It was late in the afternoon when Stella came to pick Maddie up, another stable hand tending to Dakota after her ride since Maddie really had to get going. The ride had taken longer then she'd expected but Elizabeth needed to talk and she was willing to listen. While Maddie was sorry that things between her and Mika now were strained because of her inviting her along on the ride she was glad for the chance to be able to speak with Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had a lot of problems and Maddie felt sorry for her. She really did. She'd opened up to her about her family and a few other things and it made sense now why she was the way she was. That didn't excuse her behavior though but it did seem like Elizabeth was genuinely remorseful for how she had been towards her. It would be interesting though to see how she was from here on out. Was she genuine or would this be a passing phase when she wasn't at rock bottom any more?

Maddie decided she'd just have to wait and find out.

After a quick shower she vacated the bathroom to let the others get ready for their 'dinner' (which was the excuse that Stella and August had come up with to get their grandparents dressed up and in the car) and was pondering over things as she fixed up her hair.

'You seem deep in thought.' Stella remarked as she came in, throwing her previous change of clothes and her towel onto her bed before joining her sister in front of the dresser mirror.

'Yeah... Just thinkin.'

'Oh? That's a potentially dangerous activity.' Maddie nudged her playfully in the ribs for that and she laughed.

'That's enough out of you.'

Stella grinned at her as she chose a pair of earrings to wear for the evening. 'So, anything enlightening come out of you pondering the existence of the universe?'

'I wasn't that deep in thought.' She scoffed. 'I was just about to say how grateful I am to have you as a sister but I'll take that back now.'

'Hey, you can't do that. I'm a great sister.'

Maddie giggled. 'Yeah, yeah. You are.' She was trying to get her necklace done up but it wasn't proving to be an easy task. Finally, she gave up with a sigh. 'Help?'

Stella chuckled as she fastened up her last earring. 'Tell me how great I am.'

'You are the bestest best sister in the whole wide world and I love you a lot.'

'There we go. That's better.' Taking the necklace she drew Maddie's hair across to one side and did the necklace up for her. 'There.'

'Thank you.' Maddie smiled. 'How'd I go with my makeup?'

Stella took a look for a moment, pretending to be deep in thought. 'It's not too bad...'

'It looks dreadful, doesn't it?'

'No, no Maddie. It looks fine. I'm only kidding. It's great. Really.'

Maddie raised an eyebrow skeptically. 'You sure you're telling the truth?'

'Cross my heart.' She said as she did so. 'It's great. Your hair could use a little work though...' She made a few adjustments until she was ready then nodded decisively. 'Perfect.'

With her granddaughter's upstairs getting themselves organized, Abeline finally had the bathroom all to herself to get herself ready for the evening. The family had planned something for her and Bonham, that was for sure, and she wondered what they had in store for them. Having breakfast prepared for them that morning by them all had been sweet to say the least and it had been nice to just take a moment to relax and let them handle things for a chance, not that she'd admit that of course. She did have her pride after all.

Checking her reflection in the mirror she was satisfied with how her outfit looked, having decided to wear a plain white shirt with the skirt that Maddie had given her for Christmas. Seeing Bonham come to the door in the mirror to see how she was getting on, she turned around to face him.

'My goodness.' Bonham stated. 'You look as beautiful as the day we met.'

She chuckled at that then turned back to the mirror to finish up her makeup.

'You know,' He continued, playing with his hat that he was holding. 'Everything's gonna be alright in time, so let's just enjoy the night.'

'I know.' She replied softly after a moment.

'What do you think they got planned for us?'

'Viking funeral.'

Bonham laughed at that. 'So be it. As long as I sail out with you.'

She smiled as she placed her makeup case back in the cupboard then turned to fix his collar up. 'Girls almost ready?'

'I was just about to go check on them. Augie's already waiting in the car, lookin bored out of his brain.'

'Least we can't blame him for holding us up tonight then.' His collar fixed, she smiled up at him. 'You know, when you scrub up you do look pretty handsome.'

'Is that a compliment I hear?' Bonham teased.

Abeline smiled. 'Maybe.' They lingered there for a moment then she looked down at her watch. 'We're going to be late if we don't get those girls moving.'

He moved aside to let her through the doorway. 'After you.'

She smiled again, the two of them heading up the stairs to Stella and Maddie's room. 'You two about ready?' She questioned as they stopped at the doorway. 'Augie's already out waiting.'

'Coming.' Stella replied, picking up her purse. 'I'll go start the car.'

