"What did that dough ever do to you?"Travis asked walking into the kitchen.

His words stirred me back to reality and I realized that I had been kneading the dough too hard.

I huffed and pushed the bowl away giving myself a minute to breath. I looked up at Travis who was waiting for an explanation but I was not about to pour my heart out to him.

"Can I help you?"I asked ignoring his question all together.

"Yeah I came to ask if you have any duct tape. Are you okay Savannah?"Travis asked looking at me warily.

The answer was no but he didn't need to know that. I opened one of the drawers in the kitchen and retrieved a roll of duct tape for him.

"Here."I said handing them to him dismissively.

"You might not want to talk to me about what's going on but you do need to talk to someone. Keeping it all bottled up will do you no good."Travis advised.

"Thanks for the tape."He mumbled leaving me alone in the kitchen once more.

His advise was unsolicited but was he right? Did I need someone to talk to about about what was plaguing my mind? What would I even say? That I was jealous my boss went out on a date with a strange woman. That was ridiculous because I had no claim over him. He was my boss for crying out loud. He was allowed to date whoever he wanted. I thought him being with someone else would be good as it would allow me to move on from him but it was only giving me a massive headache, anger and jealousy issues.

What I needed was to get a grip and get my work done. Clara was depending on me to win her a turtle and that didn't include whining over losing her dad to miss wannabe Barbie.

Everyone was allowed to bring a maximum of three desserts to sell so I was making cupcakes, donuts and truffle cups in mason jars.

I wanted Clara to know that even if we didn't win, I had gone all out to make sure that she did. I immediately got back to work since I only had a few hours until I needed to be at the school leaving enough time to make lunch for everyone, take a shower and drive to the school. I was good in time management so I knew I was good as long as my thoughts didn't keep distracting me.

Finally after four hours of tirelessly working I was finally done making and boxing everything up. Nathan, the cause all my inner turmoil walked in just as I was about to start carrying everything out to the truck.

"Wow you really went all out didn't you?"He asked peeping into one of the boxes.

"You do know it is my job right."I teased.

"Smartass. Wow, cupcakes, yum."He commented trying to reach for one but I smacked his hand away.

"Owh, what was that for?"He asked rubbing his arm.

"What do you think you're doing? Those are for Clara."I scolded.

"But I want one."Nathan groaned like an overgrown man baby.

"That's why I made more than enough, they are over there."I said pointing to the extra desserts at the far end of the kitchen island.

Nathan grinned at me and proceeded to snatch two cupcake for himself. I rolled my eyes at him and went back to work taking the dessert boxes to the car. I hadn't showered yet but I knew I couldn't leave them unattended in the kitchen otherwise the guys would eat everything. I switched on the engine and turned on the ac to keep them fresh until it was time to deliver them to school.

I went back into the house to finish up with lunch and lay everything out for the guys outside. I had time so I joined them for a quick bite before excusing myself so that I could take a shower.

I had no idea what the proper dress code was so I wore a stripped black and white long sleeved shirt under black dungarees and my white adidas sneakers.

My phone rang just as I was leaving my room reminding me that I actually needed to take it with me. I was still getting used to the whole idea of owning a phone so I forgot about it a lot.

"I'm bored, save me."Freya groaned as soon as I picked up.

I chuckled at her frustration feeling sad for her but I had other priorities.

"I would love to dear friend but I have a bake sale at Clara's school to attend."I informed her leaving my room.

"That sounds fun, can I come?"She asked.

"Nothing is fun about that. I'm about to meet Woodcreek's whole gossip column in one afternoon."I groaned thinking of all the moms that would be present.

"An even better reason to bring me with you. Pick me up at the store on your way."Freya demanded.

I was about to reject her when I realized that it would be good to have her there with me. She could shield me from all the judgemental looks of other moms.

"Okay I'll be right there. I'm leaving the house now."I informed her.

"See you soon."She chirped and hang up.

I smiled putting my phone in my pocket glad to have a friend like Freya in my life. I popped into Nathan's office to let him I was leaving. He seriously needed to sort out all the mess he had in there. I had no idea why it was so untidy when his room was always neat and spotless.

"I'm leaving."I informed him through the already open door.

"You're not mad at me for not coming with you right?"He asked looking visibly distressed.

"No, it's my job and you don't need to deal with all the other moms, I'll be okay. Freya is coming with me."I informed him.

"Okay that's a relief, give kisses to Clara from me and I hope you guys get that turtle."Nathan replied.

"Keep your fingers crossed for us. Have a good afternoon boss."I replied stepping back and disappearing from sight.

