Sooooo... We are finally up to episode 18, Season 2! Search and Rescue.
I have a couple things to say here. First, that episode was amazing but the biggest let down was the rescue scene. Seriously, they should have used one of those rescue stretchers and not a harness to get Colton into the helicopter. Check one for this rewrite, make the rescue realistic!
I diverge from the episode plenty here but the general gist of it stays. Anyway, hope y'all enjoy!

Thursday morning found Liam and Maddie at the Austin airport, waiting to meet Bonham and Abeline's flight. Maddie was definitely excited that they were coming back and while she was glad for Geri's help while they had been gone, she had really missed her grandparents. It would be nice to have them back and while Liam was a pretty good cook she was looking forward to Abeline being in the kitchen once more.

The last couple of days Maddie had taken it easy again, spending the mornings at the stables and the afternoons at home resting. Colton had come by the day before to spend the afternoon after school with her and they had watched a couple movies and played a round of chess. It had been nice spending time with him and he had suggested that they do something over the weekend. She'd agreed but they hadn't settled on what exactly they were going to do yet.

To add to that, she had been thinking over the conversation she'd overheard between her father and Uncle. Her Dad was right. What if the Davidson's had cheated? Pondering over the points he had raised about the feed and the horses getting sick then the saddle breaking on her during the race, she came to the same conclusion. There were just too many coincidences.

If they had cheated though, where did that leave them?

Would they be able to get the ranch back?

How did they prove it?

And more importantly, how was it going to affect her and Colton and their budding relationship?

Maddie and Liam walked into the waiting room of the airport, looking around to see if they could see Bonham and Abeline amongst the crowd. Though the waiting room was packed they didn't see them anywhere and the two of them headed over to see when the place would be in.

'Looks like their flight has been delayed.' Liam remarked, seeing the estimated arrival time on the electronic board above. 'Want to go do some browsing in the gift stores?'

'Sure. Beats sitting here waiting.' She replied and they started down to one of the gift stores. 'Oh look-' She commented, bringing her chair to a stop near a stand, picking up a plush pony. 'Isn't this cute?'

He chuckled at the face that Maddie pulled. 'Let me guess... You'd like it?'

She nodded eagerly. 'Please? Pretty please?'

Liam sighed heavily. 'Alright, just don't tell your father. He says I spoil you and your siblings too much as it is.'

'Thanks Uncle Liam. You're the best.'

'Mmhmm. I know.'

Maddie laughed, poking him in the ribs. 'And so modest too.'

'Keep it up and I won't buy you it.' He threatened teasingly then looked at the books on the table. 'Any books catch your eye?'

'Hmmm... Let me have a lookie see...'

A short time later they left the gift store, Maddie's lap a little fuller and Liam's wallet a little emptier. In addition to the plush pony, he'd gotten her a couple books and a puzzle too, saying it was better for her to be reading or doing a puzzle then it was to be on her phone or laptop at home all the time.

While browsing through another gift store, Liam received a text from Abeline saying that they had arrived and were just waiting to collect their bags. After purchasing one more puzzle, this one Maddie having picked for them to do together, they headed to where they had to meet them.

Searching through the crowd for their familiar faces, Maddie finally spotted them and pointed them out to Liam. 'There they are!' She waved at them to catch their attention, smiling as they came up to them. 'Gramps, Mawline! Glad you're home.'

Abeline laughed, giving her granddaughter a hug. 'Hey honey.' She smiled as she pulled back then gave her son a hug. 'Liam.'

'Mama. Good to have you back.' He replied. 'How was your trip?'

'Long.' Bonham replied, dragging a couple suitcases along behind him. 'And this one,' He looked at his wife. 'I swear we spent most of our time shopping.'

'Nothing like getting Christmas presents done early.' She responded. 'You been good Maddie?'

'Mmmhmm. I missed you two. Glad you're home.'

After giving Liam a hug Bonham lent down to Maddie's level, placing his hand on her knee. 'Hope you didn't miss us too much.'

