Page 27 of Wild Hearts

Walker walked in. "Good. That's the idea."

Dakota hugged him. "Thank you for the chair and the ereader."

His arms came around her, and he shot me an almost panicked look. Then the doorbell rang. "That must be the pizza."

We followed Walker out of the room and into the kitchen where I pulled out dishes for us. He dropped the boxes on the island and opened them. We grabbed slices and carried them to the kitchen table to dig in.

"I didn't realize how hungry I was," I said when I finally finished my third slice.

Walker nodded. "Moving will do that to you."

Dakota rested a hand on her stomach. "I can't believe I have school tomorrow."

"Did you want to wait another day before going? I'm sure it will be okay with the school," Walker said, his face etched with concern.

Dakota shook her head and smiled. "I want to go. It will feel good to get back into a routine."

I heard what she hadn't said. It would feel good to have a home, to know where she fit in, and have a plan. Her life had been upended since she found out her mother was sick and then that it was terminal. She could finally move forward, and it was time for me to do that too.

This time with Walker and Dakota was a closure of sorts. I could turn the page on our past and move on without him.

This was the universe's way of finishing this chapter of my life. I should grab onto this opportunity with both hands.

7

WALKER

It was a busy week. It was an adjustment living with Dakota. I'd had roommates in the military, but this was different. Dakota was my child, and she was a girl. I was on edge, wondering if she needed something but was afraid to ask for it. I wanted to anticipate her every need. I wanted to be a good dad.

But for the most part, she was self-sufficient. She got herself up for school and was responsible. She charged her laptop each night and did her homework as soon as she got home. Thankfully, she allowed me to make her breakfast and dinner because otherwise, I'd feel useless.

I wanted to provide for her, and it was hard with her being older. She didn't need me in the same way a younger child would. It was easy and hard at the same time.

She seemed okay at school. She said she hadn't made any friends yet but was happy to be back in a routine.

When she was at school, I was bored. The house was clean and didn't need any repairs. By Thursday, I was going out of my mind. I decided to head to the lodge to meet with Eli.

I popped into his office.

Eli lifted his head. "How's Dakota doing?"

I sat in the plush leather chair across from him. "She's great. Settling in at school."

"That's good to hear. Let me know if we can help out in any way."

"I appreciate that."

Eli sat back in his chair and considered me. "Now what can I do for you?"

I let out a breath. "I'm bored. Dakota's gone all day and doesn't really need me when she comes home. I'm not used to having free days. I don't know what to do with myself."

Eli chuckled. "You ready to take over the cabins? I didn't want to overburden you, but if you're bored?—"

I leaned forward. "I'd be in charge of scheduling, cleaning, and maintenance?"

"We want guests to have a great experience when they come here. It's about mixing luxury with a rustic feel."

"I can do that." I needed something to do.

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