It was after ten by the time Maddie woke, Stella giving her a hand to get ready before she headed out to spend the day with Todd. Surprisingly, after everything that had happened the night prior, she had actually managed to have a decent sleep. She was tired though, and angry.

Angry that Liam had used her to set up the dinner which he had just used for another confrontation.

Hadn't there already been enough fighting between their families?

Bonham had carried her downstairs a short time later, Abeline preparing some breakfast for her. Alone at the table in the dining room she pushed her food around on her plate, not really having much of an appetite.

'Where's Dad?' She questioned when Abeline returned to the kitchen, beginning to prepare something for lunch.

'He ah-he hasn't come home yet.' She replied, taking some bread out from the cupboard. 'But I'm sure he's just caught up at work.'

Maddie nodded, still pushing around her scrambled eggs.

'You not hungry honey?'

She sighed, placing her fork down on the table. 'Not really.'

'How about I make up some blueberry muffins today?'

That brought a little smile to Maddie's tired face. 'Are you trying to bribe me now Mawline?'

Abeline chuckled at that. 'Perhaps. Is it working?'

'You know if you make them I will eat them.'

'Good. That's settled then.'

Liam came into the kitchen, heading to the bench to get himself some more coffee from the coffee maker. 'Good morning Maddie.'

Maddie glared at him. 'Hmph.'

'What's that for?'

'Have you forgotten about last night already?' She questioned, pushing her plate away from herself.

'Oh... Maddie, I-'

'No, Uncle Liam. For once, I talk, you listen.'

'Maddie-' Abeline went to caution but her granddaughter cut her off.

'Mawline, I love you, but this is between Uncle Liam and I.' Maddie replied firmly then turned back to her uncle. 'You told me that you wanted this dinner to be the start of us putting things in the past with the Davidson's. You said that it was a chance for us to move on.'

'Maddie-'

'I'm not finished!' She roared at him, her eyes flashing dangerously with anger. 'I was used by my father for most of my life, I will not, will not be used like that again. You never wanted peace between us and the Davidson's. You had to bring up the race and all that crap again and I know why.' She paused for a moment, waiting for what she had said to sink in for him. 'I know you think the Davidson's cheated. I heard you and Dad talking. Why can't you just drop it and accept it? It's time to move on. I was almost killed in that race-'

'What are you talking about?' Liam questioned.

Maddie stopped for a moment, realizing she had backed herself into a corner. 'Bel... Bel fell on top of me. The saddle... It-it broke going over a fence. Bel fell upon landing.'

Silence fell.

'Maddie...' Abeline started. 'You never told us.'

'You all were going through enough already. I didn't want to add more. I-I wasn't hurt.' Well, that was a white lie. The bruises she'd gotten after that fall had hurt for a couple weeks. She was about to add more when the doorbell rang. 'That would be Colton.' She remarked, starting to the door. 'This isn't over, Uncle Liam. We will finish this later.'

Liam looked at Maddie then turned to his mother, Abeline giving him a look of her own. 'Maddie is right.' She told him after a moment. 'Your going to need to fix this with your niece.'

'Colton, hey.' Maddie greeted as she opened the door. 'I just finished up with breakfast so I'm ready to go.'

'Oh, okay. Can-can I come in for a moment? I have something for you.'

Looking back over her shoulder she saw Liam making a hasty exit then nodded. 'Yeah, yeah. Come in. You've had breakfast right? Mawline could make you something if you haven't.'

'I already ate but thanks.' Colton told her as he walked in, Maddie closing the door behind him. 'Morning, Mrs. Walker.'

'Colton.' Abeline smiled. 'And I've told you before, it's Abeline.'

'Yes ma'am.'

'You two going to head out?'

'Aunt Geri was going to take me and Colton to the stables.' Maddie replied. 'That's okay?'

'Yeah, yeah, sure. I'll ah-I'll pack you some lunch then.'

'Thanks.' She turned to Colton. 'So... What have you got for me?'

