Page 85 of Sawyer

I laugh. “Funny, but Ava’s that kind of trouble too.”

“I am,” Ava says, giving her shoulders a wiggle.

“Okay, I’m it.” Junie stands beside me. “Mr. Sawyer, do you know how to play duck duck goose?”

“I sure do. Ella taught me well.”

“Good. Okay, I’ll start.” June plops her hand onto my head. “Duck. That means you don’t get up and chase me yet.”

I give her a thumbs-up. “Got it.”

“But if I tap your head and I saygoose, then you have to chase me.”

“Great refresher of the rules. Thank you, Junie.”

“You’re welcome,” she singsongs, skipping around our circle. “Duck. Duck.” She pauses beside me, before tapping my head and yelling, “Goose!”

I push up to my feet. “Oh, girl, you’d best run, ’cause I’m gonna get ya!”

“You won’t get me!” Junie is giggling as she sprints away. “I’m very fast!”

I make a big show of huffing and puffing while I chase her, wiping my brow with the back of my hand. “Goodness, June, you are fast.”

Junie is laughing so hard that she can barely breathe by the time I grab her and toss her into the air.

“Gotcha! Finally.”

Junie pats my cheek as I settle her on my hip. “You’re slow.”

“I’m old. There’s a difference.”

Ava is still laughing. “Is there?”

“Why is your face so spiky?” Junie asks, peering at my mustache. “I don’t like it.”

Ava’s laughing again. “I like it. A lot.”

“Y’all are putting me between a rock and a hard place right now,” I reply. “I value both your opinions. What’s a guy to do?”

Lee slowly shakes her head, a wistful look on her face. “Keep the mustache. Always.”

“Always,” Ava agrees.

“Can I play with Yella tomorrow?” Junie’s hand is still on my cheek. “She can come to my house.”

“She’d love to play with you tomorrow. Maybe y’all could come to our place this time? Give your mama a break from cleaning up after you heathens?” I glance at Ava.

Her eyes are soft. “We could probably make that happen, yeah.”

“Yay!” Junie yells.

“Indoor voice, please,” Ava says. “All right, it’s time for Mr. Sawyer and me to get going. Do you promise to be good for Miss Lee?”

“I promise.”

“You’re such a big, brave girl.” I give Junie a squeeze before setting her down. “Thanks for letting me borrow your mom tonight.”

Junie grins. “You’re welcome.”

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