âThatâs correct.
â Nathan nodded firmly and emphasized, âLucinda is my wife first, and then she is Destineeâs and your mommy.
So, Colby, you canât ask to sleep next to her.
â
âI understand.
â
Nathan patted his cheek affectionately and said, âGood boy.
â
If it had been Destinee, she would have undoubtedly insisted on sleeping with Lucinda.
If denied, she would have thrown a tantrum.
Nathan felt a bit relieved.
As expected, Colby was much more compliant and understanding.
However, to his surprise, such feelings only lasted for an afternoon.
*
That night, Lucinda was in the master bedroom of N&L Fairy Land.
She was clad in an orange silk nightgown, which cinched at her slender waist, and her long, flowing hair added to her allure.
She sat on the edge of the bed, while Nathan stood before her, bracing himself for punishment due to his earlier misstep.
He wore a black silk nightgown and had just emerged from the shower, water droplets occasionally falling from his damp, short hair, giving him a particularly mild appearance in Lucindaâs presence.
âHoneyâ¦â he called out softly.
She crossed her arms together and gazed at him intently for a while.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
She hadnât managed to speak yet.
They exchanged glances.
It was late; only Destinee would dare to knock at such an hour.
Nathan walked over to open the door.
The hallway was dark, and the roomâs light illuminated Colbyâs face.
âColby? You?â Nathan was puzzled, having expected Destinee.
Outside the door, Colby clutched his sky-blue pillow and rubbed his weary eyes.
The back of his hand showed small blue needle marks from frequent infusions.
Holding the pillow, he asked in a low voice, âIâm not comfortable in the small bed in my room.
Can I sleep next to Mommyâ¦â
âNo.
â Nathan cut him off gently, and then knelt on one knee to be at eye level with him.
He placed his large hands on Colbyâs slender shoulders, gave a gentle squeeze, and said softly, âColby, do you remember what you promised me earlier today? Even Destinee sleeps in her own bed.
Why donât you try to go back to sleep, okay?â