I ended up falling asleep and was woken up sometime later by someone shaking me awake. I groggily blinked my eyes open only to be met with a pair of green ones staring down at me.

"Nathan."I slurred drunkenly.

He was a blurry mess infront of me so I blinked rapidly to clear my vision. It didn't help much but at least I stopped seeing double.

"Milady, just how much did you have to drink?"Nathan asked.

"More than I should have."I grinned at him suppressing a hiccup.

"Clearly. Are you ready to go home?"He asked me holding his hands out.

"Where is Freya and Millie?"I asked realizing I was alone on the couch.

"I ran into Freya on the way in with Grover and Travis just carried Millie out."He replied.

Realizing that my friends were safe my drunk mind decided it was safe to go home with Nathan. I put my hands in his and let him pull me up. I stumbled forward and landed on his chest.

"Do I need to carry you out too?"Nathan asked with a laugh.

"No, I'm a big girl. I can walk on my own."I replied with a pout stepping back and trying to stabilize myself.

I failed miserably and would have toppled over but Nathan was quick on his feet and held me before I fell.

"Okay big girl, how about we walk out together."Nathan suggested.

I knew he was mocking me but my drunk brain refused to come up with a smart response.

"Okay."I nodded realizing I needed help.

Nathan wrapped one of his arms around my waist the other one holding my left hand over his shoulder. With his height and size he was basically half dragging my dead weight but I refused to let him carry me.

We made it outside and Nathan struggled but eventually managed to buckle me into the passenger seat.

"You're not going to get sick on me are you?"He asked me.

"As long as you drive slowly and carefully we'll be okay."I replied.

I knew how much Nathan loved his truck so I would do my best to make sure I didn't mess it up. Nathan started the truck and drove away from the bar's parking lot heading for the ranch.

Upon my request Nathan drove carefully avoiding hitting any potholes which I was extremely grateful for.

"Did you leave the kids alone in the house?"I asked when I realized that if the two of us were together then nobody was watching the kids.

"Only you would think about the kids in such a drunk state."Nathan replied.

"It's my job and I don't want anything bad happening to them because you're here taking care of my drunk self."I retorted.

"I don't mind being here and you can relax, the kids are fine. Raul is at the house."Nathan assured me.

"Good thinking. You're a good father Nathan, the kids are lucky to have you."I complimented randomly turning to look at him.

He spared me a moments glance smiling at me.

"I'm glad you think so and you are a great nanny, we're lucky to have you."He replied.

"Yes you are, I'm awesome."I declared making him laugh.

That sound made me happy. I wanted to hear Nathan laugh for the rest of my life but I didn't know where we stood. Did he like me or did he prefer Miss Barbie? I was so confused especially after the moment we had shared in the kitchen that had been rudely interrupted by his ex.

"Are you getting back together with Donna?"I blurted out having left my filter back at the bar.

I knew I would regret being so forward with Nathan but I could blame it on the alcohol. It was the perfect excuse to get all the information I needed out of him.

"Where did that come from?"Nathan asked.

"You've been hanging out with her a lot and I just want to know if she's going to be my boss someday."I replied.

Nathan looked at me debating whether to answer me or not and surprisingly enough he chose to be honest with me.

"No I'm not getting back together with her. She came by today to say goodbye, she's going back to DC for good."He explained.

I didn't mean to be so obvious with my reaction but the smile on my face upon hearing that could be seen from the moon.

"Really? So you don't love her?"I asked just to be sure.

"No and I haven't in a long time. Donna is my past and she'll stay there."He assured me.

Hope bloomed in my chest that Miss Barbie was no longer an obstacle in the relationship I wanted to start with Nathan. If he would have me of course.

"That's good."I mumbled inaudibly.

It was silent in the truck for a couple of more minutes and I could see that Nathan wanted to tell me something but he was holding back. Maybe it's because I was drunk and he thought it was the wrong time but hadn't we wasted enough time already? I knew Nathan liked me, he had told me so a week ago when he had been drunk. Donna was gone now so what was holding him back?

