Jane

I’m staring at Devon with utmost apprehension, my thoughts racing at a mile a minute. What in the Goddess’s name is he about to tell me? All of a sudden, I realize that whatever it is – I don’t want to hear it. My heart is racing every bit as fast as my thoughts, pounding violently against my ribcage.

To imagine that yet another person in my life – one I taught myself to trust despite all my bad experiences, who I’ve come to trust above anyone else save Linda- might have betrayed me, is just too much to contemplate.

Devon is watching me anxiously, trying to work up the courage to say whatever it is he intends. The hand I rejected a moment ago now clasps his other, shaking with the force he’s using to lock his fingers together. Already I know whatever is coming must be very bad indeed- or he wouldn’t be so nervous.

“I’m sorry, Devon.” I choke suddenly, lurching to my feet. “I can’t do this. I can’t be here right now.”

“Jane wait-” He stands as well, reaching towards me as if he worries I won’t be steady on my feet. “

It’s not what you think!”

“No,” I shake my head, cradling my hand over the curve of my belly. “I have to go.”I stalk out the door before he can stop me, and though the heavy wood slams behind me, I can hear him swearing up a storm.

I rush to my new car, it’s silver paint still gleaming with a factory wax finish. I slide into the drivers seat and start the engine, locking the door when I see Devon rush out of the house behind me. I shift it into gear and take off towards my apartment, tears streaming down my cheeks. I thought I’d cried a lot during my first pregnancy, but this one is quickly proving me wrong.

“Goddess Damn It, Ethan!” I cry into the empty car.

Wasn’t it hard enough with the quadruplets?

Couldn’t you give me even one baby that won’t rip my heart out just getting here?”

I know the only thing that’s going to make me feel better right now is seeing my pups, but I also know I can’t go home to them in this state. It’s not only that I don’t want them to see me cry, Dr Nora has been warning me about not imposing my personal traumas on them. I don’t want to teach them that people are bad and not to be trusted, even if my experiences have made me feel that way.

Sobbing, I pull over and lower my head to the steering wheel, letting the tears wrack my body until I can breathe again until the deluge finally ebbs and slows and I can think clearly. I do a few breathing exercises, and dry my face, checking the rearview mirror to make sure my skin isn’t too splotchy.

to cry gave him the headstart he needed, because his

Devon is alone with the pups. I can hear their laughter before I even walk through the door. I push inside, finding Devon on the floor beneath a wriggling puppy

heads pop up when I enter, and suddenly the excited pups are charging me, Mommy”

arms and kissing their sweet faces. As soon as I see them my spirits lift, even though the traitor lurks in the background. It’s amazing how they can make my heart swell with a single word, a single touch. I feel so much lighter, even when Parker looks up at me with an

into the world ‘Il be so big and fat I’ll have to waddle like a penguin. I won’t even be able to stand up by myself, you three will have to buy a crane just

don’t have money for a crane.” Ryder

worry.” Riley interjects, “we’ll take cares of you and then you’ll never have to get

me hand and foot?” I

if I have

true.” Parker muses, “She pees

learn to sleep standing

won’t have to worry bout getting

what,” Devon cuts in, coming to stand behind them. “if you pups can wait on

while she’s resting, I’ll handle getting her up

voice. “Pups,

rising in a familiar lilt. “Are

hating that this man is making

them to turn on Devon. “I say I can’t

Devon pleads, keeping his voice low and glancing to the pups door. “I haven’t been actively lying to you, I’ve just been withholding something- something personal about myself that I was too afraid to share – surely you can understand

myself, my heart

my guard down just yet. “If I can

To my amazement, Devon’s voice

got a chance to prove

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