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 a round-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’s a 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.

He makes me feel beautiful and loved, and I can see the lust in his eyes as he takes in my naked form. “Good God, sugar. You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen.”

I blush, feeling a little shy, but the heat in his gaze makes me bold. I step forward and start to unbutton his shirt, but he gets impatient and just pulls his shirt over his head, exposing his muscular chest. I reach out, running my hands over his bare skin. This man is all mine, and I can’t wait to show him how much I appreciate him. He shivers under my touch, his eyes darkening with desire.

We kiss again, our bodies pressed together. My nipples harden against his chest, and I can feel his erection straining against his pants. We move toward the bed, our movements frantic and urgent. We both know what we need, and we’re ready to take it.

When we reach the bed, I push him down, straddling him. I reach between us, undoing his belt and sliding his pants down his legs. His cock springs free, and I wrap my hand around it, stroking him slowly. He groans as his head falls back, his eyes closed.

I lean down, kissing his neck and collarbone. He smells so good, a mixture of cologne and sweat. I can’t get enough of him. I continue to stroke him, feeling his cock throb in my hand.

“Fuck, Jane,” he growls. “You’re driving me crazy.”

I smile, loving the way his body responds to me. I increase my pace, and he bucks his hips, thrusting into my hand. He reaches up, cupping my breasts and teasing my nipples. The sensation sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I grind against him, my pussy aching for release.

I can’t wait any longer—I need him inside me. I lift myself up, positioning his cock at my entrance. I sink down on him, taking him inch by inch. He fills me so completely, stretching me in the most delicious way.

“Fuck,” he groans, his hands gripping my hips. “You feel so fucking good.”

I start to ride him, moving up and down on his cock. He thrusts his hips, meeting me in a rhythm that has us both panting and moaning while he grabs my ass and squeezes. My breasts bounce as I move, and he buries his face between them, licking and sucking on my nipples as they brush against his cheeks.

Reiner flips me onto my back, and I spread my legs wide, wrapping them around his waist. He starts to fuck me harder, his cock hitting my G-spot with each thrust. I cry out, the pleasure building inside me. I’m so close.

He reaches down, rubbing my clit with his thumb. The added stimulation is enough to send me over the edge. I come hard, my pussy clenching around his cock. He keeps fucking me, drawing out my orgasm.

I watch him, his face contorted in pleasure as he nears his own release. His body tenses, and he lets out a low groan as he comes inside me. He collapses on top of me, his breathing ragged.

“That was amazing,” he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“It was,” I agree, my voice laced with exhaustion.

We lie there for a while, basking in the afterglow of our lovemaking. I snuggle against him, enjoying the warmth of his body. It feels like home.

“I love you, sugar,” he whispers, and the pet name he’s called me since the day we met makes me smile.

“I love you, too, Reiner,” I murmur, my heart swelling with happiness.

This is where I belong, in his arms. I’ve never been happier.

“I’ll love you forever,” he adds.

I grin, knowing that he means it. He’s the man of my dreams, and I’ll never let him go.

“Forever,” I echo.

*****

THE END