"Nathan can I ask you something?"I requested knowing I had nothing to loose.

Well except for my dignity, ego, pride and a job I loved so much if my question backfired on me.

"Ask away."He replied.

"A week ago, when you were drunk you said that you liked me. Was that a drunken confession or do you actually like me? I feel like we have chemistry between us but we keep dancing around each other."I asked.

Nathan didn't reply immediately and I was afraid that I had messed up. My drunk self couldn't keep it in and I had to go ruin my job and the life I was trying to build for myself with stupid questions.

"Are you sure you want to have this conversation while intoxicated?"Nathan asked me taking me by surprise.

So he was willing to have the conversation with me. He was just scared that I was too drunk to comprehend anything.

"I just need to know if you like me or not, we can iron out the rest of the details when I'm sobber."I answered.

"Okay fine, honestly I do like you. From the moment I laid my eyes on you I was enamoured by your beauty and over time I've come to like more than your physical attributes. I've just been scared that you'll reject me by not feeling the same or the fact that I have five kids will scare you off."Nathan explained.

His confession was exactly what I wanted to hear and even if I already knew it, him confirming it for me just made it more real to me.

"I do like you too Nathan, so much more than I thought possible."I admitted.

"Drunken confession?"Nathan whispered.

"A drunk mind speaks a sober heart."I replied.

"I'm glad to hear that but let's have the rest of this conversation when we're both sober and coherent."Nathan suggested.

"Good idea."I grinned at him happy to know that my feelings were not one sided.

Nathan did like me and I liked him back. For me that was enough for now since both all our feelings were out there.

Nathan got us home safely minus any accidents on my part. He helped me out of the truck and into the house supporting most of my weight because I still stubbornly refused to let him carry me. We found Raul in the living room watching TV.

"Savannah Grace Watson is that you?"Raul teased switching off the TV and approaching us.

"Yes and I am drunk. I had tequila today."I announced happily.

"Clearly you had a fun night."Raul chuckled.

"I did."I nodded vigorously.

"Thanks for watching the kids man, I have it from here."Nathan addressed Raul.

"Anytime."Raul replied.

"Lock the door for me will you."Nathan requested.

"I will, you two have a good night."Raul answered.

"Goodnight Raul."I yelled after him.

Raul's laughter echoed in the hallway as he headed to the front door. Nathan waited for the door to close before leading me towards my room. When we got to the top of the stairs, Nathan was faced with the same predicament I had been when he was drunk.

"We can't walk side by side neither can you walk alone. I know you don't want this but I'll have to carry you down."Nathan replied.

I knew he was right so I nodded even if I didn't like the idea.

Nathan scooped me up into his arms bridal style, my arms going around his neck my head on his chest.

"You're lighter than I thought you would be?"Nathan commented carrying me downstairs.

"And you smell really good."I replied sniffing him shamelessly.

"Thanks."Nathan chuckled.

Finally we made it to the bottom of the stairs safely but all was not good.

"Nathan."I mumbled feeling sick.

"Savannah."He replied.

"I'm gonna puke."I dry heaved feeling my mouth water with bitter tasting saliva.

"Shit."Nathan cussed taking long steps into my bathroom.

He set me down next to the toilet and proceeded to rub my back as I puked my guts out. I felt awful as I emptied my stomach for the next ten minutes. It was so embarrassing knowing Nathan was right there but I was also glad to have him by my side.

"You done?"He asked after a full minute of silence.

"Yes."I nodded lifting my heavy head off the toilet.

Nathan flushed the toilet and helped me to my feet.

"Wash your face and brush your teeth."He instructed his hands on my waist as he stood behind me.

My drunk self lacked co-ordination so I took ten minutes to do something that would normally take me three. After I was done, Nathan walked me back to the bedroom and sat me on the bed. He went over to my closet and retrieved a random shirt and pair of shorts for me to change into. He helped me take off my shoes since I couldn't work my laces and turned around as I changed being ever the gentleman.

