The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

“I still can’t believe it!” I exclaim, telling Devon how happy I am about the pups getting into the Dark Moon Academy for the fifth time. The pups were less than thrilled when I told them, clearly not understanding what’s so great about the institution, but Devon understands. He almost seems as excited as I am.

After Ethan’s dismissive attitude and the pups underwhelmed response, it felt amazing to have someone share my glee. We’re already at the New Years fair, and though I told myself I was going to wait to announce the good news until Devon asked me about my day, I ended up blurting it out as soon as I saw him. He was still walking across the parking lot when I practically yelled it at him, but he didn’t even miss a beat.

Devon’s handsome face split into an ecstatic grin,and he scooped me up into a tight hug, pulling my feet right off the ground. “Janey that’s fantastic, congratulations!” He’s listened to my excited chatter ever since, never once trying to change the subject or dissuade me. After we got our tickets, which he paid for despite my protests, he turned his attention to the pups.

Pups, you must be so excited about your new school!” He prompts, smiling down at them.

The pups look up at Devon with guarded expressions. It’s clear they aren’t sure what to make of him yet, though they seem to like how often he makes me smile. I like it too. It’s been a long time since I smiled this way.. though I didn’t realize it until my cheek muscles grew sore so quickly – not used to being employed.

I mean, is just a school.” Parker shrugged. “Aren’t all schools the same?”

“Are you kidding?” Devon asks cheerfully, “This isn’t just any school! You’re going to get to do so many cool things you wouldn’t be able to do if you went someplace else: Field trips, science experiments, sports like archery and fencing, art and music classes with the best teachers on the continent. There’s a swimming pool and a planetarium – and stables where you can ride horses!

“Really?” The pups gape, finally understanding why I’ve been dancing around like a crazy person all afternoon.

“Really.” He nods solemnly, “And when you get older you can even sleep there during the week and live in dorms with other students.’

“But you won’t,” I object pointedly, making my dramatic and silly. “There’s no way I could survive without seeing my babies every day.”

“Don’t worry, Mommy.” Parker says, smiling up at me. “We won’t let you die from no cuddles. We’ll sneak home even if we do sleep theres.”

I profess, petting his

fair to celebrate.” Devon

tracks, their eyes wide and their faces lighting up

right.” He confirms, “I mean the city will set of big fireworks at midnight, but I thought you might like to set off some of your own.”

we do!” The pups chirp, jumping up

boring than I thought, making we should

kids cry, clasping his hands and dragging him towards a nearby fireworks booth. I follow, laughing to myself, then realizing how long it’s been since I laughed too. The pups had lots of fun and sweet moments with Ethan before the truth spilled out the other day, but I hadn’t been able to find joy in it – because I knew what was coming. This is different. This is pure fun, and I don’t have

dropping my voice so that the pups can’t hear. You do know that if you set my children on fire on our first date, it’s going

worry Janey, by the time Ethan and I were five we were already blowing things

out, and hearing my inner mom list all the dangers in my head. I’m not really worried, but five does seem young for fireworks.

and he gives me

frowning, thinking that even the best parents can’t prevent everything, but Devon distracts me,

shrug, “Maybe I decided I

doesn’t mean

though he hates having to dissuade me. “It just

his own interests above another’s needs. Arching my brow, I decide to test him. “Does

you had any idea how long I’ve been waiting for

I ask, a flash of doubt assailing me. I’m not anything special, not really. It always seemed too good to be true that Ethan wanted me and of course that turned out to be true. It was too good to be true. Could Devon honestly be that

we can set these off. We need lots of space without a lot of people around.” The pups happily comply, taking off to begin the hunt for a good spot. Devon and I follow behind them, and at

and betraying his shyness about discussing this. I was determined to find myself a mate that was even

snort, “of course