Keeping my relationship with Nathan strictly professional was harder than I thought especially when he wanted to keep things casual between us. That was hard to do when I desperately needed to get over him. I would find a way though, I had to.

I left the house and got into the car driving off to pick Freya up first before driving to the school.

She was already waiting for me outside their store when I pulled up.

"Why were you waiting outside in the sun? I would have come inside."I asked her as she got in beside me.

"I didn't want Logan to see you. I swear to God if he asks me one more question about you I'm taping his mouth shut."Freya huffed putting on her seatbelt.

"Why are you ruining my chance at true love?"I asked with a laugh.

"True love my ass. I feel sorry for the woman that my brother marries but I love you too much to sacrifice you to him."Freya asserted.

"Don't worry I don't want to marry him, I want to fuck him. "I grinned earning me a disgusted look from her.

"First of all ewh, second TMI and third anyone but my brother. Please Savannah for you own good."Freya pleaded.

"Okay calm down, let's just go."I said starting the truck evading any more discussion of Logan.

It was clearly a sore topic for Freya and I didn't want to make her angrier. It was cute that she was looking out for me though. I liked that because most sisters would have been on their brothers' side but Freya hid nothing about Logan. She was a good friend.

It was a short drive to the school and as soon as I found parking spot Freya helped me carry my baked goods inside.

"Why does Clara go to a different school? Wouldn't it be better for her to be with Ivy and Ethan."Freya asked as we walked into the school.

"I asked Nathan the same question and he explained that Clara had a hard time in the other school. He took her there but she didn't fit in with the rest of her class or her teacher. When he tried his luck here, Miss Susan, her current teacher was able to break through to her and she finally made friends."I answered.

The same question had plagued me once I found out that Clara didn't go to the same school as her siblings but after Nathan explained it had all made sense.

"Most parents would ignore that to make it easier for pick up and drop offs but Clara is a daddy's girl and Nathan is an awesome dad."Freya added.

"No doubt about that."I affirmed.

"Miss Watson."The unmistakable voice of Miss Susan called out.

I turned and saw her waving me over away from Clara's class which is where I had been headed.

"Miss Susan."I greeted once we got to her.

"You made it just in time, we're setting up in the cafeteria since it has more space. Just pick a table and set up."She explained.

"Will do."I nodded.

"Oh hi Freya."Miss Susan said noticing my companion.

"Hi Susan."Freya replied with a smile.

Looks like everyone did know everyone in Woodcreek.

"I'll leave you ladies to it, good luck. I know Clara really wants that turtle."Miss Susan encouraged.

"Thanks."Freya and I chorused.

Miss Susan excused herself to attend to other parents so Freya and I made our way to the cafeteria. Other moms and surprisingly enough dads were already in there setting up so Freya introduced me to a couple of them. They seemed nice enough but I didn't miss the judgemental looks on some of their faces. I didn't mind it though already used to being the center of attention anytime I was outside the ranch.

"How is this table?"Freya asked motioning to one close to one of the cafeteria doors away from other parents but still close enough.

"Perfect."I grinned setting my boxes done helping Freya with hers too.

I had brought a table cloth, paper plates, plastic forks and serviettes to aid my sale.

"Do you have an empty cup or bottle in the truck?"Freya asked as I began to set up.

"I think so, why?"I replied.

"Trust me, car keys?"She asked holding her palm out.

I shrugged and handed them to her and watched her walk away whistling to herself, her little sundress flying with each step she took. I ignored her and whatever shenanigans she was getting into and continued working. The last thing I wanted was to disappoint Clara when she had put so much faith in me. I peeped at all the other tables and the competition was stiff seeing as everyone had gone all out. There were pies, chocolate cake, cookies, cake pops, tiramisu, brownies and so much more. I felt kind of intimidated but I took courage in the fact that nobody had thought to make truffle jars.

"Ta-da."Freya cheered running back to the table with a bunch of wild flowers in a couple of plastic cups that had been in the back seat.

"Where did you get the flowers?"I asked with a chuckle.

"Outside duh, we need to make our table prettier."Freya grinned at me.

"Thanks Freya."I smiled at her grateful for her help.

She helped me finish setting up and with her flowers the table actually did stand out a bit from the others. Freya kept messing up with my arrangement so I just let her do her thing since she was more homey than I was.

As soon as all the parents had arrived Miss Susan came to address us.

"Good afternoon parents."She greeted once everyone had quieted down giving her a chance to talk.

Everyone grumbled their reply but at least they did not ignore her.

