Teague (The Family Simon 4)

Okay. Teague was annoyed but not for the reason Sabrina thought. “She said that?”

Morgan nodded, both hands on the rope as she started to swing from it. “Do you find us annoying Tigger?”

God this kid was direct.

“No. Not annoying. Maybe a little loud.”

Morgan snorted at that. “We’re kids, silly. We’re supposed to be loud. My daddy used to say it was one of the rules. He had a lot of rules but they were all fun. Like he used to say it wasn’t a good day until we were all dirty and tired.”

“Your father sounds like he was a smart man.”

“He was really smart. He’s probably teaching little kids in heaven.” Her eyes swept down and his gut tightened. “That’s what he used to do here. He was a teacher. The best one ever.”

Morgan’s hands slipped from the rope and she would have skinned her knees but good, if not for Teague. He bent down and got hold of her just in time to prevent a tumble and she surprised the crap out of him when her little arms wrapped around his neck tightly.

“Thank you Tigger,” she whispered against his cheek. “You saved my life just like the prince on my favorite show.”

She leaned back and put her hands on either side of his face and damn if he didn’t think that maybe she was the cutest little girl he’d ever seen. Considering he didn’t much care for kids, that said a lot.

Teague cleared his throat gruffly and carefully extricated himself from her clutches. “Let’s check on your mother.”

He’d no sooner said the words than Sabrina appeared with a pasty white Harry in tow. To say that she was surprised to see him with her daughter would be an understatement. She opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, eyes on her daughter.

“Morgan, I told you not to let go of the rope.”

“I didn’t.” She skipped over to her mother and grabbed her hand. “But I fell and Tigger saved me. I would have had a big ouchie, but he saved me.”

“Please don’t call him that,” Sabrina said, glancing up at Teague. “I’m sorry. It’s rude. I know.”

He stood back, hands once more in the front pockets of his jeans. “I don’t mind.” The three of them were on the other side of the rope and for a few seconds he allowed himself a gentle perusal.

Sabrina wore a simple sundress. White with little yellow flowers. It was wholly feminine with a skirt that floated in the breeze and the fitted top enhanced her slight curves. Her dark hair fell to just past her shoulders, the long waves shiny. She didn’t wear much makeup, a hint of gloss on her lips, a touch of shadow across her eyes, but then she didn’t need it.

The woman was a natural beauty and the simplicity of her attire only enhanced it.

And she smelled good. Honeysuckle? Maybe?

Surprised at the direction his thoughts were going, Teague cleared his throat and took a step back.

“Hey, you almost knocked me over.” The voice was behind him and belonged to Candace.

Teague turned to her. “Sorry I was just talking to my neighbor.”

“Sabrina!” Candace slid into his side, her arm linking through his. “Your kids are adorable. I don’t think I’ve seen them since they were much younger.”

“You guys know each other?” Teague asked.

“Sure,” Candace replied. “Sabrina and I went to high school together.” Candace’s forehead furrowed. “Hey, didn’t you and Josiah date?”

“Ah briefly,” Sabrina replied, an embarrassed flush creeping up her neck.

“Anyway your kids are gorgeous.”

“Thank you,” Sabrina murmured, nodding to Josiah who’d now joined them.

“Is he okay?” Josiah asked, glancing at the still-silent Harry.

> Sabrina took a step back. “He will be once I get him home. Too many ribs.”