Maddie was brushing Bel down after having given the mare a good workout, humming away softly as she worked. A couple days had passed since Cassie's little visit out to the ranch and Cordell's birthday party was only a few days away. With Abeline's help, she'd finally managed to put together a decent song for Cordell and having that done was a huge load off her shoulders.

'All right my girl…' She finished grooming her and placed a light cotton turnout rug onto her back, fastening it in place and while she did so, saw Stella coming over to her out of the corner of her eye. 'Hey sis.'

'Hey.' Stella replied. 'Mawline said you wanted to see me?'

'Ah yep. Just wanted to check in with the Walker party planner about how things are going with Dad's surprise.'

'Don't you worry.' She chuckled softly. 'I have it all under control.'

'You don't need help with anything? I mean, I want this to be perfect-'

Stella shook her head. 'Everything is handled. Believe me. The only thing that hasn't been sorted out is our little item for Dad.'

'Correction.' Maddie buckled up the neck rug and belly straps then untied the mare and turned her loose into the paddock. Bel ambled off to join Dakota grazing a little ways away and she hung the halter and lead rope up on the gate before walking out. 'Mawline and I finished it off this morning. It's up at the house. I think it's pretty good but I'll get your opinion too.'

'I'm probably not the best person to be asking advice from about songwriting.' She replied as they started up to the house, Maddie beginning to rub her temples again. 'You okay?'

'Yeah, just another headache. I'm fine.'

'You've been having a lot of those lately.' Stella frowned. 'You only had one yesterday-'

'I slept wonky last night, gave myself a crook neck.' Maddie brushed off her concern. 'Have you invited Cassie along to the party?'

'I hadn't even thought about that to be honest with everything else-'

'Don't stress. I'll give her a call later and invite her.'

'Alright.' Stella nodded. 'So… I've noticed Colton has been dropping by a bit more.' She started after a moment. 'Something going on there between you two?'

Her cheeks warmed a little. 'M-maybe… I don't know. We're just friends at the moment but there could be something there.'

'I knew it!' Stella exclaimed with a laugh. 'So, when will you two make it official?'

'Stella...' Maddie sighed heavily. 'I honestly don't know if this is even a good idea. I mean, with everything going on between our families lately… Gale came to see Mawline the other day and when she left, she didn't look happy. Neither did Mawline for that matter. But enough of that. What about you and Todd?'

She smiled. 'Yeah. We're going out together.'

'That's great! Now we just need to find someone for August…'

'He's been talking to Faye but I don't think that'll go anywhere.' Stella opened the back door, holding it open for Maddie to walk through after her. 'Time will tell I guess.'

'Mmmhmm.' Maddie closed the door then as the smell of fresh baked sticky buns reached her nose, she smiled. 'Smells like there's something good cooking.'

'I wondered how long it would take for you to come in when you smelled what's in the oven.' Abeline remarked as Stella and Maddie came into the kitchen. 'They'll be another ten to fifteen minutes.'

'I guess I can wait that long.' Maddie replied. 'Dad home?'

'Not yet.'

'Good. We can get some practice in with that song before he does then.' She turned to Stella. 'You okay with that?'

'Sure, I guess.' Stella agreed. 'August should be around somewhere too. I'll go find him.'

'Right.' Maddie swiped a piece of carrot from off the chopping board to nibble on. 'I'll be at the piano.'

'You thought about what you want to do for your birthday yet?' Abeline questioned as she added potatoes into the pot on the stove. 'It's just over a couple months away.'

'Ugh… Don't remind me.'

She chuckled. 'We all have to get older, Maddie. It's just a fact of life.'

'I know, I know… It's just the mustang finals are the week after and the nerves are beginning to start.'

'Ah.' She nodded in understanding. 'Have you thought about what you'd like to do though? I mean, sixteen is a pretty important birthday.'

'I'd be satisfied with a trail ride here and a picnic to be honest.' She shrugged as Abeline returned to the island bench, Maddie helping herself to a piece of mushroom as she chopped them up. 'I've never had a birthday party.'

