Page 229 of Daddy's Naughty List

“That’s what I want,” he said. “Ideally, for the whole world. But, failing that, at least in a small part of Texas.”

Little ones giggled and scampered through the snow, their Caregivers watching nearby. A group of adults sat together at a picnic table under a heater, painting with watercolors and chatting animatedly. Everywhere he looked, Ben saw people connecting, nurturing one another, building a community founded on acceptance and support.

Chuck placed a hand on Ben's shoulder. "It's a special thing we have here. A place of healing. Now, would you like a little seasonal drink?"

Ben and Chuck settled into the plush armchairs by the crackling fireplace, the warmth seeping into their bones after a long day. Chuck poured them each a finger of smooth whiskey, the amber liquid glinting in the flickering light.

"So, tell me more about your plans for the Texas ranch," Chuck said, his voice deep and reassuring. "What's your vision?"

Ben took a sip, savoring the smoky flavor before responding. "I want to create a sanctuary, a place where Littles and their Caregivers can come to heal, to grow, and to find community. And I want it to be full of Texan hospitality. Not just manners and charm. It’s more than that. It’s about love. About making every visitor feel like—at least for a while—they’re part of the family."

Chuck nodded, stroking his silver beard thoughtfully. "It's a noble endeavor, and I have no doubt you'll succeed. But I sense there's more to your story, son. What's driving you?"

Ben hesitated, his fingers tightening around the glass. “Well, as you know, my family are ranchers. I got into property development, but I still own a big chunk of land in Texas that’s ripe for this project.”

Chuck waved a hand. “No, no, I understand you’re well placed to do this, but . . . why?”

Ben gritted his teeth. He had kept his walls up for so long, but something about Chuck's gentle prodding and the safe haven of Littlecreek compelled him to open up.

He took a sip. Liquid courage.

"Well, this is gonna make me sound slightly . . . adolescent. But, uh…” He scratched his head. “I went through a difficult breakup a few months ago," he confessed, his voice low. "She was a Little, but she wanted me to stop my work supporting other Littles. We argued. It was complicated. I guess she felt as though she wasn’t enough for me—which wasn’t true. And I felt as though she didn’t really love me for who I was. Does that make sense?”

“Sure. You felt like she would have preferred someone who wasn’t so community focused.”

“Right. It was rough. I guess I always thought we loved each other. But if she only loved me if I quit my job, and if I only loved the version of her that loved me back . . . well, I guess you could say it wasn’t right for either of us.”

Chuck leaned forward, his eyes full of empathy. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Ben. It's never easy when someone can't accept all of who you are. Even good people struggle with it."

Ben felt a lump form in his throat, touched by Chuck's words. "Thank you," he managed, blinking back the sudden tears in his eyes. “I’m here because I want to focus on my work. Get away from love, and just concentrate on helping vulnerable people. Enjoy being in the moment, which is where I’m meant to be.”

Chuck reached out, clasping Ben's shoulder firmly. "And you will. I have faith in you, Ben. You've got the heart and the determination."

They talked late into the night, sharing stories of their experiences, both the joys and the struggles. Ben felt a kinship with Chuck, a sense of being understood on a deep level. The seeds of friendship had been planted, and he knew he'd found not only a mentor but a true ally.

“You know,” Chuck said, “sometimes, when you’ve closed your heart to love, it’s the time you’re most vulnerable.”

“How does that figure?”

“Not sure. But I’ve seen it before. Happened with me. You met Millie, didn’t you? She’s my Little. I never thought I’d find love in a place like this. But I did.”

“I’m glad you found her,” Ben said. “But I’m not in the same spot. For me, with how hectic my life is, it seems almost impossible.”

“I get it. Just . . . don’t close your heart to it, Ben. There are people out there who want someone just like you.”

Ben didn’t say anything in return. What was there to say?No, there aren’t.That would have sounded self-pitying. Ben knew it was true though. He was committed to his work so deeply, so completely, that no woman alive—least of all a Little—could put up with that.

As the embers burned low, Ben bid Chuck goodnight and made his way back to his cabin. Stepping inside, he paused by the window, gazing out at the star-strewn Montana sky. The vastness of it took his breath away, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace wash over him.

He thought of the ranch he would build, the lives he would touch.

Even if he never found love himself, it would be worth it for all the good he’d do for others. He stayed there for some time, eyes skyward.

Then, just as he was about to head into his cabin for the night, he saw a streak of light across the sky.

A shooting star.

A one in a million shot.

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