Page 2 of Wild Hearts

"Who will go with her?" I asked, protective instincts I didn't even know I had roaring to the surface.

"If it would help, I can travel with her, or it's possible her grandparents will want to."

"Either would be fine." I didn't want her to be alone.

"Dakota might be upset about the prospect of moving across the country to live with a father she's never met and thought didn't want her."

My jaw tightened. "I didn't even know about her."

"That may be, but kids believe all kinds of things that aren't reality. It will be up to you to dissuade her of those beliefs."

"I just found out I'm a father. I'm out of my depth here." The panic clawed at my throat.

"I can be a resource for you."

My chest tightened. We had our own history to contend with. I was just grateful she hadn't mentioned it. I was already overwhelmed with the idea that I was a father to a thirteen-year-old girl.

"I'll keep you informed of Dakota's well-being and her travel plans."

"I appreciate that." The line was quiet for a few seconds.

"I think it would be best if you talk to her soon. You can get to know each other."

"I can do that." I wasn't sure that I'd do a good job, but I'd try. I knew a little something about what it was like to lose your parents.

Addison was quiet for a few seconds, and then she said, "You know what this is like for her."

My throat was tight. I didn't trust my voice not to crack if I responded.

"I think that will help in this situation. Just remember no matter how much she lashes out, she's lost a mother. She's grieving and scared."

I tipped my head up to the ceiling, going back to the few days after I found out my parents died and that my whole life would change. I'd move from my childhood home to the Wildes'. I'd go from being an only child to one of seven. "I'm not an expert. I'm just hoping my best is enough."

"It will be. Just hang in there. It's going to be a bumpy ride."

When I told everyone that I was going to be a father, I got all kinds of advice, and there were lots of jokes about me raising a teenager with no parenting experience. It was in good fun, but I didn't think it was funny. I was tasked with raising a girl. It was a huge responsibility. I couldn't screw this up.

Dakota was going to be upset no matter what happened. Ijust hoped it wasn't a mistake to move her across the country and away from everything she knew.

The problem was that my life, or whatever I had outside of the military, was in Telluride with my extended family. I'd need their support for the next few months.

When I'd gotten Dakota's cell phone number, I couldn't do much more than stare at it. What did you tell someone who'd lost everything they'd ever known? And here I was removing her from what was familiar?

Would she lash out? Would she wonder why I hadn't been in her life before? It was a crucial point for me that her mother hadn't told me about her. But I had a feeling Dakota wouldn't give me a pass.

I wasn't sure I wanted to give myself one. As far as I could remember, I always used protection, but that didn't mean it hadn't failed. I should have been better about giving my information to her mother, Tammy. She could have tracked me through the military, but I wasn't sure if she'd even tried. That wouldn't have been an easy task without my last name.

That night, I'd wanted to have a little fun. There was no need to get to know the person I'd hooked up with. I regretted not exchanging information.

What did you say to your daughter when you were meeting her for the first time at thirteen?

Walker: This is your dad. I can't wait to meet you.

I didn't get a response until I was boarding my plane.

Dakota: Why didn't my mother ever tell me about you?

I fumbled with my bag.

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