In the time from the aftermath of the first date, things have been put on autopilot. Every day at work, lunch is spent together so that it doesn't take time from the kids. While still riding on the 'sweetheart high,' Matthew takes time to help Elizabeth move into her new house just before they have to leave town to head out to Boulder, Colorado.

"Mom! Mom! MOM!" Kaitlin yells while still unpacking things in her new bedroom.

"Yes, Katie."

"Did you pack up my hat and boots?" She calls out from her room, searching through boxes.

"Yes, yes I did!"

"Mom!"

"What?" She replies, beginning to feel frustrated.

"I can't find them!"

"Katie, I packed them, and they're still out in the car."

At that moment, Kaitlin feels embarrassed.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhh..."

To make sure it's not a fabrication, Kaitlin rushes down the stairs and into the rear of her mother's SUV. The instant she pops open the hatch, she sees her gear sitting in a box up against the back of the seat.

"Sweet!" She says to herself, feeling relieved.

From there, Kaitlin's mode switches from scattered from moving to being nervous. She stands there and breathes until she's interrupted.

"Katie-loo, you'll be fine. You have your own cheering section this time. I'll be there; Aunt Lucy and Logan and pappy are coming! Kevin, you know, is going to hoot and holler for you." Michael enlightens to ease the fears.

What the two of them don't know is inside the house, another argument over the phone is taking place.

"Damnit, Elizabeth, I said I need your help! Things are getting really tight, and I have to have some of that money you stole from me to get back on my feet. I supported your ass for years, if you remember!" Michael yells into the phone.

"As I've told you several times this week, not a chance. Your problems are not mine anymore. You wanted us gone, and we're staying that way! You're not getting a dime, and you did not support me, you two-faced lying son of a bitch! I supported you until that bullshit you pulled and robbed me of my practice! If you didn't have so much other child support to pay, you might still have a little bit of money!" Elizabeth says in a harsh tone trying not to alert the kids.

"You bitch! If you don't help me, I swear you'll regret it!"

"How Michael, huh? How are you going to make me regret it? You're broke! You're on the verge of losing it all, and you know what. I don't feel sorry for you at all. You had it all; a home, kids, money, a wife who stayed faithful and tried to make it work even though you couldn't stop sleeping with whores."

The verbal assault from Elizabeth is enough to push him over the edge to beg.

"I'm begging you, something I've never done. Please, Ellie, help me out." He pleads in a depressing tone.

As a deep breath is taken and released, Elizabeth does her best to calm down.

"No, unequivocally no, and again I am not sorry. Your friend hurt our daughter. Our son has done better since he moved out here, and now he's excited to finish school."

That last sentence throws a monkey wrench in Michael Sr.'s face.

"He's been out there!" He begins a new tirade. "You lied to me and kept it from me that he ran to you! Here I thought his dumbass was thrown into jail, and yet he's out there in Cousinsville! You're dead if I ever see you again!"

"Oops, my bad, but I have to go. My daughter has a competition to get to, and she's more important. Bye, you worthless piece of trash!" Elizabeth boasts and hangs up the phone.

Being able to throw all of that back in Micheal's face without having to deal with her ex-husband in person makes it that much sweeter.

Out the door, she sees her kids tossing some bags into the back.

"We ready to go?" Elizabeth calls out, locking the door.

"I think we are, mom. I'm ready to see Katie get her butt handed to her tomorrow." Mike jokes, giving his little sister a wink and a nudge.

"Thanks, love ya too, M.J.," She says, taking the front seat.

Elizabeth shakes her head and gets into the SUV. She heads over to meet up with the rest of the family at Lucinda's from her place. By the time they arrive, everyone waits on the front porch enjoying the warm, gentle breeze.

"Let's get this show on the road! We got about a four-hour drive ahead, and the GPS says they're doing work on the highways." Elizabeth states from the vehicle window.

"Yeehaw!" Mr. Reed cries out, getting to his feet heading for Logan's truck.

Everyone gets a great laugh from the yeehaw and loads up. Elizabeth is the lead, and along the way, she hears her phone go off and has Kaitlin check it for her.

"It's from Matt, he says; tell Katie best of luck, and she's in prayers with us. Miss you already, Ellie, and don't forget to have fun!" Kaitlin reads aloud and sees the uncontrollable smile.

"God, I love that man!" She mentions then inhales a deep breath.

That's when Kaitlin takes it upon herself to send back a message.

Matt, thanks, and I can't wait to see you when we get back! Love you handsome and mean it-Ellie. She types and sends without her mother seeing what she's doing.

