Page 52 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

Luckily, Josey had agreed to stay inside with the doors locked and the children inside. But a fat lot of good that would do if someone wanted to break in. It was too hot to keep the windows closed, too. It would be plenty hot enough with the doors closed as it was.

Daxton hated to make his children stay inside on such a pretty day. It was summer, after all, and the only time the children could get out of the house, other than going to school. But it would be a small price to pay for their safety. And it would only be for just one day since it was Friday.

That morning when he woke, Josey had gotten up early and had made another batch of bacon, eggs, and toast. One thing was certain: She sure was a good cook, and she always made enough for an army. Daxton chuckled to himself. If he kept eating like this, he would have to widen the front door of his house to get in. But he wasn’t complaining. It had been a while since he hada woman’s home cooking. And his house could use a woman’s touch.

He was looking forward to this weekend, to taking the children to Laramie for the rodeo. But there was no way that he was going to leave Josey in his house alone. No, he vowed to take her with them. She could use the time away, too.

“Afternoon, Sheriff,” said Mr. Carson, owner of the General Store, as he passed. “Glad to have you back.”

Daxton nodded, smiling. “Thank you. I just had to get caught up on a few things around the house.”

“I heard there’s a woman staying with you.” Mrs. Carson was sweeping the floor, but purposefully stepped closer, using her broom as an excuse to hear some juicy gossip.

Daxton laughed. “Now, Mrs. Carson. Don’t you know better than to believe the town gossips by now?” He didn’t say so, but he included her with them.

“Well! I never!” Mrs. Carson sounded indignant, but then arched an eyebrow. “So, it’s not true, then?”

“I just think you shouldn’t be meddling in other people’s business.” Daxton shrugged, his voice sounding matter of fact. He was never one to give in to Mrs. Carson’s prying.

“Well!” Mrs. Carson stopped sweeping, the ruse forgotten, and turned to her husband. “Why are you just standing there? Are you going to let him talk to me this way?”

Mr. Carson shrugged. “Well, it’s true, isn’t it? You’d think by now you’d learn to stay out of other people’s business.”

“Hmph! I never!” Mrs. Carson took her broom with her, raised her nose into the air, and stormed back into the store.

Daxton tried to keep from laughing. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t be,” Mr. Carson happily replied. “I know I’ll catch hell for it later, but it’ll be worth it.”

Daxton nodded, smiling, and then he turned serious. “May I ask you a question?”

“Yes, of course.” Mr. Carson waited, nodding toward the store. “I’m sorry about her, but she doesn’t have anything else to do but worry about what everyone else is doing.”

“No, that’s not a problem.” Daxton sighed. “I was just wondering if that was what people were saying. That a woman was staying at my house.”

Mr. Carson’s lips formed a straight line, defeated. “That seems to be the consensus.”

Daxton nodded. “Just to let you know, a woman was in need and has been staying with me. She’s agreed to stay on as a housekeeper for a while.” It wasn’t entirely a lie. After all, he had asked her if she wanted the job.

Mr. Carson smiled. “I figured it was something like that. But of course, it’s none of my business.”

“No, it’s quite all right.” Daxton’s eyebrows pulled together in concern. “I just wonder how word spread so quickly.”

Mr. Carson shrugged. “How does any gossip spread?” Then he gave Daxton a manly pat on the shoulder. “Don’t worry. It may be news today, but then something else will happen and it’ll be old news tomorrow.”

Daxton nodded in agreement, but he wasn’t worried about that. He was more worried about word getting back to Josey’s husband. He knew that a confrontation was inevitable, but he was hoping to put it off for as long as he could until Josey was strong enough to face him. She was still vulnerable, and he didn’t want her to relent and go back to the fiend just to keep from stirring trouble. She was already getting stronger, and more time would make her stronger still. But then again, it was just as well that it happened now. If he found out she was pregnant, he might try to force her to go with him against her will.

“Thanks, Mr. Carson,” Daxton replied. “For your honesty.”

Mr. Carson looked at him apologetically. “I’m sorry you had to find out from her.” He inclined his head in the direction that his wife had gone.

Daxton smiled. “No, that’s all right. I would rather know what the gossips are saying so I can deal with it, no offense.”

Mr. Carson laughed. “None taken.”

Daxton tipped his hat to him. “Well, have a great day, Mr. Carson.” Daxton started to walk away, but the balding older man stopped him.

“Say, where’s that deputy of yours today?”

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