With a chuckle he brought a brown paper wrapped parcel out from behind his back. 'I forgot to give this to you last night, so...' He handed it to her. 'Hope you like it.'

Her curiosity was aroused as she began to unwrap the present, a smile coming to her lips as she saw the saddlebag inside. They were close to the ones she had ruined but not quite. They were still beautiful though and had her initials on the front, along with the Walker family brand in the middle. They were almost just like the ones that had been ruined but with more decorative engravings on this pair. 'Colton, I didn't expect you to replace my saddlebags.' She exclaimed as she lifted them up and placed the paper aside, running her hand over the leather. 'Gosh, these must have cost you a dime.'

At that, Colton chuckled. 'I might know someone in the business of making saddlebags.'

After a moment it dawned on her. 'So that's why Grampa's been out in the shed all week.'

He nodded. 'I know what his present meant to you so I wanted to replace them. Your Grampa made them but it was my design. Do you like it?'

'Like it? I love it, Colton.' She reached up to hug him, giving him a kiss on the cheek too when he crouched down to hug her back. 'They are beautiful. Thank you.'

He smiled at that. 'We'll give them a try with your saddle later on...'

After dropping both Maddie and Colton off at the stables for the day, Geri headed to work at the Side Step. Even though it was a Sunday and the bar wouldn't be open for hours yet she still had some work to be done. There were accounts that needed organizing, orders to be arranged... Leaning against the bar she worked over the figures she was working on again then looked back at her phone beside her.

A message from Cordell had finally come through. He'd asked if he could come see her.

Breathing a sigh of relief she quickly texted back to let him know she was at the bar then tried to focus once more on her work. After a short time she gave up, placing the pen down on the notepad with frustration. There were just too many thoughts going through her head that made it so she couldn't concentrate.

A short time later, a knock sounded at the door.

Geri turned around, a very ragged and tired looking Cordell standing there in the doorway. 'Oh my god...'

'Yeah...'

'Are you okay?' She questioned as she offered him a hug, Cordell taking her in his arms.

'Yeah, I'm okay.' He replied, holding her tight. 'I'm okay. We all made it out.'

'Good.'

'Yeah.' Holding onto her for a moment longer he finally let her go, Geri taking a step back. ''Okay, so-so tell me. Last night, with Gale?'

'Yeah, I... There was something in her eye. It's like... I don't know. It was like she heard what she was saying and she was correcting herself. But I might be overthinking-I mean, we all had a lot of wine, so...' She sighed as she trailed off.

'Don't-don't doubt yourself, Geri. Okay?'

Geri nodded. 'Thank you. For being here with me.'

'Of course, yeah. Anytime.'

There was another knock at the door, Geri looking around Cordell to see who it was. 'Nate. Hi. Come on in.'

'Ranger Walker.' Nate walked up to him, the two of them exchanging a handshake. 'Didn't think I'd see you till my court date. This about Frank?'

'Uh... Could be.' Cordell turned to Geri, letting her take over the conversation.

'I actually wanted to ask you about Gale Davidson.' Geri started as she stepped forward. 'I have reason to think... Well, I... I just think there is a chance that she knew that I was alive. And I-I'm not saying recently. I mean back then. So, I have to ask. Did you ever tell anyone?'

Nate shook his head. 'Never.'

'Are you sure, Nate?' Cordell questioned. 'I'm gonna look out for you in court. This isn't about that... Geri just needs to know-'

'No, believe me. There was no slip-up.' Nate assured him, looking back at Geri. 'Never. Frank would've lost you. I couldn't have risked that.'

Geri turned to Cordell. 'Well, if Frank didn't know, you didn't say anything... Gale still somehow knew.'

'The only other person that knew was Marv Davidson.' Nate pointed out. 'No one else.'

'Right. If Marv did tell Gale, if she knew...' Geri paused for a moment, looking back at Cordell. 'I mean, what do you think she would've done?'

'So... This is where my girl spends all her time then?' Colton questioned as he and Maddie walked up the center aisle of the barn. 'Pretty fancy place here.'

