Elizabeth was waiting for Maddie with Diablo when Liam dropped her off at the stables the next morning, waving to her as she gave her stallion a treat. After Liam helped her into her chair and had left, Maddie made her way over to the paddock. 'Morning.' Elizabeth said happily.

'Morning.' Maddie replied with a half-hearted smile. 'How's Diablo?'

'Well, I think I can say that he loves sugar cubes.' She said, offering another to her horse through the fence. 'I offered him a few different things at once this morning and he picked the sugar each time.'

'That's good. We'll use that as a high reward treat then.' Pulling something out from the pocket beneath her chair she held it out to her. 'This is my spare treat bag. You can borrow it for now.'

'Thanks.' Elizabeth clipped it on around her waist then filled it with some carrot and apple pieces she had in her pocket. 'So, what are we doing this morning?'

'Do you think you're up to haltering him?'

'Yeah-yeah. We'll give it a go. You want me to ah... go grab his halter and lead?'

Maddie nodded. 'And his grooming kit.'

'Alright. I'll be back in a minute.'

Elizabeth left, Maddie turning to the stallion. 'Hey...' She held her hand out to the stallion for him to sniff. 'Hello Diablo. You and I gonna be friends?' Diablo snorted softly as he sniffed her hand and she smiled as he began nibbling at her with his velvet lips. 'I take that as a yes then?'

Hesitating for a moment Maddie slowly reached up to the stallion, gently placing her hand on the bridge of his nose. Diablo stood quietly, looking at her with soft brown eyes. 'You aren't vicious or dangerous, are you?' She questioned softly. 'You just wanted your voice to be heard.'

Diablo snorted again softly then lent against her hand, Maddie smiling. 'You really are just a giant softy. Aren't you?' Gently patting him she withdrew after a moment, taking a sugar cube from the jar on the ground beside her. 'I hear you like sugar...'

'Trying to steal my boy's heart, are ya?' Elizabeth questioned as she returned, seeing Maddie giving her horse a treat.

'Just making friends.' She replied with a chuckle. 'How'd you go?'

She held up his halter and lead-rope along with the grooming kit. 'Got it.'

'Alright... Hand me his grooming kit and see how you go.'

'Here we go...' Passing the grooming kit to Maddie she fixed up the halter and lead rope to hold it the right way then climbed between the fence rails into the paddock. 'Hey boy...' She approached Diablo slowly, placing her hand on his neck once she had reached him. 'Going to let me halter you, hey?'

Diablo stood still to be haltered, Maddie smiling as Elizabeth tied up the halter. 'Good job.'

Elizabeth smiled as she ran her hand down Diablo's neck. 'He's a good boy. Aren't you buddy?' He nuzzled her gently with his muzzle and she looked back at Maddie. 'What next?'

'Tie him up and begin grooming him.'

Elizabeth did as Maddie instructed, the stallion standing quietly as she first started with cleaning his hooves. 'Looks like he needs a trim and re-shoeing...' She commented, placing the second hoof she'd been cleaning back down again. 'That one's pretty loose. I'll let Nana know later he needs it being done. You think he'll be okay to have the farrier out?'

'He's doing well so... hopefully? I don't know. Do you know how he is normally with having his hooves done?'

She shook her head. 'I'll have to ask Nana.' Running her hand down his rump she picked up his other back hoof and cleaned it out. Once his last hoof had been cleaned she placed the hoof pick back in the grooming kit and picked up a dandy brush and curry comb. 'Sure will be glad to get this cast off in a couple weeks...' She commented, starting to brush Diablo's near side. 'It's been making life hard.'

'I bet.' Maddie replied then silence fell again, observing the stallion as Elizabeth kept grooming him. Diablo was relaxed, cocking one of his back legs and his eyelids began to droop, his eyes nice and soft.

Switching sides, Elizabeth looked over at Maddie. 'Something wrong? I mean... I don't mean to sound rude but you don't seem yourself.'

'Got a lot on my mind.' She replied simply.

'Care to share?'

'Nope.'

'Does it have anything to do with my friends yesterday?'

Maddie's silence was the only answer she needed.

Elizabeth sighed heavily, returning the brush and curry comb to the grooming bag, leaning against the fence rail to speak to her. 'I'm sorry for what they said. It was rude and unkind.'

'Oh, you think?' She questioned, her question coming out a slightly harsher than she had intended. 'Been having a pretty crappy week and their comments were just the icing on the cake.'