'You've never had a birthday party?'

She shook her head. 'Mama never had the money for anything like that and besides, I never had anyone to invite even if I wanted one. I didn't have friends when I was little. Haven't got many people I'd invite to a party now either so yeah. A picnic with family would suit me just fine. Besides,' She added, nibbling away on another bit of carrot. 'you guys are already going to be spending a bit of money on me anyway with adding that extension on the farmhouse.'

'Maddie-' Stella called out from the hallway. 'You coming?'

Maddie grabbed another couple slices of carrot much to Abeline's amusement. 'Yep. Yep. I'm coming.'

'What are you working on, Maddie girl?' Cordell questioned as he came over to her, his daughter seated on the couch with her laptop.

'Nothing much.' She replied with a smile, Cordell taking a seat beside her. 'Just schoolwork. It can wait.' She closed the laptop up and placed it down on the coffee table, Cordell placing an arm around her as she snuggled up next to him. 'How are you and Cassie getting along?'

'We-we're getting there.'

'That's good. I like Cassie.'

'I'm glad to hear she's got your approval. Not that I need it of course.'

Maddie chuckled softly. 'She won my approval the moment Bubbles began smooching her. That cat is a better judge of character than most people I know.' She looked up at him. 'So, how was your day?'

'Good-good. Cassie-Cassie and I went rock climbing before our shift.'

'That sounds like fun. I've never done that before.'

'Maybe I'll take you there sometime.'

'Sure. I'd like that.' Her head rested against Cordell's shoulder as she stared into the fire.

Cordell looked down at his daughter. 'You've been unusually cuddly today. Something wrong?'

'Hugs make me feel better.' She replied simply. 'You don't mind, do you?'

'No-no, not at all. You aren't feeling well?'

'Another headache.' Maddie replied with a soft sigh. 'I think I need to get a different pillow. I keep waking up with a sore neck then the headache comes later.'

'We-we might need to get you checked out then if it keeps up-'

'No doctors.' She replied firmly. 'It's nothing. I'll get Mawline to take me shopping sometime this week and find a better pillow. So-' She glanced up at him again. 'you looking forward to your birthday? Have you been wondering what I've got you?'

'I might have given it a passing thought.'

'Only a passing thought?' She yawned softly. 'You going to give me any clues about what you're gonna get me for my birthday?'

Cordell smiled, giving her a kiss on the head. 'You'll just have to wait till your birthday to find out.'

'That's no fun.'

'Unless you want to tell me what you've gotten me…'

'Dad.' Maddie giggled. 'That's so not fair. You know I can't do that.'

'Take it or leave it.'

'I guess I'll leave it. You've only got a couple more days to wait anyway.' She yawned softly then glanced over at the clock on the wall. 'I think that's my cue to head to bed. You gonna come tuck me in?'

'Sure. I'll just be a moment. I want to speak with Mama. You-you go on now. I'll be along in a moment.'

'Alright.'

Maddie left, Cordell watching the fire for a passing moment after she had gone then stood and headed into the kitchen where his mom was packing lunches for Stella and August. 'Ma, h-has Maddie mentioned anything about her having headaches to you lately?'

'Maybe a couple times in passing.' She replied, glancing up from the bread she was buttering. 'Why?'

'N-no reason. I just… I might see about taking her into the doctor if they continue. Seems like she's been having a lot lately. That-that's all.'

Abeline frowned. 'Now that you mention it… She has said a few times lately that she's been having headaches. She did ask me this morning if I could take her shopping for a new pillow when I head into town next. You worried about her?'

Cordell shook his head. 'No, I don't think it's anything but if it keeps up, I'll take her in. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you'll let me know right?'

'Of course.'

'Okay Dad-' Maddie called from the hallway, dressed in her pajamas and with her cat in her arms. 'I'm ready for bed.'

'I've been summonsed.' He remarked, his mother chuckling as he left. 'Alright my girl-' He placed his arm around her shoulders, the two of them heading to her room. Maddie set her cat down on her bed then snuggled down beneath the covers, Cordell tucking her in with a kiss. 'Night.'