"Thank you so much for coming. It means so much to me and my students that you took time off your busy schedules to be here this afternoon. As you know we do this at the beginning of every school year so the class can have a class pet. We've been delayed a couple of weeks due to unavoidable circumstances but that doesn't matter. The kids are still in class, I wanted to give you time to set up before letting them out but before I do we need to go through the ground rules."Miss Susan explained.

Groans of complaints were heard amongst the parents meaning some of them had already broken the rules.

"I know, I know, nobody likes rules but they make the world go round. To make the competition fair I sent out a list of desserts you could make and everyone was required to choose a maximum of three. I'll go around with the help of the first grade teacher Mrs Geoff to make sure that everyone abided to the three dessert rule. We didn't limit your quantities but we are limiting the prices to make it fair. Infront of you is a board with the desserts you baked and the standard price you need to sell them. The rest of the school will be our customers and they will be released from their classes in groups. Best of luck to you and your little ones. May the best family win."Miss Susan cheered.

I looked at the board she was referring to and checked the prices suggested for what I'd made. I had to admit that her reasoning was fair as it stopped people from cheating. Miss Susan and Mrs Geoff took their time going through each table to make sure everyone stuck to the rules. A couple of parents had to give up their desserts when it was discovered that they had baked more than three. After they were done and we were set to go the kids were released from class to join us.

"Savannah."Clara's excited voice echoed throughout the cafeteria.

I stepped forward and her little body crashed against my legs holding on for dear life.

"Hi Clara."I chuckled bending over to pick her up.

"You came."She grinned.

"I told you I would so here I am."I replied.

For as long as I worked for the Lancaster's and it was my job to take care of the kids I would always show up for them.

She smiled and hugged me burying her face in my neck. I turned to Freya who was looking at us with a strange look.

"What?"I asked.

"Nothing you just look like such a mom right now."She teased.

"Take that back before I stuff donuts down your throat."I threatened.

"Okay fine miss nanny."She chided running away before I could chuck a shoe at her.

I set Clara down straightening her dress and the cute pigtails I'd braided for her earlier that morning.

"Let's send papa a picture."I suggested taking out my phone.

Clara nodded enthusiastically and posed for me as I took pictures of her infront of the table and sent them to Nathan. Freya came back and took pictures of Clara and I but I didn't send those to Nathan keeping them for myself. We took pictures with Freya too officially creating my gallery. They were the firsts photos ever on my phone and I loved each one. Nathan replied a couple of minutes later and I showed Clara the response. She didn't seem to care that Nathan was not around and I was glad that my presence was enough.

Nathan Lancaster 🤠
She looks adorable. Sending kisses and all my love. Good luck.

I pocket my phone once Miss Susan announced that the first wave of students was coming through.

"What if we don't sell anything?"Freya whispered.

"We will, have faith."I muttered looking at Clara who was looking around eagerly waiting for our first costumer.

"The truffle cups look good though, so do the cupcakes and the donuts."She encouraged.

"That's everything."I chuckled.

"I know and it all looks good. This nanny thing actually suits you."She commented bumping my shoulder.

I didn't get a chance to reply because we got our first costumer who wanted a muffin. I had made a tiny box out of cardboard to put the money in and made Clara in charge of it so as to include her in the whole process.

"Look Savannah, we're making money."Clara cheered holding up the five dollars.

"That's great sweetheart, we've got to get you that turtle."I reassured her.

"I love your enthusiasm so I'm going to get us some customers, I'll be right back."Freya said excusing herself.

I didn't know she meant by that but she was long gone before I could question her. Five minutes after her disappearance we got an influx of customers and the three dozen donuts I'd made were the first to sell out. The truffle jars were our most expensive item and I was afraid they wouldn't get sold but I didn't give up hope. We still had time since the middle school classes were yet to be released.

"Savannah can I have a cupcake?"Clara asked looking at the yummy treats with her big doe eyes.

"They have strawberries on them sweetheart and remember you're allergic to strawberries."I reminded her.

"Oh."She mumbled sadly.

"I left lots at home without strawberries. How about we win you that turtle first then you can eat as many cupcakes as you want."I replied.

At the mention of unlimited sugar her eyes lit up in excitement.

"Okay."She nodded enthusiastically.

Cupcakes were Clara's absolute favorite that's why I'd put strawberries on them to keep her away. I didn't want her eating our merchandise when we could make money instead. It was kind of an evil thing to do but she had lots of cupcakes waiting for her back home.

