Page 60 of Wild Hearts

"I love it." Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes bright. Then she turned in a circle, her hands swinging around her. When she came to a stop, she said softly, "Sometimes I feel guilty for enjoying all of this when Mom can't."

I knew these feelings would come out from time to time, and I was pleased she'd shared them with me. "Your mother would want you to be happy."

Her shoulders lowered. "That's what Addison says."

I opened the truck door for her.

"You always open doors for me. But you don't have to."

"I have good manners. This is how men should treat women. Any boy who takes you out should open doors and walk you to your door." It was important that I show her how a girl or a woman should be treated by a man.

When I fired up the engine, she said, "I'm really glad that we were able to meet. I can't imagine going my whole life not knowing you."

Tears stung my eyes. "You don't have to feel guilty aboutwanting to know your father. It wasn't your fault that your mother didn't tell you about me."

"I know."

"I'm happy you're in my life too."

"Even though you had to quit your job?" Dakota asked softly.

I glanced over at her. "I'd do it all over again. I love getting this time with you. I'm able to work with my family, and it frees my schedule up to spend time with you. In the military, my life was not my own."

Dakota was quiet for a few seconds, and then said, "Sometimes I think I'm going to wake up and this will all be a dream."

"I can assure you this is real. I'd hate to wake up and forget that I had a daughter." My voice was thick with emotion. "Anytime you want to talk about this, or anything else, I'm always available for you."

"Thanks, Dad."

My heart squeezed a little tighter every time she called me Dad. "We have to believe that everything happens for a reason. I got you, a new life with my family, and maybe even another chance with Addison."

Dakota grinned and shifted to face me. "You've got this, Dad. I believe in you."

I shook my head. "I'm supposed to be the one saying that to you."

"I can be there for you too." She waved a hand between us. "This is a two-way relationship."

I grinned at her characterization. "You're mature for your age, you know that?"

Dakota sobered. "Mom always said that too. I think it's because I was an only child, and Mom was doing it on her own."

My stomach twisted. I hated that they'd had to survive on their own. I would have been there for them, but I wasn't allowed. I'd never know the circumstances of that situation, and I didn't want to waste time being mad at my daughter's mother.It would accomplish nothing, and I didn't want Dakota to sense that I was upset with her mother. This wasn't about me.

We parked at Addison's house. "I'll get her. You can wait here if you want."

Dakota climbed into the second row of seats and put her headphones over her ears.

I wanted a few moments alone with Addison. I knocked on her door, nerves flitting through my stomach.

Addison opened the door wearing jeans, boots, and a thick sweater. "Let me grab my jacket."

I rocked back on my heels. "Thanks for coming with us."

"I've never cut down a tree before. I'm excited about this."

I grinned. That's something about Addison that I'd always adored. Everything was new and exciting. She had such a positive outlook. She wasn't jaded or negative. It was a catchy energy that I needed after my parents had died. "Dakota's waiting in the truck."

"Are you sure you don't mind me coming along? You don't want father-daughter time?"

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