'Yeah, welcome to the world of English equestrianism.' She replied with a chuckle, wheeling her chair alongside him. 'It's nice here, I'm glad that Mawline was able to get the girls boarded here. Would have broken my heart to give them up. I sure miss having them at the ranch though...' Her voice trailed off and she sighed softly as they headed up to Bel and Dakota's stalls. 'I loved being able to take sunrise rides. Nothing compares to riding up to the lookout to watch the sunrise or the sunset.'

'Maybe we should do that together then sometime. You could spend the night and we could go riding.'

'I-I'll think about it. After-after last night...' Maddie shook her head. 'I don't think I can be around your family any time soon. I still can't believe what happened, I mean, my uncle lied to me to organize the whole thing... And then, that panic attack...' She took a deep breath. 'I'm so embarrassed.'

'Don't be.' Colton assured her, the two of them stopping outside Dakota's stall. 'It was beyond your control. It wasn't your fault.'

After a moment, she nodded. 'I guess you're right. I'm sorry though for how things turned out, I didn't expect my uncle to carry on the way he did or-'

'Maddie.' He interrupted her gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. 'Its fine. Don't worry about it.'

'I'm still not happy with Uncle Liam about it, he and I are going to be having a very long talk later on.' Maddie replied as Dakota wandered over to say hello. She turned to the mare, giving her a pat as Dakota lent over the half door to sniff her. 'Hey girl. You been good?'

Colton lent against the front of the mare's stall, smiling as he watched Maddie and her horse interact. 'So, what's the plan for today?'

'I don't know. Maybe a short ride...' She sighed, running her hand up Dakota's nose. 'I honestly don't know if I'm feeling up for it though. Last night took a lot out of me.' Her hand still on Dakota's forehead she looked over at Colton. 'I'm sorry, you probably don't want to watch me moping around all day.'

'Hey, it's better than being at home right now.'

'Can't argue with that. I didn't feel like staying home today either.'

'Maddie!' Mika greeted as she came walking up the aisle, leading a tacked up Picasso. 'I thought I saw your aunt's car out front while I was riding.'

'Hey Mika.' She smiled, her friend tying the gelding up outside his stall. 'Been out practicing I see?'

'Yeah, just trying to get a couple things worked out with him before our next competition.' Finished with securing the gelding she turned back to her friend and gave her a hug then looked over at Colton standing behind her. 'Boyfriend, I presume?'

Colton chuckled. 'Hi.'

'I'm Mika.' She introduced herself. 'Maddie's told me a lot about you.'

'Has she know?' He looked at Maddie and winked, Maddie chuckling.

'How did dinner go last night?'

Maddie and Colton looked at each other then she turned back to her friend. 'Let's-let's not go there...'

Mika raised an eyebrow. 'That good, hey?'

'Yeah. Fill you in later. How's my girls been?'

'As you can see, they've been good.' Mika replied, turning back to begin un-tacking her gelding. 'I was going to take Bel and Hope out once I'm finished here but if you could do that instead, that'd be great. Rose will be here soon for her lesson and I've still got things to get done before then.'

'Sure. Colt and I can handle it. Can't we?'

'Yeah, yeah, sure.' He agreed.

'Thanks. Much appreciated.'

Leaving Dakota, Maddie went over to Bel's stall, her mare still nibbling away at her hay-net as Hope took a drink. 'Hey Bel.' Hearing her voice the mare looked over then after a moment, came over to her. 'Hey, my girl...' She ran a hand up the mare's forehead. 'Been a little while since you last saw me hey? Your girl is growing up, look how big she is getting.'

Colton came over, picking up the two halters and lead ropes hanging on the hook beside the door. 'Want me to get Hope?'

'Please. Bel will be fine with me leading her from my chair but Hope is a little rambunctious for that.'

With a nod he opened the door, gently pushing the mare back so he could enter the stall. Holding his hand out to Bel he let her sniff him then he haltered her, tying her up beside the door. Hope watched him curiously, the foal taking a step back as he approached her.