'I'm almost done...' Maddie added as she put on her watch. 'I'm sorry... I spilt some makeup on my other outfit and had to change.'

'That's alright honey. Need any help?'

She shook her head. 'Grampa can give me a hand. Just got my boots to put on now.'

'I'll wait for you two downstairs then.'

Abeline left and Bonham grabbed Maddie's boots for her, giving her a hand to get them on.

'Do I look okay, Grampa?' Maddie questioned once she was finished. 'I mean...' Her voice trailed off as she dropped her eyes away from his. 'I know Mama's dress was big on me before but when I put it on...' That was why she had changed into the blouse and skirt she was now wearing instead of her favorite outfit. 'I'm just skin and bones.'

'Maddie, darlin.' He crouched down in front of her, tucking a lock of her hair back behind her ear. 'You are still beautiful.'

She smiled sadly at that. 'You think so?'

'Have I ever lied to you?'

Maddie shook her head. 'No.'

'Well, I'm not about to start now.' He brushed her cheek gently with the back of his hand. 'You will get through this. I promise you.'

'I just... I hate how I look now. I look like I'm wasting away.'

'I know.' Bonham replied softly. 'I know there's nothing I can say to make you feel better but you are still beautiful to me. You're my granddaughter and I love you so much.'

Maddie smiled again. 'Don't make me cry Grampa, you'll make my mascara run.'

He chuckled. 'You ready to go now?'

Taking a deep breath, she nodded. 'Yeah.'

'Alright, up you come.' Maddie wrapped her arms around his neck as he picked her up, carrying her carefully out of her room and down the stairs.

Abeline was there waiting for them, returning her phone to her purse when they came down. 'Ready?'

Maddie nodded. 'Ready.'

'Stella and Augie have already put your stuff into the car so-' She glanced around to make sure they weren't forgetting anything. 'I think we're set.'

'Hope you don't mind sharing the backseat with us,' Bonham commented as he carried her out to the car, seeing that August had stolen the front passenger seat. 'Augie got first dibs riding shotgun.'

She giggled softly, Abeline locking the front door on her way out. 'I don't mind.' She said while August got out to open the back door for them, Bonham placing her gently down on the back seat. As she got herself comfortable the rest of them climbed in, Abeline taking the middle seat while Bonham took the one on the other side.

'Ready to go?' Stella questioned, glancing up in the revision mirror. 'My, sure looks cozy back there.'

'Just a tad squishy.' Maddie chuckled. 'Good thing I'm little. How'd you end up in the front anyhow Augie?'

'Snooze you lose sis.' He replied with a cheeky grin.

'Yeah yeah.' She snuggled up to Abeline as Stella drove off, resting her head on her grandmother's shoulder as Abeline placed her arm around her.

'You tired, Maddie girl?' Abeline questioned.

Maddie stifled a yawn. 'I'll live. Big day. Took Dakota for a ride this afternoon, with Elizabeth.'

'That girl you've been helping?' Bonham asked.

'Mmhmm. And I think Mika's mad at me.'

'Mad?' August glanced up in the mirror at her. 'Why?'

'Well, Mika and I were going on a trail ride and I asked Elizabeth to come along with us. She seemed a bit upset with me about it... So...' She let out a sigh.

'Well, deal with it later sweetheart.' Bonham suggested. 'Let's just have some fun tonight, hey?'

'Yeah.' Maddie nodded, snuggling closer to Abeline. 'Just wish Dad could have come along too.'

'Dad seemed super bummed to miss dinner tonight,' Stella started, picking up where Maddie had left off. 'But he had a ton of work stuff. Anyways, it should be fun with just us and Uncle Liam, right?'

'Of course it will.' Bonham agreed, his arm around Abeline. 'Won't it hon?'

'Oh yes.' Abeline agreed.

'Oh crap...' August remarked, looking down at his phone as he 'pretended' to read a message. 'Hey, guys, I just got a text that, uh, Uncle Liam's stuck in traffic. He said he won't be able to make dinner either.'

Hearing that, Maddie had to refrain from laughing and rolled her eyes instead.

'Oh, what a shame.' Abeline exclaimed. 'You know, since it's just the five of us, why don't we just swing by a-a food truck? Oh, I'm craving Patrizi's.'

'Oh, Patrizi's. Yeah, that'd hit the spot.' Bonham agreed.

'Oh um... I'm gluten free now-' Stella started. 'So Italian really might not be the best... And Maddie, well, you wouldn't be able to have that at the moment, would you?'

'I'm not game to find out.' She replied. 'I'll give that a miss, thanks.'

