Rating: T(ish)
Petite Pictures #5
"What a start to the new year. Edith and Bertie off to conquer the world, another grandchild on the way, and Anna and Bates have a son." Robert shed his dressing gown.
"And Isobel said Dickie isn't as ill as they'd originally thought. He'll have to keep a strict diet, but it's certainly not a terminal prognosis. So they're going ahead with the wedding in March." Cora mirrored his movements. She crawled into bed, knees first, then settled onto her hip.
"Everyone seems to be off on a new adventure. I think we've rather been left behind, haven't we?" He was teasing now, of course. But keen to stop these self-deprecating tendencies before they overpowered him, Cora braced for what he might say next. Though she was surprised at his optimism. Very pleasantly surprised.
"We'll just have to have an adventure of our own. We can have luncheon in the garden. Or go on a trip."
Seeing her wide-eyed expression, he stuck to his course.
"We can take the children on walks. Maybe go dancing. Sleep in on occasion! I'd say we deserve it."
He rolled over to switch off the lamp, but Cora did not do the same. Instead, she leaned toward him so when he had finished his task, she was near enough to end their conversation. She prolonged the moment, however; her conscious mind halting the instinct of her lips in order to add a thought.
"I know you say all these things in jest, but they sound rather marvelous to me."
A rogue finger outlined the V where the skin of Robert's chest met the silk pajamas.
"They're not in jest."
They were inches from each other now, a distance to count eyelashes, both knowing how this exchange would end.
"No?" Her tone, barely audible, rose in playful skepticism.
"No."
Eyes that had lingered on his lips after her question, betrayed their desire as they glanced up. A fervor that mirrored her own, so deliciously familiar, fell even nearer. Then, rather in a breath than in a sentence, Robert spoke to his wife.
"I would never joke about your happiness."
They were too close now with no air between them, only electricity. They shared the same space, bound by the kiss that had followed his affirmation.
