They were lucky.

They had both been so damn lucky.

Maddie had been discharged from hospital later Saturday night, a nice seven stitches in her arm and both her hands wrapped up in bandages. In addition to the cut and the rope burn she'd gotten out of the situation rather lightly compared to Colton, albeit a bit more sore and bruised then she cared to admit. Bed had never felt better to her that night; she had fallen asleep even before her head had hit the pillow when Cordell had taken her up to tuck her in. It had been a long, very long and very hard day.

It was past eleven the next morning before Maddie woke, waking to her phone having blown up with messages overnight while she had been asleep. The first one she opened though was from Denise, Colton's mother giving her an update on how he was. He was home now, having been discharged from the hospital earlier that morning though still being kept under close observation. Upon learning he was home she was very relieved and quickly texted Denise back to thank her for letting her know. Colton was going to be okay even though he would be feeling pretty sore for a little while.

The next few days Maddie spent taking things easy, under the careful watch of her grandparents. Both Bonham and Abeline were fussing over her and though it began to get on her nerves just a little bit she knew it was only because they cared about her. It had been close, too close. Things could have ended a lot worse than they had.

Mika was the first one to come see her, dropping in Monday evening after work. To her relief, Mika reported that Dakota was doing just fine. With her grandparents wishing for her to stay home for a few days to rest, she had spoken to Mika about Elizabeth and asked if she could take over helping her while she couldn't. While Mika hadn't been too excited about that idea she had agreed. Elizabeth hadn't been keen on the idea either when Maddie told her what had been arranged but after some persuasion, agreed to work with her.

It was a chance for them to begin putting things behind them.

Jenny brought Rose by Wednesday afternoon and brought the two rabbits along as well in hopes of lifting Maddie's spirits. Rose worked her usual charm and by the time she had left, Maddie was feeling a lot happier and better. Rose was a real sweetheart, there was no denying that. They had a bond between the two of them. Maddie had always wanted a little sister when she was growing up and in Rose she had found that.

It was the weekend again before she knew it, her folks finally not so concerned about her after her being given the all clear at her doctor's appointment on Friday. Her hands were healing up nicely and the stitches in her arm would be taken out later on in the new week. With them saying she was fine, Maddie begged her grandparents to let her head out Saturday morning. With being cooped up inside the house for the week she really wanted to get out and rather begrudgingly, they agreed to let her go see Colton.

'Morning Geri, Maddie.' Dan greeted, walking down to meet them as Geri helped the girl move from the car to her chair. 'How are you going?'

'I'm doing okay.' Maddie replied with a smile. 'Sure a lot better than how I was last week.'

'Good, that's good to hear. Colt ah-he-he was still asleep when I checked on him.'

'That's alright, no problem.' She looked up at Geri. 'Thanks for bringing me by, Aunt Geri.'

'My pleasure.' Geri smiled, handing Maddie her bag from the car with her things. 'Just give me a call when you're ready to go and I'll come pick you up.'

Maddie nodded. 'Will do. I'll uh... I'll just see myself inside then.'

Leaving the two of them to talk she made her way up the sidewalk to the house, letting herself through the back door into the kitchen. The house was still and quiet as she wheeled herself over to the fridge, taking a moment to see what there was inside with which she could make Colton breakfast. There were eggs and a few other bits and pieces and she decided that there was enough to be able to make him a decent omelet.

It took her a short while to find everything she needed to be able to make breakfast, the entire kitchen having been rearranged by the Davidson's. It felt weird to be here, cooking in what used to be their house. It wasn't their house anymore but it was still home to her. Being here, even with all the change, it still felt right.

This was the place she had first felt like she really belonged.

While the onions and ham cooked in the frying pan on the stove she whipped up the eggs and once that had been done she set them aside, checking to see if the onion, ham and mushrooms were cooked enough. There was another reason for her being here this morning and it wasn't just to see Colton and make him a nice breakfast.

Uncle Liam had suggested earlier on during the week that they, the Walkers, have dinner with the Davidson's. A 'chance to bury the hatchet' he has said when he'd mentioned the idea to her, asking if she might speak to Colton about it. Something though gave her the feeling that there was more to it than just having dinner. Something told her that her Uncle had a reason that he wanted to have dinner with the Davidson's and she wondered just what exactly it was.

She hadn't forgotten the conversation she had overheard between her uncle and father either. What if the Davidson's had cheated during the race? She herself had thought about that once or twice but it hadn't been for more than a passing moment at the time. The memories of that day and everything else that accompanied it just hurt too much to think about. Now though that the wounds those memories had made weren't as raw she had been pondering it from time to time.

