A pillow being thrown at her head was Maddie's start to the day, the teen rolling onto her stomach and pulled her pillow over her head. 'Go away Stella!'

'Come on, wakey wakey.' Stella teased as she came over to Maddie's bed. 'Don't make me tickle you…'

'Ugh… Fine.' She said with a groan, sitting up. 'Why on earth did I ever think that bunking with you was gonna be a good idea?'

'I know, don't you love it sis?'

Maddie rolled her eyes. 'That's one word for it. Should be a crime to be this happy this early in the morning.'

'Early?' Stella raised an eyebrow, glancing over at the clock. 'It's seven thirty Maddie. Oh, come on. Don't tell me the girl who used to start her day at five has found the beautiful thing of sleeping in.'

'That is exactly what I have found. Why I ever got up at five is beyond me.'

'Mmmhmm. Well, while you sit there and ponder that I'm going to go get some breakfast and get my butt to school.'

'Yeah yeah…' Maddie flopped back onto her bed as Stella bounced out the door. 'Five more minutes…'

Though she closed her eyes again, sleep wasn't coming back and she growled, punching her pillow. She'd been having a lovely dream too… Something about sticking prawns inside the curtain rods to stink the house out on the Davidson's? Maybe reading how people had gotten revenge on their ex's before bed wasn't such a good idea after all.

With sleep evading her she swung her legs over the bed and yawned loudly before she stood. A moment later she remembered that it was Friday. A good enough reason for Stella to be so happy. The weekend. Yay…

Her clothes were still mostly in suitcases and boxes but after a moment of looking around she managed to find an outfit that would make her appear half sensible for the day. They'd only stayed one night in the motel, Liam having been able to find them an air BnB to rent on Wednesday for them to stay in until they got something more permanent.

As luck would have it Briar Ridge was only a short twenty minute walk away which was good, the only downside to where they were being the size. It was tiny compared to their ranch house. With only three bedrooms too amongst seven people there wasn't much of a choice but to bunk in with each other. Abeline and Bonham had one room obviously, Cordell, Liam and August having the largest one since there were three of them and she'd been stuck bunking with Stella.

Bunking with Stella was not something she liked.

Who knew that sisters could be so damn irritating?

As she stepped out of the room, Bubbles bounded down the stairs in front of her, zipping ahead to the laundry where her food bowl was calling her.

'Good morning-'

Cordell's greeting was abruptly cut off at the look she shot him and he quickly shut up. 'What's up with your sister?' He asked Stella softly. 'She wake on the wrong side of the bed?'

'I might have thrown a pillow or two to wake her up this morning.' Stella replied with a chuckle. 'Neither of us are enjoying this whole bunking together thing much.'

'That's an understatement.' Maddie shot over her shoulder on her way past. 'Someone was talking in their sleep. Again.'

Bubbles was already waiting at her feed bowl when she walked in and she fed her before navigating her way back through the ocean of boxes stacked around to the kitchen. 'Any orange juice left?'

'Yeah, there's some left in the fridge.' Abeline replied as she made up their lunches. 'But you need to have something more substantial than just juice. Grab a bowl of cereal or something.'

She grabbed the bottle of juice out, searching through the fridge for something that looked appetizing. 'Does chocolate count?'

'No.' Both Abeline and Cordell replied together.

Maddie chuckled, grabbing an apple instead. 'Was worth a short.'

'Well, I'll give you points for trying.' Liam remarked. 'Want me to make you a smoothie?'

'Uh, after last time? Hard pass.'

'Ooooh ouch…'

'So, Maddie-' Bonham said, glancing over at her from his seat at the table. 'Got any big plans for today?'

Maddie shrugged as she grabbed a piece of toast off the plate on the bench and joined him and her siblings at the table. 'Other than heading down to the stables and schoolwork, nope. Why?'

'Sounds more exciting then what Abby's got planned for me today.'

'You know we need to get things sorted around here.' Abeline replied from behind him at the bench. 'And since you now have plenty of time on your hands, Bonham Walker, you've got no excuses.'

Bonham turned back to Maddie. 'Sure you don't need a coach today?'

She chuckled softly. 'I'm sure Mawline would have something to say if I stole you today.'

