Today's the first day Mr.Styles goes back to the office instead of working from home, which means it's my first official day on the job. Friday night he offered me the position, which I accepted almost immediately. I was given a few papers to sign which made everything official once the pen hit the paper.

The kids and I are eating breakfast, starting the day off with a full breakfast and a large cup of coffee for me. Disney music played through the speaker in the kitchen. It's become a bit of a routine, whenever it's just the kids and I it seems there's always some type of music playing in the background, our go to playlist is the Disney playlist that Mr.Styles had already put together for the kids.

"Mr.Styles! You're going to be late!" I called when I glanced at my phone on the table, it was almost 7:30 and he needs to be work at 8.

"I know I know! I'm coming.." Mr.Styles bursts into the kitchen, hand running through his hair, trying to get it as put together as possible. He was in slacks and a black button up, a thin black tie snug to his neck and his book bag slung onto his shoulder. I'm assuming he's running a little behind his normal schedule based off of how flustered he looks, nevertheless he looked extremely attractive and I had to stop myself from staring.

He's your boss.

"Thank you so much for the breakfast and coffee. I'll see you guys later!" Mr.Styles kissed the top of Penelope's head, rounding the table and kissing Danny's head and then shifting towards me, almost doing the same to mine until he realized what he was doing. We both froze in our spots, only inches apart.

"Sorry.. See you guys later!" He instead gave me the most awkward side hug, grabbing a piece of toast and stuffing it in his mouth before heading to the garage. I stood stiff in my spot well after he left the house.

"Daddy always kissed mommy goodbye in the morning." Pen said, playing with the remains of food she had on her plate. She was referring to Mr.Styles almost kissing my head. "He misses her, me too." She said simply. I nodded, snapping out of the frozen state I was in. Yeah he almost gave me a kiss goodbye but it was very obvious that he didn't mean to, there's no need to think too into it.

"Come on, let's clean up here our plates so we can go play." I smiled at her, trying to take her mind off of the topic of their late mother. She smiled and helped me put the dirty dishes into the sink. Pen ran to the living room, played with her toys while I cleaned the rest of the kitchen. Daniel was still eating his food so I decided to do the dishes while I had the chance.

I started to hum "You are my sunshine" while I loaded the dishwasher, Daniel seemed to like the sound and cooed at the sound of my hums.

Once the kitchen was all cleaned up, I picked up Daniel, joining Penelope in the living room. Danny immediately darted towards Penelope, wanting to play with what she was playing with. Penelope doesn't seem to enjoy sharing her toys with Danny and it's been a constant battle with trying to get her to be okay with sharing. Danny is only getting bigger and the older he gets the more he'll want to play with Penelope.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table.

I giggled at the thought of him panicking before sending back a message. I didn't want to make anything awkward between us and I definitely didn't want Mr.Styles to think he made me uncomfortable.

