I finished setting up breakfast and realized it was time to wake Clara up. I could hear the rest of the kids already up and about getting ready for the day. I ran into Nathan on my way up the stairs looking fresh, well rested and devilishly handsome as always.

"Good morning sir."I greeted him politely.

"I thought we agreed to drop the formalities."He groaned.

"It'll take some getting used to but I'm trying."I replied.

He was a figure of authority to me so I had to address him with respect. I had been like that for the last ten years and it would take a while for me to stop.

"We'll get there. Do you need help waking Clara up?"He asked me knowing where I was headed.

I desperately wanted to say yes but then I realized it was my job.

"I need to learn, I'll be okay."I assured him.

"That's the can do attitude that got you this job in the first place, good luck."He replied with an encouraging smile.

I smiled appreciatively stepping aside to let him pass. His cologne wafted in my nose and I resisted the urge to pull him in for a hug. The fact that I'd never been with a man was making me desperate. I needed to sort my feelings out and soon before I went crazy.

I blinked rapidly to get rid of those thoughts skipping up the rest of the stairs.

I quietly walked into Clara's room and drew the curtains letting light stream in. She looked so peaceful sleeping under the covers that I felt guilty waking her up but she needed to get ready for school. I sat on the bed and pulled the covers back exposing her body to the morning chill. She curled into herself pulling her teddy bear closer to her chest.

"Clara, sweetheart, time to get up."I whispered gently shaking her awake.

"Nah-uh."She mumbled in her sleep burying her face further into the pillow.

"Yes, it's time for school."I whispered pulling her teddy bear away.

I knew for a fact that nobody liked being woken up especially on Monday mornings so I had to be gentle. I brushed her hair off her face caressing her cheek gently. It was also my first time waking up a child or anyone for that matter so I had to be careful.

Her eyes fluttered open the green orbs laden with sleep.

"There's my beautiful girl, good morning."

"Good morning Savannah."She yawned struggling to sit up.

I helped her up and she surprised me by hugging me. I chuckled and hugged her back getting up with her in my arms. I walked towards the door leading to the bathroom she shared with her sister and knocked softly since I could hear Ivy in there. I didn't want to walk in on her in a state she wouldn't appreciate me seeing her in.

"Come in."Ivy called out.

I opened the door and walked in setting Clara down on her feet.

"Good morning Ivy."I greeted Ivy who was busy drying her hair fully dressed and ready for school.

"Morning."She replied sparing me a glance and a small smile.

"Ivy get out, I need to get ready for school."Clara demanded fully awake.

"Clara that's not polite."I corrected her.

"It's fine, I'm done anyway."Ivy replied putting her hair up in a pony tail.

She was out of the bathroom a minute later leaving Clara and I alone.

"That wasn't a nice thing to say to your sister."I said squatting infront of her to help her take off her pajamas.

"I'm sorry."She apologized.

"Tell that to your sister when we join everyone for breakfast but right now let's get you ready for school."I replied.

She nodded and we spent the next twenty minutes switching between the bathroom and bedroom getting ready.

I walked Clara downstairs carrying her backpack for her as I gave myself a pat on the back for doing a good job. I'd managed to get her ready in time without any tears from either one of us.

"Good morning Lancasters."I greeted as Clara and I entered the dining room.

They all responded, briefly glancing at me before turning back to their breakfast.

"Papa, look what Savannah did with my hair."Clara announced excitedly running into her father's arms.

It was nothing fancy, I'd just conrowoed a couple of strands in her brown locks and put it in a high ponytail. Nathan took his time admiring her hair instead of rushing out a compliment showing just how loving and caring he was as a father.

"It looks beautiful munchkin, did you tell Savannah thank you?"He asked her.

"No."She mumbled looking ashamed.

Nathan gave her a pointed look and she ran back to me wrapping her tiny arms around my legs.

"Thank you Savannah."She grinned looking up at me.

"You're welcome sweetheart, don't forget what we talked about."I reminded her.

She nodded and went to her sister apologizing for being rude earlier. They hugged it out and Clara settled down for breakfast. I left the dining room, walking into the kitchen to finish packing the lunches.

"Savannah can you pack me lunch too please."Luke requested popping his head into the kitchen.

"Yeah of course."I nodded.

It was literally my job so it's not like I could say no.

"Me too."Daniel added joining his brother.

"I'll get on it."I replied.

"Thank you."They chorused simultaneously disappearing out of sight a second later.

