Her father was gone from the house again before the sun was up, Maddie getting a few more hours of sleep before she stumbled out of bed. With the TV blaring late into the night the only time she'd been able to sleep was after his truck roared out the driveway. Sleepily she rubbed her eyes before taking her clothes from the drawers. A faded old tee-shirt and an old pair of jeans replaced her pajamas then she took a moment to see what she had that was suitable to wear to dinner at the Walkers. She couldn't remember the last time she had gone shopping for clothes, when she needed more her father would frequent a local thrift store and purchase a bag or two of things he thought might fit her.

'Good thing we're not going to a restaurant.' She mumbled beneath her breath as she thought over the clothes she had. Dresses had been her favorite thing to wear when she lived with her mother but she hadn't owned a nice dress in years. Finally she settled for a dark pink buttoned blouse that was decorated with embroidered flowers and her best looking pair of jeans. Her best belt and hat were laid on the bed with them then she stepped out of her room and walked down the hallway.

She sighed heavily, surveying the mess in the living room. Empty beer cans littered the carpet, glass too from a broken whisky bottle. Carefully she stepped around the broken glass, found the vacuum cleaner and quickly cleaned up the mess. Dad's on a binge again… She thought as she picked up the cans to place in the bin. It was nothing she hadn't dealt with before, her fathers habits weren't anything new. Every few weeks this would happen, her father hitting the bottle hard. It was during these times she'd learnt well enough to give him a wide berth. When he was drinking there was no telling what kind of mindset he was in.

After cleaning the living room she went into the kitchen, shaking her head when she opened the fridge door. The fridge was filled with beer, he'd obviously filled it after she had gone to bed. Not surprisingly there wasn't any more food and she sent him a text to remind him that he needed to do a grocery shop. With having served him up up the last ready meal the night before, the only thing left for breakfast was the cake that Abeline had bought her. A thin slice went down with a big glass of water then she headed out into the garden.

There were quite a few things that were ready to be harvested and so that was what she set about to do. Some tomatoes and cucumbers were ready, as well as some carrots and watermelons. The strawberries weren't quite ready yet, nor were the rest of the plants. The lettuce could stand to loose a few leaves, the spinach too and she decided that with what was ripe she could make up a salad of sorts to contribute to the meal.

Hours slipped by as she worked in the garden, afternoon arriving before she'd noticed. A message notification was what stirred her from her thoughts and she stood as she pulled her phone out. Her father had finally said he'd do a shop, much to her relief. While there was the garden, it wouldn't be able to provide her fully with food. At least it was something though, when he hadn't the time to shop.

Sending him a message of thanks she went back into the house to get herself ready. A quick shower and wash of her hair made her feel like a new person, Maddie smiling to herself as she dried her hair. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been invited someplace, though felt somewhat nervous at the same time. People asked questions, questions she didn't particularly like to answer though. The thought of messaging to decline the invitation crossed her mind but she strongly dismissed it. She could do this, she had always been good at lying when it came to those uncomfortable questions being asked.

Once she was ready to go she went back into the kitchen and cut up the fresh produce from the garden for the salad. Checking her watch she decided it was time to go, hopefully Abeline didn't mind if she showed up a little early. The salad went into a container then she headed out to the barn and pulled out the bicycle she had found. She'd found it earlier in the week and had cleaned it up in case she needed to use it.

The salad went into the basket on the handlebars then she climbed on and set off down the drive back to the road. It was a good two mile ride to the Walkers ranch, when she finally reached their drive she stopped for a moment to rest then continued on her way.

There were a couple vehicles parked out front of the house, the girl looking around for a moment where to put her bicycle. A tree near the drive looked good so that was where she stopped, leaning the bike against the tree after she'd gotten off. Taking a deep breath she picked up the salad then headed up the sidewalk to the front door and knocked firmly. After a few moments, the door opened. 'I apologize if I'm early, I thought perhaps I could help with dinner if there was anything I could do.'

'That's alright, come on in.' Abeline smiled warmly, taking a glance around as the teen walked through the door. 'Your father didn't come?'

'No Ma'am, he has to work late. He sends his regards however and appreciation for the hospitality.' Maddie placed her hat up in a spare space on the hat rack. 'Thank you for inviting us over, I do wish he could have come but when he has work, that takes precedence.'