A mere seconds later, he responded.

~~~

The rest of the day went on as usual, nice and smooth. Both of the kids were napping right now, Penelope being a little more tired today, recovering from the busy weekend they had. It was 5, they should be waking up soon but I took the opportunity to prep for dinner. With the baby monitor nearby I started to chop up the veggies and season the salmon I also decided to cook some chicken for the kids, they're not too keen to well flavored foods.

Mr.Styles doesn't eat meat but he doesn't force his dietary choices onto his kids. But that does mean that my choice of cooking has to adapt around what Mr.Styles can eat, otherwise I'll have to double cook every meal and I definitely do not have the time for that.

Soon enough the kids woke from their little nap, the cries of Danny echoed through the speakers of the baby monitor and Penelope calling me from her room to let me know she was awake. Once I got them out of their rooms they settled in the living room and I put on Daniel Tiger for them to watch so I could finish cooking.

I started to cook the food. sautéed the veggies and cooked the salmon on the cast iron, the kids chicken thrown into the air fryer.

"Mmm, it smells great in here." Mr.Styles voice echoed through the house causing the kids to squeal with excitement, I could hear Penelope's feet bad across the floor, running to the garage door to jump into his arms.

"Hello hello." I smiled, lowering down the music that played through the kitchen, sticking my neck out to see the trio in the living room. "Foods, almost done. Mind setting the table sir?" I raised and eyebrow at him and he nodded with a grin.

"Come on Pen.. let's set the table!" He called, picking up Danny from the floor and placing him in his high chair before round the island to get to the cabinets.

I watched as he pulled on his tie, loosening it a bit and unbuttoning the first few buttons of his shirt. I latched onto my bottom lip before shaking my head and reverting my attention back onto the food in front of me. Don't burn the food Anastasia, that's definitely not a good look.

Mr.Styles handed Anastasia the kids plates and utensils before getting glassware of the two of us.

"I'm going to change real fast, is that okay?" He asked me, I laughed and nodded my head, not sure why he was asking me for permission to do anything.

"Food's not quite done yet, go ahead." I shrugged, not taking my eyes off the salmon, keeping it casual. By the time I lifted my head from the pan he was already out of the kitchen. I finished up with the food, plating the salmon and chicken onto a plate and putting the veggies in a separate bowl and throwing together a salad kit that we seemed to always have stocked in the fridge.

Five minutes later Mr.Styles was back in the kitchen. His hair was wet and he wore a black rolling stones shirt and a pair of shorts. He grabbed a bottle of wine from the top shelf that proudly displayed all the alcohol, and then two wine glasses. He took his seat next to Penelope and I took mine in front of him beside Danny. A seating arrangement we grew accustomed to.

"How was work?" I asked, grabbing a filet and placing it on my plate along with the veggies and salad.

"It was alright, missed being here at home with the kids.. but nothing lasts forever right?" He chuckled and opened the bottle of wine, pouring some into one of the glasses. He raised an eyebrow at me and lifted the bottle as if to ask if I wanted any. I looked at him skeptically, unsure if this was some sort of test.

"Consider yourself off duty when I get home from work, you're more than welcome to have some if you'd like." He chuckled, clearly seeing how I peered at him and the bottle of wine skeptically. I let my shoulders relax and I too let out a small chuckle, nodding my head to accept his offer. He smiled, pouring some of the red liquid into the other glass and handing it to me over the table.

"The house looks really good by the way, it hasn't been this clean in ages. And I mean ages." He nodded, taking a bite of his salmon. "Goodness, Anastasia. This is delicious." He basically moaned as the salmon melted in his mouth. I smiled, proud and satisfied with myself that I could get that reaction out of him.

"Oh good, thank you." I grinned. "Yeah I had some extra time today so I decided to do some tidying up, I'm still trying to get used to where everything in the house is, so if you see anything that's misplaced or if you're not happy with what I've done, please let me know." I said.

"No, everything looks great. Really. Thank you." His eyes met mine and I could tell that he genuinely meant what he said. After learning about Danielle and the chaos that Mr.Styles had to deal with, I knew that he was genuinely grateful that I am able to help him at least get some of that in order. It was my pleasure to help them in any way I could.

Penelope started to talk to her dad about the things she and Danny did today. As I watched the two interact, Penelope saying so many words and making zero sense and Mr.Styles nodding along and listening, pretending to understand everything she was saying, my heart swelled. My brain wandered, thinking about my own family and how it's been ages since I've had a simple and sweet interaction with my own dad. My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts.