The last three classes from grade six to eight were released meaning they were our last chance to salvage our sales. Surprisingly enough the truffle jars were a hit with the older kids. We sold out within twenty minutes which was shocking seeing as I'd made over fifty jars. The jars were cheap and they didn't need that many ingredients to make; cookies, whipped cream, sponge cake and melted chocolate did the trick. I got a lot of disappointed kids when they realized we were sold out making me wish I'd made more.

Freya reappeared just as I sold the last cupcake with a winning grin on her face.

"A little birdie told me you're all sold out."She said in a sing song voice.

"Stop pretending. I know you had something to do with it."I replied.

"I work in sales so I'm good at convincing people. Anyway did we make enough to get Clara her turtle?"Freya asked me.

"Let's count and find out."I replied taking the box of money from Clara.

Freya and I sat down to count the money and even if we didn't win I had to admit that I was proud of us.

"Wow, that's a lot of money from selling cupcakes and donuts."Freya commented with an impressed whistle.

"Did we make enough money Savannah?"Clara asked.

"We made good money sweetheart but we don't know how much the rest made. Let's wait for the final announcement okay."I replied.

She nodded and crawled onto my lap.

"I'll clean up."Freya offered when she saw that my hands were full.

"Thanks."I replied holding Clara better.

We had to wait for the time we had been granted to lapse and for the other parents to count the money they had made. We all put the money in envelops and handed them over to Miss Susan who was to make the final announcement after double checking the amounts.

Finally after thirty minutes of waiting we all gathered together for the results.

"Good afternoon once again parents and students. Finally the sale has come to an end and its time to announce our winner. Now remember kids the class pet belongs to all of us but the winner gets to pick what pet we get and what to name it. Parents you've all put so much effort into this sale. We wouldn't have been able to do it without you. Thank you so much. Now without further ado, the winner of this year's kindergarten bake sale is Clara Lancaster."Miss Susan announced.

"Yes. We won."Freya cheered picking Clara up and twirling her around.

I stood still in shock because I'd actually done it. I knew it was Clara's win but I had done most of the work so it was my win too.

"Clara dear come forward."Miss Susan called out.

Freya set Clara down and we all clapped for her as she stepped forward.

"So Clara tell us. What pet do you want and what will you name it?"Miss Susan asked.

Clara looked at me and I smiled encouragingly giving her a thumbs up.

"I want a girl turtle and we will call her Josephine Grace after my two nannies."Clara announced taking me by surprise.

She was naming her turtle after me? It truly was an honor.

I resisted the urge to cry and just stepped forward to hug her.

"Well then isn't she just the sweetest."Miss Susan announced as I stepped back with Clara in my arms.

"Are you sure you want to name your turtle after me?"I asked Clara.

"Yes of course."She nodded enthusiastically.

I hugged her closer grateful for the little girl in my arms who had completely stolen my heart.

Miss Susan concluded the event telling us that the turtle would be purchased by weeks end and the rest of the money would be used for her upkeep. We were allowed to take the kids home since school would be letting out soon anyway.

"Congratulations ladies you deserve the win."Freya said as she helped me put the empty boxes in the bed of the truck.

"Thank you Freya."I replied smiling gratefully at her.

"Thank you Miss Freya."Clara echoed.

"You're welcome darling."Freya replied pinching her cheeks.

"Get in, I'll give you a ride back to town."I offered buckling Clara into her seat.

"I would love to ride with you ladies but I just scored a date with a very hot math teacher."Freya grinned at me.

"You didn't."I chucked.

"Yes I did, so I will see you tomorrow. Save some dessert for me huh, I'll come over with the deets."She declared picking her jacket and bag from the passenger seat.

"I'll be waiting."I replied.

She kissed my cheek, waved goodbye to Clara and skipped off back into the school building. I got behind the wheel driving out of the parking lot on my way to pick up Ivy and Ethan.

"I'm proud of you Clara. Thanks for naming your turtle after me."I said to the little girl in the back seat.

"We won together."She declared making my heart grow even fonder of her.

Slowly and surely the Lancasters were worming their way into my heart and I was defenseless. I couldn't do anything to stop it so I just let myself fall for their cuteness and charm knowing that I probably wouldn't be with them forever.

Nathan already had a prospective Mrs Lancaster and by the looks of her if she dated Nathan I'd be gone in a week. She wouldn't fire me but I would quit. She looked like the kind of person who would be hard to work for.

I refused to dwell on those thoughts though and focused on celebrating the win Clara and I had achieved. I had done a good job and so did Clara with Freya's help of course. Now Clara would get a class pet turtle she wanted named after me and her grammie and for the moment that's all that mattered to me.