'Well I'm glad you've been able to come, it'll be nice for Stella and August to have someone their own age for a neighbor.' She led the way into the kitchen, washing her hands in the sink. 'You bought something?'

'Just a small salad, it's fresh from the garden. I hope that is alright.'

'Of course. You can put it in the fridge for now, we'll find something to put it in later.'

Maddie nodded, opening the fridge and found a place for the container after a moment. Rolling up her sleeves she washed her hands then turned back to Abeline. 'Alright, what can I do?'

'There's potatoes there that need peeling-' She motioned with her knife to a small bag on the bench. 'You'll find a peeler in that drawer there.' After a moment the teen had found a peeler and set to work. 'So, have you enrolled in school yet?'

She shook her head. 'No, I do my studies by correspondence. With moving around as much as my Dad and I do, distance education was the better option then changing schools all the time.'

'Do you like doing school that way?'

'Yeah, it's pretty good. We have student meetups online and such, I enjoy it.' She replied, placing another peeled potato down to cut up. 'My Mama homeschooled me from Kindergarten so this way of learning is pretty much the only way I know.'

'It must make it hard to make friends though.'

'Not really, I've got plenty online and I've been able to meet a few in person when we've been traveling through where they live.' She glanced over at the woman. 'Stella and August, they're your grandkids?'

She nodded. 'Stella's sixteen, she'll be seventeen in a couple months, August is fourteen.'

Maddie chuckled softly. 'I'm fifteen so I guess that sticks me in between them.'

'They should be home from school soon, I think you'll get along well with them.'

I'll try. Maddie smiled. 'What about the rest of the family?'

'Cordell is my oldest boy, Stella and August's father. He's a Texas Ranger. Then there's my youngest, Liam. He's the assistant district attorney.'

Well that's sure different from Dad's line of work.

'What about you? Have you got any other family?' Abeline continued.

She shook her head. 'My grandparents on my mother's side were killed in a car accident when I was little, my father doesn't speak with his folks, hasn't spoken to them in years. Mama was an only child, she might have had an Aunt or Uncle but I don't remember.' Finishing with peeling she started to cut the potatoes up. 'I don't know if Dad's parents are still alive, he never speaks of them. Mama said he didn't have the best time growing up, guess that's why he doesn't want anything to do with them.'

'That's a shame, family is one of life's most precious gifts.'

She shrugged. 'My Dad and I get along just fine on our own. Put these potatoes into the pot?'

'Ah yeah, they can go in now-' Hearing a car pulling up outside Abeline went to the window, her face lighting up. 'Excuse me.'

'Mmhmm.' The teen nodded as the woman left the room, adding the rest of the potatoes into the water. With that finished, she looked around to see if anything else needed to be done then hearing Abeline coming back, decided to wait for her instruction.

'What brings you town Hoyt?'

'I just couldn't leave it any longer without stopping in for dinner with my favorite family.' Hoyt replied with a smile, hanging his hat up on the hat rack. Spying the young girl in the kitchen, he walked over to introduce himself. 'Well, lookie here. Who's this pretty young lady, Abeline?'

'This is Maddie, she and her father moved into the old Lawson farm this week.' She replied, going back to the stove. 'Maddie, this is Hoyt Rawlins, he's an old family friend.'

Warily Maddie shook his outstretched hand. 'Nice to meet you.'

'Likewise, when a gal is as pretty as you are.'

'What can I help with now, Mrs. Walker?'

'There's some steaks in the fridge-'

'Ah ah ah.' Hoyt interrupted. 'You didn't think I came empty handed, did you? Out in my truck I've got a cooler full of the best Wagyu steak in Texas. Cordell-' He shouted as the Ranger walked into the house. 'Would you mind fetching my cooler from the truck? Thank you.'

'Really Hoyt, you didn't have to.'

'Oh yes I did. You haven't lived until you've had this steak.'

'I'll take your word on that.'

While Aberline and Hoyt spoke, Maddie withdrew herself from conversation and returned to watching the food on the stove. For some reason, she thought the man's voice was familiar but just couldn't place it… Glancing over her shoulder at him she couldn't shake the feeling that she knew him from somewhere.