It didn't take me long to make all five lunches since everything had been prepared and I just needed to pack them.

Nathan joined me in the kitchen just as I was putting the packed lunches into bags.

"I'll drive the kids to school then come back for you. We need to head to town and get you a driver's license."He informed me.

"Okay."I nodded.

Driving the kids around without a license wouldn't be safe so it was good that Nathan was thinking ahead. He refilled his coffee mug then left the the kitchen. I finished up with the lunches before delivering them to the kids. They were finishing up with breakfast so I handed them their lunches and in five minutes they had all cleared out of the house.

I took my time having my breakfast and morning coffee to start me up on the busy day ahead.

After breakfast I got started on my chores so that most of them would be done by the time Nathan and I headed into town.

I was picking up the laundry from the different rooms upstairs when I realized that I had to go into Nathan's room. I hadn't been in there before but I also hadn't been with the Lancaster's long enough. I didn't know why I was scared to go in there but I still stood at the door for five minutes giving myself a mental pep talk before eventually going in.

The first thing I became aware of was how neat, tidy and clean the room actually was. A part of me had expected there to be clothes all over the floor, a full hamper and an unmade bed but there was none of that. Everything was where it needed to be and I had to admit that I was impressed. The room had Nathans unmistakable scent and I resisted the urge to bury my face in his pillows. It was a big room considering it was the master bedroom with a king size bed with bedside drawers with lamps on both of them. There was a desk with a laptop and a some documents on it, a closet on one side, a shoe rack dominated with boots and surprisingly enough a vanity table. The man was prepared for a wife and everything even though it was bare. The rooms theme was white grey with a huge grey rug on the wooden floor.

The bathroom had a double sink, toilet, glass shower and a bathtub that looked like it was never used. Nathan didn't look like the kind of man to take baths but if he was I wouldn't judge him, baths were amazing.

There were family photos strategically placed all around the room mostly of the kids but I did manage to find one with their biological parents on it. Aside from the age difference Nathan looked like his brothers twin with the same hair, eyes and smile explaining why the kids looked like Nathan. Ivy was the spit image of her mother who was a beautiful blonde with emerald eyes. They had been a beautiful couple and it was sad that they died so tragically and didn't get a chance to see their kids grow up. It was okay though, they could rest in peace knowing that their children were in great hands. Nathan was doing a great job with them even if it came at a cost of him living his own life.

After snooping around, I did what brought me into his room in the first place and picked up his dirty laundry. I did the same with the rest of the rooms and carried everything to the laundry room. I heard Nathan's truck pulling up just as I was sorting out the clothes to avoid mixing colors.

"Savannah."Nathan called out a few minutes later his footsteps echoing in the house.

"Laundry room."I yelled back loud enough for him to hear me.

He popped in a minute later gracing me with that dimpled smile that had me swooning.

"I'm back but I need to deal with a couple of things first, we'll leave in about an hour and a half."He informed me.

"Okay."I nodded since that gave me enough time to complete my work.

Nathan looked at me as if he wanted to say something more but then he shook his head as if changing his mind and disappeared from sight. The look in his eyes left me confused but I didn't dwell on it for long, I had much to do.

I managed to finish the laundry and hang it out to dry outside, did all the dishes, cleaned the kids rooms and mine and arranged the pantry.

After all that I felt icky and sweaty so I took a quick shower and changed into blue jeans, a tank top, a red and white flannel shirt and a pair of black converse. Nathan was waiting for me in the kitchen when I walked back up.

"Ready to go?"He asked me.

I nodded and we left the house together making sure to lock the door behind us. He unlocked the truck and I got into the passenger seat besides him.

"Nice truck."I complimented admiring the interior.

I didn't say that just to be nice, it was honestly a very beautiful machine.

"Thank you, you'll be driving it soon so I'm glad you appreciate it's beauty."Nathan replied starting the truck and driving out of the compound.

Nathan and I had never been in such a constricted space before and honestly it was awkward. I didn't know what to say to him. He was my boss for crying out loud meaning we couldn't be best friends but we could at least try to be civil around each other.

"So.." We both said at the same time laughing when we realized what had happened.

"You go first."I insisted since I didn't even have anything important to say.

"I just wanted to say thank you for what you did with Clara this morning. It was hard to let Josie go but even I have to admit that it was time for a change. The woman is a great cook, always will be but in other areas she had started to lack so it's good that you're here picking up the slack."He expressed looking genuinely appreciative.

