its place was a more contemporary natural stacked stone in various shades of gray.
The austere face of the building had been softened by a wide steepled portico over the new glass entrance doors. Two large planters filled with flowers framed the doorway with pops of color. The once boxy structure now extended up into a complete second story boasting large rectangular and arched windows designed to fill the interior with natural light. The parking lot had been repaved and repainted, the sidewalks had been leveled, and the landscaping had been updated.
Jasmine took it all in as she got out of the car. “This is spectacular, Will,” she said, reaching for his hand as he walked around the car to join her. “I’ve always wanted to see one of your projects after you finished it. To be able to see what you and Frank did with something that was in such a sad state, well, it’s really remarkable.”
They headed toward the front door. “I’m glad you think so. There are still some details to wrap up, but we just passed the final inspection.”
He released her hand to unlock the front doors with the electronic keypad he’d had installed. When the doors clicked, he pulled the right one open for her. A light chime sounded in the building’s new lobby as the overhead lights flickered to life.
“So fancy,” she chuckled as she stepped onto the plain black mat just inside the doors. “I love these floors. Oh—and that wall color is gorgeous.”
He’d gone with a rich honey tone on the hardwood floors and a soft, welcoming shade of blue for the walls. “Come on,” he said. “I’ll give you the grand tour. This is the lobby and waiting area. Each section will be made more distinct once furniture is brought in.”
She nodded as she looked around and took in every detail.
“Over here is the owner’s suite,” he said, leading her to the far left side of the lobby.
They passed through a single door into an outer office where an assistant might sit and then on to a larger window office with an attached bathroom. The wall color in the office spaces was a quiet gray tinted with the slightest hint of purple. The way Jasmine smiled as she ran her hand over the wall told him she liked his choice.
“The security system and the lights for the rest of the space are controlled here,” he explained, stepping over to a panel and turning the lights on. “Ready to see more?”
“Absolutely. You guys have done incredible work. I’d never recognize this place.”
He smiled and guided her through the door leading into the heart of the building. Then he watched her reaction.
Her eyes widened. She brought a hand up to cover her open mouth.
But it was the tears that sprang into her eyes that told him she understood.
“A dance studio?” she whispered, finally lowering her hand. “You turned this into a dance studio?”
“Yep. I knew that’s what this place needed to be the moment I saw you in here with Katie.” He moved closer to her and took her hands. “And the moment you told me you wanted to open your own studio, I knew this place had to be yours.”
She shook her head as the first tear fell. “Oh, no. Will, I couldn’t—”
“Let me stop you there. First, this isn’t charity. It’s an investment. I know the pride and effort that comes of starting something from nothing and succeeding with it, and I’d never deprive you of that.
“And second, I’ve been trying for months to figure out how I could ever repay you for everything you’ve done since you started working with Katie. You managed to do what thousands of dollars in high-priced therapists couldn’t. Giving this studio to you so you can do the same for other kids isn’t nearly thanks enough.”
She released his hands to fish in her bag for a tissue. “You can’t give this to me,” she argued as she blotted her tears. “I’m fine with signing a lease or paying rent or—”
He tugged her against him to cut her off again. “What do you say we work it out more in terms of free dance lessons for Katie?”
Her eyes narrowed as she considered that. He couldn’t resist dipping his head and brushing his lips against hers in a further effort to convince her. She sighed against his mouth, allowing him to deepen the kiss. When he eventually pulled back, she looked thoroughly distracted.