“Robert, the only exactness I can give you is the understanding that metaphysics is a branch of philosophy that deals with the first principles of things, including abstract concepts such as being, knowing, substance, cause, identity, time, and space—”
Robert stopped Michael, lifting an apologetic hand for the interruption. “Abstract with no basis in reality,” Robert countered, placing his elbows on the edge of the table, clasping his hands together. Every bit of his concentration focused on Michael, appreciative of his willingness to participate in this thread of conversation.
Michael shook his head in such a way that Robert knew he flat wasn’t getting it. “Let me say it like this, in a way that may help you reprogram your resistance. What’s happening to you is based in science. A transcending of what’s physical and natural. It’s the truth of existence—all existence. Mindset is everything with the metaphysical. Landon’s gone as far down this path as he’s willing to intellectually go. You may have too, and that’s all right, because look what you’ve found by opening yourself to more.”
“I guess I see,” Robert said, straining his brain to understand Michael’s words.
Michael laughed at him, reaching out a hand to clasp Robert’s joined hands. “You’ll get there. And sometimes it’s enough to believe there’s more. It allows the possibility in, like with Landon.”
Those words nailed Robert’s growing thought process to a tee. He didn’t understand, and that was okay because the evidence of the possibility had given him his life back. “You’re a librarian. Landon gives you credit for his success; he’s told me you’re the rock of this family.”
“Don’t think less of Tony. He’s tried. His personality is just so big and always ready to invest in the next big thing. He struggles to keep his jobs. My sister is a kind woman. She cleans houses. We all work together to make ends meet,” Michael explained, painting a picture Landon hadn’t necessarily explained to him. “Landon also helps. He sends money home. He’s also claimed responsibility for Presley’s and Parker’s school clothes and supplies and their extracurricular activities. He provides a lot of their Christmas and birthday gifts…” Whatever look Robert held had Michael breaking from the topic, saying, “You look surprised. He didn’t tell you?”
“No, he hasn’t.” Robert shook his head and crossed his arms. What a kind deed. Robert had enough money to live ten lifetimes and something as generous as that might not have occurred to him to do.
“Landon’s a good man, solid and full of personality. He’s also complicated. On one hand, he’s self-assured and determined. On the other, he’s insecure as hell. I see him like that with you,” Michael said.
“I don’t know what to do to stop it?”
“Time.”
Robert nodded. He’d hoped as much. All he wanted in the world was to give Landon all the time he needed, making confidence in their relationship seem achievable.
“I pushed hard for this relationship with Landon. I didn’t know how to manage all these feelings. I went gangbusters with him. I didn’t want to lose him—maybe I was insecure too or maybe I took the meaning of my father’s words and the feathers that ended up in my path too closely to heart. Something in here”—Robert pointed to his heart before he continued—“tells me that’s not what happened. I love Landon with more…intensity than I’ve ever loved anyone or anything before. I know we’re meant to be together. My world immediately locked into place with Landon. My father talked openly about soul mates. I understand him now. I just don’t know how I know. It seems my only purpose in life is to live as authentically as I can with Landon by my side.”
“I suspect he feels the same, which is the reason for the insecurity,” Michael added, looking very much at peace with what Robert had just confessed.
“I’ve never said all this out loud before, but I thought by pushing to come here this weekend that he and I could have all the formality out of the way and start living our life.”
“Good plan. And, Robert, your words are safe with me.” The patio door sliding open drew both their gazes that direction. Landon peered out, glancing over the backyard until he found Robert.
“I don’t want to rush you, but we should go.” Landon eased his large frame more fully out the doorway, his keen stare probably picking up the seriousness of their conversation. “Everything good?”
Michael got to his feet first, stepping out of the way. “We were having a good talk. I’m glad you made time to come home.”
“Me too,” Landon said, his unsure gaze remaining on Robert.
“Stop worrying,” Michael said, patting Landon’s shoulder as he stepped closer to the doorway. “Robert’s a good man, as handsome on the inside as he is on the outside.”
Michael gave Landon the perfect diversion. Humor immediately danced across Landon’s face. “He’s like GQ Ken. His sister looks like Vogue Barbie. There’s almost too much pretty in their family.”
Robert laughed straight out loud at that comparison. A couple of weeks ago, Landon had come home with a Ken doll wearing a suit. He insisted the doll looked like Robert. Robert had scoffed at the idea, but the compliment sure stuck with him long enough to show Landon exactly how appreciative he was.
“If I’m Ken, you’re Max Steele. I had the action figure, and I remember very clearly that I thought he was hot as hell.” Any lingering worry fled. Landon must have liked the comparison, because he stepped straight into Robert, caressing a palm down his back before taking his mouth in a playful kiss. Robert loved the easy display of affection in front of Michael and anyone looking through the window.
“I’ll keep you safe from harm,” Landon said, laughing against his lips.
“Come on, you love birds. My teeth are hurting from all the sugary sweetness,”
