Page 4 of Artemis

“Yes, you did.”

“Could you feel my back through your skin?”

Artemis chuckled. “Yes. I also saw your foot once. You were a very strong baby. You even broke one of my ribs once.”

“I’m sorry, Mom.” Alexander’s bottom lip quivered.

“You didn’t do it on purpose and I don’t blame you, but thank you for the apology.” Artemis smiled at him in the rearview mirror. “Did you have any more questions about the baby?”

“Not right now,” Alexander replied.

“You can ask me at any time.” They turned onto their street. “How would you like Luna to look after you tonight?”

“Luna!” Alexander wiggled in his seat. “Yes! She tells great bedtime stories about a princess on the moon!”

“That sounds amazing! You should draw me some of the scenes at Maddie’s some time.”

Alexander stared at her. “Yes!” he squeaked. “I want to do that!”

Artemis laughed. “I’m glad you like the suggestion. What would you like for dinner tonight, chicken salad or fish taco bowl?”

“Fish! Can I help?”

“Definitely. What’s the first thing we need to do?”

“Turn on the oven!”

“No, that’s second.”

Alexander thought about it and Artemis waited patiently while she unlocked the front door of their house.

“Wash our hands,” he finally replied.

“Excellent.”

Artemis loved cooking with her son. He was so enthusiastic about flavors and trying new recipes. She gave him the job of cutting vegetables using the food processor, keeping a close eye on him to make sure he kept his fingers out of the way of the blade inside the machine.

They fed Elati, her fawn, while the fish cooked, and then ate their own dinner on the back porch, surrounded by the garden. Most of the flowers weren’t open yet, but would bloom in the moonlight. Tomorrow would be the full moon, and Artemis looked forward to bathing in the pool in her backyard, replenishing her Goddess strength.

She didn’t exactlyneedit, but it helped her keep her temper at work. It was like a boost of caffeine after a week of crappy sleep.

“Lee learned how to change diapers today. I helped him change Lyta’s diaper. He didn’t know where the tabs were.” Alexander giggled. “I was a big help.”

“I’m not surprised to hear that. You’re a big help to me too.” Artemis cleared her plate and their glasses, while Alexander carried his plate behind her. “I’ve got about an hour before Luna gets here. What would you like to do?”

“Can we do yoga?” Alexander asked, cocking his head to one side.

“Sure kiddo. Monkey yoga, or side by side?”

“Monkey.”

“You’rea monkey,” Artemis teased.

“No, I’m not.” Alexander pouted.

“What are you then?”

“I’m Alexander.”

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