'If you must know, I did put them in their place about it. Mightn't have made myself very popular and might have been kicked out of their group but well...' Elizabeth sighed heavily. 'They aren't the kind of girls I feel like being around anymore. No one speaks bad about my friends and gets away with it. I'm sorry you had to hear it.'

Maddie didn't quite know what to say to that. 'I um...'

'You weren't expecting that, were you?'

'No... No, I wasn't.'

Elizabeth chuckled, picking up a soft brush before turning back to her stallion again. 'I hope you have noticed that I'm trying to change my ways. Those girls might have been who I liked to associate with before but not now.'

Maddie couldn't keep the look of surprise off her face.

'For the first time in as long as I can remember, I've rendered you speechless.' She teased.

Maddie didn't know what to say, just shaking her head.

'I have to admit, I do admire you.' Elizabeth continued after a pause. 'I mean, even with everything you are going through, you still have come to help me as much as you could. Even while I was still being bitchy with you. Why?'

'My Mama. She taught me that for there to be kindness in the world there needed to be kind people.'

Hearing that, Elizabeth nodded. 'That makes sense. Sure isn't easy to put into practice though.'

Maddie chuckled softly at that. 'No, no, it's not.'

'I'm sorry... I'm really sorry about what they said.' She said, brushing a bit of dried mud off Diablo's neck. 'I-I hope you don't mind but... I went on your social media, the page you have for Dakota. I saw... I saw your post about what you've been going through and I just wanted you to know... I'm gonna be here for you.' She glanced back at Maddie. 'You... You've helped me and Diablo and well... If there's anything I can do for you, all you need to do is ask.'

She thought about what Elizabeth had said for a moment, the older girl going back to grooming her horse and she bit her lip while she pondered it over. 'There... There is something you can do.'

'Anything. Just name it.'

'Bury the hatchet with Mika and preferably not in her back.' Maddie stated simply. 'Now, I don't know all the history between you two but please... I'd rather not be the meat in the sandwich between my best friend and you. So...'

Elizabeth sighed heavily as she nodded. 'Seems like I'll be eating more humble pie. Alright... I'll do my best. Can't promise anything though. If you haven't noticed, Mika can be a bit...'

'Stubborn?' She offered with a chuckle.

'I was going to go with obstinate but yes, stubborn fits the bill though.'

'Guess that's why the two of us get along so well.' Maddie continued, handing Elizabeth a comb to begin untangling the stallion's mane. 'Mika's the only real friend I've really ever had.'

'Well, you've got me now too.'

Maddie smiled at that then looked back at Diablo. 'Alright, once you get done with his mane and tail, let's move onto something a little more challenging...'

The rest of the morning Maddie spent teaching Elizabeth the basics of beginning liberty training, first a little with Diablo then she offered her the chance to work with Dakota to get a feel for what she was trying to teach her with a trained horse. With Dakota being an easy-going and forgiving horse when she made a mistake, Elizabeth slowly began to understand what it was she had to do.

Hearing someone approaching, Maddie glanced around to see who it was. 'Hey.' She smiled as Mika joined her at the fence. 'Morning.'

'Morning sis.' She replied with a smile then motioned towards where Elizabeth was, trying to practice sending the mare into a circle on the line. 'How's she doing?'

'Making progress. We haltered Diablo for the first time today and after she'd groomed him down we did a little groundwork. Brought her in here to get her to work with a trained horse as well so she can get a feel for what she'll be doing later on with Diablo.' Maddie turned back to Elizabeth and Dakota. The mare was beginning to show the first hints of getting annoyed at the mixed signals being given to her and though Maddie knew that Dakota wouldn't do anything silly, knew she needed a break for a moment. 'Elizabeth-' She called out to her. 'Bring her to a halt then turn her loose and come over here. We'll give Dakota a break.'

Elizabeth nodded and brought the mare to a halt.

While Elizabeth fiddled with undoing the mare's halter, Mika looked back at Maddie. 'How are you? Yesterday... Yesterday you had me worried.'

Maddie sighed softly. 'I-I'm doing okay. Trying to at least.'

'Not hiding any injuries I hope?'

After a moment, Maddie lifted the side of her shirt to reveal a large purple bruise extending across her rib-cage.

Mika cringed. 'Ouch...'

'Yeah...' She tucked her shirt back into her jeans. 'Let me tell you, I had to pull a couple strings with Stella to make sure she wouldn't tell Dad.'

'You didn't break anything, did you?'

'No, no. I've had broken ribs before and this ain't it. It's sore but I'll live. If I get any bright ideas of trying to walk again before I'm ready, kindly remind me of this please.'

