Wow`Let me Say Thank You for all the reviews! It is so rewarding and motivating to get feedback on this story. So here goes Chapter 6...enough stalling for Kate and myself...Guilty as charged! lol

*RECAP from our last Chapter:

*Nicholas noticed Adam charging towards the starting line like a bull seeing red. Meanwhile, Kate focused on the starting gun, ready for the race of her life.

A matter of seconds passed by as Adam flew under the banners and crossed the starting line. The hot-headed Rancher grabbed the reins ,mounted the Stallion and slid his daughter forward in the saddle leaving no time for discussion. Kate let out a clear gasp. Once the crowd realized what was happening they all began to laugh. Feeling Humiliated Kate began to kick her feet and squirm to get loose.

"Let me Race! I can do this! Please get off my horse!" the young teen shrieked.

Adam landed a firm smack to the side of Kate's thigh. "Yee~ouch, Daddy?"

"Not another move young lady. You and I are going home." Adam said in a low growl.

Heeding the warning, Kate sat soundly all the way home, which was not easy considering the speed her father was taking. She contemplated what she might say to try to make her father understand her course of action but nothing in her mind seem to justify her wrong. This time she had gone too far.

~~~I Love how most of you agreed Kate Has Gone Too Far~~~

Chapter 6

Once seeing the Ponderosa on the horizon, Adam began to slow his pace. His mind had went into lock down ever since he pulled is daughter from the starting line. His mission was to get home as fast as he could and that he did. Now what.

Making a quick self assessment, the father of five realized he did not have a plan of how he would deal with his wayward teenage daughter. His anger was a little more in check as he began to comprehend the events of the day. However, he had many unanswered questions whirling in his mind regarding Kate's activities and possible accomplices leading up to race day.

As the horse began to slow, Kate's tummy started to do somersaults. She too, began to realize the inevitable."Home"...what would Adam say? What would Adam do?

As they neared the barn, butterflies flitted in Adams stomach reminding him of his own "talks" as he shared with his father during his formative years. It seemed almost second nature to correct the boys when problems called for such an occasion. But Kate? A daughter, and almost a woman...now that was certainly not second nature on the bonanza for any of these Cartwright men.

Adam pulled the horse to a stop and calmly dismounted his horse. Kate was silent and stayed in the saddle.

Adam pulled off his leather glove, shoved it in his back pocket and held out his hand for his daughter to take.

But Kate did not receive her fathers open hand, instead she continued to grip the Horn tightly.

"Kate", Adam nudged, "Its time for you and I to have that talk. Why don't we go inside the house. "

Kate slowly shook her head side to side as she peered down at her gripped hands.

"Kate, Come on, It's time to get off the horse."

Again Kate shook her head.

Adam sighed as he contemplated on his next move. Fatherly wisdom set in as he quickly remembered he was not only dealing with a child but a female child. 'Patience, adam'...a voice said to him from within.

Placing his hands slowly on top of his daughters, with calm compassion he asked, "Are you afraid?"

Kate's head bobbed up and down as tears began to flow for the first time that day.

"Are you afraid of me?" Adam asked softly.

Kate gave a shoulder shrug as she squeezed her eyes shut tight.

"I think I understand, Adam offered. This is quite a complex situation we have here, huh?"

Kate nodded and turned to look her father in the eyes.

Early today Kate felt on fire. She was strong, confident and ready to prove her abilities to the world and now, almost boneless as she awaited her fate.

She no longer felt invincible but yearned to be held securely and comforted. She was scared. Her bravado had diminished. Her plan put to a stopping halt.

Kate's lip began to quiver as she tried to hold back the rush of tears that burned in her eyes. Unable to form the words that matched her feelings.

Adam loosened the grip of Kate's hand from the saddle and held it firmly as he gently lifted her off the horse.

Light as a feather he cradled Kate, as she nuzzled her head into his neck, and walked into the house.

Although Adam knew he had an unpleasant task at hand, his heart answered his child's greatest that need in that moment which was to feel love and support.

TBC