PSA for a very long chapter 😉
Enjoy 😊

Maddie didn't know what to say, her hand covering her mouth as she stood in shock seeing the crowd gathered inside. They'd planned a party for her and she'd really thought they'd all forgotten. She looked down at Mika who was grinning widely as they all cheered and clapped. She'd known all along. Tears came to her eyes as her family stepped forward, Cordell being the first to reach her.

'Happy Sweet Sixteen baby girl.' He greeted, holding his arms out to invite her for a hug.

Maddie ran to him, hugging him tight as the tears ran down her cheeks. 'I really thought you'd all forgotten.' She said, looking up at him. 'I-I don't know what to say.'

'How could we forget Maddie?' Stella questioned with a laugh. 'I mean, you've only been talking about it for the last two months.'

She chuckled as the family gathered around her for a group hug and she quickly wiped the tears from her cheeks. 'I-I really didn't expect this.'

'So I take it then our surprise party was a surprise?' Abeline asked with a smile.

'Yes!' Maddie said with a chuckle. 'Yes. I had no idea-' She turned to Mika. 'You, you knew all along! That's why you kept me busy today and brought me here-'

Mika saw that look in her eye and as she took off, let out a yelp. Maddie knew what was the one thing she hated more than anything else and that look she'd given her was one of pure mischief. She wasn't quick enough in her escape though for Maddie caught her, everyone laughing as she got thoroughly tickled despite her protests. 'Hey-hey, Mr. Walker! Help!'

'Nope.' Cordell said between laughs. 'Not getting involved.'

Giving Mika a couple more tickles Maddie finally stopped, wrapping her friend in a bear hug. 'Thanks Mika.'

Mika smiled as she caught her breath. 'Happy Birthday sis.'

Maddie smiled back at her then turned to the crowd. 'Thank you, thank you all. You have no idea how much this means to me.'

'Judging from the smile on your face, I think we can.' August called out, earning a round of laughter.

'Haha little brother.' She teased back. 'Very funny.'

The crowd began to disperse, people coming forward to wish her a Happy Birthday. When she saw Rose and her parents her face lit up and she knelt down on one knee, holding her arms out to offer the girl a hug. 'Rosie girl.'

'Hey Maddie!' Rose ran towards her and gave her a hug, clutching a present in her hand. 'Happy Birthday.'

'Thanks sweetheart.' She smiled at her. 'I'm glad you could make it.'

'This is for you.'

'Oh, what is it?'

Rose giggled. 'Open it.'

'Alright, alright… Give me a moment here…' She rested the present on her knee and began to open the package. 'Oh Rose…' She drew out a black rearing Breyer model horse that looked just like Bel and Dakota. 'Thank you honey. She's beautiful.'

'I picked her out myself.' The little girl replied with a grin. 'You like her?'

'I do, it's beautiful. You know what I'm going to call her?'

Rose shook her head. 'What?'

'Rosie.' She replied as she tapped the girl on the nose, Rose giggling again. 'After the very cute little girl who gave her to me. I'll treasure this Rose.'

Rose's father came over, placing a hand on Rose's shoulder. 'How about we go get some cordial and let your Mama and Maddie talk, okay?'

'Sure.' She agreed with a decisive nod then looked at Maddie again. 'I'll be back.'

Maddie smiled as Rose headed off with her father, Mika having gone off to raid the snack table. 'Thank you for coming.' She said to Jenny as she stood, placing the model horse down on one of the tables.

'My pleasure.' Jenny replied. 'I was taking Rose to kindergarten yesterday when your father called me and she overheard the invitation. The first thing she wanted after getting out of school was to go find you a present.'

She chuckled at that, watching Rose and her father join the line up to grab drinks at the bar. 'Rose is a real sweetheart.'

'We're lucky she is, especially after everything she's been through.' She caught onto the surprised expression Maddie wore and continued. 'Rose is actually my sister's daughter. She was killed, last year... A car accident or so I was told.'

'I'm sorry to hear that.'

'Thank you. It's been a real blessing getting to raise her though, it helped ease the pain some.' She paused for a moment then turned back to Maddie. 'I'm sorry, I'm putting a damper on things.'

Maddie shook her head. 'It's quite alright Jenny.' Her family were over speaking to Micki and she watched them for a moment before turning her attention back to the woman. 'I'm adopted myself actually.'

'Really?' She questioned with honest surprise. 'I'd never have guessed.'

'Yeah. I've only been an official Walker since Christmas but they've been family to me long before that. I'm lucky to have them.' Silence fell for a moment then she looked back at Jenny. 'I um… I've thought about your offer ma'am, of me taking Rose and her horse on to train. I'd love to do it but honestly, I don't know how long I can.'

'What do you mean?'

She sighed softly. 'I have cancer, only got diagnosed last week. I've got treatments ahead and such… I honestly don't know how long I'd be able to commit to anything.'

'Maddie… I know it doesn't help much but I'm so sorry to hear that.'