'Yeah, nice try Grampa.' August agreed.

'Well…' He sighed as he stood up, taking his plate to the table. 'It was worth a shot.'

'How is everything going with your horses?' Abeline questioned, glancing up for a moment. 'They settling in well?'

'Yeah, yeah. They're good.'

'Not long now until the competition.' August remarked. 'It's like, three weeks or something?'

'Mmhmm.'

'And only two weeks until a particular someone's sixteenth.' Liam added, joining them at the table.

'Have-have you thought about what you want to do for your birthday?' Cordell questioned. 'I mean, I know things have been a little… crazy, lately but uh… sixteen. My little girl won't be so little anymore.'

'Just cause I'm turning sixteen doesn't mean I'll be married the week after.' Maddie replied. 'I did want to have a trail ride at the ranch and a picnic but that won't be happening for obvious reasons.'

'Anything else?'

She shrugged. 'Just spending time together as a family is good enough… You know what? Surprise me. I'm sure whatever you guys come up with will be just fine.' She stood, pushing her chair back beneath the table. 'I've got to run. Horses get groomed at eight and I said I'd be there to do Bel and Dakota. Love you Dad-' She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, Cordell giving her a brief hug. 'See y'all at dinner.'

'Hey Maddie-' Abeline called out as the girl headed to the door, Maddie stopping to turn back to her. She held up a bag. 'Lunch?'

Maddie chuckled, jogging over to her. 'Your brilliant Mawline. Thank you.' She planted a quick kiss on her cheek too. 'Now I really must go.'

'Maddie-'

'I'm never gonna get out the door at this rate.' She laughed. 'Yes, Grampa?'

'Have a good day.'

'Yes, yes. Thank you, thank you. Third time lucky-'

Liam waited until she was halfway out the door. 'Ah Maddie-'

'Whatever it is, text me later Uncle Liam. Bye!'

Laughter rang out inside as the door closed behind her, Maddie having a little chuckle herself as she headed down the sidewalk. With a glance at her watch, she quickened her pace. Somehow she had managed to sleep through the alarm she had set so it was a good thing that Stella had woken her.

The last couple days had been okay but it certainly was going to take awhile to adjust to this new normal. Living in town again, with all the noise and hustle and bustle going around her, she wished she was living back out on the ranch. It was so much more peaceful there than here… A particularly loud truck drove past and she jumped a little at the noise. She hated this noise…

At least though there was one bright side. So far, their family was holding it together better than she'd anticipated. That evening, after she'd spoken with Cordell, a family meeting had been called so that they could talk. Maddie, braving her fears, opened herself completely to them. It had been hard to be so vulnerable but they had been sympathetic and assured her that they didn't blame her. Hearing that they didn't blame her helped greatly to ease the pain of what had happened.

It was time to pick up the pieces once more and move on.

The stable was a hive of activity as Maddie walked in, carefully navigating her way around the horses tied up in the aisles or horses being led out for turnout or pasture. 'Morning Mika.' The stable girl smiled at her, working on grooming the large gray gelding that was stabled beside Bel. 'Sorry I'm late. Slept through my alarm.'

'You are literally like-' Mika looked down at her watch. 'Three minutes late.'

'I know! I hate being late.'

She shook her head. 'You have really got to learn to relax and not be so uptight my friend. Bel and Dakota are waiting for you. Already took their rugs off while they ate.'

'Huh. Relax. Relax, she says.' Maddie repeated with a teasing grin, opening the door to Bel's stall. 'What does that even mean?'

'Taking time for yourself. Unwinding-' She rolled her eyes as she realized Maddie was just fooling with her. 'Maddie, you think you're so funny.'

'Uh huh.' Clipping the lead rope to Bel's halter she led the mare out of the stall then tied her up beside the gray gelding. 'Who's on your ride rotation this morning?'

'Only Champ but technically Bel and Dakota too though since you're here I would assume you'll be riding.'

'I'd appreciate some company, if you can. Be easier to have you ride along and have them both done early.' She replied, picking up a brush and curry comb out of the grooming kit beside her. 'I know I left instructions for me to be the only rider for Bel but on days I can't get here for whatever reason, I'd still like her worked. So, you think you'd be up to see how she'll go with you?'