'Well, you know, tacos is always a good anniversary meal, isn't it?' Bonham suggested, Abeline chuckling. 'Well, you know and-and Rosarito's has got corn tortillas.'

'I left my prescription at the bar.' August interjected, having shared a worried glance with Stella.

'Why would you leave your prescription?' Bonham asked.

'I didn't know you took a prescription.' Abeline added.

'Yeah, no it's-it's really vital. I just forgot the name of it. Um.. it's at The Side Step so let's go to the uh... Side Step.'

Maddie couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle at the excuse he'd come up with to get them to go to where the surprise party was being held.

'Well, we're right here.' Stella replied as they pulled into the parking lot of the bar. 'So it's no problem, Augie. We might as well just all go inside.'

'Well, we could stay in the car.' Abeline said, her and Bonham sharing a look.

Maddie chuckled again as her siblings spoke over each other trying to convince their grandparents to go into the bar. Finally, they both gave in and once Stella had parked in the spot closest to the front door they all got out, August giving Abeline a hand with Maddie's wheelchair and once she was ready, they started up to the door.

Stella ran ahead a couple steps and opened up the door, the crowd inside yelling 'Surprise!' as they all came in. Abeline and Bonham were startled for a moment then Abeline began to laugh as everyone clapped and cheered. Maddie smiled, wheeling herself over to where Stella and August had joined their Dad and Uncle.

'Happy Anniversary, Daddy, Mama.' Cordell shouted over the commotion.

'We're so proud to have you as parents.' Liam added. 'We love you so much.'

Abeline smiled and went to hug her eldest son, the whole family gathering around for a group hug.

'All right, all right.' Cordell exclaimed as they stepped back again. 'Eat, drink, be merry. Open bar.'

The crowd cheered at that and began to disperse, Maddie withdrawing herself from the commotion and made her way over to the table where the snacks and drinks were. There was a little bit of a line up but once she had gotten what she wanted she found herself a quiet corner to eat and watch the proceedings.

There were definitely a lot of people crowded into the bar and she had to take a couple deep breaths to calm her anxiety at being surrounded by so many folks. Most of them she knew their names at least and who they were but for the most part they were all strangers to her. Stella and August knew who they all were though, having grown up around them and as she observed her siblings speaking with an older couple she was reminded again that she was an outsider.

'Maddie...'

Jolted from her thoughts she looked up as Mika approached, her friend bringing over a chair to sit down on. 'Oh Mika...' She remarked with surprise. 'I-I wasn't sure if you'd be coming tonight.'

Mika let out a long sigh as she took a seat, holding a cup of cordial in one hand and a small sausage roll in the other. 'I owe you an apology.' She started after a moment. 'For... Earlier...' She took a sip of her drink before continuing. 'I was out of line. I'm sorry.'

Maddie smiled sadly at her. 'Apology accepted.'

'I just... I just get so angry when I see that girl. I've had to put up with her for years and then you go gettin all chummy with her-' She paused. 'Elizabeth has everything. I don't want her taking the only friend I have too.'

'Mika...' She placed her hand on her friend's shoulder. 'Just because I'm helping Elizabeth out doesn't mean that I'm going to stop being friends with you.'

'It's a stupid fear, I know-'

'No, it's not. I understand.' Maddie assured her. 'But Mika, have you ever thought that maybe there was a reason behind why Elizabeth puts people down and is so nasty?'

Mika shook her head as she shrugged. 'She's just always been like that.'

'Well, I'm not excusing that at all but she said a few things to me today while we were riding. She's not happy, Mika. Remember when I told you not everything that glitters is gold? Elizabeth hasn't got a good home life, she's practically invisible to her parents. They might have given her an unlimited bank account but they've never given her their love. She puts other people down trying to feel better about herself because she has no self worth.' She paused for a moment. 'I really do feel sorry for her. I know what it's like to not be loved.'

Mika was silent for a long time, pondering over what Maddie had said. 'I guess...' She started with another sigh, nibbling at her sausage roll. 'I guess I can't be too hard on her. My parents mightn't be around much but I can say I've got it a lot better than her it seems.'

'I think she's trying to change-' Maddie continued after a slight pause. 'and we need to give her a chance. Life is too short to hold onto grudges.'

'I guess so.'

'I'm not asking you to become bosom buddies with her but do you think you can be at least polite to her?'

Mika sighed again then nodded. 'Only because you're my friend. I wouldn't be doing it any otherwise.'

