Chapter 10

Daxton

After Daxton poured some water into the basin, he took the rest to the tub. “Now, don’t empty this when you finish.” Daxton poured the last of the water into the bathtub. “I’ll take care of it when I get back.”

Josey smiled. “If you’re sure, but I’m sure I can—”

“No argument.” Daxton smiled, enjoying having someone around to look after. “If you’re okay, I’d better hurry out to help Andrew. He was so excited about going hunting that there might not be any chores left to do when I get out there.” One corner of his lips curled into a smile. “On second thought….”

“Go.” Josey laughed. “I have this. You two enjoy yourself.”

Daxton slid on his cowboy hat and smiled. “We’ll be back in a while.” Daxton’s expression suddenly turned serious. “Lock the doors and don’t let anyone in.” It was quickly becoming his parting words every time he left the house.

Josey nodded, lost in thought.

Daxton placed his hands on her shoulders. “Hey, are you okay?”

Josey smiled. “I’m fine. Now, go! I’ll take care of everything here. Don’t worry.”

“Just rest—”

“Daxton, Andrew’s waiting,” she cut him off, pushing him playfully toward the backdoor. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Daxton smirked and then walked out, giving her one last glance over his shoulder. She waved and then closed the door. He walked out to the barn and Andrew was already milking the cow.

“It’s about time you came out here.” Andrew smiled, lifting an eyebrow.

“Hey, now.” Daxton headed over to the feed bin and began scooping it out for the horses. “I just lifted the heavy buckets of water for Josey. That’s all.”

Andrew laughed. “Well, I like her.” He went back to milking the cow as the sound of liquid hitting the metal bucket filled the air. “Where did you two meet?”

Daxton sighed as he filled a bucket with sweet feed. He didn’t want to lie to his son, but he didn’t want to tell him the complete truth, either. “She was sick and needed to be cared for, so I helped her.”

Andrew nodded.

Daxton was glad that his son was satisfied with the answer.

“Pa,” Andrew said as he milked the cow. “Shawn was talking about a rodeo coming into Laramie. Can we go?”

Daxton shrugged. “Well, I don’t see why not. When is it?”

“This weekend, I think.” Andrew continued milking the cow. “Do you think Josey and Lillian would want to go with us?”

Daxton scooped the feed into the horses’ bins, ready for when they come in from the field. “I don’t know if Josey will want to go, but I’m sure Lillian will.”

“I hope she does.” When the bucket he was working on was filled, Andrew set it aside, and then grabbed another. “I like Josey.”

Daxton smiled. “Now, don’t get too attached to her. I’m not sure how long she’s going to stay.”

“Well, I hope she stays forever.” Andrew began filling the new bucket. “Don’t you like her, Pa?”

Daxton nodded. “Yes, I do.”

“Well, then maybe she’ll stay.”

“Let’s not put the cart before the horse, son.” Daxton knew that she was going to stay until after the baby was born, but he wasn’t sure if she would stay after that. And he couldn’t let himself get close to her and the baby, and then leave. He didn’t want to put himself or his family through that again. No, the first time with Priscilla was enough. “Let’s hurry to do the chores so we can go hunting. Are you sure you still want to go?”

Andrew scoffed. “Of course! I’m almost through milking the cow. Then I’ll weed the garden.”

Daxton smiled. “The garden can wait one more day. I’ll put away the milk and then we can go.”

“Yes!”

Daxton glanced over at his son. “But you’ll have to wear shoes and jeans. We’ll be going into the forest, after all.”

“Oh, Pa!” In the summer, Andrew spent most of his time barefoot. It was hard to get shoes on the boy until the cold weather set in.And even then, it was a struggle.

“You heard me.” Daxton set the empty feed bucket back into the wooden cabinet. “And don’t worry about shoveling out the stalls. I’ll do it this weekend.”

“But we’re going to the rodeo!” Andrew reminded him.

“Maybe.” Daxton lifted the full bucket of milk. “I need to go into work tomorrow and Friday. Then maybe we’ll go Saturday or Sunday after church.”

“But we have the dinner after church.” Andrew finished filling the other bucket and then let the cow go out to pasture. He lifted the pail and followed his father, and they headed toward the house.

