“What about his DC practice?” Robert asked.
“He’s sold his half. That’s why he went back suddenly,” she explained with a wave of her fork as she dug in for another bite.
“One month from now, everyone mark your calendars. We’ll have a wedding on the balcony of my summer home,” Kennedy announced, placing her spoon on the small plate, lifting a hand to the waiter to clear her dishes. “It’ll be a lovely affair with the view of the Atlantic as the backdrop. I wanted your father to marry there. The St. Croix is stunning, but nothing compares to the Atlantic.”
“Nonnie, don’t go to the trouble,” Autumn started.
“Of course, I’ll go to the trouble.” She turned toward Robert at the same moment the waiter tried to sneak between them to clear her plate, causing his grandmother to give an irritated huff and shoo him away. “Call my driver, dear. There’s much to be done.”
Autumn rolled her eyes, sitting back in her seat. “Nonnie.” She looked hard at her grandmother who was standing, ignoring her wishes completely while pointing down to her purse, silently instructing Robert to hand it to her.
“However this plays out, we’ll make sure we’re free. My vote is a summer trip to the Cape sounds amazing,” Sophia said, placing her napkin on the table beside her plate, turning to Thomas. “Are you ready?”
“Whenever you are,” her husband replied.
“Just let her do it,” Robert urged Autumn when she looked like she was digging in her heels, preparing her protest.
“I’m thinking an afternoon wedding…”
Autumn’s protest didn’t matter. Kennedy was already in preparation mode. Robert rose to walk her out when Sophia stopped him.
“We’ll follow her out.” Sophia looked over at Rodney who was getting to his feet too. “Put this on our tab?”
“Tonight’s on me,” Rodney said, gathering some of the remaining dishes off the table. “I needed the Adamses back home. It’s been a great night.”
“Thank you, Rodney. I always liked you,” Kennedy said, turning away from the table, and with slow, sure steps, she started for the front doors, leaving them all behind.
“I got her,” Rodney said, putting the dishes back on the table. “Mrs. Adams, hold on.” He was once a young, twenty-something bartender who had been with La Bella Luna since the beginning. Rodney had to be in his mid-sixties by now. His steps were a little slower getting to Kennedy, but he extended an arm, which she took, and they walked toward the front doors.
“Honey, we’re so happy for you. I love this new direction.” Sophia hugged Autumn tightly. “I’ll be in touch. I’m glad we did this tonight.” Sophia’s attention turned to Robert. She stepped around Autumn, giving him a quick, loving hug then rearing back, keeping him in the circle of her arms. “Now it’s your turn to find someone. What about that airman you were reading to?”
“Why do you even know about that?” Robert asked, throwing a hand and an accusatory expression Autumn’s direction. Sophia shot him a sheepish glance and let him go. “We’re family. She should tell me these things. I understand you two aren’t talking right now. My advice to you is to just take a chance. See what’s there. Life’s too short and you’re certainly not getting any younger.”
Both his hands went to his heart. Her arrow couldn’t have taken better aim. “Oh Lord, now I’m old? You’re doing wonders for my ego.” That got the desired laughter and earned him a kiss on his cheek before he and Autumn were left at the table alone. Autumn wasted no time reaching for his untouched dessert then plopping down in Kennedy’s abandoned chair.
“Sit with me,” she said, motioning with her fork then digging into her second piece of tiramisu before her bottom fully settled into the seat. “I’ve started craving this. It’s so good. I ordered several slices last week. I’m going to gain a million pounds.”
“Well, don’t do that,” Robert teased, reaching for his glass of melted ice water. “Keep it under forty pounds. I should say less, but you only live once.”
“Right? That’s what I say.” She took another heaping bite, rolling her eyes as if heaven had actually landed in her mouth. “You know, I told Cam I wanted lots of children because I want them to have a big family. I don’t ever want my children to feel as lonely as we feel right now—or I feel, I don’t want to put feelings on you that you might not have.”
Like normal, they were so in sync with one another. She nailed how the world had gotten much smaller since their parents had died. Robert put the glass down and reached out, patting her thigh. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around more.”
“It’s not that.” She held the full fork midair. “I realized I took us for granted. We were a really great family. They gave us so much love and everything felt complete. I loved our life. I miss my family; I miss it all so much. It’s not been the same since Granddaddy Paulie left, but we were young, and Daddy tried hard to make sure our lives were full. I don’t want what I feel right now for my children or yours if you have any.”