Rick stands at fence, hammering the post into the ground. He leans against it as a hand reaches a glass down to him. He looks up to see Beth astride a large black stallion. "Thought you might want some water. How's it going?"

"No complaints," he says, taking the water. "Thanks." He takes a drink as he runs his hand over the horse's mane. "He's handsome."

"His name is Wildfire," she smiles.

"I haven't seen him before," Rick acknowledges.

"He stays in the outer pasture, he doesn't come to anyone but me. He seems to like you though."

"Yea, he does." He finishes the water and hands her the glass back. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." She sits up straight and wipes her brow. "It's getting hot, climb on and we'll head back to the house."

"Will he let me ride him?"

"Sure he will."

He notices she is riding the horse bare back. "No saddle?"

"He refuses." She holds her hand down to him as he climbs up. He straddles the horse behind her as she gently nudges the horse to move. He snorts then starts walking slowly. Beth leans over and pats him. "Let's show Rick what you can do."

The horse bobs his head up and down and starts to trot a little faster. She sits up as he begins to gallop slowly then gets faster. He takes off galloping fast, causing Rick to put his hands on her hips to hang on. Beth giggles as they race across the yard at a full run.

The black horse blazes past the camp as Carl watches. "That's dad on a horse!" he yelps. Everyone turns to see Rick riding the black stallion across the yard.

Hershel steps onto the porch to see the black horse galloping hard to the porch. Beth reins him up as he comes to a skidding stop. She laughs as she dismounts, followed by Rick. "What is he doing up here?"

"I brought him up to give him some food," Beth smiles. "I'll go water him down."

Rick walks up the steps and sits down, watching them walk off. "Ow."

"First time on a horse?" Hershel asks.

"Riding a horse bare back yea," Rick grimaces. "He's fast."

"He's also wild, I'm surprised he let you ride him."

"I think Beth had something to do with that."

"Speaking of Beth, what is going on between you two?" Hershel asks pointedly.

"We're friends," Rick responds and rises slowly. He walks over and sits on the swing. "That's all."

"That better be all," Hershel hisses softly. "You are a married man."

"I know," Rick responds. "She lets me talk to her, get things out."

"Like what?" Hershel asks.

"She's just worried is all, she doesn't like it when Lori and I fight," Rick admits.

Hershel goes to say something as Beth walks up. "Wildfire's resting by the house."

"All right darling," Hershel says. "Beth, would you mind getting me and Rick some tea?" He notices the glass in her hands. "Where did that come from?"
"I took Rick some water while he was mending the fence," Beth admits and heads inside.

"On horseback no less," Rick smiles then changes his expression.

"Well now," Hershel says, leaning back in the rocker. "We have a situation."

"I tell you there is nothing going on between us," Rick restates.

Hershel looks over at him and stares. "Tell me another one."

"There's not, I assure you," Rick replies, standing his ground.

"Yea right."

"Hershel -"

Beth returns with three glasses; she hands one to Hershel, one to Rick and sits on the steps, taking a sip of her own. "Is there something wrong daddy?"

"Beth, how are you feeling?"

"Fine, why?"

"You went through a traumatic experience recently, I am just checking on you."

"I'm good, I promise."

"Do you like having Rick around?"

"Yea why?"

"Just wondering."

"Daddy, what is wrong? There is nothing going on between us, we're friends," Beth states firmly. "Can't I have friends?"

"Of course you can darling."

"All right then, leave it alone." She resumes drinking her tea as Rick tries to hide a smile behind his glass.