'Sure.' Mika returned her brushes to their grooming kit, handing the gelding to another hand to be led out to the horse walker. With her horses groomed she turned to Bel, the mustang accepting a pat from her. 'We've been getting along, haven't we? Little spoiler alert-' She looked underneath the horse's neck at Maddie. 'She loves licorice.'

'So you're bribing my horses now, hey?' Maddie questioned with a laugh.

'I don't see it as bribery. Just… making friends so I can do my job to the best of my ability. Want me to get started on Dakota?'

'Yeah, that'd be great.'

Together they groomed both horses then tacked them up, heading out to exercise them. 'Arena or trail?' Mika asked as she mounted Dakota. 'I've been working Kota in the arena this week.'

'In that case a trail ride would do her good.' Bel was antsy, tossing her head and prancing as Maddie reached for the stirrup. 'Easy girl…' She soothed, bringing her around to a halt once more. 'We'll be going in a moment.' When Bel finally stood quietly for a second she quickly took advantage of her standing and swung up into the saddle, Bel half rearing with anticipation. 'Easy… easy girl.'

'She looks hot.' Mika remarked, Dakota giving Bel a lazy glance as she waited for instruction.

'Yeah…' For the first time since owning Bel, Maddie was nervous. 'Last time we rode was last Saturday and it… it didn't end well… at all.' Getting Bel half under control she motioned for her to lead on. 'Lead the way.'

Dakota stepped forward calmly at the gentle nudge of her heel, Mika leading the way through the center to the edge of the property. 'Any particular trail in mind?'

'Something with a long gallop.' Maddie replied, Bel jig jogging across the path. 'Ever since I've had Bel she's been ridden every day. Obviously a week off has left her a little fresh.'

'Yeah-' She glanced back at her. 'I can see that. We'll take the lake trail, there's a sand stretch we use for gallops.'

'Sounds good to me.' Bel began to settle down a little as the center disappeared from view, Maddie very grateful for that. The mare was catching onto her emotions again and she knew that her being nervous didn't help matters. 'So Mika-' She began to initiate conversation again. 'How long have you been riding for?'

'Since before I could walk. My parents aren't horse people but they travel a lot and I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who had a few endurance racing horses. Learnt to ride with her.'

'How long have you been working here for?'

'About five years, part time after school. Only after leaving school last year did I go full time.' She glanced back at her. 'What about you? From the way you ride you look like you were practically born in the saddle.'

Maddie laughed. 'I only started riding when I moved to Austin a bit over a year ago now but since then I practically have spent every day in the saddle.'

'But I thought you Walkers were already here for a bit-'

'The rest of the family, yes. I-I'm only adopted.'

'I see.' Mika nodded. 'What's it like being adopted being older? A few kids at school I knew were adopted but they'd either been from babies or really small. I-I don't mean to pry, just genuinely curious.'

'Um… I don't really know how to reply.' She said with a nervous chuckle. 'Like, the events that led to my adoption aren't exactly the most conventional way of it occurring. My real father and I moved in next door to the Walkers and I started working for them on their ranch, hence how I learnt to ride. When my father died, Cordell, now my Dad, took custody so I didn't have to go into foster care again. Later on, he adopted me.'

'So you've been in foster care?'

'Yeah, after my mom died when I was eleven.'

'So you haven't got any real relatives?'

'Nope.'

'Gees… That's rough.'

'I don't really think about it to be honest.' Maddie replied, Bel settling down to walk calmly beside Dakota since the track had widened up enough for them to be side-by-side. 'I mean, I have a great family now. I still miss my mom but I'm thankful for what I have.'

Silence fell again, the gentle rhythmic sounds of the horses hooves on the dirt and the creaking of the western saddles bringing a smile to Maddie's face. It was so peaceful and quiet and as she looked at the surrounding scenery she began to slowly relax. After they'd been walking for a decent time Mika suggested they go faster and Maddie encouraged Bel into a trot after Dakota.

They rode on through the park, a shimmering bluish gray appearing through the trees that was the lake not far from the center. The hard trail began to give way to gentler sand and Mika glanced back at her to confirm she was ready to gallop. Maddie nodded, Mika letting Dakota go as Bel gathered herself beneath her and sprung forward.

