Forever (Always & Forever 2)

Kennedy had stunningly created a romantic ambience with carefully placed walkways, leading into a freshly trimmed landscape roomy enough to accommodate all their immediate family. The meticulously chosen flowers coordinated perfectly with the theme. His daddy would have certainly given his stamp of approval at such whimsical, intricate displays. Swags of lush greenery and blooming flowers hung from the canopy of tree branches above with hundreds of white feathers woven throughout the floral mix. The simple addition of the white, fluffy feathers meant everything to Robert. His family respected him enough to accept the value he had placed on such a simple notion. The same flower, greenery, feather choices were artfully arranged in large urns strategically placed close to a floral arch showcasing the heart Landon had etched into their special tree.

The spiritual connection Robert held to such a lovely display had to mean his fathers were there with them today, celebrating the best moment of his life with him.

As Robert came forward, he smiled lovingly at his sister and niece, his gaze lingering there for a few seconds before his focus drifted to the new, welcome faces of Landon’s family who would soon become his family too. He started down the path, careful to stay within the lines of the hundreds and hundreds of rose petals and small feathers scattered over the walkway.

As he walked under the beautiful canopy, he spotted their families standing together, gathered around twelve white folding chairs facing the middle of the small space.

Parker, Landon’s nephew, broke the imaginary line holding their families in place. Clearly, he didn’t care about disturbing the path of rose pedals as he cut a beeline, straight to Robert.

“Uncle Robert.”

Robert slowed as his brows shot up. He’d never been called uncle before.

“Whatever you’re about to do, don’t,” Tony’s voice boomed to his grandson in that passionate Italian way. Just the comic relief Robert needed to ease his nerves. He fought the curl of his lips as he kept his gaze on Parker.

Parker didn’t appear to have heard the instruction as excitement danced in his eyes. “You’re loaded. I mean you look like you bank, but shit.”

“Parker…” his grandmother warned, most likely about the language.

“Sorry.” Parker barely cast a glance over his shoulder before his awestruck gaze landed on Robert once again. “I’m gonna change my birthday gift list. I think I need a car.”

“Me too.”

Robert looked past Parker to his sister, Presley. She took a seat in one of the chairs seemingly ignoring everything with her head bent, her thumbs working on her cell phone screen.

“Get over here, Parker,” Tony barked, true irritability reverberated in his tone. This time his grandson seemed to listen but not before nodding at Robert and lifting a fist for a bump. He obliged the bump, hoping it wasn’t some sort of a teenage commitment where he had agreed to buy vehicles for these two.

Sophia and Thomas stood by Autumn and Cam. They were standing close enough to Landon’s family that they already seemed one big happy family. He was sure that was Autumn’s doing. He appreciated her effort, especially after the shell shock Landon’s family had gone through when first seeing his grandmother’s estate yesterday evening.

Another difference between his and Autumn’s weddings were the sleeping arrangements. Last night, after a family dinner, Robert was escorted to a local hotel along with Autumn, Kylie and Cam. His sister had been given strict instruction to keep Robert from his Nonnie’s home, where Landon and his family spent the night.

The Russos were given full access to the property—the swimming pool, sauna, tennis and basketball courts, and all the golf carts to make the jaunt to the oceanside a bit easier. Based on the steady stream of pictures Landon sent, his family seemed to be having a grand time playing all over the estate.

Again, Robert knew he’d never be able to repay his grandmother for making sure Landon’s family was comfortable and happy with their stay. From what he understood, although he and Landon were leaving for Minnesota following a quick lunch after the wedding ceremony, the entire Russo family planned to stay a couple of extra days to spend more time with his grandmother and tour the area—the Cape being somewhere Landon’s mother had always wanted to visit.

Robert went for Kylie instead of taking his place close to the arch. He lifted the baby from Autumn’s hold as he spoke to Landon’s family. “I heard you guys had a fun evening last night.” His cell phone vibrated in his suit coat pocket. He had no idea how the Russo family responded, because all his attention diverted to his cell. He reached for the phone, careful not to disrupt a busy Kylie slapping at the pocket square in his suit jacket. Normally, he’d ignore his phone, but this handheld device was his only lifeline to Landon, and the possibility of Landon’s internal jitters getting the best of him had Robert anxiously checking his messages.