I sang along to the song on the radio feeling extremely happy. I was officially hired as the nanny and housekeeper to the Lancaster family. That's not a title I thought would bring me immense joy but the floating on clouds feeling I had was proving otherwise. Hearing the kids defend me in the morning and give reasons why I should stay made me very happy. I loved all five mini Lancaster's and taking care of them had become more than a job to me. I knew there was still more to do to earn their love but I was willing to work for it. I was now officially employed and that gave me a feeling of accomplishment that I was still trying to wrap my head around.

"You have a beautiful voice "Nathan's deep southern drawl commented surprising me.

I turned to him startled since I had no idea he had been watching me. How long had he stood there before making his presence known?

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."He apologized.

My heart rate slowed now and I could finally acknowledge his presence.

"It's okay and thanks, I got it from my mom. She had an angelic voice."I replied recalling the numerous times my mom used to sing for me.

She really had been blessed in a lot of things and her voice had been one of them.

"Then you're just as blessed as she was."Nathan responded.

"Thanks."I muttered quietly still not used to the compliments.

I was about to ask Nathan if I could help him with anything when he spoke first.

"This is for you."He said holding out an envelope towards me.

"What is it?"I asked confused.

"Open it and see."He answered.

I looked at him skeptically wondering what he could be giving me. I dried my hands on a kitchen towel and stepped closer to him taking the envelope from his hands.

I opened it and peeped inside to see a cheque in there. I relaxed and pulled it out my eyes skimming over the words and amount written on it. My eyes watered when I realized what I was holding in my hands.

"What's wrong?"Nathan asked his voice skeptical.

He probably thought I was overreacting crying over a simple paycheck. But I was happy, extremely happy and nothing could take that feeling away.

"Nothing, these are happy tears, this is my first ever paycheck ."I explained wiping my tears but only more fell in their place.

I didn't mean to cry but it was a very huge moment for me. Sure I'd been paid for work before but this was my first paycheck out of prison from my steady job. It was proof that I had made a life for myself outside prison and could survive on my own.

"Oh well you deserve it."Nathan replied his voice relaxing.

I looked up at the man who had made it all possible for me, who gave me a chance when nobody else would and I was overwhelmed by a feeling of gratitude towards him. Before I could stop myself I bridged the distance between Nathan and I and wrapping my arms around his shoulders in a hug.

"Thank you."I whispered feeling extremely grateful.

I felt his body tense as he debated with himself whether to hug me back or not. I half expected him to push me away but he surprised me by wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me closer.

It was inappropriate for me to be hugging my boss like that but I found myself soaking up in his embrace loving the feeling of his burly arms around me. He smelled like pure male, raw and oh so addictive. I wanted more, I crazed for more but I had no right thinking such things about my boss. Before I could beg him to take me right there on the kitchen floor I pulled back every fibre of my being fighting against that action.

"I'm sorry, I just..."I began to apologize hoping I hadn't messed up but he cut me off.

"I understand and its okay."He assured me making me relax.

"Savannah I would like to ask you something."Nathan said.

"What is it?"I asked wiping my tears away glad they had finally stopped.

Nathan looked into my eyes with a feeling so primal and raw I could almost predict what he was about to say. Was this the moment Nathan confessed his feelings for me ending both our torment. My breath hitched in anticipation of his next words.

"I know this is so random but will you....."

Just as he was about to say those magical words to me the door bell rang cutting him off.

Fuck no. Some people really had the worst timing ever. I turned to see the intruder since the front door was visible from the kitchen windows and saw none other than my nemesis. Miss stuck up Barbie stood at the door looking ever so proud with her fancy pony tail. Why was she here? She was ruining a moment I had been looking forward to ever since I laid my eyes on Nathan.

"Fucking hell."I heard Nathan curse under his breath.

Hearing him curse made me smile because it meant he didn't appreciate the intrusion either but still it had happened.

"Looks like you have a guest."I gritted out tightly glaring at Miss Barbie.

She was definitely there for Nathan so he had no choice but to go speak to her.

"We're not done with our conversation, let me deal with Donna first."He requested me.

"Okay."I mumbled looking away.

I set my paycheck down on the counter top and went back to cooking.

Nathan left the kitchen his footsteps fading away until I heard the front door open and close.

I could see him talking to Donna but I was too far to make out their words.

"Whatcha looking at?"Freya asked walking into the kitchen.

I didn't reply just kept my gaze locked outside.

"Is that Donna?"Freya asked standing next to me.

"You know her?"I retorted.

"No but I've heard of her. She was up for a job at the courthouse and everyone wouldn't stop taking about the new city girl in town. She was also spotted a couple of times with Nathan."Freya explained.

I knew all about that except for the job part. If she took that job it meant there would be no getting rid of her. What if she took Nathan away from me? I knew he wasn't mine but he could have been if she had not shown up at the worst possible time.