Both horses galloped, Maddie letting out a whoop as she overtook Mika, the stable girl letting out a laugh as she urged Dakota on. There was hardly any point for Bel left Dakota way in her dust and when the sand began to run out she began to slow the mustang, her mare bounding and tossing her head as she fought being brought back to a halt. 'Yes yes, we'll go again in a moment.' She assured her with a laugh. 'Eager beaver.'

Mika came up behind them, shaking her head as Dakota slowed to a trot before coming to a halt beside the larger mustang. 'Remind me to never challenge you two to a race.'

Maddie laughed, one hand resting on Bel's neck. 'Dakota is fast in her own right but yeah, Bel's a heck of a lot faster.' Twiddling with some of the mustangs mane, she sighed gently. 'Just not fast enough last week…'

She frowned. 'What do you mean? You haven't really said too much about anything apart from Bel and Dakota since you got here.'

'This is a conversation best had while still moving. Where does this trail end up?'

'It's a loop, we'll end back up at the Equestrian center in a couple miles.'

'Shall we keep going then?' Mika nodded and they started forward again, letting the horses walk for a moment to rest. 'It's a long, long story.'

'Give me the short version.'

'Uh okay… So, Davidson's, they were our old neighbors at the ranch, they found out my Uncle was looking at the property lines because an old map we found didn't match with what the county office records. That escalated to where they decided they'd have a horse race to see who would get to live on the land in question. Winner takes all.' She looked over at her. 'Still following?'

She nodded. 'And I'm guessing that since you had to find a new place to board your horses…'

'Yeah, we lost.' Maddie replied.

'Damn… That sucks.'

'Yeah, understatement of the year.'

Mika glanced back to her for a moment. 'Was your Dad riding?'

'Ah, no. Well, he was supposed to but then the night before the race, the horse he was to ride accidentally was given moldy grain by yours truly here and he coliced.'

'Oh no…'

'Yeah, wasn't good. Went out Saturday morning, day of the race, and Chopper was down. Not only that but we had another five horses colic too. Two didn't make it.'

'Maddie, I'm sorry. That's really rough. We lost a horse to colic only a couple months back so I know how quick it can go bad.'

Maddie nodded. 'Far as I know, the other four pulled through so that's something I guess.'

'But the race? If your Dad couldn't ride cause the horse was sick, what happened then?'

She sighed heavily. 'Uh well, in the contract that had been agreed on there was a clause that stated if either side was a no show it would be automatic forfeiture and so since Bel is-was- the fastest horse other then Chopper on the ranch, I offered to ride instead.'

'But couldn't your Dad ride Bel?'

She shook her head. 'Bel has never had another rider except for me. Ever. There wasn't any time for him to get used to either so…' She let out another sigh. 'Long story short, cinch snapped while going over a jump and while I finished off the race bareback, we lost by half a stride and well… here we are.'

Mika let out a low whistle. 'Wow… No wonder you've been upset lately. I'm sorry. That's just utterly horrible. I wish there was something I could do.'

'Well, putting up with me for the last couple days while I've been brooding is a good start.' She chuckled. 'I um… Thank you. For the last few days. I know I probably haven't been the most pleasant company to keep.'

'Understandably too, given the circumstances. How is your family going? I mean, must be pretty rough y'all losing your home like that.'

'We're… managing. It's hard on Grampa cause apart from his time in the army the ranch is all he's ever known. Right now he's probably driving my Mawline crazy as she's trying to turn the place we're at into some resemblance of a home.'

Mika chuckled at that. 'So, when do I get to meet the rest of your family? They sound like a pretty good lot.'

'They are. Gramps might come down to watch when he gets a chance to get out of housework and organizing. Dad's busy at work and Stella and August have school and such… You'll probably get to meet them eventually.'

'I look forward to it.' She urged Dakota into a trot again and Maddie brought Bel up alongside her. 'You have a boyfriend?'

Maddie almost fell off Bel in surprise. 'Mika! That's a tad bold ain't it?'

Mika threw back her head and laughed. 'Hey, that's what girlfriends talk about, right?'

'Um… I wouldn't know to be honest. I can honestly say I've never had friends before.'