Maddie smiled sadly at her. 'It does.' She found Rose and her father again out of the crowd, over playing a party game that Stella and August had set up. 'I'm going in for surgery next week. I'd love to help Rose as much as I can with her horse, it would be a welcome distraction. I just wouldn't feel right accepting money though when I don't know how things will be with me.'

Jenny nodded. 'I understand. Why don't we just see how things go, alright? I've spoken with Nina, she's recommended Mika to help Rose if you can't.'

'Oh that's a good idea. Mika is wonderful with horses. She'd be great with Rose.'

'Rose does really want you though.'

Maddie chuckled softly. 'I'll do my best. Have you found her a horse?'

'The three of us will be going up to Equitana to be there for the mustang auction, we've got our eye on that buckskin mare you recommended.'

'I could see her while I'm there and give you an opinion of if she'd be suitable if you wish.'

'Yeah, I'd appreciate that-'

'Alright, alright.' Cordell's voice came over the speakers. 'Can I have a little quiet in here please.'

Maddie groaned. 'Oh no….'

Jenny laughed.

'Please don't say anything embarrassing Dad…' She mumbled beneath her breath as the crowd quietened down.

'Alright, thank you.' He said once there was quiet in the room. 'I want to thank you all for coming here to help us celebrate a very special young lady's sixteenth birthday. Come on up here Maddie.'

She sighed heavily. All eyes turned on her and with a timid smile she started up to the stage, Cordell placing his arm around her.

'Now, I'm not going to go into a long speech, that can come later.' Laughter rang out from the crowd. 'But ah, I do want to thank everyone for being here. Now though, if everyone would make their way to the garden out back, tonight's entertainment has just finished being set up.'

'What have you got planned?' Maddie questioned as she and Cordell headed with everyone else to the back door. 'I hope it's nothing embarrassing.'

'Oh no, no. Not embarrassing.' He assured her with a smile. 'Be plenty of fun though.'

As he opened the door for her, her jaw dropped. 'A mechanical bull?'

'Yep.'

She rubbed her hands together in anticipation. 'I've always wanted to try one of these…'

'Well-' He patted her shoulder. 'Now's your chance.'

'What's your PR for one of these guys?'

'Ah.. actually, Micki… she beat me on one of these things.'

'Oh really? What was her time?'

'Fifteen seconds.'

Maddie let out a low whistle. 'And you?'

'Fourteen, but it wasn't exactly my day.'

'Yeah… Right.' She grinned at him. 'You might have to have a rematch with her sometime. Birthday girl gets to ride first huh?'

'Yep. Get on up there cowgirl.'

'Alright.' Maddie could hardly contain her excitement as she quickly took her boots off and headed onto the blow up platform. The mechanical bull was almost the size of a real one but after months of vaulting onto Bel she jumped onto the bull with ease. Everyone gathered around to watch, Rose taking a prime position on top of her fathers shoulders.

'Go Maddie!'

She chuckled at the little girl's encouragement as Cordell sat down at the controls and waved at her.

'Ready Maddie?'

'Mmmhmm.' She had a tight hold of the rope handle in one hand, her other one held back up behind her for balance. 'Don't go too easy on me.'

The bull started moving and everything faded away as she concentrated her efforts on staying on. Up, down, side to side, she let her hips move with the bull. It was just like riding a horse if she was honest. The only thing she had to do was anticipate the movements and let her body move together with him. 'Oh, come on Dad.' She called out after a few seconds. 'Ain't there more life in this thing?'

Cordell chuckled. 'Faster then?'

'Yeah!'

'Alrighty then. Hold on.'

The bull began to move faster and when it had reached the speed that would be counted, the timer started. Maddie held on tight, her legs wrapped firmly around the bull as she lost her hat. The buzzer rang for eight seconds and the crowd began to clap and cheer as she made it through ten seconds. The bull was moving faster now and with one fast half-spin and a buck, she lost her seat. With plenty of practice from her horses she landed on her feet, looking at the timer as everyone cheered her on. She'd made it to thirteen and a half seconds. 'That was fun!' She laughed as she picked up her hat. 'Mawline-' She looked over at Abeline where her grandma was standing with Bonham and Liam. 'Your turn.'

'Oh no,' Abeline protested. 'I couldn't-'

'Go on Ma.' Liam encouraged. 'Give it a go.'

'Mawline, Mawline.' Stella and August began to chant, the rest of the crowd joining in.

Bonham lent down next to her ear. 'You gotta show them now.'

'Only if you'll have a go.' She bargained.

He grinned. 'You know I was planning on it anyway.'

'Alright, alright.' Abeline gave in with a sigh, throwing her hands up. 'I'll give it a go. Cordell-' She looked over at him as she took her boots off, Maddie grinning like the Cheshire cat. 'Go easy on me now.'

'Yeah Ma, of course.'

Maddie chuckled as Abeline climbed onto the bull and went over to Cordell. 'Mind if I have a turn?' She questioned, motioning to the controls.

