"What do you mean you're moving?" Castiel whispered angrily into the phone, watching his daughter out of the corner of his eye play with her toy cars on the floor of his living room.

"Exactly what I just said, Clarence," Meg's annoyance could be heard through the phone.

"You have a daughter and you're moving to the other side of the country? I know you never loved me, but you love her, don't you? You're just going to leave her."

Meg was silent for a moment and then huffed frustrated, "Well, of course I do, but this is a great opportunity for me. I have to go. It's not like I'm not dropping out of her life. Don't be so dramatic."

"Meg, I can't take care of her all by myself! I have a job, too, you know."

Meg seemed uninterested in her ex-husband's troubles, "Oh, you'll figure it out. You have her most of the time now, anyway. It won't be that hard. Just hire a nanny or something."

"A nanny? What – Meg, what about Claire? How do you think she'll feel when her mother moves across the country and only sees her what? Every few months?"

"A nanny will help you out a lot and Claire...well, it's not like I was much of a mother, anyway. She won't miss me much," Castiel could hear her trying to mask the sadness in her voice and how much she believed what she said.

"Meg, don't be like that-"

"No, I wasn't cut out for it. It's why we didn't work out. A white picket fence is just not my life, Clarence. But, like I said, I'm not dropping out of her life. I will keep in touch."

"Meg-"

"I wasn't calling for your opinion, I just thought I'd let you know. I'm leaving in a week and I have to get things ready, so, I have to go. But you should really think about the nanny thing, though."

"Yeah, okay," Castiel said resigned, knowing there was no changing her mind, being the stubborn woman she was.

"I'll spend the day with Claire Saturday, so can you look for a nanny. Does that sound good?"

"Yes. Goodbye, Meg."

He hung up the phone and dragged his hand down his face. How could she do that? Just be so inconsiderate and leave like that? Castiel sighed, well, that was Meg. She was always looking out for herself and what could make her happy. He couldn't, so it's not a surprise she'd go look for it somewhere else. But still, it had came so sudden. A nanny? He had to hire a nanny now? He didn't even know how to go about hiring one. Call an agency or put an add in the paper?

Castiel looked over at his seven year old daughter giggling to herself. Great. He supposed he was going to have to be the one to tell her. He guessed to do it now so she'd have time to get over being upset about it, so she could enjoy her last day with her mother. So, she could have a week to get used to the idea of her mother not being around.

"Claire," Castiel scooped her up into his arms and she hugged him around his neck, "Daddy has something important to tell you."

She nodded her head as Castiel sat down on the couch with her sitting in his lap, "What's wrong, Daddy?"

"Well, you know how you spend some days with Mama and some days with me?"

She nodded her head again, paying close attention as her eyes stayed locked on her father's.

"Well, Mama, has to go away, so you won't get to see her as much anymore."

Claire's face fell and she pouted, "Why? Where's she going?"

"She's going to a place called California for her work. It's really far away."

Claire looked down at her small hands in her lap and played with her fingers. She spoke softly, "So, I won't get to see Mama again?"

Castiel felt his heart breaking, "No, you will. You'll get to see her, just not all the time. Maybe every few months or so she'll come to visit and she'll call you a lot. Don't worry, honey." Castiel assured her, but he hoped he wasn't promising too much.

Claire was quiet for a moment taking it all in, and then she smiled, "Okay. But what about when you go to work? Who will pick me up from school?"

Castiel looked at her shocked at how well she was taking this, but she was pretty mature for her age. "I'm going to hire someone, a nanny. They're like a babysitter and they'll take care of you when I'm not home."

Claire's eyes went wide, "A stranger?"

Castiel was uncomfortable at the thought, too, but it was his only option. He smiled, not letting his worries show, "Remember all friends start out as strangers. They won't always be a stranger."

Claire thought about it a minute, then nodded, "O-kay. Can I go play now?"

Castiel chuckled, "Yes, go ahead, honey." She pecked his cheek and jumped off his lap, running back to her toys.

Castiel sighed for what felt like the tenth time tonight and prayed that somehow this would all work out.

"I, uh," Castiel looked at the wide grin on the blonde's face uncomfortably, "I am sorry, but I think I'm looking for someone else."

Ms. Rosen pulled her eyebrows together, "But, Mr. Novak, why?"

"Uh," Castiel tried to think of a reason beyond the fact that she creeped the crap out of him, "Well, Ms. Rosen, I just think that I want someone more experienced – older."

Ms. Rosen sighed and stood up, "If that's your final decision..."

"Yes, it is. I'm sorry, Ms. Rosen," Castiel shook her hand and watched her leave.

He groaned falling to the couch. He'd already met with seven other nannies today and he didn't like any of them. Some of them were under certified, scary, or even rude. He just couldn't catch a break. He had decided to put an add in the newspaper and was starting to regret not just going to an agency. He had been at this all day since Meg picked Claire up that morning for their Mommy and Me day. Castiel was about to give up, when the doorbell ringed.

He walked down the hall dragging his feet, hoping this one wasn't another disturbing teenager like the last. He opened the door to striking green eyes and a bright face. The man was around his age and was probably the most beautiful man Castiel had ever seen. He had short dirty blond hair and freckles scattered his face. Castiel was a little taken aback by his charming grin.