'You try walking again before you are ready and I will hogtie you.' Mika replied with a look that Maddie knew meant business. 'And I mean it. I should tell your Dad-'

'No.' Maddie interrupted firmly. 'I don't want Dad knowing. He'll just worry about me more than he already is. I'm fine. No need to tell anyone what happened yesterday.'

'Maddie-'

'End of discussion.' She replied, turning to Elizabeth as she joined them at the fence. 'How'd that feel working with Dakota?'

'Oh boy...' She let out a long breath. 'I have got a lot to learn.'

'You'll get there. Time and practice.'

'Glad I'm working with her and not Diablo on this. He wouldn't be so patient.'

'Which is exactly why we are doing this.' Dakota began walking around the indoor arena, searching for the perfect spot to roll. 'We'll give her a break then try again.'

Elizabeth nodded, climbing onto the fence to take a seat.

'I hope you had something to say to those friends of yours.' Mika started, directed at Elizabeth. 'Maddie's been kind enough to help you, she doesn't need to deal with that kind of crap.'

'Mika-'

'No Maddie, it's fine.' Elizabeth interrupted gently then turned back to Mika. 'Mika... I know things between us have been... difficult-'

'Humph.' Mika snorted. 'You can say that again.'

Ignoring Mika's goading, she continued. 'But I would like for us to be able to forget the past and move on from it.'

Hearing that, Mika raised an eyebrow.

'I know... I know.' She looked at Maddie, Maddie offering her a nod of encouragement. 'Mika, Maddie's been teaching me more than just how to work with Diablo. She's made me realize things about myself I never took notice of before and I've realized just how much of a bitch I have been towards others, especially you. There's no excuse for how I've been towards you but I hope that one day you'll forgive me.'

Mika didn't reply straight away, instead searching Elizabeth's face to see if what she said was true or if it was just another trick.

'Mika?' Maddie questioned softly. 'For me?'

After a moment, she sighed heavily. 'Alright, alright. Elizabeth, I accept your apology but this doesn't mean that we are friends.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'I understand.'

'And if I find out behind my back that you have done or said anything to jeopardize my position on the show jumping team when you return to riding, all deals are off.'

'Fair enough.'

'I've got to get back to work.' Mika said, looking at Maddie. 'Catch you later.'

Maddie nodded, turning to Elizabeth after Mika had left. 'What was that about the show jumping team?'

Elizabeth sighed. 'When I broke my wrist, Nana had to find someone to take my place. I wasn't happy about it to say the least and well... Might have said and done a few things I'm not proud of.'

'Right...'

'I don't blame Mika either for being wary either. I would be too if I was in her shoes. You have to understand, eventing and winning has been my life for so long... I couldn't stand the thought of losing that to her.'

'Winning isn't everything.'

'I'm beginning to see that.' Elizabeth looked towards the door Mika had taken out of the building. 'All the trophies in the world don't compare to having a friend like you do, Maddie. I thought I didn't need friends, not true ones at least. You are lucky to have a friend like you do.'

Maddie smiled sympathetically at her. 'There is no worse feeling than being in a room full of people and yet still feel alone.'

'Ain't that the truth...'

'And you do have one friend.' She continued. 'Me.'

Elizabeth smiled at that.

After a moment, Maddie looked back at Dakota as the mare got up from her roll. 'Ready to get back to work?'

Morning turned into afternoon and afternoon into evening, Maddie helping Mika bed the horses down for the night. Elizabeth had left early, saying she had some other things to do but Maddie had a feeling she needed some time to herself. After all, she did have some deep soul searching to do and Mika, well, she probably wasn't making it any easier.

'Almost done with Dakota?' Mika questioned as she stepped back out of Bel's stall, the mare and foal settling down to eat their evening meal.

'Yeah, almost...' She was struggling to get the stable rug back onto the mare but when Mika tried to help her, Maddie brushed her aside. 'I've got to figure out how to do it myself.'

Mika sighed. 'Yes, yes. Miss Independence.'

Maddie chuckled. 'Comes with being a Walker.' Finally she got the rug fixed on the mare and began to fasten the leg straps. 'You can grab her chest strap if you want.' Mika went to take care of that and once Maddie had finished she wheeled herself back up to Dakota's head, giving the mare a pat. 'All ready for bed now girl?'

'Her food and water are already in there.'

'Thanks.' She ran her hand up and down the mare's face. 'So... You and Elizabeth...'

