Page 110 of Bloom
“Because…I don’t mind it. It’s pretty comfortable.”
Lord Monet frowned and went to the bedroom. “Aleric.”
The door opened before he reached it to reveal Aleric in his sleep clothes. “What?”
“I just wanted to talk to you again. I was a bit surprised earlier, and I needed a moment to let it sink in. I didn’t congratulate you.”
Lord Monet stepped in as Aleric mumbled something. Jaime sat on the couch and wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t help but overhear.
“...I'm happy I’ll have a grandchild, and I remember you did tell me you wanted kids someday. I know you’ll be a good Dad. I only wish your Mother was here to see it.”
Lord Monet must have felt sappy since his once-little boy was all grown up and about to have his own kid. Jaime settled under his blanket while they spoke and remembered he’d have to get up again. The sitting room door had to be locked.
“Why is Jaime sleeping on the couch?”
“I keep him in my rooms because he’s my aid.”
“That’s not right.”
“Fine. I’ll get him own set of rooms and-”
“Son, he should be sleeping with you in bed. Not in another room.”
“Just because we did it once doesn’t mean he needs to be in my bed every night.”
“That’s the Father of your child. You’re supposed to spend time with him.”
“I haven’t even known for a full twenty-four hours that I’m pregnant, and neither has he.”
“You already get along well enough, right?”
Something rustled. “I like having my space. If you don’t mind, I’ll be going to sleep in the bed that’s all mine.”
“For Elira’s sake.” Lord Monet’s cane tapped on the floor. “Jaime, go in there.”
Jaime sat up. “What? I’m good out here.”
“You’re about to get married in a few days.
“That soon?” Jaime knew many were quickly married after knowing they were pregnant, and it wasn’t considered right to wait too long because it seemed like the one who wasn’t pregnant was trying to avoid responsibility. The Goddess also wanted them to fully join when they created a life unless a prior agreement was made. If life was accidentally made first, marriage should quickly follow.
“Why wait?”
“Isn't it a bit soon for him? He just found out, and he’s got a lot to think about in the months ahead.” Jaime couldn't bring up Gautier or how Aleric’s stress was more complicated than most.
“You can do it together. Getting married isn’t that hard. Get up.”
“I’m sleeping alone,” Aleric yelled from his bedroom.
“You need to spend time together to get used to things before the baby comes and before you get married.” Lord Monet tugged Jaime into the bedroom. “It’s not right if he’s sleeping on the couch. What kind of person does that to the other parent? How would you like it if he told you to stay on the couch? Be nice to my future son-in-law.”
“He can’t kick me out of my bed.” Sitting up, Aleric looked like the Kingdom had been invaded when Jaime was practically dragged in.
“It’s not like you have to start having sex right away, but you can spend time being intimate in other ways. The bed now belongs to both of you.”
“Don’t tell me what to do in private. Actually, don’t ever mention my sex life again.”
“Just be next to each other.” Lord Monet pushed Jaime forward. “One of the best things about your Mother wasn’t sex. We often talked in bed at night before we went to sleep. I’d cut off my right hand if it meant I could have a couple of hours to simply be with her one last time. It wasn’t quite the same with Honoré, but we enjoyed the time we had together too. Have that with him. Jaime, get in.”
