Page 13 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

“You got that right!” Colton burst out laughing, but his smile quickly faded. “I’d be glad to, sheriff.”

Daxton nodded. “Are you sure this won’t be a hardship on you… I mean… with the ranch and the babies, I don’t want to add to your burden.”

Colton gave him a manly slap on the arm. “Not at all, Daxton.” He motioned toward the men working in the corral with the horses, obviously breaking a horse. Suddenly, the horse bucked the man off and the rest of the men laughed. “Life’s been good lately. I have plenty of help here on the ranch now and Ella will be fine with the babies. But if you don’t mind, do you think Lillian would mind coming over to help Ella? We’ll be glad to pay her.”

Daxton chuckled. “Just getting to spend time with Ella and play with the babies is payment enough for her. But I’ll pay her. You’re doing me a favor. And, of course, you’ll receive the sheriff’s pay, as well.”

Colton grinned. “Well, in that case, I’m paying Lillian.”

Daxton laughed. “Thanks, Colton. I truly appreciate it.” Daxton thought for a moment and then asked, “If you need her to, Lillian can stay here for a few days to help out.”

Colton shrugged. “You wouldn’t mind?”

Daxton shook his head. “Not at all. You’d be making my little girl very happy.” He reached out his hand. “Just promise me you’ll take good care of her for me.”

“That goes without saying.” Colton shook his hand. “When would you like me to start?”

Daxton sighed. “James can handle it today, so is tomorrow too soon?”

“James is on duty today alone?” Colton rolled his eyes. “That means I’ll start today. Just let me get cleaned up and I’ll go in.”

Daxton laughed. “I’m sure the town won’t fall down with James on duty alone for one day.”

“Don’t bet on it.” Colton chuckled. “He’ll drive the shop owners crazy. I’m libeled to go in tomorrow and find him lynched. No, I need to protect him from the town as much as the town from him.”

Daxton laughed. “Well, this is true.” James meant well, but he was driving the shop owners crazy. “I’m going to have to have a talk with him about curbing his enthusiasm.”

“You think so?” Colton teased.

Daxton gave Colton a manly slap on the arm and squeezed. “Thanks, Colton. It really means a lot to me.”

Colton’s features suddenly turned serious. “I’m always here for you if you need me, sheriff.”

Daxton nodded. “Thanks, Colton. You’re the best.”

“Speaking of the best…” Colton’s eyes suddenly grew wide. “I’d better hurry into town before James is the one who needs saving.”

Daxton laughed. “I’ll bring some things over for Lillian later tonight.”

He walked with Colton toward the house and gave him one last wave. Then he pulled the team down the long drive, headed toward home.

On the way back, he couldn’t help but think of the strange woman at his house. He found himself hurrying home, telling himself it was just in case she woke and Andrew was in the house alone with her. But it was more than that. She was obviously a strong woman, but also vulnerable. “She’s a damsel in distress,” he muttered aloud, shaking his head. “I’m always a sucker for a damsel in distress.”

No, she was just a woman in need of his help. Any more than that was out of the question.

Deep down, he knew he shouldn’t be harboring a woman he didn’t know with children in his house. But Lillian would be at the Hill ranch for a few days. Maybe Andrew would like to stay with Shawn for a few days, too, just until he found out more about her. He wanted to know what happened to her. But from the look of her, the bruises on her face and arms, he could only guess. His blood boiled at the thought of any man laying a hand on a woman, wife or not. Daxton knew he would have to be patient with her. But first, he needed to make sure she didn’t die from overexposure to the elements. Secretly, he was glad that it was summer and not winter. If it had been winter, she would have frozen to death before she reached his barn, which brought up a whole other round of questions.

How did she come to be in his barn? Obviously, she had been running. Who was she running from? Probably a husband or a man, no doubt. She must have been traveling on foot for who knew how long. But one thing was for sure: Her instincts for survival were strong, which had obviously paid off. He was just glad he had found her before anyone else did.

Daxton pulled the team to a stop in front of his house and jumped down out of the buckboard, eager to see her again, although he wasn’t sure why. He told himself it was to make sure that she was still alive. But deep down, it was more than that.She needed his help, and he was determined to give it to her. He just hoped he wasn’t making a mistake.

Daxton skipped up the stairs, two at a time, and walked inside. It was getting hot out and the house was a bit stuffy, so he opened both doors and a breeze immediately flowed through the house, cooling it down. He peeked into the bedroom and she was still sleeping, but her hair was drenched in sweat. It was a good sign. He knew she was sweating out the fever. Daxton glanced over to the bedside table and the water glass he had set there was still full. She hadn’t woken while he was away.

Daxton sighed and hurried outside to unhitch the team, eager to get back in to care for the woman. He had no idea why he was so concerned about her, but something inside him couldn’t help himself. He had always been drawn to those in need.

He also knew he should have told Colton about her, but somehow, he just couldn’t. He needed to speak to her first.

After the team was in the back pasture and the buckboard put away, he went back inside, and put on some coffee. Then he walked back into the bedroom, leaving the door open to let the air flow through while the children were away.

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