“That’s correct.


    ” Nathan nodded firmly and emphasized, “Lucinda is my wife first, and then she is Destinee’s and your mommy.


    So, Colby, you can’t ask to sleep next to her.


    ”


    “I understand.


    ”


    Nathan patted his cheek affectionately and said, “Good boy.


    ”


    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 morepliant and understanding.


    However, to his surprise, such feelings onlysted for an afternoon.


    *


    That night, Lucinda was in the master bedroom of N&L Fairy Land.


    She was d 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 ck silk nightgown and had just emerged from the shower, water droplets asionally falling from his damp, short hair, giving him a particrly mild appearance in Lucinda’s presence.


    “Honey…” 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 hadn’t managed to speak yet.


    They exchanged nces.


    It waste; only Destinee would dare to knock at such an hour.


    Nathan walked over to open the door.


    The hallway was dark, and the room’s light illuminated Colby’s face.


    “Colby? You?” 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, “I’m notfortable in the small bed in my room.


    Can I sleep next to Mommy…”This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.


    “No.


    ” Nathan cut him off gently, and then knelt on one knee to be at eye level with him.


    He ced hisrge hands on Colby’s slender shoulders, gave a gentle squeeze, and said softly, “Colby, do you remember what you promised me earlier today? Even Destinee sleeps in her own bed.


    Why don’t you try to go back to sleep, okay?”