Chapter 12

Chapter Twelve

Ashley

On the ride home,I was a mess of emotion. I felt as if everything was going right while also going wrong. I was getting the help I needed, which was great. The only problem was I felt guilty.

I felt guilty for taking up the doctor’s time.

I felt guilty for taking up Daddy’s time.

I felt guilty that there would be other people who didn’t get seen because I was worked in.

There are people all over the country, all over this world, who don’t have access to basic healthcare. People who have suffered and go without simply because of the circumstances they were born into. I, on the other hand, have been afforded so many luxuries. Dealing with a little bit of hearing loss wasn’t an issue before now.

And yet Daddy felt it was necessary to get it fixed. He wanted me at my very best no matter what. It was a hard thing to accept. Especially when I don’t feel worthy.

Negative thoughts kept circling through my mind. It was like the further we got from the clinic, the more doubt I had about everything.

I was so wrapped up in myself, I didn’t pay any attention to what was happening across from me. That meant I had zero clue Daddy was tuned into me and wasn’t happy about my sadness until I noticed a change in our speed.

The truck slowed as we neared the edge of town. We’d still need to cross through the main area to get to the ranch, so I wasn’t sure why he wasn’t keeping to the plan.

Daddy parked the truck in the gravel area next to the railroad tracks. He turned the ignition off, then turned in his seat to face me.

With his gaze on mine, he asked, “What’s wrong, baby? Tell Daddy what’s bothering you.”

I shook my head, unable to put it into words. How could I explain that everything in me just felt wrong? I didn’t deserve all the good things I was getting.

Dr. Beverly had been so kind. She was thorough about every little thing, and she took all the questions we had in stride. There’s still a lot we won’t know until I get the devices, but I didn’t feel completely inept upon leaving the office.

“We’re going to sit here as long as we need to. If you won’t be honest, I can wait you out. If you decide to be good and tell Daddy what’s wrong, then I’ll make you feel good so that all the bad thoughts leave.”

I perked up at the idea. “You will? How?”

“Don’t worry about the how. Just know I’ll be able to take care of you. Now tell me what has my baby looking like I told him to put soap in his mouth or something equally as horrid.”

Looking away from him, I stared at the wooded area blocking our view of town. The area was picturesque in a way you couldn’t capture in an actual photo. It calmed the nerves I felt, giving me the strength to say what I needed to.

“I don’t feel right about it, Daddy. There are other people who need help too. Why me? Why am I so important that I deserve it and they don’t?”

“Because you’re mine,” he said calmly. “That’s true, isn’t it?”

I nodded. “I am.”

“Well, as my boy, I decide what is and isn’t right for you. I noticed something that you needed help with. It doesn’t make you weak, and it doesn’t mean anyone else is less deserving. It simply means I love you enough to want to do something about it. We have the means to improve your quality of life. Why would we not?”

“I guess it doesn’t make sense not to.”

He nodded. “Exactly. And I want you to think of this... If the roles were reversed, and I needed something, would you want me to take care of it? Would you encourage me to get help?”

My head bobbed before he could finish the thought. “Absolutely! But it’s different.”

“No, it’s not, baby. That’s what I’m trying to explain. You are worth all the time, money, and energy to do this. Trust Daddy to take care of things, ok? Let me get you where you should be, then you can tell me all the ways I was wrong if you don’t feel better.”

I grinned at him since I could tell how ridiculous he was being. “Fine. We’ll do it your way.”

He awarded me with a radiant smile. It turned wicked an instant before he popped his door open. I watched him walk around the truck to open my door, then I took his hand as he tugged me from the cab.

“What are you doing, Daddy?” I asked curiously.

“Making you feel good. I promised and now it’s time to deliver.” He spun me around until I was leaning over the seat. “You stay just like this. Be as loud as you want. No one is going to hear us out here.”

Before I could ask what he meant, he was tugging my jeans down and shucking my underwear too. I heard the distinct sound of a lube bottle, then cold fingers were circling my ass.

“Arch your back more. Show me what’s mine.”

I shivered at the demand in his voice. It made me feel all kinds of exposed and vulnerable. I loved it so much.

I loved him so much.

“Hey, Daddy,” I called out just as his finger slipped inside me. He worked to open me up without giving a response at first. I knew it was because he was focusing on my body, so I didn’t complain.

When he finally did answer, I could barely remember what I wanted to tell him. “Yes, baby? Did you need me?”

“I always need you.”

Turned to the side; I could clearly see the grin he wore. “That’s good to know.”

“You know what else is good to know? The fact that I love you. I love you so much, Daddy. Now will you please make me feel good? There are still bad thoughts in my head.” I might have been exaggerating a tad, but I knew it was just the thing to get him going.

He groaned, slipping his fingers from my ass and pressing his cock against me. “You have no idea what hearing that does to me, baby. I love you more than words can say. I only want to see you living your greatest life.”

I felt his crown press inside me and, in an instant, all my thoughts vanished. The only thing I could think of was pleasure. Intense, blinding pleasure. It filled me until I felt like I was going to burst from its power.

“Daddy,” I rumbled as I reached for my cock. “I’m not going to last long. Needed you too bad.”

His hips met mine, letting me know he had filled me completely. “Anytime you need me, you tell me. I don’t care where we are or who we’re with. You’re the most important person in my life. I’ll always take care of you.”

We made love right there in the open air of the late afternoon. The orange glow of the sunset surrounded us, only further adding to the waves of bliss I felt with every thrust of his hips and every squeeze of his hands.

When we came a few minutes later, it was simultaneous and life altering. I’d known I loved him before, but I hadn’t accepted just how powerfully he loved me. As he fucked me on the side of the road after taking me to my appointment, I realized how immensely he cared. From the inside out, he took care of me.

