Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Lulu

Golden sunlight danced across Lulu's face as she stretched luxuriously in her cozy bed. A smile played on her lips—yesterday had been magical, and today promised even more adventures at Littlecreek Ranch. There would be no meetings about illustrations here. No discussions at the water cooler or being made to feel stupid for doodling and daydreaming.

No.

Today was all about being a Little, on a beautiful ranch, at Christmas. What could be better than that?

She packed a bag for the day, making sure to include a few art supplies and her sketchbook, in case inspiration hit her, and got going.

At breakfast, the communal dining room was alive with chatter and clinking silverware. Lulu grinned as she scooped up fluffy scrambled eggs from the food counter, letting the warm aromas of coffee and maple syrup envelop her. She plopped down at a table with some other friendly-looking guests.

Normally, Lulu would be nervous, but the fact that half the people in here were dressed in cute Christmas sweaters, glittery dresses, and festive rompers, and that there were a ton of tinsel-adorned stuffies on display, gave her more confidence than she’d ever felt before.

"Morning!” she chirped to the Littles at her table. “I'm Louisa, but you all can call me Lulu. Ooh, aren't the decorations just the cutest? I can't believe how pretty it is here!"

The others grinned at Lulu's infectious joy.

“I made that one!” said a red-headed girl with a Scottish accent. She pointed up at a beautiful wreath of holly and ivy attached to a thick timber beam.

“Wow, it looks professional!” gasped Lulu.

“Thank you. I’m Janice. I’d shake your hand, but I got a little prickled from the holly earlier.”

“Ouch!”

Janice grinned. “I’m alright, really. Just a minor prickling.” She took a bite from a stack of pancakes. “So, are you new around here?”

“Uh-huh. I’m from Philly,” replied Lulu. “Here for Christmas to get away from all the stinky hustle and bustle.”

“We’re pleased to have you.” That was another girl, with flowing blonde hair and a beautiful smile. “I’m from a big city, too. Being here is just…” She sighed before finishing, “dreamy.”

“So, what’s it like when it’s not the holidays here?” Lulu asked.

The Littles excitedly shared stories about horseback rides, harvest festivals, summer camps, and fireside sing-alongs late into the night. Lulu soaked it all in, eyes sparkling. This place was everything she'd dreamed of and more.

When she was done eating, she gathered up her sketchbook and pencils, and waved goodbye to her new friends. Lulu skipped through tinsel-trimmed hallways, peeking into the festively decorated rooms. In the communal lounge, she spotted a young woman hunched over a table, surrounded by a flurry of art supplies. Lulu tiptoed closer, not wanting to interrupt.

The woman looked up, her dark eyes twinkling under a curtain of inky black hair. "Oh, hi there! I'm Zoey," she said with a warm smile. "I haven’t seen you before."

Lulu grinned and waved. "Hello! I'm Lulu," she replied shyly. "Wow, it looks so much fun in here! And the decorations are off-the-charts cool. Like Santa’s workshop exploded! What are you working on?"

Zoey laughed, sweeping a hand over the colorful sketches and notebooks scattered across the table. "Ooh, top secret stuff! I'm cooking up somethin' special. Hey, do you like to draw too?" She nodded at Lulu's sketchbook.

Lulu blushed, hugging it to her chest. "Yeah, it's kinda my thing.”

“It’s not really my thing,” Zoey admitted with a blush. “I’m more of a writer, really. I’m doing my best with the pictures here because I’m trying to write a picture book. And you can’t have a picture book without pictures.”

“Right.”

“Can I see your sketchbook?”

“Sure.” Lulu shrugged and opened it up.

“Holy smokes!” Zoey cried. “These are amazing. Like, seriously impressive.”

“I’m an illustrator. I mainly draw greetings cards.”

Zoey’s eyes narrowed. “Oh wow! Have you ever worked on a picture book?”

“No! But I’d love to. Illustrating kid’s books is kind of a dream.”

Zoey grinned. "Why don't we put our creative heads together? Bet we could make some real magic! I write the words, you draw the pictures."

Lulu's eyes widened. Work on a project with Zoey? Her tummy fluttered with nerves, but a bigger part of her leaped at the chance. "R-really? You'd want to collaborate?"

"'Course I would! It'll be a hoot." Zoey winked playfully. “Now, let me show you what I’ve got so far.”

As Zoey and Lulu huddled over the Zoey’s notes, their excited chatter filled the air.

