Page 57 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

But did his family need protection from Josey? If she was dangerous, then how could he protect his family from her living in his home? Why did the Slaters want her? Somehow, knowing Josey, he found it difficult to believe that his family was in danger from her at all. She had proven herself to be a kind and gentle woman. But could he trust the safety of his children to her? If the Slaters found her... he didn’t even want to think about it. For a moment, he wondered why Austin wanted her. Then it hit him. They were looking for a Josey Slater. Suddenly, all of the pieces fell into place.

She was married to his brother, Logan Slater… and he was looking for her.

“Come on, children. We have to go.” Daxton stood and let the children go ahead of him. “Both of you. Hold my hand.” He was waiting for Andrew to protest, but he didn’t say a word.

In this crowd, Daxton didn’t want to take a chance with his children’s lives. Not another chance. He mentally kicked himselffor letting them go ahead of him alone when they first arrived in Laramie.

As they hurried to the sheriff’s office, he mentally kicked himself again for letting the wife of an outlaw stay under his roof. But then again, she didn’t seem like an outlaw woman. She was vulnerable and seemed so frightened and innocent... unless that was what she had wanted him to believe.

But one thing was clear: He had a lot of questions to ask Josey when they got home... if they got home.

Chapter 13

Josey

While Daxton and the children were away, Josey peeled and cut up potatoes, carrots, and celery. Then she arranged them around a roast and added seasoning. Next, she added water and replaced the lid on an iron Dutch oven—that she found under the counter—and slid it into the oven.

Soon, the heavenly aroma of pot roast filled the house. Josey wanted to surprise Daxton and the children when they arrived. She knew they would be tired and hungry after their trip to Laramie, and she wanted to have something for them to eat when they got home.

Home.

It was a small word that carried the weight of the world. Never had she planned to find a home with Daxton and his children, but the more she stayed, the more attached she became. She knew it was time to leave, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. At that moment, she knew she loved them.

As she waited for the roast to cook, she cleaned the house, did the laundry on a wash board, and then sat in the rocking chair to rest. She had planned to make enough bread for the week while she had the house to herself but fell asleep and slept a bit longer than expected.

When she woke, it was already after noon. She checked on the roast and it had a little while longer to cook. So, she scrubbedthe kitchen table, wiped it dry, and then set out to make biscuits. She was elbow-deep in flour when she heard someone beat on the door.

Bang, bang, bang!

Her heart stopped.

Nothing.

Bang, bang, bang!

“Josey, it’s me! Open up!”

“Daxton?” Why did he sound so harsh? So gruff? Was something wrong with the children. She rushed to the door and flung it open wide. “Daxton? Is something wrong?” Her heart beat wildly as she waited, afraid of what she might hear. What had happened in Laramie? Then her heart sank.

He knew.

Daxton didn’t answer her, but turned to the children, who where watching with wide eyes. “Children, go upstairs and wait in Andrew’s room. I need to speak with Josey... alone.”

“Yes um,” they both said in unison and hurried up the stairs.

“Daxton, you’re scaring me.” Josey took a step closer and reached for his hand, but he pulled away. Her eyebrows pulled together in concern. “What’s wrong?”

Daxton paced with his hands on his hips. Then he took her arm and pulled her toward the door. “Come on.”

Josey hurried to keep up. “Let me go! Daxton, what’s happening?” Pain ripped through her arm as he pulled her toward the barn. “Daxton, let me go! You’re hurting me!” When they reached the barn, he pushed her roughly inside but left the door open. Josey turned around and Daxton’s face was cast into shadow, the bright sun streaming in behind him casting him into silhouette.

His sudden change in behavior suddenly reminded her of Logan. How could she have been so wrong about Daxton?

“Don’t you ever treat me that way again!” She brushed herself off and straightened her dress and sleeves. She started to storm off, but he stepped in front of her. “Get out of my way!”

“No.”

Josey let out a deep breath as anger quickly replaced her fear. “Daxton, I only feared one man in my life, and now I don’t. But I’m definitely not afraid of you.” She took a step closer to look into his eyes. “Now. Get out of my way. I’ll talk to you when you’re calm.”

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