Page 72 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

“I love you, too, Reiner,” she replies, her voice filled with emotion. “And I’m never going to leave you again.”

Epilogue - Jane

Six Months Later

Six months have flown by in a blur of new routines, shifting allegiances, and tentative steps toward a future I can almost grasp. Tonight, though, is supposed to be a simple family dinner with Aunt Gwen, Uncle Richard, Sonya, Jack, and Reiner, of course. We’re in Stardust Hollow, back where everything started.

It feels so strange to be back home after spending so much time in Green Lake. It’s become my new home, and being so close to Piper again has been wonderful, but it’s definitely nice to be back.

I’m dressed in a casual but elegant green dress, the kind that makes me feel like I’ve put in the effort but still look relaxed. It’s a family dinner, after all. Reiner is beside me, his usual easygoing smile in place, though there’s something in his eyes tonight—something I can’t quite place. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t noticed the way his gaze lingers on me with a bit more intensity than usual.

When we arrive at my aunt’s house, she throws her arms around me in welcome. From inside, the aroma of home-cooked comfort food makes my mouth water, and Uncle Richard’s hearty laugh is the soundtrack to the evening’s preparation. Sonya looks effortlessly chic in a navy blue dress, and she gives us a dramatic wave from inside. It’s a scene I’ve missed, a moment of normalcy that feels almost magical.

The dinner proceeds with the usual chatter and laughter. Aunt Gwen’s cooking is as excellent as ever, with crispy roast chicken, mashed potatoes with just the right amount of garlic,and a vibrant green salad. As I savor each bite, I feel a deep contentment. It’s nice to be back here, sharing these simple pleasures with the people who matter most.

Halfway through the meal, Reiner reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. His fingers are warm against mine, and I look up, catching his gaze. There’s something different in the way he looks at me tonight, something serious and filled with emotion. My heart skips a beat, and a flutter of nerves and excitement mix together.

“So,” Reiner begins, his voice a soft rumble that draws everyone’s attention, “I’ve been thinking a lot lately.”

The table goes quiet, forks and knives pausing in mid-air as everyone turns their attention to him. I’m suddenly very aware of the weight of his words, and my pulse quickens.

He isn’t about to… oh, he better not. I haven’t gotten my nails done!

“I’ve been thinking about how lucky I am,” he continues, “to have Jane in my life. How much she means to me. And I realized that I don’t want to waste any more time.”

Yup. He’s going to. Holy shit, I can’t breathe.

He stands up so fast, his chair scrapes against the wooden floor. I watch, both surprised and slightly apprehensive as he gets down on one knee beside me. The room seems to hold its breath, and Sonya and Aunt Gwen cover their mouths to stifle their collective gasps.

My heart is pounding so loudly, I’m sure everyone can hear it. Reiner’s eyes never leave mine as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box. He opens it to reveal a stunning engagement ring. It’s a timeless piece featuring around-cut diamond set in a delicate platinum band. Simple, but oh my gosh, is it gorgeous.

“Jane,” he clears his throat as his voice cracks, “I love you more than I ever thought possible. I know I’ve made mistakes, and I know I’ve hurt you in ways I never meant to. But I’m here now, and I’m committed to us. I promise I’ll never fumble this again. Will you marry me?”

I’m completely stunned, my mind racing through memories of our time together—the laughter, the tears, the quiet moments we’ve shared. My eyes fill with tears, and I nod, unable to form words. All I can do is squeeze his hand, and my heart swells with a joy I can hardly contain.

“Yes,” I manage to whisper, my voice choked with emotion. “Yes, I will.”

The room erupts into applause and cheers. Gwen and Richard’s faces are alight with happiness, and Sonya and Jack are grinning widely, Sonya’s eyes gleaming with unshed tears. Reiner slips the ring onto my finger. It fits perfectly, as though it was always meant to be there.

He pulls me into a tight embrace, and I bury my face against his shoulder, overwhelmed by the love and warmth surrounding me. The kiss he presses to my temple is soft and full of promise, and I can’t help but smile through my tears.

Once the excitement has settled and everyone has offered their congratulations, Reiner and I say our goodbyes. Aunt Gwen offered to let us stay with her in my old room, but I offered to let Jack stay there. If nothing else, this way, Reiner and I have some privacy. Which turns out to be a very, very good thing.

Reiner takes my hand and leads me outside. The night air is cool against my cheeks, a welcome contrast to the warmth of the house. We head to the hotel where we’re staying, and there’sa new excitement moving our feet. I just can’t wait to be alone with my fiancé.

As soon as we’re alone in our room, the door closes behind us, and Reiner pulls me into his arms again. The hotel room feels intimate and cozy, with its soft lighting and the comfortable bed in the corner. I look up at him, seeing the love and adoration in his eyes.

“I’ve wanted to do this for so long,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just… I wanted it to be perfect.”

I smile, reaching up to cup his face in my hands. “It is perfect,” I assure him. “More than I ever dreamed it could be.”

We kiss, and it’s as though the world outside ceases to exist. The tenderness in his touch, the way he holds me close—it all feels like a dream. Every moment we’ve shared together has led to this one, and I’m grateful for each and every one of them.

When he moves his lips from mine, trailing kisses down my neck, I let out a soft moan. I can feel his desire for me mirroring my own. I want him, need him, more than I ever have before.

His hands slide down my body, caressing my curves. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the way his touch sends shivers of pleasure down my spine. He’s so gentle and yet so strong, and I know that I’m safe with him no matter what.

He unzips my dress, letting it fall to the floor. I stand before him, wearing nothing but my bra and panties. I reach back and unclasp my bra, letting it join the rest of my clothes on the floor. Ever since all the barriers have fallen between us, Reiner has shown me every day how attracted he is to me. I no longer cover my stomach or hide my curves.

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