Dakota was slowed to a walk and she turned to her with an expression of confusion. 'What? You've never had friends? Like, never ever?'

'Ah, yep. Growing up wasn't the best and when my mom died I went into foster care till my real father came to find me. I didn't have friends then because my father and I moved around a lot. I actually never considered myself to have friends until meeting the Walkers.'

'You never went to school?'

'Nope. Always home-schooled. I'm doing my studies through correspondence now too, it was just easier to keep doing that. When the Walkers took me I already had a bunch of changes. School was something extra I did not need.'

'But like, would you ever go to school? Don't you want to go to college?'

'Well I had thought about becoming a horse trainer and working on the ranch when I finish school but well… I guess I'll think about it when the time comes. College though, no… Never been an ambition of mine. What about you?'

Mika shrugged. 'Might go, might not. Got a gap year to decide anyway so there's no rush right now.'

Bel started tossing her head, asking to go faster again. 'Any more opportunities for a gallop? She wants to run again.'

'There will be up ahead.'

'Want to race?'

Mika rolled her eyes. 'Oh, you are so not funny.'

Maddie laughed, her eyes sparkling with joy again for the first time since everything had started to go downhill. 'Where's your sense of adventure? Come on…'

'I left it behind like Bel left us in her dust.'

She chuckled again. 'You're no fun-'

Dakota bolted forward suddenly, Mika laughing as Maddie urged Bel on after her again. 'See you later, slow poke!'

Later that afternoon, as Maddie led Bel into the indoor arena for her afternoon exercise, she looked over at Mika. 'Mika, how would you feel about riding Bel?'

'Me?' She questioned in surprise. 'I don't know, I mean… The other trainers here are more experienced then I am with hot horses.'

'I've seen them ride-' Which she had over the last couple of days and she hadn't been impressed with what she had seen, at all. 'If I didn't think you'd do a better job, I wouldn't have asked.' She ran a hand down Bel's forehead. 'Bel needs someone who can be firm and gentle at the same time. I've seen the other riders. If the horse plays up they use force and fear to get them to do what they want. Bel won't respond well to that. She demands to be treated with respect.'

'Well…' Mika thought about it for a moment. 'I'll go get my helmet.'

Maddie rubbed Bel's neck as the stable girl left the arena to go fetch her helmet from the tack room. There were a few other riders working their horses over the other side of the large arena, a group training ride with some of the borders. One trainer was working one on one with one team though, a young girl rider she guessed to be about her age riding a jet black warm-blood stallion. As she watched them work she could see she was a good rider with a good seat but yet forceful with her horse. The horse did something wrong, the rider smacking it with the whip she was carrying loudly and she jumped at the sound.

'Maddie-' Mika said as she returned. 'Something wrong?'

'N-no…' She turned away, her heart having beat faster at the memories that had come to mind. 'No, I'm fine. Let's see how you are with Bel.'

While Mika frowned, she didn't say anything. 'Alright. Here goes.' She placed her foot in the stirrup and mounted up, Bel standing calmly as she found the other stirrup with her foot.

'Now remember-' Maddie started, rubbing Bel's forehead. 'Bel is a western horse. She doesn't like contact on her mouth. Loose rein otherwise you'll find yourself riding a two-step to falling off.'

'And neck rein to turn?'

She nodded. 'Gentle aids too. Bel doesn't like harsh treatment.'

'Lose rein, gentle aids. Got it.'

Maddie stood back, Mika gently asking Bel to move forward. The mustang started off calmly and Mika began to work her in circles. When she'd worked her both ways at a walk she asked her to trot.

Watching her work, Maddie began to smile. Bel was calm and responsive to Mika, collected too. Mika was quiet and gentle with her hands, keeping her on that loose rein and used the most minimal of aids. Her smile grew seeing how she carried out rollbacks. She was the kind of rider that Bel needed.

'She goes like a dream.' Mika said as she passed by on another loping circle. 'Barely even had to touch her and she knows exactly what to do next.'

'Mmmhmm.' She replied with that wide smile, her arms crossed over her chest as Bel loped around her. 'She's only had a couple months more training then Dakota but Bel definitely is more push button then my other girl.'