"I'm done."I announced trying to toss my bra into my hamper and failing miserably.

"Okay, time for bed now."Nathan announced pulling back the covers for me.

He helped me get under the blanket and tucked me in covering me up completely.

"Goodnight Nathan, thank you for taking care of me."I whispered drowsily.

"Goodnight Savannah."Nathan replied but his voice sounded so far away.

Before I completely passed out I felt a pair of lips on my temple covered by a soft bushy beard.

〰️〰️〰️〰️〰️

I woke up the next morning with my head pounding like there was someone banging one of those huge Chinese bells against my temples. So hangovers were real and not a myth made up by parents to keep their children from drinking. I sat up on the bed holding my head the whole time in fear of it falling off my shoulders.

"I'm never drinking again."I moaned in pain.

It was too painful sitting up so I lay back down to gather my wits and give myself time to gather my thoughts. I lay there for a couple of more minutes trying to settle my mind but my pounding head wouldn't let me. I gave up and decided to just get up. It was a struggle getting out of bed but I managed to drag my ass to the bathroom.

One gaze at the mirror at how terrible I looked had me making a promise to myself to never drink so heavily again. Alcohol didn't even taste so good so why go through all the trouble of drinking it if it's repercussions were a glimpse at death.

I did my best to make myself feel human again but it didn't help much so I put on a pair of sweatpants, picked up my phone and went upstairs. The house was completely empty and on checking the time it was ten am in the morning meaning the Lancaster's were at church.

In the kitchen I poured myself a glass of juice and took some advil hoping it would help. I wasn't in the mood to cook so I made myself a bowl of the cereal Clara was obsessed with and decided to have it outside. Hopefully the fresh air and some sun would do me good.

"And she makes and appearance, I thought I would have to come in there to check if you were still breathing."Raul exclaimed loudly.

Raul, Austin, Oliver and Stephen were out back having coffee or whatever it was they had in the steaming mugs.

"Do you have to be so loud?"I whispered clutching my head.

"Be gentle, it's her first hangover. How do you feel Savannah?"Austin asked kindly.

"Like someone just ran over my head with a tractor and left me for dead."I replied.

"Don't worry, you'll feel better after you eat. Food and coffee always helps."Stephen reassured me.

At the mention of that I stole Raul's mug from his hand and drunk the remaining of his coffee in one go.

"He didn't say steal my coffee."Raul scolded.

"Oh shush, there's more in the kitchen."I retorted.

It wasn't an automatic fix so I settled for filling my stomach next by eating my cereal.

"You should have gone easier on the alcohol seeing as it was your first time."Oliver teased.

"I know that now Oli but it's too late. I swear I'm never drinking that much again."I promised myself.

"Everyone says that after their first hangover."Raul replied.

"I mean it."I assured him.

"Okay fine, usually a hangover like yours comes with memory loss so let's test yours. How did you get home last night?"Raul asked me.

I had been so focused on getting better that I hadn't questioned how I was home in the first place. My head hurt but I forced myself to think about how I left the bar. Flashes of Nathan waking me up, walking me to the truck, our drive home and him carrying me to bed floated through my mind.

"I called Nathan to pick me up and he brought me home."I replied when I recalled the question Raul had asked me.

"At least your didn't loose your memory."Raul replied.

I shrugged at him as my thoughts went back to the previous night's memories especially my conversation with Nathan in the car.

My drunk self really didn't have a filter. I couldn't believe the kind of questions I'd had the guts to ask him. The good thing is, I knew where we stood now. Nathan liked me just as much as I liked him if not more and that made me extremely happy.

"Hey, what's with the smile?"Austin teased stirring me from my thoughts.

"None of your business."I grumbled realizing I had been caught unaware.

I knew the guys wanted to prod more into my life so before they could get a chance I got up from the table.

