The Visit

Corwin leaned back in his chair, rubbing his eyes with one hand and the back of his neck with the other. The talks were taking longer than he had expected, the days turning into weeks. He rose from his chair and walked over to the window, staring out into the darkness, his thoughts so deep that he almost didn't hear the knock on the door. "Come in", he called wondering what was so important that he would be interrupted this late at night. He kept his eyes focused on the darkness steeling himself for whatever crisis had arisen now. The door opened and footsteps sounded on the hard floor as they moved closer, then just as he was about to turn to face his visitor, a pair of arms slipped around him and he heard a soft whisper, "I love you Corwin." He stilled for a moment then turned lifting Susan off her feet and kissing her over and over. Finally he loosened his hold on her enough to look into her smiling eyes. "Am I to take it that you missed me m'lord?" "Aye, that I did my lady." Leading her back over to the chair, he sat down and pulled her onto his lap. She smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I thought perhaps a visit was in order, I hope you do not mind." "Not at all my lady, not at all," he said as he kissed her again, a lingering kiss this time. He pulled back, looked at her and asked softly "And did the children come with you?" She shook her head, "No, they stayed home, Keera is with them. I know you miss them and I should have brought them..." He silenced her with a kiss then holding her close he whispered, "As much as I love our children, I am glad to have this time alone with you." "I was hoping you would feel that way my love", she kissed him again. No other words were spoken and neither of them noticed as the hours passed and the light of the morning began to shine through the window.