A/N- Your reviews and comments about this story have been awesome recently, thanks so much. It's nice to know people still want this story and we enjoy writing it :)

Disclaimer- Same as chapters 1 - 35

His world had turned upside down, changed completely and utterly for the better. John rubbed his neck as he walked down the corridor that lead to reception at the training ground. He felt tired, but smiled as he remembered the reason for his weariness. Heath and Mia were absolutely perfect, now two months old and developing into little characters of their own. John and Anna had settled in to a routine with them pretty much straight away and John wanted to be as hands on as he could be, despite returning to work a few days after their birth. He had missed out on these times with Michael, and he was damned if he would with the newest addition to his brood.

Michael had returned to school for the spring term, getting around on his crutches with a practiced ease. X Ray's had shown his leg was healing nicely, and that he would probably only need to be in plaster for five or six more weeks. His recovery really was remarkable and John had felt so proud when he dropped his son off at school on his first morning. It was a milestone he feared during some of the longer nights they would never reach.

He was the doting big brother as well, always willing to lend a hand. Michael put his father to shame in the nappy changing stakes and was the expert bottle maker of the house. He adored his little siblings, but had appeared to form a special bond with Mia. On occasion, the only person she would settle for would be her biggest brother.

Jean had her knitting needles out in force, creating little cardigans and hats for the new arrivals. John loved to watch his mother with the little ones knowing how much she had wanted to care for a grandchild. She had missed out with Michael so to know she had that second chance meant the world to John.

Anna had taken to motherhood like a duck to water. John never had any doubts she would do, she was good at everything she turned her hand to. Seeing her with one of the twins in her arms always felt so special to John, to know he had a hand in making her so happy made him feel like the king of the world. He loved her even more now, if that was possible.

'Norm, phone call at the front desk for you.'

John looked up to see Robert at the doorway to reception, holding the cordless phone in his direction. Furrowing his brow as to why whoever it was didn't call his mobile, John strode towards Robert and took the phone.

'Who is it?' he mouthed to his colleague as he joined him in reception.

Robert shrugged as he returned to the desk, files strewn here, there and everywhere. 'Who am I? Your PA?'

John brought the phone to his ear. 'Hello?'

'John, its Pauline Smith. Anna's mother.'

He was stunned. John had never spoken to his mother in law, he didn't even know her name until she had just uttered it. Why would she be calling him? 'How did you get this number?'

'We, myself and my husband, Lucas saw the article about you and Anna in the paper. The one that focussed on the fundraiser you are planning.'

John had been putting preparations in place for a fundraising match for the local hospital to show his gratitude for their exceptional care when Michael was a patient. He had arranged a six a side fixture at Highclere between players from the current playing staff and a team of Downton Athletic 'Legends.' He and Robert were to star in the legends team of course, although he hadn't broken that news to Anna as yet. But why would her mother be calling?

'Yes, that's right.'

'We read in the paper along with news of the fundraiser that Anna gave birth to twins in the New Year.'

'She did,' John confirmed her statement. 'A boy and a girl. Heath and Mia.'

'Oh,' he heard Pauline whimper, this was obviously new information for her. 'They are beautiful names. Are they all well?'

John felt uncomfortable discussing this with Anna's mother given their history with each other, but he could also hear the concern in her voice, a parents concern for their child and John knew about that all too well now. 'They are all doing brilliantly, thank you.'

'You see, I feel terrible for how things panned out and I just know if I saw Anna face to face…' she paused before correcting herself, 'if we all did, Harry and Susie as well, now she has carved this little piece of happiness for herself she may feel differently.'

Pauline made a good point. Anna had never divulged the full details of what happened between her sister, Susie and her ex, Harry but she had a new life now. A happy life. She was a mother herself and in a loving marriage. Perhaps those circumstances meant she was ready to build bridges.

'Why don't you come to the fundraiser?'

As the words left his mouth, John heard Robert clearing his throat. Looking up, he saw Robert making cutting motions across his neck and shaking his head. Before he had a chance to process Robert's meaning, Pauline was talking again.

'Really? Do you think that is a good idea.'

'Erm…' John didn't know what to say. He was torn between wanting Anna to form some sort of relationship with her parents again, she would only regret it if she didn't and why Robert would be advising him to not invite them.

'I don't know if Anna will want that, John. For us all to turn up. I'll have to talk to Lucas. See what he thinks. I was thinking of a more private setting to meet up in.'

