The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

My heart sinks when I hear Paisley’s question, and I realize that Ethan was right about telling them together – not only for the sake of setting a good example for them, but because I didn’t anticipate this particular question. It will be easier to break the bad news with him beside me, so that all the blame doesn’t fall on my shoulders this time.

It breaks my heart that they’re still asking this, though it’s not surprising. They might be growing up fast, but they’re still so little. It’s going to take a very long time and lots of repetition for them to understand – as much as any child can understand being separated from their parents.

“No sweetheart.” Ethan murmurs gently. “In the new year you’re going to go home with your Mommy, just like we planned.”

I watch their faces as they absorb this news, hating inflicting pain on them but knowing there’s no other way around it. Riley, Ryder and Parker drop their gazes to their laps, hiding their disappointment from us. Paisley, on the other hand, is staring at Ethan with utter determination.

She stands up, slow and deliberate, her young face very serious as she turns her attention to me. “I wanna stay with Daddy.” She says firmly. “I wanna go back to the way things were afore.”

I feel my knees begin to buckle, and catch myself on the back of the couch. Ive forgotten how to breathe, and even as the room begins spinning I’m fighting to controI my expression, not to show her how deeply her words cut me. That hurt. That really hurt. Ethan’s strong hands catch me just above the elbows, and he eases me down onto the couch, “Easy now.” He murmurs, “Are you okay?”

I nod, choking back my emotions. The room is still spinning, and I’m afraid I’m going to be sick. “

Mommy, wha’s wrong!” The pups gather around me anxiously, their faces scrunched up in concern. I try to draw in a few breaths of air, but it isn’t easy at all. I clench my eyes shut against the room whirling around me in a sickening blur, trying to gauge whether or not I’m going to be sick and whether I’m steady enough to reach a restroom if that is the case.

I’d been afraid that the pups would never stop asking for Ethan- that I’d never be enough for them again – but the reality is worse. Paisley doesn’t want me at all. And what if Ethan says yes?

possibly let him? Is it truly in her best interest to stay with me, or is that my own selfish desire to have my

her eyes as she cuddles

energy.” Ethan explains, “It makes Mommies very sleepy and upsets their tummies. You’ve

they nod, looking at me with worried expressions. “I’m okay angels, just

already requested this?He knew and he didn’t tell me. “You belong with

remember?” I prompt, wanting to reach for her but still uncertain of my

frowns, tears sliding down her cheeks. “But I didn’ know

but my life is in the Dark Moon pack, and Daddy’s

glaring at him now, her lips quivering as if she wants to make an outburst and is holding herself back for some reason.

behind.” The other children encourage, and I’m amazed to see our conversation last night and the prospect of a new sibling has allowed them to accept this change. I have a feeling it’s only temporary, and also suspicious that they’re still plotting things, but right now I’m not going to question this. “We haves to

“Besides your Mommy’s going to need as much help as she can get with the new

going to have to take on more responsibilities as big brothers and

is currently scampering towards the kitchen, no doubt following his nose. Paisley follows the direction of her sister’s finger, and when she looks back at us, I realize she’s not angry with me. She’s angry with Ethan for not letting her stay. I’m beginning to wonder if she knows that he’s the reason none of us can stay. Before this trip she was equally upset with me, but now she throws another furious look at her father and climbs up onto the couch next to me, crawling halfway into my lap. She nudges her head under

her cheek, dropping k!sses to her hair. “There now, no more arguing.” I croon. “It’s still Christmas, and there are more

the person assigned to each gift. Paisley stays tucked under my arm, and her familiar weight against my side relieves some of my dizziness,

wonder. Is he angry at me? At her?

been wrapped by anyone but a four-year-old, He turns back with a smile, looking completely unbothered. He accepts the present, playfully shaking the box and earning himself a scolding from Ryder,

pulls out the first one, lifting the Riley jar to