Page 74 of Pigeon

“Explain that a little more, wife,” I order when I hear noises in the background that sound nothing like a barn. They sound more like a hospital.

“The first horse loaded fine. Second horse spooked and may have broken my foot. I’m waiting for an x-ray, but other than that, I’m good,” Ivy answers in a quieter voice.

“Stay where you’re at. I’ll ride back to town with Trigger and come get you so I can drive you home.”

“No, don’t do that. It’s my left foot so I can drive,” Ivy argues.

“You’re not driving. Be there in an hour,” I answer before disconnecting.

Texting Trigger, I wait for him. While waiting, I send out a group text to find out if anyone can get to the hospital, so Ivy’s not alone there.

When I get a text, I see it’s from Horse.

Horse: I’m close to the hospital. I’ll go find Ivy and wait with her until you get here.

Me: Thanks. Be there as soon as I can.

Trigger and the boys show up, and we leave for town. The boys are upset about Ivy but happy with their catches today. That includes Trigger, who talks non-stop about fishing during the drive. Arriving at the hospital, I see Ivy’s truck and trailer parked at the back of the lot. I assure Trigger that he doesn’t need to come inside too and wave them off.

Walking into the hospital, I get directions to the E.R. bay that Ivy’s currently in and make my way down the hallway. I recognize their voices, so I follow them. Pulling back the curtain, I find her lying on the bed, foot elevated by pillows. Horse is in the chair next to her, and they’re arguing.

“They’re four-legged fur missiles that intend to eliminate all humans from this Earth,” Horse states in an exasperated voice.

“It was an accident. He has feet larger than my head, and these things happen,” Ivy answers in the same voice.

“Bikes are safer because they don’t have a brain of their own,” Horse argues his point.

“And neither do some of the other people on the road. At least riding a horse, I won’t take a fall at speeds greater than about 50 miles per hour,” Ivy counters while I lean my shoulder against the divider between bays.

“No horse can run 50 miles per hour, Ivy. I’m not a horse person, but I’m not that gullible either,” Horse answers with a snort.

“No horse with you on his back can,” Ivy mutters before noticing me.

“Are you implying I’m fat?” Horse asks in a truly offended tone.

“No, dipshit, she’s taking a shot at your lack of riding abilities. You’d slow any horse down,” I answer before walking to Ivy’s side and leaning down for a kiss.

“I told you I didn’t need a driver. Doctor is bringing in a boot for my foot, and then I’m out of here,” Ivy says when I pull back.

“It’s broken then?” I ask while looking at the foot in question. It’s swollen and very bruised.

“Yep. Not much they can do with it but to put me in a boot until it heals itself. I hate to use an overused phrase, but this ain’t my first rodeo with a broken foot,” Ivy answers with a grin.

A doctor and a nurse enter our cubicle, and the doctor slides a boot over the injured foot and adjusts it. When he’s done, he tells us the nurse will explain anything we need to know, and he leaves. The nurse does exactly that, and she patiently answers all my questions while Ivy rolls her eyes at me. The nurse hands Ivy a set of crutches and starts to explain how to use them when Ivy holds up a hand.

“I don’t need these. I have a few sets laying around the ranch somewhere, and I’ll find them if I need to use them.”

“We’ll take them and thank you for your help,” I counter Ivy’s answer.

The nurse grins, wishes us luck, and leaves. Horse stands, gives us a salute, and follows the nurse.

“Let’s get you home,” I say as Ivy stands then places the crutches under her arms at my pointed glare at them.

Once we clear the E.R. door, I tell Ivy to take a seat on the bench nearby, and I’ll go get the truck. Trotting across the lot, I retrieve the truck and drive up as close as I can get to Ivy. Jumping out to help her, I find her already climbing inside the cab. I return to the driver’s side, and we pull out.

“You hurting?” I ask as I reach for her hand.

“No, they gave me some painkillers, and I have a few extras, just in case.”

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