John didn't know what to say. 'Do what you think is best.'

'Thank you John. I will. Goodbye.'

She hung up the phone, John doing the same then looking to Robert. 'Alright, what the hell?'

'Well, you know how cut up Anna was about her sister and her parents siding with her. She left home and got a new job because of it all. What makes you think she wants to see them?'

John shrugged. 'Maybe because her circumstances have changed? She has me now, and Michael and the twins. She has her own family.'

'Precisely. She built this new family with you and purposely didn't tell her mother about it.'

'It will be fine,' John waved away Robert's concerns as he placed the phone back on it's base on the desk. 'I'll smooth it over with her tonight.'

'Yeah, good luck,' Robert replied, none too convincingly.

'I think I know my wife a little better than you do, Creeps.'

'And I think I know marriage a little better than you. Thirty years and counting. You never arrange something this big without making sure it's alright with her indoors. Or without there being jewellery involved.'

Walking into the living room, John rolled his eyes as he saw his mother and wife engrossed in yet another episode of Midsomer Murders. Standing beside the sofa they both sat on, the twins in their bouncy chairs in front of them both asleep, John remained unnoticed as the two women discussed who the murderer might be.

'It's the farmer,' Anna said with conviction. 'He's too nonchalant for it not to be him.'

'I still say the postman,' Jean counteracted, pointing at the screen. 'He has a big nose. I don't trust men with big noses.'

'It's the guy in the pink shirt.' Both women turned to see John leaning over the back of the sofa, grinning widely. He placed a kiss on Anna's cheek before moving to the armchair. 'Don't you two ever get bored of this show?'

'No,' Jean replied without missing a beat. She looked at her watch. 'Bargain Hunt is on after this.'

'Let the good times roll,' John said with a hint of sarcasm evident in his voice.

'Michael should be home soon, I'll see if he wants to beat me at that football game on his Playstation. Anything but Bargain Hunt.'

'It will be time to feed one of your other offspring by then so you'll have no time for games,' Anna informed her husband with a smirk. 'How was work? Gwen getting on alright?'

'She can hold her own, that's for sure. As Jimmy found out when he was drenched in the ice from the water bucket after he made one too many candid remarks about her ginger hair.'

'I don't even want to imagine what he was saying.' Anna stood up. 'Tea, anyone?'

'Yeah, I'll help,' John rose to his feet, eyeing his mother who was still riveted by the television programme. 'I have something I need to discuss with you.'

'Alright,' Anna said as John followed her out of the room and towards the kitchen. 'Is it that you are playing in this match next week against my wishes?'

John was dumbfounded, stopping in his tracks at the threshold to the kitchen. 'How do you know that?'

'I overheard you on the phone to Robert.'

'I was going to tell you…'

'Yeah, sure you were,' Anna cut him off. 'You won't be able to walk if you're not careful. I'm the team doctor and I'll have no sympathy.'

'I'll be careful,' John promised, taking a couple of steps towards his wife before stopping beside her, leaning against the counter as she continued to prepare them some tea. 'But that isn't what I have to discuss with you.'

'Oh,' Anna lifted her head to meet his gaze as she placed a tea bag in each mug. 'Do continue.'

'I heard from your mother today.' Silence. John waited for Anna to say something, but a reply was not forthcoming. Anna turned her back on him, moving to the fridge to retrieve the milk. He continued. 'About that article in the paper on the fundraiser.'

'I hope you told her where to go.'

Shit, John thought to himself. He looked at Anna's face for any hint that she wasn't serious. Looking back at him was a straight expression, Anna was deadly serious. They had never made any concrete plans, but he couldn't get away from the fact he had invited Pauline and the family to the fundraiser. They could turn up. He didn't have their number to call them back, and it would be wiped from the system by now. All John knew was from her reaction, Anna wasn't so ready to build those bridges he had thought about whilst talking to her mother.

'She just asked if you were well after the birth. I said yes and that was that.' He was lying, but better that than Anna being upset with him. Pauline hadn't been too enamoured with the idea of meeting up at the match. They probably wouldn't do.

'Okay, as long as you didn't say anything else,' Anna replied, her demeanour softening. She dropped the tea bags in the bin as she spoke. 'I don't want anything to do with them and that still stands.'

