Here we are, Cassie's introduction! Alright, I'm gonna admit, I absolutely love Cassie. I liked Micki but Cassie, man, she's awesome I love the way she just annoys Cordell without even trying and their first meeting was absolutely electric. (See what I did there 😉)

Anyway, obvious dialogue credit goes to Season 2, Episode 10, Nudge. One of my favorite episodes of season 2. Enjoy

And as always, drop me a vote and a comment or two. Those really help keep me motivated to bring you more chapters.

A soft wind was blowing the long grass lazily as Maddie sat with Bel beneath the big oak tree at the entrance to the Walker ranch. Bel grazed contentedly in the shade not far from her, the mare completely tack-less and able to run off if she so wished but instead chose to keep close to her. A slight smile was on her lips as she watched the mustang graze, twiddling a long blade of grass between her fingers. It was nice to just be out with her doing nothing. Taking a break from training and having a moment to relax for a change.

With having rung Minnie Jayne the day before to decline her offer, she felt like a weight had been lifted from off her shoulders. She was content with the decision she had made, feeling that it was the right choice to make. That kind of life, being in the spotlight and being famous; that wasn't what she wanted. All she wanted was right here. On this ranch. She didn't need anything more.

Colton.

The thought of him brought warmth to her cheeks and butterflies to her stomach. He had been so kind and understanding when she'd poured out her heart to him on that trail ride yesterday evening. It hadn't been right keeping her past and her problems to herself especially if Colton wanted to become more than just friends down the track. He had deserved to know she came with her problems and she had been afraid that in bearing herself, her scars and secrets, he might have decided to run but she was so thankful that wasn't the case.

Her phone vibrated as a message came through and she pulled it from her pocket, smiling.

Thinking of you. Hope you're doing better today.

I am. She wrote back to him quickly snapping a photo of Bel grazing to add to the message. Taking a break from training my girls to relax. Hope your day is going well too.

After hitting send she returned her phone to her pocket and wrapped her arms around her knees, hugging them tight to her chest as she gazed out over the landscape. So far, no one knew about her and Colton exploring the possibility of being an item and with everything going on between the two families, that seemed to be what was best. Only that morning she had overheard a discussion between Liam and Cordell about the property line, how the map that had been found in the wall didn't line up with the map at the county office. That they were living on Davidson land…

A gray land rover coming up the road caught her attention, Maddie standing as the vehicle turned into their driveway. Bel lifted her head and snorted at the interruption, the teen quickly going over to her to calm her. 'Ssssh… It's okay.' She assured her, a hand on the mare's neck. 'It's just another truck.'

The vehicle came to a stop and the window rolled down. 'I'm looking for the Walker ranch.' The woman in the driver's seat said. 'Is this the right place?'

Maddie nodded. 'Yes ma'am. You are?'

'Cassandra Perez. Call me Cassie.'

'Maddie Walker.' She replied with a smile. 'Are you here to look at a horse? I didn't think my Grampa had anyone coming by today.'

'No, no. I'm here for the ranch hand position. Saw the ad in the paper and thought instead of ringing I'd just drop by.'

'Well, if you'd like to follow me-' Maddie sprung up onto the mare's back in one fluid motion, not noticing the look of surprise on her face. 'I'll show you up to the ranch house. My Grandfather is away at the moment but my Grandmother should be around to speak with.'

'Much appreciated.'

With a gentle touch of her heels Bel jumped into a slow lope and Maddie led the way up the drive around to the house. Motioning for Cassie to park behind Abeline's car she brought the mare to a stop and slid off her back then led her over to the hitching post to tie her up with the lead rope and halter she'd left there.

'That was some pretty fancy riding.' Cassie remarked as she closed the door behind her, walking over to the girl as she haltered her mare. 'No tack. That takes guts.'

'And good communication with your horse.' She replied with a smile, giving Bel a pat before motioning for her to follow her. 'Mawline-' She called out as she opened the front door. 'You in here?'

