Page 228 of Daddy's Naughty List

On the day of his departure, Ben meticulously packed his bags, ensuring he had all the necessary materials for his consultation with Chuck North at Littlecreek Ranch. He carefully selected each item, from his tailored business attire to his carefully chosen personalized stationery.

As he zipped up his suitcase, he paused, his hand resting on the smooth leather of the luggage. Would he be able to pull this off? To start a sanctuary from scratch? All those people relying on him? A Daddy to all of them. A Daddy with no Little.

The weight of his past, the echoes of his recent heartbreak, threatened to seep through the cracks of his composed exterior.

"Stay focused, Lawson," he muttered to himself, shaking off the momentary lapse. He grabbed his suitcase and headed out the door, his strides purposeful and determined.

The drive to the airport was a blur, Ben's mind preoccupied with the challenges and opportunities that awaited him at the ranch.

The plan was simple. Learn as much as he could from Chuck and the staff, and use that knowledge as a template to set up a sister ranch here in Texas. Then, if there was any time left, have a merry little Christmas, Montana-style.

He navigated through the bustling terminal with practiced ease. Amidst the chaos of Austin-Bergstrom airport, Ben's eyes caught a glimpse of festive colors and twinkling lights. Christmas had painted the terminal in hues of red and green, with garlands elegantly draped over the entrance and wreaths adorning every pillar. The scent of fresh pine lingered in the air, mingling with the aroma of cinnamon and hot cocoa.

Large Christmas trees, adorned with sparkling ornaments and shimmering tinsel, stood proudly at strategic points throughout the airport, casting a magical glow over the travelers passing by. Ben couldn't help but smile at the sight of children, eagerly pointing at the oversized stockings hanging from the ceiling, their faces filled with wonder and excitement.

Ever since he and Kayla had split up, Christmas had lost some of its luster. Maybe he’d have the chance to enjoy it a bit more at Littlecreek.

The plane touched down on the snow-dusted runway, jolting Ben from his thoughts. The flight had been long, and he’d spent most of it reading about the business of dude ranches.

He didn’t want to make a profit from the ageplay ranch he was planning to open, but he had to keep the thing running. He gathered his belongings, the crisp Montana air hitting him as he stepped onto the tarmac. The vast, serene landscape stretched out before him, a stark contrast to the urban jungle he'd left behind in Austin.

Ben climbed into his rental car. It was a tan Jeep Wrangler, appropriately rugged for a trip through snow to a ranch. The engine roared to life and he made his way out into the wild.

As he drove, Ben couldn't help but marvel at the beauty surrounding him. The towering evergreens, their branches heavy with snow, stood like sentinels guarding the wilderness. The sky, an endless expanse of blue, seemed to stretch on forever, broken only by the occasional wispy cloud.

This was the country alright. Texas was big, but this waswide.Vast. Endless.

After what felt like an eternity, the sign for Littlecreek Ranch appeared on the horizon. Ben's heart raced with anticipation as he turned onto the gravel road, the ranch's main house coming into view.

He parked the car and stepped out. It was peaceful. The snow cut out the echoes, making the place seem muted and soft. The only sound was the soft crunch of footsteps, getting closer.

The source of those steps was a tall, rugged man with a warm smile. "Benjamin Lawson?" the man asked, extending his hand. "I'm Chuck North. Welcome to Littlecreek Ranch."

Ben shook Chuck's hand firmly, feeling an instant sense of camaraderie. "Thank you, Chuck. It's a pleasure to be here," he replied, his eyes taking in the sprawling ranch before him.

"I've been looking forward to your visit," Chuck said, leading Ben toward the main house. "The world needs more sanctuaries for vulnerable people. Littles are no exception. I’m glad to think that Littlecreek could be a model for your new place."

Ben nodded, falling into step beside Chuck. "Well, this place is impressive. I’ve heard stories of Littles who have had their lives improved here. I’d like to change some lives for the better, too."

As they walked, Chuck shared insights and strategies, his wisdom and experience evident in every word. Ben listened intently, absorbing the information like a sponge, his mind already racing with ideas for his own sanctuary.

Chuck asked a few questions about Ben’s ageplay club, too. He was passionate about safeguarding and staff selection, and pressed Ben on the topics.

“It’s difficult,” Ben said. “I know it’s a shitty answer, but when it comes to staff it’s all aboutfeel. For me, at least. Nine times out of ten, I can tell if someone isn’t a true Daddy. Or if they’re only interested in the Dom side of things.” He sighed. “Sadly, the only way to build up that knowledge is by making mistakes.”

Chuck nodded. “I’m no stranger to mistakes. Still, with luck, I make fewer these days.”

Inside the main house, Ben was struck by the welcoming atmosphere. The rustic decor, the crackling fireplace, the gentle murmur of conversations—it made the place feel instantly homey and safe.

Chuck introduced Ben to several staff members, each one greeting him with a genuine smile and a firm handshake. He tried to keep up with the names, but it was difficult.

Silas. Millie. Duke. A shy porter called Maggie.

“We’ve expanded recently to try to help more people. Ran into a spot of financial trouble, but the ranch is on the up and up now.”

As they conversed, Ben couldn't help but feel a rare sense of camaraderie and understanding, a feeling he'd been missing for far too long.

Next, Chuck took him for a tour of the whole ranch. When they exited, Ben saw something that took his breath away. A group of Littles, dressed in Little clothes, happy and confident, and totally at ease with themselves. Roaming free in the outdoors without any fear of hurt or ridicule.

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