Her father was right...

Too many coincidences.

Did her uncle's push to have this dinner with the Davidson's have anything to do with their conversation? While not being able to know for certain she did have a feeling and thought in the back of her mind that it was.

She had promised him though that she would speak to Colton about a dinner and that was what she was going to do.

With the onions, ham and mushrooms cooked through she added in the eggs, stirring it together to make sure it was mixed properly as she thought things over. She had a bad feeling about having her family in the same room as the Davidson's, especially since it would have to be in this house. Their old home. The rental was barely large enough to accommodate her family, they didn't have room to have guests over.

Salt and pepper were added on top to season the omelet while it cooked and when it was almost done she added a generous sprinkling of cheese. Her anxiety was already starting to get the better of her just thinking about asking Colton about this dinner. How would she be if they actually agreed and they did have dinner? The last thing she wanted or needed was for her family and the Davidson's to start the feud up again. One of her biggest flaws was her ability to handle conflict and confrontation.

She didn't handle either of them.

At all.

'Uh, hey, Maddie. What are you...'

Maddie looked around, her pondering interrupted by Colton's entrance into the kitchen. 'Oh, I kept my key and I watch you sleep every night.' She replied with a teasing smile, sliding the omelet from the frying pan to the waiting plate. 'Aunt Geri dropped me by and your Dad let me in. I'm making you a Mawline omelet.' Placing the plate on her lap she wheeled her chair over to the island bench then placed the plate on the bench, motioning for him to come over. 'Also,' She added as he sat down. 'good morning.'

Colton smiled. 'Morning. So...?' He looked down at the omelette as he picked up a fork.

'It's like a Denver but instead of green peppers it has mushrooms. Try it.'

'Okay.' Cutting a piece of it off with his knife he took a bite, taking a moment to taste it before offering her a verdict. 'That's really good.' He exclaimed, Maddie chuckling at that. 'What's the occasion?'

'I don't know, me and my boyfriend were rescued off a mountain, for one? And two, we're both now well enough to actually be up and around without our folks watching our every move with the closest scrutiny.'

'Boyfriend huh?'

'Is that okay?' Maddie questioned cautiously after a moment.

'Uh, yeah,' Colton nodded. 'it's better than okay.'

'Also, there's another thing...'

'Oh? I knew this omelette wasn't just an omelette.'

With a chuckle she playfully swatted him with a tea towel from off the bench, Colton laughing as she placed it down again.

'So... What's the catch?'

Maddie took a deep breath, hoping that she wouldn't live to regret what she was about to suggest. 'I think our families should have dinner. Together. Wave the white flag, you know?'

'I think I'd rather be back on that mountain...' He replied, a nervous chuckle coming from her at that. 'So... You think dinner could do that?'

'It was actually my Uncle Liam's idea, but I do really think it's worth a shot.'

'Well... I mean, I guess. If we make it out alive.'

'Last weekend was not great, yes, but at least they worked together.' She pointed out. 'Wouldn't that be nice if it was all the time? Without the almost 'dying in the woods' part.'

'You know, can-can I finish this?'

'Are you gonna talk to your mom?'

'For you?' He sighed softly then nodded. 'Yes, I will.'

'Then yes.' Maddie smiled. 'Please continue.' Grabbing her phone out from her pocket she started wheeling herself into the living room. 'I'll be back in just a moment... Gotta make a quick phone call.'

Liam and Bonham were out trying the coffee at a new mobile coffee van when Maddie rang to tell them that dinner with the Davidson's was a go. They would be having dinner with the Davidson's that night. After getting off the phone to Maddie he rang his brother as he grabbed their orders from the coffee van.

'Uh, Liam, hey-' Cordell started as he picked up the call. 'Not a great time.'

'What the hell is that?' Bonham questioned, looking at the drink that Liam placed on the table in front of him.

'Just try it.' He replied, heading back to the van for his coffee. 'Hey, I'm-I'm gonna be quick. I spoke to Maddie. She said dinner is on with the Davidson's tonight, okay? So we'll be civil, get them to talk, and they just might admit to something. Okay?' Returning to their table he set his drink down then took a seat beside his father. 'Are you still cool with that?'

'Uh-'

'You know, the kids are gonna kill you when they find out that you used them to hijack this dinner.' Bonham pointed out, placing a file he had been going through aside.

'The kids will forgive us when we get the ranch back.' Liam replied to his father.