'Maddie, I know you want us to get along but there's just so much between us. I mean, she's the reason why it's taken me four years to get on the show jumping team. The first time I tried to try out for a spot she put stuff in the horses boots and it made the gelding sore. Second time, my girth snapped. Third time...' She sighed. 'You get the gist.'

'Didn't you tell anyone?'

'There was no proof. Besides, I'm just a stable hand. No one would have believed me anyway.' She ran her hand down Dakota's neck, the mare searching her pockets for treats. 'And believe me, when I heard about her accident, I was so happy.'

'Mika!'

'I was. She finally got what was coming to her.'

Hearing that, Maddie shook her head. 'I can't believe you Mika.'

'Well, we aren't all Maddie Walker now are we? All kindness and forgiveness-' She abruptly cut herself off seeing the look of shock on Maddie's face. 'I'm sorry... That was uncalled for.'

'Yeah, you are right there. What's gotten into you Mika?'

'Guess you can just say Elizabeth has that effect on me.'

Maddie looked at her friend closely. 'I don't know what else has gone on between you two but you really need to forgive her. You are making yourself bitter Mika and at the end of the day, who gets hurt by that? You. Elizabeth is trying. Give her a chance.'

Mika nodded, swallowing Maddie's justified chastisement. 'You want me to put Dakota away now?'

'Yeah, thanks.' Maddie moved back to allow Mika in to untie the mare, her friend leading the mare into her stall. 'Mika, why is it so important to you to be on the show jumping team? You don't seem to be someone who believes winning is everything.'

'I just wanted to beat Elizabeth. When you arrived and you put her in her place I was so happy. Finally, someone to knock her down a peg or two. Someone to make her realize she isn't the bee's knees.' Mika exited the stall again, closing the door behind her. 'Guess you must think I'm a horrible person now.'

'I think... I think you've allowed jealousy and bitterness to rule you and I get it, I do. Having to put up with the way she treated you, anyone would become that way. The point is though, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to let her dictate how you act the rest of your life? She's trying to change. Think about that.' Hearing footsteps coming up the aisle she glanced around, smiling when she saw her father coming up to them, still dressed in his Ranger's uniform. 'Dad. Hey.' She held her arms out to him for a hug, looking up at him as he hugged her. 'I thought... I thought Uncle Liam was coming to pick me up tonight.'

'He-he was but there's been a slight change of plan.' Cordell replied. 'Hi Mika.'

'Hey.' She said with a forced smile. Maddie had given her a lot to think about... 'You'll be pleased to hear that Maddie has been very well behaved today. Made sure she hasn't overdone it.'

Maddie rolled her eyes as her father let her go again. 'She's worse than you Dad.'

Cordell laughed. 'I'm glad to hear someone's keeping an eye on you.' He remarked, placing his arm around her shoulders. 'Ready to go?'

She nodded then turned back to Mika. 'See you later.'

'Bye sis.' Mika gave her a hug. 'You be back tomorrow?'

'Um... Not sure. I'll let you know.'

'Alright. You let me know, promise?'

'Promise.' Maddie assured her as she and her father started out of the barn. 'So...' She looked up at Cordell. 'You get off work early?'

'Kinda. Just thought I might spend some time with my kids, you know. How does-how does dinner with Augie and I at the Side Step sound. Stella's off with Todd and Liam-Liam said he had something come up anyway so...'

'As long as I don't have to cook, I don't care.'

'Alright. Dinner at the Side Step it is then.' He decided. 'How was your day?'

At that question, Maddie sighed heavily. 'Next question.'

'That-that good hey?'

'Yeah... That good.'

Cordell placed his arm around her shoulders. 'Ice Cream make it better?'

She chuckled softly as they reached his truck, her father grabbing his keys from his pocket to unlock the vehicle. 'I think this is a problem even ice cream can't fix.'

'That bad?'

'It ain't good. Mika and Elizabeth.'

'Ah... Say no more.'

'I just wish Mika could let things go, you know-' She continued as he opened the passenger door for her, preparing to put her in the truck. 'I mean, Elizabeth is trying to make amends. Mika doesn't even seem to want to try and get along with her.'

'You have to remember not everyone is as forgiving as you, my girl.'

'I know... I just wish they could get along, you know?' Maddie sighed again as her father picked her up. 'It'd be nice for them to get along-'

'Maddie-' Cordell interrupted her as he sat her down on the seat, her shirt having come un-tucked from inside her jeans, revealing just a little bit of a bruise. She froze when he lifted her shirt up just a little, looking from the bruise up at her with concern. 'What happened?'

