He’d been placed in charge of the precious cargo; it was his job to make sure Kennedy Adams made it to the ceremony in one piece and that meant helping her off the golf cart and navigating the uneven ground until she made it to her seat in the first row. He took his job as seriously as he’d ever taken anything, not taking his eyes off Kennedy’s feet until he was sure she was on the temporary walkway added to help her bypass any unseen ruts or holes in the ground.
“It’s the perfect day for such a wedding.”
“Yes, ma’am, it is,” he said, keeping a tight hold of her arm. He wished he could just carry her to her seat.
“What did I tell you about the ma’am?” She stopped moving, scolding him with a look while swatting at the hand that held her in his grip. Kennedy was so in control, so independent, most likely stubborn as she could be. He wasn’t certain she actually needed him there with her. Much like he felt around her grandson and granddaughter, it was hard to be anything but comfortable around her.
“I’m afraid you’re going to have to endure the sentiment for a bit longer. I can’t bring myself to say anything different to you.” He answered her honestly and urged her to walk again, taking her to the first seat in the first row of the bride’s side.
“You’re a cheeky thing, aren’t you?” she whispered, her tone approving. Once she was fully seated, he took the seat he’d been instructed to, leaving a place between them for Robert.
“I believe that’s a nice way to put it.” He gave her a playful wink and the music began playing. They both turned as Cam’s brother and mother walked down the aisle before the best man took his place next to the groom at the floral arch where a priest stood. Next came Autumn’s maid of honor, a longtime friend from their early days of college. Then came Autumn and Robert in a golf cart. This one, though, made its way more slowly over the rolling lawn.
Robert rode in the passenger seat, Autumn in the back. Flowers decorated the exterior of the cart—her own personal carriage. When they arrived, Robert exited the cart and went to the back to help Autumn off. The “Bridal Chorus” started, and Landon stood, extending a hand to help Kennedy stand as everyone joined in. With his head angled, he could see unobstructed as Robert and his sister approached. Everything faded for Landon as he stood transfixed over the pair. With each step down the aisle, Robert drew closer to him and Landon’s heart burst with pride. He wanted to live with that man forever. He wanted to love Robert Adams and be loved in return. He wanted this—the wedding, the happiness, the hope of tomorrow and all the tomorrows that followed.
Their eyes met. Robert stared at him as if he had somehow read his mind. A slight breeze ruffled Robert’s hair. That one stray piece that Landon was beginning to see as unruly fell across Robert’s forehead. They stared at one another until Robert passed by. The moment had Landon’s heart drumming in his ears. He looked down at his trembling hands. Luckily, Kennedy took his arm, pulling him from the trance. She seemed to somehow know his struggle.
With the gentle pat she gave to his arm, she said, “Help me sit, dear.”
He did, taking the seat next to her until Robert made his way over. Landon slid to his designated place, his hand following the length of Robert’s arm until he could intertwine their fingers, getting an unexpected side-eye from Robert at his eagerness before Robert could manage to fully take his seat. Landon ignored the look. Robert now added life-preserver to the long list of growing reasons Landon needed to keep the man close.
Hours later, Kennedy’s “young and fresh” string quartet had turned into a pretty good acoustic cover band with the help of Cam’s brother, who played his guitar. Dinner had been served, drinks flowed plentifully, and the cake was nothing but crumbs. As for the family, including the bride and groom, they’d chosen to spend the evening together, taking the reception into the night, enjoying each other’s company.
For Robert, he’d lost his suit jacket and tie hours ago. He’d eagerly rolled up his sleeves to help the kitchen staff earlier but had pretty much been consumed with Landon the entire night. And he’d probably had too much to drink. That seemed okay too. He tipped the cocktail glass to his lips for good measure. Robert loved his family, and he loved his man. His smile hadn’t faded all day, and unlike just a few months ago, he hadn’t had to force it at all.
“So, you were saying you’re training to be a chef?” Sophia asked, her eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Since she’d had as many drinks as Robert, she had a harder time schooling her facial features. It seemed saying it out loud hadn’t helped her process the one-eighty about-face Robert’s life had taken.