Maddie smiled and was about to reply when she was interrupted by the sound of someone tapping a fork loudly against a glass.

'Excuse me. Folks. Folks-' Cordell called out, still tapping the glass for a little longer. After a moment the crowd began to quieten down and once they were silent, he continued. 'Thank you, sorry. I-I wanted to, uh, say, uh- I wanted to thank all y'all for coming out tonight and, uh, I'd like to raise a glass to the beautiful couple we are all here to celebrate.' Everyone lifted their glasses and cheered to that. 'My sentiments exactly. Uh, as lucky as these two are to have found each other, I wonder if Liam and I and my son and daughters aren't actually the luckiest people in here, because we got to have them as parents, as-as grandparents. And we all know how generous they are with their love and friendship. Uh, hear, hear.' The crowd lifted their glasses again and he stepped away from the stage, going over to where his parents stood.

'Thank you son.' Abeline said as she gave him a hug.

'Yeah, just wanted to do something special for you tonight.' He told her as he hugged her back. 'Um, you know,' He continued as he stepped back. 'all the family's gone though, lately, a lot of losses, with the ranch and-and uprooting the family and Maddie being sick-'

'Uprooting?' She interrupted gently.

'Yeah.'

'Our family, our marriage, it's-it's not a ranch, son. Tonight, I'm remembering...' She paused, smiling at him as she squeezed his arm gently then started to the stage.

'Uh-oh.' Bonham teased, realizing she was going to say something.

A little laughter followed at that and when they quieted down again, Abeline started. 'Marriage is something you grow. And something we grow.' She said, motioning to Bonham. 'Through the dark and murky and through the daybreak. It's us. It's always us.' Bonham winked at her and she smiled back at him then continued on. 'And it's all of us. You know, we, um... Forty years ago, it was fate we met.'

'You know-' Bonham interrupted momentarily, much to the amusement of everyone. 'It could be that I followed her to the Driskill.'

'What? Stop it. No, he did not.' She replied good naturedly amongst the laughter. 'Listen, it was fate we met. But we choose each other every day. And forty years ago, we planted a promise...' She paused for a moment, her eyes searching the crowd for where Maddie was, her granddaughter sitting with Mika just off to the side of the stage. Maddie met her gaze and she smiled at her then continued. 'That grew with everyone we welcomed into our family.' As Geri walked in, coming to stand behind Cordell and Liam, their eyes met and she smiled at her too. 'Everyone we loved along the way.'

'So-' She continued, looking around at everyone gathered there. 'When I look out at all of you, I do not see a family uprooted. I see a family thriving.'

Bonham smiled as she finished and walked up to her, touching her cheek gently before he placed his arm around her and held up his drink. 'To this thriving family.'

Maddie smiled as everyone raised their glasses and she too raised her drink at the toast, her grandparents sharing a hug then looked back at Mika. 'Where were we before Dad interrupted us?'

Mika chuckled. 'I have no idea.'

'Maddie-' Stella said as she came over. 'There you are. Augie and I have been looking everywhere for you.'

'Well, as you can see, here I am. Been here the whole time.' She teased her. 'What's up?'

'Augie and I want to go get started decorating the car.' She explained. 'We thought you might like to join us.'

'Sure.' Maddie turned to Mika. 'Would you like to come help?'

Mika shook her head. 'I'm going to go help myself to some more sausage rolls. They are the best I've ever tasted. Where did you get them anyway?'

'Ah, that's a question for my Dad I'm afraid. He handled organizing the catering.'

'Alright, I'll catch you later then.'

Maddie nodded as Mika headed to the table and she turned back to Stella. 'Would you mind holding onto my drink for a minute?'

'Sure.' Stella took the glass and the two of them headed outside to where August was already waiting for them. 'Here.'

'Thanks.' She took her drink back, Stella grabbing her keys from her purse to unlock the boot. 'So, what can I do?'

'Well, you can hold these for a start.' Stella replied as she took out a couple things to hand to her. 'And Augie-take these for a moment.'

'You know,' August started after being handed some tape and a pack of streamers. 'all this mushiness hits a little different when you just got dumped.'

'Time will heal, brother.' Maddie replied with an amused smile.

'Yeah, I guess it wasn't so much about fate for them after all, huh?'

'Yeah.' She agreed with a nod.

'You know,' Stella spoke up, closing the boot again. 'I don't know what the future holds but like Mawline said, the universe gave me options. But I have to choose. Whether my next chapter starts here or across the country. I might not have an answer yet but... I just hope to one day have what Mawline and Gramps have.'

