Once inside Ivy wandered the first floor. There were boxes lining the hall and in some of the rooms. "I had everything brought here instead of put into storage. I figured we would find places for everything when the time came" Jim said as he watched her.

"Jimmy how did you do all this? You even have the window seats." Smiling Jim hugged her. "I bought a set of drawings and pictures of the original. Do you like it?" Ivy hugged him tightly. "I’ll take that as a yes. Come on I’ll give you a tour. Some things did have to be changed. The kitchen is still off the dining room; but that is where a majority of the changes have been made."

Leading her into the kitchen he continued the tour. "There is a half bath and the laundry through the door on the left side of the fireplace. The architect wanted to put the laundry in the upstairs hall. But I didn’t think you would want the hallway changed so it was either enlarge the kitchen building to accommodate it or put it in the basement. We had to put in the sink and stove. Oh and the fridge of course it being the kitchen… but I tried to keep all the windows the same and the countertops are wood."

Ivy nodded her approval as he led her back into the main part of the house. "I thought maybe you could put your sewing room across the hall from the dining room and the library could move into the parlor. That is why your boxes of books are in there. Want to see the upstairs?"

"Changes up here include the one side being made into a Master Suite. The little bedroom was made into a bathroom for the Master Bedroom. There are also bathrooms in each of the other bedrooms." Opening the door at the end of the hallway he stepped out onto the balcony. "They had pictures of the balcony when it was still there so I had one put on."

"I had no idea you were doing all this. You have somehow created my dream house and I didn’t even give you a hint." Running her hand over the woodwork she smiled. "So much attention to detail; it’s beautiful Jimmy. You know my heart." Emotion beginning to overwhelm her Ivy wiped a tear from her eye.

"You’ve had a full day haven’t you?" Jim asked. Putting his arm around her he held her close and kissed the top of her head. "You ready to go to bed?" Ivy, her head resting on his chest nodded yes. Picking her up, he carried her to the door to the Master Suite. Opening it and gently put her down just inside the door revealing the last surprise of the day.

"This is the only furniture I bought. Ivy, I just wanted your first night here to be…as special as you are to me."

Ivy smiled at him as she embraced him. "James J. Braddock you never cease to amaze me’ she whispered before kissing him, not for the last time this night.