Page 260 of Daddy's Naughty List

Lulu's heart stuttered in her chest. "Wh-what do you mean?"

"I mean, if the ranch happens, great. But it would be one hell of a hollow victory if you weren't by my side." Ben took her hand, lacing their fingers together. "What do you say, babygirl? Will you come back to Texas with me?"

A thousand thoughts swirled through Lulu's head—her life in Philly, her job, the unknown that stretched out before her. She swallowed hard.

"And . . . if I say no? If I want to go back to Philly?" Her voice wavered slightly. "Is that the end of us?"

Ben's smile was soft and reassuring, his thumb stroking soothing circles over her knuckles. "Luckily, Santa's great at long distances."

A surprised giggle burst from Lulu's lips, the tension draining from her shoulders. They laughed together, foreheads touching, the future suddenly seeming a lot less far away with her Daddy by her side.

Chapter Twelve

Lulu

The dining hall at Littlecreek Ranch glowed with Christmas cheer. Hundreds of handmade paper snowflakes dangled from wooden rafters, each one of them created by Lulu and her team of helpers. The scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air. Lulu took it all in with wonder, hugging Flopsy close to her chest.

Around the long oak tables, Daddies and Littles laughed and chatted as they enjoyed heaping plates of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and homemade rolls. Lulu smiled at the sight of so many happy faces, all free to be their true selves. She'd never felt a sense of belonging like this before.

Suddenly, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. It was Ben, looking handsome in his red flannel shirt, a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. "Hey princess, can I steal you away for a minute?"

Lulu nodded shyly, her heart fluttering as Ben took her hand and led her outside to the porch. Fairy lights sparkled in the pine boughs overhead, making the falling snow glisten. Lulu shivered and Ben wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders.

"Spending this Christmas with you has been so special, Lulu," he said softly, gazing down at her. "You've come to mean so much to me over these past months. I know I'll be heading back to Texas soon, but I want you to know that I'm serious about us. About making things work long distance."

Lulu smiled. “Thank you for saying that.”

"Babygirl, setting up my ranch is important to me, but you're my number-one priority. I'm my best self when I'm with you." He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "I want to be there for you, Lulu. In every possible way. No matter what."

Lulu blinked back happy tears. She knew deep in her heart that what they had was real. "I want that too, so much. I . . . I love you, Ben."

Ben's face lit up with a tender smile. "I love you too, Lulu. I know it’s happened fast, and some people might think that’s crazy, but I don’t care. I’ve spent my life playing the long game. Analyzing risks and financial forecasts, making spreadsheets and checking everything in minute detail. When I’m with you, though, I don’t need to do all that. I know how you make me feel. How I feel when I’m with you."

He pulled her close and their lips met in a sweet, lingering kiss that warmed Lulu from head to toe. Being wrapped in Ben's strong arms, she had never felt so cherished, so safe. So truly at home.

Finally, he pulled away, looking deep into her eyes. “I also want you to know that once the ranch is up and running, in a few months or so, I’ll be able to step back a little. If you want me to move to Philly to be with you at that point, well, I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Lulu gazed into Ben's brilliant blue eyes. She had never felt so cared for. Her heart raced with anticipation as she prepared to share the decision she'd been contemplating. "Actually, that might not be necessary. I've been thinking a lot about your offer to come to Texas with you," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "And I've realized that there's nothing I want more. I'd love to come to Texas, to be with you and build a life together."

Ben's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and pure joy spreading across his handsome features. "Really? You mean it, little one?"

Lulu nodded, a giddy laugh escaping her lips. "I do. I hate my job in Philly, and the thought of living on a ranch full time, with you, surrounded by the warmth and love of this community, it's like a dream come true."

Ben swept her up into his arms, spinning her around as he let out a whoop of delight.

Lulu clung to him, giggling as the world blurred around them.

As he set her down, Ben cupped her face in his hands, his eyes shining with adoration. "You have no idea how happy you've made me, Lulu. I promise I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure you never regret this decision."

Their lips met in another tender, passionate kiss, sealing their commitment to a future together. Lulu melted into Ben's embrace, her heart soaring with the knowledge that she'd finally found her place in the world.

At that moment, Lulu’s stomach rumbled loudly. "I guess it’s time to dig into all the holiday goodies," she said with a giggle.

Ben's arm tightened around Lulu's waist, drawing her close as he reached into his pocket with his free hand. "Actually, darlin', there's one more surprise I have for you."

Lulu's eyes widened as he produced a small, glittery package, holding it out to her with a smile that was equal parts nervous and excited. “I thought we’d given each other all our presents?”

“All but one,” Ben told her. “I was saving this for the right moment.”

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