'All right you lot-' Abeline called out as she and Maddie started to bring the plates down to the table. 'Dinner is ready.'

The folks in the living room came into the dining room, taking their places at the table. 'Anything I can help with?' Cordell questioned.

She motioned to another plate left on the bench. 'Would you mind bringing down the salad?'

He nodded and headed into the kitchen, stopping to introduce himself to the teen arranging the last of the steaks onto a platter. 'Cordell Walker.'

Maddie placed the tongs down, shaking his hand with a smile. 'Maddie.'

'Nice to meet you. Your father didn't come?'

She shook her head. 'He couldn't, he had to work late tonight.'

'I'm glad you could still make it-'

'Alright you two, come on.' Abeline remarked, picking up another dish. 'Hoyt, thanks for the steaks. Must have cost you a fortune.'

'No, I got a good deal on them.' He replied as they took their seats at the table. 'Supposed to slice like warm butter.'

'Would you like to say grace?'

'Alright. Dear Lord, I have no doubt you'll bless this food as we pig out. But uh, if you are up there big guy, I hope you know how grateful I am for these people you brought into my life. And this Wagyu steak. Amen.'

After introductions, they began to eat, Maddie keeping a close eye on those around her at the table. Apart from Abeline and Stella, she was the only other girl in the room. Having been seated next to Cordell, as it was the only spare place, made her a little more nervous but she focused on her meal and after a time, started to enjoy herself. Conversation was had around the table, Bonham excusing himself part way through but all in all, it was a pleasant meal.

Afterwards, Stella and August invited her to the living room to play a card game with them. Time slipped by, laughter resounding around the room as they had fun. Liam joined them in the game not long after, Maddie slowly starting to feel more comfortable as the night progressed.

Her phone buzzed with a notification as they went into their seventh round, the teen pulling it quickly from her pocket then excused herself from the game and walked away from the table to read the message. It was from her father and as she read what he'd said, her heart sank. I'm so in for it when I get home… She sighed, looking over at the Walkers, Stella laughing as she won the round with ease.

'Come on Maddie, you've got to give Stella a run for her money.' Liam spoke up, shuffling the cards again. 'Three games in a row, you're on a roll tonight Stella Blue.'

Stella laughed. 'You should know better than to challenge the Rummy champion of the Walker family.'

'I'd love to have another game but my Dad just messaged me, it's time for me to go. Some other time perhaps.'

Cordell had joined them in the room, hearing what Maddie had said. 'I can drive you home Maddie-'

'I don't want you to go to any trouble-'

'It's no trouble at all, we can throw your bicycle in the back of my truck.'

She could see there was no talking him out of it and gave in with a nod. 'I appreciate it, thank you.'

'It was a pleasure to meet you-' Liam stood up to say goodbye, shaking her hand. 'Hopefully we'll see you again sometime.'

Maddie smiled. 'I'd like that, we'll see what happens. Hopefully my Dad will be able to come introduce himself sometime soon.'

Saying goodbye to both Stella and August she followed Cordell back to the front door, Abeline rising from the table as they walked through.

'I'll be back shortly Ma, just going to drop Maddie back home.'

'Thank you for having me for dinner Mrs Walker.' The girl said as she picked up her hat.

'You can call me Abeline, Maddie, and it was our pleasure.'

'Look after yourself, young rascal.' Hoyt called out from his seat at the table. 'Don't get yourself into too much trouble.'

She chuckled. 'I'll keep that in mind. Those steaks were the best I've ever tasted.'

'Glad to hear it.'

'Don't be a stranger now-' Abeline continued. 'You are more then welcome to drop by anytime you wish.'

'I'd like that.' Maddie genuinely smiled as the woman gave her a hug, relishing the embrace. It had been so long since she had affectionate touch, the teen only realizing in the moment just how much she missed her mother's hugs. Her dad was definitely not the affectionate type… 'Thank you again for having me over, Abeline.' She said as she stepped back. 'I really enjoyed my time and meeting you all. You're lucky to have such a close family.'

'Well, we don't always get along-' Cordell interjected. 'But we try.' He motioned to the door. 'Shall we?'

