Protecting Savannah

Savannahs pov

“Mountain Springs, Montana,” the bus driver called out, his voice echoing through the quiet cabin.

I blinked and looked out the window. The town was small, nestled between pine-covered hills, but something about it tugged at me. It wasn’t grand or flashy—just quiet, still, and maybe, if I dared to believe it, safe.

I leaned over and gently shook Everlyn’s shoulder. “Everlyn, wake up, sweetie.”

She stirred, her lashes fluttering as she yawned and blinked up at me. Her bright blue eyes—his eyes—met mine, and I felt a flicker of calm. Everything else about her was mine: the dark brown hair, the stubborn chin, and the way she scrunched her nose when she was thinking hard. But those eyes were a reminder of the past I’d fought so hard to leave behind.

“Where are we?” she asked sleepily.

“We’re getting off here,” I said, grabbing our single bag—stuffed with everything we owned—and taking her hand.

As we stepped off the bus, the crisp mountain air greeted us like an old friend. I inhaled deeply, letting the scent of pine and fresh rain fill my lungs. It was clean. It was new. It was exactly what we needed.

“Come on,” I said, nodding toward the diner across the street. “Let’s get something to eat.”

The bell above the door jingled as we entered Missy’s Diner. Warmth wrapped around us, followed by the comforting smell of coffee, sizzling burgers, and salty fries. My stomach growled, but I ignored it. Everlyn came first.

We slid into a booth by the window. A waitress approached with a friendly smile.

“Hello, welcome to Missy’s. My name is Tessa. Can I get you something to drink?”

“I’ll take a coffee,” I said, returning her smile. “And she’ll have a Dr. Pepper.”

Tessa nodded and walked off.

“Mom, can I get a burger with french fries?” Everlyn asked, studying the menu like it held the secrets of the universe.

I smiled. “Of course, baby.”

I was sticking to coffee. Every dollar mattered until I found work. Feeding her was the priority.

Tessa returned with our drinks. “Ready to order?”

“She’ll have the kids’ burger and fries,” I said, watching Everlyn bounce in her seat.

“And for you?” Tessa asked gently.

“I’m good with just the coffee,” I replied.

She gave me a look—kind, understanding—but didn’t push. “Alright, I’ll be back with your food, little one.”

“Thank you,” I said.

Once she was gone, Everlyn frowned. “Mom, why didn’t you get anything to eat?”

“I’m just not hungry right now,” I said, brushing her hair back.

Behind her, something caught my eye—a bulletin board near the register. A bright orange flyer read: Help Wanted—Ranch Hand. Housing Included.

I stood and walked over, pulling the flyer down. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start. A roof over our heads. A chance.

I returned to the table just as Tessa set down Everlyn’s plate.

“Here you go, sweetie,” she said warmly.

“Thank you, Ms. Tessa!” Everlyn beamed.

“You’re so welcome,” Tessa replied, her smile lingering.

I watched my daughter dig in, her joy contagious. For the first time in a long while, I felt something close to hope.

Tessa glanced over. “Your little girl is so sweet and beautiful—you must be proud.”

Her words hit me like a wave. My heart swelled, and for a moment, I felt seen. “Thank you. I am very proud of her.”

I reached into my bag and pulled out the flyer. “Do you know where the Carter Ranch is?”

Tessa smiled. “Yeah, I do. I can show you when I get off work in about an hour—it’s on my way home.”

“Thank you,” I said, grateful.

After Everlyn finished her burger, we headed to the counter to pay. Tessa was slipping off her apron.

“I’ll be out in twenty minutes. You’re welcome to wait here if you don’t have anywhere to be,” she offered.

“Actually… is there a motel nearby? I need to get a room for a few nights.”

She pointed out the window. “Corner of Main and State, right at the light.”

“Thanks. We’ll be back soon,” I said, and Everlyn and I stepped outside.

We walked down the sidewalk, taking in the charm of the town. Quaint storefronts, flower boxes under windows, and a sense of quiet belonging. I could already imagine raising Everlyn here, letting her grow up surrounded by kindness and fresh air.

