Page 28 of The Greek Billionaire's Email Bride

"There's more." Frank sounded almost giddy now, the gruff rancher overcome with emotion. "He set up a drought fund for all the small ranchers in the county. Anyone who needs irrigation improvements, who's struggling with the changing climate—they can apply for grants through the Barton Rural Sustainability Foundation."

Hope tried to process the magnitude of what Colin had done—not just saving her foster parents' farm, but establishing a foundation that would help countless others in their community. And in her foster parents' name, too!

"When did this happen?" she managed finally.

"Papers arrived by courier this morning." Frank cleared his throat, clearly trying to regain composure. "Your Colin said not to tell you until everything was finalized. Wanted it to be a proper surprise." He hesitated, then added, "He came to see us in person. Nine days ago, if I remember correctly. Spent hours asking about our greatest concerns for the community, what would make the most difference for folks struggling here."

Nine days ago.

This was before she had received Charlotte's email. And even before the night he had told her he was in love.

"Give him a proper thank you from all of us, will you?"

As the call ended, Hope sat motionless, overwhelmed by the implications of Colin's actions. This wasn't manipulation or calculated strategy. This was understanding on the deepest level—recognition of what truly mattered to her, what provided genuine security beyond material comfort.

He had seen her. Truly seen her. And this time, for better or for worse, she also believed he had spoken the truth...when he said he loved her.

Hope's fingers trembled as she typed out a message and hitSendbefore she could change her mind. It took only mere seconds for a reply to arrive, and scant minutes for Colin to knock on her hotel room door.

"I'm here." His voice was fierce with emotion. His face more handsome than she had allowed herself to remember. But she noticed how he also seemed to have lost weight, and his clothes were far from their usually impeccable state.

"Come in." Her voice came out stilted, and it surprised her to see pain flash over his features.What was that about?

He entered the room and closed the door behind him. Hope had this grand plan of inviting him to take a seat and talking things out like adults. But as soon as he faced her again, the words simply flew out of her mouth.

"Why didn't you tell me about the mortgage?"

Colin stilled. "Who told you?"

"Frank. Not that it matters." She looked at him searchingly. "Why did you do it?"

"Because they're your parents. And it was also the right thing to do."

He had no ulterior motives, in other words. And she believed him. But then...she had always recognized the goodness in Colin. That had never been the problem between them. Or maybe it was. He had been too good to Princess. And seeing that had started to hurt more and more.

"I have something to show you."

Her head lifted, in time to see Colin pull out a crumpled manila envelope from his jacket pocket. The action lacked the usual sophistication she was used to seeing from him, and knowing that she had something to do with this hurt.

Hope accepted the envelope, moving to the small desk to open it. Inside, she found legal documents bearing the letterhead of Colin's attorneys.

A post-nuptial agreement?

She looked at him in confusion, but Colin only nodded. "Read it," he encouraged quietly. "All of it."

Hope returned her attention to the document, and confusion gradually turned to shock. He was giving her half of everything except control of his businesses. Regardless of whether they stayed married or not.

All of it spelled one thing.

He loved her.

And if he had done this earlier, she would have flown straight into his arms, and they could live happily ever after.

But now?

"I realize I've been doing everything wrong the past several days," Colin said tautly. "The flowers, the gifts, asking you out again and again. It's easily something I could have done for any other woman. But you'renotany other woman. You're my wife. The woman I've fallen in love with. The only one I'll ever love."

Hope was stunned when Colin suddenly closed the distance between them as he went down on one knee. He slowly reachedfor her hands, and she started to cry, realizing that he was giving her all the time in the world to reject his touch.

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