Time is spent in traffic stops, and along the way, Elizabeth needs to fill up the gas tank. The fun doesn't stop there as the entire family stops at a local steakhouse for a meal before checking into the hotel for two nights.

After they're checked in and exhausted from the road, Frank just sits and watches as his children, son-in-law, and grandchildren have fun in the pool. The only person missing is Kevin. He's been busy talking to the front desk attendant. Not thinking much of it, he lets his son have time to himself to enjoy a couple of days off the family ranch.

"Hey Pop, why ain't Kev getting in here to relax and have fun with us?" Logan calls out from the hot tub.

"Ah, he's preoccupied right now with someone. He might be here in time, but I wouldn't hold my breath over it." Mr. Reed explains, looking out the steamed-up window.

A bit confused, Logan tries to peek out the window to see what has Kevin distracted, and that's when Lucinda whispers in his ear. The reaction is instantaneous, with his jaw dipping open.

"No way!" He remarks, feeling stupid for not picking up the hints and signs. "As conservative as your dad is, and he hasn't killed him, wow!"

"Daddy may have been a hard ass for all these years, but he also knows it's not his place to judge. Kevin's never disrespected the wish of the house, and that's not to bring another man home." She explains, which gives clarity to her husband.

"Oh, okay, I can see it now. Well, I'll be damned but go, Kevin, hope he nabs his man." Logan says once the shock dissipates.

Not long after, everyone gets out of the pool and hot tub and retires for the night. Kaitlin has some trouble falling asleep with her competitive spirit in control. Elizabeth reads the text message Kaitlin sent earlier, shakes her head, and apologizes to Matthew as they text for a bit.

Mike bunks with his grandfather, giving Kevin his own room. He's not alone, though, as he worked his natural country boy charm to convince the desk attendant to spend some time with him after his shift is finished. They spend a couple of hours talking rather than a cheap, quick hookup.

As sunrise cascades over the city, people from all around get ready to gather at the county fairground to watch one of the largest barrel racing competitions in the state outside of the Grand Championships held in late September in Denver.

Finally checked in with Lindsey at her side as Whiplash is still in his travel trailer; Kaitlin does as she did with Gunner. She nuzzles up to him and stands there to get herself in the zone. She's ready to prove herself and refuses to look at the racing area, not to get herself psyched out.

"Break a leg, literally, ya rookie." One of the other girls competing against Kaitlin mentions strutting by with a snarl.

It doesn't bother Kaitlin one bit. All the snarky comment does is make her more determined.

"We got this boy, you're not Gunner, but you're still a good horse," Kaitlin tells her partner with her eyes closed, visualizing the previous competition.

"I'll get your spot on the lineup, and we'll go from there. You're going to do great today. I have a good feeling Katie; you and Debbie are my best riders." Lindsey expresses to get her two riders ready to give it their all.

Not even an hour crawls by when Lindsey nudges her pupil.

"You're up next!"

Kaitlin takes the reigns and guides Whiplash over to the edge of the onramp to the arena. When the announcer wraps up for Debbie, she strides out to applause. Kaitlin mounts her horse and dips her head in a quick prayer.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, the fun doesn't stop for riders from Tender Springs. We have a new young lady here hoping to make it to the finals. It's going to a tough decision with these riders we got here today. Give it up for Katie Phillips and her riding buddy, WHIPLASH!"

The crowd comes alive, and her family is the first to their feet, cheering and whistling for Kaitlin.

She lines up a few feet from the first barrel. Whiplash stomps waiting to hear the gunshot and the crack of the reign. The signal shot is given, and Kaitlin sends him the signal to go, and before they both realize it, they're circling the first barrel.

Heart pounding action and everything feeling like it's stuck at half speed. Kaitlin guides Whiplash around the next two barrels with ease. Her eyes fixed on the fourth and final barrel. She snaps the reign pushing him to his limit as they round it, narrowly missing it by millimeters.

"C'mon, boy, we can do this!" She calls out as they approach the finish line.

Finished with their first run of the day, they strut over to the middle of the arena to see their time. Unable to bring her heart rate down thanks to the adrenaline pumping, Kaitlin expects the worse time.

"WHOA! What a run, ladies and gents. You're not going to believe this young lady, but you and Whiplash have not only the best time today but a new Boulder Dash record. You made it in eleven seconds flat! Ladies and gentlemen, give this duo some much-needed love!"

Her mouth drops, and the crowd erupts over the record-breaking time. Kaitlin wipes her eyes, then takes her hat in her hand and waves to the roaring crowd.

