It was late Friday afternoon while Maddie was out working with Bel that she saw Colton's truck coming up the drive, the teen deciding to have a little fun. 'Come on Bel…' She nudged her gently with her heels, the mare jumping into a canter towards the edge of the pasture bordering the driveway. With a cheeky grin she waved at him, Colton putting his window down. 'Bet I can beat you up to the ranch house!'

He laughed. 'Your on. In three- Hey!'

'Too slow!' She yelled back over her shoulder, Bel already having lengthened out into a gallop. 'See ya! Come on Bel. Let's go girl!'

The mustang responded with a burst of speed as they raced up the hill, way ahead of Colton's truck. As the fence came into view ahead she pulled back on the lead rope, asking the mare to slow down and Bel slowed back into a canter before finally coming to a halt in front of the fence. Exhilarated from the ride Maddie gave the mare a good rub on the neck and plenty of praise before she slid off and opened the gate to lead her out.

Colton brought the truck to a stop in the ranch yard, Maddie leading Bel over. 'Afternoon stranger.'

'Afternoon.' He smiled as he got out of the truck. 'That was some pretty fancy riding.'

She chuckled as she ran her hand down the mare's forehead. 'Bareback is the only way to ride.'

'If you say so. Personally I much prefer riding with a saddle.' Bel stepped over to him asking for a pat and he obliged then turned back to Maddie. 'I was just wondering if Stella was home. She uh… seemed a little off earlier at school this afternoon. Just wanted to check on her, you know.'

'She's with Dad right now, they went to go spend some time together.' Maddie replied. 'I can let her know you stopped by.'

'Thanks. I'd appreciate that.'

'So, you didn't drop by just to see me then?' She asked teasingly.

'Well I-uh-'

'It's alright. I'm just teasing you.' Maddie chuckled, giving Bel a hug. 'So, how's things been? I've been meaning to message you but with well… everything… I just haven't had a chance.'

'I'm good. The two horses and the goat are good too so you can let Edna know that. Rocky's wound is all healed up now.'

'That's good.' Silence fell for a moment as Colton stroked Bel's neck. 'How are your parents? They still talking divorce?'

'I uh… Things… aren't that great in that department.'

'Oh… I'm sorry for asking.'

'No, no it's okay. It's just… well… getting used to the idea that my parents might split and all.'

Maddie nodded sympathetically. 'I understand.'

'What about you though? How are things around here?'

'We're getting there. It's better now that Mawline is home.'

'How is she doing?' Colton questioned with concern. 'I would have come over to visit but I wasn't sure if that would be a good idea or not...'

'She's a lot better now, still has to take it easy for a little while yet but yeah. She's okay.'

'That's good to hear.'

'I've been meaning to thank you and your Dad for that load of wood you dropped off for us. That was one less thing to worry about.'

'Don't mention it, we were happy to lend a hand. That's what neighbors are for, right? Besides, the amount of times you've helped us with Rocky we were only returning the favor.' Bel nuzzled at his jacket pockets and he pushed her nose away gently. 'I don't have anything for you.'

'You are too nosy my girl.' Maddie chuckled. 'Come on, I'll grab you a treat.'

'How is Bel's training coming along?' He asked as the two of them headed towards the mare's pasture.

'Well, we beat you in a race-'

'Only cause you had a head start!' Colton pointed out with a laugh.

'You snooze, you lose.' She winked at him mischievously. 'But no, we're doing great. I still haven't used a saddle or bridle on her, I've just been working on training her bareback and with the halter so far. I'm really happy how she's doing.'

'And your mustang for the makeover?'

'Slow ly getting there. I know I've had her a week already and I still haven't touched her yet but I wanted to lay the proper foundation with her before doing anything else with her. I'm trying a few different things compared to the way I started Bel and well… with me still having to help around the house and such I haven't had much time to be able to work with her anyway.'

They came to the pasture and Maddie turned Bel loose, the mare kicking her heels up and playing around as they closed the gate. 'I've been looking at some of the other trainers in the challenge-' Colton commented as they went over to the shelter in the pasture. 'A few have already had their first rides.'