Maddie chuckled. 'Mainly I missed Mawline's cooking.'

Bonham pretended to take great offense to that. 'So you didn't miss dear old Gramps then?'

'Of course I did.' She held out her arms for a hug and smiled as he held her tight. 'I'm happy you're home.'

The afternoon sun was warm on Maddie's back, the teen sitting out on the back porch enjoying the sunshine as she worked on her puzzle. Bubbles was asleep on the porch beside her, the cat flicking her tail lazily as her whiskers twitched, obviously enjoying whatever her dream was about. It was quiet, except for the sound of traffic going past and upon hearing the sound of the back door opening, Maddie glanced up.

'This where you hiding, hey?' Bonham asked as he joined her on the porch.

'Not hiding.' She chuckled. 'Just enjoying the sunshine while it's out. Bubbles is enjoying it too.' She motioned to the cat asleep beside her wheelchair. 'It's a nice day.'

'Sure beats the lousy weather up in Montana. It was raining most of the time we were there.' He came over, taking a look at the puzzle pieces strewn around the tabletop. 'What have we got here?'

'Uncle Liam brought me this yesterday from the airport gift shop.' She replied, moving the lid of the box around so he could see the picture. The puzzle was of horses galloping through a stream in the mountains, a landscape that reminded her of where Dakota would have run free before she was rounded up. 'Want to join me?'

'Why not? Alright.' He took a seat at the table across from her. 'What are you working on?'

'Border first, then we'll start working in.'

Bonham nodded, finding an edge piece that would connect onto the part Maddie had put together. 'I'm surprised you're not down at the stables.'

At that, Maddie sighed while matching another two pieces together. 'I'm just... I needed to take a little break is all. I mean, I love being with my horses, don't get me wrong but it's been hard. Mika's in training for another competition this weekend and it's reminding me of what I can't do.'

'Why don't you find something you can do with your horses then?' He questioned. 'You mightn't be able to do liberty with them or ride bareback but there's plenty other things you can. Why not barrel racing or trail riding?'

She shrugged. 'I'm just... I'm struggling to find my purpose.'

Handing his granddaughter a piece that would go with the section she was working on he replied after a moment. 'I hear ya. You know, I've felt a little adrift myself recently, but sometimes you gotta just latch onto something and get excited about it.'

Maddie thought about it for a second. 'Like you working out at the ranch again.'

'Well, that situation has been a little hard to swallow, but the truth is, out there working my family's land just might be the best way to... to honor their legacy. Whether we live there or not.' He paused, looking at her. 'You need something to work towards, something to hold onto.'

'Well, I want to walk again...'

'Something achievable, honey.'

'You don't think I'm gonna walk again?'

'No, no, not at all. I know you will. What I meant is something you can do in the meantime. Think about it. What's something that you've always wanted to do?'

Silence fell as Maddie pondered his question. 'Maybe barrel racing? I mean, I know I took Skylar and Dakota around the barrels a couple times but I mean to do it proper. Maybe win something.' She shrugged. 'It-it's kinda hard to think ahead that far when I've got my chemo coming up.'

'I know. What did they say at your appointment last week?'

'They're hoping to start the first cycle by the end of the month. I'm hoping we can push it back till after Stella's graduation. Don't really want to turn up to that looking like the walking dead.' Her grandfather chuckled with her at that then she grew serious again. 'And I'm thinking about that too, so...' Her voice trailed off.

'You're a little nervous.'

Maddie nodded. 'And scared.'

'You don't have to be honey. Everything's gonna work out fine. I know your Dad's gonna be there with you and we'll be here for you. You'll be just fine.'

She smiled sadly at his attempt to reassure her. 'Is it okay to admit I'm not doing too good with it all?'

Bonham got up, bringing his chair over closer to her and sat down with her again. 'It's okay. You know I'm here for you.' She nodded and he placed his arm around her. 'Medication still not helping?'