'What do you know?' Jean appeared in the kitchen doorway. 'It was the man in the pink shirt.'

Sitting in the stand at Highclere, John stared out over the pitch. The fundraising match was to take place in a little under two hours and he was all alone in the stadium, save for the grounds man giving the pitch one last tending to. John's thoughts were on Anna, and whether her family would show up today. He had tried to find their phone number, but to no avail.

Anna hadn't mentioned the subject again at home, and John felt terrible for lying to her. He just hoped that Pauline had decided to go with her gut and decide this wasn't the right place to attempt a reconciliation.

'There you are, Norm.' John looked down towards the players tunnel to see Robert peering around the side of it. Waving, John sat up straight when Robert began to walk towards him. 'Everything alright?'

Perhaps talking about it would make him feel better. Robert was climbing the stairs towards where John was sitting, moving down the row in front of him before coming to a stop just in front of the seat John was occupying.

'I lied to Anna.'

Robert regarded his friend over his shoulder as he sat down. 'You plum.'

'Yes, I sure am.'

'What did you say?'

'It's what I didn't say. She knows I spoke to her mother, but she doesn't know I invited them up here. She just thinks her mother was enquiring after the twins.'

'Well, that's a right little pickle you've got yourself in to,' Robert remarked, leaning back in his chair and staring out over the pitch.

'What if they turn up?'

'Then you're screwed.'

'Yeah, thanks Creeps,' John huffed, folding his arms.

'You have to tell Anna.'

'No way,' John replied without missing a beat. 'That is the worst thing I could do.'

'Okay, what if they turn up and you haven't told her. It's going to be a millions time worse.'

'But what if I tell her and they don't show up. Then I'd have told her for nothing and probably get a kick in the nuts for no reason too.'

Robert laughed out loud at his friends prediction. 'Believe me, if they turn up she'll do more than kick you in the nuts.'

John rested his elbows on his knees before burying his head in his hands. 'I've messed up big time.'

Robert exhaled deeply then turned around properly to look at John, resting a hand on his knee. 'You have to do what's right for you.'

'What would you do?'

'Well, I wouldn't have invited my mother in law to the match in the first place.'

'Yeah, thanks Creeps.'

'Gents, do you mind vacating the stand? The turnstiles are about to open and we don't want you getting mobbed.'

John and Robert looked up to see a steward talking to them. Robert replied with a thumb ups. 'Sure thing. Come on Norm. We don't want to be mobbed by our adoring public. We have a match to win first. '

John ran out of the changing room an down the tunnel to the cheers of the Downton faithful. Looking to the stands, he was relieved to see Anna's parents were yet to turn up. Perhaps they had decided against it. He prayed they had decided against it. He stopped on the touchline to do up his boot laces. Black, of course.

'Feels good to be in the old green and black stripes eh, Norm?'

John looked over his shoulder from his position crouched down to see Robert limbering up, the captain's armband displayed proudly on his right arm. He had been a no nonsense defender and John knew the team were in safe hands when Robert led them into battle. Joseph, a defensive midfielder who did the little things for the team that went unnoticed during his playing days, followed Robert a little more reluctantly. He had voiced his concerns at feeling a little nervous at having to show off his silky 'skills' to a new generation of Downton fans.

Michael Gregson still looked like he could play for the first team in midfield, obviously spending time with Edith overseas in the sunshine whilst travelling was doing him some good. Anthony Strallan, the current goalkeeper coach would do a decent job for them this afternoon in the six a side sized goals, and Charlie Carson completed their six, the former defender informing his team mates he was running after the ball for no body so their passing better be on point. Anna had agreed to be the team doctor for the day, despite her annoyance at John agreeing to play even with his knee injury.

The current Downton squad consisted of Jeremy Fitzgerald in goal, Evelyn Napier and Tony Gillingham in defence, William and Lewis Farrell in midfield and Ethan as the striker. Robert had instructed the players who were not to play, not wanting any injuries during the middle of the season. Downton were still hanging in there in the play off positions and Robert wanted the team to finish as high as possible in the league table. They would be wearing the current Downton away kit, purple and white.

The six a side pitch was set up in the middle of the pitch at Highclere Stadium and there was a decent amount of people who had turned up to watch the days festivities, John predicted it to be towards the two thousand mark.

'Looking good, Dad.' John stood up to see Michael standing before him, leaning on his crutches. 'Anna's still annoyed you are playing.'

