The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

"A calm moment, Ari," Jesse says, flopping back down on the couch as Rafe gets Mark a glass of champagne. "If we could have a single day without a baby announcement or a world-shattering revelation, I'd be able to take a deep breath and arrange it."

I snarl at him, conceding the point, but narrowing my eyes. "Tonight," I snap, pointing a finger at him. "Whatever you have planned, we're doing it tonight." Jesse raises his champagne flute to me and nods, giving me his silent promise. Rafe grins at me as he returns to the couch, letting out a happy, content sigh as he and Mark sit down next to each other, each sipping their champagne.

"Don't get comfortable," dad says from his spot in the center of the room, still standing with his arms around mom. Mom's eyes are a bit vague and distant. I grin, because I know that mentally she's shopping - planning out all the things she's going to buy for the girls. Dad snaps his fingers at Rafe and smirks at him. "Just because we have good family news doesn't mean we don't have a job to do."

"What?" I ask, my smile falling a little bit, looking around at everyone as Jackson places a steady hand on my back, warm and supportive.

I just look up at him, completely confused - why does everyone know something that I don't?

"An all-day meeting about Community stuff," Jackson says, looking down into my face. "I'm sorry - I meant to mention it last night and it slipped my mind."

"Yeah, did you think we just came at dawn all dressed and ready to hang out with you, Ari?” Jesse asks, defying my father and lounging further on the couch.

"Yes, of course I did," I say, blinking innocently at him. My cousin grins at me, getting my sense of humor as he always does.

"Come on, you lazy things," dad says, snapping his fingers at the boys. "Leave Ella to force-feed your sister health foods, we've got a meeting."

"I can't come!?" I gasp, desperately jealous and not quite sure why I'm being left out.

to watch your child, Ariel," Jesse says, rolling his eyes at me as he sighs and gets to his feet. "So, unless you want Jackson to sit it out

understanding. Yes - child care. One of us

our little girl immediately, my stomach twisting with delight when Marigold immediately reaches for me, coming

Goldie in my lap. "Wait, what's going on? What are you talking about in the

on the North," Jackson says,

"And just how much the Academy is going to

to see

the side as I consider this. I look at my mom. Well, I should probably be part of that.

goes a bit still, studying me. "Of course I'd be happy to

too, narrowing my eyes a bit. Because...why is there a hesitation there?

head, looking around at everyone in the

go?" Mark asks, leaning forward towards me, the only one not giving

can

Can

involved," say, straightening my shoulders." mean I'm going to want to help with that, and as the only

words fade off as Rafe grimaces and my family starts to look

other, worried and pitying.