Page 3 of Artemis

Artemis shrugged. “I’d settle for a good vibrator at this point.”

Hera chuckled. “Tonight is Aphrodite and Eve’s speed dating event for the month. Maybe you’ll get lucky?”

“Speed dating?” Artemis said thoughtfully. Then she shook her head dismissively. “It sounds like fun, but there’s no way I could get a babysitter on such short notice.”

“I could do it,” Luna volunteered.

“I run you ragged enough during the day,” Artemis protested.

“Then pay me double the going rate.” Luna grinned. “I don’t mind. I haven’t seen Alexander in weeks.”

“I met my mate thanks to them,” Hera continued. “He’s such a gentleman.” She lowered her voice conspiratorially. “And I’m always more than satisfied.”

“I...” Artemis blinked. “I guess I don’t have a good reason to say no. Can you give me the details for the event?”

“I’ll write it all down for you and bring them with your food,” Hera told her. “Go find a seat.”

“This is so outside my expectations,” Artemis said, sitting at a table in the corner.

“Then maybe it’ll work!” Luna said.

“Maybe.” It looked like some of Luna’s optimism was rubbing off on her.

* * *

After a long afternoon,Artemis headed to the daycare to pick up Alexander.

“Mom!” Alexander cried the instant she walked in the front door.

Her heart swelled with love for him. He was such a darling. “Hello, sweetheart. Did you have a good day today?”

“Yes! We met Lee today!”

“Jaden’s brother,” Maddie, the owner of the daycare, explained. “He and Augustine are taking over duties when I have appointments and when the baby comes.”

“Can I feel the baby move?” Alexander asked, his hands held tightly behind his back.

“I’m sorry sweetie, she’s not moving right now because I’ve been walking around. The movement puts her to sleep.” Maddie put her hand on her belly. “But you can feel her back if you’d like.”

“Yes!”

Maddie took his hand and placed it where hers had been. “Press gently,” she instructed. “You can rub her back... Yes, just like that. Do you feel her?”

Alexander’s eyes were wide. “I can!” He beamed up at Maddie. “Thank you!” He took Artemis’s hand. “Mom, how did the baby get in there? I asked Maddie, but she said I had to ask you. Doesn’t she know?”

Artemis chuckled. “Of course she knows, sweetheart. She wanted to make sure that I was okay with you knowing. The baby grew inside her, like a plant grows in the ground.”

Alexander considered that silently. Artemis knew he’d have more questions for her in a few minutes.

“See you tomorrow,” Maddie said.

“Bye.” Mother and son left the building, driving the short distance to home.

“Who put the baby inside her?” Alexander asked.

“Jaden and Maddie did,” Artemis replied.

“Did I grow inside you?”

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