Page 22 of Bash

“When the other Daddies and I realized that the shelter closed during the day, it concerned us, but then when you were sick and staying at that deplorable hotel, we realized the severity of it. We know Ms. Ramsey is doing the best she can, but we think she needs some help. We worked together and brainstormed to see what we could do and started reaching out to see if we could get volunteers to stay during the day, so it could stay open,” Daddy explained gently.

Tears were already rolling down my face. I didn’t know what was happening, but I knew it was going to be life-changing for people.

“We had such a strong response from the community that we decided to do a volunteer registration party in the park. Ms. Ramsey is here and she’s going to speak about what kind of things she does at the shelter and what kind of volunteers she needs. All of the food trucks you see here today, are donating most, if not all, of their sales today to the shelter. Auntie Kay is running a clothing drive. Uncle Smoke is working a placement table where people in the community share jobs they need filled and we see what women from the shelter would fit those jobs best. There’s someone here from the community college who is helping the women fill out adult education or enrollment paperwork, and I’ve made sure they have time to help you and Eloise fill out applications for the nursing program. I remember Uncle Blade telling me that was something you both wanted todo. The rest of us are doing flash tattoos for people that donate a basket of nonperishable foods or hygiene items to the shelter.”

Sobbing, I launched myself into his arms. I was so damn thankful for the group.

Mygroup.

Myfamily.

Chapter Eight

Bash

I finished wrapping up my client's arm before shaking his hand. “See you in two weeks.”

He thanked me and headed toward the front to pay. It was my first day back since having the flu, despite my arguments that I wouldn’t get it. Elliot had sent me home about an hour into the registration party. Thankfully, he and Tyler had volunteered to watch Allyson so she could stay and help. He and Tyler had been adopted by my Little one who now called them Uncle Elliot andUncle Tyler. The other Little ones were following suit and I loved that Allyson was adding to our family. I was amazed at how big her heart was.

“Daddy?” Allyson asked, peeking into my booth. She looked so precious in her pretty lavender dress, lacy socks, and white Mary Janes. My heart swelled with such a sense of pride that someone so innocent, so sweet belonged to me.

Opening my arms for her, I couldn’t help the sense of possession I felt when she smiled and ran into them. Snuggling into my chest, she stroked my arms with her fingertips.

“Yes, Allybaby?”

“There’s a man here asking for you.”

Pressing a kiss to her forehead, I let her lead me to the front counter. I was surprised, and slightly concerned, to see Jasper standing in the front of the building. In all of the years I’d worked for him, I’d only seen him three times.

“Hey, I have some paperwork for you,” he said, holding out a manila folder.

“Thanks. Is there a timeline on it?” I had a sweet day planned for Allyson and I really didn’t want to rush off for a job.

He shook his head. “No, this one is a freebie. I think it’s something you might want to see.”

Before I could even say anything, Willow, one of Kay’s customers, walked in carrying a too-big basket of muffins. I frowned when I saw she wasn’t wearing shoes. Dammit. I’d said it before and I’d say it again, that Little girl needed a keeper.

“Why don’t you have on shoes, Little girl?” Jasper asked, his brow furrowed and arms crossed tightly.

Oh shit.

“I don’t like to wear shoes,” she answered nonchalantly as she struggled to lift the basket onto the counter. I reached out and helped her. “Thank you, Mr. Bash,” she answered in her normal cheerful tone. “I heard that the flu was going around town so Imade some jars of elderberry syrup to pass out too. It helps you fight off those yucky germs.” Well, that explained why the basket was so heavy.

I smiled, unable to help myself. Willow was sweet, but she was far too trusting and didn’t take care of herself at all. I worried about her often. Before I could thank her, Jasper interrupted, “I don’t like broccoli, but I still eat it. You must wear shoes. The ground is filthy.”

“I like to feel grounded to the earth. I can’t feel grounded with shoes on,” she said, finally turning to face Jasper.

He raised his eyebrow and tapped his foot, looking very unimpressed. “You’ll beinthe ground if you don’t take better care of yourself. You come in here carrying far too much weight with no shoes on. Where is your Dominant?” he demanded.

Shit.

She blanched. “Mywhat?”

Oh, double shit.

“Come walk with me, we will have a chat,” Jasper commanded.

“I don’t think...” Willow tried.

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