"That's my girl! That's my Katie!" Elizabeth screams over the crowd.

The crowd begins to dwindle their applause, and Kaitlin takes her leave, returning to the back. She's met with applause from Lindsey, Debbie, and a couple of the other riders.

"A new record! Make good runs the next two times, and you could win. How exciting would that be? To take home first place this early and be qualified to go to Denver in a few months!" Lindsey expresses helping Kaitlin off Whiplash.

Still silent, Kaitlin walks away with Whiplash to stay focused. She listens as the other riders finish the first round of the competition.

"Give it a hand for every competitor as we now close out round one and pick up into round two. The first one out of the gate, when we're ready to kick this shindig off, is our leader, Kaitlin Phillips." The announcer calls out as Lindsey runs to get her.

"Kaitlin, I know you heard! It's time to shine!"

Already up on Whiplash trotting towards the arena, Kaitlin is laser-focused. The expression locked in place is one to prove her doubters from earlier wrong.

"Let's give it up to her ladies and gents. Can she repeat her amazing run from round one?" The crowd hears over the PA.

Lined up and ready to go, both Kaitlin and Whiplash appear ready. Once again, the starter pistol fires and frees the duo.

It seems like lightning is striking twice. Whiplash flies just as fast in the first round. Kaitlin's training pays off as she flies around the first and second barrels with ease. When they reach the third barrel, Whiplash takes it a little wide. To make up for the minuscule error, Kaitlin smacks the reigns and narrowly misses the final barrel, and speeds across the finish line.

As the dust settles in the center of the arena, they wait for the official time. Kaitlin's heart is pounding, and her expression hasn't changed.

"Miss Kaitlin Phillips, I hope you're ready for your time. You and your partner have had two incredible runs. The judges have passed me the time, and your time is..."

Time feels like it's frozen as she shuts her eyes, waiting for what feels like an eternity. Even the crowd is silent as they feel the pressure of how hard Kaitlin is pushing herself to win.

"Twelve point one seconds, an incredible time!"

Elizabeth comes out of her seat when she hears the time. Just the fact that her daughter is milliseconds from her best time.

"That's my girl! That's our girl!" Her grandfather yells, giving Kaitlin a standing ovation.

Off to the back, Kaitlin climbs off Whiplash and wishes Debra luck.

"Hey, I'm going to go get me a drink and walk to clear my head. Best of luck, Debbie."

"Girl, you got this. I just hope I can improve my time."

They hug and go their separate ways.

By the time she returns to the ramp's edge to the arena, most of the second round of competition is finished. Debra is the final competitor for the second round, and Kaitlin has a blast watching her fly around the course, improving her time and not knocking over a barrel again.

"That a girl!" Kaitlin calls out with her arms in the air.

With two rounds in the books, Kaitlin is in the lead. The other more experienced girls avoid her as their jealous of her natural talent and determination. Unlike the second round, the third-order is jumbled, with the riders from last place going first. Debra is the fourth one to compete in the final round.

That leaves Kaitlin going last, putting the pressure on her. An exhausted crowd greets her. They do their best to cheer, but the audience is ready to get on with their day after a few jampacked hours.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is our final competitor. If she can manage a run in under thirteen point five seconds, she will be our champion. A win here today qualifies Kaitlin Phillips to the state finals only a few months away." The announcer says, trying to work up some anticipation to bring the crowd back into the event.

In a single breath, Kaitlin inhales and holds it. After the starter pistol fires, she exhales and snaps the reigns rushing towards the first barrel.

"Come on, Katie! You got this!" Mike says, getting to his feet and whistling to support his sister.

The dirt goes flying from every clash of Whiplash hooves. The dust rises, creating an ambiance as the crowd watches as Kaitlin and her partner fling themselves around the barrels with force.

In no time, Kaitlin and Whiplash cross the finish line for the last run. Kaitlin doesn't go to the center of the arena. She climbs off Whiplash and walks with him to the fourth barrel to hear her time.

The seconds feel like hours, with her heart beating like a war drum. Her eyes fixed on the judge's table. Her family gets to their feet, gathered by the rail along the arena floor. The other competitors are watching and waiting at the edge of the arena entrance.

"Are you ready?" The announcer speaks into the microphone.

The crowd comes back to life with cheers and stomping the metal stands.

"You sure you're ready? I don't think all of you are ready!" He continues to tease everyone, ready for the results.

Kaitlin gets in on the yelling when she takes a couple of steps towards the judges' area with arms extended outward.

