Page 30 of Joining Little Jessica

They all agreed, and with a final nod of determination, they headed toward the Littles’ Wing to pick up their girl. The Ranch was already buzzing with excitement, guests gathering for the festivities, and the atmosphere was electric.

Sebastian’s eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Jessica, standing close to her friend, and the Ranch owner’s wife, Sadie. Jessica looked stunning, the firelight casting a warm glow over her, and his heart clenched at the sight. He’d seen her look at his scar last night, and he knew he would have to tell her about his operation and health soon, but for now, he wanted to enjoy her with no darkness looming over them.

She caught his eye and smiled, and for a moment everything else faded away.

He couldn’t wait to show her what they had planned. But for now, he’d enjoy this moment, knowing that tonight would change everything.

As he approached her, Jessica’s smile widened, and she reached for his hand, pulling him closer to her. The warmth of her touch sent a spark through him and he couldn’t help but lean down and kiss her gently on the forehead.

“Hello, Daddy,” she whispered, her eyes shining.

“Hello, sweetheart,” he murmured back, brushing his thumb over her knuckles. “You ready for tonight?”

She nodded, but there was a flicker of something in her expression—excitement, maybe, or anticipation. Sebastian’sheart swelled with affection, knowing that whatever came next, they were in this together.

And by the time the clock struck midnight, Jessica would know exactly how serious they were. She’d know she wasn’t just their holiday romance—she was their future.

CHAPTER 19

The Ranch was alive with excitement, and the evening felt charged with anticipation. The bonfire crackled, casting a warm light across the gathering crowd, and the New Year’s celebration had taken on a magical feel. Rowan, Sebastian, and Forrest stood with Jessica, enjoying the party as if it were any other night, but all three men knew this wasn’t just another evening. Tonight was about more than a celebration.

Sebastian watched as Jessica mingled with her friends, his heart swelling with pride and affection. She looked radiant, her carefree laughter mingling with the sounds of the party. For a while, they let her be, watching her as she enjoyed some special Little time with Sadie and the other Littles. It was also a joy to see her like this—her playful, vulnerable side fully on display.

She’d been so brave, opening herself up to them bit by bit, and tonight they could finally show her just how serious they were about her.

Rowan came up beside him, nudging him with his elbow. “She’s happy,” he said, his voice soft. “Look at her.”

Sebastian followed Rowan’s gaze to where Jessica was playing with a set of blocks, giggling with a friend oversomething silly. Her eyes sparkled in the firelight, and she looked so at peace, so content.

“Yeah,” Sebastian said, his voice thick with emotion. “She is.”

Forrest joined them, carrying drinks for the three of them. He handed them out with a grin. “Our girl’s having the time of her life, huh?”

“She deserves it,” Rowan said, sipping his drink.

They watched her for a while longer, letting her play and enjoy the evening. Sebastian felt his chest tighten with every laugh she let out, knowing that soon they’d be giving her a surprise that would change everything.

When the clock neared midnight, they gathered around her, subtly pulling her away from her friends as the countdown to the New Year began. She didn’t notice anything different at first, laughing as Rowan pulled her close for a dance, twirling her in circles. Forrest joined in, lifting her off the ground playfully while Sebastian kept his hands on her hips, steadying her between them all.

“You’re spoiling me,” she teased, giggling as they passed her from one to the other in a whirlwind of movement.

“Only the best for you, little one,” Rowan whispered in her ear, kissing her cheek as he passed her back to Sebastian.

As the countdown began—ten, nine, eight—Jessica beamed up at them, her face flushed with joy and laughter.

Seven, six, five—she blinked up at them, nothing but adoration on her face.

Four... three... two... one! Happy New Year!

The Ranch exploded with cheers and laughter, but for Jessica, time seemed to slow as her three men crowded around her.

Sebastian reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope, holding it in front of her. “Happy New Year,sweetheart,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “This is for you.”

Jessica blinked, her eyes wide with surprise. “What’s this?”

“Open it,” Forrest urged, his voice gentle but filled with anticipation.

Jessica looked from one man to the other, confusion and curiosity warring in her expression. With trembling hands, she opened the envelope and pulled out the papers inside. Her eyes scanned the first page, and as realization dawned on her, she gasped.

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