'Let me get this straight-'

Cordell took another sip of his coffee as he heard his father over the loudspeaker, waiting for his chance to get in on the conversation.

'so y-you're hoping that Gale or Denise will fly off the handle, slip up and confess?'

Liam nodded. 'Yeah.'

'Yeah, well, good freaking luck.'

'Uh, Stinker, D-Daddy's right.' Cordell voiced his agreement. 'I mean, I agree with him, you know? And I-and I'm worried about collateral damage.'

'Collateral damage? Cordi, they took everything from us.'

'No, I know, I know. It's just, the kids. You know? And-and Geri. All this 'eye for an eye stuff' everyone's gonna end up blind.'

'Except Dan is our Trojan horse, okay?' Liam pointed out. 'He can get Denise to talk. Plus, he's willing to testify.'

'You trust him?' Cordell questioned after a pause.

'I mean... I trust that he will protect himself. Are you getting cold feet?'

'No, no, I'm not. I-I just... Liam, there's got to be some limit to what we can all take. You know?' He was about to continue when his phone began to beep and he brought his phone away from his ear to see who was calling. 'I-I got to get.'

Ending the call to his brother, Cordell quickly answered the one coming through. 'Cap.'

'Hey. Got a location on Captain Cole. About to have a little chat with him. You hold down the fort there, and then we'll finish this, all right?'

Cordell nodded. 'Copy that.'

Maddie stayed with Colton at the ranch for a couple hours spending time together then rang Geri to come grab her. While Colton was doing better he still hadn't been cleared to drive just yet so he couldn't take her home. He had another appointment in the coming week and hoped that the doctor would give his approval for him to drive again and go back to school. Though exams were over they still had a few other things to wrap up before graduation the week after.

'Thanks for coming over.' Colton told Maddie as the two of them walked down the sidewalk to wait for Geri's arrival. 'I enjoyed breakfast.'

She smiled. 'Glad you liked it, it's one of my favorites that one.'

'Maddie-' He stopped as they reached the driveway, turning back to her. 'I do... I do have something I'd like to ask you.'

'Yes?'

'Would you-Would you like to be my date to prom?'

Maddie's smile reached her ears. 'Yes! I'd love to.'

Colton visibly relaxed upon her giving a yes verdict, chuckling softly. 'I thought you'd say yes but...'

'Still a little nervous asking hey?'

'Something like that.'

She giggled, earning a curious look from Colton. 'I think it's cute, you being nervous to ask me to prom.'

He rolled his eyes.

'What's the dress code? Formal I'm guessing? I mean, I've never been to anything like this before.'

'Yeah, I think it is. Haven't really had much of a chance to think about it to be honest. Just wear whatever you want, I'm sure it'll be fine.'

'Hey, you give me a chance to dress up, I'm gonna dress up.' Maddie told him with a grin. 'Sounds like Mawline and I get a chance to go shopping. What are you going to wear?'

'I haven't thought that far-'

'Oh, come on Colt. You ask me to a formal event and have no idea what you're gonna wear?'

Colton sighed. 'You girls always take events like this so seriously, don't you?'

She nodded as Geri's car pulled into the drive. 'Well, when it's my first outing of this kind, I wanna make an impression, you know.'

'Oh, you make an impression whenever you walk into the room.'

Maddie chuckled. 'I can't tell if you're being serious there or just teasing me.'

'Hey-' Geri called through the open window of her car. 'Ready to go now Maddie?'

'Mmhmm.' She started across the driveway to the car. 'See you tonight.'

The sound of someone cooking in the kitchen was what stirred Maddie from her snooze on the couch, the girl rubbing her eyes wearily as the cat sleeping beside her stirred. 'Mawline wake you too, baby girl?' She questioned softly, stifling a yawn as she scratched Bubbles' chin. A moment later the cat rose and jumped down from the couch, stretching for a moment before she toddled off to the laundry to get a snack from her feed bowl. Maddie lay on the couch for an extra moment, mustering up the energy to sit up. She definitely needed that nap and felt much better after taking a quick sleep.

She sat up, taking another moment before she brought her wheelchair over closer once more and carefully transitioned herself from couch to chair. She was getting better at it too, her physiotherapist having been pleased with her progress at her last therapy session. It wouldn't be long now before she was strong enough to attempt walking again and she couldn't wait.

'Oh, Maddie-' Abeline looked up from her chopping as her granddaughter wheeled herself into the kitchen. 'Did I wake you?'