'You will.' August told her.

'Like Augie said-' Maddie added. 'you'll find it.'

'I think you both will too.' Stella replied with a smile.

'I hope so.' Maddie said softly.

August nodded. 'Thanks Stella.'

'You know,' Stella continued, turning to her brother to hand him something else to carry. 'once you leave the whole gulp and burp thing behind.'

'All right, you're just ruining the moment, Stella.'

Maddie laughed at that. 'I do have to agree with Stells on that one.'

'You would.'

'You are outnumbered here.' Stella pointed out with a chuckle then looked back at the car. 'Right, let's get to work guys.'

'Maddie-'

'Oh, Mika.' Maddie looked up as her friend walked out of the bar a short time later. 'How's the car look?'

Mike took a look at the car decorated with streamers and a Happy Anniversary banner and smiled. 'It looks great.'

Stella looked up from where she was attaching one last streamer to the top of the windscreen. 'Thanks.'

'Come to give us a hand?' August questioned.

'Ah no.' She shook her head. 'I'm sorry, but I've got to head out early. Got another show jumping competition tomorrow which means an early morning so... Got to go-'

'Wait.' Maddie interjected, handing back the streamers and tape from off her lap back to August. 'You can't leave without hearing me sing first.'

'You're singing tonight?' Mika questioned.

'That's the first I've heard of this.' August said before Maddie could reply. 'Could I grab a ride with you Mika-'

Maddie playfully elbowed her brother in the ribs. 'That's enough out of you. I'm a better singer then you anyway.'

Stella chuckled. 'She's got you there Augie.'

August rolled his eyes.

Maddie turned back to Mika. 'I wanted to do something special for Gramps and Mawline tonight and well, since I can't do much, Uncle Liam suggested singing something for them. So, I said yes.'

'Well, if you're singing that's something I can't miss. I guess being here another ten minutes won't hurt.'

She smiled at that. 'Great. I'll go let Uncle Liam know I'm ready then while you guys finish off the car.'

Making her way back inside, Maddie sought out Liam from the crowd and headed over to him. 'Uncle Liam-' She said softly as she came up behind him, her Uncle leaving what he was doing at the bar to turn to her. 'Is it okay if I do my song now? Mika needs to go, she's got a competition tomorrow but she wants to hear me sing before she leaves.'

He nodded. 'We can do it now.'

'Great.' She saw her siblings and Mika come through the front door and gave them the thumbs up to let them know it was a go.

Liam stepped to the front of the stage as Maddie wheeled herself up onto the stage and once she was ready with her guitar, she nodded to let him know that she was ready. 'Everybody, can I have your attention for a moment, please?' He started, everyone quietening down as they gathered around. 'Thank you. Maddie has something she'd like to share with y'all. Maddie-'

'Thank you, Uncle Liam.' She smiled, speaking into the microphone in front of her. 'Now, I can't beat what Dad said earlier-' She started with a nervous chuckle, a ripple of laughter coming from the crowd. 'And I'm not gonna be able to beat what Uncle Liam has planned but I wanted to do something special for Gramps and Mawline too.' Her grandparents smiled and she smiled back for a moment before continuing. 'You both are so special to me and everyone in this room and I love you both so much.'

'We love you too, little one.' Bonham said, an amused twinkle in his eye as he wondered what she had planned.

Maddie blushed but quickly regained her composure. 'Thanks Grampa. Without any further ado, here we go.'

Taking a deep breath she started strumming the introduction to the song, smiling as she caught her father's eyes. He gave her a thumbs up of encouragement and she smiled again, beginning to sing the first line of the song.

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said 'I bet they'll never make it'
But just look at us holding on
We're still together, still going strong

Abeline smiled, Bonham's arm around her waist as Maddie continued into the chorus.

You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

As she played the bridge between the chorus and the second section, she could see Mika videoing her out of the corner of her eye and took another deep breath to calm her nerves.

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

They said 'I bet they'll never make it'
But just look at us holdin' on
We're still together still goin' strong

You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

Playing the bridge between the chorus she smiled at her grandparents, her nerves finally settling down as she started into the last line.

You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

I'm so glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby

(You're Still The One - Shania Twain Cover By Dakota Rhodes

As the last sounds of her guitar died away she was met with a round of applause and smiled, placing her guitar back down on the stand. 'Alright-' She said once silence reigned again. 'Back to you Uncle Liam.'