'Yeah, yeah. Sure. Go right ahead.'

She sat down as Abeline got herself ready then waved at her. 'Hey Mawline.'

Abeline sighed, shaking her head. 'How'd I know you were going to do this?'

Maddie giggled. 'You know me too well. You ready?'

'Yeah…'

Maddie hit the on switch then began moving the joystick around, going easy on her to start with. Abeline wasn't too bad actually and was managing to keep her balance rather well. 'Alright, here we go.' She sped it up, the crowd cheering Abeline on. She managed to make it through eight seconds and almost to ten before falling off, Maddie joining the other in applauding her as she got up. Standing up again she gave the controls back to Cordell as Abeline climbed down. 'Good show Mawline.'

'You… you had fun with that, didn't you?' She questioned as she caught her breath again. 'Rascal.'

Maddie laughed. 'I might have.'

'Come here.' Abeline gave her a hug as another person got up to have a go, Cordell announcing for everyone to get lined up if they wanted to ride. 'Happy Birthday sweetheart.'

She smiled up at her. 'Thanks Mawline.'

'And if you have another turn, I'm getting the controls this time.'

She chuckled. 'I knew you'd say that.'

'Hey Maddie.'

Maddie looked up in surprise as Cordell's former partner walked over to the table she was sitting at and she quickly got up. 'Micki!' Micki chuckled as she gave her a hug then the two of them sat down together. 'I didn't expect you to be here.'

'I couldn't miss my favorite partner's daughter's sixteenth now, could I?'

'How-how have you been?'

'Good.' She nodded. 'What about you? I hear someone's going to Equitana with that mustang of yours.'

'I'm doing alright.' She managed a smile. 'I mean, I'm sure you've heard about… things.'

'Yeah…' Micki let out a breath. 'If there's anything I can do to help, just ask. Mightn't live here or work with your dad anymore but y'all are still pretty important to me.'

'Thanks Micki.'

'No problem.' Micki smiled back at her. 'So, are you enjoying your party so far?'

'Yeah, yeah. Just had to come take a seat for a moment, you know. Rest for a minute.' She looked over at the bull where Stella and August were taking turns giving each other a run for their money. 'Dad on that bull was pretty funny.'

She chuckled at that. 'Yeah. Cassie sure gave it to him.'

'She sure did.' Maddie agreed. 'You two met?'

She nodded. 'Briefly. She seems nice.'

'She told you how she and Dad first met?'

'Yeah. I would have loved to have seen that.'

'Mmmhmm. Me too. Would have been priceless. Poor Dad though was so cross about it. Can't say I'd blame him though but they seem to get along now.'

'That's good.' Micki commented. 'I'm glad they found someone to partner him with that gives him as much trouble as I did.'

'You? Trouble?' Maddie chuckled, having heard stories of what the two of them had gotten up to. 'Never.'

They spoke for a little while longer then Micki excused herself to go find something else to eat and left. Maddie was left alone in the corner once more, watching August have another go on the bull. Todd was there too as well as a few other people but mostly everyone had moved back into the bar as it was getting rather cold outside. August got spat off the bull again after only a few seconds and she chuckled. Out of all of them August hadn't had the best evening trying to ride the bull but she took her hat off to him for trying. He wasn't giving up, he was determined to ride out eight seconds.

'Whatcha doin out here?' Mika questioned as she came over to join her, sipping away at some lemonade.

'Just taking a break for a moment.'

'Your Dad wanted me to come check on you. Gees, it's getting cold out here.'

'Yeah, I'll come inside again soon.' Maddie promised. 'Hey, I don't think you've had a go on the bull yet, have you?'

'Not yet-'

She stood, grabbing her friend by the hand. 'Come on then. You have to have a go.'

'Alright, I'll give it a go…' Mika didn't sound too convinced. 'I'm gonna fall off.'

'Hey, at least the landing here is softer than the ground coming off a horse.'

'Yeah, true. True.'

'Hey guys-' Maddie started as they joined them at the bull, Todd getting rather spectacularly thrown off just after reaching eight seconds. They all laughed as he got up. 'Nice dismount Todd.'

'Better luck next time.' Stella encouraged him as he hopped off the blowup platform.

'Not a bad ride.' Mika commented.

Todd smiled. 'Thanks. I think I'm getting the hang of this. Piece of cake really. You just hold on and pray you don't fall off.'

August laughed. 'Apparently I'm not praying hard enough then.'

'What's the best time you've gotten?' Maddie questioned.

'Ah, he's made it to six seconds.' Stella answered.

'Mind if I have a go at the controls?'

'Sure.'

Stella moved aside and Maddie took a seat in front of the control box. 'Mind if I just give August another go before you hop on Mika?'

Mika shook her head. 'Go right ahead.'

'Alright little bro, hop on up there again.' She instructed. August climbed on up once more as Cordell walked out of the bar and came over to watch. 'Okay Augie, you're sitting a little too far back. Scooch forward some-yeah, that's it. Keep your arm straight too, you'll have better balance.' After a moment he was in a better position. 'That's better. Ready?'

