Page 84 of Wild Hearts

"I'd like that."

I loved that Dakota wanted to be involved. It was good for her to see kids who didn't have any parents and were relying on the foster care system. And it was good for her to see that a foster parent can love a child just as much as a biological parent.

Hopefully, it would help her see things in a new way, and she'd be a more caring and empathetic person. Not that she wasn't already. But it was always good for kids to see the other side of things. Sometimes, they got caught up in how their lives weren't fair when, in reality, they had a life they could be grateful for.

We spent the evening playing Santa, and afterward, I dropped them off at my office so we could head home. I wished I could stay the night at Walker's house, but they needed to spend Christmas morning as a family of two.

I wished we could be together as a family, but we weren't there yet. For now, I had to be content with whatever time I could get.

19

WALKER

As much as I wanted to invite Addison over to the cabin, tomorrow was Christmas. I should spend the holiday with my daughter without any distraction.

"Is Addison coming over tomorrow?"

"I don't think so. I thought you and I could spend the day together and then see the rest of our family."

"Oh."

"Is that okay?" I hadn't anticipated her being upset about that arrangement. "It's our first Christmas together."

"What is Addison doing?"

I shrugged. "Spending time with her family. I think she said her sister would be in town."

"I made her a gift in art class. I was hoping to give it to her."

"We can see her the day after." I'd noticed that she had some old painting supplies and sketchbooks in her room. I was using that knowledge to buy her gifts for Christmas.

"It feels weird not to see her on Christmas. She's become part of our family. If that makes sense?"

I nodded. "I thought it was important that we spend our first Christmas together."

Dakota sighed. "Holidays don't always look like we expect, do they?"

"I know you must be missing your mother."

"I am. But I'm also looking forward to spending it with you. Last year, I didn't even know you existed."

The thought of that sent a slice of pain through my heart. I never wanted to go back to a world where I didn't know Dakota. "You're my best present this year."

"Awe. That's sweet, Dad. Mine too."

"So I didn't have to buy you anything then? I should take it all back?" I teased.

She slapped my arm. "No. I want to unwrap presents."

She'd asked for a new computer, one that would be good for graphic design. She was interested in a specific graphic design program, and I'd done my research, she'd need a good computer if she wanted to continue in that profession. It was expensive, but I figured I was investing in her future.

I didn't want to spoil her, but at the same time, I'd never bought her a gift.

At home, she went right to bed, and I was able to finish wrapping her presents. I'd gotten her a new bedding set that Scarlett said she wanted on their shopping spree, the computer, the painting of horses, art supplies, and an easel.

I'd gathered all the photos I'd taken of us and with our family and framed them. I hoped she enjoyed the presents and that they were enough. I arranged them under the tree and sent a picture to Addison.

Addison: Looks great! She's going to love it.

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