At that, Maddie let out a soft sigh. 'I know… I've been following them too. I'm the only one who hasn't touched my mustang yet, let alone ride…' Her voice trailed off as they walked into the feed room and she took a couple sugar cubes from the box. 'I know what I want to do with Dakota but at the same time; well, I mean, compared to the other trainers…'

'Maddie, you train your mustang the way you want to train her. Don't doubt yourself and don't compare yourself to the other trainers.'

She smiled at his advice. 'I know, I know. I am trying but yeah… I think I need to stop looking at what everyone else is doing.' They went back to the pasture and putting her fingers in her lips she let out a shrill whistle. Bel's head shot up and the mare galloped back over to them. 'There you go girl.' She gave the mare one sugar cube then gave the other to Colton to give to her. 'I was going to try touching Dakota and taking her tag off this afternoon. You could come watch if you like.'

'Sure.' He gave the mare a rub on her forehead as Bel munched away on the sugar cube then the two of them made their way over to where Dakota was penned. 'She looks smaller than Bel. He remarked upon seeing her. 'How tall is she?'

'14.1. Bell is 16.2 so yeah, big difference.' Maddie replied. Dakota lifted her head to look at them as they walked over and after the mare had thought about it for a moment, took two curious steps in their direction. After placing her phone up to record a clip for her vlog, she turned to Colton. 'Wish me luck.'

He smiled, wishing her luck and she entered the mares pen. Dakota tossed her head, sniffing the air and took another step towards her. 'Hey Dakota. Hello.' She spoke softly to her for a little while then started working with her again. Just with her body language she had taught the mare how to do simple liberty movements, the mare being able to do turns on both the fore and hind quarters, side-passes and the beginning stages of circles. With teaching the mare these things she had also taught her how to lead without even needing to put a lead rope or halter on. While there were things she used that she took from training Bel she also had decided to follow her instincts and just go with what felt right for the mare.

Dakota was eager and willing to work with her once they got going and Maddie did a few different things before she decided she'd go about taking that first touch. The mare extended her nose towards her as she reached to pat her and she let her have a good sniff at her hand before withdrawing it again. Curious, the mare walked a step closer, reaching out to sniff her again.

Maddie stood motionless though wore a grin on her face as Dakota closely investigated her, the mare's curious nature being clearly visible. Once she had finished sniffing her the mare nudged her gently with her nose then pulled back, snorting softly. When she didn't move Dakota stepped forward once more then began to rub her head against her chest.

'Well hello…' Maddie didn't want to discourage the mare's curiosity and while she wouldn't normally let a horse get away with invading her space, it felt okay to let Dakota learn that she could touch a human without needing to be afraid. 'Am I your scratching post hey?'

A moment longer and Dakota stopped, their eyes meeting. 'Hello Dakota.' She said gently, her hand slowly going to the mare's cheek. 'We going to be friends now, you and me?'

Dakota didn't so much as flinch as she finally stroked her for the first time, Maddie's race radiant with happiness. When she withdrew her hand the mare stepped forward again, nudging at her hand and her smile grew. 'You would like more, hey?' She questioned and as she gave the mare more pats she could feel and see the mare was quiet and comfortable with the touch.

Happy with how she was progressing she decided she would take that next step and attempt to get the tag from off the mare's neck. Speaking softly and calmly she moved to the mare's side, patting and reassuring her. Dakota couldn't care less about what she was doing, standing quietly to let her remove the tag.

Once the tag was taken off her neck, Maddie knew it was time to call it a day and not push her luck any further. As she headed to the gate Dakota followed along at her shoulder and she gave her one last pat on the neck before she stepped out of the yard.

'That was amazing Maddie.' Colton stated as she headed back over to him, taking her phone down from off the stand. 'You really have a way with horses.'

She felt her cheeks warm a little at his compliment. 'Thanks Colton. I've just got to get her fed and watered for the night now, would you like to come up to the house after? I know August would like to see you, he's been bored out of his brain with that broken collarbone slowing him down.'

'Yeah, yeah, alright. Would you like me to help with anything?'

'Just grabbing her hay would be great. Thanks.'

