Once Upon a Bull Rider

When I got situated in the bed, she snuggled up beside me and put her head on my chest. I, instinctively, put my arm around her and pulled her closer.
"Tell me a story, " She whispered, her voice barely audible above the crickets.
I smiled, "Which one?"
"One about the ranch, " She yawned at the end.
"Close your eyes, " I whispered and started running my finger up and down her nose.
She relaxed and snuggled closer, "It'll take at least five minutes to get through the woods from the main road." I began in a rhythmic voice born of having told this story a hundred times.

{Six years later}

He got situated under the covers and I moved closer, laying my head on his chest. He pulled me closer, like he always did, and kissed the top of my head.
"I'll be gone tomorrow, " He said as he started running his finger up and down the bridge of my nose.
"Why?" I yawned.
"I gotta take those bulls to Shelbyville," He kissed the top of my head again.
He was trying to put me to sleep so I'd not ask to go with him, the bastard! I'll give him one thing though, it was working. And soon, I let sleep claim me, sweet, warm sleep.