13. BRODY
Brody paced around the lighthouse. He’d come here for a life of solitude, but until Naomi had turned up on his doorstep, he hadn’t been truly happy. It was only when the Daddy Dom in him had been awakened again that he’d realized he’d only been surviving since his accident. With Naomi, he’d started to truly thrive.
“What am I going to do, boy?” he muttered under his breath as he stroked Rufus’ fur. “It feels lonely without her, doesn’t it?”
Rufus looked up at him as if to agree.
Brody pulled out his phone. He needed answers; he needed to know if she was okay.
“Mayor Cooper speaking,” the familiar voice answered on the other end of the line.
“Hey Mayor, it’s Brody. I, uh, I wanted to ask you about Naomi. Have you heard anything from her? Is she . . . okay?” He tried to keep his tone casual, but concern laced his words.
“Ah, Brody. I got an email from Naomi this afternoon as it happens.”
“You did? What did she say?”
“She made quite the discovery while she was in town—some sort of unusual blue algae in the ocean. She believes it could be beneficial, but we don’t have the resources to investigate it further unfortunately,” Mayor Cooper explained, sounding genuinely regretful. “So, are you asking about Naomi because you’re interested in her research? Or is there something deeper going on?”
Brody sighed. “Naomi and I became close while she was in Little Rock. Very close.”
“I see. I take it Naomi turned out to be a Little?”
“Yes, and I became her Daddy Dom.”
“Did you have a contract? Did you do everything by the book? Is this connected to the reason that Naomi left a few days early?”
Brody smiled slightly. It was typical for Mayor Cooper to check something like that. It’s one of the reasons this town was run so successfully. The mayor genuinely cared about everyone who lived here. “We had a contract,” said Brody. “And we did everything safely. The issue was that Naomi’s father turned up. A very religious man. He wasn’t happy about the situation with Naomi and I.”
“Ah. I see.”
“I think Naomi left to protect me. She didn’t want me to have to deal with her father for a moment longer.”
“That must be difficult for you,” said Mayor Cooper. “It wasn’t really Naomi’s decision to make.”
“Exactly,” said Brody. “I think she worries that her dad is too much like my father. But although her father is controlling and a little on the angry side, I think he has her best interests at heart. I just wish I could show him that I do too.”
“Then why don’t you?”
“Why don’t I what?”
“Show him.”
Brody scratched his stubble. “How?”
Mayor Cooper chuckled. “That’s not my decision to make.”
Brody paced around his living room, his mind racing. As he stared out at the ocean, an idea began to form in his mind—one that would not only benefit Naomi but also the town itself. “I want to help fund the investigation into that blue algae,” he said suddenly. “I want Naomi to have the option to continue her work here if she wants. Can you let her know please? Money is no object.”
“Brody,” Mayor Cooper replied, clearly surprised, “That’s incredibly generous of you. But why don’t you tell Naomi yourself? I can tell how much she means to you.”
Brody sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not sure her father would be too pleased if I just showed up on his doorstep.”
“Son, Naomi chose you as her Daddy. It’s up to you to fight for your Little. If you truly care for her, you won’t let anyone stand in your way.”
Brody hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. The mayor was right. Steeling himself, he said, “You’re right, Mayor. I’ll go to Texas, find Naomi, and tell her myself. Thank you.”
“Good luck, Brody. I’ll make sure your donation is put to good use.”
***
A few days later, Brody found himself on a plane to Texas, his heart pounding with anticipation. As the clouds drifted by outside the window, he buried himself in a book on Nigerian customs and traditions that he had picked up from the Little Rock library. He soaked in every detail, determined to understand and embrace Naomi’s heritage.
As soon as the plane touched down in Texas, Brody made his way to a local store where he purchased a kola nut, a symbol of peace and unity in Nigerian culture. Clutching the small, reddish-brown nut in his hand, he stood on the sidewalk, taking several deep breaths.
You can do this, he told himself, turning the kola nut over in his hand, feeling its rough texture against his skin. You have to make things right with Naomi, no matter what it takes.
Brody took a cab to Pastor James’ house, which Mayor Cooper had kindly given him the address for, and he stood on the sidewalk, his heart pounding in his chest. Then, reminding himself why he was doing this, he knocked firmly on the door.
After what felt like an eternity, Pastor James answered it. He eyed Brody with a mixture of confusion, then surprise, then, finally, annoyance.
“What are you doing here?”
“Pastor James,” Brody said confidently. “I’ve come to make amends.” He held out the kola nut, offering it to the pastor. “I read that this is a symbol of peace and unity in Nigerian culture. I want to apologize for lying and make things right.”
Pastor James’ eyes widened. He laughed softly, although his eyes remained serious. “Well, actually, I should be the one offering it to you since you’re the guest. But it’s a nice gesture nonetheless.“ He hesitated for a moment before taking the kola nut and opening the door wider and allowing Brody to step inside.
“Thank you,” Brody said. As they moved to the living room, he knew he had to do more to earn the pastor’s trust.
“Sir, I’d like to make a modest donation to your church as a gesture of goodwill,” Brody said, pulling an envelope from his pocket. “I want to show my respect for Naomi’s faith and your role as her father.”
Pastor James took the envelope, his expression softening just a little. “Your actions speak louder than words, Brody. I had no idea you were a fan of our church.”
“I’m a fan of Naomi,” he said honestly. “Which means I’m a fan of everything she holds dear.” He paused. “Including you, Pastor.”