It was Tina, asking how I was. I sent back a quick message letting her know I'd call her later tonight before locking the screen and tucking it away once again. It was kind of an unspoken rule not to have our phones out at dinner, Mr.Styles never said anything but I could tell he enjoyed engaging with the kids at the table and preferred not to have any screens to distract us from that.

"You know, Anastasia..." He started to say. "I don't know much about you." He raised an eyebrow.

"Well, Mr.Styles.. What would you like to know?" I shrugged, there wasn't much about me that was interesting or worth knowing.

"Where'd you learn to cook?" He asked, taking another bite of the food.

"That's the question you want to ask me?" I raised and eyebrow and giggled at his simple question. He nodded with a toothy grin, his dimple poking onto his cheek, my stomach doing backflips inside me. Stop it.

"Self taught." I said simply. "I had to learn to do a lot on my own at a young age." I spoke truthfully, Mr.Styles only nodded at my response. "I take it, you like my cooking? Or did you say that because of how awful it is?" I laughed nervously. He instantly hushed me, shaking his head no.

"No no no. It's great! I enjoyed it a lot. One of the best that I've had." I blushed at his comment, I tucked a loose piece of hair that fell out of my ponytail behind my ear.

"You're just saying that. but thank you. I'm glad you like it." I smiled, trying to hide the pink shade on my cheeks.

After dinner, it was bath time for the kids and then we got them ready for bed. Mr.Styles was kissing them goodnight while I returned to the kitchen unloading the clean dishwasher, so I could fill it once again with the dirty dishes from dinner.

"You're a saint.." Mr.Styles spoke softly entering the kitchen and joining me unload the dishes. "You've only been here for a little bit and you've already seemed to improve our lives so much. Thank you for everything." He smiled to me gratefully.

"No need to thank me Mr.Styles, it's my job. I'm just lucky to have such a good family to work for." I handed him some plates for him to put in the cupboard, then turned to the sink to rinse off the dirty dishes to put into the washer.

"You don't have to call me Mr.Styles.. Harry is fine." He turned his head to me, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Oh.. I don't mind, sir. But okay.. Harry." I gave a light hearted smile at him, testing out the new name. It'll definitely be something I'd have to get used to.

"Hey, let me do those." Harry said when I turned on the faucet to rinse the dirty dishes in the sink. "You've done more than enough today. Go get some rest." Harry pushed me softly away from the sink, taking over the task I was previously doing.

"Thank you, Harry.. Have a good night." I smiled at him gratefully before walking straight to my room. I turned on the shower and tugged down my hair from my ponytail ready to call it a night.

My mind continued to wander on the history of this family. What happened to Harry's wife? My heart hurt for the loss that this small but wholesome family has endured.. Danielle Styles.. Taken too soon, she barely had time to enjoy being a wife.. a mother.. an adult.

I sighed as the hot water poured down my head and onto my body.

Sure I barely know this family and I was just scraping off the top layer, but I knew that they would have a lasting affect on me and my life. The mere generosity and kindness that has been bestowed upon me has already proven that I would be here for a long time, I didn't mind. I loved the kids and Harry and I's relationship has also grown from strictly employee-employer to a more light hearted friendship.

Once I could feel my fingertips begin to prune I climbed out the shower, drying myself as best as I could, blow drying my hair as dry as I could before braiding it back and out of my face.

My phone buzzed violently on the bathroom counter and Tina's contact name flashed on the screen. I quickly answered her FaceTime, missing my best friend more than I expected.

"Anastasia!" She smiled. "God, I didn't think I'd miss seeing your face this much, but my goodness." She sighed. "I miss you tons." She pouted.

I laughed at her comment, Tina's never been one to show too many emotions, always wanted to show that she was independent and strong. I knew her too well.

"I miss you too, Tina." I closed the bathroom door and fell on my bed. "How have you been? How's work?"

"Same old same old.. I've been lonely without you here. It kinda sucks living alone." She fake pouted at me once again. I opened my mouth to speak but she quickly interrupted me. "Eh, eh eh, don't even say it. I will not find a new roommate. What if you decide to come back home?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Tina, as much as I love you. I don't think I'll be back for a while. I already signed all the paperwork and contracts with Harry. My contract will renew every 6 months, besides. I really enjoy working for this family and unless I royally fuck something up, I don't think I'll be fired anytime soon." I shrugged at her. "At least I hope not. Besides it'll save you money AND it'll make you less lonely."

