Page 47 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Daxton smiled, proud of his son for wanting to take responsibility. “Son, you’re not a man yet. Besides, I plan on being around for a long time to show you how to do such things.”

“Andrew, why don’t you empty the tub for me?” Josey interjected, obviously wanting to save Andrew. “We’ll need to heat some fresh water. You two need to take baths tonight.”

“But, Josey!” Andrew and Lillian said in unison.

“No buts,” Josey replied, a smile lingering on her lips. “I’m not going to have you two walking around dirty.”

Lillian and Andrew both looked at beach other and then laughed.

Daxton gave Josey an appreciative nod and she smiled in return. “I’ll be right back… and no heavy lifting.”

Josey laughed.

“Don’t worry, Pa. I’ll make sure she doesn’t lift anything heavy.” Andrew was already heading off to the utility room to empty the tub.

“Well, it looks as if I have a bodyguard.” Then Josey looked over at Lillian. “Want to help me fix dinner?”

A broad smile spread across her face as she nodded eagerly.

Daxton mouthed a silent “thank you” and then pulled his best dressing knife from the drawer, headed outside, and got to work. It was beautiful outside with the wind gently blowing through the green leaves of the trees along the edge of the lush forest.

Daxton loved summer. Although it was warm and sometimes downright hot during the day, it cooled down at night. They could always go outdoors in the summertime, as well. During the summer was when he spent time fishing with his children and playing games outdoors. In the winter, there was usually too much snow to get out. But they managed to entertain themselves indoors with games. If these past few days hadn’t taught him anything else, it was to spend more time withhis family. It was funny that it took a total stranger to bring him to that realization.

Josey was quickly becoming a part of the family, taking care of the house, fixing dinner and cleaning, allowing his children to be children again. Guilt filled his chest as he realized that he had come to depend upon his children a bit too much. After Priscilla left, the children had to grow up quickly. Yes, Mrs. Jenkins had been a great help during that time, but as the children grew, they had to take on more and more responsibility. Now, they were nearly grown, and it all had happened right before his eyes.

But they weren’t grown yet and he was going to enjoy their childhood while it lasted. The rodeo that Andrew had mentioned was coming up this Saturday, so he made a mental note to take Josey and the children. The rodeo was something that they all looked forward to each year. He guessed that some of the local ranchers would probably be competing in it, too.

After he was finished dressing the deer and cut it into steaks and roasts, darkness had nearly fallen. He saved the antlers, and the hide he stretched across a board to dry, using small nails to hold it in place. He burned the rest of the carcass, and then headed inside to take in the meat.

Josey had just finished making dinner and was wiping her hands on a dishtowel when Daxton came in. “Bring it over here and I’ll put it away,” Josey instructed him. She pulled a large flat pan from under the cabinet, already making herself at home in his kitchen.

Daxton smiled as he placed the meat on the pan. “That’s okay. I was going to salt cure it. I’ll take care of it.” He looked over and Lillian was setting the table. “So, what’s for dinner?”

“Josey made chili and soda bread.” Lillian set the last fork and knife beside the plate.

“Soda bread?” Daxton asked, rubbing a coarse salt over the meat, one piece at a time.

Josey smiled as she poured lemonade into glasses, enough for everyone. “Yes, an Indian taught my mother how to make it when she first moved to this territory.” She shrugged. “My mother taught me how to make it.”

Andrew’s eyes widened. “Indians? Real Indians?”

Josey smiled. “Yes, real Indians. There are still tribes in this part of the country. After the Treaty of Laramie in 1869, the Indians moved to the northern territories.”

“Wow! How do you know so much about this?” Andrew plopped down on a seat at the kitchen table, clearly enthralled.

Josey shrugged. “My mother grew up around a lot of Indians, but we’ll talk about it more some other time. Now, go wash up. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” Josey looked at both of the children.

“Yes ‘um.” Andrew said without argument and rushed up the stairs to his room, while Lillian went to her room to wash up.

Daxton looked at her in amazement. “How did you do that? Usually they put up a fight, especially Andrew.”

Josey chuckled. “I guess I have a way with children.”

Daxton laughed. “I would say so.” He picked up two glasses of lemonade and set them on the table, while Josey brought in the other two.

She sat down and placed a napkin on her lap. “Time to eat!”

The children came running in and sat at their places at the table.

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