Though he had never thought he would be a father, Walker wants to step into the role and get to know his newly found thirteen year old daughter. He retires from the military and takes up residence in a cabin at the Wilde resort so that he and his daughter, Dakota, can have the support of extended family as they get to know each other. Though her grandparents are more than willing to take permanent custody of Dakota, Walker believes she should be with him, her father, though he intends to make sure her grandparents stay a part of her life. He understands Dakota’s profound loss, the grief and anger she is experiencing, and how scary the changes in her life must be, but interacting with a teenage girl is new to him. Thankfully, the social worker assigned to Dakota’s case is well versed in situations like this and will help guide him as he and Dakota get to know each other. Addison also happens to be his former girlfriend whom he left behind when he entered the military, the woman he has never been able to forget.
Getting to know to know each other is a learning curve for Walker and Dakota. Tumultuous emotions, teenage hormones and big changes are all part of package, but gradually, with help from Addison and his extended family, the two of them find their footing and forge a strong bond. It helps that Walker isn’t afraid or too proud to ask for help in understanding and interacting with Dakota. Their relationship and how they move forward is too important to him to go in blindly and risk making mistakes that could hurt his daughter. Of course, his Wilde cousins are there to support him and Dakota, to offer advice and to help them find their way as a family unit. Addison helps both Walker and Dakota in numerous ways. She listens to each of them, helps them communicate and encourages them to keep trying when things get difficult. At first, Addison struggles to stay professional and keep her own emotions under wraps. It soon becomes clear that she and Walker still have a connection and intense chemistry between them. The feelings they once felt for each other have returned stronger than ever, but now they have trust issues. It is Dakota, a natural matchmaker, who advises her dad to talk things out with Addison and see if they can find a way forward together.
This tender and heartwarming book has my wholehearted recommendation.