Page 24 of Pigeon

“No, I dropped off my IOU donation and thought I’d come out and say hi before leaving,” Chubs replies. “I’ve heard so much about the donkeys. I had to get a peek at them.”

“I told Ava I’d deliver them whenever she’s ready.”

“Expect a call in a day or two. She wants to get them settled long before this baby’s born.”

“I told her I’d take care of them when she’s having the baby,” Craig adds.

“And after today, you’ll know everything you need to know to do that,” Chubs praises. “You guys have fun. I’ve got to get going because it’s snack time.”

Chubs grins, gives a salute, and walks away.

“It’s always snack time for Chubs,” Craig says with a laugh.

“I’ve heard a little about that. His IOU donations add up to a tidy amount each month. We’re grateful for him raiding Ava’s bakery so often.”

While eating our lunch, Craig teaches me some more ASL and is patient while I’m learning them. He also entertains me with stories of The Devil’s Angels members, including one about a hand-to-hand combat scene in a toy store. I’m laughing hard, but I haven’t decided yet if he’s telling tales or if Axel really did get his ass handed to him by a female store employee. Craig swears it’s a true story and has promised to show me the video when Pooh shows to pick him up.

“Staring is rude and a little creepy,” Craig states with a bite to his tone while looking behind me.

Turning my head, I see Dale standing in the hallway with just his head showing. My first thought is, where are his hands, and what exactly are they doing. Pushing that thought from my mind, I watch his face disappear and then hear the door closing to the office. Turning to Craig, I see his eyes are on mine now.

“He’s been doing that all day. He just stares at you, and I don’t like it. You should have Pigeon kick his ass—uh, backside—so he stops doing it,” Craig informs me while cleaning up his lunch items.

“I don’t think he means anything by it. I think he’s just awkward around females,” I respond while putting away my lunch containers.

“Pigeon would explain to him how it’s creepy and not to do it again. I can have a chat with him for you, but Pigeon would do it better,” Craig explains with a small laugh. “Any of the guys would do it, but Pigeon should be the one you ask. I heard Pippa tell him he has you, so I’m guessing that makes you his to protect.”

“Thank you, but it’s okay. I don’t work with him very often. You like Pigeon, don’t you? You’ve mentioned him several times today,” I ask while deciding not to ask how I’ve suddenly become Pigeon’s problem.

“Yeah, he’s my friend. Pigeon’s fun because he lets us kids get away with a lot because he says that he gets to give us back to our parents when we get out of control. He doesn’t even care when we get dirty or forget to take our shoes off at the door. He’s been teaching me how to play poker too,” Craig says with a wicked grin.

“He sounds like a good friend to have,” I answer.

“He is, and that’s why he would tell Dale to quit being a weirdo for you. Pigeon’s single. No woman or kids. Did you know that?” Craig asks with fake wide-eyed innocence.

“No, I didn’t,” I murmur as we walk out of the breakroom.

“The women all say he’s hot. You should ask him out on a date. I can ask him for you if you’re too shy to,” Craig offers as we enter the dog shelter. “Axel says that Pigeon needs a keeper, and I think you’d be perfect at it. The guys all want Pigeon to find a woman, so they can give him back the sh… uh, crap that he gives them for having a woman.”

“No, that’s okay, Craig,” I say hurriedly. “I’m pretty busy right now and don’t really have time to date anyone; not that Pigeon isn’t great.”

“You think he’s hot too, don’t you?” Craig says with a giggle.

“Of course, I do. He’s gorgeous and very nice. Tall, muscled, beautiful eyes, and tats. What’s not to like?” I stop when I realize I’m giving away that I’ve thought about Pigeon. After a few beats, I finish by saying, “I just have a lot on my plate right now and have to stay focused on my future.”

“What’s on your plate?” Craig asks, thankfully changing the subject.

We’re standing in front of Thor’s kennel, and we both take a seat on the floor. Thor’s ear perks up, and his tail starts wagging before he crawls over close to us. Laying down on his belly, he pushes his nose through the wire at Craig. Craig opens his backpack and pulls out a few dog biscuits and feeds them to Thor. I’m so proud of Thor when he very gently takes them from Craig’s hand before eating his treats.

“I work here, but I also work the ranch during the day. One day, it’ll be all mine, and I want to make some major changes then. Both jobs, though, don’t leave me a lot of time to myself,” I answer while watching Thor bump Craig’s hand for attention.

Craig instantly starts petting Thor through the kennel. After another moment of judging Thor’s attitude, I reach up and open the kennel door. Thor walks out and drops down to lay between Craig and me. He lays his scarred head on Craig’s lap and waits patiently for the affection he’s starting to crave. Craig doesn’t disappoint.

“What kinds of changes?” Craig asks.

“I want to sell off most of the cattle, not all, and use the ranch as a therapeutic riding center and possibly an animal rescue for animals that can’t be adopted out,” I answer quietly.

Craig is the first person I’ve ever really explained my dreams for the ranch to, and I’m almost nervous that speaking them aloud may somehow keep them from happening.

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