“Well, aren’t you the social butterfly!” Daxton smiled as they walked up the slight hill toward the back door of the house.

“Pa!” Andrew lugged the other full milk pail up the hill beside his father, careful not to spill any. “We spent most of the winter inside during the blizzard. It’s nice to be able to get out now.”

Daxton sighed. “I can’t argue with that.” He stopped his son. “Josey, we’re coming in. Are you decent?”

No answer.

Daxton’s heart sank as images of Priscilla leaving ran through his mind all over again. “Josey?”

No answer.

Daxton set down the pail of milk, his heart racing. “Stay here.” He rushed inside, not sure why he was so worked up. After all, it wasn’t as if they had a relationship. But what if her husband had found her? “Josey?” He ran through the living room to the bedroom, when something caught his eye. He stopped dead in his tracks. To the right, Josey was asleep in the rocking chair. He breathed a sigh of relief. The dishes had been washed and put away, and the rest of the house was clean, as well. Daxton opened the back door.

Andrew was waiting, his eyebrows raised almost into his hairline, his eyes wide. “Is everything okay?”

Daxton nodded. “Everything’s fine. Josey just fell asleep in the rocking chair.”

Andrew rolled his eyes. “And that was a reason to think that we were under attack. Dad, sometimes you take your job to extremes.”

Daxton laughed, enjoying his son’s spunk. “Get inside.” He smiled, shaking his head.

Andrew smirked as he lugged the pail of milk inside and set it on the counter. “Pa, you want me to fill the bottles?”

Daxton shook his head. “No, I’ll do it. Go get ready and I’ll be finished when you come out.”

Andrew sighed. “Okay, Pa. I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Take your time… and be careful not to wake Josey.” Daxton reached under the sink and pulled out some clean glass bottles, filled them with milk, and then sealed them. Then he took them down into the cool cellar. The milk would last for a few days down there, no matter how hot it got outside.

After everything was put away, Daxton headed into the living room to check on Josey and smiled when he saw that she was still sleeping. Knowing she would be more comfortable in a bed, he carefully bent down and scooped her into his arms. Josey instinctively wrapped her arm around his neck and snuggled onto his chest, causing his heart to stir.

As he laid her on his bed, he had to remind himself that she was married. Then again, she had said that she wasn’t anymore, but she didn’t elaborate on it. No, he put all thoughts of her staying with them out of his mind. She would be there until after the baby was born, but that would be a while, at least six months.

When he laid her in his bed, she snuggled onto the pillow and curled up on her side, looking very vulnerable and beautiful. Watching her sleep, his heart went out to her. Hard telling what she had been through at the hands of her ex-husband. If she were his, Daxton vowed that he would care for her, treasure her, and treat her with respect as a woman should be treated. As he pulled the quilt over her, Priscilla leaving him came to mind. At that moment, he swore to take care of Josey, but he couldn’t let her into his or his children’s hearts. He closed the drapes, letting her sleep, and then closed the door gently behind him.

Andrew was standing in the bedroom, ready, with his hands on his hips and a smirk on his lips. “Are you going to marry Josey?”

“Andrew!” Daxton reached for the two rifles mounted over the fireplace. “I’m just helping her, taking care of her until she gets on her feet.”

“Uh huh.” Andrew gave him a knowing smile.

Daxton sighed. “You, my son, are growing up too fast.” He handed Andrew a rifle. “Let’s go before Lillian comes home.”

Andrew tucked the rifle under his arm and pointed the barrel down, as his father had taught him. Daxton was careful to teach both of his children about gun safety at a young age, and to respect weapons. One couldn’t be too careful.

“Where would you like to go, Pa?” Andrew asked, walking beside his father.

Daxton sighed. “How about our usual hunting spot?” There was a meadow in the center of the forest that he had often taken Andrew to. It was quiet and there weren’t many bears to worry about. Bears usually stayed close to the base of the mountain ranges and in the mountains themselves. But at the meadow, he and Andrew could stay in the tree line and wait for a buck, if they were lucky.

