"Darling, before you go, what do you think of this?" Cora turned her laptop towards Robert. She was sitting at the kitchen table in their new home. They moved in last month. She was planning their honeymoon.

"Whatever you choose is fine with me." Robert kissed her cheek and wanted to walk away, but Cora grabbed his hand.

"I am sorry, I know you are busy and already late. I will show you tonight. Will you be home for dinner?" Cora tugged on his hand and stretched out her neck to kiss him.

"Are you cooking?" Robert asked.

"I am, does that make a difference in your answer?"

Robert smiled, kissed Cora again and said: "It does. You are a better cook than Julia. I prefer your cooking." Julia was Robert's cook for several years now. "Maybe we should think about letting her go?" Robert said. "Only when you are alright with cooking daily?

"I love cooking, so I won't mind."


Cora was in the kitchen, in the oven was a shepherd's pie when her phone rang.

"Darling, did you already start with dinner?" It was Robert.

"It is 17.30, it is almost done."

"I am terribly sorry, but I won't make it. John and I will order food."

Cora let out a deep sigh. "I will put it in the freezer when it is done. I will see you tonight."

When Robert came home it was very late and Cora had gone to bed. He saw she had been working on a new painting. He changed his clothes and got in bed next to her. He kissed her on the head trying not to wake her, but her soft snoring stopped. Half asleep she turned around, put her hand on his chest, scooted closer and fell asleep again. He loved having her this close at night.


When Cora woke up, Robert was already gone. She found a fresh orange juice next to her bed with a note. "I didn't want to wake you. I promise to be home for dinner, that's why I left early."

That evening Cora waited with dinner for Robert. When she heard his key in the door, she put the dish in the oven. It only needed warming.

Robert hands rested on her hips, he kissed her cheek. "I am all ears, let me see what you found for our honeymoon."

"Thank you for coming home. I didn't book anything yet, I wanted to wait for you. Dinner is ready in 30 minutes"

Robert nuzzled his nose in her neck. "You are a treasure." Cora's hand ran through his hair. She showed him the hotel she found. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Tuscany. They would stay there for two weeks, enjoying some wine tastings and the beautiful surroundings.

"Oh(,) I almost forgot, we got the confirmation that the Clarence room at Claridge's will be available for our special day. We can have the ceremony and dinner there."

Robert's face lit up. "That makes me really happy. That is a perfect place for our small spring/ early summer wedding.

"Are you sure you want it small? I am really alright when you invite everybody you want."

"I only need you that day." He smiled at Cora. "And of course, your girls. Next year around this time you are my wife." He kissed her on the lips.


The summer had gone over into Autumn, Cora was thinking about Robert's birthday, he was turning 43, he didn't want a party, he never celebrated his birthday. But now Cora was in his life, she wanted to do something. She booked a holiday to Ireland, they would stay at Ashford Castle. That would be Robert's present. He didn't want anything he said.

The morning of his birthday Cora woke up before Robert. She looked at him for a while. She was a lucky woman, to have him next to her. Quietly she got out of bed and changed into a satin and lace chemise. She scooted back against Robert and her fingers slipped under his shirt. Robert didn't wake up. Her fingers played with his chest hair, she kissed his neck and moved up to his lips. Robert didn't open his eyes, but wrapped his arm around Cora. When he touched her, he opened his eyes and he had a cheeky smile on his face. Cora moved on top of him. "You didn't want a present, but you can unwrap me."

Robert's fingers went to the strings on the front of her chemise, slowly he pulled on them, one for one, revealing her bare skin underneath. Robert moved his hands over her body. Cora sat up straight, giving Robert access to every part of her. His finger followed the line under her breasts. With his mouth he played with her nipples, which send chills over Cora's spine. That aroused Robert even more, his hands were gripping her firmer. Cora tried to remove his shirt, but she was trembling too much to unbutton it. She gave up and worked on his trouser and underwear, Robert lifted his hips so she could slide them down. Her hands moved to his manhood, she could feel his excitement and worked on him with her hands and mouth until he reached his high.

Robert's hands moved from her head to her lower back and hips. She crawled back up to kiss his lips. "Can I feel you?" Robert asked.

Cora gave him a surprised look, he never asked that before.

"I mean……" He didn't finish his sentence, turned Cora on her back and started kissing her belly, slowly he moved downwards. Working on her with his mouth, her whole body trembled and she arched her back when he made her come. He moved his kisses back up, over her stomach, chest and neck to her mouth. He moved his hips and positioned himself between her legs. Cora guided him in.

When Robert lowered himself next to Cora he said. "How did I live without you in my life." Softly kissing her forehead. "This was the best birthday present you could give me."

Cora smiled at him. "I have another surprise for you."

"Cora?" Robert's hand rested on her stomach. "I told you, I don't need presents."

"I know, that's why I am taking you to Ireland for the weekend. We will stay at Ashford Castle. I booked a suite. Just you and me and the beautiful Irish scenery. We will go on a whiskey tasting."

"Oh Cora, what did I do to deserve you." He nuzzled his face in her hair.