“I guess so. Yes.” Robert tipped the cocktail glass to his lips again, taking a much longer drink this time, and Sophia mirrored his actions.
“What do your sister and grandmother say?” she asked, stopping the pretense of casual and turning more fully toward him.
“They’re supportive.” He guessed and nodded for good measure, although he hadn’t really asked their opinions.
“What does Landon think about it?” Apparently, Sophia asked all the hard-hitting questions.
“He believes I have a brain tumor,” he answered, hiding his smile with the next sip he took. Sophia laughed straight out loud.
“Have you had that theory tested?” she asked, happily.
“I haven’t. I decided if I’m dying, then I’m dying a happy man.” He reached over, clinking his almost empty glass with Sophia’s as the current song came to an end. “I have to go steal my date back. I’m tired of being sidelined.”
Robert placed his glass on a side table and went directly for Autumn and Landon while the band took requests.
“Go find your new husband.” Robert stepped in between Autumn and Landon, taking him in his arms at the start of a slow sexy song. He nearly moaned out loud as Landon moved his hips in time with the tune. His man had moves.
“You’re sexy when you dance,” Robert muttered, swaying to the music.
“You’re tipsy,” Landon laughed, giving him the same grin.
“Maybe just happy.”
When the song changed to “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, Robert pulled Landon in closer. He loved this song.
“I’ll have to remember you’re a happy drunk,” Landon said, his body flush against Robert’s who laughed at him, pressing a kiss to Landon’s lips. Landon moved with him, swaying slightly, keeping Robert close much like he wanted.
“What you need to remember is you make me happy,” Robert whispered in Landon’s ear, closing his eyes, letting himself get lost in the movements of their bodies. He breathed Landon in. Intoxicating… All that happiness and sunshine moving effortlessly in his arms. He brushed his cheek against Landon’s hair as they swayed and moved to the song playing in the background.
The words of the song rang true. He’d died every day waiting for the man he held in his arms. He lowered his mouth to Landon’s ear, whispering, “I have loved you for a thousand years.” He sang the words to Landon as they floated across the dance floor. The warm glow of the lights filled the room with romance. The candle flames even danced to the music. The romance of this perfect night radiated through him as they held each other close. Yes, without a doubt…he’d love Landon for a thousand more.
Dare to fly.
His sway faltered at the words so unmistakably spoken in his ear. He looked over his shoulder to see who had said them, but there was no one there. He’d heard them stated plain as day and looked the other direction. Landon put a miniscule amount of space between them with a questioning expression on his face. Their fluid steps faltered.
“Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?” Landon glanced over his shoulder, searching.
Robert kept his gaze fixed on Landon and repeated the words. “Dare to fly.” Joy bubbled in his heart.
Now Robert’s heart was leading him. The utter certainty flowing around them was palpable. Everything slowed as Landon’s gaze landed back on his, searing his love to his soul.
Forever… Nothing less than forever.
The music and noise of the party faded away. Robert’s thoughts strayed to his childhood where he’d witnessed the love his fathers had shared, more certain now in his belief that they were together somewhere in their forever.
He would promise Landon forever.
Nothing but love and total certainty in his decision, Robert released Landon who was slower at letting him go. He dug in his slacks pocket, finding the loose ring, and took a deep steadying breath. Chasing feathers had led him to Landon, but the man’s genuine selflessness and beautiful spirit had captured his heart and made him fall in love.
“What’s going on?” Landon asked.
Robert dropped to a knee in the middle of the makeshift dance floor. Landon looked momentarily confused before he caught on and then his expression morphed into complete shock. Robert extended his hand up to Landon, the ring he’d carried for weeks between his thumb and forefinger, and said simply, “Marry me.”
The only sounds had been from the faint music of the band, and even those halted. Landon’s expressive face went through a range of emotions before he took a small step backward.
“What are you doing? We just met.” When he finally spoke, Landon’s voice sounded unsure, but the desire that flashed in his eyes and stayed there told Robert all he needed to know.
Robert’s focus never wavered nor did his resolve. “Marry me, Landon.”
“We can’t marry, Robert.” He could see Landon’s mind racing as sadness and insecurity laced his dark eyes. His gut told him those were the issues of their union, not the legality.