John laughed to himself as he remembered what he was hoping wouldn't happen today. 'Believe me, it could be a lot worse. Who is looking after the babies?'

'Nan and Cora.' Michael pointed towards the touchline, John smiling as he saw Cora and Jean all ready to watch the match, sitting in the seated section of the main stand, holding a twin each. John's attention was then caught by Anna leaving the players tunnel, striding towards him in a club tracksuit. Michael noticed her too, clearing his throat. 'I'll go and help Nan.'

John nodded in understanding before being confronted by Anna. 'I hope you know I am doing this under duress today. And I am saying I told you so now. Because I know your knee will swell to the size of a balloon. You'll get no sympathy from me.'

'Thanks for your support, darling,' John's voice held a sarcastic tone. 'I thought you might have been proud of the man you loved for raising money for such a good cause.'

'Of course I'm proud of you. You're just an idiot.'

John stepped a little closer, placing a kiss on Anna's cheek before whispering in her ear. 'You aren't half gorgeous when you're angry.'

She smirked at that, folding her arms and placing her tongue firmly in her cheek as he pulled away to regard her. 'Just be careful.'

He offered her a knowing look. 'I promise.'

Realising he should probably be warming up, John turned on his heel to join his team mates. He took his place in the circle as the men passed the ball to one another. They carried out this exercise in relative silence, each man bouncing on his toes trying to warm up ready for the match. A wayward pass from Michael Gregson resulted in John turning around to fetch the ball. It was then that John looked up and realised what he feared was coming true.

'Shit,' he said to himself. Anna was at the bottom of the main stand behind the advertising hoardings, arguing with Pauline and Susie. Lucas, Harry and the child he shared with Susie were standing a few paces back. John couldn't hear what Anna was saying but she definitely wasn't happy. Robert was by his side in the next instance, looking on at what John had just observed.

'I did tell you, Norm.'

Throwing the ball back to his team without a word to his friend, John began to jog over to where the commotion was taking place.

'I don't know why John invited you here or why he would think I wanted to see you all, but I don't.'

'Come on, Anna,' Susie said, placing her hand on Anna's upper arm.

'Get off me,' Anna hissed, dragging her arm away. She looked at the child standing not a few feet away and felt her heart sink. It was all flooding back. The way they had made her feel, the hurt, the pain. How her parents siding with Susie had shattered her heart. Anna looked to her right to see John leaning over the advertising hoardings. How could he have done this to her? She had told him she wasn't interested in a reconciliation when her parents had written months ago. He had lied to her.

'Anna, they just want to speak to you.'

'And I thought I told you I didn't want to know,' Anna hissed, John taken aback at the tone she was using. She had never spoken to him like that before. She turned back to her mother. 'Please, just leave.'

Pauline shrugged, looking to John with tears shimmering in her eyes before leading the rest of Anna's family away. John's heart was thrumming in his chest, his breath leaving him in short gasps. He'd made a mistake. A terrible mistake. When she walked away, John followed Anna on the other side of the hoardings, trying to get her attention.

'Anna,' he said, trying to take hold of her hand.

'Don't touch me,' she whispered, trying to keep herself calm and collected. 'We will talk about it later.'

'I want to talk about it now,' John insisted, standing aside as she opened the gate that led from the terrace to the playing surface.

'That isn't a good idea, John,' she replied as she shut the gate before meeting his eye. 'Because you won't like what I have to say.'

With those words, she walked away towards the pitch, stopping to talk to Gwen who was acting as physiotherapist for the current Downton team today. He placed his hands on his hips and bowed his head. Bollocks, he thought to himself. He had only been trying to help when he had invited her family, he didn't want Anna to have any regrets. They had built a new life together, surely what they had now was enough to forget what had happened in the past?

The referee blew his whistle to announce he was ready for the game to begin. John ran towards his team mates, looking to Anna who was standing on the touchline of the smaller pitch looking less than enthusiastic at taking part today. As he lined up for the kick off, which Tony Gillingham had won for the current squad, John listened to the encouragement from the crowd. But his mind was anywhere else but here. Anna was angry with him, he had upset her and that notion went beyond football, beyond this game he loved.

