Claiming Caroline (Claimed 3)

"I am, but I'm learning to be better." I push away from the desk and stroll toward her, reach out to cup her cheek and brush away her tears. They tremble on her lashes before I catch them with my thumb. "I met a princess at a ball. She taught me to believe in magic and love. She made me want to be a better man, one she could be proud of."

"I love you," she says, her voice catching on a sob.

"I love you too, sweet baby." I glance from her to Kennedy, who is watching us with wide eyes. "I apologize for how harsh I've been, Kennedy. You deserve better. If you do give me a second chance, Professor Janson will be reviewing your work with me to ensure I'm being fair and impartial."

Kennedy nods, looking between me and her sister again. "I think…" She licks her lips. "I think I need to think about this," she says. "About all of it. It's…a lot."

"Understood."

"I think I'm going to spend the night in Chattanooga instead of leaving in the morning," Kennedy says.

Caroline sniffles but doesn't try to change her mind.

Kennedy climbs to her feet, still looking between me and her sister as if she can't quite believe what's going on here. And then her expression turns as fierce as I've ever seen Caroline's. She spears me with a hard look. "If you break her heart, I'll spend the rest of my life making yours as miserable as possible."

"I'd expect nothing less," I say, my voice somber. She's a kitten, roaring like a lion. But I think she actually means it. She would spend her life making me miserable. That's how fiercely she loves her sister. And that gives me hope that things between them aren't broken because of me. "But for the record, that will never happen. I plan to spend the rest of my life loving your sister the way she deserves."

Kennedy nods and then heads for the door. She pauses with her hand on the knob and looks back at the two of us…and then she's gone as quickly as she appeared.

A tiny sob breaks from Caroline's lips.

"Sweet baby." I sweep her up into my arms, holding her as she cries herself out, great wracking sobs that break my heart for her. I whisper in her ear, telling her how much I love her, and promising that everything will be okay. Even if it takes the rest of my life to keep that promise, I will. For her, I'll do anything.

Eventually, she cries herself out and falls asleep on my shoulder. Once she's out, I gather her in my arms and carry her out of my office, cradling her close.

Students stop to gape, shocked.

I leave a trail of whispers in my wake, but somehow…I've never felt more hopeful and freer than I do as I put Caroline in my car and head toward home and my future with her.