Forever (Always & Forever 2)

Robert’s attention remained focused on Landon, who visibly swallowed and misstepped, his feet giving a slight stumble. Robert got it. His heart still tripped in his chest when he thought of how the course of their lives had played out to bring them together. And even now as he gazed into those dark orbs, he saw happiness between them. He saw a loving partner who would remain by his side forever. They would travel, have children, and grow old together. He vowed to himself he’d be Landon’s everything, and he saw that same commitment in Landon’s eyes.

Their gazes broke only long enough for Landon to bend and scoop a tiny feather just feet from Robert. Landon’s loving gaze found his once again as he extended the treasure, offering Robert the feather. “Save that with the others.”

He took the soft feather from Landon, unable to hide the smile at such a thoughtful act, and deposited the feather inside his suit coat pocket while grasping Landon’s hand with his other.

“Thank you, love,” he whispered. He’d never doubt he’d been given a special gift with a second chance at life. From the first feather that floated across his desk, to the feather now resting in his pocket, he’d felt his fathers’ gentle nudges.

Absolutely, he had a little help from above. Probably more than he deserved.

The fact that he’d managed to keep Landon interested in him this long had to prove miracles did exist. Happier than he’d ever been in his life, Robert couldn’t hold back the joy of the moment and gave Landon the smile he knew his lover liked the most. Landon returned the smile and completely stole Robert’s breath with his sincerity. Happy tears filled his eyes. He had to fight hard to keep his composure, the overwhelming love and devotion hard to contain. Robert lifted Landon’s hand to his lips and kissed his knuckles.

Landon had lectured himself to be chill. When he’d arrived at the ceremony, if Robert hadn’t bailed on him, then he had planned to acknowledge his mother, shake his father’s hand then walk, cool, calm, and collected, toward his future husband. Pfft, as if that would have ever happened. Like every day for the past year, Robert had such a way of detouring his plans. Nothing in the whole wide world compared to the man standing in front of him. The beautiful inside and out Dr. Robert Adams captured Landon body and soul, making him unable to do anything more than go straight to Robert’s side.

“You’re stunning,” Robert whispered, tears brimming in his blue eyes.

“You keep saying that.” Landon ducked his head but kept his gaze fixed on Robert. If Robert started with the waterworks, Landon would be screwed and, undoubtedly, follow suit.

Robert caressed his palm with a thumb. “Are you nervous?”

“Having second thoughts?” Landon shot back, an exchange they had had many times over the last week.

“Absolutely not. Not ever.” Robert’s words held strength, and the tears cleared as he nodded his affirmation.

“Me neither.” He said those words with such force and certainty that laughter from their families reminded him they weren’t alone. Like normal, Robert wrecked Landon’s concentration. He’d momentarily forgotten they had an audience. He glanced toward the pastor who smiled indulgently. “We’re ready.”

“Good.” The pastor slid a finger over the pad in his hand as Landon squared his shoulders, standing to his full height, and turned back to Robert. Robert’s bright smile made his confidence bloom. Everything right in his world was staring back at him.

Chapter 30

After pushing the top floor button on the elevator board, Robert turned back to his new husband who stood with his butt against the back wall, looking disgruntled as hell. For their plane ride to Minnesota, Landon had allowed Robert to pick his travel attire. Robert had chosen black jeans that clung to Landon’s body in all the right places, a tight-fitting sheer dark T-shirt, black boots, and a black leather jacket. Landon looked gorgeous in his dark good looks.

Robert found he had a new attitude—his lighthearted teasing was all because their signatures sat side by side at the bottom of their wedding license. He should investigate becoming a paid negotiator, because somehow, he’d managed to talk his husband into marrying him. Now Landon was obligated to legally stand by Robert’s side no matter the pursed lips and narrowed brows staring back at him right now.

“It’s our wedding day. Stop trying to count every penny I’ve spent.”

Landon arched an eyebrow as Robert slid between his parted thighs. Robert counted it a win when Landon placed both palms on Robert’s hips, drawing him closer. He tilted his head back to look Robert in his eyes, a move Robert loved. Even with the frustration on Landon’s face, Robert bent in to place a chaste kiss on those pouty, upturned lips.