At the motel, I approached the front desk. “Hi, I need a room with two beds, if you have one available.”

The teenage girl behind the counter barely looked up. “How many nights?”

“Just tonight.”

“Name and ID?”

“I… I don’t have an ID or license,” I admitted.

She rolled her eyes. “Sorry, can’t rent you a room without one.”

I sighed and took Everlyn’s hand again. We walked back toward the diner in silence.

“Mom, where are we going to sleep?” she asked, her voice small.

“Don’t worry, baby. I’ll figure it out,” I said, squeezing her hand.

Back at the diner, Tessa was just coming out from the back, her bag slung over her shoulder.

“Oh, you’re back! Ready?” she asked with a bright smile.

We followed her to her car. I helped Everlyn into the back seat and climbed into the passenger side.

The drive out of town was quiet. I watched the scenery roll by—green hills, towering trees, and distant mountains. It was breathtaking.

“How well do you know the Carters?” I asked.

“I’ve known them my whole life,” Tessa said. “Mr. Carter’s stubborn as hell, but he’s got a heart of gold. Mrs. Carter would give you the shirt off her back—and she’s an amazing cook. They’ve got five kids. Four boys and one girl.”

We turned onto a long dirt driveway, a gate marking the entrance.

“Whoa, Mom, look at that house!” Everlyn said, pointing ahead. “It’s huge!”

“Yes, sweetie, I see it,” I said, taking in the sprawling fields. Horses grazed on one side, cows on the other. The house was stunning—a two-story log home with a green roof, a wraparound porch, and bright flowers blooming beneath the windows.

Tessa parked and led us up the porch, walking right in without knocking.

“Mom? Dad?” she called out.

I froze. Mom?

“In the kitchen, Tess!” a gentle voice replied.

“Come on,” Tessa said, waving me forward.

I followed, holding Everlyn’s hand tightly. The house was warm and inviting—tall ceilings, hardwood floors, and the scent of something delicious wafting from the kitchen.

At the stove stood a tall, graceful woman with curly blonde hair and kind blue eyes.

“Mom, this is…” Tessa paused.

“Savannah,” I said quickly.

“She’s here about the job posting,” Tessa explained.

Mrs. Carter—Maggie—smiled and nodded. “Come with me, Savannah. Let’s talk about the job.”

I hesitated, glancing at Everlyn.

“I’ll keep an eye on her,” Tessa said reassuringly.

“Eve, stay close and listen, okay?” I said, kissing her forehead.

I followed Maggie out the back door, across the yard, and into a large barn. We passed rows of horse stalls before reaching a small office tucked in the corner.

“Please, have a seat,” she said.

I sat, nervous, as she settled across from me.

“Tell me about yourself. Do you have any ranch experience?”

I shook my head. “No, ma’am. But I’m a fast learner. I need this job.”

She jotted something down. My sleeve rode up, and I quickly tugged it back down, hoping she didn’t see the marks.

“I need more than that, Savannah,” she said gently.

“I’m twenty-six. A single mom to the most amazing nine-year-old girl. We’re from Pennsylvania. I just left a bad situation, and I’m trying to give her a better life.”

Maggie studied me for a moment, then nodded.

“Here’s what I can offer. I’ll give you a trial run. Ranch work is hard—I need to know you can handle it. You’ll start with feeding animals, cleaning stalls, helping in the garden, and running errands. You’ll be paid, but not the full rate until you prove yourself. You’ll have hot meals and a place to sleep, and I’ll help get Everlyn enrolled in school when it starts back up.”

Tears slipped down my cheeks. “Thank you. Truly.”

“You’ll start Monday at 5 a.m. Pay is normally $18 an hour. I’ll start you at $14. If you need an advance, just ask.”

I stood and shook her hand, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Back at the house, Everlyn was chatting with Tessa, a cookie in one hand and a glass of milk in the other. She jumped up when she saw me.

“Did you get it, Mom?” she asked, eyes wide with hope.

“I did,” I said, smiling.

I introduced her to Maggie. Mrs. Carter