Although she clearly had no desire to leave the safety of Dakota's embrace, she obediently loosened her arms from around her mother's neck and carefully climbed down from her lap.
Watching the little girl stand steadily on her own feet, Elena smiled and made her way to the wardrobe. After looking through several neatly arranged outfits, she selected a soft cream-colored sweater, a warm plaid skirt, thick stockings, and a tiny cardigan that would keep the morning chill at bay.
Together, she and Dakota patiently helped Takoda get ready.
The little girl stood remarkably still, lifting her arms whenever Dakota asked her to and giggling quietly whenever Elena tickled her accidentally while pulling the sleeves into place. Dakota fastened each small button carefully before smoothing the front of the cardigan, while Elena knelt before Takoda and gently slipped a pair of tiny leather shoes onto her feet.