She nodded, taking a deep breath. 'Been tryin to keep it together the past week. Last weekend, some of Elizabeth's friends said some things about me and it... it didn't help.'

'It's been bothering you.'

She nodded again. 'And I know the old saying about sticks and stones but...'

'Words can hurt.'

'They do.'

'Well...' Bonham paused for a moment. 'I don't know what those girls said and you don't have to repeat it but whatever it was, they were wrong. You're a fighter Maddie, you're gonna beat this thing. I know you can because I believe in you.'

Maddie smiled a little at that, resting her head against his shoulder. 'This is one thing I missed while you've been away. Our little talks. You always know what to say to make me feel better.'

He chuckled at that, kissing her head gently. 'Love you, Maddie girl.'

'Love you too Grampa.'

Abeline, standing at the kitchen window, smiled upon seeing the two of them together. While she couldn't hear what they were saying she could take a guess that Bonham was trying to reassure Maddie about something. He always seemed to have a knack for knowing when someone was upset and in need of a kind word, especially when it was his sons or his grandchildren. It was sweet seeing how close he had become with Maddie, there was no denying that the two of them had a bond. She smiled again as Maddie laughed at something Bonham said, the two of them returning to work on the puzzle in front of them and she returned to preparing dinner. It was good to be home again.

'Looks like it's reasonably quiet here today...' Colton remarked as they drove into the parking lot of Hill Country State Park Saturday morning, Colton taking a moment to decide where would be the best place to park with the horse trailer. 'Over here under the tree good?'

'Yeah, looks good to me.' Maddie replied with a smile, keeping an eye on the mirror as he reversed into the parking spot. 'Your almost as good as Gramps with reversing a trailer.'

'Almost?' He teased with a smile as he turned off his truck.

'Well, he's got a few years of experience on you yet.'

'Yeah yeah. Let's get the them unloaded.'

'Alright.' Maddie agreed, unbuckling her seat-belt. 'Let's do this.'

Colton hopped out of the truck and grabbed Maddie's chair out for her, helping her from the vehicle into her chair as Todd's car came to park beside them, Todd and Stella hopping out. 'Here we go, my lady.' He said as he placed her down in her chair, Maddie giggling softly as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

'Thanks.' She said with a smile then wheeled herself along beside him as they made their way to the back of the trailer. 'Hey Stella, can you give Colton a hand for a moment?'

'Coming.' Stella came over to join them and once she and Colton had lowered the tailgate, she and Todd readied themselves to go on their hike. 'So-' Stella turned to Maddie as Colton began to unload the horses from the trailer. 'Have fun.'

Maddie chuckled. 'You enjoy your hike with Todd too.' She told her. 'We'll all meet back at the trail cut off to finish the walk together at four? I think August mentioned something about heading somewhere too for dinner.'

'Yeah, sounds like a plan to me.' She agreed, Todd carrying her backpack over from the car for her. 'We'll be there at four.' Stella looked at Todd as she put her backpack on. 'Ready to go?'

'Ready.'

'See you guys at four.' Maddie called out as Stella and Todd started off, Colton unloading the gelding he had borrowed from the stables for the ride first before going back for Dakota. Once the mare had been unloaded as well he tied her up on the other side of the trail before going back for Maddie's gear.

'Want me to get her ready for you?' He questioned, placing her tack on the ground next to Maddie's chair.

'No, I'll manage.' She assured him. 'I'm getting the hang of tacking her up on my own.'

'Oh, Miss Independence, I see.'

She laughed, elbowing him in the ribs. 'Very funny. Now go gear up your horse or I'm gonna be waiting for you all day.'

Colton offered her a lazy salute before ducking back behind the trailer, Maddie chuckling as she picked up her saddle pad to place on the mare. It was a good thing Dakota was on the smaller side since it made it easier for her to gear her up from her chair, though it was still a slight challenge. She was learning though how to do it with her limitations and it only took her a short time to have the mare saddled and bridled. Once she had finished she led the mare over to one of the trees to rest in the shade while Colton finished readying his horse.