Before Castiel could snap out of it, the man held out his hand, "Dean Winchester, here for the nanny position. You must be Mr. Novak. It's nice to meet you."

Castiel shook it still dazed, "Um, yes, likewise. Please, come in." Castiel stepped aside and let the man into his home. He led him to the living room where he had been conducting all his interviews. He gestured for the couch and sat in the arm chair himself across from Dean.

Castiel pulled out his check board he had been using all day with questions to ask that he had got from the internet. Dean made himself comfortable and leaned forward on his knees, patiently waiting for Castiel to begin the interview.

Castiel glanced at him nervously, hoping he wasn't a complete lunatic. It was getting late and Dean had to be the last one to come by. He was his only chance, if not he'd have to call an agency tomorrow and go through this all over again.

"Okay, let's begin. Mr. Winchester, how long have you been caring for children and what ages have you worked with?"

"Around seven to eight years. I practically raised my little brother, growing up. I've worked with a lot of different ages; babies, toddlers, seven year olds, ten year olds. I think I've worked with pretty much any age."

"What age do you feel most comfortable with and why?"

"Uh, I like the older kids more, like eight or nine. I guess because they're still at that age where they're just kids, but they're also more mature and calmer."

"Are you trained in CPR or have taken any other classes that can help you with your job?"

"Yes," Dean handed over a purple folder he had been holding to Castiel, "All of my certifications and qualifications are in there."

Castiel took it surprised and looked through it impressed. No one else had thought to bring one. There was a lot in there, too. CPR, First Aid, Infant Care, Water Safety, Kid's Nutrition and Fitness, Early Childhood Education, Positive Discipline, along with all his nanny certifications. Castiel hadn't seen a more qualified person all day. But before he could jump the gun, he needed to ask more questions, he reminded himself. He placed the folder behind his clipboard hanging onto it in case he needed to refer back to it.

"What is your education level?" Castiel continued.

"Community college, just the courses that are in there."

"What was your last family like and why are you no longer with them?"

Dean's smile faded a little, "I worked for the Braedens last, for two years up until two months ago. It was just Ms. Braeden and her eight year old son. She's moving with her new husband to New York, so I got let go."

"What is your favorite part of your job?"

"The kids. The whole reason why I chose this career is because I love the kids. They've always been my favorite part of the job," Dean's smiled sincerely and Castiel knew he was being honest.

Castiel asked his follow up question, "What's the worst?"

"In all honesty," Dean paused, "It's getting attached. Some families I'm with for only a few months and only work part time, but others I'm with for years and work full time. It's hard for the family to not grow on you."

"So, are you looking for long term or...?"

"I work for however long you need me to. I only work for one family at a time as I prefer to work full time, so I don't have to pick up a second job. So, as long as you need me, I'm here," Dean repeated with a grin.

"What would be the second job you'd take?" Castiel asked more curious than anything.

"I would pick up hours at my uncle's auto shop. I'm also a mechanic."

Castiel thought that that trait could come in handy, but he hoped it wouldn't have to. He had never been good with cars.

"Could you cook meals and drive my daughter to school and other activities?"

"Yes." Dean nodded.

"Can you do long hours and come in early or late?"

"Yes."

"Um," Castiel searched for another question, "Have you ever been convicted of a crime?"

"No."

"Drug or alcohol abuse?"

When Dean didn't respond right away, Castiel looked up fearing his perfect nanny was about to have a major flaw. Castiel was tolerant of a lot of things, but he couldn't have a drug addict or drunk around Claire.

Dean finally spoke after having decided something in his head, "Well, I'm not going to lie. I had an alcohol problem a few years ago, but I'm three years sober and I've never drank on the job. I haven't touched the stuff since and I've never done any drugs."

Castiel sighed relieved, "Well, if that's all, I don't have a problem."

Dean let out a short breath and Castiel guessed not all people had been as accepting as he had been. It must have cost Dean a job a few times. But he respected that he didn't lie about it. He didn't have to admit that he had had a problem, if it was in the past.

Dean waited for Castiel to ask another question and when he didn't he gestured to the clip board, "Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

Castiel looked down at his clip board and folder in his hand. He shook his head and stood up, handing Dean back his folder, "No, I'm satisfied. Mr. Winchester, I think you'll be perfect for our family and would love to have you work for us."

Dean faltered taking his folder, "Um, just like that? You don't have to consult your wife or anything?"

"Uh, no, Mr. Winchester. I forgot to include it in the add, but I'm a single father."

"Oh," Dean scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, before shaking it off, "Well, thank you, Mr. Novak. I'll be glad to work for your family." He pulled out his wallet and handed Castiel a card, "There is my contact information. Call me when you're ready for me to start."

Castiel put the card in his pocket and walked Dean to the door. He said goodbye to him and waved him off as he pulled out of his driveway in a black '67 Chevy Impala. Castiel sauntered back to his living room and collapsed onto his couch exhausted. He was relieved he would never have to do that again and that he was finished. His hope had been wearing down as nanny after nanny had came in throughout the day. He never would have thought he'd have the luck of meeting someone as perfect for the job as Dean was. He had all the credentials and more than that. He also had a likeable personality and was comfortable to be around. Castiel didn't have to worry whether Claire would like him or not. It was hard for her to dislike anyone, she was a very open person. She'd probably love Dean. But if by some miracle she doesn't, Castiel didn't know what he was going to do.