Page 153 of Through the Storm

Mini-Ben sleeps through most of the first half. Occasionally the crowd roars loud enough to startle him, his little body jerking slightly before settling again against my chest. I bounce him gently until he relaxes.

“Honestly, same, Mini-Ben,” Ella says. “I also do not understand football and would prefer a nap.”

“How? Your cousin is literally the starting QB for your college team.”

“Exactly. I’ve been confused for years.”

At one point Ben takes a hit that makes half the stadium gasp. I tense automatically. It doesn’t help that Ella immediately starts crying.You’d think with so many athletes in her family she’d be used to this.

Mini-Ben snores softly against me.

Caroline pats my shoulder. “He’s fine.”

I nod. I know he is. But it still takes me a second to breathe again.

Somewhere between that play and Caroline bringing us snacks, I realize I’m not just surviving this. I’m actually enjoying being here, watching him. Having our son asleep against me while the entire stadium roars. I love this loud, chaotic, beautiful life.

At halftime, Ella suddenly grabs my hand. “Come on.”

I blink at her. “Where?”

She flashes her sideline credential like a woman who has never once in her life been told no. “The field.”

My heart jumps immediately.

“Ella—”

“Perks of being related,” she says cheerfully.

Grandma Patty waves us off. “Tell Ben that if he gets tackled too hard again, I will personally have words.”

I laugh, then look down at the baby. Then back at Ella. “Are you sure?”

She grins. “Absolutely.”

And before I can talk myself out of it, she’s already pulling me toward the stairs. Toward the sideline. Toward Ben.

BEN

I hear them before I see them.

Ella’s voice cuts through the sideline noise, and I turn just in time to see her waving her credential.

And then I see Katy. She’s standing just behind the barrier, our baby tucked against her chest, eyes wide but steady. She looks nervous and beautiful and all mine.

For a second, the noise of the stadium fades.

That’s my girl. And that’s my son.

“There’s your crew,” Tyler nudges me.

“Yeah,” I say, already jogging to them. “Hey.” I plant a soft kiss on Katy’s lips.

Her smile is instant. “You were incredible.”

“Thanks.” I look down at our baby. “How did he do?”

“He did great. He mostly slept.” She glances down at him. “Woke up a few times. Was unimpressed.”