After his grandmother’s passing, Rick returned to his small hometown and inherited her bookstore. The place held cherished childhood memories, but as he cleaned, he discovered a book titled Ask Carol—a handwritten advice journal where his grandmother had offered guidance to locals. Surprised, he read heartfelt responses she’d left for those seeking help.

Conflicted about keeping the bookstore, Rick was further pressured by his girlfriend, Meredith, who wanted him to sell it. But the arrival of Emily—a woman with her daughter, Carol—shifted his perspective. Emily warmly encouraged him, sharing how much his grandmother’s advice had meant to her. The little girl, Carol, was named after Rick’s grandmother, and he soon found himself drawn to them both.

After weeks of subtle exchanges, Rick found a startling question in Ask Carol: How do you tell a man he has a daughter he never knew about? Memories flooded back of a brief encounter six years ago—a one-night stand with a woman he now recognized as Emily. Realizing Carol was his daughter, he confronted Emily, feeling betrayed. She explained she’d kept it secret, fearing it would disrupt his career.

Seeing Carol call him “Daddy,” Rick’s anger softened. Holding his daughter, he felt a new purpose. The bookstore was no longer a burden but a legacy, and he decided to stay, embracing the family he never knew he had.