Page 24 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

“You should tell him to come over here sometime.” Daxton took a bite of his bacon and biscuit, and it tasted delicious.

“Really?” Andrew’s eyes widened.

“Yes, of course. It would be good for you to have friends over... as long as you both behave.” Daxton arched an eyebrow.

Andrew blushed. “Of course, Pa.”

Daxton laughed and glanced over at Josey. She was drinking a glass of lemonade and eating a sandwich. “I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you look beautiful.”

Josey smiled as beautiful shade of pink colored her cheeks. “Thank you.”

“Josey, feel free to make yourself at home while you’re here. What’s ours is yours.” He pushed the stack of sandwiches toward her. “Here. Have another.”

Josey smiled. “Thank you. I think I will.” She lifted another sandwich from the stack and took a bite.

“So, how long are you staying?” Andrew asked between bites.

Josey shrugged. “Until I get on my feet, and then I’ll be on my way.”

Daxton reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You can stay as long as you like. There’s no rush.” He let go and then looked around at the house. “Besides, I’ve never seen the house look so good.” Then he looked in her eyes. “Josey, even though I offered you the job, don’t feel as if you have to work right now. Just rest and don’t push yourself too hard.”

Josey smiled. “I’m feeling better now. Also, I want to. I like chipping in, being a part of a real family.” She must have realized that she had said too much because she got up from the table, grabbed the pitcher of lemonade, and filled their glasses.

“Hey,” Daxton stopped her, grabbing her hand. “I’m glad you feel comfortable here. It’s okay.”

Josey smiled. “Thank you. I appreciate that.” Then she turned to Andrew. “And if you want to get out there while the fish are still biting, then I suggest you get going. I’ll pack you a few sandwiches.”

Andrew’s eyebrows rose, almost into his hairline. “Really, Pa?”

Daxton shrugged. “That’s what the lady said.”

“Would you and Josey like to go, too?” Andrew asked, clearly excited.

Daxton smiled. “Well, I think I would.” Then, he looked over at Josey. “What about you? Would you like to join us?”

She thought for a moment and then nodded. “Yes, I would. It’s been a while since I’ve gone fishing.”

Andrew handed her the hat. “Then, you’re going to need this. The sun is beating down pretty hard now.”

“Absolutely not.” Josey took a bite of her sandwich. “I gave it to you, so it’s yours.”

A broad smile spread across his face. “Thank you.”

Daxton took another sandwich. “Well, I think we’d better eat up then, if we want to get out there while the fish are still biting.”

Josey grinned, obviously enjoying herself. It looked as if she was finally starting to relax. But Daxton knew it would take a while before she felt completely at home.

Daxton was quickly getting used to her being there. But he pushed the thought aside. After all, she was a married woman. Just his luck. A beautiful damsel in distress comes to his door and she’s married. He chuckled to himself. But he quickly pushed the thought out of his mind. The last thing Josey needed right now was a man having designs on courting her. Besides, he didn’t need to fall for a woman who was going to leave, just like Priscilla did.

Daxton finished the last of his sandwich and stood. “Well, are you two ready?”

Andrew gobbled up the rest of his sandwich as he jumped from his seat and put his plate in the sink. “I’ll get the fishing gear ready!” He ran out the door, already heading toward the barn.

“Slow down there!” Josey yelled after him, smiling, clearly having fun.

Daxton reached for her plate. “Are you finished?”

Josey chewed and swallowed the last bite, shaking her head. “No, I’ll get it.”

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