He was smiling as if he didn’t have a worry in the world. It was an easy, open smile that showed his teeth and crinkled the corners of his deep blue eyes. Aria sucked in her breath. He was overwhelmingly male, and she wanted to bask in his warmth. The hot summer sun had nothing on him.

“Can’t you guess?” he asked.

Shaking her head slowly, she looked around the construction site. Work had halted, and a few people were standing about, watching them with interest. The blond man was facing her. A serious expression marred his smooth good looks.

“I’ve changed my plans, Aria. Yesterday, when you came by, I had my mind on business and didn’t pay attention to you. I hope you can forgive me. I wanted this to be perfect.”

Tears welled in her eyes. She didn’t understand what was going on. “I...”

“Don’t speak.” He hushed her. “Let me explain. I’ve finalized my plans for the development. I’m going to source all cladding and materials locally and hire local tradesmen to work on the building. I’ve had the exterior redesigned to match the rest of the township—I even got advice from a local architect instead of using my usual retainer in Auckland.” He beamed, seeming sure of her approval. “I’ve offered all local businesses a reduced rate to rent in the shopping complex. I want this development to be something the town is proud of. Something everyone can be a part of.”

“This is fantastic,” she breathed, squeezing his hands in return. “But why?”

“You love this town,” he said simply. “And I love you. I want you to be happy. I wanted to show you that I can be a part of the community here.”

It was too much. She couldn’t breathe. Her head was light, and her pulse was thrumming wildly.

“There’s more,” he hurried on, words spilling rapidly from his mouth and his blue eyes crinkling even more around the edges as he dropped the biggest bombshell of all. “I’ve decided to stay in Itirangi permanently. I love you, Aria. I love you. You’re sweet and funny and adorable, and you challenge me to be a better person. You make me believe I can be a better person.”

He…what? Was he serious? Aria’s pulse was banging in her ears. Hope pierced her chest, lighting it like the first ray of sunshine over the ocean in the morning. He was staying with her. He loved her. The wonderful man.