I ended up splitting the story into two chapters, it wasn't what I originally intended, but needed to post it soon. I intend to post the rest until the end of the week. Enjoy it and send me your comments!

He looked at the trees that surrounded both sides of the road and took a deep breath, feeling the familiar scent of his land. As the car made a turn in the road he saw the great house, in all its splendor, lit by the afternoon sun, and couldn't help but smile in delight. He was finally home.

Only when he saw the excitement in the gardens, the people who walked through the numerous tents, he remembered the village's bazaar. He had completely forgotten about it. And for a moment, he wondered how difficult it must have been for Cora arranged everything by herself.

He jumped out of the car as soon as it stopped in front of the house and was received with affection by Edith. Shortly after they were joined by Mary and Tom. Like him, all they seemed glad to see him back, even though he hadn't warned them about his arrival. After a short chat with them, he turned to Carson and Bates who were standing beside the car. Bates helped him with his coat as they talked and Robert handed him his gloves.

And then, there she was, looking at him without hiding her delight. He involuntarily held his breath as she walked slowly toward him with that warm smile lighting up her entire face, a small grin slightly twitching the corners of his lips. He had dreamed so many times in recent days with that moment, and yet, even after thirty years, she could still make him feel like that. Breathless. Just like the first time he'd seen her.

"You're back", she said in a gentle voice, "I can't believe it."

He walked toward her with his hat in his hands, his eyes locked on hers. Everything and everyone around them had suddenly vanished. Nothing else mattered, nothing else existed. Only she and her magnificent blue orbs, which were staring at him in that way that always made his heart beat faster.

"If you knew how many times I'd imagine this scene", he said. Cora smiled slightly as he leaned toward the her, his lips capturing hers in a long and gentle kiss, his innermost desires restrained by being in front of everyone. When they finally broke their kiss, he found himself having a hard time in keeping his eyes away from her lips, that kiss just leaving him craving for more.

He had longed for that moment for so long that just one kiss wouldn't be able to appease his yearning heart. He wanted to take her in his arms, feel the warmth of her body next to his and smell the delightful scent of her hair. More than anything, he needed to feel the softness of her skin against his and get lost in the taste of her lips.

She blushed slightly at the intensity of his gaze, and he shortened the distance between them once more, a mischievous glint in his eyes when he said in a very low voice. "How much inappropriate it would be if I kissed you again?" She chuckled, and he could see an amused look in her eyes as she spoke. "Very inappropriate," she said slowly, an impish grin playing on her lips. "But I think I can deal with the consequences."

With a soft smile, Robert leaned over and kissed her once more, desperately wanting to be able to wrap her in his arms and press her against his body. But instead, he just held her hand, squeezing it gently.

"Brother! What a surprise!"

Rosamund's voice sounded almost like a nightmare, and he felt Cora's lips curving into a small smile a second before they broke their kiss. Robert turned to Rosamund, trying to look as aloof as possible, but he felt the heat rising in his cheeks when he saw his sister smirking at them.

"You still don't have a good timing, Rosamund," Robert told her with an embarrassed smile, and Rosamund chuckled. "Well, you will have plenty of time for this later," she said before kissing Robert in his cheek.

Cora blushed even more and Robert gave Rosamund this time a stern look. But Rosamund kept smiling, without hiding her amusement with the entire situation. "Well, don't look at me like that, you two. We all know how much you missed each other," she said placing her hand on the crook of Robert's arm. "And now, dear brother, come with me to see Mama. She will be delighted with your return. And, I'm pretty sure, your darling wife still has too much to do."

He looked at Cora silently asking her if she would be alright, and Cora smiled, nodding in agreement. Robert then kissed her hand fondly and walked away with Rosamund to where his mother was, trying to drive away Cora from his thoughts, and deeply wishing that the day would come soon to an end so they could finally be alone.