'It-it's nothing.'

'Maddie... Don't lie to me.' He replied firmly. 'What happened? Did Dakota kick you?'

'No... No, Dakota had nothing to do with it.' She replied quickly. 'Yesterday... Yesterday, I tried to walk. Didn't go so well.'

Cordell sighed heavily. 'Maddie, you aren't ready to walk yet.'

'Yeah, don't I know it.' Maddie laughed hollowly. 'I'm just... I'm sick of being in that damn chair.' She paused for a moment. 'I did try to ring you after it happened but you didn't pick up. I needed to talk to you but I got over it.' He looked at her for a moment then closed the door without replying, folding up her chair to place into the back. Maddie rested her head back against her seat, taking a deep breath as she waited for her father to get in. When he finally climbed into the driver's seat she looked over at him as he started the truck up. 'I'm sorry.' She apologized as they headed down the drive. 'I know I wasn't ready and it was reckless. I'm sorry.'

'I know- I know you're frustrated.' He finally said, breaking the awkward silence between them. 'And I get that. I do. But pushing yourself like this isn't healthy either.'

Maddie bowed her head.

'Maddie- darlin.' Cordell looked over at her as they waited at a set of traffic lights. 'When you are strong enough and when the doctors say you are ready, I will be here to help you walk again. That's a promise, baby girl. But you have to wait. I don't- I don't want you getting hurt. Okay?

She nodded. 'Message received loud and clear.'

'And I know the last thing you want to hear is that you need to be patient but-'

Maddie sighed heavily. 'I'll be patient.' She interrupted. 'Promise.'

'Good.' He nodded, driving on again as the traffic light turned to green. 'You know I care about you honey, that's why I'm telling you this. You need to be kind to yourself, stop being so hard on yourself for your limitations.'

'I know.' She replied softly. 'But it's just so hard. I just... I just want to be normal again.'

Cordell placed his hand on hers, squeezing it gently. 'In time, you will. I know you can.'

She nodded again.

'Now, how about we grab some ice cream before dinner? What do you say?'

A cheeky grin came to her face. 'Dessert before dinner Dad?'

He chuckled. 'Just this once.'

'Alright.' She agreed. 'Just this once.'

After they had picked up some ice cream, Cordell grabbing an extra one for August, they headed to the Side Step and found a table outside to eat at. Laughter abounded as they had their ice cream, Maddie managing to get most of hers on her face much to their amusement. She always had been a messy eater but when she had ice cream, that was the worst.

'You missed a spot.' Cordell pointed out with a chuckle after she'd wiped her face and he brushed it off with his thumb. 'There we go.'

'That was good.' She said with a giggle, wiping her sticky hands on a paper towel. 'I enjoyed that.'

'Yeah.' August laughed. 'We could tell. Did you actually manage to get some inside your mouth because it seemed like most of it ended up around it-'

Scrunching the paper towel into a ball, she threw it at him. 'That's enough out of you.' She teased, August picking up the ball to throw back at her.

'Hey, hey-' Cordell caught the paper towel ball midair. 'We aren't at home, you two. Act your age, please.'

They both looked at their father then at each other, grinning cheekily.

Cordell knew that look, both of his kids scrunching up paper towel to throw at him. 'Hey, hey.' He protested as the paper balls bounced off him. 'That's enough.'

'Awe, you're no fun dad.' Maddie protested with a chuckle, tossing another ball up and down in her hand. 'No fun.'

'Spoilsport.' August added with a grin. 'Alright, so... What are we going to order for dinner?'

They ordered burgers and fries for dinner, both Maddie and August settled down after their little paper towel throwing and they had a nice discussion about their day. August had been out with a couple friends for the day and had been introduced to a young girl he hoped to keep in touch with. Midway through, Cordell brought up that someone else would be joining them a little later and Maddie wondered if it was this Twyla woman that had been mentioned the day before.

As they were finishing their meal, Cordell looked up to see Twyla walking in. 'All right...Augie, Maddie... uh... she-she's here.'

They both looked around as their father stood up, Maddie observing the woman closely as she approached their table. She wore a denim jacket and short denim skirt but it was her blue eyes and blonde hair that Maddie took notice of the most. She looked like her Mom... Like, a lot.

'Hey.'

'Hi.' She replied to Cordell then looked at the kids. 'I'm Twyla.'

'I know who you are.' August replied.

Maddie looked at her brother then at her dad and Twyla, still trying to figure out who on earth she was.

Cordell motioned to the empty chair. 'Please.'

