Page 17 of Pigeon

I wave as I drive through the gate, follow the road and before long, see the clubhouse. Even if I didn’t notice the very large building, I could never have missed the crowd waiting outside. Grinning as I exit my truck, I drop to my knees just in time for Gee to crash into me.

“Hey, Gee! How you doing, you sexy little pig beast?” I ask him as I hug his chubbiness.

Pig snorts of happiness erupt from the happy little guy as I sit back on my heels. Noticing his shirt, I start to laugh, then give a snort that sounds a lot like Gee’s.

“Data Hog” is emblazoned across his back in bright purple print on a black shirt.

“Ivy!” my name is screeched as I look up to see Mac coming in for a landing. Getting my arm up in time, he lands on it before he starts making kissing sounds.

“Mac Daddy! Still love me?” I ask.

“Yep!”

“Okay, guys, let Ivy up,” Ava orders.

Mac moves up my arm and onto my shoulder. I give Gee another quick hug then stand. I grin when I see the twins near their mom, vibrating with excitement. Luke is standing behind them, shy smile in place. He gives me the sign for hello, and I return it. I only know a few basics of ASL, but I try to learn more each time I’m around Ava and Luke. Glancing at the rest of the crowd, I see several familiar faces and a few that aren’t.

Ava makes quick introductions, and I nod to each one. We decide to load up in Gunner’s truck, and he drives Ava, me, and the kids to their house. Gunner takes some time and shows me the layout of their land and where he was thinking of putting the barn. He explains how a club brother owns the land behind his, and that they’re working out a deal on Gunner buying some acreage from him. I smile up at him because he’s smart to realize he’s standing on a slippery slope. Wives and little girls will always want more animals. More animals mean more land will be needed, and he’s thought ahead. After I offer some suggestions, along with explanations, we load up again and take a road through trees and open land to his club brother’s house.

Stepping down from the truck, I stare open-mouthed at the house. It’s almost indescribable in its size and beauty. I hear the twins giggle at me, but I slowly spin to take in the lawn, pool, large decks, and then the barn. Being a ranch girl, the barn draws my attention even more than the house. The phrase “work of art” comes to mind as I walk toward it. I know what works with a barn and what’s just for show and whoever built this knew horses. They cared about their horses and built their barn to what they needed more than trying to make a statement. I’m not even inside yet, and I’m totally in love. I don’t notice the kids racing ahead of me, but I do hear the amused voice behind me.

“Barn orgasm incoming.”

“Vex! Be nice!” Ava says with a laugh.

Turning, my mouth drops open again, and I stand looking like an idiot, I’m sure. I’m staring at another work of art, this time in male form. Nearly gold eyes watch me in amusement while I fumble for composure. Before I gain any, I feel a blush sliding up my face. Abruptly, I turn to Ava and silently mouth the word “wow.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know,” Gunner grumbles. “Vex is too fucking pretty for words. Whatever. Vex, this is Ivy.”

“Hey, Ivy. Welcome. Don’t mind Gunner’s attitude. It’s not his fault he was born ass ugly and bitter about it,” Vex states with a large, white smile.

“Nice to meet you, Vex,” I say now that I’ve found my voice again.

“Take a look around and see what you think. Anything that should be changed to make things safer for the donkeys, let us know. They’ll be staying here for a while, so we’d like them to be comfortable,” Vex says with a wave at the barn.

After another moment of simply staring at him, I turn and walk away. I ignore the male laughter, but when Ava slings her arm through mine, I grip it. Stepping through the side door of the barn, I turn to her, releasing her arm.

“You should have warned me!” I whisper-shout.

“I’m so sorry, Ivy. I’ve gotten used to him and didn’t think to be honest. If it’s any consolation, every single one of us women in the club have embarrassed ourselves over him at one point or another,” Ava answers with a grin. “Well, all of us except Lucy, that is. She sees nobody but Chubs.”

Taking a deep breath, I release it and grin back at Ava.

“Chubs is the best, so I get that.”

“Yeah, he is. Let’s walk around and see what you think.”

Arriving back at the clubhouse, Gunner invites me inside for coffee before I have to leave for my shift. Entering, the first person I see is Pigeon. He’s sitting at the bar, back against it, facing the door. Standing next to him is the guy from the gatehouse only now he’s in a police uniform and a pretty female cop. Sprawled out asleep next to her foot is a chubby English Bulldog.

“Has Denver P.D. switched from German Shepherds to bulldogs now?” I ask while grinning down at the dog.

“Lord, I hope not! I’d have to chase suspects on foot while carrying his fat ass,” laughs the male cop.

“Ivy, meet James and Livi. Snots is the slumbering princess, and it’s by far his best skill,” Pigeon states.

“Hi, Livi, James. Nice to meet you,” I respond before bending down and giving the dog a pat on the head. He doesn’t move but does start giving up little doggie snores.

“Did the twins get a hold of him?” I ask while meeting Pigeon’s eyes.

---