'Alright-' Colton exclaimed, leading his roan gelding over to join her. 'What's the game plan?'

'Well, I thought maybe we could take the Lake Loop. It's a twelve mile around ride, there's a picnic area about seven miles in beside the lake. Thought we'd have lunch there.'

He nodded. 'Sounds good to me.'

'The app says 'moderately strenuous'-

'Moderately is a lie once 'strenuous' comes into play.' Colton told her.

'Oh, you don't think you can keep up?' Maddie teased with a chuckle.

'Oh, dude, I can keep up. I was just thinking about you is all.' He took a glance at his watch. 'It's already nine o'clock, you think we can do that ride and be here to meet Stella and Todd at four?'

'Well, we can make up time if we need to with a few canters here and there. I think we'll manage.' She ran her hand down Dakota's face then turned back to Colton. 'I know this isn't a normal first date...'

'No, no, it's perfect.' He told her, leaning forward to give her a kiss.

'You seriously only brought SPF 15?' August asked, interrupting the moment as he dug through Maddie's saddlebags in the back of Colton's truck. 'It's like zero coverage.'

Maddie and Colton both chuckled. 'Almost perfect.' Colton remarked, looking at her brother.

'You know,' Maddie started softly as her brother came over to join them. 'I totally forgot that August had come along with us.'

'Alright, with this I'm either bronzing or I'm burning.' He stated as he put the sunscreen on. 'You know, it's a fast ride to burn.'

'Hey, Augie, you said you were meeting a friend here, right?' She questioned. 'Do you think maybe you should go meet her?'

Taking the hint that they didn't want her around, he tossed her the tube of sunscreen to go find his friend. 'All right, all right. I'm leaving. Whatever.'

'Hey Augie.' Rieger called out as she walked across the parking lot.

Maddie chuckled, seeing her coming over. 'Uh-huh. Go be with your friend. And I'll see you at the trail cutoff at 4, we'll be meeting Stella and Todd there too. We'll be taking the Lake Loop, don't be late.'

'Got it.' He replied as he left. 'Ready to go explore the wilderness?'

After August had left, Maddie turned back to Colton. 'Ready?'

'Ready when you are.'

'We just need to grab a few things before we go. Namely, lunch. It's in my saddlebags August was just rummaging through. Could you...'

'Go get them?' He finished for her.

She nodded. 'Please?'

'Of course.' He handed her the reins of the gelding. 'Anything else while I'm at the truck?'

'My helmet, rope and dressage whip. You know, I did bring another helmet along for you to borrow as well.'

'Alright, I'll be back in a moment.'

Colton left, Maddie staying with the two horses while he fetched what they needed for the ride from the truck. A few other hikers were preparing to go on the trails but thankfully no one came over to talk to her. She didn't particularly feel like talking to anyone today, she just wanted to enjoy her time with Colton.

She could feel her family were a little hesitant about her seeing Colton but she decided that she wasn't going to let the family feud stop them having a relationship anymore. They'd already called a break once when the whole race thing had happened and now, with what she had overheard earlier in the week, she was concerned but hoped that they'd figure things out. After everything, didn't she deserve to be happy? Especially when it was Colton that made her happy.

Colton returned after a short time, handing the items to Maddie before taking back his horse. 'This everything?'

She nodded, placing on her helmet. 'Aren't you going to use the helmet I brought along?'

'I'll be fine. Prefer my cap anyway.'

'Fair enough. Least I offered.' She clipped up the buckle then moved her chair over to Dakota's side, preparing to mount up.

'Want me to give you a hand?'

'I've got it.' Tapping the back of Dakota's front leg she asked the mare to lie down, Dakota lying on cue. Looking back at Colton, she smiled. 'Knew teaching her this would be handy.'

He chuckled as she moved herself from her chair into the saddle. 'That makes it easy.'

