Chapter 2

Chapter Two

Ben

Benjamin Lawson leaned back in his leather office chair, surveying the plans and blueprints scattered across his large oak desk. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed a sweeping view of downtown Austin, but Ben's attention was focused on the papers before him.

Meticulous notes detailed his upcoming trip to Littlecreek Ranch in Montana. As a respected Daddy Dom in the ageplay community, Ben had helped countless Littles and Middles feel safe, cared for, and nurtured. He owned an ageplay nightclub in the heart of Austin, but his vision was expanding, with aspirations of opening a DDlg sanctuary in the Texas countryside.

He picked up a pamphlet from a stack of inspirational reading materials. Building Intentional Communities, the title read in bold lettering. Ben nodded to himself, his jaw set with determination. This was his calling, his purpose.

A framed photo on the bookshelf caught Ben's eye and he froze. Shit. He’d forgotten that picture was still there. Two smiling faces. He had his arms around Kayla, his former partner. The memory of their painful breakup came rushing back like a tidal wave.

"I can't do this anymore, Ben! I never see you. You're always so damn busy with your support groups and community building. What about me and my needs?" Kayla's anguished voice echoed in his mind.

"That's not fair," he’d replied, struggling to keep his tone even. “Of course I care about you. But I have so many responsibilities ? —”

And then the real blow: "I'm tired of being your lowest priority." Tears streamed down her face.

“Baby, you’re not my lowest priority."

It was true. She wasn’t. But even though he had tried his best, it hadn’t been enough for her. He hadn’t been enough for her.

“I don’t want you to help anyone else. It’s weird. All those other Littles at the club ? —”

“They need protecting, honey, you know that. It’s not romantic, not even slightly.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Her words had cut him to the core. The accusations, the misunderstandings about his lifestyle at the club—it was more than he could bear. When she walked out and slammed the door behind her, part of Ben's heart went with her.

Blinking back the painful memories, Ben took the picture off the shelf and tossed it into the trashcan. He forced himself to return his attention to the present moment. The present moment was all he had. No point dwelling on the past. No point daydreaming. All he had was the here and now, and the things he needed to do to make each moment worthwhile.

He straightened his tie and ran a hand through his sandy blond hair.

Relationships just weren’t for him. He was too busy. Still, he wouldn’t make that mistake again. There was no room for distractions. No room for heartache. From now on, his personal life would remain separate from his all-consuming mission. He had Littles to help, a community to grow. There was no room for anything, or anyone, else.

Ben gathered the plans and tucked them neatly into a leather portfolio. Rising to his full 6'2" height, he gazed out at the Austin skyline, his piercing blue eyes reflecting a solemn commitment, an unwavering professionalism.

Littlecreek Ranch awaited. And Benjamin Lawson would be ready to take on this next chapter, no matter the cost.

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 was wide. 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 about feel . 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.

“That’s what I want,” he said. “Ideally, for the whole world. But, failing that, at least in a small part of Texas.”

Little ones giggled and scampered through the snow, their Caregivers watching nearby. A group of adults sat together at a picnic table under a heater, painting with watercolors and chatting animatedly. Everywhere he looked, Ben saw people connecting, nurturing one another, building a community founded on acceptance and support.

Chuck placed a hand on Ben's shoulder. "It's a special thing we have here. A place of healing. Now, would you like a little seasonal drink?"

Ben and Chuck settled into the plush armchairs by the crackling fireplace, the warmth seeping into their bones after a long day. Chuck poured them each a finger of smooth whiskey, the amber liquid glinting in the flickering light.

"So, tell me more about your plans for the Texas ranch," Chuck said, his voice deep and reassuring. "What's your vision?"

Ben took a sip, savoring the smoky flavor before responding. "I want to create a sanctuary, a place where Littles and their Caregivers can come to heal, to grow, and to find community. And I want it to be full of Texan hospitality. Not just manners and charm. It’s more than that. It’s about love. About making every visitor feel like—at least for a while—they’re part of the family."

Chuck nodded, stroking his silver beard thoughtfully. "It's a noble endeavor, and I have no doubt you'll succeed. But I sense there's more to your story, son. What's driving you?"

Ben hesitated, his fingers tightening around the glass. “Well, as you know, my family are ranchers. I got into property development, but I still own a big chunk of land in Texas that’s ripe for this project.”

Chuck waved a hand. “No, no, I understand you’re well placed to do this, but . . . why?”

Ben gritted his teeth. He had kept his walls up for so long, but something about Chuck's gentle prodding and the safe haven of Littlecreek compelled him to open up.

He took a sip. Liquid courage.

"Well, this is gonna make me sound slightly . . . adolescent. But, uh…” He scratched his head. “I went through a difficult breakup a few months ago," he confessed, his voice low. "She was a Little, but she wanted me to stop my work supporting other Littles. We argued. It was complicated. I guess she felt as though she wasn’t enough for me—which wasn’t true. And I felt as though she didn’t really love me for who I was. Does that make sense?”

“Sure. You felt like she would have preferred someone who wasn’t so community focused.”

“Right. It was rough. I guess I always thought we loved each other. But if she only loved me if I quit my job, and if I only loved the version of her that loved me back . . . well, I guess you could say it wasn’t right for either of us.”

Chuck leaned forward, his eyes full of empathy. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, Ben. It's never easy when someone can't accept all of who you are. Even good people struggle with it."

Ben felt a lump form in his throat, touched by Chuck's words. "Thank you," he managed, blinking back the sudden tears in his eyes. “I’m here because I want to focus on my work. Get away from love, and just concentrate on helping vulnerable people. Enjoy being in the moment, which is where I’m meant to be.”

Chuck reached out, clasping Ben's shoulder firmly. "And you will. I have faith in you, Ben. You've got the heart and the determination."

They talked late into the night, sharing stories of their experiences, both the joys and the struggles. Ben felt a kinship with Chuck, a sense of being understood on a deep level. The seeds of friendship had been planted, and he knew he'd found not only a mentor but a true ally.

“You know,” Chuck said, “sometimes, when you’ve closed your heart to love, it’s the time you’re most vulnerable.”

“How does that figure?”

“Not sure. But I’ve seen it before. Happened with me. You met Millie, didn’t you? She’s my Little. I never thought I’d find love in a place like this. But I did.”

“I’m glad you found her,” Ben said. “But I’m not in the same spot. For me, with how hectic my life is, it seems almost impossible.”

“I get it. Just . . . don’t close your heart to it, Ben. There are people out there who want someone just like you.”

Ben didn’t say anything in return. What was there to say? No, there aren’t. That would have sounded self-pitying. Ben knew it was true though. He was committed to his work so deeply, so completely, that no woman alive—least of all a Little—could put up with that.

As the embers burned low, Ben bid Chuck goodnight and made his way back to his cabin. Stepping inside, he paused by the window, gazing out at the star-strewn Montana sky. The vastness of it took his breath away, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace wash over him.

He thought of the ranch he would build, the lives he would touch.

Even if he never found love himself, it would be worth it for all the good he’d do for others. He stayed there for some time, eyes skyward.

Then, just as he was about to head into his cabin for the night, he saw a streak of light across the sky.

A shooting star.

A one in a million shot.

Sometimes, things that are almost impossible happen anyway.