"You'll blow her head up if you keep glaring at her. I thought you were over Nathan."Freya asked.

"Obviously not."I mumbled forcing myself to look away.

"It might not be what you think."Freya consoled.

"I'm not blind Freya."I retorted.

"Yeah you're right but she seriously doesn't look like his type."Freya added.

"Apparently she is, Raul told me she's his college sweetheart and is here to rekindle their love."I cussed out feeling even more disheartened.

What if Nathan took her back? That would ruin all chances I had with him.

"Shucks, now that's a pickle."Freya said.

I scoffed because she had no idea how right she was. I stepped away from the window and focused on making lunch. Freya joined me after serving herself a glass of juice.

"What's this?"She asked noticing the envelope with my name on it.

"My first paycheck."I replied.

"Wow, I can't believe you've been in Woodcreek a whole month."Freya exclaimed.

"I know, it feels like a dream to me too. My probation period is over and I'm officially employed."I explained my earlier feeling of happiness making a comeback.

"That's great Savannah, we've got to celebrate. How about we go out tonight?"Freya suggested.

"I'm working tonight."I declined.

"Come on, it's just one night and its a Saturday. Nathan will definitely say yes and you also get a distraction from him and his college girl over a couple of drinks."Freya enticed.

It sounded like a good idea but I also didn't want to bother Nathan with taking care of the kids when it was my responsibility.

"No I'm working tonight so there's no need to ask."I insisted.

"Yes there is and if you won't ask then I'll ask for you."Freya replied as if daring me to challenge her.

"Ask what?"Nathan asked walking back into the kitchen.

I hadn't heard him come back or Miss Barbie leave. Theirs had been a very short conversation and I hoped that was a good sign.

"Freya don't you dare."I demanded but of course Freya was determined to completely ignore me.

"I invited Savannah to go out with me tonight to celebrate her first successful month and the end of her probation but said no. Her excuse is she's working tonight I'll ask you her boss instead. Can Savannah go out with me tonight? I promise to bring her back to me in one piece."Freya asked.

Nathan looked at me and I broke out the pleading eyes hoping he would say no. I didn't need to be out having fun when my responsibility was taking care of the kids.

"Yes she can, you two ladies have fun. Savannah don't worry, I can handle the kids on my own tonight."Nathan declared betraying me.

I didn't want to go out drinking with Freya. Or did I?

"But...."I argued but Freya cut me off.

"No buts, he already said yes. Thank you Nathan."Freya grinned looking victorious.

"You're welcome."Nathan replied with a smile.

Nathan excused himself leaving Freya and I alone.

"Tonight, me, you, lots of alcohol and bad decisions."Freya cheered looking very proud of her announcement.

Her excitement scared me because I had no idea what awaited me from a night out drinking with Freya. I loved the bubbly girl, she was growing on me but her outgoing personality did not match my more lowkey one. They did say opposites attract so I guess that applied in our friendship.

I let Freya rant about the night awaiting us as I finished making lunch for everyone. Freya decided to stay at the ranch for the rest of the day so she wouldn't have to come pick me up later avoiding a double trip.

Just because Nathan had given me the night off didn't mean I was allowed to slack at my job. By the time I decided to get ready I'd already completed all my work. Dinner was made, the house was spotless, laundry was done and folded, Clara's clothes for church the next day were laid out and all the boys shirts were pressed including Nathan's. I felt very accomplished since all my work was done and I could go have fun without anything hanging over me.

"You don't have a single dress in here."Freya lamented as she went through my wardrobe.

"I'm not really a dress kind of girl."I replied from inside my bathroom.

I was already done showering so I was now brushing my teeth and trying to tame my growing curls. Short hair had been kind of an occupational hazard while in prison but now that I was out I didn't know if I should grow it out or leave it short.

"At least you have some nice jeans."Freya retorted.

I didn't like dresses, they were too freeing and with my masculine physique I didn't know if I would look good in one. After I was done in the bathroom, I joined Freya in the bedroom. She had laid out an acceptable outfit consisting of a cropped white tank top, blue jeans and a pair of high top sneakers.

"I don't have any cropped tank tops, where did this come from?"I asked Freya.

She held out a pair of scissors and the rest of the material from my once perfectly good tank top.

"You are the only girl I know who has abs, show the off. I knew if I did I'd never wear a shirt."Freya suggested with a straight face.

There was no point arguing with her since its not like I could put my top back together. I quickly got dressed before I changed my mind about the whole thing.

"Are we passing by your place so you can change?"I asked Freya.

"Actually I was thinking I could just borrow something from you so we don't have to drive all the way to my house."She replied.

"Freya I'm a whole foot taller than you, nothing I own will fit you."I retorted.

"Stop overestimating yourself, you're only a couple of inches taller at best."She grumbled.

