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.”

nap withs us Mommy?” Ryder inquires eagerly, his eyes

might.” I reply, ruffling his hair. “Your Daddy chased me around the woods for so

Riley questions slyly, poking my foot with her little paw.

How bout this?”

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 me lie down. I’m convinced the promise of my company is the only thing that persuaded my hyper pups to actually take a nap, and soon they’re fast asleep around me. I nod off quickly as well, and when I wake an hour or so later I can

pups’ room, carefully closing the door behind me. I’m still groggy, and want nothing “more than to go crawl in Ethan’s lap, but when I find him he’s standing at the counter with an odd expression on his handsome face. I stop when I see tears in Nina’s eyes, unsure of whether I

what to expect, let

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

at Ethan, who offers

lashes fall shut, regret heavy on her tongue. “I’m coming to realize that I was wrong about a lot of things, but nothing was worse than the way I treated you when you needed help. I’m ashamed

I know better than anyone

without another word to pull Nina into my embrace. She gasps in surprise, and it takes a moment for her to return my embrace but once she does, she squeezes her arms around me as tightly as I’m holding

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

he leaves here.” Nina announces, her voice slightly muffled by my hair. I look up at Ethan in surprise, but he must have already known this detail because he only nods. “I don’t belong here…” Nina continues in a whisper. “And I’m starting to realize I

focused on the woman in front of me, too preoccupied with wondering what this

replies, finally pulling back. “I hope we can be friends one

that,” I agree, smiling at her as she swipes tears from her eyes. Footsteps sound behind me, and I tum to see Devon leaning in the doorway. He looks past me to Nina, tenderness

rests her small palm in his, and together

is there, pulling me close. “I feel like I’ve missed

in mysterious ways.” He answers with a