Page 28 of Wild Hearts

"We'll get you a laptop." Eli typed something on his computer, presumably a request for a computer. When he was finished, he asked, "Are you and Dakota coming to the festival on Saturday?"

"That's the plan."

He raised a brow. "I heard that Addison is coming too."

"We haven't seen much of her since we moved Dakota in. I have a feeling she won't be stopping in as much." I tried not to feel that as an acute loss, but I did.

He steepled his hands. "Why is she coming on Saturday then?"

"Dakota invited her. Addison's the one who's been there since her mother died. I think she looks up to her. But I got us enrolled in therapy, and we start next week. We're going to be okay." We didn't need Addison, even if it felt good to have her with us.

"Your past relationship hasn't come up?"

"She doesn't want to talk about it, and I have to respect her wishes."

He tipped his head. "Why is that again?"

I shrugged. "I was the one who ended things between us."

"I mean if it's over it's over, right? No need to revisit the past," Eli said, matter-of-fact, his gaze diverting to his computer screen.

"Right." But why did I feel that sense of loss again, like I was missing out on something? I like when Addison spends time with us. It feels good, like we're a family. Which was ridiculous. She's my daughter's social worker and my ex. That's it.

"Are you happy?" Eli asked me.

"I don't know that I would have left the military this early. I didn't have a reason to, but now that I'm out, I like it. I'm enjoying having time to get to know my daughter."

"I think this will be good for you. You have Dakota, and we're here for you."

"I appreciate everything you've done for us, but don't you want to rent out the cabin? Shouldn't we be looking for another place to live at some point?"

"That cabin is yours if you want it. It's private and is perfect for you two. We want you to live on the property. You're family."

The Wildes always insisted I was part of their immediate family. The problem was that I resisted that label. I felt like I didn't belong. But now that I had a daughter, I didn't want her to feel like she wasn't a part of the Wilde family. Funny how that worked.

"If you feel like the work is too much, just let me know. There's no pressure to do anything. We wanted to give you time to acclimate and be with Dakota."

"I think it will be good for me. I need something to do besides my daily workout. I cook for Dakota, but otherwise shedoesn't need me to do much. I'm just there in case she falls apart."

"You have a teenage daughter. Even if it seems like smooth waters now, I'm sure that will change. I've heard they're unpredictable."

"I've been reading up about everything I can on parenting a teen. I want to be prepared."

Eli gave me a look. "That's great, but sometimes you can't be prepared for things that happen. You have to go with the flow."

I rubbed the tension in my neck. "I'm not really good with that."

Eli shook his head. "Neither am I. That's Scarlett talking."

"She's been good for you," I said as his expression softened.

"I can't imagine life without her. That's why I advocated for my brothers to find their significant others." Eli waved a hand in my direction. "You, on the other hand, are busy. You don't have time for all that would entail."

"Right." Then why did I enjoy spending time with Addison? Why did I want to bring up the past and explain myself? Why did I feel like I walked away from the best thing that ever happened to me?

"Let me know if you have any questions. Stop by my assistant's desk on the way out. She's getting a laptop for you."

"Thanks, Eli. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity."

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