"Okay shortie but it still doesn't change the fact that you don't fit into my clothes."I retorted.

"We'll see about that."Freya declared raiding my closet.

I let her have her moment and decided to go upstairs and check on the kids while Freya disappointed herself trying to wear my clothes. I was taller and bigger than her so unless she wanted to look ridiculous she would rethink her idea of wearing my clothes.

Nathan was serving dinner to the kids when I walked into the kitchen.

"Are you going somewhere Savannah?"Ivy asked noticing my outfit.

"Yes Freya and I are going out for some drinks but I'll be back later tonight."I replied.

"I can't believe you have a six pack, how long will it take me to get there?"Luke asked.

"Well I've been working out since I was nineteen so do the math."I grinned at him.

"That's too long, I'll settle for not having a dad bod like pops."Luke teased.

"Hey, I'm in perfect health."Nathan defended.

"Your dad looks great."I found myself blurting out.

Thankfully the kids didn't read too much into it but Nathan gave me an appreciative look that had me feeling all sorts of ways.

Freya joined us a few minutes later wearing one of my flannels but it fit her like dress so she had put a belt around her waist and it actually looked good on her.

"Told you I'd find something."Freya grinned at me.

"I'll never doubt you again."I chuckled admiring her long accentuated legs.

"I got you a jacket."She said handing it to me.

"Thanks."I replied prying my eyes off her.

If things didn't work out with Nathan, I would just turn gay and date Freya instead.

"Guys we are leaving, kids be good for your dad."I requested them shrugging my jacket on.

I recalled Nathan making the same request to the kids a week ago before he went drinking with the guys. That felt like forever ago yet it had only been a week.

"You ladies take care of yourselves. Savannah call me if you need a ride back."Nathan offered.

"I'll be fine Nathan."I assured him.

"Savannah I'm serious, I don't care what time it is. If you need me, call me."He demanded using his commanding voice.

I just about yelled, yes papi in that moment but I bit my tongue before it slipped out.

"Yes sir."I grinned at him even if it was highly unlikely for me to take him up on his offer .

I kissed Clara and Ivy goodbye before following Freya out of the house.

"I swear to God if you weren't black I'd totally say those were your kids seeing how you relate with them."Freya commented.

"Just doing my job right I guess."I replied.

Me a mom? Never. But I was a pretty good nanny.

Freya and I got into her car and she drove out of the ranch headed into town.

"I hope you don't mind but I invited Millie to come hang out with us."Freya informed me.

"Francis' girl?"I asked.

"Yeah she's one of my closest friends, actually my only other friend besides you."Freya answered.

"Sure I don't mind as long as she ain't a bitch."I retorted.

"I pick my friends carefully thank you very much, you'll love her."Freya assured me.

Francis had only sang praises about her and Freya liked her too so it was only fair that I gave Millie the benefit of the doubt.

"Welcome to Bales, best bar in our little town."Freya announced as she parked her car outside the bar.

It looked like an old beat down pub, like those ones in Texas based movies and I kind of liked it rustic look. I got out of the car with Freya right behind me.

"I know this is your first time in a bar but I assure you you'll love it."Freya declared linking her arm with mine as we walked in.

Freya said hello to the big burly cowboy at the door who ushered us right inside.

The bar was not too loud and the lighting was just perfect. It was a Saturday night so it was quite packed with drunk cowboys and cowgirls. There were a couple of pool tables and darts in one corner, a juke box in another and a small stage on one end.

"There's Millie."Freya informed me pointing to a curly haired beauty seated at the bar.

She was small, most women were smaller than me but she was tinier than Freya and that was saying something.

We approached her and she smiled getting off her stool as she noticed us. Freya pulled away from me to hug her.

"Millie, this is Savannah, Savannah this is Millie."Freya introduced.

"It's so nice to meet you Savannah, I've heard lots about you from this one here."Millie smiled at me holding her dainty hand out for a shake.

The best word I could use to describe Millie was pixie. She looked so tiny she reminded me of Tinker Bell minus the wings and clothing.

"Same here but from Travis, the man is smitten with you."I replied making her blush.

"As I am with him."Millie replied.

"Okay now that you two have met, let's get this party started with a couple of beers."Freya announced waving a bartender over.

We sat on a couple of stools at the bar as Freya ordered us beers to start us off. Millie and I got to know each other and she was a delight, no wonder Travis was thinking of locking it down. They would be perfect together.

"I declare we order shots."Millie announced after two beers.

"Now you're talking, hey Jay, tequila please."Freya called out to the bartender who had been serving us.

"Guys go easy on me, it's my first night out."I pleaded.

"Exactly why we should go all out, don't worry, I've got you."Freya replied slapping a sloppy wet kiss on my cheek.

Jay poured us two shots of tequila each and after a toast, I took it in one go. It burned it's way down my throat leaving a citrus aftertaste in my mouth. I sucked on a salted lemon slice to help with the afterburn.

