Page 94 of Wild Hearts

Addison: You've got this.

Addison always knew what to say, and she'd be the perfect buffer between me and Dakota's grandparents. But I shouldn't need a buffer. I could handle this situation on my own.

On the plane, Dakota pulled off her headphones. "Do you think I could change my last name to Wilde?"

My heart skipped a beat. "You want to change your name to mine?"

Dakota tipped her head to the side. "Don't most kids have their father's name? I know why Mom didn't give me yours, but we live with your family now, and I feel weird having a different name."

"I don't know how to do that, but I'll research it."

Satisfied, Dakota put her headphones back on while I was still reeling from the shock. She wanted my name. She wanted to be mine. That soothed the uncertainty I'd been feeling about this trip. She loved her grandparents, but I was her father. Nothing would ever change that.

I might have missed her first thirteen years, but we were building our own relationship. One that would have lasting impact on both of our lives.

At the airport, we rented a car and headed for her grandparents' house. We were staying in a hotel, but they'd insisted on hosting us for dinner. Then Dakota was scheduled to hang out with her girlfriends. She was giddy with excitement about seeing her friends again, whereas I was nervous about seeing her grandparents.

I parked in front of their home which was a modest house in an older neighborhood.

Blanche opened the door and immediately pulled Dakota into her embrace. When she pulled away, she asked, "Where's your luggage?"

I threw a thumb over my shoulder in the direction of the sedan we'd rented. "We got a room at a hotel."

"Nonsense, Dakota can stay here." My heart paused. This felt like a big moment. One that I didn't want to screw up. "We discussed our arrangements over the phone. If you want to do something different, that's something we would need to discuss prior to our visits."

"Mmm," was all she said as she gestured for us to follow her inside.

Dennis crossed the room and hugged Dakota. "We missed you."

"I missed you too." Dakota grinned at him, and my nerves dissipated somewhat. She loved these people. They were a connection to her mother. I could be more understanding about their relationship with my daughter. They took care of her until I could get home.

Blanche clapped her hands together. "Dinner's ready."

I followed Dakota into the dining room where the table was already set. The cloth napkins signaled a more formal meal thanI was anticipating. I felt grungy from the airplane and wished I could wash up.

"Can I use your restroom?" I asked Blanche.

"It's down the hall and to your right."

I nodded my thanks, eager to escape for a minute. I ducked into the small bathroom and locked the door.

I washed my face and my hands. Then I pulled out my phone to text Addison.

Walker: We're at her grandparents, and I'm struggling.

Addison: Remember they love her too.

Walker: You always know the right thing to say.

Addison: I'm not in the situation like you are, so it's easier for me.

I forget that they lost their daughter and their granddaughter. I could allow more leniency when it came to visits. I was just worried they'd overstep my authority.

When I returned to the table, they were already passing out food.

Blanche peppered Dakota with questions about her new school and friends.

"I like school. Friends are harder because I'm coming in so late. A lot of the kids have known each other since preschool."

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