Twyla sat, Cordell taking his seat again. 'Okay. What you don't know is... how sorry I am. I feel awful for all the hurt I've caused you and your family.' She said to August. 'Look, I wish I could undo it all, and I know that I can't, but... I can do everything possible from here on out to make amends.'

'Look, you, um...' August paused. 'you told my dad where Clint West was, and that saved my sister so... Thanks.'

'It was nothing. Uh... so your dad told you we've been working together over the last couple weeks or so?'

He nodded. 'Yeah. He mentioned it.'

'Yeah, yeah, and-and now that the case is over, Twyla is thinking about sticking around for awhile.' Cordell added.

Maddie and August looked at each other, trying to figure out what they were saying.

'That's it?' August asked after a moment of awkward silence. 'I'm sorry, I thought you guys were gonna say something completely different. Like you were dating. And Twyla, I really like how you're turning your life around, but our family is-is kind of... okay at the moment, you know?'

'Yeah.' She replied.

'Uh, w-well, actually, Augie, Maddie,' Cordell paused. 'I'm gonna tell you that Twyla and I, we um... we-we talked about, you know, dating, and-and we uh... we decided-'

'We ultimately decided against it.' Twyla interrupted. 'Yeah, um... You know, I like your dad a lot. But I think we can all agree that there's just too much history.'

'Okay, great.' August nodded as he went to stand. 'I'll be in the car.'

'Yeah, yeah, of course, bud.' He grabbed the keys out from his pocket and handed them over to him.

'I'm gonna go with him.' Maddie added, wheeling herself back from the table. 'Nice... Nice to meet you Twyla.'

August and Maddie left, Maddie looking up at her brother once they were out of earshot of the adults. 'Who... Who is Twyla?'

August took a deep breath. 'You remember... When you just came to Austin and met us, Dad had just come home from being on an undercover assignment?'

Maddie nodded. She remembered.

'Twyla... Twyla was one of the people that was part of the Rodeo Kings.'

She thought for a moment then it came to her. 'The group that Clint West was part of?'

'Yeah. Dad went to her in prison when Clint broke out, she told him where Trevor would go so that's how Dad found Stella.' He paused for a moment. 'Why Dad has anything to do with her...' He shook his head. 'I don't know.'

'Well, at least they aren't going to start dating. I was worried there for a moment.'

'Yeah, yeah, me too. I mean, all that... It's stuff I'd rather forget. I know it's not her fault Uncle Hoyt was killed and all but it's kinda hard to not see her and think about that.'

Maddie nodded. 'I get that.'

'And I mean, Dad deserves to be happy but Twyla...' August paused again. 'I don't think he'd be happy with her.'

They made it to the truck and August unlocked it, giving Maddie a hand to get from her chair into the truck. As she waited for August to get it, Maddie thought over what he had told her about Twyla. It made sense now why Geri hadn't wanted to speak of her when she'd asked her about her the day before. Twyla had been part of a time in Cordell's life that was dark. Why would he want to go back to that? It didn't make any sense to her.

When August got into the back seat, Maddie looked back at him. 'What you said to Twyla... I think it needed to be said. I didn't know the history but... You were right.'

'Well, we finally are doing okay. I mean, things with the Davidson's have settled down, you're doing alright... We don't need her coming back into our lives to screw it up.' He paused for a moment. 'I just hope Dad realizes that.'

Maddie was sitting on the couch reading the next afternoon, Bubbles curled up on top of her weighted blanket. After deciding to take on her father's advice she had decided against going down to the stables for the day and instead take some time to rest. She needed it, she knew she needed it and her father was right. She had been pushing herself.

Liam had needed to go out for a quick errand and since Stella and August hadn't gotten home yet from school she was the only one there in the house. It was quiet, the perfect time for her to catch up on some reading. Slowly she was making her way through the book series she had started, her father having brought her home the next volume from the town library.

At the sound of the doorbell ringing, she frowned. She didn't think there was supposed to be anyone coming over. After a moment of debate she decided she'd have to answer it and gently placed her cat down on the floor, tossing her blanket aside. Her chair was close by and she brought it over, moving herself from the couch into her chair as the doorbell rang again. 'Coming, coming.' She called out as she started to the front door. 'Won't be a moment.'

Unlocking the door, she smiled as she saw Colton there. 'Hey. I didn't expect to see you here.'

He chuckled. 'Can I come in?'

'Sure, sure. Everyone's out at the moment so you picked a good time to come by.' She replied, moving her chair back to let him in and closed the door after him.

