Page 46 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Andrew took a knee beside the deer and cleared his throat. “Thank you for giving your life so that we can have food thiswinter. Your spirit will live on in the trees, the forest, and in your herd.”

Daxton patted his son’s back. “That was beautiful, son. Now, what do you say we bring it home?”

A smile spread across his face. “Thanks, Pa.”

Daxton pulled his son in for a hug. “I’m proud of you, son. But if you don’t want to do it again, you don’t have to.”

Andrew nodded. “Okay, Pa.”

Daxton lifted the stag and slung it around his neck. It was heavy, but he managed. “Let’s go home.”

On the way back, Andrew started talking animatedly about it. About the deer running and then tracking it. When they got back, the sun was already starting to dip, sending shoots of orange, pink, and red across the sky.

Daxton walked over to a large wooden table by the barn and laid the deer down. Then he gave his son’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Let’s go inside. I’ll come back out and take care of it in a minute.” Daxton needed to get his sharp hunting knife to dress the deer right away so it wouldn’t go to waste, and he didn’t want Andrew to watch. His son had had enough for one day.

“Okay, Pa.” Andrew ran ahead toward the house and then called over his shoulder. “I can’t wait to tell Josey!”

Daxton smiled as he followed. He didn’t want his family to get too attached to her, but she was already worming her way into their hearts without intending to.And Daxton found that he was looking forward to the idea of having a baby in the house again.

Andrew flung the door open and yelled in. “Josey! Guess what? I got a deer!”

When Daxton walked in, Josey and Lillian were in the living room sewing.

“Pa!” Lillian ran toward him, and he lifted her off her feet, giving her a big bear hug. “I missed you!”

“I missed you, too, baby girl.” Daxton set her on her feet. “When did you get home?”

Lillian tilted her head to the side. “Colton brought me a little while ago.”

“He left already?”

She nodded. “Yes. I think he was eager to get home.” Lillian laughed. “He kept saying that James was driving him crazy.”

Daxton laughed. “I guess it’s time for me to go back in tomorrow.” Then he looked between his daughter and Josey. “Will you be okay without me tomorrow?”

Josey nodded. “Yes, we’ll be fine.”

Lillian scoffed. “Pa, I’ve been taking care of the house on my own for a while now. Of course, we’ll be fine.”

One corner of Daxton’s lips curled into a smile. “Well, not entirely on your own, but close enough.”

Josey smiled. “Well, now she’ll have some help.”

Daxton looked at his daughter. “You won’t mind?”

Lillian shrugged and then looked over at Josey and smiled. “It’ll be nice to have another lady around the house.”

Daxton patted her head. “Well, you’re not quite a lady yet. Enjoy being a child while you can. You’ll be a grown woman soon enough.”

Lillian pulled away. “Oh, Pa!”

Daxton laughed. “Well, I’m going to dress the deer. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll help,” Andrew interjected.

Daxton shook his head. “No, son. You’ve done enough for today. Why don’t you go play? You can help me next time.”

“No, Pa.” Andrew looked with sincerity into his father’s eyes. “I’m almost a man now and I’ll need to know how to do such things.”

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