When Dakota had been tended to for the evening, Maddie and Colton headed up to the house. Abeline was in the kitchen when they walked in and if she was surprised to see Colton, she didn't show it. 'Afternoon Colton.'

'Mrs. Walker.' He replied politely. 'Is August around?'

'He's over at the piano working on something. Just through there.' She motioned down the hallway. 'Are either of you hungry? I can whip up some nachos-'

Colton went to refuse but Maddie was quick to speak up. 'You've got to try Mawline's nachos, she makes the best I've ever tasted.'

'If you say so then I guess I'll have some, as long as it's not too much trouble.'

'No trouble at all.' Abeline smiled.

'Would you like some help?' Maddie questioned. 'I mean, you have been on your feet a lot today-'

'Maddie, I'm fine.' She assured her. 'Go on, I'm sure August would appreciate the extra input.'

They headed over to August and Maddie stayed with them for a moment then realized she hadn't checked Bel's water or given her hay for the night. Excusing herself she quickly hurried back out to go and tend to her and on her way back, grabbed the clothes off the line to help Abeline out. As she walked back into the house she could hear someone playing the piano, Abeline starting to sing along to the song.

'Woah, y-you know this song?' Colton questioned with surprise. 'I didn't think that was a thing. My Mom used to sing that to me.'

'That makes sense. Marv used- uh, your grandfather,' she corrected herself. 'Used to sing it. Must be a family song.'

'Can you say anything more about that? I mean, I didn't hear too much about y'all until we talked about moving here. And once Austin came up, all I heard about were the Walkers and well… everything. Kind of made you guys sound like supervillains if I'm being real. Like, my Dad hadn't even met you guys and he was amped to hate you.'

'Yeah…' August frowned as he got up from the piano. 'What was up with that?'

'Well, his family was crap from what I hear, it was part of why they adopted me. They just wanted to do right by someone else.'

'I didn't know that.' Abeline remarked.

'I mean-' Colton continued. 'I'm sure you guys think my dad's a di- well, a jerk or whatever. It's just been a little rough, moving. And when we got here, my parents had started talking divorce.'

'I can't imagine it's been easy. Colton… whatever has passed between our families it's clear that your parents are good people, judging how you turned out.'

'Thank you, Mrs. Walker.'

'Abeline.' She smiled. 'Now who's ready for some nachos?'

Maddie was sitting on the couch working on a new video to upload to Dakota's Facebook page that night when she heard the sound of a truck pulling into the drive. Cordell had missed dinner, Stella having been brought home by Brett and he'd told them what had happened earlier that day. While things weren't exactly back to normal she looked forward to having Uncle Liam home…

As they came through the front door, Maddie was there to greet them. 'Hey Uncle Liam…'

'Hey kiddo.' Liam smiled, returning the hug that the teen gave him. 'How have you been?'

'I've been okay.' She replied as she pulled back, looking up at him. 'I'm glad you're home.'

'Me too Maddie-'

'Liam…' Abeline started, having come into the room upon hearing them come in.

'Hey Mama.' She gave him a hug too and he embraced her back. 'Look, I'm sorry I didn't come back earlier-'

'It's alright.' She interrupted gently. 'You're here now. That's what matters.'

'How have you been? How are you feeling?'
'I'm alright now…'

Maddie turned to her father as Abeline and Liam headed into the kitchen, the two of them deep in conversation. 'You-you and Uncle Liam good now?'

'Yeah… Yeah we are.' He replied with a nod, turning to his daughter. 'Now where's my hug?'

She laughed and gave him a hug, looking up at him as he hugged her back. 'We saved you dinner. I even made up some brownies for dessert with extra chocolate chips, just the way you like them.'

'You did?'

'Yep.' Maddie nodded. 'They're on the bench waiting for you.'

'Well I guess I had better go try some…'

He gave her a kiss on the head then headed into the kitchen, Maddie standing with a smile on her face by the front door. Everything was alright in her world once more. Uncle Liam was home and it looked like her Dad had made things right with him. Still beaming with happiness she went back over to her laptop to finish off her video to upload. As long as no more bombshells got dropped on them she hoped things would be a lot easier from now on.