"When can I see you again?"

The question played continuously Robert's mind since he left Sophie and her family in Edinburgh. They had said their goodbyes and mutually promised to meet again. Then they moved on, except he couldn't really say "moved on." In fact, with all that he and Sophie had gone through in the past few days, it would be impossible to "move on." Together they had solved countless clues, dodged bullets, escaped an evil assassin, and uncovered possibly the most profound secret humankind had never known, the Holy Grail. By the end of their journey, Sophie had learned of her family history and "sangreal." Robert had learned more about the Priory of Sion and this captivating woman in the process. Although he and Sophie were really just acquaintances, their shared experience to uncover the Holy Grail had made their situation different. More complex, no doubt, but different. Ultimately, Robert cared deeply for Sophie, in a way that made even him believe that he was not yet too old for a second chance at love. After things had ended sourly with Vittoria, Robert thought for sure that he was destined to live out his days as a bachelor. However, with the promise of romance blooming on the horizon, he couldn't help but feel that he was deeply mistaken. As his plane landed, he employed an old breathing technique to help calm his nerves. It didn't seem to be working now, however, and Robert felt stupid for thinking a short and silly routine could ease a month's worth of anxiety. He would finally be seeing Sophie again after one long month. He wondered if she had changed. Suddenly remembering how he had promised he would call her upon arriving at the airport, he pulled out his BlackBerry and dialed her number. The rings gave him even more butterflies.

"Robert!" He could almost hear her smile. "How was your flight? Are you here?"

It was so good to hear her voice. "We just landed. I'll be off the plane in 5 minutes. When did your flight get in?"

"Oh, about 30 minutes ago. I haven't been here long really."

"That's good. I wouldn't want you to wait too long on my account."

Her tone became more serious. "I already waited a whole month, Robert. 30 minutes doesn't compare."

"Well I'm glad you weren't uncomfortable waiting that long." There was a lull in the conversation. There was so much to say, but neither could put their feelings into words at the moment. "Oh, we're just getting off the plane now. I have to get my briefcase."

"Okay, see you soon." She hung up.

He smiled. He truly could not wait to see her. As he walked into the gate he scanned the area, but she was nowhere in sight. He scowled in confusion. He stood by the flight monitors and pulled out his BlackBerry. Just as he was about to dial Sophie's number, a delicate hand lightly turned his head as another hand turned his shoulder so his body was completely turned around. Before he could react, Sophie pulled him in for a kiss. It was light and soft at first, but Robert, immediately recognizing her, brought his free hand alongside her neck and deepened the kiss. He had waited for this moment for what seemed like forever. He had no intention of stopping the kiss anytime soon, but his lungs disagreed. They reluctantly pulled apart. Like old, embracing lovers they rested their forehead against the others. Sophie was the first to speak.

"Surprise," she announced playfully. Robert laughed lightly.

"I always knew I liked surprises." His reply made her smile in accomplishment.

"Although I wouldn't object to a round two, we should probably break this up before we do that again. We are in an airport you know," she said coyly. This time he laughed a little louder.

"What?" she asked defensively, pulling away.

"You," Robert said simply, stroking her cheek with his thumb for a moment.

"Me?"

He gave her a dazzling smile. "I believe you were the one who started it, my dear."

She blushed slightly. "That may be true, Robert Langdon, but I heard no objections from you."

"Touché, Sophie Neveu, touché."

Her laughter was music to his ears.