"Mum, you aren't over-hosting, are you?" Alfie appeared in the doorway, sunglasses on his head, pushing his hair back.

"I am doing no such thing," Liz insisted as she poured herself another glass of prosecco.

"She's been on the fizz since breakfast, ignore anything she says," Alfie told Billie, Jamie and Colin.

"Happy birthday, Alf," Billie smiled, wrapping him in a hug.

"Thank you, Bils," Alfie kissed the side of her head.

"Happy birthday, mate," Jamie patted him on the shoulder.

"Cheers, mate," Alfie smiled, "And congrats on the win for England, I apologise in advance for when my dad starts asking you about it."

"I've had worse," Jamie assured him.

"Alfie, why don't you introduce Colin to your Dad and your grandparents?" Liz suggested.

"You ready? Fancy a beer or something before you meet them?" Alfie asked Colin.

"I'm good," Colin assured him, "Let's do it."

"You coming, Mum?" Alfie asked.

"Of course," Liz smiled, turning to Billie and Jamie, "You two help yourselves to anything you fancy, alright?"

"Will do," Billie nodded as Liz and the boys made their way out into the garden.

"So," Jamie smirked, placing a hand on Billie's waist, "She did say help yourself to anything we fancy."

"I'm almost one hundred percent sure this is not what she meant," Billie replied as she placed her hands on his chest.

"I've not seen you in days, babe," Jamie sighed, "I missed you, just wanna give you a proper loving."

"And you can do just that when we get home," Billie told him, giving him a quick kiss, "'Cause as much as I'd love a proper loving, we're at a barbecue, and I'm hungry."

"Come on then," Jamie exhaled, pouring them both a cup of diet coke, handing Billie her's before taking her hand in his and leading her out into the garden.

"Bils!" Billie glanced to her left as she and Jamie entered the garden to see Madison and her partner, Ryan, sitting on the outdoor patio seating.

"Hi," Billie smiled, leading Jamie to sit next to her on the couch opposite Madison and Ryan, "You been here long?"

"We got here about an hour ago," Madison explained, "Feels quicker when Liz keeps pouring us glasses of prosecco, you two not drinking?"

"Jamie's driving and he's still in football mode until the season's over," Billie told them as Jamie instinctively wrapped his arm around her, "I just don't fancy it."

"I always got the impression that footballers didn't have a problem partying in between matches," Ryan replied.

"Jamie cares more about his sport than the average footballer," Billie was quick to answer.

"Right."

Billie and Jamie spent another hour or so with Madison and Ryan filling up on barbecue food in between Jamie playing a few games of football with Rich's nephews as Billie watched on with Colin, who was worn out from meeting almost everyone in Alfie's family.

"So, how are you finding it?" Billie asked as they watched Jamie go easy in a tackle on Alfie's eight year old cousin, "The whole meeting the family thing."

"Better than I thought, I mean, they're all lovely which helps," Colin replied, "What was it like meeting Jamie's family?"

"Oh, I've not met them yet, we've spoken on FaceTime quite a bit," Billie answered honestly, she wished she had met Georgie in person, rather than being confined to the limits of FaceTime. She wanted to meet the woman who'd raised the man she loved, she wanted to spend real quality time with her, laughing over pink gin and lemonade as Georgie showed her Jamie's baby photos.

"How is it?" Colin asked, "When you speak to them?"

"Well it's mainly just Jamie's mum, after Jamie's dad left it was just him and his mum, the rest of the family didn't want to know, then she met Simon, he's a sweetheart," Billie explained, "But it's lovely, I just feel comfortable with them already."

"I get that," Colin nodded, glancing over at Alfie whose arm was around his grandmother's shoulder.

"Colin, mate," Jamie ran over to Billie and Colin, resting his hands on his knees, "Would you mind subbing in? Them kids are ruining me."

"Go on," Billie nudged Colin, "Pretty boy was practically running lengths at Wembley."

"Alright," Colin nodded, running straight into the game of football.

"You okay, J?" Billie smiled as she rested her head against his side.

"Yeah," He nodded, wrapping his arm around her, "I love all this."

"You do?"

"Yeah, I just love the idea of a big family, you know?" Jamie smiled down at her, "Like imagining our garden in fifteen years time, full of the most important people in our lives, that's what I want."

"To have what we didn't as kids?" Billie replied with a slight smile.

"Exactly."

author's note: thank you so much for reading! these chapters were a bit shorter as there was less jamie content but I hope you enjoyed them!

as always thank you for commenting, voting and all the love you show this fic! i adore you all!

mom city's next bffs!!!!!