The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Chapter 174

Ethan

Christmas carols fill the air as I watch Riley, Ryder, Paisley and Parker zoom around the skating rink, giggling and laughing as they play tag and stage races. Fairy lights and boughs of holly have been strewn around the edges of the rink, and the scent of apples and cinnamon waft through the falling snow from a nearby hot cider booth.

My first afternoon back with the pups is the best day I’ve had since they were kidnapped – and certainly since I was paralyzed. It’s true that I’m heartbroken over Jane, but being with my children again at long last is pure joy. Ice skating has always been Paisley’s favorite Christmas pastime, but I’ve never seen her share the experience with anyone but me. It’s magical to see her playing with the others, so carefree. In the old days I had to hold her hand the whole time, she was never healthy enough to get rambunctious on the ice. Now she has no problem keeping up, and I couldn’t be prouder.

That said, every few minutes she comes racing over to the sidelines to beg me to come onto the ice with her. She doesn’t understand why I’m not out there with her like I always have been in the past.

Unfortunately my mechanized braces are great for pretending to walk, but there’s no way they can handle ice skating – the movement is too smooth, and the balance too precarious.

“Daddy please!””Paisley begs, giving me huge puppy dog eyes. “We came all this way to sees you and you’re not even skating!

“Daddy’s still recovering from his surgery.” I lie.

You remember how careful you have to be when you’re healing.”

But how much longer is it gonna take? She inquires. “I wanna play with you.”

I want to play with you too, angel. And I will- I’m just not up to skating.” I sigh. Besides you don’t need me anymore, you have your brothers and sister.”

Is not the same.” Paisley frowns. I never had to worry ’bout falling before. You were always there to catch me! What if I falls?”

“Sweetheart, you’re healthy enough to fall now.

I continue. You can’t go through your whole life holding Daddy’s hand. You have to branch out on your own take risks. It’s

when pups want to be that close with their parents are so fleeting. However if I’m going to let them stay here it can’t just be for Jane, I have to take the

me the opportunity to do things right – to make sure she and the pups are really going to be okay after I’m gone. In hindsight, I should have done this from the beginning, but I didn’t have the braces

be buying my story. “Daddy what are you talking about?” She demands. “I don’ wanna grow ups if it means I haves to stop

little one.” I confess. “None of us ever want to grow up. But it happens

her eyes. “Daddy, you’re

“I know, I’m

weirds.” Paisley continues. “Is somefing going on you’re not tellings

good. That’s Jane’s doing- her genes were clearly stronger than mine when it came to passing down her brilliant mind. Usually I think it’s a blessing they’re so bright. But times like

giving up the game. Then, right on queue, Riley, Parker and Ryder skid to a stop beside her. “Come on Paisley!”

she turns

hold hands and can’t let go even if other

to weave and dodge and try to stay together

excitedly,

skate away I look back to the benches lining the rink, finding Jane watching me with a drawn expression. She hasn’t spoken a word to me since we fought this morning, and her eyes are still red from crying.

pulling my mouth into a hard

alright? I’m trying to do what’s right, I’m trying to

time keeping myself together if you stopped hovering

she’s so raw and fragile. Part of me wants to feel hopeful like my Beta suggested, to leave a window open for myself in case I

good for her. She’s in this state because of me. Even if I do get better, I need to let her go. She deserves to find a

suspicious if there’s too much distance between us.” I

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