Forever (Always & Forever 2)

Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to pull it out in such a public place. Autumn made a show of hiding the box from any potential prying eyes while still getting a good look herself. “It’s titanium? Isn’t that dangerous?”

“Maybe, but this one’s made to slide off. I like the strength of the metal.” Robert lifted one finger and touched the ring. “It reflects the unbreakable bond I feel with Landon.”

Wonderment lit her excited gaze. “When are you going to give it to him?”

“Not for a while,” he said, though those were some of the hardest words he might have ever said. “I’m so ready. He’s not at all. He’s the kind of person who needs to be absolutely comfortable before he acts. He’s also the kind of guy who can be challenged, and he’ll act.” He snapped the lid closed and pushed the ring box back in his pocket. “I prefer the first option for something this important.”

“I agree.” Her tone was soft and gentle, which didn’t really fit Autumn. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared sweetly at him. Her hands came together to rest close to her heart. “Robert, you needed this. You were growing so cold and distant even before Dad died. You were doing great things, incredible I’m sure, but we were losing you. I feel like you’re back, and I’m so happy.”

She reached out, wrapping him in an awkwardly tight hug. He couldn’t even pretend to be offended with her assessment of his life. He agreed with her completely.

“Now, you know why I’m undecided about my professional future.” A small shift in the breeze happened, so small it may not have even been noticed by Autumn, but Robert was learning to pay attention to the small things he used to take for granted every day. He looked around, and sure enough, he spotted what he’d suspected he’d find. He pried himself from Autumn’s hold and bent to pick up the feather at his feet. His heart burst with completeness.

“What just happened?”

Robert tucked the feather in his pocket, hesitant to share with Autumn. “Nothing.”

“It’s beautiful, but why are you keeping a feather?”

He wouldn’t look at her, not yet, and instead reached for his trash and hers. “Nothing I feel like discussing right now.” He wished he could share, but he didn’t want to worry her or have her call him crazy, depending on how she processed the news.

“Then when?” she asked, staring up at him.

“Probably never. I love you. Go finish closing your office and get back home to Minnesota,” he said, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet.

“I miss you. Minnesota isn’t the same without you,” she said, her arm wrapped around his waist.

“I doubt that. Let me know if you hear any warning bells from Landon. He’s really set in his ways. I don’t want him to bolt based on uncertainty.” Robert leaned in for a side hug and kissed the top of her head.

“I’m glad he’s making you work for it. I was tired of watching man after man throw themselves at you and you completely ignoring them,” she said, pushing her sunglasses over her eyes.

“There’s never been a single instance of men throwing themselves at me. You’re ridiculous. Want me to walk you back to your office?” he offered.

“No, I’m grabbing a cab. I’ve got to stop by Nordstrom before I go back. Wear black to the wedding. I’ll get you a necktie that matches my dress. That’s another issue. Nonnie wants me to wear white. I have a beautiful cream-colored Zac Posen picked out.” She walked several steps backward, heading toward the curb. “You know, maybe you should call Helene. She’s become a partner at Buon Appetito and is back in the area. I think she could offer up some private kitchen tutorials—whatever that’s called. Think about it.”

That wasn’t a half bad idea. Helene had the same stern way about her as Paulie. He would absolutely learn a thing or two from her. He lifted a hand goodbye and called out, “Take care of my niece.”

“Nephew!” Like an expert, she lifted her hand and a cab stopped immediately. She had serious talent at hailing a cab.

The sales manager pointed to the line on the bottom of the page for his last signature before the sleek black Kawasaki Ninja was officially his. Landon scribbled his name then looked over the page before pushing the small bundle of paperwork toward the man who had painstakingly haggled the very last possible penny from Landon.

The key fob was placed in front of him on the table. “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.”

Landon clasped the manager’s extended hand while pushing out of the chair then reached for the key fob. Finally, he had something that was his—that he was paying for with his own money—and it felt damn good. “It’s right out front?”