Page 47 of Knot His Beast
“I need to chat with the neighbors next door,” I tell him, wrapping my arm around his shoulders to hug him to my body. “Wait here, I’ll be right back.”
“How do you know your neighbors already?” he asks. “I barely know mine and I’ve lived in my loft for years.”
“Your neighbors are in another building and you hate people. My reasons for introducing myself to the neighbors are completely selfish,” I say, kissing his temple. “I’ll be right back.”
I already told the Hendersons I’d be coming by today. They’re by their pig pen when I cross their large yard, smiling from ear to ear when they see me.
“Are you ready for your sweet girl?” Mr. Henderson asks.
“I’m so excited,” I admit. “How has she been?”
They had baby piglets born five weeks ago, and I met them when I came out to see the house for the first time. I fell inlove with Bella, made arrangements to come pick her up, and it happened to collide with showing Tav the house.
Sometimes, the universe isn’t trying to fuck me with a rusty pole, and I thank her dearly for that.
“She’s being her typical self,” Mrs. Henderson laughs. “She bit my son for bugging her, escaped her pen yesterday and had us all chasing her, and then jumped into a gigantic puddle.”
“Sounds about right,” I shrug, smirking.
Pigs are mischievous creatures, even when they are adorable.
“I’ll hose her off again so she doesn’t get your nice clothes dirty,” Mrs. Henderson says.
Reaching in, she scoops Bella up as she squeals, and brings her over to a galvanized steel tub to do just that. The baby pig complains loudly during her bath, and I chat with Mr. Henderson before Bella is returned to me in a fluffy towel.
“Take the towel with you,” Mrs. Henderson chuckles. “Let it be the beginning of her soft life. I can tell you’re going to spoil her.”
“With this face, I don’t think I’ll be able to help myself,” I admit, helping Bella get comfortable in my arms.
I’m the son of a rancher. I know the steep difference between animals meant for food, guarding my livestock, and the family pet. Bella is firmly in the family position. She will never be bacon.
“I have cash for you. How much did you want for her?” I ask.
I can’t remember if they ever told me. I simply couldn’t say no when I saw they had adorable piglets.
“Nothing,” Mr. Henderson says, his eyes on Bella. “She’s a sweet baby angel that needs you. I knew it the second you saw her. We’re going to be neighbors. I’m sure my wife will pop by for a cup of tea or something when you’re all moved in.”
“Thank you,” I say appreciatively, rubbing Bella’s snout. My baby piglet snorts, and I can’t stop grinning at how happy shemakes me. “Hopefully, the guys in suits do their thing faster than they are now and I can move in soon.”
“Good luck with that,” Mrs. Henderson laughs. “They enjoy dragging their feet right up until the end.”
“Don’t I know it,” I groan. “Have a good day, folks.”
As I cross the field, I can see Tav pacing. As much as I attempted to keep the pick up short and sweet, small talk is still a part of life. Oh well, I suppose this is just as good as any to break the news to him that Bella and I are moving in.
“I’m here,” I say loudly. His eyes are slightly unfocused, and his curls are standing up on his head in a mess. He’s definitely been fucking with it while waiting for me. “Look who I found.”
Tav shakes himself as he blinks until he sees me, but his eyes immediately find the bundle in my arms.
“Who? That’s a pig,” he says, confused.
“Bella,” I correct, holding her like a football while I link my fingers with Tav’s to tug him toward the truck. “That’s her name. She’s a sweet little baby pig and she’s going to be Floyd’s best friend.”
“Oh is she?” he asks, his lips twitching at my words.
“You betcha,” I reply. “I’m very excited to watch their friendship grow. Hold her while I drive back?”
“Ho…hold her?” he asks. “Don’t pigs play in the mud?”
