Page 1 of Wild Hearts

1

WALKER

Did I have a thirteen-year-old daughter?

The white envelope laying on the counter contained the results of the DNA test that would indicate whether I was a father.

I never wanted to be a dad. My job wasn't conducive to having a family. When my parents died in a car accident, I was alone, and I wasn't eager to set that same scenario up for someone else.

I didn't want to worry about leaving a child behind. Now there was a teenager somewhere whose mother, before she died, signed a will indicating I was Dakota's father.

It was possible. I’d hooked up with a woman on one of my breaks, and the timing lined up.

I couldn’t wrap my mind around the idea of being a dad. If it was true, I wouldn't have nine months of pregnancy to get ready for it. I'd be the father of a thirteen-year-old girl. Was I ready for that kind of responsibility? Was I up for the challenge of caring for a girl who'd just lost the only parent she'd ever known? I was a stranger to her.

I was an only child myself. My oldest cousin, Eli, said thefamily would support me, but in reality, I was alone in this world. No parents. No siblings. No matter how much the Wildes made me feel like part of the family, I'd always felt separate from them.

I took a deep breath. I should get it over with. No more speculating about the what-ifs. My future might be different than I imagined, or it would be the same. I wasn't sure which one I wanted.

I ripped open the envelope and unfolded the white paper that had the potential to change my life forever. I skimmed the document until I got to the bold percentage that stated with 99.9% certainty: I was Dakota’s biological father.

I’m a dad.

I ran a hand through my hair, my heart thumping hard.

These same results had been sent to Dakota's social worker who was also my high school sweetheart, Addison Montgomery.

We'd been waiting for the test results so things could be set into motion. Dakota was living with her grandparents in Virginia. Addison said if I was the father, I'd have to decide whether I wanted to leave Dakota with her grandparents while I was stationed elsewhere, or if I wanted her to be with me.

I'd already inquired about the possibility of retiring from the military. My contract was nearly up, and I was Dakota's only living parent.

I remembered what it was like to be woken up and told your parents were gone, and that you were going to live with extended family. I needed to be there for her.

My phone buzzed.

"Addison," I said my voice tight. I wasn't prepared to deal with the fact that Dakota's social worker was my ex.

"You saw the results?" Addison asked, her voice tentative.

I swallowed. "I did."

"Have you decided what you want to do? I don't want to rushyou, but it's best to make decisions so Dakota can get used to her new reality. Her grandparents live in Virginia and have offered to be her guardians."

"No." I hadn't fully wrapped my mind around the idea that I had a daughter, but I knew that she belonged with me. She might have known her grandparents for longer, but a daughter should be with her father.

"Are you sure? You could take some time to think about it."

"Dakota's mine. I have a lot of missed time to make up for. She's thirteen." The gravity that I'd lost thirteen years with my daughter was only just hitting me.

Addison was quiet as if she was letting me process everything.

"What do you suggest I do next? I've already spoken to my superiors about the possibility of retiring. They said it could be expedited given the circumstances."

"You should take your time getting to know her. Talk to her on the phone."

I'd never give up my daughter, even if Dakota had a closer relationship with her grandparents. Her mother had named me as the father. She wanted me to have her. Not only that—I wanted her.

"I'll arrange for Dakota to travel to Colorado."

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