'Yep. Start him up.'

Maddie turned the bull on, going easy on him to warm him up. 'Move your hips with the bull Augie, you've got to move together with him. Not against him. Yeah, yeah. Better.'

'I think I'm getting the hang of this now.' August replied. 'Yee-haw!'

Cordell chuckled, grabbing his phone out to record a video.

'Want to go faster?'

'You bet.'

'Alright then cowboy.' She chuckled. 'Hold on.'

This time he was finally able to make it through the eight seconds and after he'd had his ride it was Mika's turn. As with August Maddie gave her a warm up for a little while and some tips before speeding things up, Mika managing to make her ride to eleven seconds. 'Well done Mika.' She encouraged as her friend got to her feet again. 'Good ride.'

'You know… That's harder than it looks.' Mika exclaimed as she jumped down from the air pillow. 'Sure feels a lot longer than eight seconds when you're up there. No way I'd ever ride a real bull. Mr. Walker, no offense, but you're crazy.'

Cordell laughed at that. 'Yeah, you're right Mika. Bull riding ain't for everyone.'

Maddie looked up at him with a mischievous smile. 'You haven't had a go riding with me at the controls yet. Go on, up you get.'

Taking his hat off he handed it to Mika then took his boots off again and climbed onto the bull. 'You're not going to make this easy on me, are you?'

His only reply to that question was one of her mischievous grins. 'Ready?'

Cordell nodded. 'Ready.'

She started it up, Mika coming over to join her as his ride started. She only gave him a couple seconds of going easy then cranked it up as fast as it would go, spinning and bucking it. The kids cheered him on, Maddie making the bull give him the hardest ride it could. He made it through eight seconds again though and was closing in on thirteen when she maneuvered the bull to imitate a belly roll. Cordell lost his balance and came off rather spectacularly too. 'Nice job Dad.' Maddie called out as the others clapped. 'Well done.'

'Still got it.' He remarked as he hopped down and picked up his boots. 'We're just about ready to cut the cake.'

'Uh, cake. I'm in.' Mika commented. 'What kind?'

'You'll find out, along with Maddie.'

'If there's cake, I'm in.' She replied. 'Alright, y'all heard Dad. Let's go get some cake.'

They headed in, Cordell guiding Maddie over to the stage where a giant cake had been placed on the table. Abeline was lighting the candles as they walked over, Maddie smiling as she saw the cake. It was a huge carrot cake with the words written in pink icing 'Happy Sixteenth Maddie' beneath a galloping black iced horse.

'I need pictures.' Abeline stated once she had finished lighting the candles and the family all gathered around, Cassie lending a hand to take the photos. Maddie invited Mika and Rose to come have a photo with them and once photos were all done, Cordell initiated everyone singing Happy Birthday to her.

Maddie felt her cheeks warm as they sang, Cordell placing his arm around her. She looked out at the people gathered around, warmth filling her heart. She was grateful to each and everyone one of them for coming. Captain James and his family had come as well as a couple other Rangers who Maddie knew were close to her father. Among them was Cassie of course, one of the loudest singers too which was quite amusing. Trey had come along as well and as her eyes searched the crowd, she caught sight of Geri. Geri met her eye and she smiled at her, Geri smiling back. With everyone here she hadn't had a chance to realize Geri had come along.

After a loud round of 'Hip hip hooray's', Cordell handed Maddie a knife to cut the cake. 'Don't forget to make a wish.'

'I won't.' She chuckled as she blew out the candles, Abeline of course being the family paparazzi again. She closed her eyes for a moment to make her wish then made the first cut into the cake. 'Alright, that's it for me.' She exclaimed, handing the knife back to Cordell. 'I'm sure you'll manage to cut this up for me.'

He laughed as he took the knife. 'Alright folks, line up. Here we go…'

When Maddie had been given her piece of cake she found herself a seat at a table close by, watching everything with a smile. She still couldn't believe that they had done all this for her, organized all this without her having the faintest clue.

'Do you like the cake Rose?' She questioned as Rose came over to join her at the table.

Rose nodded. 'It's nice.' She replied, pulling out a chair beside her. 'What'd you wish for Maddie?'

Maddie chuckled, leaning down close to her. 'Well… You know Rose, if you tell anyone what you wish for then the wish won't come true.'

'Really?'

She nodded.

'Well, you'd better not tell me then.' She replied decisively, cutting a large piece off her cake with her spoon. 'I bet I can take a guess at what you wished for.'

'Alright.' Maddie helped herself to a bit of her cake too. 'What do you think I wished for?'

'For you and Dakota to win that competition.' Rose said as she looked up at her. 'And I know you're gonna win it too.'

She smiled at her, wiping off a little icing the girl had gotten on her cheek with her thumb. That wasn't what she had wished for but she was more than happy to play along with her. 'How'd you know?'

'Just cause I'm a good guesser.'