"You're welcome, I was just doing my job and trying to make her smile. You have a wonderful family and even though this is not the kind of job I saw myself doing, you still went out of your way to give me a chance considering my past and all. I'm already starting to fall in love with Woodcreek and I hope that it will be as kind to be as you and the kids have been."I replied.

"I won't deny that I was skeptical at first and I still am but you're proving to be a wonderful addition to our family and even the kids can see that."Nathan said making me smile.

"It's my pleasure."I beamed happy I wasn't failing at my first ever real job.

"Today we need to get you a driver's license and a phone. I just realized that we have no way of communicating with each other which is wrong especially with five kids involved."Nathan explained.

"I didn't bring my card."I groaned patting my pockets.

"That's okay, I wasn't planning on making you pay for anything. It's my responsibility as your boss and its more for my benefit than yours anyway."He replied leaving no room for discussion.

"Yes sir."I mocked just to tease him.

He glared at me but it faded when I chuckled because the man honestly couldn't fake an angry face.

"Can I ask you something?"Nathan inquired using a serious tone that had me sobering up immediately.

"Anything."

"Feel free to tell me to mind my business but I'm a huge believer in giving second chances that's why I hired you even with your criminal record. I've had ex-convicts working at the ranch before but they didn't last mainly because of two things. One, they were unable to acclimate with life on the outside without crime so they fell back into their old ways and were sent back in. The second reason is that after what they saw and went through inside prison they were too damaged for the outside world so they fell into depression and either did something to go back in or just up and left work with no explanation. My question is, are you okay? Can you handle the second chance I've given you to start your life afresh?"He asked me.

Nathan was justified in his worry seeing as the life of his kids were in my care.

"Life on the inside is hard especially for me who grew up in there. I was incarcerated so young and it took me some time to accept it but I eventually adapted. I knew I would get out some day so I did everything possible to make sure I gave myself a chance once I was released. I got my GED, went to college, worked my ass off in and out of prison and I went to therapy. I chose to move to Texas, especially a small town because life is much slower here as compared to New York so I'd acclimate better. Mentally I'm okay so you don't need to worry about me being depressed and putting your kids lives at risk. I just want to work hard, build my life and be happy, I've earned that."I assured Nathan.

He spared me a glance and I saw the look of admiration swimming in his eyes. That look on left me feeling all warm inside because it was genuine.

"Thank you for being honest and I'm glad to hear that. It's clear that you're a hardworker, honest and you genuinely want to be better. All I ask of you is that you do your best and take care of my kids, treat them with care, love and respect and we'll be good."Nathan replied.

"I will."I promised him meaning it.

We didn't say anything for the rest of the drive and we didn't need to, it was comfortable silence each of us lost in our own thoughts. Nathan didn't need to tell me how to behave with his kids, I already liked them and hoped they liked me too. Working for the Lancaster family wouldn't be as terrible as I thought it would be.

Our first stop was a phone store and just like Nathan had said he took it upon himself to purchase me a phone. I chose an inexpensive one since it was only for calls, messages and keeping track of the kids schedules. The salesman helped me set it up, taught me a few basic things since it had been a decade since I used a phone and my first time ever using a smartphone. He was patient with me and so was Nathan who didn't seem in a rush at all.

After I was done I walked up to Nathan who was leaning against the wall, his fingers hooked to his belt loops looking like he walked straight out of a cowboy magazine.

"You done?"He asked noticing my presence.

"Yes."I nodded showing him the bag with everything in it.

"Good, let's go get you that license."Nathan announced as we walked out of the store.

"Thank you for my new phone."I appreciated him.

"You're welcome."He grinned at me and I nearly passed out.

Those dimples, dear Lord and that beard and the lips. The man was built to be a heartbreaker even without realizing it.

"Can I have your number?"I requested him holding my phone out for him.

"Will you ask me out on a date next?"Nathan teased making me chuckle.

"Sure but I need those digits first."I replied.

Nathan took my phone from me and added his number. He even took a selfie and saved it on the photo icon on his number. He called his phone and handed it back to me.

"Smile."He demanded and I looked to find him holding his phone up to my face.

I smiled as he took a picture then watched him save my contact. That was my first photo after release and it was in the hands of my boss. For some reason that realization made me smile.

"Nathan."A deep voice bellowed behind us forcing us to turn around.

I saw Nathan smile when he saw the culprit who just happened to be the Sheriff as announced by his uniform and badge. He was an older gentleman probably in his late forties with graying hair and a noticeable beer belly.

