Page 25 of Wild Hearts

"I don't know. We might never know the answers to that question. But it's okay to feel good. You can be sad that your mother is gone but happy with your life. That will get easier with time. And your mother would want you to be happy."

Dakota wrapped her arms around herself. "I think she would too."

"You like kids?" I asked her after a few moments of silence.

"I've always wanted a sibling, and Joey is fun."

"You're good with him. Ever thought about babysitting?" With my teenage charges, I routinely recommended a part-time job, and since Dakota was only thirteen, babysitting was one of the few things she could do to earn some extra money.

"I just helped out with the kids at church. I liked playing with him."

"Joey is your cousin. You can hang out with him whenever Walker and Joey's dad say it's okay. And it might be nice to have some income of your own."

She chewed her lip. "I never thought about that."

"I'm not saying you need money. I'm sure Walker will take care of whatever you need. It's just that a job can be good. You gain more independence and even some spending money of your own." I had no idea what Walker's view on buying things for his daughter would be, but it didn't hurt to teach kids the value of work and earning money. In Dakota's case, I wanted to keep her focused on moving forward and not dwelling on the what-ifs. It wasn't a productive line of thought.

"Maybe."

"You have enough going on this week with enrolling in school and moving into Walker's place."

"Will you be there to help me move in?" Dakota asked.

"If you want me to be."

Dakota nodded slightly. "I'd like that."

"Then I'll be there."

I dropped her off with her grandparents who seemed more resigned each time Dakota came home bursting with tales of her time with Walker and his family.

Things were working out with Dakota and Walker, and I wouldn't be needed much longer. I shouldn't be disappointed at the prospect of transitioning into a less active role. I enjoyed spending time with them and watching the progression of their relationship.

But Walker needed to navigate some of this on his own, and it was time. Dakota would test his parenting skills and push the boundaries, and it was best that he be in charge in those moments. He couldn't always defer to me. He was the dad, andthere was no reason for social services to be involved once Dakota was fully in his custody.

I'd check on them occasionally and offer advice as needed. But they wouldn't need me unless there were issues, and things had been going so well.

I was happy for Walker. He'd had a successful career in the military, and now he could focus on being a father. Everything worked out for him.

I shouldn't feel any way about needing to give him and his daughter space. This was only supposed to be a professional relationship. The sooner I could distance myself, the easier it would be to find and meet someone who could be the one for me.

I suspected that my past with Walker was holding me back in current relationships. But now that I'd seen him and knew he was happy, I could move on. That felt like a lie, but I figured the more I said it, the more likely it could be true.

I was fine without Walker Wilde in my life. I didn't need his explanations about what happened years ago. I wasn't the right woman for him. There was nothing more to it than that.

On Monday, I busied myself with work, diving into the cases I'd neglected while I was wrapped up in Dakota's. Walker called later that day to say he was excited to report that he'd enrolled Dakota in school.

"That's great. When will she start going?"

"She wants to start tomorrow, but that means we need to move her in tonight. She wants you there."

"I promised her I would be." I looked at my online calendar. "I can be available at six to help. Do you want me to meet you at the hotel?"

"No, the cabin's fine. She didn't bring much more thansuitcases, and I want to talk to her grandparents about moving anything else she wants from Virginia."

"That's a good idea." It was great that he was communicating with her grandparents. That meant he didn't need me as the middleman. I should be pleased. But I felt like time with him was up, and that sucked.

"So I'll see you tonight? Dakota requested pizza for dinner."

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