Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

The next morning dawned and Jessica woke in the arms of her Daddies, excited for what was to come. They were going to take her to look at the property they’d purchased and she couldn’t wait to see it.

All three of her Daddies indulged her as she skipped around Forrest’s room, urging them to get ready.

The drive to the Ridge felt surreal. Jessica sat in the back seat between Rowan and Forrest, her fingers laced tightly with theirs as Sebastian navigated the winding road. The sun filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows across her lap, and though the day had started with excitement from their New Year’s celebration, there was a new kind of energy buzzing between them now.

“We’re almost there,” Sebastian said from the front, his deep voice breaking through the gentle hum of the car engine.

Jessica’s heart fluttered, the weight of their promises from the night before still lingering in her chest. She had read the papers they’d given her over and over again, unable to believe that they had gone so far as to plan a future together—a future that included land, a home and most of all, love. Never in her wildest fantasies had she ever imagined finding one Daddy who could take on all her trauma, let alone three. And here she was with three perfect-for-her Daddies who loved her because of who she was, not despite of what she’d been through.

Sebastian stopped the car and turned to look at her, his eyes soft and full of affection. “Ready to see it?”

Jessica nodded, her breath catching in her throat. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she knew whatever it was, it would be theirs.

As they stepped out of the car, Rowan wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Come on, little one. Let’s show you your new home.”

Jessica’s heart raced as they led her up a gentle hill. At the top, the land stretched out before them, rolling hills and patches of forest spreading as far as the eye could see. The view was breathtaking, and the quiet stillness of the place wrapped around her like a blanket.

Sebastian stepped up beside her and Rowan. “It’s private and quiet. The only other people who have bought properties and built homes here are people who directly interact with the Ranch. I do believe some of your Little friends even live here.”

Jessica stared at the open land, tears prickling her eyes. She could already picture it—her life with them, nestled in this peaceful corner of the world. She’d never had a place that felt like home, not really. But standing here, with the men she loved by her side, she could finally imagine it.

“You did all this for me?” she asked softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

Forrest stepped in front of her, cupping her face gently. “For us , Jessie. We want this to be your home, our home. When you’re ready to move in with us, this will be a place where you can be yourself. Safe, loved and never alone.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks as she looked at each of them in turn. “It’s perfect,” she whispered. “I still can’t believe this is real.”

Rowan grinned and kissed the top of her head. “Believe it, princess. This is just the beginning.”

For a while, they stood in silence, letting her soak in the beauty of the land. Jessica’s heart felt full to bursting, overwhelmed by their love and the magnitude of what they had planned for her.

Sebastian broke the quiet, his hand rubbing circles on her back. “We thought we’d celebrate after showing you where our new home would be. How about some pancakes at a lovely diner in Porter’s Corner?”

Jessica smiled up at him, wiping the last of her tears away. “That sounds perfect.”

The diner in Porter’s Corner was as quaint as ever. They grabbed a booth in the back, the men surrounding her as they shared a laugh at Jessica’s excited expression when she saw all the options available to her.

“You’re going to have your hands full with us, you know,” Rowan teased, as he stole a kiss while they waited for their breakfast to be brought to them. “Once we start building, we’ll need your opinion on everything . Paint colors, kitchen layouts, which trees stay and which ones go...”

Jessica giggled, her heart light and full of joy. “I think I can handle it.”

Forrest leaned over, whispering playfully in her ear, “And don’t forget the most important part—our bedroom.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she swatted at him, but her laughter only grew. “I think you mean my playroom!” Being with them felt so natural, so easy, like they’d been meant to be together all along.

Just as Jessica was about to tease her Daddies some more about all of the toys they’d have to buy to fill the huge playroom she’d demand, the bell over the door jingled, signaling another customer. She didn’t think much of it until she heard a familiar voice—one that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Jessica?”

Her body froze. Slowly she turned toward the entrance, and there, standing by the door, was her mother.

Her stomach dropped.

The men noticed her reaction immediately, their playful banter falling silent as they followed her gaze.

Her mother looked different—her hair was pulled back neatly, her face lined with worry and regret. Jessica’s pulse quickened, a mix of shock, anger and confusion swirling inside her. It had been so long since they’d last spoken, and in all that time, she had never expected to see her mother like this.

“Mom?” Jessica’s voice came out shaky, unsure.

Her mother took a tentative step forward. “I... I didn’t know you’d be here. I just came in for coffee.”

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. I need to 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.