'Sure does.' Strapping herself into the saddle she gave Dakota the cue to rise and the mare stood. Running a hand down her neck she then held out her hand for Colton to pass her the rope and saddlebags.

'You planning to lasso a coyote while we're out here?'

'A good cowgirl never goes anywhere without her rope.' Maddie told him as she tied it to her saddle horn. 'Never know when you might need it.'

'Right.' He waited until she was ready then handed her back the geldings reins, quickly placing her chair in the back of his truck. 'We good to go?'

'Yep.' She replied as he returned, taking the reins of the roan before mounting up. 'Let's hit the trail,' Maddie exclaimed as Colton got himself settled into the saddle, giving him a wink. 'Cowboy.'

Maddie and Colton made good time riding, arriving at the lake picnic area before schedule. The picnic area was vacant so they had it all to themselves which was nice. After deciding to sit over beneath the trees they had dismounted, Colton tying the horses out to graze with Maddie's lariat while they ate. A gentle breeze blowing rippled the water of the lake and a few birds flying by made for a peaceful backdrop for their picnic.

After eating lunch they packed up and mounted again, riding on. The sound of the saddles creaking mixed with the sound of the horses hooves on the packed earth broke the silence as they rode down the trail, both of them engaging in conversation from time to time.

Arriving at another trail crossroad, Maddie brought Dakota to a stop to take a drink, Colton halting his horse beside her. 'What's the lookout?' He wondered out loud, seeing the trail marker.

'I think it goes up there, above the lake.' She pointed off into the distance at a cliff that could be seen through the trees. 'It's not on the trail we're taking though.'

'Do you think maybe we could go take a look? The view from up there must be something.'

Maddie took a look at her watch to check the time. 'I guess we could take a slight detour. We've been making good time so far.' Taking one last sip from her water bottle she returned it to the holder slung on her saddle horn, glancing back at Colton as he stood up in the saddle. 'Butt a little sore hey?'

'I'll live.' He replied as he sat again, picking up the reins once more. 'Lead on Maddie.'

With a smile Maddie cued Dakota forward with a gentle touch of her dressage whip and turned her towards the other trail, the mare taking the lead once more. The path soon turned from gentle and flat into a steady uphill climb, Maddie leaning forward as best she could to help Dakota along. When the trail leveled out for a short while, Maddie held up her hand to warn Colton she was going to stop again and brought her to a halt. 'That's sure a climb.'

'You doing okay?' Colton asked with concern, stopping Blue next to her. 'Need to rest?'

'I'll be alright in a moment. Just give me a second.' She ran her hand down Dakota's sweaty neck, taking a moment to catch her breath. 'Sure is beautiful.' She remarked, looking around at the scenery. In the distance they could see the lake, trees stretching beneath and around them for miles. 'We must be the only people out on this trail.'

'Yeah, we haven't seen many others today.' He added. They had seen a few hikers and a couple park rangers earlier on in the day but once they had headed further into the park, they hadn't seen anyone else since way before lunch. 'It's a nice day though.'

'Not too hot, not too cold. Not too cloudy either. Just right.'

'Ready to keep going? We can rest again at the top.'

Maddie nodded, cueing Dakota to walk on once more.

The climb only proved to become steeper the higher up they went, both horse and rider challenged by the rough terrain. Maddie was beginning to tire as they came to the top and not wanting to admit it, was glad that Colton had already suggested they rest again when they reached the lookout. As Dakota made it up the final stretch of the climb and onto level ground again, Maddie sighed with relief as she dropped her reins and stretched for a moment.

'Look at that view.' Colton exclaimed, bringing Blue to a halt. 'Wow...'

For as far as the eye could see there was the lake and the surrounding forest and hill country. A beautiful, wild and desolate part of the park. Below them was a cliff drop that leveled out for a section before another, longer drop. Where they were on the trail was definitely high up and there wasn't a fence going along the edge of the cliff but they both knew well enough to keep away from the edge.

