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"Yeah," I reply, keeping my eyes on the road. "I know we clashed initially, but she's shown me so much. I want to support her now, not fight her."
Everest grins and playfully punches my shoulder. "Look at you being all romantic. Never thought I'd see the day!" His smile fades. "But seriously, I'm happy for you, Ash. Just don't mess it up."
We arrive at the Bureau of Land Management, and I rush inside to drop the letter off, reversing my objections. With this act, the path is cleared for Gemma's plans.
“You sure you don’t want to join me for a quick pint?” Everest asks as we step out of the building.
I shake my head. "Nah, I've got something important to do."
Everest raises an eyebrow. "More important than a pint?"
I grin. "More important than a pint. I'll catch up with you later, man."
As I climb back into the truck, exhilaration courses through me. I peel out and race for the campsite, eager to share the news that I've undone the damage I caused. All I can think about is seeing Gemma’s face when she realizes I'm now her biggest supporter in making her dreams a reality.
I pull up to Gemma's property, gravel spraying as I brake hard. Jumping out, I bound up the steps and knock rapidly on the door to her office.
It swings open, and there she stands, eyes flashing. "What are you doing here?"
I hold up my hands. "Please, just hear me out."
She starts to close the door, but I wedge my boot in. "Gemma, wait. I know you're upset, but I had to tell you..."
With a huff, she steps back, arms crossed. "This better be good."
I meet her glare steadily. "I was wrong to oppose your plans. I contacted the Bureau of Land Management this morning and withdrew all my objections."
Shock widens her eyes, but she remains silent.
I continue, "I want you to be able to build your resort. I'll do whatever I can to help make that happen now. I know it won't be easy to regain your trust, but I'm hoping you'll give me that chance." I take a deep breath. "The truth is, I've fallen in love with you, Gemma."
She looks away, conflicting emotions playing across her face. When she finally speaks, her voice wavers. "How do I know you really mean that? You could just be saying what I want to hear."
I step closer and gently turn her chin toward me. "I know this is sudden, but it's real. Let me prove it to you, Gemma. Please."
Her lips part slightly as she searches my gaze. The anger melts from her eyes, replaced by a spark of tentative hope.
Not wanting her to have any second thoughts, I drop to one knee, taking Gemma's hand in mine. Her eyes widen in surprise.
"Gemma, I know I've given you every reason to doubt me. But from this moment on, I vow to stand by your side and support your dreams. If you'll let me, I'll spend every day proving my love and commitment to you."
I reach into my pocket and pull out the ring my Pa used to propose to my mother all those years ago. "Gemma, will you marry me? Let's start a new chapter together, one filled with love, trust, and endless possibilities. I'll even help rebuild your campsite myself."
Her free hand flies to her mouth as tears fill her eyes. For a long moment, she stares at the ring, stunned. My heart pounds as I await her response.
14
GEMMA
Ican hardly believe my eyes as I see Ash, the proud mountain man who has been the bane of my existence since I arrived in White Pine Mountain, kneeling before me. His usually stony expression is replaced by one of vulnerability and determination.
"Please, Gemma," he says, his voice low and imploring. "Marry me."
"Is this some kind of joke?" I laugh nervously, half expecting the rugged logger to crack a smile and tell me he's just pulling my leg. But his face remains serious, making me question whether this is really happening. "Get up, Ash. This isn't funny."
"Believe me, Gemma, I'm not joking." Ash's deep blue eyes lock onto mine, and for once, I don't see any trace of animosity there. Instead, I find pure honesty and something else I can't quite place. "We have an undeniable connection, and you know it as well as I do."
My heart races as I recall the moments we've shared - the heated arguments that somehow turned into passionate kisses and the way our bodies fit together like puzzle pieces when we finally succumbed to our desires. But still, I hesitate.
