Jess is Willow's adopted daughter, and was dating Larch for a while before she and the clumsy flockherd became partners. She was adopted Spring, Year 7, the first kitten to move from Earth. Nestor found her, and Willow took her home as a proud mother.
Basden adopted Shield, and xe and Jess became close friends. When their parents became partners and the next season had beans of their own, both were happy to have three little siblings and a step-sibling they were already close to.
Jess and her other friend Glory both enjoy crafting and often have to get materials from the barn. Larch never resisted helping her gather flowers or cotton or wool. He didn't mind if she didn't want to spend time with him, and would simply visit Rye and they would play with his snail together, and Larch would bring his chicken to the garden.
Jess and Larch enjoyed each other's company, and while Jess didn't mind talking to Rye, she didn't share his passions, and he was a bit older than her, closer to her mom's age. And her relationship with Larch was different than it was with Glory. She felt a bond with him she didn't feel with anyone else. Of course, she and Glory remained best mates, but when Larch asked her to be xyr partner, she felt everything click into place. That was what she was looking for, she just didn't know it.