'Coming.' Abeline replied from the living room, picking up her handbag on her way through.

'This is Cassie Perez.' Maddie introduced when her grandmother had come in. 'Cassie, my grandma Abeline.'

'I'm here about the ranch hand position ma'am.' Cassie explained. 'But it looks like you were just about to head out.'

'I was but Maddie-' She turned to her granddaughter. 'You could show her around. You know what needs to be done.'

'Sure.' She nodded. 'I can do that.'

'I won't be long. I should be back before you finish though if I'm not, it's nice to meet you Cassie.'

'Likewise.' Cassie agreed, moving aside to let her out the door.

'Would you like something to drink?' Maddie offered. 'I need to grab something myself before we head back out.'

'Water would be just fine. Thank you.'

Leading her into the kitchen she grabbed two glasses from the cupboard and a jug of cold water from the fridge, pouring Cassie one before she filled another for herself.

'So, what do you guys run here?' Cassie questioned as the girl handed her a glass. 'Angus, longhorn?'

'Grampa has about a thousand Angus but we've got the odd longhorn around.' She replied, filling the jug from the sink before returning it to the fridge. 'He raises Quarter horses too. We've got close to two hundred of those. Some used for work here on the ranch, some training to be sold and the rest mainly live out on the range almost year round.'

'That mare you were riding, she doesn't look much like a quarter horse to me.'

Maddie chuckled, placing her glass down on the island bench. 'If she was one, she'd be a pretty funny looking one. No. She's a Spanish mustang from a herd an old gentleman let run on his ranch. She was wild when I got her, I've only had her for maybe… I don't know… Four, five months? Maybe a bit longer. I haven't really kept track to be honest.'

'And you ride her without tack?'

'Yep.'

'That's amazing.'

'Just trust and proper communication.' Maddie replied as she placed her empty glass into the dishwasher then added in Cassie's when she'd finished. 'Shall we get started on the tour?'

Abeline was finished with her short trip down the road much earlier than expected, joining Maddie and Cassie when she returned. Maddie's first impression of her was that she rather liked her but she sure wasn't a ranch hand. It hadn't taken long for Abeline to figure that one out either when she'd joined in on the tour and Maddie wondered what exactly the woman was doing there. It was helpful though having an extra set of hands with the chores though and for once this week, both Abeline and Maddie were finished before dark.

'Wow, that's one hell of a spread.' Cassie exclaimed as they returned to the house, heading in through the back door..

'Well, I'm sorry you didn't get the full tour-' Abeline apologized. 'But you came in kind of late, so…' She was surprised to see Liam already at work in the kitchen. 'Oh. Liam. I didn't realize you got home early.'

'Yeah Mama, I thought I'd cook dinner for you since Dad's out of town. Sorry-' He turned to the woman standing between Abeline and Cassie. 'I-I'm being rude. I'm Liam.'

'Cassandra.' She replied as she shook his hand. 'And I know who you are. I voted for you for D.A. It's a shame you didn't win. That new D.A?' She shook her head.

'Uh… Well… I have some pots on the stove right now, but it was very nice to meet you. And I hope to see you around.'

'Likewise.'

'Maddie-' She looked up as her uncle addressed her. 'Would you like to give me a hand?'

'Sure Uncle Liam. Just let me clean up first. I stink of horse right now.'

'Was that what I could smell when you walked in-'

Maddie playfully punched him on the shoulder on her way past, encouraging chuckles from the three of them. 'I won't be long.'

'Don't be.'

'I won't.' She promised with a laugh. Bubbles woke from her nap as she walked into her room and she gave her a pat then gathered a change of clean clothes and headed for the bathroom. A short while later she emerged again, dumping her dirty clothes in the laundry hamper on her way. Her cat danced around her ankles as she walked back up the hallway and she picked her up, giving her a kiss on the head.

