Page 58 of Chubs

“Luke’s going to be a cowboy when he grows up, so he works hard at remembering everything Ivy’s told us,” Craig states.

“He said that?” Pigeon asks.

“Yep. He said he wants to spend his life away from people and around animals. He thinks Ivy’s the shit and wants to be just like her,” Craig explains.

“He’s not wrong. My wife is amazing, and being like her is a sound decision,” Pigeon says with pride in his tone.

“My wife this and my wife that. Do you call her ‘my wife’ because you forgot her name already? Let me help you out, brother. Her name is Ivy,” Horse says while enunciating Ivy slowly.

“Dick move,” Craig mumbles.

“I call her my wife because she is and because I’m fucking proud as hell that she married me, you mother’s son of a jackass. I want every swinging dick to know it too,” Pigeon answers while giving Horse a shove in the shoulder.

“This has taken an ugly turn,” Bella says.

“No need for violence, Ivy’s husband,” Horse taunts.

“I see your face, and for some reason, I choose violence every damn time,” Pigeon responds with another shove.

Horse barks out a laugh, then returns the shove, moving Pigeon back a step.

“Wait!” Craig shouts, and we all look in his direction. “We haven’t placed bets yet on who’s ass is going to get whooped.”

“$10 on Pigeon for the win,” Bella and I say at the same time.

“What the hell, you two?” Horse shouts while pointing at us.

“Sorry, Horse, but Pigeon has righteous anger because he feels he’s defending his relationship with his wife,” Bella says while laughing.

“I double down on that,” I add.

“Not fair. Now I have to bet on Horse,” Craig complains. “Or, you two could make a bet between yourselves. That way, we can save our money and just be here for the entertainment.”

“Yeah, Horse, let’s do that. I win, and you have to ride Lucky again,” Pigeon offers with an evil smirk.

Horse’s mouth drops open, and he freezes in place. Glancing past Pigeon, Horse’s eyes move to Luke and a very docile Lucky making circles in the round pen. I beat back a laugh when he visibly swallows, then takes a step backward.

“I’m actually good with you giving me a shove from time to time. It bolsters your ego to think an old man like you still has it. I’ll let you off the hook this time. Anyone want a beer?” Horse states before walking off.

“That was a bust. I was hoping to get another video of him riding,” Pigeon complains but does so grinning wide.

“You have an evil streak,” I state.

“Thank you,” he agrees easily.

The sound of bikes causes the four of us to look toward the drive in time to see Gunner, Petey, and Rex coming to a stop.

When Pigeon turns to me, I wave him off.

“I’ll keep an eye on the kids and their riding. Go see what’s going on, but you better explain it to me later.”

Pigeon jogs to the men, with Horse joining their group, and they stand around talking while Gunner reads the piece of paper Pigeon handed him. When Gunner lowers the paper, his eyes lock on mine. The feeling of dread returns, but I keep my face blank. After a few more minutes of talking, the men head to the bunkhouse.

“What could you hear, Craig?” Bella asks quietly.

Craig, uncharacteristically silent, ignores the question. His eyes meet mine. Then he quickly looks away. When Bella asks again, Craig finds his voice.

“Club stuff. Gunner will talk with Lucy later.”

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