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"Connection? Ash, we've spent more time fighting than anything else," I protest, shaking my head in disbelief. "How can you think we should get married?"

"Because even when we're arguing, there's something between us, Gemma. We challenge each other, push each other to be better." He swallows hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat. "You've changed me, made me see things differently. And I know I've done the same for you."

As much as I want to deny it, he's right. Since meeting Ash, my world has expanded beyond my glamping empire dreams, and I've come to appreciate the beauty and value of the wilderness around me. Our battles have forced me to question my assumptions and grow in ways I never imagined.

"Please, Gemma," Ash pleads again, his strong hands grasping mine. "Give us a chance."

I want to protest, to insist that this is all some elaborate prank or misunderstanding. But deep down, a part of me wonders if he might be right. The way my heart races when I'm near him, the way his touch sends shivers down my spine – it's more than just lust. It's something deeper, more profound.

"Give me one good reason why I should believe you, Ash," I challenge him, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Because I'm willing to do whatever it takes to prove it to you." He looks up at me, his blue eyes filled with determination. "I'll kneel here all day and all night if that's what it takes to convince you to give us – to give me – a real shot."

"Is that supposed to impress me?" I ask, trying to sound dismissive. But my traitorous heart skips a beat at his words, betraying my true feelings.

"Maybe not," he replies softly. "But it's the truth. We’ve had our differences, but I genuinely believe we're meant for each other. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make you see that too."

“I do feel it too, Ash,” I finally admit, my heart racing. "There's been something between us since the moment we met.”

Ash's eyes widen in surprise, and his stone-faced expression softens for the first time since I’ve known him. "You do?"

"Of course I do," I say, reaching out to take his hand, pulling him up from his knees. "How could I not? It's been impossible to ignore, even when we were at each other's throats."

"Then marry me?” he practically begs, hope radiating from every pore.

I try to contain my excitement, but my heart is beating so fast that it’s hard to breathe. "Ash, I don't know," I say, hesitating.

"I understand if it's too soon," he quickly adds, sensing my hesitation. "I just want you to know that I'm serious about this, and I'm serious about you. I want to spend the rest of my life proving that to you."

I look into his eyes, searching for any signs of insincerity, but all I see is pure love and devotion. And in that moment, I realize that I want to be with him too.

"Okay," I whisper, feeling a strange mix of excitement and fear. "Yes, Ash, I'll marry you."

As our lips meet in a searing kiss, it feels like all the pent-up emotions between us are finally being released, like a dam breaking under the weight of its waters. Our mouths move together hungrily, fiercely, and it's as if we're trying to communicate everything through this one passionate embrace.

"Ahem, excuse me," comes a voice, interrupting our heated moment. We break apart, breathless, to find a man in a smart suit standing nearby, a sheaf of papers in his hand.

"Uh, hi," I stammer, feeling a blush creep across my cheeks. "What can we do for you?"

"Ms. Gemma Wells,” he says, extending the papers toward us. "I have here the signed approval forms per Mr Nilsson’slobby repeal. You now have the go-ahead to build cabins on your property, as well as a wedding pavilion."

"Really?" I gasp, my eyes darting between the manager and Ash. "You did this?"

"Of course," Ash replies, his face flushed with pride. "I told you I'd do whatever it takes to make this work. For us."

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion as I take the papers from the manager. "I... I don't know what to say."

"Say you'll build that dream of yours," Ash tells me, his hand squeezing mine. "And that you'll let me be a part of it."

"I will," I promise, my heart swelling with joy. "Together, we'll make this our own little slice of heaven."

As the manager leaves us to our celebration, I wrap my arms around Ash, my chest heaving with emotion. His stormy blue eyes shimmer with unspoken promises, and I can't help but feel utterly grateful for this man who has fought so fiercely for my dream.

"Thank you," I breathe, peppering his rough cheeks with kisses. "You have no idea how much this means to me."

"Anything for you, Gemma," Ash replies, his voice soft and sincere. "I'm just happy we get to build our future together here in our own little paradise."

"Be prepared for lots of hard work, Mr. Nilsson," I tease, playfully swatting his strong shoulder. A mischievous glint appears in his eyes, and I can practically see the wheels turning in his mind.

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