Page 80 of Pigeon

“Is there anything you people don’t bet on?” Ivy asks.

“Not really, darlin’. I have to make up the money I lost today on Horse. Thought for sure that fucker would prove he has some balls left by getting on that horse today. Kids were riding it, but, nope, Horse backed out with no shame,” Petey says in disgust while keeping an eye on the current battle ensuing on the lawn.

Horse shoots Petey a dark look before stalking away while we laugh outright at his retreating back. Another fun day hanging with the brotherhood.

“Today was perfect,” Ivy says with a sigh as she slides into bed next to me.

“You’re amazing, honey. The kids loved you and the horses, but the look on Luke’s face stole the show.”

“You saw that too? I swear you could see his confidence grow.”

“Everyone saw it. Ava could barely breathe because of it. A lot of kids could benefit from your program,” I tell her while wrapping my arm around her and pulling her close.

“I want to talk to you about that. I don’t want to wait to start this program. I want to get busy making the plans, getting things ready, and lining up clients. It’s going to take a lot of time and work. Not sure I can do all that, keep the ranch running as it is, and work at the rescue. Even with your help, that’s a lot.”

“You have to make some choices, Ivy,” I tell her.

“I’m going to quit the rescue. I hate doing that because I love it there, but I need to be here on the ranch. I’m also thinking about selling off a lot of the cattle. The money we’ll make from them will go a long way toward making the necessary changes I need to make. Also, it’ll cut down on the amount of hay we need to put up each year and the time spent moving herds from pasture to pasture. We have several ranch horses that will work out great for the program but a few that won’t. Other than breeding a few mares a year to keep the herd the size I need, I don’t need several studs anymore. I know a few ranchers that have wanted to add our bloodlines to their own remudas, so that’s an easy decision.”

“Why adopt the draft horses?” I ask.

“They’re an awesome team, and they should stay together. Also, both are trained to ride and drive, so they’re versatile. Hayrides are a great way to wind down a busy day for the kids, and they’ll get to see more of the ranch than just the inside of an arena. Draft horses are incredibly gentle and sensitive animals, especially with people unfamiliar with horses. I don’t want the program to be just about riding but about learning about a lot of different animals. Some kids may bond with an 1,800-pound draft horse, while another might do better with a donkey. I want to cover all bases,” Ivy answers enthusiastically.

“So, I can expect to see donkeys, mules, mini ponies, and more hooved animals find their way here?” I ask with a laugh.

“Pretty much.”

“Works for me. You do your thing, and I’ll be standing right behind you all the way,” I whisper in her ear before gliding a hand down to find a breast.

“Let’s finish this conversation tomorrow. It’s playtime,” my wife states while placing her hand over mine and subtly asking for more.

Weeks have passed, and still no sign of Chubs. The club has exhausted every avenue we know of in trying to find a trace of him. Livi and James haven’t found anything out at work except that the Feds are no longer hanging around or harassing them. This didn’t happen overnight, though, and got especially tough on Livi. Being threatened with her job was bad enough, but the not-so-subtle threats against her incarcerated brother were more than Cash could tolerate.

Standing outside the police department, Cash and I waited, so he could speak his mind to the two federal agents that were going too far in their duties. In the dark, leaning against their car, they didn’t spot us until they were standing right in front of our very large club enforcer. Cash did not mince words.

“None of us know where Chubs has disappeared to. Threatening Livi’s brother isn’t going to gain you knowledge that she doesn’t have to give. It’s dirty and about as low as a man can get but seems to be your M.O. Her brother committed crimes, while Livi has worked hard to prevent crimes. She worked with law enforcement even when it was against her brother. Leave her out of your games, or shit’s going to go south.”

“You making threats against federal agents?” one of them asks.

“Yes,” Cash answers instantly while pushing off their car to stand towering over the agent.

“We can arrest you for that alone,” the other states.

“Do it. Call for backup first, though, because you’re going to need it,” Cash answers calmly.

The agents wait a few beats, probably realizing it won’t play out well for them, physically nor job-wise, if their methods come to light, and then back down.

“We’re leaving Denver tonight to follow a new lead. If you find him before we do, you’re legally required to contact us. You’re willing to go to jail for someone you don’t even know. Fucking bikers,” the first agent says sarcastically before getting in their car and pulling away.

“I’d go to jail, prison, or hell to protect Chubs, but the fucking moron never realized Livi was the one I was protecting tonight,” Cash says with a chuckle as we walk to our bikes. “Fucking feds.”

Walking into the clubhouse, the mood is jubilant. Petey is standing in the middle of the room, holding up a full shot glass and making a toast. His smile’s wide, face relaxed while Trudy has tears in her eyes. Stopping just inside the door, Cash and I wait.

“To Ava for giving me another grandchild to love and watch grow! A nine-pound healthy, happy baby boy! Mommy and baby Chasin are both doing great! Gunner, well, that’s another story,” Petey announces while everyone howls loudly then downs their drink.

Congratulating Petey and Trudy, I find my way to the bar and wait for my beer. Watching the backslaps and hugs being handed out, I realize how much I want babies with Ivy at some point. Not now. We have too much to accomplish yet, but someday. I want little girls with her kind heart and curls. Maybe a boy or two, if they don’t act like me when I was younger. Ivy will make an amazing mother, and I’ll do my best not to fuck up as a father.

“You and Livi want more kids?” I ask Cash.

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