Read Online Always by Jennifer Labelle - Free Book Online Page A

We should have signed him up for baseball instead.”
    Teegan and Liam chuckled as James tried to calm her down.
    “He looks good on you, by the way.” Liam playfully nudged her in the arm and looked down at Carter, who was comfortably asleep in her arms.
    “Why, Liam, are you implying I’d look good as a mother?” She smiled. “I’m actually beginning to doubt it’ll ever happen.” Shrugging, she looked toward the game again.
    “Oh, Sunshine, you’d look good no matter what, and I think you’d make a great mother. Do you want kids? I mean—” he swallowed loudly, “—it could still happen. You shouldn’t doubt it if it’s something you’d like one day.”
    “You know you’re the only one who’s ever called me that.” She cleared her throat.
    “Sunshine, it’s been way too long.”
    She playfully nudged him back. “It is something I’d like. I’m just at a point in my life where it feels like a long shot, so for now I’ll just have to borrow my nephews and LJ.” She winked at him. “Is that okay with you?”
    “By all means, be my guest. LJ hasn’t had very many mother figures in his life. In fact, besides my sister, who visits like once a year, and Susan, he hasn’t really been around women at all. LJ seems to adore you almost as much as I do.” He shrugged. “Hell, Teeg, I’m grateful to you for taking an interest. It could be good for him, and believe me, I wouldn’t just pawn him off on anybody. He’s been hurt without a mother, and I’m careful.”
    “Oh, Liam.” She hugged him with one arm, trying not to disturb Carter. “It must have been so hard being a single father, but he’s clearly a great kid, and you’ve done a great job.” She pulled back and let him keep his arm around her as they watched the next play. “I’d be happy to spend time with LJ.”
    “I know you would, Sunshine. I trust you to care for him.”
    “Good to know, Liam. It means a lot. Thank you.”
     
    ***
     
    James, Susan, and Liam all seemed to be having a parenting moment as they discussed the game with the coach. Teegan felt out of place and wandered off to congratulate Dylan and LJ. They may have lost the game, but they’d given it their all. “Hey, guys, you played a great game.”
    “Yeah, but we still lost,” Dylan whined.
    She sat in front of them on the field and tried her best to take the pouts from their faces. “But did you have fun? Because that’s what’s most important. You guys were terrific. Remember, this was only the first game. You’ll both get to play against those Marines again this season, and we’ll just have to look forward to a little butt-kicking the next time around with the Scallops coming out on top. Am I right?”
    “I guess so,” Dylan mumbled, but he looked as though he felt better after the pep talk, so she ruffled his helmet hair.
    “And what about you, LJ? Can I count on you to have fun and kick butt the next time?” She smiled. “You really did play a great game today.”
    “Thanks.” He nodded and then looked toward Dylan with a smile. “Man, your aunt is so cool.”
    Teegan laughed, making him blush, and stood up. “You two ready to head home?”
    They nodded. “But we’re going out for pizza with LJ’s dad.”
    “All right, then you should both go let Liam know you’re ready.”
    “Hey, Teegan, why don’t you come with us?” LJ asked. “I’m sure my dad won’t mind.”
    “Okay, then.” She smiled at him. “But maybe we should ask him first.”
    LJ’s face lighting up was short-lived as soon as he caught sight of his father. “Oh no, not her again,” he groaned.
    “What?” Teegan turned to see Liam talking with a beautiful brunette and sighed. Her heart felt as if it dropped to her feet, and she wanted to curse herself for feeling that way; hated herself for it. Technically, Liam was free to see whomever he pleased, and she had to get over herself. It was easier said than done, though. “Um, why the long face, LJ? He’s