She put her small jewellery box on her nightstand. While she got under the covers she said: "I am glad the picture sold so well. It makes me feel better about spoiling it for you." She lay down and stared at the fireplace. Her hands folded on her chest. She could feel the bed move and before she knew it, Robert was leaning on his arm, hovering over her.

"There is not now nor ever will be anything you have spoiled for me." He said, staring into her eyes. Slowly he bent down and kissed her softly. She loved this kind of kiss, without any other intention of anything else than simply loving her.

Cora smiled up at him, her hands still on her chest. "Well, don't spoil Christmas Eve for me."

Robert chuckled and laid back down on his side, he turned to turn his light off.

Cora laid still for a couple of minutes; she was relieved that Robert was feeling better. He had been having awful pains recently and it did not sit well with her. But since he stayed away from alcohol, he was feeling better. She also made sure he was keeping his strict diet. She gave Mrs. Patmore orders to cook healthier meals, especially for Robert. He had moaned about it, and she was not sure he secretly made her cook different things for him. And since Mrs Patmore had a weak spot for him, Cora was sure she would make it for him when he asked. Robert had not touched alcohol for weeks now and she could understand he felt bored. He was used to having his glass of wine during dinner and ending the day with a good Whiskey. If he had one drink on Christmas Eve, he would get plastered immediately and as she said earlier, he would make a fool out of himself in front of the tenants.

She got up and turned off her bedside light, the only light left in the room was from the crackling fire. She loved the sound of the fireplace. It was such a calming way to fall asleep.

Cora turned on her side, facing Robert, who was lying on his back. He did that regularly and she was always amazed he could fall asleep like that. She needs to be on her side and preferably curled up against Robert. She scooted closer to him and slid her hand over his stomach, angling her arm so her hand was resting on his chest. She wiggled her cold feet under his legs, which gave the same reaction he had given her over the last thirty-five years.

"Why do you always have cold feet when we go to bed?"

Cora nuzzled her face into his neck and kissed his skin. "I do not know, but I do know that I love warming them with your legs." She played with the colour of his pyjama shirt.

Robert put his arm around her back and shoulder. "I will always be here to warm your feet." Pressing a kiss on her forehead.

"I love you, my darling." Cora brushed with her fingertips over his neck and jawline.

"I know that."

Cora backed up a little. "Oh, you do?"

This made Robert chuckle, his arm was still firmly around her shoulder and prevented her from laying back on her pillow. "I cannot have any fun in my life anymore. I cannot have the food I like the most, I cannot have alcohol, I cannot go out for a ride because it causes me too much pain. Let me have this one thing, where I can tease you." He put his other hand under her chin, then moved it over her cheek and rested his hand on her neck, pulling her closer towards him again. Passionately he presses his lips on hers.

Cora melted against him and soaked up his loving attention. He had not kissed her like this for a long time. Every night he had been in too much discomfort to be able to do anything more than just kiss her goodnight. Many nights she had not even been allowed to rest her hand on his stomach. "You can tease me all you like as long as you make up for it like you did just now." She said in a low voice.

"You liked it?" Robert asked her with a cheeky smile.

Cora wiggled her body against his. "You know the answer."

Firmly his lips were pressed on hers once more, it erupted a moan from Cora's throat. Would this be the first night they would be one again? She longed for him inside her, for his hot breath and warm hands all over her. But she kept these feelings hidden away, she did not want Robert to know how much she missed his physical contact, his caressing of her body. He had enough to endure already.

Suddenly she was turned on her back and he was on top of her. His hand pulled on her nightdress trying to get the hemline up. She helped with raising her hips. Robert's hand slid over her upper legs towards her warm and already wet core. She had tried to hide her longing, but this reaction was not preventable.

"You have missed me." His face close to hers.

Cora could only nod, he had pulled her underwear down and was caressing her core. Making her squirm under his touches.

His fingers slipped inside her, making her moan even more. He altered his pace and movements until he felt her come. He had known it would not take long. When he noticed how wet she was with his initial touch he knew how desperate she was for him.

"Oh, Robert." Cora panted. "That was..." she could not get more words out. He had surprised her, and she was trying to process what had just happened.

Robert turned back on his side. Even though he was feeling better, the angle he was in did cause him still some discomfort and pain. He pulled Cora with him and pressed her against his chest again. "Can I have that drink on Christmas Eve?"

He said while burying his nose in her hair, which had come loose.

Cora's hand wandered over his chest. "Maybe." She chuckled while she answered. Her body was still tingling, and she felt a deep relaxation come over her. Her head rested safely in the crook of his neck. He had surprised her with his move, but she could not complain. Of course, she noticed that he was in pain right now, but she would not ruin the night by mentioning it. With one foot between his legs, she fell asleep.