Chapter 1002

"A calm moment, Ari," Jesse says, flopping back down on the couch as Rafe gets Mark a glass of champagne. "If we could have a single day without a baby announcement or a world-shattering revelation, I'd be able to take a deep breath and arrange it."

I snarl at him, conceding the point, but narrowing my eyes. "Tonight," I snap, pointing a finger at him. "Whatever you have planned, we're doing it tonight." Jesse raises his champagne flute to me and nods, giving me his silent promise. Rafe grins at me as he returns to the couch, letting out a happy, content sigh as he and Mark sit down next to each other, each sipping their champagne.

"Don't get comfortable," dad says from his spot in the center of the room, still standing with his arms around mom. Mom's eyes are a bit vague and distant. I grin, because I know that mentally she's shopping - planning out all the things she's going to buy for the girls. Dad snaps his fingers at Rafe and smirks at him. "Just because we have good family news doesn't mean we don't have a job to do."

"What?" I ask, my smile falling a little bit, looking around at everyone as Jackson places a steady hand on my back, warm and supportive.

I just look up at him, completely confused - why does everyone know something that I don't?

"An all-day meeting about Community stuff," Jackson says, looking down into my face. "I'm sorry - I meant to mention it last night and it slipped my mind."

"Yeah, did you think we just came at dawn all dressed and ready to hang out with you, Ari?” Jesse asks, defying my father and lounging further on the couch.

"Yes, of course I did," I say, blinking innocently at him. My cousin grins at me, getting my sense of humor as he always does.

"Come on, you lazy things," dad says, snapping his fingers at the boys. "Leave Ella to force-feed your sister health foods, we've got a meeting."

"I can't come!?" I gasp, desperately jealous and not quite sure why I'm being left out.

"Someone has to watch your child, Ariel," Jesse says, rolling his eyes at me as he sighs and gets to his feet. "So, unless you want Jackson to sit it out —"

"Oh," I say, suddenly completely understanding. Yes - child care. One of us has to do that now.

I reach for our little girl immediately, my stomach twisting with delight when Marigold immediately reaches for me, coming willingly into my lap.noveldrama

"But..." I say, looking around with a frown even as I settle Goldie in my lap. "Wait, what's going on? What are you talking about in the meeting?"

"Coordinating the assault on the North," Jackson says, his hand moving

soothingly over my back. "And just how much the Academy is going to be involved

in supporting those efforts. Apparently, the Cadets are eager to see more action, but the Captain and Roger have hesitations."

"Oh," I say my face twisting to the side as I consider this. I look at my mom. Well, I should probably be part of that. Will you take Goldie today?"

Mom goes a bit still, studying me. "Of course I'd be happy to take Marigold, Ariel, but..."

I go still too, narrowing my eyes a bit. Because...why is there a hesitation there? The room goes quiet.

I slowly turn my head, looking around at everyone in the room. "What?" I ask, frowning. "What's wrong?"

"Ariel, why do you need to go?" Mark asks, leaning forward towards me, the only one not giving me a worried look.

"I mean, so I can be in on the

Can

conversation about how much the Academy is going to be involved," say, straightening my shoulders." mean I'm going to want to help with that, and as the only sniping@cadet..."

My words fade off as Rafe grimaces and my family starts to look around at each

other, worried and pitying.

"What!?" I ask, my heart starting to pound now. "What's going on?"

“Ariel...” da? says, his voice a little sad. "I mean, the conversation was one thing when it was a question of whether Jackson could attend the Academy with a child..."

My eyes widen as I start to figure out where they're going with this.

"Baby," mom says, her voice sad for me. "Your priorities are going to change - they almost have to now -"

"No." I growl, standing up, glaring around at all of them, clutching Marigold to my chest. "Absolutely not. I'm going back to school!"

"It's far too dangerous, Ariel," dad says, his voice cold and stern.

"I can protect myself," I growl, holding out a flat palm and conjuring my blue fire

there. Marigold gasps when she sees it for the first time, fascinated.

Still, my dad just shakes his head, taking a step away from mom and crossing his arms across his chest.

I raise my chin, ready for this fight.