Page 50 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Lillian’s eyes brightened. “Like what?”

Josey shrugged. “Like how to sew, crochet, or embroidery.”

Lillian jumped to her feet. “You know how to do all of that?”

Josey smiled, nodding. “Yes, of course. And I’ll be glad to show you, while I’m here.” Josey thought for a moment. “Every young lady should know these things.”

A smile spread across Lillian’s face. “Yes! That would be wonderful.”

“Tomorrow, then.” Then Josey glanced over at Andrew, who was helping his father clear the table. “Good night, Andrew.”

He looked up and smiled. “Night, Josey. I hope you feel better soon.”

“Thanks, hon.” She walked into Daxton’s bedroom and closed the door behind her, grateful to be with this family… no matter how long it may last. She was just glad that she had a taste of a normal family before she had to leave. But she planned to stay until the baby was born. She had promised Daxton. And she planned to make the most of it and to help them out as much as she could… while she was there.

Alone, she sat on the edge of the bed, wondering how she had gotten herself into this mess. She rubbed her stomach that was now starting to protrude ever so slightly. She had always had a flat stomach and no one else would notice the change... not yet. But soon, people would. How was she going to explain her pregnancy to everyone? She could tell them that it was her late husband’s and that he had died, which wasn’t entirely a lie. Yes, he had died... but at her hands.

But it had been an accident, after all. She hadn’t walked into the room where he was and gunned him down in cold blood. She had warned him to stop, to leave her alone, but he hadn’t listened. And she still hadn’t shot him, even when he had lunged for her. But in self defense, thinking of the baby’s as well as her own well being, was when she had finally pulled the trigger.

God help her. She just hoped that her child never found out who his or her real father was. No, that secret was better kept and taken to the grave. She just hoped it wasn’t the later.

After a while, she leaned back against the pillows, but she wasn’t able to sleep. She had too much on her mind.

Then she began to think. At the fish fry with Colton and Ella, it had been mentioned that they had hired a young man named James as a deputy. Then she sat bolt upright in the bed as she put two and two together. One of Logan’s men was named James. But then she let out a deep breath and settled back down, knowing that the chances of it being the same man were slim to none. She was just being paranoid.

But then again, Austin was cunning, even though he was vicious. That was how he and Logan had eluded the law for so long. Josie wouldn’t put it past Austin to plant people in towns in the area on the lookout for her.

She smirked, knowing she was being ridiculous. He didn’t have enough men to place one in every town, unless his men scouted the surrounding area, as well.

Josie knew she’d never get any sleep at this rate, letting her imagination get away from her.

As she lay in Daxton’s bed, she missed him. Even though she had slept in his arms just over the past two nights, Josie had already gotten used to it. Now, she missed him.

But it wasn’t fair to lead him on.

Daxton had cared for her in her hour of need. She owed him more than that. Even though she felt her heart going out to him, she couldn’t let herself fall for him. Not until this mess with Logan and Austin was over. But in her heart of hearts, she doubted it ever would be. Josie feared that she would be looking over her shoulder, having to keep moving from town to town for the rest of her life and not get attached to the residents, just to survive.

Unable to sleep, she decided to get a glass of lemonade or maybe a cup of hot tea. When she opened the door, it was dark except for the faint embers glowing in the fireplace. Since it was summer, it was cool and not too cold, so it wasn’t as important to keep the fire going all night.

Not wanting to disturb Daxton, she crept into the living room as quietly as she could.

“What are you doing up?” Daxton’s voice resonated throughout the room, piercing the silence, causing her to jump.

“Oh! You scared me!” She placed a hand over her heart. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Daxton sat up and smiled. He was fully clothed, with the exception of his bare feet. And she couldn’t help but notice that even his feet were attractive. “Sorry. I couldn’t sleep.”

He rose from the sofa and placed a log on the fire. The fire rose up again, filling the room with warmth.

“Neither could I.” She motioned toward the kitchen. “I was about to make myself a glass of lemonade. Would you like some?”

“Would you mind if I make us some coffee instead?” He headed back to the sofa, folded the blanket, and laid it over the arm.

“That’s okay. I’ll make it.” It was the least she could do for all that he had done for her. As she started making the coffee, Daxton’s voice suddenly boomed in her ear.

“You know, you don’t have to feel obligated to me.”

“Oh!” She jumped, chills going down her spine. She hit him playfully on the chest. “Stop doing that!”

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