Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

The sun hung high in the sky as Jessica led the men along the winding paths of the Ranch, her laughter ringing out like music in the crisp air. Each step seemed to lighten the burdens they had shared at breakfast and then the discussion at lunchtime, the tension from their earlier conversation fading with every joke and playful nudge. Rowan walked beside her, his energy contagious as he pointed out the different flora along the trail.

“Look at that one!” he exclaimed, crouching to inspect the vibrant yellow flower peeking through the snow. “Do you think it’s edible? I could use it in my next culinary masterpiece.”

Jessica giggled, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t recommend eating a weed. But if you’re really set on trying it, be my guest! I’ll happily watch from a safe distance.”

Forrest chuckled, stepping up to Rowan and putting an arm around his shoulders. “I’ll make sure to have the camera ready to capture the moment you eat a flower. A masterpiece indeed.”

Sebastian walked behind them, a fond smile on his face as he watched the banter unfold. It was moments like these that he cherished the most—seeing Jessica’s spirit come alive, the shadows of her past momentarily lifted by their lightheartedness.

After a while, they found a perfect spot beneath a sprawling oak tree, its branches providing ample shade. A picnic in winter might cause some people to question their sanity, but the men had come prepared. The snow was covered first with a waterproof tarp before they spread out the thick picnic blanket, the mood shifted into something more relaxed and intimate.

“Alright, what’s on the menu?” Rowan asked, rummaging through the basket. He pulled out an assortment of snacks and a thermos filled with hot chocolate. “This is the good stuff. You’re in for a treat!”

“Not just any hot chocolate,” Sebastian added with a grin. “Rowan secretly added a dash of peppermint. It’s his specialty.”

Jessica’s eyes sparked with delight as she accepted a candy bar from Rowan. “This is amazing! I can’t believe you managed to get all of this out of Chef Connor.”

Forrest poured steaming hot chocolate into cups, handing them out one by one. “Oh, it was rather easy. I just told him I needed to impress a very important Little. He wouldn’t allow me more than one candy bar, telling me you had a fondness for them, and I didn’t tell him about the peppermint for the hot chocolate, because I have a feeling he wouldn’t like me messing with his recipes too much.”

As they settled into their picnic, the conversation flowed easily. Rowan started recounting stories from college, embellishing tales of their exploits. “You wouldn’t believe the lengths we went to just to avoid going to class. And we went to so many parties, pretending to fit in, but we were just the three misfits, looking for our own kind of fun.”

Jessica listened intently, captivated by the stories. “What made you all decide to explore the kink world together?”

Sebastian cleared his throat, a smile creeping onto his face. “It started when Rowan found this... unique club during our sophomore year. He was curious and thought we should check it out. Of course, he wouldn’t tell us what it was about until we got there.”

Rowan nodded, a playful glint in his eye. “I might’ve let it slip that it was a different kind of party. But once we walked in, we were all in awe. The energy, the freedom... it felt like we had discovered something special. Something we never knew we needed.”

Forrest took a sip of his hot chocolate, his gaze turning serious. “It was a learning experience for all of us. We supported each other as we navigated our interests and boundaries, exploring what it meant to embrace that side of ourselves.”

Jessica’s heart swelled at their openness. “That’s amazing. I can’t imagine having that kind of support during an intense time.”

“It made a difference,” Sebastian agreed. “But we learned it’s not just about the kink—it’s about trust, communication, and knowing you have people who will always have your back.”

A contemplative silence fell over the group as Jessica considered their words. She felt a kinship with them, the weight of her past pressing lightly on her heart. With a deep breath, she opened up, the vulnerability feeling safer among them.

“I never had that kind of support growing up,” she began, her voice steady but quiet. “My mom... she wasn’t abusive in the traditional sense, but her neglect left me feeling invisible. She’d just stand by and watch while my dad beat me up. Or while I struggled with normal, everyday life. There were times when I wouldn’t get enough to eat, or she wouldn’t bother to help me with anything I needed. It was like I was a ghost in my own home.”

The men exchanged glances, their expressions softening as they listened. Rowan leaned in closer, his concern evident. “That sounds hard, princess. No one should have to feel that way, especially not in their own home.”

Jessica nodded, her eyes misting with unshed tears. “I learned to take care of myself early on. But I always wished someone would see me, really see me. I just don’t want to become that kind of person—someone who pushes people away.”

Forrest reached over, taking her hand gently in his. “You’re not that person. You’re learning, and growing, and you’re surrounded by people who care about you. We want to be here for you, Jessie. You don’t have to face your fears alone.”

Sebastian’s voice was low but steady. “It’s okay to let people in, to trust that they won’t leave. You deserve to be seen and cherished.”

Rowan squeezed her shoulder. “And if they don’t see how special you are, then it’s their loss. Trust me, we see you, and we’ll keep reminding you, no matter how often you need us to.”

Jessica’s heart swelled with warmth, the weight of their words comforting. She felt a flicker of hope ignite within her, illuminating the dark corners of her past.

“Thank you,” she whispered, a soft smile breaking through her earlier apprehension. “It means more than you know.”

The atmosphere lightened once again, and they continued their picnic, the playful banter returning as they shared more stories and laughter.

Rowan pulled out a small box from the basket, his eyes gleaming mischievously. “I brought something for our sweet girl.” He opened the box to reveal a collection of colorful gummy bears.

Jessica’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands together, the excitement bubbling over. “Oh my gosh! I love gummy bears! Thank you!”

“Just remember,” Sebastian warned with a wink, “one at a time, sweetie.”

“I promise!” she replied, giggling. As she took a handful of gummy bears, the men watched her with amused expressions, enjoying her childlike enthusiasm.

“Look at you, all excited,” Rowan teased, and Jessica couldn’t help but giggle as she danced a gummy across Rowan’s thigh before making it jump into her mouth. The sweetness filled her with warmth, and she felt the carefree joy of being Little settle over her like a soft blanket.

Forrest leaned closer, a smile on his lips. “Can Daddy have one of those?”

Jessica beamed at him before offering one of her sweet treats. Instead of taking it from her hand, he opened his mouth wide, and Jessica’s warm giggles filled the air as she made the red gummy bear dive into Forrest’s mouth.

They continued their picnic, and as Jessica enjoyed her treats, Rowan suggested a game of tag. “How about we turn this into an adventure? I’ll be it, and you guys better run!”

Jessica squealed with delight and jumped to her feet, her spirit soaring. “No fair! You didn’t give us a head start!” She darted away, her laughter trailing behind her as the three men chased after her, their voices mingling with the sounds of nature.

The playfulness of the moment washed over them, and Jessica felt the weight of her past slip away. For now, this was her present—a present filled with laughter, love and the gentle support of three men who cared deeply for her. In that sunlit moment, as they ran and played, she felt like a cherished Little, and it was everything she had always wanted.

Even if it only lasted a few weeks, she would remember every single moment of being with her Daddies for the rest of her life.