Page 5 of The Sheriff and the Outlaw

She let out a deep breath and shook her head. “Let me think about it.”

Daxton gave her a weak smile as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “Come on. I have to get to the office before James drives everyone crazy checking on them.” The young deputy was taking his job to heart so much that it was comical, walking through the town, peeking his head into the shops, nearly driving the shopkeepers crazy. But then again, Daxton thought they were happy that the young man was taking his job so seriously.

Daxton patted his daughter’s shoulder. “Wait here and I’ll hitch up the team.”

“Okay, Pa,” she answered, trying to sound grown up. “But if you don’t mind, I’d rather wait on the porch.”

Daxton shrugged. “Whatever you want.” He started toward the door and then glanced over at her over his shoulder. “Just promise me one thing.”

Lillian raised her eyebrows. “What, Pa?”

“Just promise me that you won’t grow up too fast,” Daxton teased.

“Oh, Pa!” she said as she followed him out the door, pulling it closed behind her.

Daxton skipped down the wooden stairs and headed toward the barn. Within minutes, he had the team hitched to the buckboard and pulled it around to the front of the house. “Ready?” he asked his daughter who was swinging on the porch swing.

She skipped down the steps and was on the seat beside her father a moment later. “Yes, Pa.”

“Then, let’s go.” When they were settled, he made a clicking sound with his tongue and the team lurched forward, headed toward Colton and Ella’s ranch.

It was a beautiful morning in the forest. The sun was coming up in the east, sending shoots of golden light across the spruce, oak, maple, and redwood and a number of other trees, now full and green. Summer in Whiskey River was truly breathtaking. Even though he had lived there for a number of years, he never grew tired of the ever-changing landscape.

“You know, if you like sewing, I’ll take you to the General Store in town and I’ll get you a new sewing box.” Daxton shrugged. “One of your own. Then, you can pick out what you want to put in it. I think it’s time you have your own sewing things.” He thought that the reason why she hadn’t taken her mother’s sewing box was because she felt that wasn’t hers. Lillian was so young when her mother left that he doubted she remembered her.

Lillian bit her lower lip and then released it. “Well, Mrs. Hill told me that she might have a wooden box that we can fix up for a sewing kit. But could we go to the store later so I can get what I need?”

A broad smile spread across Daxton’s face. “Yes, of course.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

Lillian raised her eyebrows. “You won’t be mad?”

Daxton shook his head. “No, not at all. It’s really nice of Mrs. Hill to help you.”

Lillian let out a deep breath. “She’s a very nice lady.”

“Yes, she is.” Since Lillian didn’t have a mother figure in her life, Daxton was glad that Ella had taken his daughter under her wing.

He sighed, worried about both of his children growing up without a mother, especially his son. Daxton was glad it was summer. At least he would have a little break. During the school months, Andrew seemed to continually be in trouble at school, becoming more and more unruly. Mrs. Nash had tried to work with him, but he needed more. They were big shoes that a teacher couldn't possibly be expected to fill.

“Well, here we are!” Daxton happily announced, pulling the team to a stop in front of Colton and Ella’s house. “Would you like me to pick you up this afternoon?”

Lillian shook her head, suddenly infused with energy as she gave her father a kiss on the cheek. “No, Pa! I’ll walk home. It’s not far.”

“Well!” Daxton said, surprised by his daughter’s excitement. “I’ll see you tonight, then. Have fun!”

Lillian jumped down out of the buckboard and waved to her father. “Thanks, Pa! See you then!”

Daxton watched as she walked up the steps, wondering where her childhood was going. She seemed to be growing up much too fast… along with his son. And he didn’t want to miss it.

Ella opened the door, gave Lillian a hug, and waved to him. Daxton nodded his thanks.

Guilt filled his chest as he turned the team around and headed toward Whiskey River. He worked too much, and hischildren were growing up too fast. But he had no choice; he needed this job. He was the sheriff, and he was good at it. He didn’t know anything else.

As an alternative, Daxton knew that he could always farm. He had the land, but the money in farming wasn’t always steady. He had seen plenty of his farmer friends who had suffered in the winter when drought or other catastrophes hindered the harvest. Daxton couldn’t go through that. He wanted—no, needed—a steady income for his children.

And his children were troopers about it, never appeared to mind him having to work long hours. Daxton loved his work, but he loved his children more. It was funny the things people had to do, and the sacrifices one had to make, in order to make a living to support their families.

Within minutes, he pulled up in front of the livery stable.

---