Pastor James blinked at him, clearly surprised by Brody’s bold approach. “I appreciate you saying that, son. I care for Naomi more than I can express. Since her mother died, it has been a great responsibility and a great struggle for me, trying to look after her happiness. All I have ever wanted for my daughter is for her to feel proud of her heritage and religion, and to be healthy and happy.”
Brody nodded. “I want those things for Naomi, too. And I believe, sir, that she was happy with me.” He glanced around the cozy living room, the sunlight filtering through the curtains casting a warm glow on the family photos that adorned the walls. The love and connection between Naomi and her father were evident in each frame, and Brody knew if he wanted a future with Naomi, he had to earn her father’s approval.
“Pastor James,” Brody began, his voice wavering slightly, “I never should have lied to you about being married. I was trying to protect Naomi, but I only made things worse. I truly love your daughter, and I want to build a life together.”
The pastor regarded him silently.
“Naomi is everything to me,” Brody continued. “I want to do things properly. With your permission, I’d like to marry her for real.”
The pastor narrowed his eyes. “You’ve shown genuine effort to make things right, Brody. I can see that you love her. And to be truthful, I can see that she loves you. She hasn’t been herself since returning home.”
“Thank you, sir,” Brody replied, relief washing over him.
“Naomi!” Pastor James called up the stairs. “Come down, please.”
As Naomi descended the staircase, her eyes wide with curiosity, her father took a deep breath. “Brody has asked for permission to marry you.”
Her eyes flicked from her father to Brody, shock etched across her face. “Brody?” she asked. “You came all the way to Texas? And you want to marry me?”
Brody nodded. “There’s a job for you in Little Rock too, if you want it. Turns out the Mayor has found a sum of money to pay for conservation work in the town for years to come.”
Naomi swallowed. “A sum of money? Did you have something to do with that, Brody?”
Brody just smiled. Then, with a serious expression, he added: “If this is all moving too quickly, then I completely understand. But I’m serious about the proposal. I love you, Naomi. And your father has given me permission to ask for your hand in marriage.”
Pastor James looked at her tenderly, adding, “It’s your decision, sweetheart.”
Tears welled up in Naomi’s eyes as she ran to her father, embracing him fiercely before turning to Brody. The love and gratitude in her eyes spoke volumes as she leaped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist.
“Is that a yes?” Brody whispered against her ear, feeling the warmth of her breath as she nodded, her tears now flowing freely.
“Absolutely,” Naomi murmured, burying her face in his shoulder. “I love that you came here to talk to my father.” She whispered into his ear: “It was very brave of you, Daddy.”
As they held each other, Brody couldn’t help but feel grateful for this second chance. He vowed to cherish every moment with Naomi and show her every day just how much she meant to him.
“Thank you, Pastor,” said Brody. “I won’t let you or Naomi down, and I won’t forget the second chance you gave me.”
Pastor James nodded, looking down at the kola nut. “I believe it,” he said, and then he grinned.
***
“What is this place?” asked Naomi excitedly as Brody drove the rental car toward what looked like a small mining town in the middle of nowhere.
“It’s a place called Liberty,” Brody told her. “Another DDlg community, like the one in Little Rock. Thought we could use a place to sleep tonight, and maybe have a little fun while we’re here.”
As they pulled into the quaint, welcoming town, Brody felt a sense of homecoming, even though he’d never been here before. The streets were lined with people who shared their lifestyle, openly embracing their desires without judgment. They parked and stepped out, hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds around them.
“Look at that!” Naomi exclaimed, pointing to a group of Littles playing together in a park. Her eyes sparkled with delight.
“Before we explore,” Brody said, grinning slyly, “I have something for you.” He pulled out a small pink velvet box from his pocket.
Naomi opened it up, her eyes dancing with excitement. “A ring!”
“Put it on,” Brody urged her. “If you still want to marry me, that is.”
Naomi smiled. “Of course I do!” She put on the ring and it fit her perfectly. “It has a tiny dolphin on it,” she said, “with a diamond for the eye. That’s so cute.”
“I hope it reminds you of your Little side,” he told her, “as well as the ocean. And that kinky toy you enjoy so much.”
She giggled. “Oh yes, the dolphin. I do like that one. And I love this ring! Thank you, Daddy.”
Brody reached for his backpack and gave her another package now, beautifully wrapped.
“What’s this?” she asked excitedly. “It’s not even my birthday!”
She opened the package to find an assortment of Little clothes—overalls and onesies—made from vibrant Nigerian fabric. “Jade, the fashion designer in Little Rock, created these just for you.”
Naomi gasped, tears welling up in her eyes as she touched the soft material. “Brody, this is amazing! Thank you so much!” She hugged him tightly, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness.
“Anything for my Little girl,” he whispered, feeling a surge of pride. He could see the joy and acceptance in her eyes, knowing she finally felt free to fully embrace her identity.
They spent the afternoon exploring Liberty, visiting shops, and talking with fellow members of the DDlg community. Laughter and flirtatious banter flowed between them, their connection growing stronger than ever.
“Brody,” Naomi said as they walked hand in hand, “I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. I feel like I can finally be myself without fear.”
He leaned down to kiss her forehead tenderly. “That’s all I ever wanted for you, Naomi. To see you happy and free to be who you truly are.”
As the sun began to set on their day in Liberty, Brody knew that he had made the right choice in fighting for Naomi. Their love would continue to grow and flourish, unbounded by the constraints of society. Together, they would forge a future where they could both be true to themselves—and to each other.