Page 40 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Daxton held out the chair for Josey and she sat. “I agree. Is there anything you can’t cook, Josey?”

She shrugged and relaxed when he took his seat at the head of the table. “I’m not sure. I guess if you kill it and bring it home, I’ll try to cook it.” She was so hungry that she could have eaten breakfast, plate and all, when a wave of nausea came over her. “Excuse me.” She held a hand to her mouth, ran out the back door, and emptied the contents of her stomach behind a tree. When she thought nothing more could come up, she held onto the tree for a moment, hoping the nausea would go away soon.

“Here.” Daxton held a wet rag up to her. “Morning sickness?”

Her heart sank. She was hoping to keep it to herself for a little while longer, but the cat was out of the bag now. Josey nodded and then took the rag and wiped her face and mouth. “How did you know?”

Daxton placed a hand on the small of her back to steady her. “Priscilla, my ex-wife, used to get it when she was pregnant with the children.” He looked out over the farm, obviously seeing images of long ago. “How far along are you?”

She shrugged as she sat down on a nearby stump. “I’m not sure. I’m not showing yet, though. I just found out a few weeks ago.”

Daxton’s eyebrows pulled together in concern. “Is it your first pregnancy?”

“Yes, it is.” Josey wiped her mouth and bent over, willing the ground to stop spinning. “It’s not the best time, but I love this child already and will do anything to protect it. It’s one of the reasons why I left.” She let out a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Don’t worry. I’ll be gone by nightfall.”

Daxton turned around so quickly that it startled her. “What are you talking about? You can’t leave in your condition—”

“You’ve already done too much for me.” Josey stood. “I can’t ask for more.”

Daxton placed his hands gently on her shoulders. “You’re not asking. I’m offering.” He stooped down beside her and played with a blade of grass, obviously thinking. “Josey, why don’t you plan on staying with me and the children until after the baby’s born? You can decide what you’d like to do then.”

Josey narrowed her eyes at him. “I hate to ask this, but what do you want from me in return?” In her experience, no one was this nice. Not without wanting something from her.

His eyes widened, but he recovered himself quickly. “Nothing. Josey, I just want to help.”

“I’m so sorry. It’s just that—”

“Shh….” Daxton reached out and took her hand. “You don’t have to explain. You haven’t had kindness in your life, and you’re surprised to find it in others.”

She sighed. “A complete stranger is caring for me more than my own husband ever did.” At that moment, Josey saw him in a new light. Not only was Daxton willing to care for her, he was willing to care for a pregnant woman and her baby until the babywas born… and was asking for nothing in return. “Thank you. I can pay you back—”

“No, you won’t.” He smiled. “Just be happy… and take care of that baby.”

Josey smiled. “Oh, I will. You can count on it.”

Andrew opened the back door. “Josey, are you all right?”

She nodded as she took Daxton’s hand that he offered her. “Yes, I’m fine. Thanks, Andrew.”

“Good, because breakfast is getting cold and I’m hungry.”

“Andrew!” Daxton reprimanded.

“Well, it is!”

Josey laughed. “That’s okay. I’m surprised you didn’t go ahead and eat already. We’ll be right in.”

Andrew nodded. “No, I’ll wait.” He thought for a moment and then asked, “Are you sure you’re okay? You don’t look so good.”

Josey smiled as she let Daxton help her up the hill. “I’m fine, sweetie. You go ahead and eat. We’re coming in now.”

“Okay.” Andrew disappeared back into the house, closing the door behind him.

“Daxton….” Josey pulled him to a stop. “Would you mind not telling anyone that I’m pregnant just yet?”

A smile lit his lips. “My lips are sealed. But I think that the truth will come out soon.” He smiled as he looked down at her stomach.

She chuckled. “Of course, I’ll tell everyone eventually. But not just yet.”

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