Page 56 of Chubs

“Get some sleep, and we’ll go back tomorrow night,” Les says before making his way to the bathroom.

Chapter 18

Lucy

While Craig has whined to anyone and everyone about how much he hates school, he’s made it through his first week without incident. I’m sure Pippa breathed a huge sigh of relief when Friday afternoon came. She even joked that Pooh could put the cash for bail money he’d been carrying around back in his safe now. As his reward for going all week to school, Craig’s riding with me, Bella, and Luke out to the ranch. Following us on his bike is Horse. We’re spending the night, then Horse will follow me back to town, and Pigeon will bring the kids back home Sunday.

I turn into the drive that leads to the ranch house and take a deep breath of relief. I always feel calmer here than in town lately. The kids sit up straight in anticipation of reaching the house, but it’ll still take several minutes to get there. Secluded is an understatement, with the house and barns sitting well into the land that make up the ranch. It’s beautiful, especially with the animals grazing in pastures on each side of the long driveway.

The second the car comes to a stop, the kids bail out and take off for the barns. I grab my briefcase and head for the house instead. Knocking once, I open the door and walk into the large kitchen and set my briefcase on the table. Walking back out the door, I follow the voices to the horse barn, waving at Horse on my way. He’s currently nursing a beer, kicked back on the deck, obviously planning on staying put. Horse, regardless of his road name, does anything he can to avoid being around the horses. Spotting Ivy in a stall, I stop behind Bella and lean around her to see inside.

Ivy’s busy putting a halter on a miniature horse. It’s what she calls a paint, white with large black patches sprinkled throughout its hair, mane, and tail. It’s so adorable. I want to hug it immediately. When she’s finished, we step back, and Ivy leads the mini out of the stall. Stopping in front of the kids, she grins when the mini neighs loudly, startling me.

“This is Castiel, Cas for short, and he’s one of our latest acquisitions. The other one, Jacko, is in the next stall. Both are super friendly and well-trained. Oh my God, you’re going to love this, Lucy!” Ivy says while vibrating with excitement.

“I already do! He’s so cute!” I answer while stepping to the side to get a peek at Jacko in his stall.

He’s nearly identical to Cas in appearance. A few of his markings are a little different, but in size and basic looks, they could be twins.

“Yes, they both are, but what I meant was you’re going to love why I got them!” Ivy exclaims. “They’re a team and are trained to drive and pull a cart. Wait until you see the little wagon they pull! It’s so adorable! I’m going to teach you how to drive a team of horses, and believe me, you’ll want your very own afterward.”

I’m not the only one who squealed in delight upon seeing the mini wagon. Bella could barely stand still, and Luke’s smile grew until it had to be painful.

The wagon is a miniature-sized covered wagon like those used in the 1800s to cross America. The seat is small, only big enough for me and maybe a kid to sit on. The bed of the wagon could hold one, possibly two, small bales of hay only.

What makes it extra cute are the size-appropriate items hanging from the sides that make it look authentic. Hanging from one side is a small toolbox made of wood, an axe, and two lariats. The other side has a lantern, water bucket, and the brake lever. Swinging from the rear axle is a small wooden bucket that I’m assuming is the grease bucket.

“When can I learn?” I ask as I step off so the kids can try the seat.

“Tomorrow morning sound good?” Ivy asks, smiling knowingly at me.

“I want to learn it all. From harnessing the horses to driving the wagon. This is really cool, Ivy, and the kids that come here for your lessons are going to love it too.”

“The ponies are about the right size for you to ride too, Lucy,” Pigeon says as he stops next to Ivy.

“I agree with Prissy. You suck, bird boy,” I respond but smile at his teasing.

“Ignore him. They’re too small to ride, but they can easily pull the wagon and a small adult or child,” Ivy says while wrapping an arm around Pigeon’s waist.

“Didn’t you say something about buying a Shetland Pony for Lucy to ride?” Pigeon questions, then grunts when Ivy pinches his side.

“Keep it up, Pigeon, and I’ll let Tessie take you for a drive,” I warn.

“Speaking of Tessie, what did you do to her? She hasn’t had an accident since driving with you, and I see fear in her eyes when you enter a room?” Pigeon asks.

“None-ya, Pigeon,” I answer and grin at his look of confusion.

“None-ya?” he repeats.

“None-ya. None of your damn business. I improvised a little so you’d understand, but that’s what it means, bird boy,” Craig replies, then laughs outright at Pigeon. “Can we now get back to what we were doing before we were so rudely interrupted?”

“Careful, Craig. Loki’s not here to save you this time,” Pigeon cautions with a smirk.

“But he will be the next time you’re at the clubhouse. You could thump my ass now, but I’ll have him pluck yours then,” Craig returns with his own smirk.

Before I can intervene and save Pigeon’s ass from a good feather plucking, we hear a car engine. Walking to the barn door, Pigeon asks, “You have a client coming tonight, Ivy?”

“No, just Lucy and the kids,” she answers while joining Pigeon in the doorway.

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