'And who's this little cutie?' Cassie questioned as Maddie walked in with a black cat in her arms.

'Bubbles.' She replied with a smile. 'She doesn't really like strangers.' She remarked as Cassie began to scratch under her chin. To her surprise, Bubbles began to purr loudly.

'Yeah-' She agreed with amusement. 'I can see that.'

'You're making me out to be a liar, my girl.' Maddie chuckled and gave her another kiss before placing her back on the ground. 'You know the deal. Dinner after we eat. Go on.'

Bubbles didn't seem to get the memo, rubbing against her legs while meowing loudly.

'Come here Bubbles.' Cassie crouched down, offering her fingers to the cat to sniff. 'We going to be friends, hey?' A moment later Bubbles allowed herself to be picked up and she gave the cat another scratch beneath her chin.

'That cat isn't the easiest one to win over.' Abeline remarked, seeing how Bubbles had taken to her.

'Looks like you got her tick of approval.' Maddie agreed. 'So, you're gonna be sticking around to work for us?'

'Not entirely.' She turned to Maddie. 'I think we can both agree that I'd make a lousy ranch hand.'

She laughed. 'You said it. Not me. So why are you here?'

'Being perceptive and straight to the point seems to run in this family.' Cassie commented to Abeline who just chuckled, gathering the cutlery to set out the table. 'I'm a Texas Ranger.'

'Ah. Let me guess.' She didn't bother setting her straight on the fact she was adopted. 'You might be my Dad's new partner?'

'You're on the money. That is, if Cordell will get over what happened today.'

Liam raised an eyebrow. 'I take it that your first meeting with him didn't go too well, considering you came here under the guise of being a ranch hand.'

'Not as well as it could have gone, I will grant you that. It might have involved a stolen vehicle and said Texas Ranger being tasered and put into the trunk of a Bently.'

'Oh poor Dad!' Maddie was the first to exclaim, both Abeline and Liam having a good chuckle at that. 'No wonder he's cross with you then! I know those things hurt like hell. It ain't fun being hit by one as a seven year old me found out once.'

'How did that happen?' Abeline wondered out loud.

'Next door neighbors kid. His mother was a cop and he thought it would be a good idea to play cops and robbers with his mom's spare taser while she was out at work.' She explained. 'Next thing I know is I'm on the ground and man, it hurts so yes. I can sympathize with Dad on this one.'

Liam glanced around from the pot he was stirring. 'How on earth did you manage to get him into the trunk of a Bentley though?'

'It was a tight squeeze I'll admit.' Bubbles was purring loudly, rubbing her head against her chest. 'But it was a case of mistaken identity that caused the whole thing in the first place.'

'Well, it might take awhile.' Maddie said with a smile, watching how her cat was interacting with Cassie. 'But Dad will come around. He might appear to be all bark and bite but deep down he's loyal and good. It just takes a little bit to get to know him and if you make it through the next couple of days without him biting your head off, you'll be good to go.'

'Thanks Maddie.' Cassie replied, still petting the cat in her arms. 'I'll keep that in mind.'

'Alright then-' Maddie turned her attention to the kitchen. 'What can I do to help?'

Maddie was gathering the cutlery for the table a little while later with Liam when they heard Cordell come in through the front door, engrossed in conversation with Geri.

'Hey, Geri. Cordi.' Liam greeted as he placed another plate down at the table. 'Don't you check your texts?'

'I… uh…'

'Hey Dad.' Maddie greeted, walking in with the knives and forks. 'Hi Geri.'

'Hey baby girl.' He smiled as she gave him a hug. 'How was your day?'

'Better then how yours went I hear.'

'Oh, so you heard about your Dad's electric day at the office then?' Geri questioned with surprise.

'As a matter of fact-' Liam started with a smirk. 'We have.'

'H-how did you hear?' Cordell questioned. 'Did-did James tell you?'

