Caleb’s P.O.V

I held Caroline close as her shoulders shook, her quiet sobs muffled against my chest. I didn’t say a word; just let my arms circle her tightly, drawing her in as if I could shield her from whatever had broken her down like this.

She gripped my shirt, clutching it as though it was her only anchor, and I felt her trembling ease, bit by bit, as the moments passed. My hand moved up and down her back slowly, and I rested my chin on her head, letting her release it ...