His fingers gently tightened around Dakota's hand.
"Dakota."
A soft hum escaped her lips as she slowly turned her face toward him, her tired eyes opening just enough to acknowledge his voice.
"Mmm...?"
"I need to tell you something."
She frowned faintly and gave the smallest shake of her head.
"I don't want to think..."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Just... hold me."
A helpless smile touched Kade's lips as his thumb slowly stroked the back of her hand. He wished he could give her another day—just one more day to regain her strength before placing such overwhelming news upon her heart—but he knew there would never truly be a perfect moment.
His eyes drifted toward the little girl sitting quietly beside Dakota before returning to meet her gaze.
"Takoda..."
He spoke the name gently, allowing the silence to settle between them before continuing.
"...is your daughter."