'I needed to be up anyway.' Maddie replied, glancing over at the clock. It was just after three in the afternoon, she'd been sleeping for a good two hours. After Geri had dropped her back home she'd had a quick bite to eat then gone to the couch to nap. 'Need any help?'

'I think I've got everything handled...' She replied, placing the casserole into the oven then turned to her granddaughter. 'You're looking better, definitely needed that nap.'

'I'm feeling better too.' Maddie said as Abeline went to the fridge to get something else out. 'Hey... Do you think we could go on a shopping trip sometime this week?'

'Shopping?'

'Yeah. Colton... Colton asked me to be his date to the graduation prom and well, I'm gonna need something to wear. Could we go shopping? I mean... if it's okay?'

'Yeah, yeah, of course. We can go shopping sweetheart, no problem at all.'

'Great.'

'Got any idea what you might be looking for? To wear?'

'Not a clue but I'm sure we'll find something.' Maddie glanced back over at the clock again. 'Think I might go get myself ready for dinner then. Uncle Liam around?'

'He should be-' Abeline found what she was looking for, closing up the fridge door as her youngest son walked into the room. 'Liam, Maddie needs to head upstairs.'

'Alright, up you come then.' He picked her up from her chair, Maddie wrapping her arms around his neck as he started to the stairs. 'I saw you napping on the couch.'

She chuckled, her head resting on his shoulder. 'Yeah, I needed it.' As he carried her into the bedroom she sighed softly, still nuzzling into him.

Liam pressed a kiss to her head. 'Something bothering you, kiddo?'

'My chemo treatment.' She replied softly. 'Yesterday at my appointment they booked me in to begin the first round.'

'When will it start?'

'Day after Stella's graduation. I know they said I'll be okay but...' Her voice trailed off and she looked up at him. 'I'm still scared.'

He nodded in understanding as he sat down on her bed, holding the girl on his lap. 'What are you scared about?'

'Being in the hospital... Having the chemo... All of it. I know it has to happen but I just can't help it. Dad-Dad's promised he'll be there with me for my treatment but...' Again she trailed off, just snuggling into Liam's hold, a couple soft sniffles escaping her.

Liam rested his chin on his niece's head, wishing there was some way he could make her feel better. 'How about this Maddie...' He started after a moment. 'After the first round, when you're feeling up to it, we do something together on your bucket list? That'll be something for you to look forward to.'

Maddie thought about it then nodded with a slight smile. 'I'd like that.'

'Alright then. You think about what you might like to do and we'll plan for that, okay?'

'Deal.'

'You okay if I go now?'

She nodded again. 'I'm alright, I better get dressed and ready for dinner. Could you bring my chair up? Just so I can get around in here.'

'Sure. Are you right here for now or do you want to go over to the dresser?'

She thought about it for a moment then motioned to the chair in front of the dressing table. 'I can get started on my makeup. It always takes me the longest.'

Liam chuckled at that as he stood again and carried her over to the chair, gently setting her down upon it. 'I'll bring your wheelchair up soon, just need to go speak with Mom first.'

'Alright. Thanks.'

Her uncle left and Maddie began preparing herself for the dinner by starting with her face. After she had prepared her face with the natural skin care Abeline had found for her she began her foundation, pausing for a moment as her phone began to vibrate.

It was a video call request from Mika.

'Hey.' Maddie smiled, waving at her, makeup sponge still in hand. 'Afternoon.'

'Hey sis.' Mika replied, bringing Dakota's head over into the picture. 'Your girl wanted to say hello.'

She chuckled. 'My girl or you?'

'Well... Maybe both of us. How are you?' Mika took a moment to look at her friend as Dakota wandered off to go roll in the arena. 'Are you putting makeup on?'

'Maybe...' She said ambiguously.

'Where are you going? Are you and Colton going out for a date? I wanna know all the details girl.'

Maddie laughed at that. 'Mika! Seriously.'

'Oh, come on Maddie. You should know me well enough by now to know that I gotta have all the goss. Come on, spill the beans.'

'Well... If you must know-' She made an effort of rolling her eyes, Mika giggling softly. 'I'm going out for dinner.'

'I knew it! Where? Colton gonna take you to some fancy restaurant-'

'I wish. We're having dinner with his folks-' The picture began to shake then the screen went black. 'Mika?'

'Hey, hey, sorry.' Mika picked her phone up, dusting the sand off it. 'Just dropped you there.'

Maddie chuckled. 'The surprise of having dinner with his family just too much, hey?

'Something like that. So-dinner? Just you or will your folks be going too?'

'My folks will be there too.'