Lulu showed more of her own sketches, each one showcasing her whimsical style—anthropomorphic animals in cozy winter scenes, frolicking in the snow or curled up by the fire.

"Ooh, I love this little hedgehog in a Santa hat!" Zoey cooed, pointing to a particularly adorable sketch. "And the mice decorating their tiny tree—too cute!"

Lulu beamed, her earlier shyness melting away in the face of Zoey's genuine enthusiasm. "I'm so glad you like them! I tried to capture the magic of Christmas through their tiny critter eyes."

Zoey nodded, her own eyes sparkling with creative energy. "That's exactly the vibe I'm going for in the story! Friendship, wonder, and the joy of the season, all wrapped up in a fluffy, kid-friendly package." She stopped and winked. “Or Little-friendly.”

Lulu giggled. “Totally.”

Zoey pulled out her manuscript, pointing to key scenes as she explained the plot. "See, the animals of Pinewood Forest are preparing for their annual Christmas celebration, but a blizzard threatens to ruin everything! It's up to Benny the Bunny and his pals to brave the storm and save the holiday spirit."

Lulu leaned in, engrossed. Zoey's passion was contagious, and the story sounded heartwarming. Already, visions of the illustrations danced in her head—the brave woodland friends trekking through the snow, their cozy burrow decked out in twinkling lights and garlands.

"I can definitely see my style meshing with your story," Lulu said, excitement bubbling in her chest. "We could have such fun bringing these characters to life!"

Zoey grinned, reaching out to squeeze Lulu's hand. "I just know we'll make an amazing team. Your art, my words. We'll create something truly special for the ranch."

Just then, she glanced at her watch. “Eek! I’ve got to go meet Daddy for some chores. I’m mucking out the stables today. It’s not much fun in this cold, let me tell you. But I was a naughty girl earlier so Daddy’s giving me a punishment.” She blushed again. “Anyway, let's meet up later in the Nursery and brainstorm. Sound like a plan, creative partner? We can come up with ideas, and have a playdate, too!"

“Sounds great! I haven’t even been to the Nursery yet.”

“You’ll love it, trust me. Okay, got to run!" She paused. “Not literally of course, running’s not allowed inside the ranch, but you know what I mean. Let’s meet in an hour, okay?”

“You got it.”

“Promise I’ll wash the horse muck off myself first.” Zoey headed off, almost skipping with excitement.

Lulu smiled to herself, then plonked herself down in a big armchair and started to sketch. She wanted to have some ideas to share with Zoey when they met at the nursery. For the first time in a long time, it felt as though she was drawing purely for pleasure. It was fabulous.

Ideas buzzed in her head. The animals of Pinewood Forest, preparing for a Christmas carnival. She worked on Benny the Bunny, trying to make him seem as lovable as possible. She decided to give him heart-shaped glasses and a little waistcoat.

“You are so cute, Mr. Bunny,” she mumbled to herself.

Just then, a deep voice said, “Good morning, young lady.”

She looked up to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with salt-and-pepper hair and a warm smile.

“Good morning, Sir.”

“Call me Chuck.”

Holy moly! This was Chuck North, the co-owner of the ranch.

“Mr. North, it’s good to meet you.”

“I’m guessing you’re Louisa.”

“You can call me Lulu.”

“How are you settling in? I love your drawings.”

“So far, so good. I’m coming to the orientation meeting this afternoon.”

“Well that’s great—I was going to mention it. Want to make sure that you’ve got all the information on ranch events, chores and the holiday plans.”

“Looking forward to it.”

“Well, I’ll leave you to your drawing. If you need anything, you can find me in my office most afternoons.”

Lulu smiled, and then glanced at her watch. Oh no! Where had the time gone?

“Sir! I’m going to be late for a playdate! Can you point me in the direction of the Nursery?”

“Of course.” Chuck gestured out of the lounge. “Head out and turn left, then keep following the signs. You need to head out of the ranch house and across the past the paddock with the hitching post. It’s a five-minute walk.”

With a grateful grin, Lulu gathered her things and hurried out, her mind already racing with ideas for the upcoming project. She couldn't wait to put pencil to paper and bring Zoey's story to life.

As she navigated the winding pathways of Littlecreek Ranch, Lulu found herself enchanted by the festive decorations that adorned every corner. She headed out of the ranch house, as Chuck had said, and breathed in the chilly air.