"Sherrif Connor."Nathan chuckled as they shook hands.

"Nice to see you son, how are you? How are the kids?"He asked genuinely.

"I'm good and they are amazing as always, Luke has his first game soon."Nathan replied.

"We will definitely be there."Sherrif Connor replied his gaze wandering to me.

He looked at me like he already knew who I was which was to be expected seeing as the whole town knew about me. But he also looked curious and intrigued.

"Connor this is Savannah, she works for me at the ranch. Savannah this is Sherrif Connor."Nathan introduced.

"It's nice to meet you sir."I said politely holding my hand out for him to shake.

"Likewise Miss Savannah, you're taller than I imagined."He chuckled shaking my hand.

"So I've been told."I replied already used to people commenting on my height.

Yes I was tall for a woman, accept it and move on.

"I've been wanting to put a face to the name especially after your run in with my son yesterday."He said triggering my memory.

I'd completely forgotten about kicking his sons ass at the mall. Nathan looked at me confused and I panicked wondering if I'd get fired. The Sheriff would probably arrest me and I'd go back in even after assuring Nathan that I wasn't going to cause any trouble.

"Stop worrying, I'm not going to berate or arrest you. I know my son and Granger probably deserved what you did to him, just try not to resolve to violence next time."Sherrif Connor advised.

I immediately relaxed knowing I was safe and would get to keep my job.

"Yes sir."I replied.

"Good, see you around Nathan. It was nice meeting you Savannah."Sherrif Connor said tipping his hat at us before leaving.

Nathan turned to me with an inquisitive expression on his face demanding an explanation as to what had just happened.

"Granger and his posse of misgriants harassed Freya and I at the mall yesterday so I might have kicked their ass and threatened them."I explained.

I expected Nathan to blow up on me. The sheriff might have been kind enough to let me go with a warning but Nathan had his kids to think about. He probably didn't want someone who went around beating up men taking care of his kids.

Once again Nathan managed to surprise me when he burst out laughing. I stared at him confused wondering whether he was laughing at me or at the situation.

"You've managed to surprise me yet again Savannah."Nathan said as he composed himself.

"Surprised good or surprised bad?"I asked worried for my future.

"Good, definitely good. I've wanted to beat Granger up myself a few times and I have, I'm just surprised you could beat him, he's my height."Nathan asked.

I relaxed when his words reassured me that I still had my job.

"I'm stronger than I look. I could beat you up. Not that I want to but I can."I responded.

"Surprisingly enough I believe that, let's go."He said chuckling to himself.

He was impressed with me which surprisingly made me feel good about myself. I got into the car next to him and he drove us to the department of safety so we could deal with acquiring me a license. I had no idea how government offices worked so I let Nathan guide me on what to do.

At the driver's license office there was lost of paper work to fill out, money to be paid and I had to book a driver's test. I also had other things like a vision test and having my photo taken. They assured me that my criminal record wouldn't stop me from acquiring a license so I needn't worry about that. All I had to do was pass the test and I would be good to go which would be in two weeks.

By the time Nathan and I left it was noon after spending hours in there waiting in line.

"Thank you for being patient."I appreciated Nathan when he hadn't complained even once.

"My pleasure but I'm finally ready to go home. I don't think there's enough time for you to cook so we can just pick something up for everyone here in town."Nathan informed me.

He was right so he drove us to a fast food restaurant where we ordered lots of hotdogs, burgers, fries and drinks. It wasn't an easy task feeding a dozen people but Nathan made it seem effortless. I knew the man was rich but just how rich was he?

"Thank you for today."I thanked him once again when we arrived back at the ranch.

"You're welcome, now don't say another thank you, it was my pleasure. I'm glad I was the one to take you, I got to know you better."Nathan replied.

"Me too."I smiled.

We carried everything to the backyard and called the guys in for lunch. We shared the meal together laughing and sharing stories as usual. Nathan ended up telling them about our encounter with the sheriff which they wouldn't stop teasing me about. Austin challenged me to an arm wrestle which I proudly won.

Through all the fun and games I could always feel Nathans eyes on me. When we made eye contact he would smile and look away. Something had shifted in our relationship and I had no idea what it was, all I knew is that my job was secure.

After lunch we all parted to get back to our jobs so I resumed my house work as I waited for the kids to come home from school.

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Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. My life is kinda falling apart right now but writing this chapter for you guys gave me a couple hours of fleeting happiness. I hope you enjoyed it ❤❤.