The prospect terrified Henry, but he forced himself to turn toward Caroline and squeeze his eyes open a fraction.
What he saw caused him to squeeze them right back shut again.
Because, unless he was losing his mind, Caroline Astley was positively beaming at him. Her eyes held such love, such adoration, such affection, that—
That he was clearly losing his mind.
He opened his eyes again, just for a second. She was still smiling at him.
He did it one more time. Still smiling.
“Caro,” he sputtered, “you—you don’t hate me.”
“No,” she said, squeezing his hands.
“You don’t think I’m pathetic or despicable or—”
“Of course I don’t, darling.”
“You—you love me!”
“I do,” she said, looping her arms around his neck. “I love you so much, Henry. Do you understand now?”
He wrapped his arms arou
