"You think it's funny, don't you? Well I... I..." he started to look uncomfortable. Luis looked at him as if he was insane. "Lemme ask y'all somethin'. I'm pretty much flat broke... That was the second herd I've lost in a year. Bad luck, I guess... Anyways... Y'all are headin' up to Abilene, ain't that right? I was wonderin' if I could uh... Travel... With y'all--I don't like bein' by myself 'round here. Cayotes about and such..."
Buddy wrapped his arms around Catori tight, and leaned in real close in the saddle, nuzzling his nose and scruffy chin against her raspberry-essence scented skin. He could feel her head bob tiredly as they rode, and he kissed her tenderly again on the cheek and whispered.
"If you fall asleep, I will hold you... I won't let you fall... I will never let you go, Beautiful Flower..."
Buddy squeezed her around her mid-section in a tight hug and continued to kiss her soft smooth cheek...