Page 91 of Daddy’s Naughty List (Dirty Daddies 2024 Anthology #4)

Chapter Twelve

Lulu

The dining hall at Littlecreek Ranch glowed with Christmas cheer. Hundreds of handmade paper snowflakes dangled from wooden rafters, each one of them created by Lulu and her team of helpers. The scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air. Lulu took it all in with wonder, hugging Flopsy close to her chest.

Around the long oak tables, Daddies and Littles laughed and chatted as they enjoyed heaping plates of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and homemade rolls. Lulu smiled at the sight of so many happy faces, all free to be their true selves. She'd never felt a sense of belonging like this before.

Suddenly, she felt a gentle tap on her shoulder. It was Ben, looking handsome in his red flannel shirt, a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes. "Hey princess, can I steal you away for a minute?"

Lulu nodded shyly, her heart fluttering as Ben took her hand and led her outside to the porch. Fairy lights sparkled in the pine boughs overhead, making the falling snow glisten. Lulu shivered and Ben wrapped a strong arm around her shoulders.

"Spending this Christmas with you has been so special, Lulu," he said softly, gazing down at her. "You've come to mean so much to me over these past months. I know I'll be heading back to Texas soon, but I want you to know that I'm serious about us. About making things work long distance."

Lulu smiled. “Thank you for saying that.”

"Babygirl, setting up my ranch is important to me, but you're my number-one priority. I'm my best self when I'm with you." He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "I want to be there for you, Lulu. In every possible way. No matter what."

Lulu blinked back happy tears. She knew deep in her heart that what they had was real. "I want that too, so much. I . . . I love you, Ben."

Ben's face lit up with a tender smile. "I love you too, Lulu. I know it’s happened fast, and some people might think that’s crazy, but I don’t care. I’ve spent my life playing the long game. Analyzing risks and financial forecasts, making spreadsheets and checking everything in minute detail. When I’m with you, though, I don’t need to do all that. I know how you make me feel. How I feel when I’m with you."

He pulled her close and their lips met in a sweet, lingering kiss that warmed Lulu from head to toe. Being wrapped in Ben's strong arms, she had never felt so cherished, so safe. So truly at home.

Finally, he pulled away, looking deep into her eyes. “I also want you to know that once the ranch is up and running, in a few months or so, I’ll be able to step back a little. If you want me to move to Philly to be with you at that point, well, I’ll do it. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Lulu gazed into Ben's brilliant blue eyes. She had never felt so cared for. Her heart raced with anticipation as she prepared to share the decision she'd been contemplating. "Actually, that might not be necessary. I've been thinking a lot about your offer to come to Texas with you," she began, her voice trembling slightly. "And I've realized that there's nothing I want more. I'd love to come to Texas, to be with you and build a life together."

Ben's eyes widened, a mix of surprise and pure joy spreading across his handsome features. "Really? You mean it, little one?"

Lulu nodded, a giddy laugh escaping her lips. "I do. I hate my job in Philly, and the thought of living on a ranch full time, with you, surrounded by the warmth and love of this community, it's like a dream come true."

Ben swept her up into his arms, spinning her around as he let out a whoop of delight.

Lulu clung to him, giggling as the world blurred around them.

As he set her down, Ben cupped her face in his hands, his eyes shining with adoration. "You have no idea how happy you've made me, Lulu. I promise I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure you never regret this decision."

Their lips met in another tender, passionate kiss, sealing their commitment to a future together. Lulu melted into Ben's embrace, her heart soaring with the knowledge that she'd finally found her place in the world.

At that moment, Lulu’s stomach rumbled loudly. "I guess it’s time to dig into all the holiday goodies," she said with a giggle.

Ben's arm tightened around Lulu's waist, drawing her close as he reached into his pocket with his free hand. "Actually, darlin', there's one more surprise I have for you."

Lulu's eyes widened as he produced a small, glittery package, holding it out to her with a smile that was equal parts nervous and excited. “I thought we’d given each other all our presents?”

“All but one,” Ben told her. “I was saving this for the right moment.”

With trembling fingers, Lulu tore into the wrapping paper, her breath catching as a soft, fluffy bundle emerged. It was a Christmas tree decoration, whittled from wood, beautifully intricate, with her name and Ben’s etched into it.

“Oh wow,” she marveled. “That’s gorgeous!”

But as she lifted the decoration fully from the paper, something else caught the light. it was attached to the decoration with a pink ribbon, glinting brightly under the Christmas lights.

Lulu's heart stopped as she realized what it was—a ring, delicate and beautiful, with a sparkling diamond at its center.

The world around her seemed to go still and quiet as Ben dropped to one knee before her, his eyes shining with love and hope. "Lulu, my darling little girl, you've brought more joy and light into my life than I ever thought possible. I can't imagine spending another day without you by my side." He took a deep, shaky breath, his voice thick with emotion. "Will you marry me?"

For a moment, Lulu couldn't speak, her heart too full to form words. But as she looked into Ben's eyes, seeing the depth of his love and commitment reflected there, she knew there was only one answer she could give.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling with happiness. "Yes, Ben, yes!"

As they broke apart, Lulu suddenly became aware of the cheers and applause surrounding them. The guests and staff of Littlecreek Ranch had gathered around, their faces alight with joy as they celebrated the couple's announcement.

Ben slipped the ring onto her finger, his own hand shaking with joy and relief. Lulu threw her arms around his neck, laughing and crying all at once as he lifted her off her feet and spun her around.

As he set her back down, Chuck approached, his usually stern face split wide with a grin. "Congratulations, you two," he said gruffly, pulling them both into a bear hug. "I couldn't be happier for you."

Zoey was next, her eyes shining with tears of joy as she embraced Lulu tightly. "I just knew you two were meant to be," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so happy I get to be a part of your special day."

As the celebrations continued around them, Lulu leaned into Ben's embrace, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. She knew that whatever challenges the future might bring, they would face them together—not just as Daddy and Little, but as partners in every sense of the word. With Ben by her side and the love and support of their incredible community surrounding them, anything was possible.