Page 253 of Daddy's Naughty List

"How’s it going, Ben?" Chuck asked, his keen eyes studying Ben's face.

Ben blinked, a smile tugging at his lips. "Good, thanks. It’s another perfect day here.”

“Sure is easy on the eyes, huh?”

“You know, I've learned so much here, Chuck. Not just about running the ranch, but about myself too."

Chuck nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "And how are things with Lulu? I was very pleased you came to me last night about a contract. You know, I haven’t always looked so favorably on staff members at the ranch having relationships with one another, but . . . well, strictly speaking, you two are just visitors. And, more importantly than that, I’m getting soft in my old age. You two are just about the greatest thing since sliced bread. You’re clearly perfect for each other."

A blush crept up Ben's neck. He hesitated, but the genuine concern in Chuck's gaze compelled him to be honest. "How do you know that? If someone’s perfect for you?"

Chuck shrugged. “It’s simple really. If you like the person you are around them, and if you like the person they are, then chances are, it’s the real deal.”

“And you can tell that just by looking at the two of us?”

“I can tell that you’re both being yourselves. And that you’re both thriving in one another’s company.”

Ben couldn’t help but smile. “We are.” The smile quickly faded. “Problem is, the holidays won’t last long.”

“Is that a problem?” asked Chuck, raising an eyebrow.

Ben shifted. "I won't have time for a relationship afterward," he replied, but even as the words left his mouth, a part of him protested. “And she’s in Philly. I’d only make her sad, let her down.”

Chuck hummed, a thoughtful look on his face. "You know, sometimes the best things in life are the ones we don't plan for. If it’s meant to work, though, you’ll find a way."

As Chuck's words sank in, Ben felt a tug in his chest. The idea of leaving Lulu behind, of returning to a life without her laughter and warmth, suddenly seemed unimaginable. Yet, the fear of hurting her, or of messing up his ambitions to open a ranch and help all those Littles who needed him, seemed unimaginable too.

Chuck seemed to sense his inner turmoil. He squeezed Ben's shoulder, a fatherly gesture of support. "I'm sure you'll make the right choice, son. Just remember, love'salwaysworth the risk."

With a final nod, Chuck strode away, leaving Ben alone with his thoughts swirling like the light smattering of snowflakes around him.

At dinner, Lulu was nowhere to be seen. Ben went to the Nursery, to see if she was still there, but the room was empty. Eventually, he found her in the craft room, hunched over her worktable, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Little one," he called softly, crouching beside her. "Have you eaten dinner?"

She glanced up, her eyes wide and slightly unfocused. "Oh, um, not yet, Daddy. I just wanted to finish this. . . "

Ben shook his head, gently but firmly taking the paintbrush from her hand. "No, sweetheart. You need to take care of yourself. That means eating regular meals."

“But I had so much fun with Zoey in the Nursery and I didn’t have time to finish, and what if I can’t finish in tim?—”

“Baby, I know you want to do well, but you have to look after yourself before you can look after anything else.”

Lulu pouted, a protest forming on her lips, but Ben's stern gaze brooked no argument. He guided her to the dining area, his hand resting reassuringly on the small of her back.

As they sat together, Ben took her plate and filled it high, before returning to her. A playful smile danced on his face, and with deft movements, he began cutting her food into whimsical shapes—stars, hearts, and even a little bunny.

Lulu giggled, her earlier resistance melting away. "Daddy, you're so silly!"

Ben chuckled, warmth blooming in his chest at the sight of her smile. "Anything to make my little girl happy."

As he watched her tuck into her meal, Ben marveled at the effortless way their dynamic flowed. The care, the gentle discipline, the laughter—it all felt so right, so natural.

After dinner, Ben took Lulu back to the craft room. They settled on the plush rug, the children's book spread out before them, pages filled with Lulu's whimsical illustrations.

"Okay, so for the interactive exhibit," Lulu began, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "is it too late to make a treehouse?"

“It might be a little too late. We only have a few days.”

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