"I think I'll go lie back down, I'm not feeling so well. See you later boys."I said getting up.

"Savannah, what about lunch?"Oliver asked me.

"It's my day off and today I actually intend to do nothing. You boys can handle yourselves."I replied walking into the house leaving them grumbling to themselves.

I was in no mood to cook or take care of anyone but myself so for once I was going to take full advantage of my day off. I rinsed off my dirty bowl and made myself a fruit bowl carrying it to my room to enjoy as I took a bath.

I texted Freya and Millie to check up on them and they both replied with some very expressive emojis. Looks like I was not the only one feeling sick but at least they were both safe and sound.

After preparing myself a bath and getting a good book, I stripped and sunk into the hot water. I immediately felt better the water massaging my body perfectly soothing away my aches.

As I enjoyed my fruit surrounded by bubbles my thoughts drifted back to my conversation with Nathan in the truck. Nathan has actually confessed that he liked me. It was so good to hear that coming from him especially when I had been hung up on him for so long.

I didn't know what would come of Nathan and I confessing our feelings but I was glad that it was all out there now. I would leave the next step up to him.

After a much needed soak I felt so much better and was finally feeling like human being again. I was sticking to my word and not doing anything so I put on a pair of shorts and a tank top and decided to continue reading my book outside on one of the rocking chairs. The guys were already long gone by the time I walked back up giving me the silence and alone time I desperately needed.

Kane and Cora found me and just like always we had a little playtime session before they settled down at my feet as I read.

I must have dozed off because next thing I knew I was being woken up by a screaming Clara.

"Savannah!"She yelled excitedly launching herself at me.

"Hi sweetheart."I grumbled sleepily pulling her onto my lap.

"I've missed you."She confessed cupping my face.

"I've missed you too."I replied peppering her face with kisses.

"How was church?"I asked her.

"Good."She answered tracing the tattoos on my arms with the tips of her fingers.

I heard the rest of the gang enter the house but Nathan's unmistakable footsteps were headed my way. He rounded the corner approaching us with a smile. I nearly died at the sight of him in a suit, with his tie loosened, coat hung over his shoulder and sleeves rolled up. I caught a glimpse of the tattoo on his arms that was the dates of all the kids birthdays. He didn't have as many tattoos as I did and his were much more meaningful.

"Good afternoon Savannah. How are you feeling?"Nathan asked leaning against the wall infront of me.

"Much better now."I replied.

"I'm glad, I let you sleep in knowing you'd need it."He said.

"Thank you for that and everything last night."I mumbled shyly.

I had no idea why I behaved like that when he was around. It's like all every masculine bone of mine snapped and was replaced by a girl who just wanted to climb all over Nathan and feel his touch soaking up in his scent.

"Clara sweetheart why don't you go get some pizza before your siblings eat it all."Nathan suggested to Clara.

He was dismissing her to give us time to ourselves so we could talk. Hopefully we would continue the previous nights conversation. At the mention of pizza Clara slid of my lap and ran into the house leaving Nathan and I alone.

"Before I decide how to carry this conversation how much do you remember from last night."Nathan asked me.

"Everything."I confessed looking up at him.

"Okay good, that makes this so much easier."Nathan sighed looking relieved.

He had been so worried that I would have forgotten our conversation making things much harder for him. Thankfully I hadn't and we could pick up right where we left it off.

"Fuck, this is harder than I thought it would be."Nathan cussed rubbing his hand over his face.

I felt bad for the guy but I also understood him because it was hard for me too. I had never had feelings for a man unless you counted my crush on Shemar Moore. That man had daddy written all over him and with my daddy issues he fit perfectly into the role.

"Take a walk with me."I suggested to Nathan before my thoughts veered off too far.

"Okay."Nathan nodded drapping his jacket on the chair.

I got up and put on my flipflops as we walked out to the stables. We bonded a lot over walks and horse rides so I thought it would be good to discuss our issues the same way.

"So... "

"I... "

We started at the same time interrupting each other.

