Faith Family Football

Chapter Seven

Dedicated to @Horsegirl74

"What's wrong sweetie? You're so quiet." My mom placed her hand on my forearm and looked at me with concerned eyes.

"I'm fine." I smiled at her hoping to reassure her, "I'm just stressing over this game, that's all."

"Honey, you've got nothin to worry about. They've been preparing for this all season." My dad's hand rested on my shoulder and I knew he was right, it was silly of me to be worried, "This is their job."

"I'm so glad that you all came." I smiled looking around at my family and friends as we sat in the box JJ had reserved for us, being his wife had its many advantages, "Especially you guys... You made this trip all the way from Wisconsin. This means so much to him."

My attention turned to Connie, John and the boys who had joined us all for today's game. His parents made it a point to come to as many games as they could manage but the boys weren't always able to attend due to conflicts in their schedules. Having them all here today meant a lot to JJ and I know the kids were more than excited to see their grandparents and their uncles. Every off season they get to spend a lot of time with TJ and Derek, due to us relocating to Wisconsin, and they become more and more attached.

"We wouldn't miss it." Connie smiled at me endearingly and wrapped her arm around my shoulders, "We're happy we could all be here together."

"How's he been? How's he healin up?" John removed his focus from the empty field to me and I knew that everyone had been concerned over the injuries JJ had faced this season, it wasn't typical for him. He was still nursing a groin injury and as much as I wanted him to take it easy, he never seemed to listen.

"He tells me he's okay but... You know how he is." I shrugged my shoulders thinking about some of the times I've caught him pushing through the pain and I couldn't help but wonder how he was really holding up, "He won't admit when he's hurt, he'll fight through it until he can't anymore."

Derek chuckled shaking his head at what I assumed was JJ's stubbornness, "That's JJ for you."

"Lord knows I love him but he's a pain in my ass sometimes."

Laughter filled the room and I knew that everyone in there could relate. We all admired his passion and determination but sometimes he didn't know when to stop. When most people get hurt they give themselves a moment to heal but the same cannot be said for JJ. He could break his leg and still manage to find a way to play the game.

"There he is!" Noah's excitement pulled everyone's attention to the field as the team began pregame warm ups.

"He looks good." John watched his son closely and everyone seemed to agree with him.

"I wanna see daddy!" Avery pouted as she crossed her small arms in front of her chest, her small height didn't allow her to get the view everyone else had.

"Come here." TJ held out his arms ready and willing to hold up his little niece so that she could watch along with everyone else.

"Look." I pointed at TJ drawing Avery's attention to his outstretched arms and a smile spread across her face as she ran over to him, the ponytail fastened by her Texas sized bow bouncing with her movement.

"Daddy!" Avery tapped the glass and tried to wave, unbeknownst to her he could not hear her or see her. She wasn't used to being seated out of his view.

"The game is gonna start soon so if you guys have to go to the bathroom now is the time." I draped my arm around Noah's small shoulders as I watched the field with him.

"Okay mom." Derek teased with a grin on his face as he got up from his seat. Anyone that heard his comment seemed to chuckle and I playfully swatted at him as he passed by.