Page 74 of My Forbidden Billionaire

“Yes, it’s true. Jacob and I are completely committed to each other. But, I want to assure you that I will continue to uphold the professionalism and integrity expected of me as a teacher at this school,” Josephine says, her voice full of conviction.

“Well … I must say, in my thirty years at Jameson Juniper Hall, this is a first for me.” He chuckles. “Our school policy against relationships between teachers and parents was made to prevent inappropriate relationships, affairs, and ethical breaches—but … now that I have all the facts, I see no such case here.”

Josephine and I exchange a relieved glance.

“Given the unprecedented circumstances, I’ll of course need to conduct a special review of Clementine’s work as she finishes out the school year with Miss Andrews to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.” He pauses and looks at us again. “So long as everything is handled professionally, I don’t see any reason why your relationship should be an issue.” He smiles. “In the meantime, you both have my full support. I’ll work with the board of directors to make some much needed updates to the rule book. Perhaps, we can even allow the color blue.” He winks.

Josephine’s hand slips into mine, her thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand. “Thank you, Headmaster Thornton. We appreciate your understanding and support,” she says.

As we leave Headmaster Thornton’s office hand in hand, I look at Josephine, who’s wearing a radiant smile, and I feel a surge of love for her.

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have her by my side.

“Are you okay?” I ask her, squeezing her hand.

“I’m more than okay,” she says, looking up at me with adoration in her eyes. “I’m overjoyed. I can’t believe we’re finally able to be together, openly and honestly.”

Once we’re alone in the parking lot, I pull her close, caressing the side of her face. She trembles at my touch. “Did you mean what you said, Jacob? About wanting to marry me?”

I pull her closer, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Every word, Jo. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I want you to be my wife.”

She buries her face in my chest, her body shaking with emotion. “I love you. So much.”

“I love you too. More than anything.” I lift her face up to mine gaze deeply into her emerald eyes.

“Please … kiss me…” she utters hungrily.

I kiss her forehead, then work my way down the bridge of her nose, gently kissing the freckles that are sprinkled across it. I take my time exploring the soft skin of her face, memorizing every curve and angle with my lips. I trail kisses along her cheekbone, as her breath hitches in her chest. Josephine parts her lips for me in anticipation, and I oblige, capturing her mouth with mine in a passionate, fiery kiss.

She tastes like honey and cinnamon, and I lose myself in her as she moans into my mouth. My hands trail down her back, pulling her closer to me. The heat between us is palpable, everything else fades away as our bodies meld together as if they were made for each other.

“Get a room!” A voice from behind snickers.

Josephine and I laugh as we reluctantly pull away from each other and look toward the giggling teenage boy—it’s the same boy who wore the parrot costume at the cricket match.

“Go lay an egg!” I call out, giving him a pointed look. The boy scurries away with a wave, but not before I catch the smirk on his face. I shake my head in amusement.

“Looks like our secret’s out,” I say, pulling her closer to me.

Josephine grins up at me, her eyes sparkling. “I think I’m okay with that,” she says, leaning in to give me another kiss

At this moment, I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

I’m filled with a joy that I never thought was possible, thanks to the wonderful woman in my arms.

And I’m never letting her go.

Epilogue

Josephine

Six Months Later

“How is this a real house?’ Larisa gasps. “I mean ... are you sure we’re at the right address, Emmy?”

“Well, we’re already inside so ... if we’re at the wrong address, they’re either going to call the cops or set the dogs on us.” Emmy laughs.

“Or both...”

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