He had to make an effort. All these people had turned up to watch the players put on a show and John had to deliver. But his heart just wasn't in it. He needed to speak to Anna. Meeting her eye on numerous occasions, he felt his heart sink as she looked away every single time. Half time arrived and the score was all square at nil nil. John sat down on the pitch beside Joseph. His knee was hurting and he needed attention from the medical staff and in normal circumstances he would seek it out. But he wasn't sure that was his best course of action today.

'Are you alright, Norm?' Robert asked before he took a swig from a bottle of water. He knew he wasn't, but Robert knew better than to discuss his friends private life in front of others. 'You've missed two chances you would usually score with your eyes shut.'

'My knee is a bit tender but I'm alright.'

'Good, because we are going to have to use the counter attack this half as their twenty year younger legs begin to show.'

'Right,' John nodded, looking up to see Anna approach.

'Any of you need any attention?'

'Norm's knee is a bit sore,' Joseph explained to Anna, patting his friends shoulder as he did so.

'Right, well I told him that would happen. But does he listen to me? No.'

'Come on, Anna,' John groaned, trying to rise to his feet before Anna turned on her heel and moved away.

'Trouble in paradise?' Charles lifted his eyebrows as he eyed John on the floor beside him.

'Let's just finish this match, shall we?'

Ethan put the current squad one nil up shortly after play resumed, William showboating in midfield before his inch perfect cross was met with a powerful volley from the American striker. It was impressive, even Robert applauding his squad players as they celebrated their goal. As full time approached, the match was heading for a win for the younger lads when John was put through on goal by Michael. He was one on one with Jeremy before he felt his legs taken from under him, John hitting the floor with some force.

'Shit, sorry boss.' It was Tony Gillingham, laying beside John having slid in to tackle his coach. 'You alright?'

'Yeah, don't worry Tony,' John said weakly before he looked to his left to see Anna's boots in his eyeline from his position on the floor.

'Are you hurt?' Her voice was cold and held no real conviction, John sitting up and straightening his socks.

'I'll be alright.'

'Okay.' Anna began to walk away, John watching her leave. This wasn't good.

The referee had awarded a penalty in the intervening moments as John rose to his feet, brushing himself down in the process.

'You taking it, Norm?' Joseph held the ball out to him. John took once glance at Anna before shaking his head.

'Not today,' John pointed at Michael. 'You take it, Gregsy.'

Furrowing his brow, Michael took possession of the ball. 'Are you sure?'

'Yeah.'

John stood back on the half way line, his hands in his hips, certain Michael wouldn't miss. And he didn't. One one. John looked on as the rest of his team congratulated the goal scorer. The referee blew the final whistle. The match was to be decided by penalties.

'Norm, you'll take the first, yeah?' Robert said as he tried to organise the order of kick takers.

'Nah.' John slumped down to the floor, looking disinterested. 'You guys go and I'll take the last one if it's needed.'

'Norm?' Robert eyed his friend with a quizzical gaze.

'I just don't feel like it,' John argued.

'I'll take the first,' Michael offered, Robert nodding his head.

John remained on the floor as the shoot out went on around him. The first four kickers all scored, taking events to sudden death. Ethan missed the fifth spot kick for the current team, meaning if John scored he would win the match for the legends.

'Norm, everything alright?' Robert asked, tugging him back as he made to make his way to the goal.

'Not really,' John shook his head. Robert's face was etched with concern before John pointed to Jeremy waiting in the goal. 'I best go take this penalty.'

John strode to the penalty spot, placing the ball down on the white circle. He turned his head to the stand to see Michael standing up, his fist in the air. 'Come on, Dad!'

He smiled weakly before turning his attentions to his two little babies asleep, one in their Grandmother's arms and the other in Cora's. And he suddenly thought things would be alright with Anna. They had been through too much for it not to be. Taking a deep breath, John heard the faint noise of his chant reverberating around Highclere, the song that the supporters sang for him.

'Johnny, Johnny Bates,' echoed louder now, John waiting for the referee's whistle to take the kick. He blew it and John began his run up, blasting the ball straight down the middle of the goal, Jeremy unable to stop the shot as he dived to his right. The legends had won.

Cheers rang around the stadium as John's team mates jogged towards him to offer their congratulations. After accepting high fives from Robert, Joseph, Michael, Anthony and an old fashioned hand shake from Charles, John lifted his head to see Anna watching with a hard expression taking the usual shine away from her features. He smiled weakly, a gesture she did not reciprocate before she walked away.

Perhaps things were not alright.