Page 20 of Wild Hearts

Eli stepped back to let me in. "I forgot you haven't been here."

It was a mix of rustic and modern, but it was filled with framed photographs of the family and knickknacks.

Scarlett hugged me. "It's so great to have you and Dakota over."

"I appreciate you hosting. I can cook but not for large numbers." Especially when I was so nervous about Dakota meeting everyone.

When Scarlett pulled back, she scrutinized me. "You aren't nervous, are you?"

The area between my shoulders was tight. "A little bit."

Scarlett gave me an easy smile. "I'm sure we're going to love Dakota. She's yours after all."

"I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I'm worried she won't like having a large family or being stuck on a ski resort when she lived in town in Virginia."

Eli leaned a hip against the counter. "I'm sure it will be fine. You're worrying for nothing."

I couldn't shake the nerves though as Scarlett bustled around the kitchen.

"Mom and Dad are home and excited to meet her."

"I can't believe they came home just for this."

Eli gave me a confused look. "You're another son to them, so this is like their grandchild."

Scarlett laughed. "Be prepared for them to treat Scarlett as a grandchild."

I hadn't given much thought to the fact that I was taking Dakota away from her only grandparents. Maybe my aunt and uncle would be substitutes.

When the doorbell rang, Eli let his parents in, and I stood to hug them. "You didn't have to come home for this."

Clara stood back. "We want to meet Dakota. Tell me everything. What's she like?"

"She's great." I couldn't believe we hadn't discussed her interests. I knew she listened to music on her headphones, but I had no idea if she preferred books over video games.

"I'm sure she is. I can't wait to meet her. I heard she looks just like you," Aunt Clara said, her words tumbling out.

I nodded, my heart thumping. "She does."

"What's the plan for Dakota coming to live with you?" Uncle Roland asked.

"She wants to enroll in school and move into my cabin before her first day."

"Things are moving fast," Uncle Roland said.

"It seems like it. But it's what she wanted, and Addison said we should follow her lead."

"Addison is the social worker involved in her case? Your ex-girlfriend?" Aunt Clara asked.

My stomach tightened. "That's right."

"Are you sure it's a good idea for her to be the social worker in this situation?" Uncle Roland asked.

"We agreed to keep things professional. We're both focused on what's best for Dakota."

The doorbell rang, and Eli opened the door for Xander and Tori, and Carolina, Oliver, and Joey. It got loud quick, and I grew more nervous about Dakota walking into our family gathering.

The next time the bell rang, I waved off Eli and got it myself. I wanted to be the one who greeted Dakota.

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