Page 47 of Rejected Plus-Size Mate

We all headed outside and towards the forest. My eyes were on Riley, who was excited. I asked her about shifting in front of the others, and she said she didn't mind as long as she had clothes to put on afterward. We all had clothes stashed at the flag.

"Once everyone has shifted, we wait, and then we go," Ayden said.

We all shifted into our wolf form and got ready. It was silent for a moment before Ayden spoke up. "Go."

We all took off into the wood, following the edge. I didn't care about winning but making sure that Riley had a good time.

Miles quickly slammed into Lucas, who went rolling, and the girls and I ran past them. I couldn't help but laugh as Miles spoke up. "Your out, asshole! You ain't winning this year."

"Neither are you," Lucas snapped back.

We kept running, and Wendy took the lead with the girls.

"You're a little slow this year," Wendy chirped.

"Your husband is going for the win," I said, watching as Ayden and Owen were in front, going head and head. Thomas was closing in right behind them, though.

We ran faster, catching up with the guys, and I could see the excitement in Riley's eyes as she ran. She looked loose and carefree, like the day we went running before.

I couldn't keep my eyes off her as we ran, getting closer and closer to the flag. It was in sight now, and Ayden was the closest.

"I'm going to win," Ayden said excitedly.

As they closed in on the flag, I watched Thomas take off ahead of Ayden at the last minute, taking the flag out. We allcame to a sudden halt as Ayden turned, looking at Thomas in shock.

I couldn't help but laugh, watching as Thomas moved around happily. He wiggled, and his tail wagged around with him. "Main man! Main man! I win." Thomas cheered happily.

I glanced at Riley, who stood with the girls, looking peaceful. The wind blew, and her brown fur ruffled in the air. And I felt my heart skip a beat. I had already thought I was in love with her before, but I knew I was now. I loved her, and I wanted a life with her.

Chapter 21 - Riley

I walked down the hallway toward the front play area and took in the kids who were there already. Becky was sitting in a chair, helping one of the kids pull their jacket off. Becky glanced up and smiled. "Morning, Riley, you're here early."

"I got an early start to my day and decided to come in and help with getting the kids ready when they get here."

"That's so helpful," Becky said, letting the kid free of his jacket. He quickly rushed off towards the play area.

Just then, the door opened, and Rylie, one of the preschoolers, ran into the daycare. She was giddy as she moved, jumping on her heels. "Morning, Becky. Morning Riley."

"Good morning, Ryline. You look perky today."

Ryline nodded her head. "I am. Mom, let me wear my favorite shirt." Ryline quickly pulled her jacket off, showing a pink shirt with a princess on the front.

I smiled at her, loving how the kids always seemed in such a good mood. It was refreshing to be around kids and always feel their joy. It was so different from my normal life; the more time I spent here, the more thankful I was.

"Ryline, do you want to help me set up breakfast this morning?" I asked, having taken over the breakfast for the mornings. The girls always gathered the kids, and I helped bring everything to the rooms.

"Yeah!" She started jumping up and down eagerly. So, I took Ryline with me to the kitchen and handed her the spoons. I grabbed the bibs and napkins, and we went to each of the rooms, setting the spaces up.

Ryline told me about her night. Her family watched a movie with dinner and had ice cream for dessert. As she talked, I wondered what future I wanted. I'd never wondered much about having children since being with Brad. They weren't at the top of his list of important things to get started on right away. It had been one of the things I put aside for him.

"Can I tell you a secret," Ryline whispered. "My mom said not to tell anyone because it's early, but she's going to have another baby."

"Oh, that's wonderful. You must be so excited."

Ryline nodded her head. "I am."

After we finished setting everything out, we took the cart full of food and dropped off the trays. I handed them slowly to Ryline, who placed them in each spot. We were finishing the last plate when I heard a voice I had gotten to know well.

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