Andrew nodded. “Sounds good.” They walked in silence for a while. When they were deep in the woods, he asked, “Pa, I know you may not marry Josey, but do you think you ever will get married again?”

A crease formed between Daxton’s eyes. “What brought this on?”

Andrew lifted one shoulder, glancing over at his father. “I see the way you are with Josey… taking care of her… and I was just wondering. You and Josey are good together.”

Daxton gave him a small smile. “Son, don’t get your hopes up about her. She’s going through some things right now and she needs our help.”

“Do you think she might stay, though?”

Daxton sighed. “I’m not sure, son. Again, don’t get your hopes up.”

“You didn’t answer my question.” Andrew lifted an eyebrow. “Do you think you might marry again?”

Daxton shrugged. “Maybe… if I meet the right person. But….” Daxton ruffled his hair. “She will definitely have to love children.”

“Children? Ha!” Andrew looked at his father in disbelief. “I’d be happy if she knows how to play Poker.”

Daxton laughed, remembering their Poker game the night before. “I’d just be happy if she can cook. Speaking of cooking, let’s see if we can bag us a deer.”

Usually, they got one every summer. Venison was good and a nice change from beef, pork, and chicken. He knew they were truly blessed, though. Not everyone had the means to stock up during the summer for the harsh winters. Reverend Caleb Henley sometimes took up special collections and donations at the church so he could bring food to those unable to get out in bad weather.

As sheriff, Daxton had gone with Rev. Henley on many occasions to deliver the food. Usually, it was to the elderly, to the occasional family whose father had been injured, or to a woman raising her children alone because the father had died. But in this part of the country where women were scarce, it was rare to see women with children alone. Usually, they married out of necessity before the harsh weather hit, if nothing else.

“Pa,” Andrew whispered, nodding toward a thick of trees. At the base was a four-point stag. It was gorgeous with dark brown fur, going up to light brown and then white around the neck.

“Go ahead, son,” Daxton whispered, loud enough only for his son to hear.

Andrew took aim and then pulled back the hammer with a click. The stag immediately lifted its head and perked its ears, sniffing the air. When he caught sight of them, it galloped at full speed across the meadow, headed away. But Andrew tracked it and then fired, bringing it down with one shot.

“Good shot, son! Let’s go get him.” Daxton squeezed his son’s shoulder with pride and they both crossed the meadow to the deer, lying lifeless. “Come on. We’ll take it home and will dress it there.”

Andrew nodded. Although he had been hunting with his father several times before, it was Andrew’s first kill, and Daxton saw that it bothered him.

Daxton knelt on one knee beside his son. “Son, you didn’t kill this deer for sport just to leave it. You killed it for food to feed our family.” He placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “This deer will sustain us for the winter. Kill with purpose or for protection, not for any other reason. And only shoot what you will eat. Okay, son?”

Andrew nodded. “It doesn’t make it any easier.”

Daxton shook his head. “No, it doesn’t. I hate to say this, but the first time is the hardest. After that, it gets easier. But if you don’t want to do it again, it’s okay. You don’t have to.”

Andrew shook his head, tears welling up behind his eyes, obviously unable to speak.

Daxton’s eyebrows pulled together in concern. “Son, you know what the Indians do? They thank the animal for giving its life for the good of the tribe. Would you like to do 3?”

Andrew smiled, nodding his head.

“Go ahead.”

Andrew took a knee beside the deer and cleared his throat. “Thank you for giving your life so that we can have food this winter. 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.”

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 with his 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.

Daxton chuckled. “You’re going to have to teach me that.”

Josey blushed. “They’re good children.”

Daxton picked up his glass and held it up to her. “Thank you.”

“It looks wonderful,” Lillian gushed, laying a napkin on her lap, the perfect little lady.

“Say grace?” Josey asked, raising her eyebrows to Daxton, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Yes, whether he liked it or not, she was quickly becoming a part of the family.

Daxton bowed his head and said a blessing over the meal, thanking God for the good food and good company. “Amen.”

Josey stood and took the ladle in the pan containing the chili. “Daxton?”

“That’s okay. You can fix the children’s bowl’s first.”

Josey smiled. “Nonsense! The man of the house is always served first.”

