Joe read the report for a fifth time, finally realizing that he had no idea what it said.

He just couldn't get her out of his mind.

A glance at his watch told him that it was nearing one o'clock, and a strange sense of nervousness came over him.

He passed the time by walking through the store, greeting every one he encountered, from employees to customers. Most importantly, he had to make sure that the store was being run up to his father and grandfather's high standards.

Fox Books was, after all, his family's legacy and he wasn't about to disappoint those who had put so much faith in him.

Of course, he didn't need to worry.

Fox Books was, as Kevin called it, a "well-oiled machine."

Everything was in its place, from the books on the mahogany shelves to the warm pastries that filled the cafe's glass cases.

Feeling anxious, he casually stepped outside, looking for any sign of the woman he loved.

And suddenly she appeared.

She was wearing a pink short sleeved dress, topped with a white button down cardigan. And on her face, the most beautiful smile he had ever seen.

Kathleen stood on the corner that had become part of her second home. She'd stood here hundreds of times before; on her way to the one place she cherished most in this world. Now she gazed up at the huge white structure before her.

The large Fox & Sons Books sign seemed to light up the street as though it belonged in Times Square, rather than the Upper West Side. People poured in and out of the door, and passersby peered into the picture window getting only a hint of what was inside.

Painful memories rose to the surface, but she pushed them away. She had finally found happiness and right now, that was more important to her than anything else in the world.

With a smile on her face, she crossed the street, her heart beating madly at the thought that Joe Fox was mere seconds away. She couldn't wait to see what he had in store for her.

She made her way through the crowds of people, smiling sadly at the children who rushed in with their parents in tow.

Stop it, Kathleen. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. This is a new life. You're a writer now, and your dreams can take you anywhere you want to go.

As her hand reached the door she pulled it open and a burst of cool air hit her face. Suddenly she heard a noise behind her and let the door flutter closed.

Curious, she walked outside, dismayed that she'd been mislead by something as small as a set of keys jingling as they hit the sidewalk. She raised her head and immediately wished she hadn't.

She stood transfixed, staring at the sight before her.

No... This was impossible. It can't be.

In a daze, she crossed the street, barely aware of the honking horns, and angry yells coming from the cars and passersby on the street.

Her throat felt tight as she moved toward the small building, unable to believe what she was seeing.

Her hand flew to her mouth, and hot tears stung her eyes.

No... Please say this isn't happening...

Her beloved Shop Around The Corner was now a Baby Gap.

"Yes, Jack. I'll get on that right away." Joe said, taking the stack of papers from the bookseller.

Damn...of all the times to be distracted, Jack had to pick the moment Kathleen arrived. Quickly, Joe shoved the papers in a nearby drawer. He'd get to them later. Right now someone more important needed him. He caught his reflection in the window and ran his hand through his hair.

When he looked at his watch, he realized it had been several minutes since Kathleen had arrived.

So where was she?

Worriedly, he walked outside as the warm air hit his face. He reached into his pocket for his cell phone, when suddenly he saw her.

Oh no...

He had noticed the new store this morning when he came to work, and suddenly wished he hadn't asked her to meet him at Fox Books.

As quickly as possible, he crossed the street, wondering what he could say. She stood in front of the Baby Gap, her hand on her mouth, trembling. Only a few months ago, the former children's bookstore had been the love of her life.

The sight broke his heart.

"Kathleen..." he said as softly as possible. When she didn't respond, he laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

The gesture made her turn around and when he saw the sadness in her eyes he was touched beyond measure.

"Joe..."

His name quivered on her lips and she collapsed into his arms, sobbing. He looked across the street at his legacy, and wondered if the investment was really worth it.

In that moment, he realized just how much the little bookstore meant to her. Losing The Shop Around The Corner was like losing a part of her soul. And knowing how much she was hurting was the most painful thing he'd ever experienced.

He held her close and rubbed her back, ignoring the stares of passersby. "I'm so sorry, Kathleen." He whispered.

After several minutes she pulled away from him and gave him a small smile. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and blotted the tears from her face.

"I-I'm sorry." She said. "I just..."

When her voice broke, he silenced her with a kiss. Finally she smiled.

He took her hand in his. "Come on, I have something special waiting for you."

When they arrived in front of Fox Books, she took his face in her hands and kissed him, oblivious to the cheers and applause coming from the sidewalk.