'These-these are for you.' Colton said once Maddie's attention was back on him, bringing out a small bouquet of wildflowers. 'I picked them from home.'

Maddie smiled again as she took them, breathing in deep of the sweet fragrance. 'Oh, these are lovely. That's one thing I sure miss about the ranch. Picking fresh flowers.

'Would you like me to put them in some water for you?'

'Ah, sure. There should be a vase somewhere around here...' Wheeling herself into the kitchen she began looking in the lower cupboards. 'Maybe they're up there.'

Colton opened a cupboard up on the wall and found a small blue vase. 'Here we go. This do?'

'Perfect.' She nodded. Once the flowers were sitting in the vase on the bench she turned back to him. 'They are beautiful. Thank you for bringing them over.'

'Glad you like them.' He replied as Maddie led the way back into the living room, offering him a seat on the couch. Bubbles came over to him, eyeing him cautiously for a moment before jumping onto his lap.

'Deserter.' Maddie chuckled as Colton scratched beneath Bubbles' chin. Colton laughed at that, Bubbles purring loudly.

'She likes me.'

'Yeah, I think she does.' She fell silent for a moment then looked back up at Colton. 'So... It seems like our families have stopped fighting. My Gramps is working with your dad. Our grandmas aren't throwing chili at each other and we can both sort of call Geri our aunt now.

'That's weird.'

'Mmhmm.' She agreed.

'Yeah, so... How long do you think this peace is going to last?

'Probably not forever, sadly.' Maddie said, moving her chair over closer to Colton so she could pet her cat. 'But that doesn't really matter to us. Right?' She questioned, looking up at him.

'I really like you, Maddie.'

She smiled. 'I really like you, too.'

Colton smiled back at her then lent closer, gently placing a hand on her cheek. Maddie nodded ever so slightly, giving him permission to kiss her. Her heart skipped a beat as their lips met, butterflies dancing in her stomach as she kissed him back.

Bubbles, annoyed that neither of them were paying her any attention anymore, headbutted their chins.

Maddie laughed as she pulled back from their kiss, patting her cat gently as Colton chuckled. 'We haven't forgotten you.'

'Interrupted by a cat.' He remarked with a smile, giving Bubbles a pat as well. 'Well, better your cat then your Dad.'

'Yeah... Guess I'm gonna have to tell him about us sometime.' She said after a pause. 'I-I don't know how my family will react but... We'll figure this out, won't we?'

Colton nodded. 'We'll find a way.'

'You're going to have to make your move soon Dad...' Maddie said as she looked up from the chess board at him. 'You've been staring at the board for the last five minutes.'

'Don't-don't rush me.' He told her as he tried to decide which would be the best move to make. His eyes landing on her Rook, he moved his Bishop across to capture her piece. 'Got you.'

She smiled, instantly moving her Queen into position. He'd taken the bait. 'Checkmate.'

Cordell looked at the board then back at Maddie in disbelief. 'How... How?' He looked at the board, trying to see if there was any room to argue with her but there wasn't. She'd effectively corned his King and with her Queen where it was, he had no more moves to take. 'Maddie girl... You are just too good for me.'

'Are you sure you're not losing to me on purpose Dad just to make me feel better?'

'No, no, of course not. I-I just didn't see you were setting me up.' He shook his head. 'Who taught you to play so well?'

'My Mama.' Maddie replied as she began setting the board up again for another round. 'Mama taught me. We used to play Chess while she was in hospital for her treatments...' Her voice trailed off for a moment as handed her father his pieces back. 'Dad... You-you'll be with me when I go back to the hospital for my chemo, right?'

Cordell nodded. 'Of course baby girl. I will be there. Promise.' She smiled sadly at that then began setting up the game again. 'You-you worrying about it?'

She nodded after a moment. 'I know you have work but you'll be able to take the time off, right?'

'I already promised I'd be there.' He placed his hand gently beneath her chin, making her look up at him. 'I'll be there.'

'Thanks Dad.'

He smiled back at her then gently pressed a kiss to her forehead. 'I've already spoken to James and he's said I can take those days off when I need it.' He told her, Maddie finishing up setting the board again for another round. 'There's something else on your mind, isn't there?'

'Yeah...' She looked down at the board, making her first move. 'Colton- He came by this afternoon. We um... I know this might be a surprise but um...'

'You and Colton are an item?'

Maddie glanced up at him. 'How'd you know?'

Cordell chuckled. 'A father knows.'

'You... You don't have a problem with that?'

