Page 25 of Pigeon

“What’s a therapeutic riding center?” Craig questions then gives a small laugh as Thor all but climbs into his lap.

“I want to teach kids how to ride a horse. How to care for them and other animals. Kids with special needs, or what the world calls disabilities, because animals help them in so many ways. Animals love but don’t judge anyone for missing a limb or having autism. Animals don’t bully kids that may be somewhat different from the others like humans so often do. I’d love to be able to share the peace and solitude of the ranch with people who need that in their life. Even if it’s for a weekend or a few days a week,” I explain.

“That’s so cool, Ivy. Lucas is deaf, and I know everyone is worried that others may treat him differently because of it. I won’t let them if I’m around, though. Neither will Ava or Gunner. You’re right, though, about animals. They love anyone who’s nice to them, and they don’t care if you’re dirty or not. You should talk to Pippa about the ranch. She runs a home for women and kids that need to hide from their husbands or fathers. That’s how she got me. Lucy’s dad is the governor, and he helps my mom get money to run New Horizons. He could help you too. Is your ranch far from here?” Craig questions.

“About an hour’s drive.”

“Might be a good place to hide people too,” Craig says, almost as if he’s thinking aloud.

“When I’m ready to make the changes, I’ll speak with your mom if you think she wouldn’t mind. She could probably answer a lot of questions for me.”

“She wouldn’t mind. She loves helping people. She even got shot one time trying to save two little kids,” Craig answers in a subdued voice.

Reaching over Thor, I give Craig a quick hug. He smiles up at me, but I can tell he’s still affected by the close call his mom suffered.

“I heard about that. She saved those kids, and that makes her a hero,” I say as I let him go.

“She was a hero even before that. She saved me too.”

Thor gives a soft whine before lifting his head and rubbing the side of it against Craig’s cheek. Craig’s arms wrap around the dog’s neck, and both seem to settle. Another sign that animals are the perfect cure when someone needs one.

Chapter 9

Pigeon

My mind is still screaming, “what the fuck” while my hand absently picks up a half-full beer can and tosses it at Rex. Rex ducks but continues laughing his dumb ass off at me. Reeves is standing in the doorway to my office, gripping it to stay standing while he does the same as Rex. Ignoring them, I hit mute on the cameras at FurEver Homes. Instantly Rex leans over and unmutes them. I breathe a sigh of relief when I hear Craig’s voice, and it’s not trying to be a matchmaker anymore. Fucking kid should get a job at Tinder.

“Craig’s setting your ass up!” crows Reeves.

I glare but refuse to respond.

“Kid’s smart. Probably thinking long-term for the benefits he’d gain. Horses, dogs, cats, and cows. Craig’s version of heaven, and it’ll only cost you your freedom. That, and you’d have to give up some ass but to only one woman. For forever,” Rex adds before leaping out of his chair and making a run for it.

Too bad for Rex, Reeves blocks the doorway long enough for me to tackle him to the floor. After a few seconds, I push off him and stand. It’s no fun pounding on someone’s face when they’re laughing uncontrollably. I turn, shove Reeves out of the door, watch as Rex hurriedly rolls clear, and then slam the door behind them. Turning my eyes to the monitors, I see Ivy hugging Craig.

I shut down the cameras from the rescue and try to concentrate on some paperwork I need to get done for Rex. It’s Sunday, my day off, but I came in because I wanted to watch Craig with Ivy for a few minutes. Then Rex and Reeves showed up, and we sat around drinking beer and watching the free entertainment. Up until Craig decided to marry me off, I was enjoying the show. Now, I’m regretting a few things. One, that Craig has the ears of a bat and hears things he shouldn’t. Second, that I showed my shock at his words in front of the guys. They’ll get a lot of mileage out of that, and I know one of them has already sent out a group text. My phone will start buzzing soon with brothers wanting to give me shit.

Later, when the guys aren’t here, I’ll go back and review more of the video. I want to pay more attention to what Dale was doing and to hear the part about Ivy’s plans for the ranch. I missed it since I was pinning Rex to the floor, but I’m curious about everything concerning Ivy. I groan, run both hands through my hair before scrubbing them over my stubbled face. I should close down my office and leave, but I know I won’t.

When my phone vibrates on the desk, I glance at it to see Pooh’s name. I click the accept button, bark a loud “fuck you” into it before disconnecting. A minute later, I repeat the same action. After the third time, I shut my phone off and slide it into my pocket. At a loud knock on my door, I start looking around for something to throw at Rex, but it’s Reeves’ voice I hear.

“Pooh’s trying to reach you. Answer it, asshole. He needs a favor.”

Pulling my phone out, I turn it on and hit Pooh’s name.

“What’s your problem?” Pooh asks in an irritated voice.

“You calling to give me shit?” I ask in the same tone.

“About what?” Pooh asks in a now curious tone.

“About your damn kid trying to sacrifice me for his own gain.”

“I need to get Craig waivers written up and make everyone sign them agreeing that I’m not to be held responsible for whatever havoc he creates,” Pooh answers with a laugh. “What’d he do?”

“Reeves said you need a favor. What’s up?” I ask while ignoring his question. Word will spread quick enough without me being the one to tell Pooh.

“Pippa’s headed to New Horizons for a new intake and wants me there if possible. They’ve had trouble with the woman’s boyfriend before, and I don’t want her there alone. Can you pick Craig up from the rescue for me? Around 3:30-4:00?”

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