“What do I eat first?” I ask myself, awestruck by the extravagant breakfast array.

“Anything you want, Ms. Kind,” comes Ms. Tina’s voice from behind, making me jump slightly.

“Oh gosh! You scared me,” I exclaim, placing a hand over my heart. “What is all this? Where’s Mr. Grimes?”

“It’s your official welcome, I guess. He always cooks breakfast but never like this.” Ms. Tina remarks with a raised eyebrow, her tone laced with intrigue.

I shrug, still taking in the spread. “I guess he’s just overdoing it since he’s missing out on spending time with Syd and Ari.”

“Sure…believe that excuse if you want,” Ms. Tina replies, leaning against the counter. “I’ve known that man for a long time, and I’ve never seen him flustered, overdo anything, let alone yield a hammer.”

I laugh, remembering the odd sight from yesterday. “Uh, yeah…about that hammer? What in the world was that about?”

Ms. Tina nods towards the hallway with a smile. “Go and take a look for yourself.”

I slowly walk towards the library and push the thick cedarwood doors open only to be stunned by the mini-renovation—a reading nook by the window where the sun beams, bathing the room in a warm glow. I make my way to the cozy, alcove, spacious enough for a much-needed lunch nap. There, atop a stack of my favorite books, I find a note.

I can’t believe I’m writing on pink paper, but here I go. Words can’t express how sorry I am for being such an asshole to you, but hopefully my actions can. I’ll never mistreat the woman who treats my daughters like the diamonds they are. And when I say my home is now yours, I mean it. So, I hope you enjoy reading while watching the sun rise and set. You deserve to be surrounded by warmth and books. Have an amazing first day.

P.S. Please don’t lose any more twist ties

Clutching the note to my chest, a giggle escapes me as I marvel at the sincerity of his words and the breadth of his actions. I trace my fingers along the edges of the beautifully constructed nook. His craftsmanship and hard work are evident, but it’s not just the skill that impresses me. It’s his desire to do all of this for me in the first place. The act of kindness confuses me, while it also stands as the grandest gesture any man has ever made solely for my sake.