Maddie chuckled and shook her head in amusement. Rose certainly was a character. They spoke for a little while longer then Rose headed off to find her parents again, Geri passing her on the way. 'Hey Geri.'

'Maddie.' Geri smiled as she took a seat beside her. 'Happy Birthday honey.'

'Thanks Geri.'

'I've got a little something for you.' She pulled a little package from her pocket. 'Hope it fits.'

Taking the little present she unwrapped it and opened the box inside. 'It's beautiful.' She exclaimed as she saw the charm bracelet inside, the charm on it being a little love heart with a girl and horse head inside. It had even been engraved with her name on one side and Bel's on the other. 'Thank you Geri.'

Geri smiled again as Maddie gave her a hug. 'My father gave me a charm bracelet too for my sixteenth birthday and each year after that gave me a charm each year to add to it that reflected something big that had happened during that year.' She explained as Maddie put the bracelet on. 'Stella has from me too. Thought it would be nice to carry on the tradition.'

'My mom did the same thing.' Maddie finally spoke when she found her voice again. 'She uh… She gave me a charm for my birthday and Christmas each year.'

'Well, maybe you could combine the two.'

She shook her head. 'I don't have it anymore, Bruce pawned it.'

'Oh… I'm sorry.'

She managed a sad smile. 'I've got this now. Goes along with my new family.'
Geri smiled back at her, silence falling between the two of them for a moment as the family handed out a second serving of cake to everyone. 'How are you going Maddie?'

'Did… Did Dad tell you? Bout last week?'

She nodded. 'He told me.'

'Then I guess you could probably presume how I'm doing.' She replied, looking down at her empty plate. 'I-I'm still in shock to be honest. I mean… I'm going in for surgery in little over a week. Feels both unbelievable and horribly real at the same time.'

'From someone who's been there, I know.' She placed a hand on Maddie's arm. 'I was only a few years younger than you when I was diagnosed with my heart conditions. If you ever want to talk, I'm here.'

Maddie nodded, biting her lip as she looked back over at her family. 'The-the hardest part… I-I'm worried for my family. I mean I know Dad's having a hard time and Mawline and Grampa are doing the best to help him but he hasn't got anyone else to talk to. I'm worried about him.'

'I know. If it's any consolation though I promise I will be here for you and your family through this.' She said sincerely.

'What about everything else? I mean… with everything going on?'

'Just because I'm a Davidson now doesn't change anything. I will still be here for you. All that-that stuff can wait. What's important at the moment is you. Not everything else that's being going on between our families.'

Maddie smiled sadly. 'Thank you.' She bit her lip for a moment, wondering if she should ask the question that was on her mind. 'How… How's Colton?'

'He's good. Why do you ask?'

'Oh… Just been thinking about him is all.'

Geri looked at her closely. 'You and Colton were getting pretty close, weren't you?'

She nodded. 'Like, boyfriend-girlfriend close.' She sighed. 'No one else knows though. Colton and I didn't want to say anything with all this family drama going on, he literally only asked me a couple days before everything started. We called it off the night of the race. With everything it just doesn't seem a good time to be talking. I haven't heard from him since.'

'I know he still cares for you.' She said after a moment. 'When he heard about you being taken to the hospital last week he was quite concerned.'

'I still care about him too.' Maddie admitted. 'But with everything, how could anything work between us? There's so much hate and anger. All I ever wanted was for there to be peace.'

'Yeah…' Geri let out a long sigh. 'I know how you feel.'

'Dad and you aren't doing so well.' It wasn't a question, rather a statement. She'd noticed how things had been between them last week in the hospital.

'It's been better but that's not for you to worry about.'

'Mom used to call that grown up stuff when she didn't want to talk about something.' Maddie replied with a soft chuckle. 'I knew you and Dad liked each other before you two even noticed.'

Geri smiled at that. 'Your Dad can be slow to catch onto things sometimes.'

'Oh yes, he can be.' She spied him walking up to the stage out of the corner of her eye and let out a groan. 'Someone hide that microphone. Please.'

Geri laughed as Cordell stepped up to the microphone and cleared his throat. 'Don't like being the center of attention hey?'

'What gave that away?'

The crowd quietened down when they realized that Cordell was going to speak, Maddie wishing that she could find the nearest hole to go hide in. After thanking everyone again for coming he looked down at her and Maddie gave him a teeny smile. Please don't say anything embarrassing… She begged in her mind.

Cordell looked down at his beautiful daughter, smiling at her. 'I know my daughter is praying I don't share something embarrassing right now-' A ripple of laughter came from the crowd and he saw Maddie give him a warning look. 'So I won't tell you all her secrets tonight. We'll save that for her wedding instead.' Another chorus of laughter rang out. 'You can thank me later honey.'

Maddie chuckled, shaking her head.