'Night Daddy.' She smiled as he headed for the door.

Cordell turned the light off as he walked out, closing the door behind him. 'Love you Maddie.'

'Love you more.' Came the soft reply from inside the room.

He smiled at that, returning back to the kitchen. 'Maddie seems to be doing better.' He remarked as he sat down at the island bench. 'She seems happier.'

'She's settling in. Finding her footing.' Abeline replied. 'You know it takes awhile for kids like her to settle in and adjust. I think she's been managing quite well, given the circumstances.'

'Yeah, yeah. Of course. She ah-she seems to have taken quite a shine to Cassie. Mentioned her again this evening.'

'That's good. What do you think of Cassie?'

'I-I think she's a good ranger. Whether or not us being partners turns out I guess we'll just have to wait and see…' He took a look at the clock, deciding it was time to head over to his own place. 'I better go see what Stella and Augie are up to. Night Ma.'

Abeline smiled as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. 'Night son.'

And in breaking news, a five year old girl has been missing in Hill Country State Park since this morning… Maddie paused shoveling up the shavings in the stall to listen to the news over the radio. Rose Young wandered away while camping out with her grandfather at the Coyote Canyon Campground and anyone situated in the vicinity is requested to inform authorities if they come across any sign of her. In addition to the local Search and Rescue teams, the Texas Rangers have also been brought in to assist in finding her…

The radio broadcaster continued on with a description of the child and when the news bulletin finished, Maddie returned to work mucking out the stable. Poor kid… She thought as she sprinkled down lime on the wet patches on the concrete to keep down the ammonia smell in the stall. Hope they find her…

'Anyone in here?'

A grin spread across her lips hearing Bonham's shout from out in the alleyway and she quickly dropped what she was doing to go see him. 'Grampa! You're back!'

Bonham chuckled as the teen gave him a warm hug. 'I take it you missed me then.'

'You know I always miss you when you go away.' She smiled, looking up at him. 'How did your trip go? Did you buy any new horses? Did you get to see that stud you were looking at?'

'Woah, woah, woah. One question at a time my girl.'

'Sorry.'

'Don't be, I like your enthusiasm but you could rein it in just a bit.'

'Just a little bit?' She questioned. 'I guess I can. So, how did it go?'

'It went well. We'll have three new broodmares dropped off Sunday and yes, I did get a chance to look at that stallion I've been interested in. I'll be sending over a couple mares to get serviced in a couple weeks.' He replied as Maddie stepped back. 'How have things been here?'

'Well, the barn's still standing and things have been running as smoothly as they can be with a limited number of ranch hands. Abeline can give you a better report than I can, I've been a bit preoccupied lately getting Dakota ready for the finals.' They began walking down the alleyway and Maddie went back into the stall she'd been working in to finish it off, Bonham leaning against the doorway as she worked. 'And Dad's finally got himself a new partner to work with.'

'Oh really? Funny, he didn't mention that over the phone when I spoke to him the other day.'

'Their first meeting was rather electrifying to say the least.'

'I can feel a story coming on…'

Maddie chuckled softly. 'Cassie, that's her name, tasered Dad and put him into the trunk of the stolen Bentley she'd been following.'

Bonham shook his head with amusement. 'Sounds like I've missed out on all the action. You met this Cassie?'

'Yep. She seems pretty good to me too. I like her. So does Bubbles.'

'Well for your cat to like her, she must be alright then.' He replied as Maddie began to shovel the straw bedding back over the concrete. 'I'll let you get back to work.'

'Alright.' She smiled up at him. 'Glad your back home Grampa.'

'Dad-' Maddie rose to greet Cordell as he walked through the front door, her father tiredly hanging his hat up on the hat rack. 'Oh Dad, you look exhausted.'

'I am.' He replied as she gave him a hug. 'Is there any dinner for me?'

She nodded. 'Mawline put a plate in the fridge for you. Come on, I'll heat it up.' She offered, Cordell following her into the kitchen. 'Stella and August have already headed over to the farmhouse. I thought I'd stay up and wait till you got home. I take it you guys haven't had any luck finding the girl?'

