Page 252 of Daddy's Naughty List

"Look, Daddy!" She held up a glittery foam star, bouncing on her toes. "Isn't it pretty? I think these would look perfect on the. . . "

Her words trailed off as inspiration struck. She grabbed a handful of stars and dashed over to the tree in the corner, arranging them on the branches with intense concentration.

Ben watched, amazed by her creative vision.

Lulu flitted from one idea to the next, her enthusiasm infectious. She enlisted Ben's help in cutting out paper snowflakes, giggling as he struggled with the tiny scissors. "Here, let me show you, Daddy," she offered, with a sly grin, her nimble fingers making quick work of the intricate designs.

Their rapport felt so natural, thoughts flowing seamlessly between them. When Lulu needed a steady hand for a tricky bit of gluing, Ben was right there. When he couldn't decide between two shades of blue for the banner, she instinctively pointed to the one that perfectly matched her vision.

Hours flew by. Ben couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so fulfilled, so connected to another person.

Later, as Lulu focused on painting a backdrop for their interactive exhibit, Ben noticed a flicker of doubt cross her face. Her brush strokes became hesitant, her bottom lip caught between her teeth.

"What's on your mind, sweetpea?" he asked gently, crouching beside her.

Lulu's gaze dropped to her lap, her voice barely a whisper. "What if . . . what if it's not good enough? What if everyone thinks it's silly?"

Ben's heart clenched at the vulnerability in her tone. He tilted her chin up, meeting her watery eyes with a reassuring smile.

"Lulu, your art is incredible. It comes straight from your beautiful heart." He brushed a thumb across her cheek, catching a stray tear. "When people see this, they'll feel the joy and love you pour into every brushstroke. Trust me, little one."

She leaned into his touch, a shaky smile blooming on her face. "You really think so, Daddy?"

"I know so," Ben affirmed, pulling her into a hug. "Never doubt how special you are, Lulu. Your art brings light to everyone around you, just like you've brought so much light into my life."

“You don’t think it’s too out there? Too weird?”

“Of course not. It’s perfect.”

“At the greetings card company, my boss always says I’m too creative for my own good.”

“No such thing as too creative, darling.”

“The cards I have to do are so boring. It’s just Easter Bunnies at Easter and, you know, Santa at Christmas. I’m never allowed to think outside the box. In fact, I’m punished for it.”

“Must be tough to keep having to draw the same thing.”

“It is! But mostly I just hate the way my boss belittles me. It’s so hard to ever believe in myself, to be brave enough to trust my instincts.”

Ben held her close, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair, wondering how many weeks it took before you really could say you loved someone. Probably months. Maybe years. Definitely not days.

“Hey Lulu,” Zoey’s quiet voice popped up from nearby.

“Hey, hon!” his Little replied.

“Want to hang in the Nursery for a while? I need to zone out and play.”

Lulu looked up at him. “Can I, Daddy?”

“Of course. Go have some fun. I’ll see you later.”

She gave him a squeeze and scampered off with her friend. He hated seeing her walk away from him. Another thing that was different back when he was with Kayla. As much as he loved her company, he always looked forward to having his own space. Right now, though, he felt jealous and possessive as hell any time another member of the ranch got to spend time with Lulu. Maybe it was because their relationship was just temporary. He knew that he needed to make the most of this brief time together, which made him get antsy whenever that didn’t happen.

After making sure that everything was running smoothly for the event, Ben decided to go for a walk. He hoped that the crisp air and beautiful scenery would help clear his mind.

As he strolled through the ranch, his boots crunching softly in the snow, he marveled at the beauty surrounding him. The vast expanse of untouched snow spread out in all directions, interrupted only by the occasional animal track or set of hoofprints. Frost-laden trees stood like sentinels, their branches heavy with delicate icicles that sparkled like diamonds. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and wood smoke from the cozy cabins. In the distance, he could see a herd of cows peacefully grazing, their breath forming fluffy clouds in the cold air.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed Chuck approaching until the older man clapped a hand on his shoulder.

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