Forever (Always & Forever 2)

Oh yeah, Landon didn’t like those words at all and immediately started shaking his head. Nobody owed him anything. It wasn’t like that.

“Lauren, bring the box,” Mrs. Adams said, ignoring his reluctance.

“Landon, you showed our family a great kindness at my son’s funeral, and I’m certain Kane would echo my sentiments if he were here. In his place, we’d like to give you something that meant the world to Avery.” The assistant set in front of him a wooden box no bigger than a CD case, and maybe three inches thicker.

“Oh no, ma’am. It was my honor.” He stopped, instinctively knowing Robert tried to derail his denial when he lifted his hand and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. Robert released his hold and nodded toward the box.

“Open it.”

Landon stared at the polished wood, torn with emotions. He lifted his hands, trying to do what Robert asked, but not wanting to accept this gift. He hadn’t requested the detail for any other reason than to show his respect. Landon looked around the table for help, but all he saw were three sets of loving blue eyes trained on him. The tips of his ears burned, and he diverted his attention, meeting Cam’s sympathy filled gaze, maybe commiserating in his misery.

After a second of pushing down his nerves, he finished reaching for the box and lifted the lid. He couldn’t believe it. No way. A medal with a five-pointed white star, with red and gold trim, and a silver eagle that sat on a blue ribbon edged with white. The Medal of Freedom, he knew instantly what it was and immediately shook his head. The tight rein he had on his tongue loosened. “I can’t accept this. It’s too much. The thank-you was enough.”

“You will accept it on behalf of our family,” the matriarch of the Adams family said with all authority, leaving no room for further argument. “And I’ve had enough for today. Autumn, you and Cameron are going to go for drinks with his family—is that what you were telling me?”

“We are, then I’ll be back and…” Autumn looked at Cam and pushed out her lip in a pout. “He’ll be staying with them.”

The moment surrounding Landon’s gift was over before he realized it. They were on to other things, just like that. Even with his brain on overload, he had to give them credit for how smoothly they’d glossed over his protest. Kennedy Adams had spoken from her heart and infiltrated his with her graciousness. But more than that, she had also saved him the awkwardness of accepting such a cherished gift. Landon couldn’t seem to close the lid on the small wooden box. He didn’t want to cover it. Not only was it stunning, but the medal and its meaning were too significant to hide.

His emotions grew stronger the longer he admired the piece. He’d never be able to express the pride filling his heart at the kind gesture.

“Robert, you entertain Landon for me,” he heard Kennedy say, drawing his attention back to the room and his gaze back to her. She smiled at him and laid her napkin on the table before scooting out of her seat with the help of the server.

“Yes, ma’am. We’re taking the golf cart out to tour the property,” Robert explained, his palm going back to Landon’s thigh.

“Excellent. I’ll see you all for breakfast. Autumn, I’ve got your glamour team coming at ten,” Kennedy stated with a mischievous grin that twinkled in her eyes.

“Nonnie, how do you know about glamour teams?” Autumn asked, laughing at Kennedy’s choice of words.

“I watch the Kardashians, dear.”

Robert jumped up. Landon rose too when Kennedy passed by. She did very much as she had when he’d first arrived and extended her arm, this time for a side hug. “I don’t want you nervous around us, Landon."

“Thank you for everything. About the medal… I don’t think I can accept something so valuable. It needs to stay in the family,” he said, reaching for the small chest to hand back to her.

“Nonsense, dear. I’m certain it will be in the family. I’m happy Robert found you.” She ignored him and his outstretched hand, turning away, heading toward the door.

Autumn came around the table to hug Kennedy right before she got to the door.

“You all stay as long as you want.”

Landon said nothing more. Robert’s hand came to his back, caressing down his spine, keeping him grounded. “You know I can’t accept this,” he said when he glanced up and caught Robert’s eyes on the medal. As much as being here made him want to be part of this family, chances were high he’d never have that, especially since he woke up every day afraid this would be the day that Robert wised up.

“I thought you would say that. Our reasoning, mostly my grandmother’s suggestion, but it’s still true for us all, is that you stood watch over the heart and cornerstone of our family, my father. He would have given you this medal if he could,” Robert explained, his hand gliding up Landon’s back before his sincere gaze held Landon’s, beseeching him to understand.