Cordell shook his head as he took a seat at the island bench. 'Still nothing. It's already been three days and there's no trace of her. It's like she just vanished.'

'I'm guessing you were in the saddle all day searching from how you look.' She remarked, pulling his supper from the fridge and placed the plate into the microwave to heat it up.

'Yeah and tomorrow will be another equally long day…' He said with a sigh, stretching his aching muscles. 'I hope we find her soon but there's just so much ground to cover. Even the dog teams haven't been able to find anything. The more time that goes by, the less chance we have of finding her or at least of finding her alive.'

Maddie nodded, mulling over what he had said. 'It's just a shame that the SAR here doesn't have a scent horse on their team. The ones I've been following up in Maine have found three missing hikers this week alone.' The microwave finished its cycle and she carefully pulled the plate out with a towel and placed it down on the bench. 'Dad-' She looked over at him as a thought came to mind. 'What if Bel and I joined the search? I mean, it'd be our first time in an actual search and rescue but Bel has been doing really well with her training. She found Uncle Liam hiding out in the scrub land in the back of the southern pasture last week and he didn't make it easy on us. Why not let us give it a try?'

'I uh… I don't know Maddie-'

'What have we got to lose?' She insisted. 'You just said it yourself that the more time that goes by, the less chance there is of finding her alive. If Bel and I don't find her then it won't change anything but if we did… Just-just give us a chance?'

Cordell thought about for a moment, his daughter's eyes pleading with him to give her and Bel a go. 'Alright, alright.' He threw his hands up in surrender, unable to stand the puppy eyes she was giving him. 'I'll go ring James now-' He stood, pulling his phone from his pocket. 'and see if he'll give the idea the all clear.'

Maddie nodded as her father left, hoping that the Captain would grant permission for her to join in the search. It wouldn't be easy on her or Bel but if there was even the faintest hope that they could find the little girl then she had to take it. Bel knew how to search and she was good at it even though it had only ever been under controlled circumstances. How she would go in an actual search though she was yet to find out. 'There's a first time for everything…' She reminded herself as she took off the plastic wrap covering her Dad's dinner so it could cool before he returned. Maybe it was fate that had led her to teach Bel how to find people for such a time as this.

'Alright-' Cordell started as he returned to the kitchen, slipping his phone back into his pocket. 'James has given the go ahead. You can join the search tomorrow. I will warn you though, it won't be easy-' Maddie nodded, paying close attention to what he was saying. 'You'll need to be up early to load Bel and everything you need to bring for her. We leave at seven so be ready before then.'

She nodded again. 'Understood sir.'

Maddie was up earlier than usual the next morning, the teen taking a couple of painkillers in an effort to curb the headache that was already beginning to start. Even though she had a new pillow to sleep on now it hadn't seemed to help at all though she hadn't mentioned to anyone about her headaches. They were only brought on by stress anyway and that was something she had plenty of as of late.

With the mustang makeover competition only a few weeks away now she had that to worry about, that and her performance the next evening at Cordell's surprise birthday party. She'd invited Cassie to come along and hoped that her Dad's new partner would show up. Stella had taken care of the rest of the details and everything else had been dealt with. She'd invited Colton to come along too and hoped no one would object to him joining them. After all, things were perhaps going to become serious between them after all…

After getting herself dressed and pulling her hair back into a braid she headed out into the quiet and dark house. Bonham and Abeline wouldn't be up for another good hour at least and she didn't wish to disturb them. Heading into the kitchen she contemplated grabbing a bowl of cereal for her breakfast but with the knots in her stomach, decided against it. She'd eat something later.

The cool morning air greeted her when she stepped out the back door, flashlight illuminating the way as she headed over to where Bel and Dakota were pastured. Both mares came over to the gate at her gentle whistle and she gave both of them a pat before giving them their morning meal. While the two mustangs ate she carried out the rest of her chores she needed to do with them then set about gathering together the gear she needed.