"Oohhh. I see. You're having a lot of fun playing house with your new kids and hot new man." She winked and made awkward dance movements to suggest something inappropriate. I rolled my eyes at her, playing house is the last thing I want to do with this family.. especially with the new knowledge of Mrs.Styles death.

"Definitely not that." My voice trailed, not wanting to talk more on the subject.

"Oh come on.. What is it? Did you find out what happened with the mom? Is he still seeing his ex? Is it a "complicated" relationship?" She said in quotation marks. "He's hot! You know it, you admitted it yourself.. take your shot!" She continued to push me.

"Tina stop it. He's not "seeing his ex." She's dead." I furrowed my eyebrows. Tina's mouth shut immediately.

"She died six months ago, Harry is most definitely not looking for any type of relationship, let alone with his nanny. Regardless if I find him attractive or not, nothing will ever happen between the two of us. So please drop it, he's my boss." I huffed, getting annoyed that she brought it to this point. I saw her eyes widened and I knew she instantly felt guilt.

"I-.. I didn't know.. That poor family." She whispered, regretting even bringing up the idea of me "replacing" Danielle in this family. It made me feel weird and gross, I didn't want to replace anyone, I wanted the kids to have their mom back. Nobody deserves to have their mother taken so soon, me of all people understands that.

"It's getting late, Tina. I'm gonna head to bed." I rubbed my eyes. "It was great to see your face again. I'll come home to visit this weekend, yeah?" I asked, trying to lighten the dark mood that fell upon us. She nodded with a small smile.

"Yes please. Goodnight, Ana. Love you." She waved at the camera, I responded with a quick love you too and ended the call.

I sighed and fell flat on my back, staring at the window. Hopefully Tina wouldn't try to push anymore thoughts of me and Harry anymore. Even though I told her I was going to sleep, I was far from sleepy. My brain was working for no reason and I knew that sleep wouldn't be an option at this moment in time.

It was already 11 pm, how long had I been in the bathroom?!

I grabbed my phone and made my way to the kitchen, maybe a cup of tea will calm me down and allow me to sleep. I turned on the kettle and dug through the cabinet for a mug and then through the tea drawer, finding my favorite ginger tea.

"Can't sleep?" I let out a small shriek at the sound, my hand clutching my chest.

"Goodness, Mr.Styles." I huffed, trying to compose myself from being frightened, he chuckled at my actions and walked further into the kitchen, raising an eyebrow at me at my choice of name. "Sorry, Harry. But to answer your question, no. I thought a cup of tea might help, would you like one as well?" I asked pointing to the kettle.

"Please." He nodded. I grabbed another mug and a tea bag, pouring the now boiling water into each mug. I placed one in front of Harry which he thanked me for. "Thank you." He said gratefully.

"So.. What are you doing up so late? Don't you have work tomorrow?" Assuming that Harry's usually asleep at this time, or at least locked away in his room.

"Just one of those nights I suppose." He said casually, he picked up his mug and walked to the back door that led to the backyard. Leaving the door open, he stepped outside onto the back patio. I took as an invitation to join him, I followed suit and shut the door behind me.

We sat on the patio couch next to each other but with an appropriate amount of distance between the two of us. A comfortable silence fell over us, the sound of crickets and cicadas filling the air.

"Mmm.. it feels nice out here." I hummed contently as the soft wind blew, grazing against my exposed arms.

"Yeah.. I like coming out here on nights I have trouble sleeping." His voice was lower than usual and his words came out slower, he was tired. Exhausted even. His accent seemed to be more prominent when he was tired, always more evident early morning or late at night.

"Sometimes I like to think that Danielle is laying among the stars, staring down at me.. I hope she's not disappointed." Harry's eyes were glued to the sky, I watched as his nose twitched ever so slightly as he spoke. "It must sound stupid, I'm sure."

"You see that one right there?" He pointed to the sky, my eyes followed his finger and I squinted trying to pin point which one he was referring to.

"I think that's a plane, Harry." I laughed as a plane flew across the sky, something so large and heavy seemed so small to us at the moment. He chuckled at my lame attempt at a joke but shook his head softly. "The one next to the big dipper." I nodded, giving him a real answer, seeing the a speck that seemed to shine brighter than the stars surrounding it.

"I like to think that's her. It's always there.. not a night goes by that that star is not shining in the sky, sometimes it's the only star I see." He spoke. I didn't know what to say, I decided it was best to just let Harry talk. I liked hearing him talk, and now he's here sharing something that seemed so personal and intimate to him.