'Just take it slow, let her get used to you.' Maddie commented, watching as Colton did as she instructed. After a moment the foal's curiosity got the better of her and she stepped up to him, allowing him to halter her. 'Thanks.'

'When will you start training her?' He questioned as he led the foal out of the stall, moving aside so she could get the mare. 'I mean, I don't know much about training but when will you start doing stuff?'

'When I'm out of this chair.' She replied, Bel walking alongside her calmly as they headed down the aisle to take them to pasture. 'I can't really do much with her stuck in this chair. Dakota and Bel are okay but because she's young and unpredictable...' She shook her head. 'I just can't risk it.'

'Fair enough.'

Silence fell as they exited the barn and started up the hill to the pasture. Hope required all of Colton's concentration to keep hold of her, the foal prancing alongside him as she looked around. As Hope grew, so did her personality. She was like her mother, intelligent and inquisitive but with her tender age, also very cheeky. Once she grew though and left the antics of foal-hood behind she held the promise of becoming a fine horse.

'So, what now?' Colton questioned once both of them had been let loose into the pasture, Hope taking off at a gallop with her tail up in the air as Bel trotted calmly behind her. 'Back up to the barn?'

'Yeah, I guess. Rose will be here soon so we might as well head up there to see her.' Handing Colton Bel's halter and lead-rope he hung them on the gate for her and they started back to the barn. 'I wanted to see Elizabeth too but I don't think she's coming in today...' As they made their way back to the barn she grabbed her phone out of her pocket, taking a moment to check what Elizabeth had sent earlier. 'Yeah, she's had something come up so she won't be in today. We might watch Rose for a bit then have a picnic with what Mawline packed for us, I guess?'

Colton smiled, nodding at her suggestion. 'Sounds good to me.'

'Maddie! You're here!'

Maddie chuckled as Rose ran over to her and gave the girl a hug. 'Surprise.' She replied as Rose pulled back then tapped the girl playfully on her nose. 'Mika's got some work to do so I'm going to be giving you your lesson today. Is that alright?'

'Oh it's more than alright! It's great! I've been wanting you to watch Blossom and me for so long, I thought you'd never show up.'

'I've been trying to get here Littlin but I haven't been feeling the best lately.'

Hearing that, Rose pulled a pouty face. 'I thought you were getting better?'

'I'm tryin, I'm tryin. It's just gonna take time is all.' She replied gently. 'I am sorry I haven't been able to come spend time with you, I really have tried to get here.'

'Well, you're here now. That's good enough for me.' Rose declared strongly then looked up at the boy standing behind Maddie. 'Who's this?'

'This is Colton. He's my-'

'Boyfriend.' She interrupted. 'I know all about those. Sarah Jane in my class has one.'

Both Maddie and Colton shared a chuckle at that, Maddie turning back to the girl. 'Well, since I'm going to be giving you your lesson today, how about we get started?'

Rose nodded. 'What are we going to do today?'

'Well, what would you like to do?'

'Um... I really want to try doing a jump bareback. Mika's been letting me ride bareback at the end of our lessons, I want to give it a try.'

Maddie raised an eyebrow. 'Are you sure you're up for that?'

'Mmhmm. I want to try.'

'Alright, we'll see how you go, okay? Do you need any help getting Blossom ready?'

Rose shook her head. 'I can do it on my own.'

'Well, off you go then.' Maddie prompted and Rose grabbed her pony's halter and lead-rope from off the hook beside the stall door. Both she and Colton moved back away from the door as Rose caught the mare, giving her space to be able to lead her out.

'I can see why you two get along so well.' Colton remarked to Maddie as they watched Rose secure the mare. 'She seems like a real sweetheart.'

'Yeah, she is.' Maddie agreed with a smile. 'Sometimes she seems like the only good thing in my life.'

'Hey, what about me?'

'And you too, of course.'

'Maddie, look-' Rose called as she finished tying the mare up. 'I've gotten the hang of it.'

