Page 89 of Wild Hearts

"Absolutely." Addison shifted closer as I handed her an envelope.

She slowly opened it revealing a gift card to a bed and breakfast. "A weekend away. Will you join me?"

I grinned. "I was hoping you'd ask."

She laughed. "You were worried I'd take someone else?"

I sobered. "I messed up when we were kids. I like to think that we've moved past it, but I'm not sure that's realistic. I want you to trust me again, but I know it takes time, and I want you to know that I'll do whatever it takes to prove I'm here to stay."

Addison's shoulders lowered. "I have to be honest?—"

I wasn't thinking she'd throw any kind of bombshell on me on Christmas. "About?"

"I didn't mean to fall in love with you again so soon, but I have." She blinked away tears. "I'm not sure I ever stopped."

"Same."

"I love you, Walker." She threw her arms around me, and I held her tight.

"I love you too."

As we pulled away, I cupped her cheek, tilting her chin slightly up so I could kiss her upturned lips. It was a sweet kiss, both of us aware that Dakota could come downstairs at any minute.

Addison's loving me took some trust. So I took her declaration as a good sign.

"Open mine," she urged eagerly.

I opened her gift, and it was a journal—: soft brown leather with gold bookmark—a heavy pen, and a book about fatherhood. I sifted through the book, and it appeared to be serious and funny quotes about being a dad. "This is great. Thank you."

The greatest gift of all was having Dakota and Addison in my life again, but I knew it was too soon to say that out loud. She declared her love for me, and that had to be enough. For now.

20

ADDISON

Ididn't need any presents for Christmas. It was enough that Walker was back in my life and I'd gained his daughter as a friend. But the fact that he wanted to spend a weekend alone with me felt really good.

Dakota came first, but I liked that he wanted to carve out private time for us, especially since it was too soon for me to sleep overnight. I had something to look forward to.

The holiday with my parents, even with Crystal in town, was quiet. But dinner with the Wildes was wild.

It was loud and crazy with lots of laughing and joking. There was a ton of food and drink. Everyone was happy. Clara seemed ecstatic to have all her children in one house.

Killian had his leg propped on the ottoman with the ever-present bag of ice on his knee. He had a perpetual frown on his face.

I imagined it was tough to be injured in the middle of the season, but I hoped for his family's sake that he got out of his cranky mood.

Dinner was served at a large dining room table. I remembered being here when I was younger, but I was never invited toChristmas dinner. Back then, we spent time with our respective families. It was nice to be included now.

Joey was placed next to Dakota, and I heard her ask him, "What did Santa bring you?"

He ticked the items of his list, and she listened with rapt attention.

When he was finished, she said, "Wow. You're so lucky to get all of that. Can I come over and see your new toys?"

He nodded enthusiastically, and then asked, "What did you get?"

A smile curved over her face. "An easel with new paints and brushes."

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