Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

The soft glow of the firelight lit up the room of the playroom as Rowan, Sebastian and Forrest finished setting up the space for Jessica’s big Little playdate. Toys of every variety were arranged around the room—stuffed animals, coloring books, building blocks, and even a small tea set for pretend tea parties. They’d spent the morning brainstorming activities, each one of them wanting to help Jessica connect more with her Little side on a deeper level. It was her safe space, a place where she could find comfort and peace. And they were determined to give her that.

“Alright, I think that’s the last of it,” Rowan said, clapping his hands together as he admired their handiwork. “We’ve got a whole playground for our Little princess.”

Sebastian smiled from where he stood by the enormous pile of plushies arranging them into a circle. “She’s going to love this. It’s exactly what she needs—time to just be free, no worries, no stress.”

Forrest nodded in agreement as he knelt by the tea set, giving it a final adjustment. “I hope so. It’ll be good for her to explore this side more with no pressure. She’s been through enough, and we need to remind her she deserves to play, to feel safe.”

Just then, Jessica appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening as she took in the room. She was dressed in one of the cute outfits they’d bought for her from the gift shop earlier—a rainbow-striped onesie with a zipper that ran all the way down the front. It had the cutest hood with a set of ears that could be either a bear’s or a cat’s. Her hair was tied in two loose braids, as usual, making her look like a tempting rainbow-colored candy, ready for their tasting.

“Surprise, princess!” Rowan exclaimed, spreading his arms wide with a grin. “We planned a whole play date filled with fun, just for you.”

Jessica’s eyes lit up, a smile breaking across her face as they stepped further into the room, her gaze sweeping over all the toys and activities they’d set up. “You did this... for me?” she asked, her voice filled with a fair amount of wonder and some confusion.

“Of course we did, sweetheart,” Sebastian said, walking over to her and pulling her into a gentle hug. “We want to spend some time getting to know your Little side better, and helping you get to know that side of yourself too.”

Jessica’s smile grew, and she hugged him back tightly. “Thank you, Daddy. Thank you all. This is... amazing.”

Rowan bounced over, holding up a stuffed pig with an exaggerated grin. “And look, we’ve got all your new friends here too! Mr. Piggy can’t wait to have a tea party with you!”

Jessica giggled, taking the plushie from him and holding it close to her chest. “Mr. Piggy looks very thirsty. I think a tea party is exactly what we need.”

Forrest chuckled softly as he stood up from the tea set and pulled out one of the tiny chairs. “Well, lucky for you, we’ve got the finest pretend tea in all the land.”

They all settled in, Jessica’s giggles filling the room as they played. Forrest marveled at how quickly she could switch into her Little space now, her worries melting away as she embraced the playful innocence of her inner child. It was beautiful to see how she let herself be free, how she trusted them enough to let go.

For the next few hours, they colored in books, built a castle out of blocks and played make-believe with her stuffed animals. The air was filled with laughter, and Forrest felt his heart swell with pride as Jessica flourished in the safe space they’d created for her.

But then, just as Jessica was pouring another cup of imaginary tea into Rowan’s cup, their fun was interrupted by the sudden appearance of Derek. All four of them froze, the lighthearted mood suddenly pierced by the fierce scowl on the Ranch owner’s face.

“Master Derek?” Jessica asked, glancing up at him.

At the same time, Sebastian stood up, frowning. “What’s going on?”

Derek glanced at Jessica, his expression softening with concern. “I didn’t want to interrupt, but we’ve got a problem.”

Forrest’s stomach tightened as he watched Jessica’s smile falter. Her Little space slipped away as reality began to creep back in.

“What kind of problem?” Rowan asked, his tone losing its usual playfulness.

Derek hesitated for a moment, then sighed. “Jessica, your mother showed up at the gate. Not to worry, the guards wouldn’t let her have access, but she’s demanding to see you. She won’t leave.”

All the color drained from Jessica’s face, and she dropped the stuffed piglet she had been holding the entire time. “M-my mom?” Her voice was barely a whisper, her body trembling as she took a step back as if the mere mention of her mother could hurt her.

Sebastian moved to her side in an instant, wrapping a protective arm around her. “You’re safe here, sweetheart. She can’t get to you.”

But Jessica shook her head, her breathing becoming shallow as panic set in. “No, no, no. She can’t be here. She can’t be!” Her voice rose on the last word, the panic clear in the shout.

Tears welled in her eyes, and she shook her head again, harder this time. “You don’t understand. They sent the cops after me last time. When I first came here, my parents—they told the police I was indoctrinated in a cult. They said I was a runaway and that Derek and my Ranch family had brainwashed me and taken advantage of my young na?ve mind. I had to talk to the cops and convince them I was here because I wanted to be.”

Jessica didn’t mention those same cops had then become regulars at the Ranch because that wasn’t the point. At the time it had been traumatic, and if it hadn’t been for a very sympathetic Little boy, she’d have lost it completely.

The room fell silent, the weight of her words sinking in. Forrest felt a surge of anger toward her parents—toward anyone who had made her feel unsafe, and unwanted. How could they not see the beauty in her, the strength she had to survive everything they’d put her through?

“Jessie, princess, I’m so sorry,” Rowan said, his voice thick with emotion. “That must have been so scary, but we’re here now, okay? And we won’t let anything happen to you.”

Jessica’s tears spilled over, and she clutched Sebastian’s shirt as if holding on for dear life. “I can’t go back to them. I can’t.”

“Sweetheart, you’re not going anywhere,” Sebastian said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “You’re staying right here, with us.”

Forrest reached up and gently cupped her cheek, wiping away her tears with his thumb. “Jessie, listen to me. You are safe. We won’t let anyone hurt you. Not now, not ever.”

Derek cleared his throat, stepping forward again. “I’ll ensure she’s escorted back to town. She doesn’t have any legal rights over you anymore, Jessie. You’re an adult. Have been for almost a year, and this is your home now.”

Jessica sniffled, nodding slightly but still looking terrified. “I just don’t want to see her.”

“You won’t have to,” Sebastian promised, his voice strong and reassuring. “We’ll handle it.”

Forrest stood up slowly, wrapping his arms around both Jessica and Sebastian, pulling them into a tight embrace. Rowan joined them a moment later, his arms encircling them all.

“You’re not alone in this, babygirl,” Forrest whispered. “We’re your family now.”

At first, Jessica stiffened at the words, and he felt a pang of regret at reminding her of their discussion during lunch the previous day. They didn’t need to make any more verbal promises of staying. They needed to show it to her. After a while, she finally relaxed in their arms again.

For a long moment, they stayed like that, holding her, protecting her from the storm that had threatened to pull her back into her past. Forrest could feel her shaking, but slowly, as they whispered reassurances, her breathing began to even out.

Eventually, Jessica looked up at them, her eyes red and puffy, but filled with gratitude. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I don’t know what I’d have done without you.”

Sebastian kissed the top of her head. “For as long as you’ll have us, you won’t have to find out, sweetheart.”

As Derek left to take care of the situation outside, Forrest glanced around at his friends and Jessica, knowing that no matter what happened, they would face it together. This Ranch was her home now—and they would make sure she never had to feel unsafe and alone again.