'Well done Rosie girl.' She complimented, the girl's grin reaching from ear to ear upon hearing that. 'That's as good as one of my ties.'

'Are you gonna stay to watch me ride too, Colton?' The little girl questioned as she took a brush from her grooming kit to use on her pony.

Colton nodded. 'I guess I can.'

'Good.' Rose smiled. 'Do you like horses too?'

'Yeah, yeah I do.'

'Good. You and Maddie are a perfect match then.'

Maddie chuckled, playfully nudging Rose in the ribs. 'That's enough out of you little miss. Get that pony tacked up or your Mama's gonna arrive to pick you up and we won't have done your lesson.'

Rose nodded, turning her attention back to the job at hand. 'Yes ma'am.'

'That's better.'

While Rose got her pony ready, Maddie went over to Dakota to tack her up. 'Need any help?' Colton offered, feeling a little bit out of place with nothing to do.

'Ah, sure. You can tack her up for me if you want.' Maddie replied as she returned the brushes to the grooming kit. 'That'd be a great help, I need to make sure Rose has everything on properly. Think you can manage?'

'Yes, I think I can manage.' He replied with a smile to her teasing. 'The saddle goes on backwards, right?'

Maddie chuckled. 'Very funny.' Colton grinned at her, that grin that made her heart skip a beat and butterflies gather in her stomach. 'Get back to work, you.'

Colton laughed as he reached for the saddle-pad, settling it down upon the mare's back as Maddie went over to look at Blossom's gear.

'Well done Rose.' Maddie told her once she had checked the tack over. 'Good job.'

Rose smiled. 'Mika's been teaching me well.'

'I can see that. She's done a good job with you two.'

Rose leant down next to Maddie's ear, whispering softly. 'I'd still prefer you doing my lessons though...'

'I know. I wish I could be here to teach you darlin but I just can't sweetie.' She replied gently, taking the girl's hand in hers. 'I'm gonna try to be here to teach you when I can but Mika is just as good a teacher, if not better, then I am.'

After a moment, Rose nodded in understanding. 'I just miss you.'

Hearing that, Maddie smiled sadly. 'I know. I'm gonna try to spend more time with you, okay? It just depends on how I'm feeling.'

'Mama said that you have to go back to the hospital next week. Are they going to make you better again?'

'I hope so sweetie but the medicine they have to give me might make me feel sick for a little while. I might have to stay home for a bit until I feel better.'

Rose nodded again. 'Can I come see you, when you're feeling okay?'

'Of course. Of course littlin. You'll have to bring the bunny rabbits around again too, I've been missing seeing them.'

Colton untied Dakota, leading the mare over to where Maddie and Rose were. 'All ready.'

'Thanks Colton.' Maddie smiled as he handed her the mare's reins. 'Ready to ride Rose?'

The little girl grinned. 'You bet!'

A short time later, both Maddie and Rose were in the riding arena, Colton having taken a seat in the grandstands near the fence to watch the lesson. After finding out where Rose was up to in her lessons with Mika, Maddie and her began to warm their horses up together. A few laps at both the walk and trot and then they were ready to begin.

Clipping the lunge line onto Blossom's bridle, Maddie gave the mare a quick pat before turning back to Rose. 'I'm not sure how this will go since I'm on Dakota but we'll give it a go, okay?'

Rose nodded. 'I'll take her out now to start?'

'Yep. Off you go.'

Letting the mare have slack on the lunge line, Rose began walking the mare out until Maddie called that they were out far enough. Calmly Blossom began walking around Maddie in a circle, Maddie gently asking her mare to spin slowly to keep up with the other mare. After a couple circles she was satisfied that this would work. 'Alright Rose, show me your exercises. Let's go with the airplane to start.'

With a grin Rose let go of the reins and stretched out her arms, Blossom walking on confidently. 'This is so easy.' She chuckled. 'Can we make it harder?'

'Sure. Want to ask her to trot?'

After a moment, she nodded and clucked to the mare with her tongue and Blossom started off into a trot.