'I did.' Cassie spoke up, walking in from the kitchen Bubbles still contentedly snuggled up in her arms. Awkward silence fell and she turned to the woman standing beside Cordell and introduced herself. 'Cassie. You must be Geri.'

'Yes.' Geri replied as she shook her hand. 'Yes, hi.'

'Abby was just telling me all about you.'

'Cassie-' Cordell was not amused to say the least. 'hey, you, uh, you mind if we, if we talked? Just-just the two of us. Alone. That way?'

'Okay.' She agreed. 'Maddie, I'll give this little one back to you now.'

'Remember what I said about him being all bark and bite.' She said softly as the Ranger handed her back her cat. 'Good luck.'

'Thanks.' Cassie turned back to Geri. 'So nice to meet you.'

'Nice to meet you too.' Geri replied as Cassie headed on through to the living room.

'Nice to meet you.' Cordell repeated to her snappily.

'Give her a chance.' Geri replied firmly. 'Go.'

Maddie chuckled softly, rubbing her cheek against her cat's head as Cordell followed after Cassie. 'I think Cassie's gonna drive Dad nuts.'

'Yeah, he sure was spitting chips about her earlier.' Geri agreed with her. 'Alright, anything I can do to help?'

'I think we're pretty much all set here.' Liam replied as Abeline brought in another plate of food to place onto the table. 'Maddie, would you set an extra place?'

'Sure.' Maddie placed her cat back on the floor and returned to the kitchen as Liam and Geri began to talk. Washing her hands, she dried them on a towel then grabbed an extra plate from the cupboard and was taking it back to the table when Cordell returned to the dining room.

'Ah, I'm sorry but I-I gotta run. Work stuff.' He apologized. 'Don't wait dinner for me. Sorry Geri.'

'No, no, it's fine.' She assured him. 'Go.'

'Be safe Dad.' Maddie added as he started for the door. 'Love you.'

'Love you too Mads.'

'And be nice to Cassie.' She shouted down the hallway. 'I like her.'

'I'll keep that in mind.' Was Cordell's reply then the front door closed after him.

'Well-' Abeline spoke up as she placed the last dish down in the middle of the table. 'Shall we get started then?'

A gentle knock sounded on Maddie's door, the teen glancing up from the book she was reading as the door opened a crack. 'Hey Dad.' She smiled. 'Come to tuck me in?'

'I-I saw your light on. You should be asleep young lady.' He replied, sitting down on the bed beside her. Bubbles got up from sleeping beside his daughter and padded over to him to request attention. With a soft chuckle he gave the cat some pats as she sat down on his lap. 'It's pretty late.'

'Couldn't sleep.' She said with a soft sigh. 'Haven't been able to sleep much the past week.'

'Any-anything bothering you?'

'Been reading through these.' She motioned down to the leather bound book beside her.

'Your mom's journals?'

Maddie nodded. 'Minnie Jayne offered me the chance to become a country singer the night of the open mic-'

'R-really? That's great honey. Why-why didn't you mention anything before now though?'

'Because I couldn't make up my mind, hence I started searching for any words of wisdom in Mama's entries.' She rested her head back against the headboard of her bed. 'I turned her down.'

'You turned her down?' Cordell questioned with surprise. 'Why? You-you have talent Maddie. It's not every day something like that comes along.'

'I decided there's things more important in life than being famous.' She chuckled softly as Bubbles placed her front paws on her Dad's shoulders so she could headbutt his chin. 'Things like family. Being in the spotlight, touring around the country; that's not what I want. I have everything I could ever need right here. I don't need the praise of anyone else. As long as I make you proud, that's all that matters to me.'

Cordell smiled, gently pushing the cat away from his face. 'You-you know I am proud of you, don't you?'