'Thank you Maddie.' Liam stepped up again, this time with a bottle of champagne in his hand and a knife in the other. 'So, Daddy, you always mentioned this every time you talked about the wedding,' He started as Maddie made her way off the stage again and over to where her father stood at the bar. 'So I figured it meant something special.'

'It does.' Bonham nodded. 'And it means a lot, son. Thank you.'

'Thank you, Daddy. Um' He motioned for Cordell to bring the glasses over. 'On their wedding night, my Mom and Dad said 'I do,' and they sealed it with a kiss and a toast. And so, forty years later, we go back to that same vine. Everybody stand back. Here we go, alright?'

With one smooth motion he popped the cork off the bottle with the knife and after Cordell had handed the glasses to their parents, he filled them up. 'Alright... So... I would like to propose a toast to my Mom and Dad-'

'I'm gonna stop you right there, son.' Bonham interrupted. 'I know you got some beautiful things prepared but I... There's just, there's a little thing I... There's something I want to do. Alright?'

'Yeah. Of course. Sure.'

He looked over at Maddie, motioning to her guitar. 'May I?' She nodded and he turned back to Abeline. 'This one's for you, darling. I guess it's- I guess it's for all of you.'

Bonham stepped onto the stage and brought over a stool in front of the microphone, picking up Maddie's guitar gently before he sat down.

Abeline smiled, chuckling softly as he got himself ready, wondering what it was that he was going to sing.

I don't know why I act the way I do
Like I ain't got a single thing to lose
Sometimes I'm my own worst enemy
Well I guess that's just the cowboy in me

Maddie recognized the song, smiling as her father came back to stand with her.

'You did great up there hon.' Cordell said to her softly. 'I'm real proud of you.'

'Thanks Dad.' She replied with a smile. 'I think Grampa's gonna do one up me though.'

'Yeah, he's still got it.' He commented with a chuckle.

I got a life most would love to have...

'Hey.' Geri said softly as she joined them, Cordell doing a double take for a moment before he replied to her.

'I didn't think you were gonna make it.' He told her.

'Well... You show up for the people that mean something to you.' She replied, placing her arm around Maddie. 'Hey Maddie.'

Maddie smiled up at her. 'Hey. Glad you decided to come along.'

'Me too darling.' Geri agreed. 'Me too.'

And where this road I'm headed down might lead
Well, I guess that's just the cowboy in me...

'Ger, um... I-'

Geri interrupted Cordell gently. 'You know... I've been so worried about what being a Davidson means. But what I'm realizing is that I want you both in my life. The Davidson's, all you crazy Walkers.'

'Okay.' He nodded. 'Well, you can have that.'

'I'm not sure what comes next.'

'What comes next is this: family. And our-our friendship, and Geri, I'm all in. I promise.'

'I like that.' Geri replied with a smile. 'A new chapter.'

'Yeah.' Cordell agreed. 'A new chapter.'

Maddie smiled upon hearing them making up. It sounded like everything was right again with them. As it should be.

But you set your mind to see this love on through
Well, I guess that's just the cowboy in you

We ride and never worry 'bout the fall
Well I guess that's just the cowboy in us all

As Bonham finished off the song he looked down at Abeline, mouthing I love you to his wife. Abeline smiled, tears in her eyes as everyone applauded his performance, August stepping forward to take the guitar from him. Stepping off the stage Bonham walked over to her and drew her in close for a kiss, cheers ringing out from everyone gathered in the bar. As he drew back he gently ran the back of his hands down her cheeks, smiling at her before declaring 'Here's to forty more years.'

Abeline laughed at that as everyone raised their drinks and as Bonham thanked August and Stella, she walked over to Geri. 'I am so happy you're here.'

'I may be a Davidson now-' Geri told her. 'But I am still a Walker through and through.'

Abeline nodded then placed her arms around her, Geri hugging her back. As they pulled apart she looked down at Maddie beside Geri, crouching down to her level. 'Thank you for your song Maddie. It was beautiful sweetheart.'

Maddie smiled as her grandmother hugged her, hugging her back tightly. 'I'm glad you liked it. I wanted to do something real special for all you've done for me.'

'Well, you sure did honey.' She told her with a smile as she let her go. 'I love you so much my girl.'

'I love you too Mawline.'

Abeline smiled again, touching Maddie's cheek gently. 'Now, you sure you'll be alright with Stella helping you for a couple days?'

'I'll be fine Mawline, promise. You and Gramps go and have a good time. Okay? Don't worry about me, I'll be just fine. You've looked after me since I got home, you deserve a break.'

She nodded then an idea came to mind and she looked up at Geri. 'Geri, would you mind helping out for a couple days while I'm gone?'