Maddie smiled as she watched Rose going through the exercises. She was a natural at riding and had improved so much under Mika's instruction. When they finished up with the lunge line exercises, it was time for them to work on the cross-poles.

Rose had only just started learning how to sit through a jump, two little cross-poles set a foot off the ground being what they were going to work on. First they started it at a walk, Maddie taking Dakota over the rails first and then Rose following behind on Blossom, practicing her jumping position. Repeating that a few times, Maddie then let her go on her own, complimenting Rose on her efforts as she took the mare over the rails. A huge grin was on Rose's face as she brought the mare to a halt again beside Maddie, waiting for further instruction.

They practiced with the rails for a while longer, this time at a trot. Rose did just as well with them as she had with the walk and in the spur of the moment, asked if she could try cantering them. Maddie agreed to let her try and Rose took the mare over the rails at a canter, laughing with glee as she came back to her, bringing the mare to a halt again.

'Well done Rose.' Maddie high-fived her as the girl stopped beside her. 'Great work.'

Rose smiled, leaning down to hug her mare. 'That was so fun.'

Maddie chuckled. 'I know the feeling. First time I ever cantered Skylar bareback I was whooping and hollering so loud my Grandma came out to see what on earth was going on.'

The girl giggled at that. 'Can I try jumping her bareback now?'

'Do you think you're up to that?'

She nodded. 'Yep.'

'Alright, I guess you can give it a try then.'

With a smile Rose dismounted and quickly removed the mare's saddle and saddle pad, placing them onto the arena fence. Leading the mare over to the mounting block she climbed back onto her back and once she was ready, asked her to walk on.

'Just take it easy the first couple times, just walk her until you get a feel for it.' Maddie instructed as Rose set her sights on the first cross rail. 'Grip with your thighs, light on her mouth. Use your neck rope to hold onto if you need, don't hold onto her mouth.'

Rose nodded. 'Got it.'

Halting Dakota close to the first fence, Maddie watched as Rose rode over the first rail then the second. 'Just lean forward slightly more next time.' She commented as the girl brought the mare around to try again. 'Your looking good otherwise.'

Rose nodded and tried again.

'Well done. That's better.' She encouraged as Rose took the mare over the cross-rails again. 'Just like that.'

'Can I trot it?'

Maddie raised an eyebrow. 'You sure you want to?'

'Yep. I can do it.'

'Alright. Remember not to hold onto her mouth.'

Rose nodded and set the mare at the first of the two jumps, asking the mare to trot. They started towards the jump and Blossom went to take off, Rose losing her balance as the mare went over. Rose hit the ground with a thump as Blossom landed, the mare trotting calmly away as Maddie hurried Dakota over to the girl.

'Rose, honey, you alright?'

The girl didn't answer as she slowly got up from the ground, her bottom lip quivering as tears came to her eyes.

Maddie stopped Dakota near Rose and quickly undid her seat-belt and straps then slid down off the mare, sitting down beside Rose. 'You okay honey? Are you hurt?' Rose shook her head as she started to cry, Maddie taking a moment to check her over for injuries. Apart from grazed hands and being dirty the girl seemed alright, more frightened by the fall then anything.

'Is she okay?' Colton asked as he jogged over, coming to stop beside them.

'Yeah, I think so.' Maddie replied, Blossom cantering around the arena now. 'Can you try catching Blossom please while I take care of Rose?'

'I'll give it a shot.'

Colton left again, Maddie turning her attention to the girl again. 'Sssh... It's okay Rose. You're alright honey.' Rose had started to calm down a little by now, the girl sniffling as she snuggled up to the teen. 'Did that scare you?'

After a moment, she nodded. 'Y-yeah... First-first fall.'

'Oh honey...' Maddie smiled sadly. 'It's okay. It's okay.'

'I-I don't like falling off.'

She chuckled softly at that, brushing some sand off the girl's check. 'Everyone falls off sweetie. It's just a part of riding.'

'You-you fall off too?'

Maddie nodded. 'I've fallen off plenty of times but you know what I do then?'

