Contents
Chapter 46
Overview
Natalie, four months pregnant with her sixth child and rapidly growing her audience, overlooks signs that Shannon is ingratiating herself with everyone, especially Caleb. Shannon’s influence intensifies as Clementine dreams of leaving, the nannies secure a raise, and Caleb questions staffing. The chapter ends with Caleb initiating a serious talk, signaling an impending rupture.
Summary
Natalie notices a pattern: Shannon whispering with Nanny Aimee, taking long walks with Clementine, and increasingly having private lunches with Caleb. Although Natalie sees flirtation and burgeoning intimacy between Shannon and Caleb, she chooses not to confront it, citing pregnancy, soaring follower growth, and her dependence on Shannon’s control over the brand.
As months pass, Clementine voices a desire to see the ocean and big cities. Seeking a compromise, Natalie begins monthly Target trips to soothe Clementine’s restlessness while maintaining the ranch routine.
The household dynamics shift when the nannies request a raise. Despite resentment, Natalie agrees immediately, trying to preserve stability and avoid public or internal disruption.
Caleb then challenges operational choices by asking if they truly need two nannies, a signal to Natalie that Shannon’s perspective now guides decisions at Yesteryear Ranch. Natalie still refuses to dismiss Shannon, prioritizing continuity and fearing brand decline.
Late one night, after the final milking, Caleb enters their bedroom and says, “We need to talk,” implying that the tensions—particularly Shannon’s growing closeness to Caleb and her sway over the household—are about to break into open confrontation.
Who Appears
- NataliePregnant narrator; ignores signs of Shannon’s influence and closeness with Caleb; grants nannies a raise; braces for Caleb’s talk.
- ShannonAssistant turned power center; bonds with Clementine, confides with Aimee, lunches and flirts with Caleb, shaping ranch decisions.
- CalebGrows close to Shannon; questions need for two nannies; initiates a serious late-night conversation with Natalie.
- ClementineExpresses longing for oceans and cities; takes walks with Shannon; gets monthly Target trips as compromise.
- Nanny AimeeSeen whispering with Shannon; part of the nanny team that successfully requests a raise.
- The nanniesCollectively ask for and receive a raise; their roles are questioned by Caleb under Shannon’s influence.