'But in seriousness, I can say truthfully, that Maddie has been one of the best things to happen in my life. To happen to our family.' He paused for a moment, looking down at her. 'When I first had the pleasure of meeting Maddie a little over a year ago, I… We-we were at a low point in life, as many of you here will know. I'd just returned from being out of town for a time and things weren't the best. Then Maddie came to live next door and over time, became friends with my kids and with the rest of my family also.' He paused for a moment again then continued. 'I will spare the details but I can say that it's been a privilege to watch her grow into the beautiful young woman that we are here to celebrate tonight.'

'Maddie-' Cordell looked down at her, meeting her eyes. 'You bring so much to our lives every day. You bring so much to those around you just by being who you are.'

Maddie smiled at him as she felt herself tearing up at what he was saying, quickly wiping her eyes as he continued before anyone could notice she was crying.

After Cordell finished saying a few words he offered the stage for anyone to come forward to speak. Abeline and Bonham got up to say a few words, as did Liam and her two siblings. Mika as well got up, sharing the little story of how they first met and that she'd thought that she was going to be another spoiled brat, Maddie chuckling when Mika admitted how wrong she had been. After Mika, Jenny, her husband Albert and Rose all took the stage to share how she'd saved their daughter's life.

Once everyone who had wanted to speak had come to the stage, Cordell took the microphone again and requested that everyone make some room for a dance floor. After a few minutes a space had been made in front of the stage and he announced that the first dance would be with Maddie and the family to a song of his choosing.

'Oh Dad…' Maddie chuckled as Cordell walked over to the old record player beside the stage. 'You aren't serious, are you?'

'Mmhmm.' He replied, the family gathering around her in a circle. 'Yep. It's a tradition that we all dance with the birthday girl. Something we started with Stella and guess what, now it's your turn. Anyone else you want to dance with?'

'Mika.' She requested and her friend joined the circle beside Stella and August. 'Geri. Cassie.' They both stepped up next to Abeline, everyone moving back a little to make more room. 'And Rose.'

'Yay!' Rose hurried over to join the group, looking up at Maddie with a smile. 'Thanks Maddie.'

'Anyone else?' Cordell questioned. 'We might have to play this twice.'

'We'll see how we go.' She chuckled. 'What have you got for me Dad?'

'Give me a moment and you'll see.' He replied as he turned the record on.

As the record began playing she instantly recognized the song, a smile coming to her face.

Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen

'Can I have this dance?' Cordell asked as he joined her in the center of the circle.

Maddie laughed, offering a little cutesy to him before taking his hand. 'You may.'

Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen

They began dancing, Maddie's face radiating with happiness as Cordell spun her around.

Tonight's the night I've waited for
'I love you Maddie girl.'
Because you're not a baby anymore
Maddie smiled up at him. 'I love you too Dad.'
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen

Cordell let her go as the song went into the bridge, Maddie twirling around as she started dancing around the circle with Bonham first.

'Hey Grampa.'
What happened to that funny face
Bonham smiled at her as they danced. 'Hey darlin.'
My little tomboy now wears satin's and lace
'I ain't so little anymore am I?' She questioned, referring to the lyrics of the song.
I can't believe my eyes, you're just a teenage dream
He chuckled. No. She'd seemingly grown into a young lady overnight almost. 'No, no you ain't my girl.'
Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen

August was next in line, Maddie catching him rolling his eyes as he stepped forward to take her hand. Now, if she were a crush on the other hand… She chuckled. 'Don't like dancing hey?'

'No, not really a fan.' He replied.
When you were only six
'I'm only sixteen, once little brother.' She teased him.
I was your big brother
She moved to Stella, her sister being a sight happier to be dancing then their brother. 'Augie's being a spoilsport.'
Then when you were ten
'Should have had this line for him instead.'
We didn't like each other
Stella laughed at that as Maddie moved onto Mika.
When you were thirteen
'Hey sis.'
Mika smiled at her as she danced with her for her turn.. 'Hey yourself sis.'
You were my funny valentine

Liam was next, Maddie twirling around as she moved from Mika to him.

But since you've grown up
'I'm glad you're my Uncle, Liam.'
Your future is sewn up
Liam chuckled as he looked down at her. 'I am too Kiddo.'
From now on you're gonna be mine, so

Abeline was waiting for her, ready to take her hand as Maddie came to her.

If I should smile with sweet surprise
Maddie looked up at her as they danced, that smile she'd worn since she'd started dancing still on her face. 'I love you Mawline.'
It's just that you've grown up before my very eyes
Abeline placed a kiss atop her head. 'Love you too, my girl.'
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen

Geri was next, Maddie moving onto her as the chorus repeated.

If I should smile with sweet surprise
'I'm so glad you could make it.' She said as they danced. 'Means a lot to me that you came, with everything going on right now.'
It's just that you've grown up before my very eyes
Geri smiled at her. 'I wouldn't have missed it, Maddie.'
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen

Maddie had almost danced all the way around the circle now, twirling again as she let go of Geri's hand and moved onto Cassie.

Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
'Happy Birthday Maddie.' The Ranger woman said to her as they danced.
Maddie smiled. 'Thanks Cassie.'
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen

Rose was the last one for her to dance with, the little girl having waited patiently the whole time for her turn. As she'd watched the adults do she stepped forward from the circle, holding her hand out to Maddie.

Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
'Maddie-' Rose looked up at her as they danced. 'Can I ask you something?'
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen
'Sure honey.' She replied as Rose did a twirl.
Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
'Would you be my big sister?'
Happy Birthday, Sweet Sixteen
Her smile widened. 'Sure Rosie girl.'
Tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la…

As the song faded out they stopped dancing, Maddie getting down on one knee so that she was at the girls level as Rose hugged her. 'I'd be proud to be your big sister.' She replied with a smile, tucking one of her blonde curls back behind her ear.

'Good.' Rose giggled, giving her another hug. 'Cause that means we're family now too.'

Maddie chuckled. 'Yes little one. We are.'

It was late when the Walker family finally returned home, Maddie yawning softly as Cordell's truck came to a stop out the front of their house. 'Can I sleep in tomorrow?' She questioned hopefully, her siblings and father chuckling at that.

'Did we wear you out Mads?' Stella asked as she un-clipped her seat belt. 'You had fun though, right?'

'I did have fun.' She replied with a smile, climbing out of the truck. 'It was a lot of fun.'

'It's not quite over just yet.' Cordell remarked, placing his arm around her shoulder as they walked up the sidewalk, Bonham, Abeline and Liam pulling up behind Cordell's truck. 'Still got presents yet to open Maddie girl.'

'Okay, seriously guys, you have really spoiled me.'

'Like you told me-' August spoke up. 'You're only sixteen once.'

Maddie smiled at him using her words against her, her father grabbing the keys from his pocket to open the front door. 'Very funny little brother.'

Bubbles came running to meet them as they walked in, Maddie picking her up as Cordell turned the lights on. 'Miss me hey?' She chuckled softly, rubbing beneath the cat's chin. 'You hungry? Yeah, yeah, you're hungry.' She looked over at her father. 'I'll just go feed this one and I'll be back.'

He nodded and she headed through the house into the laundry, grabbing out Bubbles food. Finally, silence. She rested back against the wall as her cat began to eat her dinner, taking a moment to breathe. The evening had been fun but man, she was utterly exhausted.

After folks had begun to leave, Micki stayed back for a bit to speak with them all. It had been nice being able to catch up with her and they'd all enjoyed seeing her. She'd promised to try and come over again to see them sometime soon and then had left to head home. Though Maddie hadn't been extremely close to Micki she was still very touched that she had come all the way over for her birthday.

'Maddie?' August's voice rang out from in the living room. 'We're ready when you are.'

'Just a minute.' She returned the cat food to the cupboard and headed back out, her family seated in the living room. On the coffee table was a stack of wrapped packages and Abeline patted the seat on the couch beside her, inviting Maddie to sit down beside her. 'Right... So… I just pick one to open first? It's not in any order or anything?'

Stella shook her head. 'Just open whichever ones you want.'

'Alrighty then…; She took a look over the stack then decided on the largest parcel first. 'Guess I'll start with the biggest one. Who's this one from?'

'That's from me.' Liam said. 'I think you're gonna find a theme here.'

Maddie chuckled as she opened the paper to reveal a dark blue show rug for Dakota. 'Let me guess…' She started with a smile. 'Most of these are gonna be for my girls?'

'Maybe.'

Not only had he given her a rug, there was a neck rug too and a matching halter and lead rope to go along with them. 'Thank you Uncle Liam.' She said as she got up to give him a hug. 'It's gonna look great on my girl.'

'Hopefully it'll fit her.' He replied as Maddie went to open the next present. 'I asked Mika to give me a hand with the sizing.'

'I'm sure it'll fit fine. Looks like it'll fit.' The most unusually shaped present caught her attention and she decided to open it up next. 'I'm just going to take a wild guess here from the wrapping… Dad?'

Cordell chuckled as he nodded. 'Yeah. Happy Birthday honey. Your helmet was to go along with this but well… You got it earlier.'

'Rhythm beads?' She questioned, in surprise, seeing the set that she'd had her eye on back up in Fort Worth sitting atop matching polo wraps and skid boots for Dakota. 'How did you know that these were the ones I wanted?'

'I might have had a small part to play in that.' Abeline spoke up with a smile. 'When Cordell and I were brainstorming ideas for your presents I remembered you mentioning them.'

'When I rang the store up-' Cordell continued as Maddie gave him a hug to thank him. 'They still had the set you were looking at and here we are.' He reached down behind the chair, picking up a pair of dark blue dressage whips. 'Couldn't figure out a way to wrap these up but they go along with that.'

She smiled as he handed them to her. 'I think I can see a theme here with the dark blue.' They all laughed at that as she picked up her next present.

'That one's a combined present from Stella, August and I.' Bonham said, Maddie beginning to open it.