'If I had brought my sketchbook I'd have drawn this.' Maddie said after a moment as she drank in the beautiful landscape around them. 'It's beautiful.'

Grabbing his phone from his pocket, Colton began taking some photos. 'Well, mightn't be the same but you can make some sketches from these.'

'Thanks.' She smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. When he had finished snapping she moved Dakota over closer to Colton and placed her arm around his shoulders. 'Selfie?'

With a chuckle he turned the camera around and took a few photos, giving Maddie a quick kiss on her cheek before she moved away. 'Doing okay?'

'I'm alright. An extra five minutes would do Dakota wonders though. She's gone soft with being ridden only in an arena.' She looked over at him. 'Are you in a hurry?'

'No, no. Just checking on you. Wouldn't want anything to happen to you while I'm with you. The last thing I need is your folks having any excuse to be cross with me.'

Hearing that, she laughed. 'No. No, we don't.'

They lingered there for a little while longer then when Maddie felt she could continue on, they started down the trail once more. The trail moved closer to the edge of the cliff the further along they went, Maddie having to swallow the lump in her throat as she realized just how high they were.

'You've gone awfully quiet.' Colton remarked as they continued along. 'You okay?'

'Heights...' She replied softly, refusing to look at the drop below her. 'Never been very good with them.'

'We can head back to the trail the way we came if you want.'

'No, no. I'll be alright. This one joins back up to the trail anyway. Can't be much longer.'

'If you're sure...'

Maddie looked back at Colton with a smile. 'I'm sure.'

'Well, what do they say about facing your fears? Should take you rock climbing when you're up to it again.'

'Rock climbing? No way. I've become rather attached to my fears.'

Colton laughed at that, urging Blue on a little faster to catch up to Dakota. 'Why are you afraid of heights?'

'I dunno. Just always have been. Didn't help that a few months ago I got stuck up that big tree next to the barn.'

'How?'

'Bubbles got stuck up there. I had to go rescue her. Then Dad had to rescue me.'

'Sounds like fun.'

'Yeah, not really.' She replied. 'Not at all.'

'I would have loved to have seen that.' Colton said after a moment. 'That'd have been funny.'

'Let's just say no one was laughing when they realized just how high up I was. I was lucky I didn't fall.'

'Doesn't sound like you'll do that again in a hurry.'

'Nope, not at all. If Bubbles ever gets herself stuck up in another tree, she's staying there.'

Silence fell again as they slowly began to descend down the other side of the hill, the trail still taking them rather close to the cliff edge. Maddie took another cautious glance at the cliff as Dakota kept walking on and she gently eased the mare over closer to the farther side of the trail. It was a decent drop and she wondered why there wasn't a fence along the trail. There were signposts of course telling hikers and riders to watch their step and warning them of the cliff but no fence.

They came into the forest again, trees lining the side of the trail opposite the cliff once again. Maddie glanced back at Colton as the trail leveled out again a little, her boyfriend still riding just a little ways back. 'Going alright?'

'Yeah. You?'

'I'm alright-'

No sooner had the words left her mouth then a commotion came from the bushes and trees on the right side of the path. A flock of blackbirds flew into the air around them, Dakota wheeling around suddenly as Maddie reined her in. The birds disappeared as quickly as they had come, Maddie turning to Colton as he struggled to control Blue.

'Hold on Colt, get him away from the cliff!' She shouted as the gelding shied dangerously close to the edge of the cliff. 'Hold onto the horn and get him going forward!'

Colton tried to do as she said but was quickly losing the battle to stay mounted. Already having lost a stirrup he was in a precarious situation as it was and when the gelding half reared, that was it.

'Colton!' Maddie screamed as he fell, the gelding bolting down the track before his rider had even hit the ground. Before she could do anything, he had disappeared from view. 'Colton!' She urged Dakota forward to where he had fallen over, her heart skipping a beat as she looked over the edge.

Colton was lying motionless on a ledge below.