Morning

He loved this time of day. He'd never declare it to be his favorite, but there was something magical, something special in the first hours of a new day. He still had trouble adjusting to life in retirement. Years of routine, waking before an alarm clock or a knock on his door, were still ingrained in his mind. Only now, in the comfort of the cottage he shared with his wife, he could afford the luxury of waking slowly, lounging in their comfortable bed, and actually rising when his stomach dictated the need for breakfast or Elsie woke and grew restless.

This particular morning was like most of the others. It wasn't a special occasion and there was nothing on their agenda to require such an early morning wake up call. But, as he rolled onto his side and opened his eyes, he fell in love with his wife all over again, losing all desire to sleep.

The night before had ended with a sweet kiss, a long cuddle, and softly spoken words mingled with deep yawns born from exhaustion. They had retired early, both with the intent and desire to enjoy their marriage bed. Whispered words along exposed skin, lingering touches and gliding fingertips, deep kisses filled with warmth and passion all combined to create a relaxed and heady feeling to the night, but it was not to last. A day spent cleaning the house from top to bottom had rendered them both more tired than they initially realized. Instead, they agreed there would be other nights, other opportunities, to express their love, though both were determined to sleep skin to skin for the closeness and intimacy it afforded.

Now, as Charles lay quietly in the early morning hours, he smiled as he watched his wife sleeping. At some point during the night, she had turned in her peaceful slumber and rolled onto her stomach. Her bare back was now exposed to his loving eyes as the sheet pooled at the dip in her waist just at her hips. Without thinking, he closed the distance between them and placed a light kiss to her shoulder then along her spine. His warm fingertips danced along her side until she started to stir beneath him.

He smiled to himself as she hummed an approval of his attentions, though he could tell by her rhythmic breaths that she was still asleep. He wondered if she was dreaming of him, recalling memories of their lovemaking or imagining new adventures they would take together. He made a mental note to ask her, perhaps over breakfast.

Sunlight began to spill into their cozy bedroom through the small opening of the curtains. It wouldn't be long before she began to stir. Shifting closer, he brushed the back of his hand against her body, from the middle of her shoulders and downward, slipping beneath the sheet and lightly caressing her bottom before returning the journey upwards once more.

She shifted, sensing the loss of his skilled touch, seeking it out in her waking moments. She moved to her side, her back still turned to him though now they were once again pressed skin to skin. He scooted closer, gently slipping his hand over her waist until his palm lay heavy on her belly. He nuzzled the spot below her ear that brought her so much joy, his lips and tongue coaxing a moan from her.

Feeling rather emboldened by her responses to his touches he slipped his hand up to her breasts. His fingertips ghosted over her hardened nipples, toying with them, bringing her some small amount of pleasure as she began to wake. He relished these small liberties she had granted him … to be able to feel her luxuriously soft skin, knowing that she had pledged herself to him and no other, and always safe in the knowledge that he would respect and honor her wants and desires. Lowering his lips, he brushed the shell of her ear until she turned her face to his, capturing his lips in a searing kiss.

As she began to wake, she realized her dream was turning into reality. Her husband was so very loving and attentive, waking her … body, mind, and soul … in ways she'd never imagined when she was simply Mrs. Hughes of Downton Abbey. Now, as she turned fully and wrapped her arms around his neck, drawing him deeper into her embrace and a passionate kiss, Elsie Carson woke fully from her slumber.

When they parted from their first morning kiss, he nuzzled her nose with hers and smiled down into her still sleepy face.

"Mmmm, good morning, Charlie. I do hope you intend to finish what you started this lovely day."

His deep laughter rumbled through his body and into hers, causing her to shiver in a most delicious way. "It is a very good morning, love." He drew her into his embrace and placed a soft kiss to her forehead, temple, and finally one on her lips. "I have every intention of fulling all of my wife's dreams. But first, it might be helpful if she told me what, exactly, she was dreaming of."

And for the next few moments, Elsie and Charlie snuggled together under the thin sheets, speaking in hushed tones of desires and needs, wants and passions. Together, they had heralded in a new day, one that was certain reinforce their pet name for their lovely cottage … the love nest.

A/N: A huge thank you to everyone who has been following these little snippets in time and taking a moment to leave a review. They are so very much appreciated and motivating! To my guest reviewers, you guys rock. I wish I could tell you that in person! I apologize for not personally replying to last week's reviews. I was out of town on vacation and just returned! HUGS!