'What?'

'I get straight back on.'

Rose shook her head at the thought of getting back on. 'No. I'm never riding again.'

'Rosie girl, you are going to get back on and that is not negotiable, alright?'

'N-no.'

'Yes.' Maddie replied gently but firmly. 'My Grampa did the same thing when I took my first fall. You have to get back on the horse.'

'But-but what if I fall again?'

'It's just part of riding, sweetheart. All riders come off from time to time, even the best ones. The important thing is to get back on. My Grampa says that to call yourself a rider, you have to fall at least a hundred times.'

Rose looked at Maddie as she wiped the tears and sand from her cheeks. 'That-that many times?'

'Mmmhmm.'

'How many times have you fallen off?'

'Oh... About forty-seven now. Still got a few to go by Grampa's standards before I'm a real rider.'

Rose sniffled. 'I-I got ninety-nine to go then.'

Maddie smiled a little at that. 'We'll just walk around for a little bit then call it a day, okay?'

'Alright.'

Colton returned, leading Blossom. 'Here you go.' He held out the reins to Rose as the girl stood. 'Lost your balance hey?'

'Yeah...' Rose gave the mare a pat, looking back at Maddie as the teenager asked Dakota to bow so she could climb on again. 'Can-can you lead me?'

'Of course honey.' Once she was settled in the saddle she waited for Colton to help Rose back onto her mare then took Blossom's reins, Rose holding on tight to the neck-rope. 'You ready?'

After a moment, Rose nodded.

'Let's go then.'

At a gentle cluck of her tongue, Dakota walked forward again and Blossom followed after, Rose still sniffling back the last of her tears as Maddie led her around. 'You doing okay Rose?'

'Y-yeah.'

'Alright, want to try walking over the jump again?'

After a moment, she nodded.

Maddie smiled. 'That's the spirit, my girl. Remember to hold on with your thighs.'

Rose nodded again as Blossom followed Dakota towards the cross-rail. As they approached, Rose closed her eyes and held on tight.

Glancing back at the girl, Maddie chuckled softly. 'You can open your eyes honey. We're over now.'

Opening her eyes, Rose began to laugh as she realized that they had gone over both the cross-rails, Maddie bringing Dakota and Blossom to a halt once more. 'I-I didn't even notice we went over.'

'I know.'

'We-we done now?'

Maddie nodded. 'We're done now.'

Rose slid off her mare, the teen handing back the reins as she gave the mare a pat then looked back up at Maddie. 'Thank you.'

She smiled. 'Your welcome littlin.'

Maddie was waiting out in the parking lot for her father, taking a look at the time on her phone as she waited. Colton had left a short time earlier, his father having come to pick him up and after he had left she'd rung Cordell to come get her. Stifling another yawn she began flicking through Facebook to pass the time, a smile coming to her face as a photo of Elizabeth and Diablo came up on her feed.

You two are looking great. She commented below the photo and added a like then got up her messages to Elizabeth. Nice photo you posted. Wish I could have caught up with you today. I did check on Diablo though, he's definitely making good progress. How'd he go with his chiro?

After sending the message she returned her phone to her lap, taking a look around the yard. A couple grooms were bringing some horses in from the paddocks as the sun began to set, a few birds singing their evening songs. It was peaceful, serene.

Taking a deep breath she decided to enjoy the peace and quiet while she could.

What kind of bombsite would she be walking into when she returned home?

Her phone pinged with a notification and she picked it up, Elizabeth having returned her message. Hey, sorry to have missed you too. Still stuck at Scooter's soccer game. She said then included an eye rolling emoji. How was dinner at the boyfriend's place?

A disaster. Maddie replied back. An absolute disaster of the highest degree.

That doesn't sound good.

No, no, it wasn't. She agreed. To top it off, I embarrassed myself with a panic attack into the bargain.

Maddie, I'm sorry. I wish it had turned out better.