"You go first."I said looking at Nathan.

He took a deep breath, composing himself before opening up to me.

"I know I should be excited that you like me as much as I like you but I'm scared."Nathan admitted.

"Of what?"I asked.

"Starting anything with you. Falling in love with you will be so easy if we start dating and after that I will want all of you in all ways I can get you. I'm talking, marriage, kids, the whole nine yards and I'm not sure if that's what you want. I don't want to scare you off but this will be your first relationship out of prison and I don't want to tie you down to a life with five kids and maybe more. I can't put myself or the kids through the trauma of dating you if we are going to break up after a few months when you realize you aren't cut out for a relationship with me."Nathan confessed.

When I asked him to go first I hadn't expected him to be so blunt but then he had been open and honest. I liked that about him though, it saved us all the bullshit that came with beating around the bush.

"I understand your concerns and I can assure you that I have tried so hard to not feel like this. I've kept my distance and even tried dating someone else but that didn't work out so well. I know this is not the life I imagined for myself but I would beat myself up if we didn't at least give it a try. We don't even have to involve the kids. We can keep it between us for now and if it works our well and good but if it doesn't at least we spared them."I suggested.

"What about me? Who will spare my feelings after you break my heart?"Nathan asked.

"You don't have to agree Nathan, all I know is that if you feel the same way I do then you'll be willing to take a chance on me. I can't promise forever right now but I can assure you to try. I really want this and I hope you do too."I said stopping to face Nathan.

He looked conflicted and I completely understood, he had his kids to think about. All I was asking for was a chance for us to try things out. I wanted to see what Nathan and I could be first and if our hearts aligned as one then we could take the next step.

"Okay."Nathan sighed after an internal debate.

"Okay as in you're willing to try?"I asked a hopeful smile gracing my lips.

"Yes I am, just be prepared to fall in love with me. I'm going to use all my southern charm on you."Nathan declared smiling back at me.

"Okay cowboy, bring it on."I declared unable to stop grinning.

I was so happy I could scream but I settled for a happy clap.

"I really want to kiss you right now."Nathan confessed his voice dropping an octave taking me by surprise.

My eyes dropped to his pink lips and I swallowed hard.

"What's stopping you?"I blurted out surprising myself even further.

"I don't want you to feel like I'm rushing you. It's just that you look very tempting right now."Nathan explained.

To end both our misery because I felt just as he did, I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled Nathans face close to mine. I waited until he put his hands on my waist before I closed the distance between us and kissed him. The minutes our lips touched, my whole body was covered in tingles. His lips were unexpectedly soft, his beard brushing over my soft skin, his arms around me pulling me closer. It was an innocent kiss at first until Nathan swiped his tongue against my lips urging them open. I didn't fight him and surrendered to his touch kissing him back fervently, our tongues moulding together.

I'd kissed plenty of women before but it was my first time kissing a man and I had to admit it felt different, better and so exhilarating. Nathan pulled back and pecked my nose laying his forehead against mine as we tried catching our breath.

"That was every bit what I imagined it to be and more."Nathan confessed breathlessly.

"Right back at you cowboy but I don't think we should be doing that again especially in the open like this."I replied.

"You're right and I won't kiss you again until I've taken you out on a proper date."Nathan concurred kissing my forehead before reluctantly pulling away from me.

"Let's just agree to take things slow, after all I'm not going anywhere."I suggested.

"Slow it is, for both our sakes."Nathan agreed.

I smiled at him resisting the urge to kiss him again especially after we had just agreed to wait and take things slow. It was for the best because we had the kids to think about. For the moment I was just happy that Nathan and I were finally headed in the right direction. Kissing Nathan and confessing our feelings for each other was just the first step to what I hoped was a beautiful, sexually charged relationship ahead.

If kissing Nathan felt so good I wondered what fucking him would feel like. All in good time though, we were taking things slow remember?

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

Finally after nineteen chapters, it's happening....

Who is as excited as I am?