The Luna and her Quadruplet Pups by Jane Above Story

Jane

When Ethan and I arrive back at the penthouse we find Devon and Nina sitting on the sofa while the pups zoom around the living room in front of them. Devon has an arm slung over Nina’s shoulder, which surprises me, but I can’t focus on them because the moment we walk through the four little bodies come hurtling at our legs.

Mommy! Daddy!” The pups cry excitedly.

Parker is the tallest and fastest, so he reaches us first, leaping up into Ethan’s waiting arms while I intercept Riley, whose small size lets her bound weightlessly across the room. “Hello my love puddles.” I greet them happily, kneeling so I can also hug Ryder, while Ethan effortlessly scoops up Paisley, even though his arms are already full with her brother.

“What have you been up to? Were you good for Devon and Nina?” I ask, marvelling at Ethan’s strength despite his recent recovery.

“We were sooo good.” Riley confirms. “Nina was sad so we cuddled her.”

“And then Devon told us we could get ice cream if we promised not to eavesdrop.” Parker adds, and I notice some chocolate stains around his mouth.

“So we played games in our rooms and then we went and gots the biggest sundae in the whole world, Mommy.” Paisley continues, squirming free of her father’s hold so she can come kiss me hello.

She yawns wide as she snuggles up against me, and I brush my lips over her soft cheek. Suddenly it’s very clear why they were so energetic when we walked in I know a sugar high when I see one, and I also realize my babies are about to crash. In truth, I’m fairly exhausted myself -between growing my baby, running with Ethan and surviving the onslaught of his lust, I could easily collapse where I stand.

“Well it sounds as if you’ve had quite the afternoon.” Ethan observes with a tight smile, and I know his thoughts are lingering on Riley’s comment about Nina. I follow his gaze to the pair on the couch, seeing that Nina’s cheeks are flushed with slight color. I realize they need time alone to talk, so I suggest something we all need.

“Yes, and it’s almost naptime.” I announce, finally able to get my hands on Parker as the pups rotate through our arms. “So why don’t you thank Devon for filling you with sugar and then we can go lie down in your fort.”

you going to nap withs us Mommy?” Ryder inquires

chased me

her little paw. “Can

How bout this?”

of course only encourages the other pups to try as well. Soon I’m lying in their makeshift fort in the bedroom, with four precious babies gathered around my feet, coming up with more and more new items and textures to test against my toes and heels. It’s pure silliness, and quickly falls apart when they find a feather to tickle me with – still, it got them to

Ethan’s lap, but when I find him he’s standing at the counter with an odd expression on

approach, not knowing what to expect, let alone what to do

to face me, a strange sort of resignation on her features. “I owe you an apology.” She says, shocking

at Ethan, who offers an encouraging

thought I wanted.” Nina’s lashes fall shut, regret heavy on her tongue. “I’m

future I thought I wanted.” I know better than anyone what it’s like to move through life in one

takes a moment for her to return my embrace but once she does, she squeezes

squeeze her tighter. “I’m sorry.” I murmur gently.”If anything good comes out

my hair. I look up at Ethan in surprise,

for.” I tell her honestly, still watching Ethan. I’m struggling to stay focused

replies, finally pulling back. “I hope we can be friends one day… even though we

sound behind me, and I tum to see Devon leaning in the doorway. He looks past me to Nina, tenderness filling his eyes as she looks up

and rests her small palm in his, and together they retreat from

then Ethan is there,

with a shrug,