Me too. Guess it just wasn't meant to be. Maddie sent her reply and thought for a moment before starting another message. Think you and Diablo might be ready to start riding again. When will you be coming back to the stables?

A few moments later, Elizabeth's reply came through. Been coming in every afternoon after school. Any day this week would be great, I can't wait to start riding him again.

Alright. How about Tuesday? Thinking I'm spending tomorrow on the couch. I feel like crap.

Tuesday's fine. Hope you feel better soon. See you then. XO

Turning her screen off she again placed her phone on her lap then looked down the driveway, her father's truck still not in view yet. Guess the longer he takes to pick me up, the less time I'll have to deal with Uncle Liam. She thought after a moment, sighing softly.

The last thing she had wanted was for dinner to have turned out the way it had.

A short time later, her father's truck pulled into the drive and she started across the parking lot once he'd pulled up into an empty spot. 'Hey Dad.'

'Maddie girl.' He smiled as he stepped out of the truck. 'How was your day?'

'It was okay. Gave Rose a lesson, rode Dakota for a bit. Had a picnic with Colton.' She replied, her father giving her a hand to get into the truck. 'I was worried when you weren't home this morning. What happened?'

'Just work stuff pumpkin, nothing for you to worry about.' He told her as he placed her down on the passenger seat. 'I'll just put your chair in the back...'

Maddie nodded, resting her head back against the headrest as he closed the door. With time to think things over she knew she had to apologize to her Uncle for what she had said earlier. While she might have been angry with him and with good reason it wasn't any excuse for how she had handled things.

Taking a deep breath she let out a long sigh.

She'd deal with it later.

Finished with placing Maddie's chair in the back, Cordell returned to the driver's seat and they pulled out of the parking lot. 'Maddie...' He started as they headed down the drive. 'Last night I-I'm sorry. I-I knew Liam wanted to say things to the Davidson's but-but I had no idea it was gonna be so bad. I-I'm sorry.'

'It wasn't your fault Dad.' She replied softly, looking over at him. 'I know what Uncle Liam was trying to do. I know you guys think they threw the race.'

'How-'

'I overheard you and Uncle Liam talking a couple weeks back.'

Cordell took a moment to digest that information.

'I just want us all to stop arguing.' She continued after a moment. 'Ever since the stuff with that family, our family hasn't been the same. I just want it all to stop. I just want peace. I just want us to be happy again, like we were before.' She sighed softly. 'But I don't think that is ever going to happen.'

Maddie was in her room later that night, reading a book when a knock sounded gently on her door. 'Who is it?' She questioned softly, looking up from her book.

'It's Uncle Liam. Can I come in?'

With a sigh she placed her book down. Might as well get this over with... 'Yeah, come in.'

Liam opened the door, closing it again after himself then came over and took a seat on the bed beside his niece. 'Maddie, I owe you an apology. I-I'm sorry for last night. I was just so... Preoccupied with getting some kind of confession out of the Davidson's so we can get the ranch back that I didn't stop to think about how it might affect you.'

'Yeah, well, I would have appreciated it if you had. Do you know how embarrassed I am that they saw me having a panic attack? I mean, just add insult to injury.'

'I know. I'm sorry.'

Maddie looked at her uncle to confirm his sincerity behind his apology then let out a long sigh. 'Apology accepted.'

'Your father... Cordell he-he told me what you said earlier.' Liam continued after a moment. 'I'm sorry. If I hadn't started looking into the property lines-'

'Uncle Liam.' She interrupted gently. 'What is done is done. We can only move forward.'

He nodded in agreement.

'I-I want to go to sleep now.' She said softly. 'Can we talk about the rest of this later?'

'Alright.' Getting up from the bed he tucked her into bed, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 'I am sorry Maddie, for everything.'

Maddie smiled sadly. 'I know.'

'Try to get some sleep.'

'I will. Good night, Uncle Liam.'

With that, Liam left the room, turning the light out for her on his way out. Darkness fell as the door was closed, Maddie letting out another sigh as Bubbles came to curl up closer to her.

Things had to get better from here, didn't they?