Forever (Always & Forever 2)

“I’m not sure exactly when cravings truly begins—” He began to explain the ins and outs of pregnancy when she cut him off, snapping at him while sorting the burgers.

“Stop. You aren’t helping.”

“Okay, then I’ll tell you the truth,” he started and paused until she looked over at him, placing his burger and napkin on his lap. “I didn’t notice that you’d gained weight. You look beautiful and happy. It’s all anyone can see.”

She softened all those prickly edges and looked genuinely relieved. “That’s a real good step in the right direction.”

As his reward, she opened the drink carrier and handed him his beloved favorite guava juice blend.

“Thank you.” Robert unwrapped his braised mushroom burger—his absolute favorite meal out—and gave an “mmm” as he ate a nice-sized bite. “My God, it’s good. They never disappoint.”

“I know, right? I’m just about finished transitioning my files. I’m afraid I won’t be back in DC for a while. What am I going to do without those pop-up restaurant stands?” she asked then took her first bite, having the same look of euphoria that he was certain he’d had. That was the one thing about living in this area for most of their lives, she and Robert had eaten everywhere, trying everything, leaving very little in DC untasted, and Brazen Burger, a small vendor stand in FreshFarm Market, was at the top of their list.

When he didn’t answer, because he didn’t pause in inhaling his burger, Autumn filled him in between bites. “Brazen’s going to open a brick and mortar location. The funding’s been approved.”

“No way, really?” he asked after taking a drink. They needed to. He just hoped it was still reasonably close to where he lived.

“Yeah, Suzi told me today. Also, they started on the construction for the library. That happened fast.” She side-eyed him, and he nodded, because he knew about the library. He’d found out early on that he wasn’t truly needed to oversee the library staff. They had their ideas, believed in keeping the integrity of the home, and knew what they were doing. “Tell me about today. Why were you at the Art Institute?”

“Well, I’m not a hundred percent sure of anything except I’m sure that school’s not for me.” The weather was fantastic this time of year. Summers were the very best part of living in DC. Robert lifted his face to the sun, letting it warm his skin.

“I’m guessing this is for the culinary classes. Landon says you’re cooking all the time again. So, I agree, that school’s not for you,” she said as if she had any part in the decision. He shot her a look and lifted his brow. Autumn only laughed. “What? I agree. I bet the reason is that you’re not the young chicken you once were.”

As much as he hated to admit it, she was right on. He nodded and lifted a finger to pause the conversation right there, quickly chewing his bite then swallowing so he could talk. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t just call me old, because you’re right, it’s entirely too artsy and a little on the younger side for me. I called The National Culinary Review, left a message for their new associate editor. Daddy used to write articles for them, remember?” When Autumn nodded, he continued. “Maybe they can offer me some training locally.”

“Look at the school Daddy went to in Italy,” she suggested and dug into her food with gusto.

“I don’t want to leave DC, not yet. Plus, it’s only a hobby for me, not a career path. I’m just enjoying it right now.”

“Then what’s your career path?” she asked, her mouth full, but that didn’t slow her down.

“Hey, get off me. I said you were pretty. That should’ve been enough to give me a break. Besides, Nonnie skyped me in the middle of the night last night.” He got the desired reaction—Autumn’s head whipped around, the bite nearing her mouth completely forgotten.

“What?” she exclaimed.

“Right? That was pretty much my thought until I found out the reason for the call. She wants me to walk you down the aisle, and she doesn’t want calla lilies. She considers them a funeral flower,” Robert explained, laying out the arguments as he knew them.

“That’s absurd. I love calla lilies. Those were Daddy’s favorite, especially when all the colorful ones started coming out. They were always his first choice whenever he had to choose, and Daddy was the most sophisticated, polished man I’ve ever known. The calla lilies are staying.” She left no room for an argument, just as he’d suspected.

“I thought you might say that,” he said then took the last bite of the burger.

“Am I unreasonable?” she asked in a tone that answered her own question.

He chewed then reached for his drink, taking a long gulp, biding his time. His sister was something else, so strong and certain. He loved her like only another twin could understand, but she did come with challenges. Much like Autumn knew how to work him, he knew how to work her too.