When she felt that Bel had been worked enough by her, she brought her to a halt beside Maddie. 'She's one of the best rides I've ever had.' She exclaimed, leaning down over the mare's neck to pat her. 'You consider selling her?'

Maddie laughed, shaking her head. 'Never ever.'

'I knew that would be your answer but I had to ask.' Carefully she dismounted and undid her helmet to place to the side. 'This is the kind of horse I want to own one day. Something that I can really connect and bond with.'

'I just assumed working here you'd already have your own horse?'

Mika shook her head. 'Can't afford it yet. Well, anything that's like this at a reasonable price. Even that palomino over there-' She motioned to the palomino currently going over a small jump. 'Her owner paid twenty-five thousand for her and she's nothing like Bel.'

She raised her eyebrows, letting out a low whistle. 'That's a lot of dough.'

'For someone on a stable hand wage, yeah.'

'Have you thought about a mustang? I mean, you mightn't get something like Bel but they're a good, solid horse. Dependable too.'

'No, I haven't to be honest. The general feeling around here is that mustangs are inferior to other breeds and good for nothing but dog meat.'

Maddie chuckled. 'Reckon I might have stirred the pot then bringing these two here?'

'Maybe just slightly but their opinion doesn't matter. You're a paying boarder just like the rest of them.'

'Well, think about a mustang. You know, Dakota will be coming up for auction at the end of the mustang makeover.' Maddie remarked as she mounted up. 'I was planning to bid on her but hey, if I get outbid and you have the money, I'd rather her end up with you then a stranger.'

'Yeah, alright.' Mika nodded, Maddie starting Bel in a trotting circle. 'I'll think about it.'

'Grampa-' Maddie started softly, Bonham seated in the living room reading a newspaper. 'You have a moment?'

'For you Maddie girl,' He folded the newspaper up and placed it on the table beside the couch. 'Always.'

She smiled, taking a seat beside him.

'How was your day?'

'Good. Mika rode Bel for the first time today and they got along really well. Even when I can't get to the barn, at least Bel will still be able to be worked.'

'That's good to hear.' He placed his arm around her, Maddie snuggling up next to him. 'Made any friends?'

'Mmmhmm. Mika, the girl that's been roistered to look after Bel and Dakota has been really nice. She's only a couple years older than me but we get along. There's a few other stable girls who are around my age too and some boarders. They seem to be nice.'

'So you like it there then?'

'Yeah, I guess.' She sighed softly. 'It's just… different… But it's alright. I miss the ranch though.' She looked up at him. 'What about your day?'

'Abby had me moving boxes and unpacking all day. Boring as watching grass grow.'

Maddie chuckled softly. 'Sounds like I had the better day then.'

'Mmm.' He grunted. 'Feel like having your Gramps tag along to the stables sometime?'

'Sure, as long as you get permission from Mawline first. Don't want her getting cross with me taking you away when she needs your help.'

'Get permission…' Bonham scoffed. 'Well, one of these days she'll run out of things for me then I'll be complaining I'm bored.'

'Well, you can always come hang out with me at the stables though I will warn you, it's not your western cow barn. I'm the only western rider and I stick out like a sore thumb.'

He chuckled at that. 'Why fit in when you can stand out?'

'Exactly.' Silence fell for a moment then Maddie brought out a little paper wrapped parcel from behind her back. 'Grampa, I made this for you.'

Bonham took it, raising an eyebrow curiously as he felt it through the paper. 'What did you make me, Maddie girl?'

She chuckled softly. 'Open it and you'll find out.' He began unwrapping it to reveal a horseshoe, one of Ace's, that Maddie had asked Liam to get her. It had been turned into a photo frame though, a photo of Bonham riding Ace back in the 90's just after they'd won their first major title together. 'I know Ace was your favorite.' She said softly after a moment. 'And I know you said it wasn't my fault what happened but even so, I wanted to try to make it up to you anyway. I know it won't bring him back but at least you've got something to remember him by.'

'Thank you Maddie…' He replied after a pause. 'Means a lot to me.'

She smiled sadly. 'I know. It ain't been easy for any of us, losing the ranch and all that but I know it's been hardest for you. Just wanted to do something to make you feel a little better.'

'Thank you darlin.' Bonham kissed her head gently. 'It's just right.'