Page 17 of Wild Hearts

"You just need to go a few more times," Walker said.

The Wilde boys had always been active, and I knew he was hoping Dakota would fall in love with the winter activities offered at the resort.

"We'll be back tomorrow for Sunday dinner. Should we meet you here or at Scarlett's?" I asked as he opened the front door for us.

"I'll text you the directions to Scarlett's house." Walker followed us out to my car.

"Great. We'll see you tomorrow."

Walker held the door open for Dakota, waited for her to get inside, and then closed it. He'd always been a gentleman, even as a teenager. I was pleased to see that hadn't changed.

I backed out. Then I drove down the road that led off the resort. "How are you doing with everything?" I was a little surprised she was eager to enroll in school and move into her new home. But then again, stability was just what she needed.

Dakota sighed. "I don't want to leave my friends. But it's easier being here. It's like I can finally breathe."

I gave her a sympathetic look before turning my attention to the road. "That makes perfect sense. I bet you're bombarded with a lot of memories at home."

Her nose scrunched. "Is it awful that I want to avoid that?"

"Not at all. You can always go home, and those memories are still in your heart. Your mom is with you wherever you are."

"You think so?" Her voice cracked.

I looked over as her eyes filled with tears. I reached for her hand. "Of course. She'll never leave you."

I squeezed her hand once before letting go.

She was quiet for the rest of the drive. I parked and handed her a tissue, waiting for her to blow her nose before we walked inside. I knew her grandparents would worry if I brought her home in tears. But it was to be expected. She was grieving after all.

I took her upstairs and said goodbye to her at her door, then went to her grandparents' room and knocked on the door.

Blanche opened the door. "Where's Dakota?"

"She's in her room. I wanted to talk to you for a minute."

She opened the door wider. Dennis turned off theTV which had been playing.

I sat on the edge of the armchair. "The visit went well. They ice-skated, drank hot chocolate, and Walker cooked dinner for us. Dakota expressed interest in enrolling in school and moving into her room at Walker's place."

"Isn't that soon?" Blanche's gaze flew to Dennis for support.

"Our plan was to gradually increase the time spent with her dad, which we've done. I always take my cue from the child. She said it's easier to be here without the constant reminders of her life before. If she's going to be living here, she wants to start her new life. She doesn't want to miss any more school, and she's tired of living in a hotel."

"I wasn't expecting everything to happen so soon," Blanche said as she sat heavily on the bed.

"I know it's a bit of a shock. I was surprised at how quickly she acclimated. But everyone handles grief differently. She's realized starting over will be easier for her. It doesn't mean she can avoid her feelings."

Dennis leaned forward with his elbows on his legs. "When will she move into her father's?"

"Walker mentioned taking her to school on Monday to enroll. Maybe before she's going to school, so she can get settled?"

Dennis nodded. "That seems reasonable. I don't want her to miss any more school."

"You're welcome to stay until she's transitioned. I know that Walker would like some time with her alone so that she can settle with him. He's mentioned having you visit in the future."

Blanche's eyes filled with tears. "I wasn't expecting everything to move so quickly. I thought she'd ultimately want to stay with us."

"The courts will place her with Walker. He's her biological father. That would happen regardless of her wishes." Walker had a right to know his daughter, and there wasn't any reason that he couldn't be her guardian. He was competent and eager to take on that role.

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