Page 33 of Joining Little Jessica

Jessica felt Rowan’s hand slip around hers under the table, grounding her, but the knot in her stomach tightened.

“But I’m glad I ran into you. I’ve been trying to get hold of you. Ineedto talk to you.”

Jessica stared at her mother. She didn’t know what the older woman wanted her to say.

“I left him,” her mother blurted out, her voice thick with emotion. “I left your father. I couldn’t... I couldn’t stay with him anymore. After everything... after what he did to you...”

Jessica’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding in her ears. Her immediate thoughts were unkind and harsh, but Jessica wondered if the only reason her mother had left her dad was that his favorite punching bag had left, which meant he would shift his focus to Jessica’s mother instead.

“I’m so sorry, Jessica,” her mother continued, her eyes filling with tears. “I should have protected you. I should have left him sooner. But I... I didn’t. And I’m so, so sorry.”

For a long moment, Jessica didn’t speak. The weight of her mother’s words crashed over her, pulling at memories she’d tried so hard to bury. She had longed for this apology for years. But now that it was here, it didn’t feel the way she’d imagined.

Her throat tightened as she stared at her mother, the pain and betrayal still fresh in her heart. She wanted to say something. To yell, cry and ask why it had taken so long, but the words wouldn’t come.

Finally, she whispered, “It doesn’t change anything.”

Her mother’s face crumpled, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. “I know. I know it doesn’t. But I needed you to know. I needed you to hear it from me.”

Tears welled up in Jessica’s eyes, but instead of breaking down, she turned to her Daddies—her safe haven. Sebastian, Rowan and Forrest were right there, their hands resting on her, their presence steady and unwavering.

Sebastian pulled her to his side, his strong arm wrapping around her protectively. “You don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, sweetheart,” he murmured.

Forrest leaned in, his hand stroking her back. “We’re here, you’re not alone.”

Rowan reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “It’s okay to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. No matter what it is.”

Jessica swallowed hard, her emotions swirling inside her. She glanced back at her mother, whose eyes were pleading, desperate for forgiveness.

“I need time,” Jessica finally said, her voice shaky but firm. “I can’t just forget everything. I can’t pretend like it didn’t happen.”

Her mother nodded, tears still streaming down her face. “I understand. I’ll give you all the time you need.”

Jessica felt a surge of conflicting emotions—relief, anger, sadness—but she turned back to her Daddies, needing their comfort more than anything else.

Sebastian pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his hand running soothingly over her back. “You did good, sweetheart. We’re proud of you.”

Forrest leaned in closer, his voice low and gentle. “We’re here for you.”

Rowan gave her hand another squeeze, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles. “You don’t have to face anything alone anymore.”

Jessica exhaled shakily, her tears finally spilling over as she buried her face against Sebastian’s chest. Her mother had come, had apologized, but that didn’t change the years of hurt. It didn’t change the fact that her real family—the people who loved her, supported her, and made her feel safe—were right there for her, holding her close.

As she clung to them, her heart slowly settled. She didn’t have all the answers, and she wasn’t sure what the future held for her and her mother, but right now, she knew one thing for certain. Her Daddies were her home, her strength, and no matter what, she would always have them.

When she lifted her head and turned, it was to find her mother gone. Perhaps for the first time, the woman would truly do as she’d said… give her daughter the time she needed.

And for now, that was enough.

CHAPTER 21

The cozy warmth of the playroom wrapped around Jessica like a comforting hug. It was one of her favorite places at the Ranch, especially when she was in her Little space, surrounded by soft blankets, toys, and the smell of fresh crayons. The room had an air of safety, of being cared for, and whenever she was here with her Daddies, it felt like the rest of the world faded away.

Jessica was lying on her stomach, a coloring book spread out in front of her as she hummed to herself. Rowan had chosen her favorite shades of pink and purple, and she was happily filling in a picture of a unicorn. Nearby, Sebastian and Forrest sat on the large plush couch, watching her with gentle smiles on their faces, occasionally exchanging quiet words. It was a peaceful moment, full of warmth and affection.

Rowan knelt beside her, handing her another crayon as she finished up one of the colors. “You’re doing such a good job, princess,” he said, his voice playful as always. “That unicorn’s never looked so pretty.”

Jessica beamed up at him, her heart swelling with the praise. “Thank you, Daddy.”

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