Page 13 of Pigeon

Gunner and Axel join us, and we help Ava finish up for the day. Gunner walks Ava home and sends Toes in to clean up the kitchen. When he returns, the three of us mount our bikes and point them toward the animal rescue.

Ivy opens the door and grins up at each of us as we enter FurEver Homes. I notice I’m not the only biker that stiffens at the bruise that covers the majority of the left side of her face. Her cheekbone took the brunt of whatever caused the bruise because it’s darkest in that area. After closing the door behind us, Ivy turns to face three large, unsmiling bikers. I watch as her own smile fades, her eyes drop, and her hand makes a quick waving motion at the bruise.

“It’s nothing. Really, it isn’t. Head bop from a horse,” she mumbles unconvincingly before pushing past us and walking quickly down a hallway.

My eyes meet Gunner’s then Axel’s, and I know they’re not believing her any more than I am. Pushing past them, I follow Ivy through another door and outside. She subtly positions herself, so the bruised cheekbone is on her opposite side from where we’re walking beside her. I let her have this play, but it’s only temporary. Eventually, I’ll be asking questions I’m already positive she’s not going to want to answer.

Entering the large horse barn, Ivy stops at the second stall. Glancing inside, I see two mini donkeys. One brown with the faint marking of a cross on his back. A Bethlehem donkey or at least a mix. The other is white with brown spots. Both are no more than 34 inches, if that, at the withers. They’re definitely minis, and I know instantly that Ava is going to fall in love again.

“Damn, they’re small, Gunner. Isn’t Ava a little big to ride them?” Axel asks seriously.

Ivy laughs at the same time as I do before explaining patiently that the donkeys aren’t to be ridden. They’re pets, not rideable animals. Axel looks confused at first but listens closely to Ivy. After that, she explains to Gunner about their history, temperaments, housing, and care requirements. She’s knowledgeable and knows her equines.

Glancing back to the donkeys, I look into their intelligent eyes and know they’re going to be living near the clubhouse soon. As Ivy answers questions from Gunner and Axel, I open the stall door and slip inside. Holding the back of my hand toward them, I wait. Donkeys are cautious animals and won’t allow anyone or anything to rush them. They’re curious, but they need time to think things through before they react. Knowing this, I continue to wait. After a few moments, the brown donkey slowly approaches, neck stretched out, to sniff my hand. When he survives our encounter, the white-spotted donkey does the same.

“What’s their names?” I ask in a quiet voice.

“Brown one is Moose. The spotted one is Matilda. He’s atreat-seeking donkey and lets his stomach determine his wariness level. Matilda is themore cautious of the two but tends to enjoy affection more than treats once she’s decided she likes someone. Both are friendly, affectionate, and love being groomed. Moose will never walk away from someone with a brush in their hand, especially if they are willing to scratch his rump. He’s pushier for attention than she is. Matilda is less pushy but waits patiently to be noticed. Neither have ever been abused or neglected, and in fact, were cared for and well-loved. Because of that, they’ve never shown aggression to humans and love kids,” Ivy answers as she enters the stall to stand beside me.

“So, you think they’d do well with kids? Small kids?” Gunner questions.

“Absolutely. They’ve been here for about a month, but I waited to call you until I’d spent time with them. I wouldn’t recommend them if I didn’t believe they’d do great with your little ones. Most donkeys don’t like dogs at all, but they’ve done fine with the dogs I’ve introduced them to. So far, neither has shown aggression to any other animal. They were raised with goats. That’s a huge plus because goats are naughty, and yet the donkeys are patient and get along well with them. They lead, tie, trailer, and are great about having their hooves trimmed. I’ve introduced them to the various types of animals here with no problems. I’d adopt them myself if my situation were different,” Ivy answers, saying the last sentence in a quieter voice.

Gunner and Axel enter the stall and follow my example of letting the donkeys approach them when they’re ready. It’s not long, and Moose is using Axel’s leg to scratch his ass against. Gunner soon finds Matilda quietly leaning against his leg, thoroughly enjoying the neck scratches he’s giving her. Aiming my eyes to Ivy’s, I see the soft look in hers as she watches two bikers bonding with two donkeys.

“I wanted to get a look at them and talk with you before I told Ava about them. Now, I wished I had brought her with us. I think these two are exactly what she’s always wanted,” Gunner says to Ivy before swinging his head toward me. “What’s your thoughts on them, Pigeon?”

“They’re perfect and will be well-loved by your wife and kids. I trust Ivy’s assessment of them. Maybe you should call your wife, Prez,” I answer honestly.

Ivy’s eyes meet mine, and I see the question in them. I answer it before she asks.

“Gunner asked me to come along tonight because I was raised on a farm. I know animals, and I know Ava and his kids.”

Ivy nods in understanding and gives me a small smile before turning back to Gunner.

“I’m here until midnight if you want to call Ava. If you want to wait until tomorrow, anyone here can help you with the paperwork, or I’ll be back at 4pm. If you decide you want them, I can help with transportation whenever you’re ready for them. I have to go bring a dog in from the outside run, but I’ll be back in a couple of minutes. It’s a big commitment, and I get that, but I know your wife too. If you call her, you’ve as good as signed your name on the adoption papers.”

Ivy flashes a knowing smile at Gunner before she leaves the barn. I turn back to look at Moose and Matilda, and I know what she just said is the truth. So do the other two men standing in the stall. I watch as Gunner pulls his phone out and makes the call.

Following Ivy to the office, we pass the aviary on the way. Axel and I stop in front of it and stare inside. Birds of all sizes and colors, most in large, elaborate cages are chattering, singing, and generally being noisy. There are a few that look like Mac, but most are smaller birds with several to a cage. My eyes are automatically drawn to a large, white cockatoo. It’s standing on a perch looking directly at Axel.

“After having to put up with Mac, this room is the stuff of my nightmares,” Axel states.

I bark out a laugh at my VP, knowing he’s speaking the truth. Mac goes out of his way to make Axel’s life difficult, and we all get to sit back and enjoy the show they put on.

“Are you the one Mac complains to me about?” Ivy asks from behind us.

Axel and I both turn to look down at her smiling face, and Axel nods his head.

“Last time Ava brought Mac with her, he asked me if I could have you adopted out,” Ivy informs us with what sounds suspiciously like a small snort. “Like we do with the pigs, he said. He offered cashews as payment.” This time there was no doubt. She laughed, snorted a little, then outright laughed again at Axel’s look of disgust.

“Mac’s a pain in the ass that needs to disappear,” Axel informs Ivy.

“Did you know he calls you Assman?” Ivy says with a large grin aimed at Axel’s scowling face.

“Mac’s got a big mouth that needs to be taped shut,” Axel replies in an irritated voice.

A loud wolf whistle pierces the air, and we all turn to look at the culprit. The same white bird is still staring at Axel when it lets loose another whistle. Seriously, this bird could rival any construction worker that’s ever whistled at a passing female.

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