My heart plummets. That’s not the words to the book. Every now and then Amelia will ask about Yvonne, and I made a promise to tell her the truth. While it’s hard for me, I can’t imagine it’s easy for her either. Still, if she always knows the truth, then there will never be a time I have to tell her that I wasn’t honest.

“Melia, that’s not the line.”

She snuggles deeper under her covers. “I know.”

I brush her cheek. “I love you more than the stars in the sky.”

“I love you more than the clouds.”

“I love you more than the books in the library.”

She smiles. “I love you more than anyone in the world.”

“You’re the person I love the most, Amelia. Never doubt that.”

Her long lashes rise and fall, and she launches herself into my arms. “I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you more. I love you most.”

I hug her, holding her tight because, while I can’t fix the fact that her mother chose to leave her, I can love her harder and hope it’s enough.

Today is one of those days I should’ve just stayed in bed. It’s been a rough few days, but today, everything went to shit. I got to work to find out we had a pipe burst that flooded a guest room, my plumber can’t get here until tomorrow, which means the repair people can’t get the room fixed.

And then my front desk manager quit because her husband got a job in Charlotte and they’re moving next week, which is why she called out.

Willow Creek Valley is great to visit, but not many people move here, which means finding a suitable replacement is going to be absolute torture.

Stella waltzes in late with bags in her hands. “Sorry, it was a crazy day. I got your voice mail. Seems we have a mess?”

“Yes. It is a mess. I could’ve used some help.”

“I’m allowed a day off, Gray.”

“When is the last time I had one?”

She scoffs. “That’s your choice, brother. You’re the one who works here constantly, and when you’re not here, you’re at the firehouse—of your own free will.”

“Some of us have to be responsible.”

I’m being a dick, I know it, and yet, I need to get this out.

Stella sets the bags down, her eyes narrow, and her lips purse. “Well, I can see you’re going to be the asshole today. Fine. Go ahead. Tell me how spoiled, ridiculous, and childish I am. Because I work just as hard as you do, but neither you or them ever acknowledge it. Who handled almost the entire renovation? Me. Who did it without any issues? Me. Who has grown our occupancy to full month in and month out? Oh, that’s right . . . me!”