'Of course.' Geri replied. 'I'd be happy to.'

'Thanks. I know Stella will manage as best she can but I'll feel a lot better with you lending a hand too.'

'Well, you don't need to worry.' Geri placed her arm around Maddie's shoulders. 'We'll get along just fine.'

Stella came over to join them, everyone beginning to filter out of the bar and onto the porch to see them off. 'It's time to go Mawline.'

'Yes, yes. I'm coming.'

Maddie chuckled softly as they made their way outside, Bonham coming over to her as Abeline said her goodbyes to the rest of the family.

'Keep well while we're gone, okay?' Bonham said to her as he crouched down in front of her chair, stroking her cheek gently. 'Remember what I said earlier. You are still beautiful darlin.'

She nodded, her eyes misting with tears a little at that and she held out her arms to him, hugging her grandfather tight. 'I'll remember.'

'I'll see you soon, okay?'

Maddie nodded again as he pulled away and she stayed back with Cordell as Stella and August escorted them to the waiting car.

'Drive carefully, Stella.' Cordell shouted as she drove away. 'Precious cargo!'

After seeing them off and the crowd began dispersing, some folks leaving while most of them headed back inside, Mika came back up to Maddie. 'Time for me to head out.' She told her, Maddie nodding as she finished off her drink.

'Good luck for tomorrow.' She said, offering her friend a hug. 'Let me know how you and Picasso go.'

'Will do.' Mika replied, heading down the stairs then she turned back to Maddie. 'Oh, and Maddie-'

'Yeah?'

'You were awesome up there tonight.'

Maddie chuckled. 'Thanks Mika. Catch you later.'

'You will.'

Mika left, Maddie lingering out on the porch for a time after she had gone. It was somewhat quiet now, everyone either inside or having left shortly after Stella had taken their grandparents down to their motel for the night. As the soft strains of some song playing inside wafted out into the night she looked up to the sky, a soft sigh escaping her lips. It had been a good evening but now that it was over, she was exhausted.

A soft breeze blowing by made her shiver and decided it was time to head inside. Slipping in quietly through the door she made her way over to a darkened corner away from the crowd, nursing a bottle of apple juice she'd picked up from the bar on her way past. A few couples were dancing to one of the songs playing from the playlist that Stella had put together, composed of their grandparents' favorite songs. She smiled sadly as she watched a father twirl his daughter, a young girl she guessed to be about ten years old. One of the things she hated that her cancer had taken from her was the ability to dance. She loved dancing almost as much as riding.

'What are you doing hiding all the way over here kiddo?' Liam questioned as he came over to start cleaning up the table closest to her.

'Just watching those two.' She replied, motioning to the father/daughter duo. The little girl laughed as the song came to an end and gave her father a hug before running off to the snack table. 'I wish I could dance.'

Hearing the sadness in her voice he placed down the plastic plates and cups he'd been gathering and walked over to her, offering her his hand. 'Would you care to dance?'

She smiled sadly. 'You know I can't stand let alone walk.'

'I can dance for both of us.' He replied, asking her again with a look. After a moment she gave in with a nod and he gently picked her up, Maddie resting her head against his shoulder as he swayed in time to the music. 'You know, I can even do a twirl.'

Maddie chuckled at that. 'Really?'

'Uh huh.' He demonstrated by spinning around a couple times, his niece laughing again. 'How was that?'

She smiled, resting her head back on his shoulder again. 'Thank you, Uncle Liam...' She said softly after a time. 'This... It means a lot.'

Liam pressed a kiss gently to her head. 'Any time kiddo. Any time.'

Maddie's eyelids began to grow heavy as Liam kept moving along with the music, his steady heartbeat in her ear lulling her to sleep. Finally she couldn't keep her eyes open anymore and while her Uncle kept dancing, fell fast asleep.

'Maddie?' When she didn't answer he glanced down at her, a smile coming to his lips as he saw she was dead to the world. A glance around found Cordell over at the bar speaking with Cassie and carefully he carried Maddie over to them.

'Oh my god...' Cassie exclaimed softly, seeing Maddie asleep in Liam's arms. 'I have got to get a photo.'

Cordell chuckled as Cassie got her phone out of her pocket, looking at his daughter lovingly. 'I-I think it's way past someone's bed time.'

'Poor girl looks exhausted.' Geri added as she came over to them. 'Want me to give you a hand with her Cordi?' She took a quick glance around but couldn't find Stella anywhere. 'Doesn't look like Stella is back yet.'

