Kyle nodded appreciably when she complimented his efforts on the kitchen. He had devoted his entire professional life (and much of his personal time) to these types of projects. It really meant a lot to him when other people took notice of his hard work. He took pride in his work and it showed.<br/><br/>“I can’t wait to read what you say about the place,” he responded to her compliment. “I’m sure you’ll make it sound even more impressive than it is – and that would be a great thing.”<br/><br/>Later, in the master bedroom, Kyle shook his head at the idea that she was putting him out.<br/><br/>“Nope,” he said simply. “I’m settled in two doors down, over there,” he said as he pointed to a door down the hall. “It would be too much work to move my stuff. Besides, I just finished the room in time for your visit. You aren’t displacing anyone – it’s all yours. Frankly I’d like you to have the nicest room in the place if you are OK with it. If it’s too big or drafty, though, there are another two rooms that are finished too you could grab. Just let me know.”<br/><br/>After she explained the need for a little rest Kyle nodded understandably.<br/><br/>“Tell you what,” he said, thinking out loud. “Why don’t you take a nap and a shower and then let me know if you want to stay in this room. Just come down find me in the kitchen whenever you’re ready,” he added with a smile. “No rush. I’ll need a bit longer on the food anyway. Anything else you need right away?”<br/><br/>Once any other details were squared away Kyle excused himself and went downstairs with Alex in tow. She never let him into the kitchen alone in case he happened to throw her something to eat while there. It was her favorite room of the house, too.<br/><br/>Kyle skimmed his email on his phone and replied to a few vendor requests before checking on the dual wall-ovens he had cooking. After checking the food he turned both ovens down and set timers before gathering some silverware. Within a half hour Kyle had the dining room set up for a two-person feast.<br/><br/>While the long table was meant for several guests, he set it up so that the two of them could sit facing one another across the middle. He laid down a full place setting for each of them and lit candles in the antique candelabras scattered about the room. He also started a fire in the fireplace for good measure. While the January day wasn’t terribly cold – to him the room just didn’t look complete without it. The warm, yellow flames reflected off of the small panes of window glass and the brass sconces that decorated the walls, bringing out the room's historic charm.<br/><br/>By the time Angie came down again Kyle was busy moving covered serving dishes into the dining room, which made up the last steps of his preparations. Thanks to the elegant cookware and place settings all lit by candle and firelight, the room looked like a picture postcard from days long past.<br/><br/>“I hope you’re hungry,” Kyle said as he welcomed her in. Once she had a look around he motioned for her to take a seat before pushing in her chair for her. The huge, solid oak chairs looked to be at least a hundred years old.<br/><br/>Once she was settled Kyle picked up the bottle of white wine from the table and presented her the label.<br/><br/>“Southwind Vineyards, 2005 – a Viognier. I think it pairs well with the meal and it’s from Georgia to boot. I recon’ a true southerner would appreciate a Dixie vintage with Jambalaya. Let me know if you would like som’n else,” he added with a poorly rendered, fake southern accent. He smiled as he spoke, genuinely happy to have company for a change.<br/><br/>As they prepared to eat Alex curled up by the fire to watch them intently.