Taking a deep breath he contemplated both his first chess move and how to answer her question. 'If... If Colton is who makes you happy then that's all that matters.' He replied, bringing his knight out to the front. 'Your move.'

Maddie looked at the board then moved another pawn forward two spaces. 'He does.'

Silence fell again as Cordell took his move then Maddie made hers, this repeating over until Maddie captured his first piece. 'Maddie...'

She giggled. 'I'm just too good for you Dad.'

The back door opened, the two of them looking up as Liam walked in. 'Hi.'

'Hey.' Liam replied to his brother, joining them in the living room. 'How's my Maddie girl?'

'Kicking Dad's ass again.' She replied with a chuckle. 'Won two games already and going for a third.'

'Don't go getting too cocky.' Cordell said as he captured her knight. 'This time, I'm winning.'

'Maybe you should help Dad then, Uncle Liam.' Maddie suggested. 'Between the two of you, you might have half a fighting chance.'

'Ohhh... Challenge accepted Kiddo.' He replied, sitting down beside his brother. 'Whose move?'

'Mine.' She exclaimed with a grin. 'Prepare to lose to the champion yet a third time tonight.'

Liam looked at Cordell. 'We can't let her win.'

'No, we cannot.' He agreed. 'Alright, make your move my girl.'

'Alright, alright. Give me a moment.'

They played on amid much laughter and the two brothers trying to strategize together a way to beat the mastermind that was Maddie. Maddie watched them with an amused smile at the banter they exchanged between themselves. It was nice to sit down and play a game with them, it was nice to hear her father and Uncle laughing again. In the end though, it was Maddie who once more came out victorious. 'I believe that's checkmate.' She stated, moving a Bishop into position and grinned as she saw the look on their faces. 'Tell me how awesome I am.'

Cordell shook his head with amusement. 'Yes, you are awesome. I think though that it is getting late-'

'You just don't want to lose a fourth round to me.'

Liam glanced at the time. 'Cordi is right Maddie, it is getting late. How about a rematch tomorrow?'

'Alright. I've got to go feed Bubbles now anyway.

'Next time-' Cordell called after her as Maddie headed towards the laundry. 'Next time I'm gonna win for sure.'

'In your dreams Dad.' She replied with a laugh. 'I won't be long.'

Bubbles was soon fed and as she made her way back to the living room, she heard her father and brother talking.

'So, how'd it go with Twyla?' Liam asked.

'Uh... She asked to be transferred to the next country over.' Cordell replied.

'Oh man, I'm-I'm sorry.'

Maddie knew she was eavesdropping but regardless, held back where they couldn't see her to listen in.

'No, don't be. You were right about me. About who I am. When I was with Twyla, I was able to forget everything because I was literally pretending to be someone else. Duke. But that's another life. You know, one without responsibilities, or-or attachments.' He motioned above him to the kids rooms where Stella and August were working on their homework. 'Definitely not mine. Someone would have to pry this family away from me for me to ever walk away from it again.'

'And if- or when- the feeling does come up where you need to follow your heart,' Liam said after a moment. 'I volunteer to take you to the airport. To make sure you board that plane. I will buy you that ticket.'

'Yeah, fair enough.' Cordell laughed. 'I know you will. I know you will. Twyla said something else. She mentioned something and it...' He continued after a pause. 'I can't stop thinking about it.'

'What? What'd she say?'

'She asked about the-the race. The race for the ranch. She couldn't believe Maddie lost. And the truth is, I can't believe Maddie lost either. I mean, Dan's a good-a good rider, he is. But something happened at this horse auction I had to go to for work. I-I watched a rider take a tumble because his saddle wasn't secured properly.' He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. 'Let me ask you this. So-so all the years Daddy's had horses, have any of them ever gotten sick because of bad grain? What are the chances that the night before I'm to race, the horses are fed moldy grain? Now maybe one or two getting sick but Maddie... Thinking back now... Maddie would have known that the grain was bad. It was one of the first things I taught her 'bout looking after horses. Check the feed for mold.' He paused again. 'And-and Daddy's been working with leather basically his whole life, right?'

'Right.'

'How many of his straps have snapped?'

'None.'

'Exactly. None. So what are the odds that, on the day I'm supposed to race for our family's legacy, the horses get sick, including Chopper, Maddie rides Bel instead and the leather gives out?'

Liam took a deep breath, leaning forward in his chair. 'Cordell, what are you saying?'

'I'm saying there's just too many coincidences and-and they're adding up.' He paused for a moment. 'I'm saying, the Davidson's... What if they cheated?'