"What's my time?" She yells over the crowd without being heard from where she stands.

"Miss Phillips, I am proud to declare you raced across this track in a time of..." he pauses for effect. "Eleven point eight seconds, making you today's champion! CONGRATULATIONS!" The announcer cries over the PA system.

Instantly Kaitlin drops to her knees, covering her face with her hat. Tears are streaming down her face as Lindsey and Debra come running from the entrance. Kaitlin's family climbs over the gate to meet her, along with one of the judges walking out with the trophy. A photographer isn't far behind to snap some photos for the papers and post them on the Boulder Dash Events website.

"Congratulations, young lady, we'll see you again, and best of luck in Denver." The judge says after the photos and walks away.

Mike picks up his little sister to hoist her in the air as the crowd cheers and slowly begins to depart after the second and third place medals are presented to the other riders.

The family then makes their way to the back, where they watch Whiplash get loaded up and head back to a special location to rest before returning to the training ranch.

Elizabeth invites Lindsey and Debra to come to eat with them. She sweetens the deal by offering to pay for their meal. Both ladies are on board, and Debra's parents enjoy the chance of a free meal since, being ranchers, they don't get to enjoy dining out that often.

Things don't stay happy-go-lucky. That night, when everyone is getting ready to rest, a phone call comes in, but Elizabeth tries to ignore her ex-husband. He continues to blow up her phone until she gives in and escapes to the stairwell to answer.

"What?" She says in a hateful, whispered tone.

"I need that money, Elizabeth! You don't know how bad I need that money!" He opens the conversation.

"I said no way! You robbed me of enough, and to see you suffer is going to be worth it. Now I need to get to bed, goodnight Michael."

"You fucking bitch! If I don't get that money, I'm screwed with no lube. I can't even get a loan; hey, wait, you can cosign for me!" He mentions when the idea strikes.

"Not a blue ball's chance in Hell!"

He breaths heavily into the phone for a few seconds trying not to lose his cool.

"Well, what if I come out there and we patch things up? Believe it or not, I do miss you at times, and I miss the kids." Michael offers, trying to sound sincere.

"And ruin the new life I have out here!" Elizabeth begins to laugh. "You've certifiably lost your ever-loving mind. Besides, I have someone good to me, and he's great with the kids. Even Mike has been working on getting his life straightened out."

"Since when does our son go by Mike?"

At that very moment, she's too eager to rub salt in her ex's wound.

"Ever since my new lover took him under his wing, Mike has turned the corner. No more partying, drinking, no more weed, not getting in trouble, and even the best part of my new man. Mike doesn't have to suffer the terrible weight of secrets that agonizes his soul."

"You goddamn slut bag, we're not a year out from being divorced, and you're already sleeping around?"

"And here's the best part of my 'slut life.' It means I don't have to put up with your shit any longer!" Elizabeth ends the call and wishes she could throw her phone across the stairwell.

Rather than get herself worked up all over again, she returns to her room and crawls into bed. She takes one of the extra pillows, pulls it in close, whiffing in the fresh linen scent, and in time falls asleep.

Still staring at the phone, Michael drops it onto the coffee table. It lands on a notice from the bank regarding a notice that if a payment isn't made, the house and business will be foreclosed on within 90 days or less. Panic begins to settle in, and Michael begins to concoct a plan.

At breakfast the next morning, something feels off. Everyone gathers at the corner booth, where Kevin seems to be a bit finicky. He's shifting in the seat constantly.

"Okay, I have to ask, what is going on?" Elizabeth blurts out, beginning to feel anxious.

"I have something to say. It's kind of a big deal, and I can't believe I can say it." Kevin expresses with a nervous smile stretched across his bearded face.

"We know Uncle Kev, and we're happy for you!" Mike states, patting his uncle on the back.

He seems flustered at the comment.

"Uh, how... I mean... Wait, what do you think I'm going to say?"

Kaitlin takes it upon herself to answer.

"You're staying here with your stud you hooked up with last night. I have to admit; he's a cutie."

"No! I mean, yeah, we talked and made a real connection, but I'm not staying here. Dad this morning came to me, and he's retiring. I'm taking over the ranch at last!"

The kids turn a shade of red like never before from getting the wrong idea. The adults can't resist losing it in laughter. It's a moment in time none of them will forget as they make their way back home. Elizabeth remains slightly annoyed at her ex-husband. Kaitlin rides high from the big victory. Mike continues to soul search while Kevin feels the impact of change being trusted to oversee the family ranch.