“Well, if you insist.” He handed her his bowl and she filled it full.

“Whoa! That’s plenty.” He took the bowl back. “Thank you.”

Then she filled Andrew’s and Lillian’s bowls and then her own, she filled last. Then she sliced the soda bread and passed it around, letting everyone take a slice. When everyone was settled, she crumbled her soda bread into her chili.

Daxton did the same, stirred it up, and took a bite. The savory tangy flavor filled his mouth. Although it was hot, it tasted delicious. He fanned his mouth and quickly took a sip of his lemonade.

“Be careful. It’s hot,” Josey teased.

“Now you tell me.”

Josey shrugged. “Better late than never.”

Daxton laughed and took another spoonful. But this time, he blew across it first. The savory spicy flavor of chili filled his mouth. “This is delicious.”

Josey bowed her head slightly. “Thank you. My mother taught me how to make chili, too.”

Daxton smiled as he blew across another spoonful. “Your mother sounds like a knowledgeable woman.”

Josey’s eyes filled with sadness, but she gave him a smile. “Yes, she was. She died when I was quite young.”

Daxton’s smile faded. “I’m so sorry.” Obviously, Josey had endured much more suffering and loss in her life than he could imagine.

She lifted her chin and smiled. “Don’t be. She was a wonderful woman.”

He made a mental note to ask her more about it later, after the children go to bed.

“So, I was thinking of taking the children to Laramie this Saturday for the rodeo.” The children cheered and Daxton smiled. “Josey, would you like to go?”

Josey’s smile faded. “No, you go ahead. I’ll stay here and clean the house.”

Daxton chuckled. “Over the past few days that you’ve been here, you’ve cleaned so much that the place is spotless.” He took a bite. “Come with us and take a break. It’ll do you some good.” He glanced over at the children and smiled. “Who knows? Maybe Buffalo Bill Cody will be there.”

“Oh, I hope so!” Lillian chimed. “I’ve heard stories about him!”

“Me, too!” Andrew said, clearly excited. Then he turned to his father. “Do you think Wild Bill Hickock will be there, too?”

Daxton shook his head. “No, I don’t think so, but we’ll have to see. I hear they put on quite a show. It should be even better than last year.”

The children chatted animatedly, but Daxton noticed that Josey didn’t say another word about it.

“Josey, you have to go!” Lillian trilled. “We’ll have so much fun.”

“Yes, and there’ll be sugar candy!” Andrew added.

Daxton chuckled. “Now, I don’t know about the candy—”

“Please, Pa!” both children chimed at the same time, clearly excited.

Daxton smiled. “We’ll see.” He looked over at Josey and she was just picking at her food, obviously lost in thought. “We can talk about it later. Let’s eat before the food gets cold.” The children resumed eating, so excited that they didn’t notice Josey’s change in demeanor. “Josey, it’s delicious. You’ll have to show me how to make it.”

“There’s no need,” Andrew said between bites. “Josey can always cook it for us.”

She gave him a small smile. “As long as I’m welcome.”

“Of course! You’ll always be welcome!” Lillian reached across the table and gave Josey’s hand a gentle squeeze.

Josey smiled and nodded, and then took another bite of her chili.

“Children, finish eating. You both need to take baths after dinner.” Daxton turned his attention back to eating, not making eye contact with Josey. He swore that he wouldn’t let his children or himself get too attached to her. Maybe it was a good idea to take the children to Laramie for the rodeo alone. “Josey, if I take the children to Laramie Saturday, will you be okay here alone?”

She smiled as she looked up from her chili, but then looked back down again. “Yes, of course. Maybe I’ll do some sewing while you’re away.”

“Let me know if there’s anything you need from Laramie and I’ll get it while we’re there.” Daxton rose abruptly to his feet and then set his empty bowl in the sink. He didn’t want to think of Josey leaving just yet. Then again, she had said that she was no longer married. But he couldn’t allow himself to think that way. To hope. He knew nothing about this woman but what she had told him. The sheriff in him told him not to trust her until he had proof of who she was and who her husband had been. But his gut told him that he could trust her. Daxton just hoped that he was making the right decision by letting her stay there. After all, the lives of his children depended on it.