Page 97 of Wild Hearts

"I can put it in a college fund for her. I have plenty of money to support Dakota. I saved for years in the military and didn't spend much of it. I'm happy to put her mother's money in a fund for later."

"That was important to her. Not that you can't use the money if you need it. But if you could put some aside, that would be nice," Dennis said gruffly.

"I want to honor her mother's wishes," I said, and Blanche teared up.

At the end of the night, Dakota hugged her grandparents, and when she was inside the rental car, Blanche said, "Thank you for taking care of Dakota. You seem like a great dad, and she's happy. She couldn't stop talking about you and your family all day."

Pride filled me. "I'm just so happy to have her in my life. I'm cherishing every second."

Blanche's eyes filled with tears. "I don't know why Tammy didn't do more to find you."

"I try not to think about that. It's upsetting, and the important thing is to move forward," I said.

"I think you're right.”

We embraced, and it felt good.

"We want to be a part of Dakota's life," Dennis said as I pulled away.

"She has a phone. You're welcome to call and visit. I just ask that we talk before visits so the timing works with her schedule."

We'd come to an agreement that we could all live with. I just had to talk to Dakota about one more thing.

In the car, I drove toward the hotel. "You wouldn't want to live here with your grandparents and your friends?"

"I like Colorado and spending time with your family."

"You know the Wildes are your family too now," I glanced over at her, and she smiled. "But what about your friends and family here?"

"My life is in Colorado now. I'm okay with visiting."

"You can visit as often as you want."

"Then I'm happy living in Colorado with you and Addison."

I grinned, loving that she'd included Addison.

She rested her head on the seat. "I like our life together."

"I do too." I was eager to get home to Addison. To tell her how I felt. It wasn't a conversation to have over the phone or via text message.

22

ADDISON

At lunch, Crystal was rambling on about her work in Denver, her friends, and the activities she stuffed her free time with. but I couldn't focus.

My phone remained stubbornly silent, my text messages blank. I couldn't help but think that Dakota and Walker were having the time of their lives in Virginia and had no intention of returning to living here full-time.

The panic unfurled in my chest, leaving it tight.

"Have you heard anything I've said?" Crystal asked.

I winced. "I'm sorry. I'm distracted today."

She frowned. "Does it have something to do with Walker being gone?"

I nodded. "He took his daughter to visit her grandparents and her friends. I haven't heard much from them, and I'm worried."

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