20. Marko

Chapter 20

Marko

“ O kay. You’re all finished, Jamieson.”

The cowboy takes the mirror I hand him and positions it to see the completed tattoo on his chest. It was easy enough for me to design and, from our conversations, this is something that carries a lot of weight for the cowboy. People don’t ink initials on their body permanently unless it’s something serious has been my experience.

He’s quiet for a while and when he clears his throat and hands me the mirror back, there’s a tremor in his hand.

“I really love how you made the bull’s hoofprint part of the initial like that. It, ah, it’s exactly how I feel.”

“I’m happy you like it. But I’m more happy that I got it right.”

After applying a thin layer of ointment and a bandage, he pulls on his shirt and buttons it up as he talks.

“Griff is the best thing in my life. He and bull riding make my world complete. I need nothing else.”

“That’s a wonderful gesture. How long have you been together?”

“Together?” He laughs as he stands to tuck in his shirt. “We’re not together. He’s my best friend. Without him, I don’t think I’d be as good of a bull rider as I am. ”

“My apologies. He sounds like an amazing friend.”

“The best.”

I’d say the smile and the way he described what he wanted in a tattoo the first time means Griff is more than a friend, but I’m in no position to point that out.

“I’m really glad you fit me in. A week is still okay before I’m riding again? The big money happens at the Kissing Ridge Rodeo in a week, and I don’t want to miss it.”

We walk to the front, and when I present the terminal for him to pay, I ask him more about the rodeo.

“I’ve never been to a rodeo. My boyfriend works on a ranch and told me I need to. We had planned to go to one this weekend nearby, Colton Creek, I think it was. But we can’t make that one. Should we wait for Kissing Ridge? How far is that?”

You know when people get all lit up when they’re excited about something? That’s how Jamieson is as he grabs a pen and asks for a Post-it note while he scribbles out the name of the rodeo and dates. Even adding names of his friends we need to watch when we go and what events they’re in.

“Anyway, the season is almost over, but Kissing Ridge is the best. But if you’ve never been to a rodeo before, maybe don’t show up without a cowboy hat. Blend in a bit.”

“Thanks for the tip, Jamieson. Good luck and if there’re any issues with the ink, just call and arrange something.”

Jamieson places his cowboy hat on and tips the brim.

“Will do Marko. I hope you get to a rodeo. If you do, look me up.”

Tucking his note in my pocket, I return to clean up my station. No sooner do I step into the room, my phone rings and it’s Heath .

“Hello, ljubavi .”

“Marko…” Heath’s sniffles immediately make me snap to attention and abandon my clean up. “Can you…I hate asking you this, but are you able to come to the ranch?”

“Of course I can. Are you okay?”

I’m already pulling my jacket down and searching for my keys. There’s no way I’ll make him wait longer than he has to.

“I’m okay. I’ll explain when you get here.”

“As soon as I can. Hang tight.”

“Thank you.”

His voice cracks and this giant squeeze in my heart threatens to leave me breathless. Heath ends the call, and I stop at Curtis’s workstation. He’s working on a full sleeve for a buttoned-up businessman type and they talk quietly, but he senses me at the door and lifts his head.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I have to run out to the ranch. If I’m not back in two hours, can you call my appointment and reschedule for me?”

“Sure. Is everything okay?”

“I don’t know.”

He nods and we share a glance.

“I’ll take care of it. Keep me posted.”

Without another word, I leave my shop and drive to the ranch as fast as I can.

** *

Heath is running over to me before I’ve even removed my helmet, and when I step off the bike, he throws himself into my arms.

No words are said, but he holds me tight, and I dip my head to inhale everything that is Heath.

“I’m so glad you’re here.”

“I’ll always come when you call. Always.” Cupping his face, my thumbs brush under his reddened eyes. “You’ve been crying.”

He huffs a small laugh and turns his face to kiss my palm.

“Yeah, but it’s so stupid. I should be happy, really.”

“It’s not stupid.” Shaking my head, I press a kiss to his forehead. “Jeff is important to you, and you care about him. If you weren’t upset, I’d be concerned.”

Heath releases a large puff of air and takes my hand as he leads me up to the main farmhouse.

“Dante texted me as soon as I left you after coffee this morning. Jeff attacked a barn cat and when I got here, he’d already killed a squirrel.”

Heath’s shoulders slump with sadness as he tells me everything that went on this morning with Jeff as we walk up to the ranch house. The devastation in his voice that it’s not something he can fix crushes me.

“I think I know what’s going to happen, but I excused myself from the discussion until you got here.” He stops outside the front door and turns to me. “I don’t know how I’ll react, and I need you to like…just be my rock, I guess? These guys are amazing, and I love them. They’re my family. But you…you make me feel different when you’re around and not just in an ‘ Oh my god, my dick is hard again ’ kind of way. I feel tied to you, maybe?” He shakes his head as he reaches for the door. “I’m probably not explaining it right. I just know I need you.”