Time passed in a blur of happy, mushy emotions. I came so hard I’m pretty sure I blacked out. If I didn’t, then it definitely got fuzzy enough I decided to close my eyes. I only knew it because when I opened them again, my pants were done up, and Daddy was hugging me tightly.

“There he is. You were out of it for a bit there, baby.” His eyes take me in from head to toe when I stood to my full height. “You ok now?”

I nodded, then leaned forward to kiss him. “Thank you, Daddy. I feel much better now.”

He barked out a laugh. “Good to know how to get you back on track. Let’s get inside now. We need to get back to the ranch to give the guys an update.”

Back at the ranch,everyone was waiting for us. They might not have been standing at the gate with stern brows, but they were definitely waiting. As soon as Daddy parked, we went into the main house to update Atticus. His only stipulation for us both taking the day off work had been that we gave him the full rundown once we were back.

No sooner had we sat down on the couch than the rest of the ranch walked through the doors. Every single person stood watching me and waiting for me to speak. Thankfully, Daddy was there to lead the charge.

“The doctor was lovely. I appreciate you, Sean, for giving me her information.” He addressed Sean, which I appreciated since I wanted to thank him as well.

“It’s no problem. Beverly is an angel, and I knew she took care of you.” Sean gave a nod in our direction.

“Either way, I think her pleasant nature made for an easy visit. The test she did proved that Ashley does have some hearing loss. Well, not some. She said it was pretty severe. He got fitted for hearing aids. Hopefully, this will be the thing to give him a bit of himself back.”

All the men nodded along with his words. I could see a few of them casting curious looks my way. I didn’t know if it was because they thought I was going to lash out in some way or if they were wondering why I hadn’t said anything yet.

“Is it going to be a problem for him to keep working?” Atticus asked.

I shook my head, eager to make sure he understood I wasn’t looking for a handout. I wanted to earn my place here for as long as my body allowed. Getting a visit with a doctor and a referral was one thing, but saying I couldn’t work anymore was another.

“I’ll be fine once they’re adjusted properly. She said that there could be a couple of months of adjusting where we figured out exactly what worked for me. She also mentioned that it takes anywhere from one to three weeks for the hearing aids to get here. For now, it’s just business as usual.”

Atticus continued with another question. “How long do they last?”

“Years. The average is six or so. I’m not sure if my time on the ranch will affect them. The sweat and heavy activity could change the life span.”

“My dad wears hearing aids in both ears and has never had an issue with ranch work. I imagine he and Ashley are somewhat cut from the same cloth. I know his biggest pet peeves were about keeping them clean and then turning them off at night when he didn’t use them.” Jackson gave me a reassuring smile.

I chuckled as I shook my head. “Are you comparing me to your father? I’m not that old!”

As I hoped, the group laughed at my joke. There was a lightness to everyone now that the news had been shared. I wondered what they could’ve possibly thought would happen since they were all so tense.

“We are here to help in any way we can, Ashley. If it’s more time off to go to the doctor or adjusting how we handle things, then that’s what we’ll do. You’re a part of this family. We want you to feel welcome.” Sean, who was tucked into Atticus’s side, made me tear up. His sweet words would be on repeat in my head for days, maybe longer.

“Thank you. I appreciate all of you. The support you’ve shown me is… well, it’s a lot. I may not always handle it the best way, but I’m trying. Hopefully, all goes well, and I’ll be able to hear all the whispered secrets and dirty jokes I’ve been missing.”

Laughter came, then Atticus surprised me with his next words. “Now then, since you’re back, can we finally make a decision on what movie to watch?”

“Movie?" I turned to Daddy. His expression didn’t give anything away, though I could sense something was up.

Beau was the one to answer. “Your Daddy decided to surprise you with a movie night. He set it all up, and we’re excited to watch something, but no one could agree on anything. Do you have a favorite movie?”

I thought about it for a moment. “I don’t really watch a lot of movies now. When I was a kid, I did. It’s been ages though.”

“We’re getting somewhere. What was your favorite movie as a kid?” Beau leaned forward in his chair, his eyes intent on me.

A blush came to my cheeks as I remembered what the movie was. I had watched it repeatedly on VHS. My parents thought it was hilarious how often I could go through the film in a single week. Back then, it wasn’t embarrassing. Now that I was surrounded by others and had to admit what my obsession had been with, well, it was different.

“Free Willy,” I said.

“Is that the one about the whale?” Bobby Allen asked.

Elton giggled at his question, meanwhile, Holt grunted out “yeah” to confirm. The rest of the group seemed surprised by my choice, though they were less vocal.

“Anyone against my boy watching his movie tonight? We can always take this up to a vote.” Daddy stood and stared at the group. His face was neutral, though I could tell he was ready to rebuttal what anyone would have to say. He wanted my movie night to be perfect. I wasn’t quite sure how that would work since my hearing wasn’t all that great, but maybe he had a solution.

An hour and an adventure in laying out blankets later, I found out that he did have a solution. Subtitles. The man had arranged for subtitles to play on the movie.

“This is amazing. I can’t thank you enough.” I whispered to him as we snuggled on our own twelve-by-twelve-foot blanket in the field.

Everyone was spaced out, our positions facing the side of the barn. The projector shined in the dark of the night, casting a glow against the wood. Speakers placed on the grass around us echoed the words of the movie. It was hands-down the best movie experience I’d ever had.

“I told you I’d take care of you. Even the smallest things are mine to handle.” Daddy tucked me into his side, then held a piece of popcorn up to my lips. I accepted it with glee as I soaked in the feeling of happiness.