Page 48 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Daxton chuckled. “You’re going to have to teach me that.”

Josey blushed. “They’re good children.”

Daxton picked up his glass and held it up to her. “Thank you.”

“It looks wonderful,” Lillian gushed, laying a napkin on her lap, the perfect little lady.

“Say grace?” Josey asked, raising her eyebrows to Daxton, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Yes, whether he liked it or not, she was quickly becoming a part of the family.

Daxton bowed his head and said a blessing over the meal, thanking God for the good food and good company. “Amen.”

Josey stood and took the ladle in the pan containing the chili. “Daxton?”

“That’s okay. You can fix the children’s bowl’s first.”

Josey smiled. “Nonsense! The man of the house is always served first.”

“Well, if you insist.” He handed her his bowl and she filled it full.

“Whoa! That’s plenty.” He took the bowl back. “Thank you.”

Then she filled Andrew’s and Lillian’s bowls and then her own, she filled last. Then she sliced the soda bread and passed it around, letting everyone take a slice. When everyone was settled, she crumbled her soda bread into her chili.

Daxton did the same, stirred it up, and took a bite. The savory tangy flavor filled his mouth. Although it was hot, it tasted delicious. He fanned his mouth and quickly took a sip of his lemonade.

“Be careful. It’s hot,” Josey teased.

“Now you tell me.”

Josey shrugged. “Better late than never.”

Daxton laughed and took another spoonful. But this time, he blew across it first. The savory spicy flavor of chili filled his mouth. “This is delicious.”

Josey bowed her head slightly. “Thank you. My mother taught me how to make chili, too.”

Daxton smiled as he blew across another spoonful. “Your mother sounds like a knowledgeable woman.”

Josey’s eyes filled with sadness, but she gave him a smile. “Yes, she was. She died when I was quite young.”

Daxton’s smile faded. “I’m so sorry.” Obviously, Josey had endured much more suffering and loss in her life than he could imagine.

She lifted her chin and smiled. “Don’t be. She was a wonderful woman.”

He made a mental note to ask her more about it later, after the children go to bed.

“So, I was thinking of taking the children to Laramie this Saturday for the rodeo.” The children cheered and Daxton smiled. “Josey, would you like to go?”

Josey’s smile faded. “No, you go ahead. I’ll stay here and clean the house.”

Daxton chuckled. “Over the past few days that you’ve been here, you’ve cleaned so much that the place is spotless.” He took a bite. “Come with us and take a break. It’ll do you some good.” He glanced over at the children and smiled. “Who knows? Maybe Buffalo Bill Cody will be there.”

“Oh, I hope so!” Lillian chimed. “I’ve heard stories about him!”

“Me, too!” Andrew said, clearly excited. Then he turned to his father. “Do you think Wild Bill Hickock will be there, too?”

Daxton shook his head. “No, I don’t think so, but we’ll have to see. I hear they put on quite a show. It should be even better than last year.”

The children chatted animatedly, but Daxton noticed that Josey didn’t say another word about it.

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