Page 10 of Wild Hearts

"I'll see you later, Walker." It would be a struggle to keep things professional between us. I was so used to touching him or engaging with him as his girlfriend. It might have been years since he walked out of my life, but it felt like yesterday.

3

WALKER

Today, I was supposed to take Dakota ice-skating. I'd texted her after our visit just to say good night, and I asked her how she was on the days I didn't see her. She provided short one-word responses, but it was something. When I'd asked her if she was interested in going ice-skating, she was quick to say yes.

The outdoor rink was a new addition to the resort, and I was excited to share it with her. Even though I came to live here at fourteen, I still viewed the resort as my home.

I felt like an outsider, but I enjoyed living on the resort and having the freedom to roam. I'd spent a lot of time on the slopes in the winter and hiking the trails in the summer. We were all expected to work at the resort, and it gave me a sense of responsibility.

I stood at the entrance to the lodge, nervously waiting for Addison's car to arrive. The only way I could deal with her and our past was to compartmentalize everything.

I'd walked away from her when I chose to enlist, and I hadn't looked back. Or at least, I never reached out to her. I thought about her a lot and kept her picture in my pocket for good luck.But I never forgot about her. She was my first love after all, and I'd never met anyone who came close to her.

But I couldn't handle revisiting my past at the same time as meeting my daughter. Dakota came first, and I was grateful that Addison was her social worker. I appreciated her support and guidance.

I wasn't sure what I was doing and hoped I wasn't messing anything up.

When her car pulled to the curb, I opened Dakota's door. "Are you ready to go ice-skating?"

Dakota kept her expression carefully blank, but she gave me a slight nod. She was interested in the lodge and my family. As much as I wanted Addison here as a buffer, I needed to spend some time alone with my daughter.

Addison stepped onto the sidewalk. "I'll be back in two hours. That should be enough time to skate and get some hot chocolate."

"Thank you. I really appreciate you bringing her."

She smiled; it was cool and distant. "Of course. Have a good time."

"Have you ever ice-skated before?" I asked Dakota when Addison drove away.

"Nope."

"I hope you'll like it. My cousins recently installed this small outdoor rink in the back. We'll get you fitted with skates and then try it out."

We walked through the lobby and outside to the rink. We grabbed skates and laced them up on one of the benches added around the rink. There were families and teenagers already gliding over the ice. A few young kids and beginners held onto walkers in the shape of penguins.

Music played over the speakers and the large Christmas tree stood on the patio, decorated for the holiday.

I stood and walked toward the fence, but Dakota didn't getup. I moved back over to her and held out my hand. When she placed her hand in mine, it hit me. I'd never hold her as a baby or see her take her first steps. She would never be a little girl again, holding my hand while I did something with her for the first time. She was already a teenager.

As soon as we got to the fence surrounding the rink, Dakota grabbed onto it with her free hand.

"Are you nervous?" I asked softly.

She bit her lip. "Maybe."

"You can hold onto the side as you get your footing." I stepped onto the ice and waited for her to take a step.

When she did, her blade slipped, and I grabbed her elbow until she regained her balance. "One hand on the side, and we'll take it slow."

She kept a tight grip on my hand, the other on the railing as she took a tentative step.

"You'll want to glide a little like this." I demonstrated, then waited for her to attempt the move.

She took one step, then another, gaining more confidence as we moved. It was a glacial speed compared to the experienced skaters, but I was taking everything in. I'd missed so many firsts, but I got to experience this one.

"You're doing so good."

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