That was quite the revelation. I know what he’s trying to say because I feel the same way about him.

“Oh. This is Dan’s place.” Heath says over his shoulder as he leads me in. “I don’t think you’ve met him yet. He’s like a dad.” He perks up as we step inside. “Actually, all three of them are here! You can meet all the guys at once.” He snorts. “My three dads!”

If he wasn’t the man I was head over heels in love with and who had already agreed to meet my Croatian family this weekend, I’d be making excuses to get out of here. But I suppose this is as good a time as any to prove my worth to the three men Heath thinks the world of.

We enter the kitchen to find four men talking around the kitchen table, and they all pause their conversation as we enter.

“Hey guys. This is Marko. You know Blaze and you met Alec, but this guy here is Dan, and that’s Terry. He’s going to help with Jeff.”

Dan stands and offers his hand. He’s smiling and not at all imposing, but his grip on my hand is punishing. He hasn’t said a word, but I get the message already.

“Nice to finally meet you, Marko. I hear good things. Thank you for being here for Heath.”

“I wouldn’t miss it, sir. ”

Dan’s grin grows as he turns to Blaze. “Hear that? He called me sir!” His smile is genuine as he motions for us to join the table. “I like you already, Marko.”

“He calls everyone, sir. Don’t spit shine your belt buckle over it, Dan.” Blaze drawls as he shakes his head. Dan shoves his shoulder, and I enjoy their teasing until Terry clears his throat.

“So, is everyone we need here now? Can I explain to you what your options are for Jeff?”

Terry looks around the table and I notice the three older men are waiting for Heath’s response. Heath clutches my hand and nods.

“Please. I’m ready.”

Terry opens a folder in front of him and passes a small stack of photos to Heath while he speaks.

“From what I’ve learned before seeing Jeff, he’s a single adult male peacock living on the ranch. He’s been here alone for several years. The thing with male peacocks is they reach sexual maturity around three years of age. When that happens, they can become aggressive. I’ve been told he’s attached himself to you and you’ve been a…suitable mate for a few years. Is that right?”

Heath’s cheeks pinken as he nods. “Um, yeah. A few times he’d really get, um, in the mood? But I could usually tell when it was coming, and I’d wear chaps for a few days in case he really got into it. Then he’d be fine. Like, he’d always follow me and show me his feathers and stuff. But it was only a few times that he…wanted affection.”

Terry’s eyebrows almost fly off his head. “So…you…let him breed you?”

Alec pulls his hat down low as he bites back a laugh. The other two keep it together and listen as Heath recounts his story of letting Jeff do exactly that. But clearly not having sex with a bird, just acting as an outlet for him, much like a dog humping a leg. Which is so like Heath to put himself at risk for Jeff’s happiness.

“I knew what he was doing, but I couldn’t just let him hurt people, and he seemed to like me and be okay with it. I just…I don’t know, put up with it and let him do his thing. The breeding, I guess, if that’s what it’s called.”

Terry nods in disbelief. “Um, well, that’s…commendable.”

Blaze snorts and immediately schools his expression. “Sorry. Heath has always been good at people pleasin’. I can’t say I’m surprised it extends to birds.” Blaze’s gaze finds mine over Heath’s head and he winks.

“What I think happened when Jeff came here is that he imprinted on you, Heath. But instead of thinking you’re his parent, he saw you as a mate.”

Heath nods as he listens.

“He’d get really territorial sometimes and fan his feathers and peck at people when they got too close to me.” He squeezes my hand and smiles. “Like when you came over the first time and he pecked your thigh? Remember? I had to get you to drop your pants so I could put ointment on it.”

Heath’s innocent remarks make me shift in my seat. Of course, I remember, but I don’t want his dads to know this stuff. Blaze smiles like he’s enjoying my reaction, and Dan… well, I’m not sure how to read him, but if anything else happens, Alec will have to leave the room. He might bite through his lip soon if he can’t laugh out loud .

“We tried getting a peahen once, but he just wasn’t interested. I figured he didn’t like them or they weren’t his type. Then I guess I just never bothered looking into it again.”

Terry, bless him, soldiers on. “What today sounds like is that Jeff is sexually frustrated. Peacocks have multiple mates. Most people think they mate for life, but they’re actually polyamorous. The males have a usual group of peahens they rotate through, but they sometimes take favourites. In your case, Heath, he was content with the arrangement. You acted as a favourite.”

“But that’s not good enough now, is it?”

