Page 32 of The Greek Billionaire's Email Bride

"Hope?" Colin's gorgeous face suddenly filled her vision as he stood in front of her, his features dark with concern. "Are you alright? I'm sorry you had to—"

Whatever he intended to say disappeared as Hope launched herself into his arms, nearly toppling him backward with the unexpected motion. His arms closed around her automatically, steadying them both.

"I love you," she declared, the words bursting from her like water through a broken dam. "I love you, Colin Soukoulis."

Colin froze, clearly struggling to process the sudden shift after so many days of distance, and she cupped his face with shaking hands.

"It's not a dream."

Because she could see that was what he was thinking.

"This is real."

Because this time, they had His blessing.

"I love you—"

His arms finally wrapped around her, the strength of his embrace nearly crushing her.

"I love you, Hope." His voice was raw. "I love you." And his own hands were shaking as he cupped her face. "I love you. Thank you for taking me back."

Epilogue

Warm water cascaded over Hope's shoulders, washing away the lingering scent of smoke from the evening's barbecue. She closed her eyes, savoring the quiet moment after hours of celebration. Colin had outdone himself with the surprise party, having transformed the ranch's courtyard into a festive gathering space for her forty-first birthday.

Hope smiled as she recalled the unexpected guests who had arrived this afternoon. Charlotte Carmichaels Takahashi and her younger husband Sano had flown in from San Antonio specifically for the celebration. With them were "San Antonio's Finest Eligibles"—four devastatingly handsome billionaires who'd apparently been friends with Charlotte's late FBI agent husband. The men had immediately bonded with Colin, falling into conversation as if they'd known each other for years rather than hours. Their inside jokes and easy camaraderie had transformed Colin from reserved host to relaxed participant, a side of him few people ever witnessed.

But the real revelation had come when the wives had pulled Hope aside during dessert, their expressions conspiratorial as they shared champagne on the veranda.

"Charlotte's quite proud of her success rate," Isla had commented with a knowing smile.

"Success rate?" Hope had questioned, glancing toward where Charlotte stood chatting with the gathered husbands.

"All of us," Hilary had clarified with a sweet smile, gesturing around their intimate circle. "We're just like you..."

It took her a moment to understand what this meant.

Oh!

"You mean..."

The four Heart's Match wives nodded.

"But you all seem so..."

"Perfect for each other?"

"Yes!'

"If you only saw how Nicholas and I were at first," Tabitha said with a wrinkle of her nose, "when he thought I was more suitable for his son."

"Or Logan and me," Tilly said with a grin. "I started out as his nephew's nanny, you know."

Hope turned her face into the shower spray, letting water sluice away the day's makeup. Their stories had reassured her in ways she hadn't realized she needed. The unusual beginning of her relationship with Colin wasn't a flaw to be overcome or a secret to be hidden, but simply the first chapter in a continuing story.

All of this, God. It's because of You. Only You.

The shower door opened behind her, cool air briefly interrupting the steam before Colin's warm presence filled the space. His hands settled at her waist, lips finding the sensitive spot where her neck met her shoulder.

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