Nathan was still at the door, waiting for her.
He teased, âThereâs no need to rush; there arenât any dogs chasing you.
â
Destinee huffed, âIâm not speaking to a mean daddy.
â
She breezed past Nathan, climbed back into bed, and snuggled up to Lucinda.
Watching her, Nathan couldnât help but think how adorable she was.
Colby and Destinee were locked in a fierce battle on the bed.
Each of them desired to sleep next to Lucinda and to embrace her.
Colby was more mature of the two.
Eventually, he relented.
Obediently, he shifted his pillow next to Nathanâs.
After over thirty minutes, all four of them finally lay down peacefully.
But as soon as the lights went out, Destineeâs voice pierced the darkness.
âMommy, my heart is pounding.
I canât fall asleep.
â
âYou shouldnât do strenuous exercise before bed,â Nathan lazily advised.
âYou ran too fast.
Naturally, youâre not sleepy.
â
Lucinda remained silent.
Even though Destinee couldnât sleep, Colby needed to rest.
He had been in the lab for IV fluids every day.
Lucinda could see the fatigue in him when he came home tonight.
As she pondered this, Nathan added, âHow about a bedtime story from your mommy ?â
âYes!â exclaimed Destinee, thrilled.
âBoring,â Colby scoffed.
Nathan hoped that listening to more fairy tales with Destinee would make Colby less mature, reminding him that he was still just a boy.
He asked, âColby, have you ever heard your mommy tell stories? You should try it.
Besides, it might help Destinee fall asleep.
â
Colby turned around and crossed his arms.
âWhatever.
Girls really are a bother.
Boys donât need any coaxing to fall asleep.
â
Ignoring his sour mood, Destinee hugged him from behind.
She was always patient with Colby, her ailing brother.
With a gentle pout, she said, âIâm not a bother at all.
Colby, Mommy tells the best stories.
Listen with me, will you?â
Though Colby remained silent, his face noticeably softened.
It was clear he too was curious about the story.
Nathan and Lucinda exchanged a look, their eyes speaking volumes.