Nights off from work at the ranch were rare. With so much to do- bringing the cattle in from the field, feeding the horses, rounding up the chickens, freshening up the water beds, stacking hay- it was rare that Tommy found himself standing face to face with 'free time.' If he was being honest with himself, he enjoyed the work. It gave him something to work on during the day, something to clear his mind, and he enjoyed the work. The horses were fun, the cattle were stupid but sweet and-... you.

Oh, you.

Tommy would be lying if he said he woke up every morning and didn't think of you first thing. Before the sun was even up, you were on his mind. How could you not be? With your snide remarks and your pinched up face when he annoyed you, and the way you handled the horses, and how you weren't afraid to get dirty, how pretty you were, how strong and sharp... Lord! Point was, you were mighty fine and had a sharp mouth too.

And if you wanted to play hard to get... well, he didn't mind chasing you. Besides, he could tell he was already wearing you down. A year had gone by since he started working on the ranch, living there, and you were finally starting to laugh at his jokes even if you called him an idiot, and when he threw his arm over you, you had stopped protesting. And one night, even, when it was really late, he swore you were going to kiss him. But you hadn't, of course, otherwise he'd be over the moon right now

Regardless, as much as he loved the work. Tommy was glad to have some time off because that meant he got to spend it with you. The bar was full, but he could see you from across the room, accepting a beer from the bartender and waving off older men who asked for a dance. Now, that just wouldn't do. You were going to be his, after all. He pushed himself off the wall and approached you, taking his hat off and promptly sitting it on your head.

"There," He smiled. "Looks better on you anyway."