'Oh it's beautiful.' She exclaimed with awe, running her hand over the lid of the jewelry box. It was a lacquered pine box with the silhouette of a girl and horse riding burnt into the lid. Each of the four sides too had a different picture, one rearing, one with two horses together, another being two horse heads and the one on front of a mare and foal. 'You made this?'

'Yep.' Stella nodded. 'Grampa helped Augie and I make it.'

Maddie smiled at them. 'Thank you. This is gorgeous.'

'This one's also from us, Stella and I.' August said, pushing their present over closer to her as she placed the box back onto the coffee table. 'Kinda goes along with Dad's.'

She unwrapped the parcel, chuckling as she saw the mane and tail decorations that were part of the set. 'I can see that.'

'Thought the glitter stencil thing would be cute for Dakota to wear too.' Stella remarked as Maddie looked over the kit that made up the rest of their present. 'And since the beads you liked were the dark blue and silver theme, well, that's why we picked those.'

'Also how everything else matches.' Maddie chuckled. 'Thank you both. Lets just hope I get the chance to show them off.'

'Oh you will Maddie.' Cordell assured her. 'Don't forget there's that freestyle class.'

'You know its not guarantee that I'm gonna be picked to be in that.'

'Don't sell yourself short Maddie girl.' Bonham remarked. 'If they don't pick you and that mare to be in the top ten then those judges are blind.'

Maddie laughed softly at that, picking up the last present. 'We'll see… We'll see.'

'That one there's from me honey.' Abeline spoke up as the girl began to unwrap it. 'Made it myself.'

'Mawline…' She said in awe as she looked at the dress inside. 'You made this?'

She nodded. 'Well, you need something to wear in that freestyle class.'

Maddie chuckled again as she stood, holding the dress out to see how it looked. It was a gorgeous dark blue laced dress, the front of the skirt just at her knee while the back was down to her ankles. It didn't have any sleeves but Abeline had made a jacket to go along with it and black jodhpurs for her to wear under it. 'It's beautiful, Mawline.' She said as she held it against her. 'Almost too good to ride in.'

'Well, we can't expect you to ride in just jeans and a shirt for something like this, can we?'

She smiled at her and gave her a hug. 'Thank you so much.'

'My pleasure sweetheart.'

When Maddie pulled back she folded the dress up again and placed it down on the table with her other presents. 'I don't know how to thank you all for this, a simple thank you just feels too little. I honestly thought you'd all forgotten my birthday.'

They all laughed at that, Maddie chuckling along with them. 'But this means so much to me. Thank you.'

After giving them each another hug and thanking them each personally for the presents they gave her she headed up to get ready for bed. As she was changing Bubbles scratched at the door asking to be let in and she let the cat in once she was ready for bed.

Climbing into bed she looked at the photo frame she kept on the bedside table. The photo of her and her mother. A sad smile came to her lips as she reached out to it and ran her fingers over the frame for a moment. Would her mother be proud of who she had become? If her mother could see her now, what would she say?

A gentle knock sounded on the door that interrupted her thoughts and she rolled back over. 'Yeah. Come in.'

Cordell walked in, taking a seat on the bed beside her. 'Big sixteen hey.'

'Mmm.' She giggled softly as he tapped her on her nose. 'I can't believe you guys threw that party for me. I wasn't expecting it at all.'

'We saw that.' He chuckled, referring to the look of utter shock she'd had on her face when she'd arrived at the bar. 'Sure was worth the effort to see the look on your face.'

'I bet Mawline got it on camera too.'

'Yeah, yeah she did.'

'Knew it.' Maddie replied with an amused smile, looking up at her father as he tucked her hair back over her ear. 'It was nice to have some fun tonight.'

'I-I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.'

'I'm glad you didn't say anything too embarrassing.'

Cordell laughed softly at that. 'Like I said, I'll save it for your wedding.'

She smiled sadly at him as he sobered, knowing exactly what he was thinking. Would she even live to have a wedding? 'You-you all made today so special for me.' She said after a moment.

'Special day for a special girl.' He replied, looking down at the envelope in his hands. 'I uh.. I have something for you Maddie. From your mother.'

'From my mom?' Maddie questioned with surprise.

He nodded. 'Liam ah, he found it when your mom's stuff got sent over here. It's marked to be opened on your sixteenth so well… here you go.'

Her hands shook a little as she took the envelope he handed to her, her eyes watering a little as she saw her mom's handwriting on the envelope.

To my Maddie to be opened on her sixteenth birthday.

'I-I'll leave you to read it.'

'Wait Dad-' She requested as he went to leave, quickly sitting up.

He stopped, tuning back to her. 'Yeah?'

'I haven't had my goodnight hug and kiss.'

Cordell chuckled and went back over to give her a hug. 'Night my girl.'

'Good night Daddy.' She smiled as she hugged him back, looking up at him as he kissed her head. 'Thank you for being my Dad.'

He smiled at her, rubbing her cheek gently with his thumb. 'Happy Birthday baby girl.'