'Yeah, yeah, that would be great. Thanks Ger.'

'No problem.'

The group made their way outside, Cordell getting into the backseat of his truck and Liam handed Maddie to him, trying not to wake her. Maddie didn't stir the slightest as she was placed into Cordell's lap and after she was settled in the keys were passed to Geri so she could drive them home.

As Geri drove them home, Cordell looked down at his daughter, running his hand against her cheek gently. She looked so small, so vulnerable and fragile in his arms. She was plainly worn out too for she hadn't stirred the slightest, the day having been just too much for her. To say that he worried for her was an understatement, ever since he'd been told she had a brain tumor his mind had been consumed with worry for her every waking moment. She was his little girl and it broke his heart to see her suffering. She was trying so hard to get her life back to normal but her body was letting her down. It just didn't have the strength to keep up with everything she was trying to do.

Seeing her up on that stage earlier though had been one of the better moments since she'd been diagnosed that in time would become a fond memory. He hadn't known at all that she had planned to sing until the moment she'd stepped up to the stage, Liam having mentioned to him after that she'd wanted to keep it as a surprise for everyone. He couldn't have been prouder of her either as he watched her, forgetting in the moment everything that they'd been through the last couple months. Maddie was a fighter, there was no denying that. The question that played on his mind though was just how long could she keep up the fight?

Arriving back at home, Geri parked the truck in the garage and got out, opening the door for Cordell. 'Poor girl.' She said as Cordell carefully slid himself out of the backseat, Maddie still asleep in his arms. 'She looks plum worn out.'

'Yeah... Gonna-gonna take her a few days to get over this, that's for sure.' He replied softly, Geri getting the door into the house for him. Geri went on ahead, flicking on a couple lights and followed after him as he carried her up the stairs to her bedroom.

'We're going to have to wake her to change her.' Geri whispered as she pulled the covers back on the bed for him. 'She can't sleep in what she has on.'

Though he hated to wake her, he knew she was right. 'Maddie.' He said softly to her. 'Come on, time to wake up sweetheart.'

Maddie's eyelids fluttered and she blinked in the light, her mind registering after a moment that she was back in her room at home. 'Oh... Did-did I fall asleep?'

'Yeah, you did honey.' Geri chuckled softly. 'Let's get you out of those clothes and into your pajamas and then you can go back to sleep.'

'Sounds like a good idea.' She yawned softly as her father sat her down on her bed, Geri heading over to the chest of drawers. 'They're in the top right drawer.'

Geri pulled it out then nodded. 'Yep, found 'em.'

Looking very uncomfortable, Cordell decided it was time to vacate. 'I'll uh- I'll go wait outside.'

Maddie chuckled tiredly as her father made a hasty exit, Geri coming to sit on the bed beside her. 'I'm glad Mawline asked you to help out while she's gone. Bad enough having to have her and Stella help me. Sure don't want Dad to have to help me change.'

'I'm sure he's grateful too.' She replied with a soft laugh, beginning to unbutton her shirt. 'How have you been while I've been away?'

'I've been alright.'

'Yeah?'

Maddie smiled sadly as she nodded, slipping out of her blouse and into her pajama shirt. 'Yeah.'

A short time later she was ready for bed and laid down, Geri pulling the covers up for her. 'Mama used to tuck me in like this.' Maddie said softly. 'Thanks Geri.'

She smiled, tucking some of the girl's hair back behind her ear. 'Your welcome hon.'

'I'm glad you're back.'

'Me too.'

Outside, Cordell cleared his throat. 'Coast clear?'

Maddie chuckled. 'You can come back in now Dad. All done.'

Coming back into her room, Cordell sat down on the bed beside her. 'You had a big day, didn't you Maddie girl?'

'Yeah. Maybe a little too big... Did you like my singing?'

'Of course I did sweetheart. I'm so proud of you.'

She smiled at that. 'I love you Daddy.'

'I love you too, pumpkin.' Cordell replied, smoothing back her hair before gently pressing a kiss to her forehead. 'Sleep tight.'

'Night Daddy.'

He stood, Geri coming over to her again. 'Night Maddie.' She too gave her a kiss on the forehead. 'Sweet dreams.'

'Good night.'

Cordell and Geri left, Cordell flicking the light off before closing the door softly. Maddie tucked the covers up beneath her chin, Bubbles jumping up onto her bed and curled up next to her, purring loudly. As Maddie drifted off to sleep a smile was on her lips. Geri was back and she and her father were getting along. Everything was right in her little world once more.