Bedtime Reads Novels & Stories

To her amusement, he kept calling her Professor Harrison throughout until she tucked him into his bed later at night. “What do you want us to read tonight?” His mom asked, standing in front of his bookshelf. “The football legends,” the little boy said eagerly. “And I want to read it to you.” “Okay,” Tasha nodded. “You have to sit up, you know.” Tyson sometimes liked to read at bedtime, believing he was the one trying to put his mother to sleep. Tasha gave him the book and propped his back up with pillows. “Now read to mummy.”

Can't breathe lying down. "This is miserable," I groan at three in the morning. Still awake. Caius is awake too. Reading. "Want me to get you more pillows?" "I have seventeen pillows. More won't help." "Want me to read to you? Might help you relax." "Fine. But nothing boring. I'll fall asleep angry." He reads one of his favorite books. Something about ancient magic theory. His voice is soothing even when the content is dry. I fall asleep somewhere around chapter three.

When I hesitated, I got a manipulative (but still effective) case of puppy eyes and a shaky mention of the day’s drama. At a knock at the still-open door, I looked up to see Mr. Cavendish holding Grace’s hand and a large children’s book. “Grace wants a bedtime story,” he said with a smile. “I hear this is the ‘in’ place for the evening.” “I’m so glad you don’t mind.” He shook his head reassuringly. We all four ended up on my bed, which really wasn’t big enough for it. The girls settled on one side of me, inadvertently pushing toward the center. Mr. Cavendish just made room for us all, opened the book, and began to read.

"No, books are all the same, they offered nothing to any of us and there is not a single book which is worth reading!" "Then why don't we give it a shot instead? I am willing to read one for you if you'd like!" I bent down and took a book under the bed. I wiped the dust in it by blowing my breath. I lay down beside Alpha Ace and he kissed me on the cheeks. "If you are going to read a book, then you should read it silently. I seriously hate noise when I am sleeping." "What the hell? I can read it for you if you'd like, as a matter of fact, this story is about the rejected Luna mate as well which we can relate to."

We say our goodbyes and I toss my phone onto the couch next to me, looking around the room. It's quiet when Santos has the kids. Almost too quiet. And there's nothing to do. I've deep cleaned the entire apartment from top to bottom. I've done four loads of laundry and put it all away. I even threw dinner in the crockpot already, so my regular chores are done. I tap my fingers on my leg and the Kindle shoved between couch cushions catches my eye. Ooh. I could read for a bit. What is the name of that author I like? The one who writes about all those bearded brothers? Penelope Reads? Penny Reads? Penny Reid! That's it!

"Goodnight, Lucasssss..." Lucas was out on the deck on a late summer night, reading, as per usual, with a glass of ice tea by his side. Tonight, it was The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. For some reason, he'd never gotten around to reading the books despite being a big fan of the films.

I asked, sitting beside her. "Yes, Mommy," she said softly, her eyes sleepy but content. "Can you read me a story?" "Of course," I said, reaching for one of her favorite bedtime books. As I read, her eyelids grew heavier, and by the time I finished, she was barely awake. I tucked her in, making sure her stuffed animal was snug beside her. "Goodnight, Zendaya," I said, kissing her cheek. "Sleep tight." "Goodnight, Mommy," she murmured, already drifting off.

The air is thick with the scent of lavender and vanilla, a soothing aroma that hints at Maya giving the kids a bath and probably a late night snack. And there, nestled amongst his children on the bed, is Maya. She is reading aloud from a worn, brightly colored storybook, her voice a gentle murmur that barely disturbs the stillness of the room. Aiden, Eli, and Rose are fast asleep, their small bodies arranged around her like cats napping in the sun. Eli is curled up at her side, his thumb tucked into his mouth, toy dragon fist in his grip, while an exhausted-looking Aiden lies with his head resting on her lap, his dark hair tousled and dishevelled.

I reached for the book she gave me, opened and started reading. “Traitor,” Carrisa muttered under her breath when Carie relaxed. “Let's see who'll read bedtime stories to you when your dad leaves. It won't be me, I'm certain.” Carie made a face, and she just scoffed. “Good night, traitor,” Carrisa muttered before she left the room. "Night, Carissa." “Now, baby, let's start.”

It’s the thought of being together, just the three of us, that makes me feel like things are finally right. Tonight, after dinner, Imogene puts Lily to sleep while I read her a bedtime story. Lily’s tiny hand grips mine as she listens to me fumble through the pages. Her eyelids get heavier with each word, and by the time I finish, she’s already drifting off. Imogene tucks her well under the blanket and smiles at me from across the room.