'That sounds... eventful.'

'And that's being polite.' Maddie let out a long sigh, resting back in her chair as she placed the makeup sponge back on the dresser. 'I dunno how it's gonna go. I mean, my folks worked with Colt's last weekend but hey, that was a life or death situation. Sitting them all down at a table together is just asking for trouble.'

'So why are you having dinner then?'

'It sure wasn't my idea, let me tell you that. It was my uncle who suggested it. If we all make it out alive it will be a miracle...' She paused again, looking into the mirror for a moment then looked back at her phone. 'Enough about me though, how's things there?'

'Good, good.' Mika turned the camera around to show Maddie her mare having a roll. 'Dakota and I have been showing Elizabeth a couple things today, Ellie just ducked off to grab something.'

Maddie chuckled as she saw the mare rolling then the camera was turned around to face Mika again. 'Are my ears deceiving me or did I just hear you use Elizabeth's nickname?'

Her only reply was a sigh.

Maddie grinned. 'I take it you two are getting along then.'

'We-we're making... progress.' She replied after a pause. 'Slowly. When will you be able to come to the stables again?'

'Sick of helping Ellie already?'

'No, but I think she and Diablo are ready for the next step in where you're taking them. They've made some great progress this week, they're really moving along now.'

'Let me see how I feel tomorrow, I might be able to come over. I won't promise anything though.'

'No, no, I understand. Don't push yourself, come back when you're ready.' Hearing someone walking over to her she looked around, Elizabeth coming to join her again. 'Hey, Ellie's back.'

'Hi.' Maddie waved at her. 'I hear you and Diablo are making progress.'

Elizabeth nodded, swallowing the mouthful of water she was drinking before replying. 'Yeah, we are.' She put the lid on her water bottle again. 'Mika's showing me some advanced liberty stuff with Dakota, I'm going to give it a try with Diablo.'

'What are you doing?'

'Side-passing away and towards me.'

Maddie nodded. 'That's a good move to test you and Diablo.'

'Well, I haven't tried with him yet but I think I'm getting the hang of it with Dakota.'

'That's great to hear.'

'Hey, I do have a question.'

'Shoot.'

'When would I be able to ride Diablo?' Elizabeth asked. 'I mean, only if you think we're ready.'

'Do you feel ready to ride him again?' Maddie questioned. 'Do you feel confident working with him?'

'I think-I think so. I mean, I feel like we're actually starting to get a connection going.'

'Mika? What do you think?'

Mika shrugged. 'You're the expert here. I'm just the substitute.'

Maddie laughed at that. 'Hey, I'm no expert.'

'But this is your show. I'm just filling in.' She replied. 'I've got some videos I'll flick through to you but they are doing really good in my opinion.'

'Well, that is great to hear. Tell you what Ellie... I'll try to drop in tomorrow to watch you two work and I'll give you an answer then.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'Sounds great.'

'Alright, it's a date then.'

'Speaking of dates-' Mika turned to Elizabeth. 'Maddie and her folks have dinner with the Davidson's tonight.'

Elizabeth laughed. 'Oh, I wish you luck.'

Maddie rolled her eyes. 'Thanks. If I don't survive, my will is in the top drawer of my bedside table.'

They both laughed at that. 'You'll be fine.' Mika assured her. 'What's the worst that could happen?'

'Walker vs Davidson food fight?'

'I'd pay good money to see that.' Elizabeth chuckled. 'Let us know how you go, won't you?'

'Yeah yeah. By the way, do either of you know any good dress shops in town?'

They looked at each other. 'Dress shops?' Mika questioned. 'What kind of 'dress shops' are we talking about?'

'The formal variety. Colt asked me to be his date to grad prom.'

At that, both girls squealed with excitement. 'Oh that's awesome!' Elizabeth exclaimed. 'What are you going to wear?'

'I have no idea, that's why I need to go shopping.'

'Sounds like it's time for a girls day out shopping.' Mika declared. 'Next Saturday suit?'

'Prom is Thursday but yeah, we can make that work.' Maddie agreed. 'Sounds like fun.'

'Great. Well, I better let you get your face on and we need to get back to the horses.'

'Alright. I'll talk to you both later.'

'See you Maddie.' Elizabeth added, waving. 'Good luck.'

Mika laughed. 'What she said. Talk later sis.'

'Will do. Bye.'

Maddie ended the call, a smile on her lips as she placed her phone on the dresser. It was heartening to see Mika and Elizabeth beginning to get along. Now, if only dinner with the Davidson's could go as good too...