Page 111 of Their Greatest Strength

“Come on, we’ll haul everything to the field, and then you can swap out your old stuff in the locker room.”

Stepping into their line of vision, I reach for Nate’s hand and squeeze while meeting Jamie’s waiting stare. His heart bleeds in his eyes, so open and raw. I don’t need to speak a word, and neither does he. Everything we want to say passes through the way we look at each other.

Thank you.

I’d do anything for you and your brother.

“You even colour matched to our jerseys!” Nate exclaims.

I step into Jamie’s arms and touch my fingers to his jawbefore kissing him softly. He holds me close for a beat, as if reminding himself how it feels to have me pressed against his body. I know that because I’m doing the exact same thing.

Slowly, we separate and turn to Nate. He has the tub in his arms and is waving a foot beneath the SUV to trigger the liftgate to close.

“I’m going to make sure everyone tries extra hard tonight,” he notes, nudging us to head to the field now. “I want to make sure you come to another practice.”

Jamie locks the doors and drapes an arm over my shoulders as we follow Nate. I slide my hand into the back pocket of his jeans.

“I don’t care how well practice goes. I’ll come back as many times as I can regardless,” Jamie says.

Nate keeps staring straight ahead. “Really? You don’t have to.”

Pain lances through my chest. Our mom is responsible for this deep-rooted feeling of unworthiness that he carries. At ten years old, he was too smart to miss why she left us. We were never good enough for her, never worthy of her attention or love. And now, he’s left searching for affirmation from those he loves.

I’ve tried my hardest, but maybe I haven’t done a good enough job.

Jamie tucks me closer and drops a kiss to the top of my head. “You could warm the bench every game for the rest of your football career, and I’d still come see you, Nate. You’ve got my word.”

My brother stumbles a step on the grass, his hunched shoulders pulling back. “Even after theyou knowis over?”

I hold my breath.

“Even then. You’ll just have to remind your sister to save me a seat for the games I can make it to.”

This time, Nate spins to face us, and the cheek-splitting grin on his face could light up the entire universe.

“You’re awesome, Jamie.”

“So are you, buddy.”

“Do you think you could watch how I play and give me some pointers? Coach is great, but you’re, well,you.”

Jamie doesn’t hesitate for even a half second. “Absolutely. If you’re up for it, we can stay a bit tonight and work on some things.”

“Don’t you have a run-through in the morning?” I ask him quietly.

He simply brushes another kiss to my head. “I’ll live.”

It’s not like practice runs that late, but Jamie’s up and working out in the home gym every morning before six. I learned that the hard way.

A few players on Nate’s team are already here, dressed in their gear and stretching on the field. I don’t have even half the number of names memorized that Jamie already does.

When one of the kids spots Nate, he waves him over, eyeing the tub in his arms.

“Hey, Nate.”

“Hi, Max.”

I debate removing my hand from Jamie’s pocket but hesitate. And when I catch the way one of the women on the bleachers is gawking at him, I toss the idea in the dumpster.

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