Page 42 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Andrew shrugged. “I figured that if I get an early start, then we can go hunting sooner.”

Daxton finished the last of his biscuit. “I’ll help with dishes, and I’ll be right out.”

“Nonsense,” Josey replied. “I’ll take care of the house. You two go ahead. The deer won’t wait for you.”

Daxton smiled appreciatively. “If you’re sure.”

“I am.” Josey took his empty plate. “Now, git. I’d like to have venison for dinner tonight.”

Andrew laughed. “A minute ago, you said you wanted fish again.”

Josey took Andrew’s plate, too, smiling. “Well, I’ll cook whatever you bring in the door.” Then she leaned in conspiratorially. “Just don’t bring home a skunk.”

Andrew laughed. “Don’t worry. We won’t.” Andrew started to get up, but his father stopped him.

“What do you say?”

“May I be excused?”

Daxton smiled. “Yes, you may. We don’t want to forget our manners.”

“Yes, Pa.” Then Andrew headed out the back door.

“He’s a good boy.” Josey stacked the dishes on the table and carried them to the sink.

Daxton caught her hand, sending chills over her body. “Are you sure you don’t need any help?”

Josey chuckled. “Oh, heavens no! You two go enjoy the day and I’ll take care of the house. I might just take a bath while you’re out.”

Daxton’s eyebrows pulled together in concern. “I’ll heat the water. I don’t want you lifting the heavy buckets.”

“I can do it—”

“No, I want you to take care of yourself.” Daxton placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked in her eyes. “Please, don’t fight me on this.”

A smile lit Josey’s lips, enjoying someone taking care of her for a change. “If you insist.”

“I do.” Daxton lifted the buckets, filled them with water, and set them on the stove to heat for her bath and dishwater. “When they heat up, let me know and I’ll lift them for you.”

She chuckled. “I can do it, Daxton. Really.”

He shook his head and narrowed his eyes. “Promise me.”

“Okay, I promise.” He headed into the bedroom as she finished stacking the dishes. Then she went into the living room and sat in the rocking chair to wait for the water to heat. Josey looked over and saw a sewing box sitting on the writing desk in the corner. She opened it and inside were needles, thread in all colors, a thimble, and more.

“It belonged to the children’s mother,” Daxton said behind her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snoop.” Josey hurried to place the lid back on top.

“No, it’s okay.” Daxton walked over to it. “Lillian has taken an interest in sewing lately and I thought she might be able to use something out of it. But Ella made her a sewing box of her own because she was reluctant to use her mother’s.”

Josey nodded, understanding. “What happened to her… your ex-wife… if you don’t mind me asking?”

Daxton sighed. “She left us for another man.”

Josey’s eyes opened wide in surprise as she gasped. “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

Daxton shrugged. “Don’t be.” He looked over his shoulder to make sure Andrew wasn’t within earshot. “Priscilla never wanted to be a mother. When the children came along, she had a hard time coping. I guess it was a blessing when she finally left.”

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