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April pops her head into the rooms. The team has fitted the showers and is waiting to fit the hangers and lockers to the walls.

“I can’t believe this,” she says, a grin splitting her face. “This is going to mean the world to some of my students.”

She’s told me how some families are short of money andhot water is a luxury. Jaxson’s designs have meant these kids can shower here, but it won’t be at any great expense to April.

“Come on,” I say, taking her hand and leading her into the vast room that will become her dance studio.

“Oh Cal,” she says, her voice catching.

She breaks free of my hold and moves to the centre of the room. The concrete flooring is not what she envisages, but I know she can see past that.

“The flooring and mirrors are being installed next week,” I say, watching as she turns in a circle, almost trancelike.

“This is?—”

Before I can stop her, she’s running at me. I catch her as she wraps her legs around my waist, her lips crashing against mine. I drink her in. This reaction is everything I hoped for.

I’ve come to live for her smiles and making all her wishes come true.

“I still have the surprise.” I pull back, lowering her, reluctantly to the floor. “Follow me.”

I take her hand and lead her to a door situated at the back of the studio. I know she thinks it’s to her office, but.

I open the door, exposing the stairs.

“What’s this?” she asks, shooting me a look.

“Wait and see,” I say, ushering her ahead of me.

We take the stairs in silence. At the top, there’s another door.

“What’s this?” April asks as I hand her the key.

I roll my eyes.

“Just open it,” I say, trying hard to hide my grin.

April huffs but for once does what she’s told. She pushes open the door and stops.

“Are you going to go in?” I ask.

She turns to look at me before stepping forward.

“What is this place?” she asks quietly.

“This is the flat Jaxson was telling you about,” I say, not quite able to read her demeanour.

“But… I don’t understand.”

“The apartment belongs with the studio. When the roof caved in, we realised how cavernous the studio would be. Building this as a tag onto the studio made sense.” I move next to her. “It’s also included as part of the lease.”

The studio is and never was residential. The apartment means April has somewhere to stay. Should she want it. The thought causes my chest to constrict, but it’s not about me.

“I…” she walks away, exploring the open plan living area and kitchen before opening one of the three doors that lead off the main room.

“One is a bathroom, the other two are bedrooms. Although one can be your office,” I say, “The master has an ensuite.”

She turns to gaze at me, her eyes wide.