"I liked it, let's get more."I declared when I started feeling the effects after taking the second shot two minutes later.

"That's what I'm talking about, Jay, more please."Freya requested.

We got more shots and at some point I stopped trying to control how much I drunk and just enjoyed the night. Who knew being drunk could be so much fun?

"I need to call someone."I hiccuped as Freya and I took a break from the dance floor.

I didn't even know I was a good dancer until Freya pulled me to the dance floor.

"Who?"She asked taking a sip of her beer.

"My shrink."I retorted retrieving my phone.

"You have a shrink?"Freya asked.

"Yes I do, or did. Anyway just wait."I replied finding the number I was looking for.

A couple of days ago, I'd found Hattie's number, you remember her, my therapist back in prison, as I went through my stuff. She had given it to me just incase I had a hard time on the outside and needed help or someone to talk to. My life was going great now and since I couldn't call Leona, I settled for the sexy therapist. I knew it was strange to call her but I was drunk and my inhibitions were low. She picked up after the third ring.

"Hello?"Her sweet calming voice whispered from the other end of the call.

"Hello yourself."I retorted breaking out into giggles as if that was the smartest response.

"I'm sorry but who is this?"Hattie asked confused.

"It's only been a month Harley Quinn, don't tell me you've already forgotten your favorite inmate."I replied slurring my words.

There was a pause on her side and I thought we had been disconnected but then she spoke up.

"Savannah?"

"The one and only."I answered.

"Oh My God, hi. It's so nice to hear from you. I always wondered what happened to you. Are you okay? Are you safe? Where are you? Wait, what's that noise?"She asked.

"Calm down doc, I'm great and I am safe. I'm in Texas and currently in a bar, it's my first time."I giggled looking around.

"Savannah don't tell me things are that bad?"Hattie asked concerned.

"No I'm actually having a great time. I'm here with my friends celebrating with my first paycheck. I have a full time job now."I explained.

"I'm relieved to hear that Savannah. You do sound happy and drunk."She chuckled.

"That's because I'm both and you had a huge role in my current success so I just wanted to let you know that I'm okay now and its all thanks to you."I expressed.

"I'm just happy to hear that you're okay. Keep being happy."Hattie replied.

"I will, goodbye doc. Thanks again."I mumbled.

"You're always welcome."She responded.

I hang up and pocketed my phone picking up my beer.

"Are you sure that was your shrink? You sounded as if you were flirting."Freya teased.

"Hattie had a thing for me so that's how I always talk to her."I explained.

"Oh good another woman who fancies you, seriously how can you pull both genders."Freya demanded.

"Good genes, the tattoos and my amazing personality."I grinned at her.

"Of course it is. Anyway let's get back out there, not to be like my brother but I ain't going home alone tonight. It's been a while and mama needs some love."Freya declared.

"What happened to that math teacher?"I asked as we joined Millie on the dance floor.

"I had to cut our date short and unfortunately I haven't been able to see him since."She replied sadly.

I pulled her into a hug that only lasted a moment before she pulled away with a scream when her favorite song came on.

Two hours later, I was stupidly drunk, sweaty and ready to call it a night. Somehow even in my drunken state I managed to find my friends. I found Millie asleep on a random couch with Freya on the other end making out with some guy. She was definitely in no shape to take us home and anyway her tongue was too busy finding it's way down someone's throat. I dropped myself in between them and retrieved my phone so I could call the one person I'd managed to go the whole night without thinking about.

"Savannah."Nathan's deep voice rasped out as soon as he picked up.

"Can you pick me up please?"I requested trying to sound sobber but failing miserably.

"Sure, I'll be there in ten. Which bar are you in?"He asked me without missing a beat.

He truly was a gentleman and my Knight in shining armor.

"Bales and bring Travis, Millie is here too."I answered.

"Okay, I'm coming."He replied and hang up.

I turned to Freya who had managed to pull her tongue out of the man's mouth long enough to breath.

"Savannah!!!"She exclaimed drunkenly noticing me next to her."The math teacher."She mouthed pointing not so subtly at the guy.

I didn't know him but it looks like things had worked out perfectly for Freya.

"Will you be okay with him? I already called Nathan to pick Millie and I up. You can hitch a ride with us."I offered.

"I'll be okay, Grover and I have plans."Freya assured me.

"You take care of her or you're dead, I already have experience with murder so be warned."I threatened the harmless looking man.

It was always the harmless looking ones anyway so I didn't trust anyone.

"She'll be safe with me, I promise."Grover answered.

I chose to believe him and decided to wait for Nathan on the couch. All the shots were catching up to me and I was fighting between throwing up and falling asleep. Sure drinking and dancing was fun but I had to remember to pace myself next time especially since I didn't know my limits yet.

To be continued in the next chapter............