By the time she had gotten everything organized, the sun had just begun to rise. Cordell, after having Captain James agree to let her help with the search, had hooked up the two horse trailer to the back of his truck in preparation for their early morning. With her gear inside and a hay net organized to keep Bel amused for the hour-long trip, she headed back into the house.

Abeline was in the kitchen, still dressed in her pajamas as she walked in. 'Morning Mawline.'

'Morning Maddie.' She smiled at her, placing a sandwich into a plastic bag. 'You all set to go then?'

'Almost. Dad in yet?'

'Not yet-' Abeline glanced over at the clock. 'but he should be along any minute now. You eaten anything yet?'

'No. Don't feel really hungry right now to be honest.'

'You need to eat something.' She encouraged gently. 'You haven't been eating much lately.'

Maddie shrugged. 'I honestly haven't had an appetite.'

'Well at least take this along with you for the road.' She said as she tossed her an apple which the girl caught and placed in the pocket of her coat. 'I've about finished packing a lunch for you too. You'll need it out there.'

'Thank you. I appreciate it.'

'Mornin Maddie.'

'Morning Grampa.' She acknowledged as Bonham came in to grab his morning coffee.

'All set then?'

'Just waiting on Dad. I've got Bel ready to load but I didn't want to put her in the trailer till Dad is ready to leave.'

'Well good luck out there today.' Bonham opened the fridge to find the milk to add to his coffee. 'Hope you and Bel manage to find her.'

'I hope so too but with it being our first search, I don't want to get my hopes up.' She said, glancing up as she heard the back door open and close. A moment later, her father walked in. 'Ready to go Dad?'

'Yep.' Cordell replied. 'You?'

'Just been waiting on you.'

'Here's your lunch,' Abeline handed her a lunch bag. 'Cordell, make sure that Maddie eats it. She skipped breakfast this morning.'

'Oh… Skipping breakfast, are we now Maddie?'

She shrugged. 'Didn't feel hungry. Thank you Mawline. I will eat what you've packed me.'

'Here's one for you too son.' She passed him over the other one that had been sitting on the bench. 'Good luck. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and make sure you both put sunscreen on-'

'Yeah Mama, we know.' Cordell chuckled as he and Maddie started to the door. 'See you tonight.'

Maddie handed her lunch bag to him after they'd walked out. 'I've got everything loaded into the trailer except Bel. Can you put this in the truck while I go collect her?'

'Yeah, yeah. Sure.'

'Thanks.' She started to jog in the direction of Bel and Dakota's pasture. 'I won't be long!'

Bel and Dakota came back over to her at her whistle, Bel allowing herself to be caught with ease. Dakota called out after her as Maddie began leading the mustang away, Dakota pacing up and down the fence line. Bel whinnied back at her but didn't put up a fuss and allowed Maddie to lead her up to where Cordell was waiting for them.

Cordell already had the tailgate down as she approached and Bel walked straight into the trailer without hesitation. As Maddie secured the lead rope Cordell fastened the bum bar across behind the mare then the two of them closed up the tailgate. Bel didn't have a care in the world, the mare already well dug into her hay net. After taking a moment to carry out a light check and make sure they were all working, Maddie climbed into the truck and they were on their way.

'So-' Cordell started as they headed down the road, glancing over at his daughter. 'What's this about skipping breakfast? You know it's the most important meal of the day.'

'I just haven't felt hungry lately.' She replied honestly as she nibbled at the apple Abeline had given her.

'You aren't starving yourself again, are you?' He questioned after a pause.

Maddie looked at him. 'Dad, no. Honest. I just haven't wanted to eat breakfast lately. I don't know why. I just haven't. I've still been having lunch and dinner so there's no need to worry about me. I'm fine.'

'It's a father's job to worry about their daughters.'

'Yeah yeah. I know. Just like it's Mawline's job to concern herself with us putting sunscreen on. You did remember to bring some along right? You would have done well to use some yesterday. You kinda look like a boiled lobster.'

'Gees. Thanks Maddie.'

'Anytime Dad.' She giggled softly at his pretend offense to what she had said. 'Anytime.'