Lulu's heart raced as she quickened her pace, her boots crunching against the freshly fallen snow. The crisp, cold air filled her lungs, invigorating her with each breath. She couldn't help but smile, feeling like a character in one of her own whimsical illustrations, dashing through a winter wonderland.

As she rounded a corner, the Nursery came into view—a charming, cozy building nestled among the pines. Lulu's imagination ran wild, picturing the endless hours she would spend there, surrounded by art supplies and kindred spirits, bringing Zoey's tale to life.

She opened the front door, and turned a corner, but she didn’t notice the figure until it was too late. With a startled gasp, she collided with a solid chest, sending her sketchbook and loose pages flying into the air. Papers fluttered like snowflakes, scattering across the wooden floor.

"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!" Lulu exclaimed as she dropped to her knees, frantically gathering the fallen pages.

"It's okay," a deep, gentle voice reassured her. "Let me help you with that."

Lulu glanced up, her heart skipping a beat as she met the kind blue eyes of a handsome stranger. He crouched down beside her, his sandy-blond hair tousled, his jaw covered in rugged scruff, and began collecting the wayward papers.

As they worked together, their hands brushed briefly, sending a jolt of electricity through Lulu's body. She felt her blush deepen, suddenly hyper-aware of his presence.

"I think this one's yours," the man said with a hint of a Southern drawl, as he held out a childlike sketch of a horse wearing a Santa hat.

Lulu couldn't help but giggle, her embarrassment fading as she took the drawing from his hand. "Thanks. I guess I got a little carried away with the holiday spirit."

"No, I love it," he replied, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Always good to see someone embrace their playful side."

Lulu felt a warmth spread through her chest, a mix of gratitude and intrigue. Something else, too. Something a little more lusty.

This guy was smoking hot. He had a strong, angular jawline that was dusted with a few days' worth of stubble. He was tall and well built, with broad shoulders and muscular arms. His warm, approachable smile revealed a perfect set of white teeth. And to cap it all, his eyes were oceans, deep and mysterious, and his smile was a dangerous curve that sent shivers down Lulu's spine.

Without meaning to, Lulu took in a long, deep breath. He smelt of a woodsy cologne mixed with the faint scent of mint toothpaste.

She heard him chuckle. It was low and melodic, making her heart skip a beat.

As they finished gathering the fallen pages, the man stood up, offering Lulu his hand. She hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding, before placing her smaller hand in his and allowing him to help her to her feet.

"I'm Benjamin, by the way," he introduced himself, his hand lingering on hers for a moment longer than necessary. "Benjamin Lawson."

"Lulu," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I mean, Louisa. Louisa Hart."

Ben's smile widened, his blue eyes sparkling with warmth. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lulu." He paused. “By the way, you can call me Ben.”

She smiled shyly. “Thank you, Sir.”

“You know,” he said, holding her gaze, “strictly speaking, running inside the buildings of the ranch is a spankable offence.”

Her heart started to race.

“I’m sorry Sir, I?—”

“Don’t worry,” he said, with a twinkle in his eye, “seeing as this is the first time I’ve seen you breaking a rule, we’ll let you off, eh?”

Did she want to be let off? It might feel good to have his hard, rough hand against the smooth softness of her backside.

“A-are you one of the staff members here?” she asked, trying to sound like a normal, not-freaking-out person.

“No, I’m just visiting."

“Me too.” Lulu felt a flutter in her stomach, a sense of connection she couldn't quite explain.

“That surprises me. You look so at home here.”

She swallowed. “What makes you say that?”

He scratched his head. “I don’t know. You just look so comfortable being Little. Does that make sense? Like you’ve been here forever. I own an ageplay club in Texas and I can usually see who’s struggling and who’s embracing their identity. You look like the latter.”

She felt a pang of emotion. He wouldn’t know, but it was about the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her.

Lulu opened her mouth to talk but felt her lip tremble. "I'm s-so sorry, I have to go," she said, struggling to keep the emotion from showing. "I'm supposed to meet someone at the Nursery."

“Are you alright, little one?” There was a look of sincere concern on his handsome face.

“Yes, Sir.”

Ben nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Of course. I won't keep you."

Lulu felt a blush creep into her cheeks. "Maybe we'll run into each other again?"

The question seemed to shock Ben. His expression changed to one of sadness. “I don’t know. It’s a big ranch.”

She nodded.

Of course someone as good-looking and kind as Ben wasn’t interested in seeing her again.

“Well. Goodbye, then.” With a final wave, she hurried off, her mind still reeling from the unexpected encounter.