Page 57 of The Wolf's Plus-Size Bride

I’m standing in my bedroom, admiring the metal wolf Reiner made me, when my aunt Gwen walks in. She lingers in the doorway for a few minutes, not saying anything, just watching me.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she finally says.

“Yes,” I agree, running my fingers over the cool metal.

“He’s quite talented,” she says, stepping into the room. “I think he could make some good money selling his sculptures.”

“I think so, too,” I agree, smiling at her.

“You know, we’re supposed to go home in a couple of days. Are you going to come with us or stay here?”

“I… I’m not sure,” I say, hesitating.

“Because if you’re staying, it’s okay, Jane,” she says, putting her hand on my shoulder. “You’re an adult, and you can make your own decisions. But I want you to be sure. This is a big step, and I don’t want you to regret it.”

“I know,” I say, sighing. “I’m just not sure what I want to do yet.”

“Well, how serious are things between you two? You seem quite taken, but I’m just wondering how much of that is new relationship excitement and how much of it is real.”

I hesitate, not sure how to answer. I’ve never been in a situation like this before. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, and Reiner and I haven’t talked about anything beyond the present.

“We’re taking it slow,” I say, evading the question.

“I can understand that,” my aunt acknowledges, nodding. “But the time will come, and fairly soon, when you’ll have to make a decision. You can’t put it off forever.”

“I know,” I tell her, sighing. “I just… I’m not ready to make that decision yet. I’m still trying to figure things out.”

“I know, honey,” she says, giving me a hug. “Just remember, no matter what you decide, we’ll support you. I’m sure Piper would love to have you here close to her, but we’ll miss you like crazy if you stay.”

“Thanks, Aunt Gwen.” I hug her back. “I’m not going anywhere just yet, so let’s not worry about it, okay?”

“Okay,” she says, smiling. “I’m on babysitting duty tonight, so I’ll be out late. Piper and Rafe are going to the movies, and I’m going to watch Margie. Don’t wait up for me.”

“I won’t,” I promise. “Have fun.”

“I will,” she says, laughing. “You too.”

“Don’t worry, I will.”

She leaves, and I’m alone with my thoughts. I keep staring at the wolf Reiner made me, and I can’t help but wonder if there’s a message in it. Aunt Gwen is right. I can’t put off making a decision forever. Sooner or later, I’m going to have to make a choice.

I’ve refused to even entertain the idea of a future here with Reiner. I’ve been so focused on enjoying the moment and not worrying about the future. But now, it’s all I can think about.

I’m falling for him. There’s no denying it anymore. But what if it’s not the same for him? What if I’m just a fling, a way to pass the time until I leave?

I don’t want to think like that, but I can’t help it. The possibility is there, and given our history, it’s not an unreasonable assumption.

I’m not sure what to do. My heart is telling me to stay, to give us a chance, but my head is telling me to be smart, to protect myself.

I’m not sure who to listen to. Another knock on my door pulls me out of my thoughts.

“Come in,” I call out.

The door opens, and Reiner peeks his head in. I jump, fully expecting it to be Aunt Gwen.

“Oh my gosh, you scared me,” I say, my hand on my chest.

“Sorry,” he apologizes. When he holds out his hand, a glint of metal catches my eye. “I have something for you.”

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