'Yes, I'm coming. Good night.'

'Good night Maddie.'

'Night Maddie.'

Apprehension seized her as she stepped outside, closing the door behind her. Her feet lagged as she followed behind Cordell, the ranger tossing her bike into the back of his truck then opened the passenger door for her.

'Thank you.'

Cordell nodded, closing the door then climbed into the driver's seat. 'It was nice getting to meet you, I think Stella and August enjoyed your company as well.'

'I enjoyed my time, it was kind of your mother to invite me over. I just wish my father could have been able to join us.'

'Next time perhaps.'

Maddie nodded as the truck turned onto the road. 'I appreciate you driving me home, thank you.'

'No problem. Much better than you riding across country in the middle of the night.' He glanced over at the teen, noticing she was wringing her hands together nervously. The rest of the trip was silent but it didn't escape his eye that the teen seemed anxious as he parked beside the other vehicle in front of the house. 'Here we go.'

'Thank you again, Mr. Walker.'

He chuckled as he stepped from his truck, pulling her bicycle from out the back. 'Just Walker is fine.' He said as he handed it to her. 'If you need anything, call. That's what neighbors are for.'

She nodded.

'Matilda Stanton!'

She sighed, turning as her father stepped out of the house. 'Coming Dad.'

Cordell waved, walking with Maddie up to the house. 'Evening. Cordell Walker.'

'Robert Adams.' He replied, shaking his hand then lent down next to Maddie's ear. 'Why don't you go on inside while the gentleman and I chat?'

She swallowed hard, nodding and lent her bicycle out against the porch post. 'Good night, Mr. Walker.'

'Night Maddie.'

Stepping inside the house, she lent against the closed door and took a deep breath. She hadn't done anything wrong, had she? She'd asked for his permission to attend the dinner and he had said she could go. Why had he been annoyed that she had gone? She listened closely for a moment, hearing the pleasantries exchanged between the Ranger and her father then his truck was pulling out of the drive. Quickly she moved away from the door into the living room, turning to her father as he walked in. 'What's wrong Dad?'

'What's wrong? I get home and my daughter is nowhere to be found-'

'I told you last night that the Walkers had invited me to dinner and I asked you if I could attend.' Maddie replied softly, her eyes averted to the floor. 'You said that I could go.'

'I don't remember such a thing.'

'Honest Dad, I did ask you. As soon as you got home and you said yes…'

'Why on earth do you think I would let you go out to dinner?'

His raised voice made her flinch. 'I'm sorry Dad, I thought I had permission to attend. It won't happen again-'

'Your bloody right it won't, you know what happens when you disobey me.'

She nodded. 'It won't happen again, promise.'

Robert unbuckled his belt, motioning for the girl to turn around. 'I'm sorry I have to do this, but you know the rules. No leaving the house without permission-'

But I had permission… Tears came to her eyes as he brought the belt down on her back and across her legs. I had permission, didn't I?


'Would you like something else to drink Hoyt?' Abeline questioned after Cordell and Maddie had left.

'No thanks Abby Bear, I think if I have anything else I'm liable to bust.' He replied with a smile, leaning back in his chair as he patted his stomach. 'You know, that little neighbourgirl seems vaguely familiar…'

'Oh?' She questioned with raised eyebrow, taking a seat with him at the table.

'Yeah, I think I met her once up in Lubbock. What was her father's name again?'

'Robert Adams.'

'Robert Adams…' He repeated, mulling over the name. 'Name doesn't ring a bell but that she looks awfully like the daughter of one of the guys I did some work with a few years ago. You haven't met her father yet?'

Abeline shook her head. 'They only moved in a few days ago.'

'You might have another stray to fuss over then Abby. She seems like a nice girl.'

'Yeah, she does.' She smiled, thinking of how the teen had offered to help clean up after dinner.

'Ah, I know that look.' Hoyt grinned. 'The legendary Mama Bear of Texas has found herself another cub to add to the pack.'

Abeline threw a tea towel at him with a laugh. 'That's enough out of you. Come on, the dishes won't dry by themselves.'

Hoyt stood, offering a salute as he followed her into the kitchen. 'Yes Ma'am.'