Page 37 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

“See that you do.” She chuckled as her eyes met Daxton’s. “Good night.”

He smiled, glad to see that she was somewhat herself again. “If you need anything, just let me know.”

She gave him a small smile as she nodded, and then headed off to Lillian’s bedroom, closing the door behind her.

“Well, so, it’s off to bed with you, too. Goodnight, son.” Daxton gathered the cards, placed them in a wooden box, and set it on the mantle above the fireplace.

“I’ll put away the chessboard.” Andrew headed into the living room, but Daxton stopped him.

“Just a minute, son.” Daxton crossed the room to the table where the chess set rested and lit the candle. “Want to play a game before you go to bed?”

Andrew’s face lit up. “Really, Pa?”

Daxton smiled. “Yes.” He sat down in one of the wooden chairs beside the table and motioned toward the other. “Son, I’m sorry that I haven’t had much time to play with you lately.”

Andrew smiled as he sat down. “It’s okay, Pa.” He shrugged. “As the sheriff, you’re a busy man.”

Daxton sighed. “Maybe I should step down and take up farming… or ranching, like Colton.”

Andrew shook his head. “No, Pa. I’m very proud of you. You keep the town safe. The town needs you.”

“But you and your sister need me more.” And it was true. In taking his duties as sheriff so seriously, he had come to ignore his children. If not ignore, then let them raise themselves. “You’re growing up so fast and I don’t want to miss any of it.”

Andrew reached over and squeezed his father’s hand. “You won’t.” He let his hand go and smiled. “Pa, we’ll still grow up, whether you want us to or not, but you’ve been a good father.”

Daxton smiled, touched beyond words as a lump formed in his throat. “Son, I’m very proud of you, too.”

“So, how about that game?”

Daxton nodded. “Okay. But just one.”

A mischievous smile lit Andrew’s lips. “Don’t worry, Pa. I’ll try not to beat you too badly.”

Daxton scoffed. “That’ll be the day. Son, you may be growing up, but you’re not grown up yet.”

As they played into the night, he was amazed at how skilled his son had become in the game. He was growing up too quickly, both he and Lillian. And Daxton didn’t want to miss one minute of it.

“Check mate!” Andrew announced proudly, bringing the game to an end.

“Good game, son,” Daxton conceded.

Andrew began setting the chessboard back up again. “Another game, Pa?”

Daxton shook his head. “No, but leave it set up so we can play again soon.”

Andrew looked up at his father, surprise coloring his eyes. “Really, Pa?”

Daxton smiled. “Really.” Andrew threw his arms around his father and Daxton stood and pulled him in for a hug. “Now, off to bed. We’ll play again tomorrow.”

Andrew looked at his father and a devilish grin lit his lips. “You mean, when I’ll beat you again.”

Daxton laughed as he kissed the top of his son’s head. “You can try.”

Andrew pulled back. “Hey, I did it once, and I’ll do it again.” Then he ran off up the stairwell but turned around halfway up. “I love you, Pa.”

“I love you, too, son.” Daxton smiled. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay, Pa.” With that, Andrew hurried up the stairwell.

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