Forever (Always & Forever 2)

“I believe we eventually want children, right?” Robert asked. Landon gave a single nod, which might have been the easiest answer he’d ever gotten from the man. “And it’ll work pretty much in the same way I came into the world,” Robert continued, watching Landon get wrapped into his father’s arms. “It worked out well for me.”

“That’s right. I read that in your father’s book. Michael gave it to me to read.” Tony beamed with pride and took a step back, letting Michael into the huddle they’d formed in this small section of the dining room. Michael gripped Landon’s shoulder, giving him a tight squeeze. His excitement was a little subdued since the three of them skyped regularly, and he’d been told weeks ago.

The connection Robert and Landon shared had Robert so in tune with Landon that he felt the moment when everything settled into place for his guy. He watched Landon initiate another hug with his father who held him tight in return. Whatever happened in the past had clearly been left there.

“I’m proud of you, son.” There may have been a quiver in both men’s bodies; clearly tears were being fought by the tone of Tony’s voice. Robert reached out, circling Karen’s shoulder, and she wrapped an arm around his back, hugging Robert as they watched their two men connect.

Chapter 26

From what Robert had learned on the tour of the house, the bedroom where he currently stood used to be Landon’s and those were the first layers of memories secured to the walls. Pictures of Landon playing youth sports were next to dated posters, one being a Grand Theft Auto poster. Robert smiled as he wondered whether that might have been a foreshadowing to all the auto theft from the youths of this household. There was also a picture of Landon and a very pretty young lady with delicate features and long blond hair, dressed formally, possibly at a prom.

Michael also had had some influence on these walls. A pretty hand painted landscape hung there—Robert didn’t recognize the artist’s name—along with pictures of destinations. Snapshots taken in real time, some with Landon in his service dress uniform. Landon looked young, proud, and very, very handsome. Robert lifted his cell phone to take a picture of that photo to store for later.

The more updated décor had to be all Parker. Graphic video game posters were haphazardly thumbtacked over other memories and pictures, causing Robert to pry off an edge of one to see what was underneath.

“Remember, you said you wanted to do this.”

Robert looked over his shoulder to see Landon in pajama pants and an Air Force T-shirt, shutting the bedroom door behind him.

“I like getting a peek into your life,” he said, sweeping a hand over the wall, stopping at the picture of Landon and his female date. “Where is she now?”

“That’s Heather. She’s married, has some kids, works somewhere. I heard her husband was arrested for burglary, spending time in the pen,” Landon said, turning on the nightstand lamp then going back to turn off the overhead light. “Back then, I hadn’t accepted the me you see now. I signed up for the Air Force the day after that picture. I think she thought we were to be married.”

“Really?” Robert left the wall of memories, drawn to the real version of Landon. Over the last couple of hours, Robert had watched Landon flourish under the acceptance of his family. His guy’s shoulders were a little straighter, his expansive chest a little fuller. Robert saw Landon’s anxiety flee, and in return, he got his cocky, fun guy back. It had been wonderful to witness. Robert went right for him, his hands needing to touch Landon with the same need his body had to breathe.

“Pretty much. At least the best I remember. I’ve always had a thing for blonds.” Landon seemed just as eager to have Robert near, snaking an arm around his waist, pulling him snugly against his body. “Thank you for today. You’re always such a gentleman. I’m working on trying to be one myself. They all really like you.”

“I like them too, and you’re my perfect gentlemen,” Robert said quietly, knowing all three of the bedrooms were at this end of the house and everyone had gone to bed at the same time. “I like you in pajamas.”

“I like you out of your pjs,” Landon said with a pronounced Texas twang. Landon puckered his lips, his intentions clear. Robert narrowed his eyes. After a moment of speculation, he allowed the kiss, but purposefully kept it light, pulling from Landon’s arms after the smallest brush of tongue.

“Your parents are right across the hall,” he whispered, shaking his head. “You’ll get me excited, and I can’t rub one off with your parents across the hall.”

“That wasn’t my plan at all. More a full-fledged fuck. Boyhood fantasies,” Landon whispered loudly as he furrowed his brow and watched Robert circle to the other side of the bed. Landon didn’t follow, which meant his words were more a tease than an actual plan Robert would have to truly fight off.