“It’s not, I’m afraid. His need to mate and reproduce is finally catching up. I’m impressed he didn’t get aggressive before this, to be fair. It’s highly unusual.”

Heath twists his hands in front of him, and I rub his back. His voice is so gloomy. His shine is all gone.

“So, um, the attacks today were because he needs sex?”

“Yes. In the most blunt way possible. Yes.”

Heath puffs a breath and reaches for my hand. He nods like a sage old man processing the words. It’s cute, but he’s working hard not to fall apart. We all know what has to happen and we’re just waiting until Heath catches up.

“Blaze said you breed birds and want to have peacocks? What would your plan be for Jeff?”

Terry’s face lights up as he takes back the photos of his operation that Heath barely looked at and replaces them with pictures of… peacocks, I think. Or peahens. I’m not a bird guy.

“Well, I have many interested people in establishing their own peafowl places, mostly for bird shows. It’s a very popular hobby. Bird shows, that is. I need another peacock to service the hens and keep up with demand. When Blaze contacted me, it was perfect timing.”

Heath remains silent for several moments as he slides through the photos.

“Would I be…” He trails off and swallows. “Could I visit him there?”

“I’ve never had anyone ask, but I don’t see why not.”

“What about, like, could I take him out sometime? You know, like a family visit or something? Because he loves car rides and ice water at the coffee shop. It’s our thing.”

A single fat tear slides down his cheek, and I wipe it away with my thumb. He’s breaking my heart.

Terry switches off business mode and reaches across to hold Heath’s hand.

“We could definitely work out visitation. Whatever would make you comfortable, Heath.”

Heath nods and turns his attention to the men across the table.

“It’s the right thing to do, right? He needs this or he’ll be unhappy. I don’t want him unhappy.”

“He’s still an animal, Heath. I know how much you love him, but none of us can give him what he needs,” Alec says with a kind smile.

“You know I’m sad about your situation, but we’ve talked about this.” Blaze softens his voice. “We always do what’s best for the animals here, Heath. Be it a horse, cow, chicken, or peacock. Their care is always first.”

Dan remains silent, but I know Heath wants his assurance too. Not like there’s any other option, but Heath is so sensitive and sweet. I’ve watched him with this bird for months and seen firsthand his care of it. The way he talks about Jeff, he’s attached just like anyone would be to a pet. Hell, even I’m going to miss seeing the dang thing during our coffee breaks.

“Jeff needs to be happy, Heath. You did everything you could until now. Terry will let you visit. He might even send you photos often.”

Heath sighs and pushes the photos back to Terry.

“He really likes cranberries and those meal worm things. He likes to drink ice water from a Styrofoam cup and if you have a car with an open door, he might jump inside.” His watery smile as he offers his hand to Terry nearly breaks me.

“You seem like a good guy, Terry. I trust you to take the best care of Jeff. And I’d like to ask, no, I demand weekly updates and photos.”

Terry shakes his hand and smiles. “I will absolutely do all that, Heath. Trust me. He’ll be happy and I know you aren’t right now, but you will be when you see how different he’ll be. He’ll be a better peacock.”

Heath whispers, “I know. It’s just hard.” He wipes at his wet cheeks. “Come on. I’ll take you to him.”

I stand to follow Heath, but a hand pats my arm.

“Can you stay for a minute?”

My eyes meet Dan’s and Blaze calls out that we’ll join Terry and Heath in a few minutes. Heath smiles at me, assuring me it’s okay, and I retake my seat as Alec leans forward.

“Marko, I’m the nicest of the three of us, FYI. Heath is a grown man, but he’s important to all of us. I’ve never seen him this happy to be with someone. Please come by for supper one night. That’s all I need to say.” With a tip of his hat, he leaves .

Blaze grins and flips the toothpick around his mouth before standing.

“You already know how I feel. And you passed the test. I like you. But I’m not afraid to make your life hell if you do wrong by that man. He’s the gentlest human you will ever meet. He says things like it is and sometimes he takes a while to catch on…but he will. Be patient. And love the fuck out of him because he has so much love to give. You’re a lucky son of a bitch.”

Blaze exits and I’m left with the final one of the threesome. The man Heath has only ever said kind things about and holds the highest esteem for. He’s like the godfather of the ranch.

“I’m glad those two left because I might cry and they’d never let me forget it. That’s how much I trust you, Marko. Heath loves easy. He always has and I never say it out loud, but I love him like a son.” He clears his throat and chuckles. “Dammit. I’m already getting emotional. I’m not giving you a speech about burying your body in the yard if you hurt him. Instead, I’m going to tell you all the things I love about him as quickly as I can so you can get out there and ease the broken heart he’s about to have when Jeff leaves.”

Turns out Dan couldn’t really keep it short, but I got the picture.

And Heath is one lucky guy.