'I know. It's part of why I was able to say no. I don't have to prove myself to you, not like how it was with my father. And well… Reading through Mama's journals shed a different light on who she was. Who I thought she was. That-' She paused, biting her lip for a moment. 'That's been part of what's been keeping me up at night. Thinking about her. Mama… Mama wasn't happy. Things happened in her life and I've found answers to questions I've had for a long time reading through her entries. I just… It's hard, you know. Thinking you know a person then to find out who you thought they were and who they really were being two different things.'

He nodded in understanding. 'It-it doesn't have to change the way you feel about your Mom though. I know she was special to you. Don't let what you found out through reading those journals change what she means to you.'

'Yeah… I guess at least now though I understand things better.' She replied after a moment, looking back at him. 'Like how she ended up with a guy like my father. I'm just… I'm just glad in a way that it's over. That I don't have to deal with the consequences of her choices anymore.'

'And are you happy here?'

'I am. I'm trying to move forward, not let the past define who I become. Speaking of which-' Maddie wanted to change the subject. 'How did things go with work this evening? With Cassie?'

Cordell sighed heavily.

She raised an eyebrow. 'That good, eh?'

'She-she's just…' He shook his head. 'It was hard enough changing partners before with Micki and then she left and… I don't even know why I'm saying this to you.'

Maddie laughed softly. 'For what it's worth, I like Cassie and so does Bubbles and you know she doesn't take to new people easily. I know she isn't Micki but give her a chance Dad.'

'You know… Geri said something almost exactly along those lines earlier.'

'If Geri and I've both said it then maybe you should listen to us.'

'I'll think about it, alright? But right now, you young lady,' He picked up the journal and placed it aside onto the bedside table. 'need to get some sleep.'

'Alright, alright.'

'Squiggle down under the covers.'

'Dad, I'm not five.' She giggled softly.

'I know.' Cordell smiled at her as she pulled the blankets and quilts up beneath her chin. 'You've grown up so much these past few months. Won't be long before you fly the nest and forget all about dear old Dad.'

'That's never going to happen. I'll always come home to you, this place. This is home. It's where I belong.'

He smiled again, pressing a kiss to her forehead as he smoothed back her hair. 'Sweet dreams honey. Love you.'

'I love you more.'

'What seems to be the matter, Maddie girl?' Abeline questioned as the girl uttered her thousandth sigh since sitting down at the piano.

'I'm trying to come up with something for Stella and I to sing together for Dad at his birthday party and I just…' Her grandmother sat down beside her at the piano. 'I can't seem to come up with something good.'

'Well, why don't I take a look? I'm not as great at songwriting as you are but maybe I could give you some ideas.'

'Alright. Sure.' She handed her the music book from off the top of the piano and Abeline began to look it over.

A knock sounding on the door interrupted their quiet discussion, Abeline handing her back the book as she stood up. 'I wonder who that is.'

'Might be Cassie coming back for the ranch hand position.' Maddie remarked with a chuckle, the two of them heading over to the front door. 'I wonder how she and Dad are getting along.'

'Cordell sure won't make it easy on her.'

'I guess she does kinda deserve that, considering she did taser him and shove him inside the trunk.'

'Yeah.' Abeline's chuckle was abruptly cut off as she opened the door, seeing who it was standing there. 'Gale.'

'Abby.'

'I-Is everything all right?' She questioned.

Gale shook her head. 'No.'

'Do you want to come in?'

'Abby, it takes a lot for me to come here.'

'Well, it takes a lot for me to invite you in, but here we are.'

Maddie looked between the two women then brushed her hand against Abeline's to catch her attention. 'I'm just… I'm gonna head out to the barn to go work on this song.'

'Alright honey. I'll give you a hand with it later.'

She smiled. 'Thanks. See you, Mrs. Davidson.'

Gale nodded at her. 'Maddie.'

Slipping back over to the piano she glanced over again at Abeline and Gale as the two of them walked on into the kitchen. Why did she get the feeling that things were about to get very messy and unpleasant between her family and the Davidson's?

And the hard thing was both she and Colton were stuck right in the middle of the feud.