Robert smiled and nodded, still looking at Kylie. He’d heard these same references many times before. Nostalgia of times long gone seemed to keep Rodney’s tongue going.
“I remember the day Avery walked inside this restaurant. We were in awe of such a celebrity being here. Your dad’s only focus was on Kane. He swept your father off his feet then kept sweeping. He was a force, and that day, Kane’s life picked up and moved to a new course. I believe he started actually living that day and was smart enough to never look back. I see that same change in you. He’s good for you like Avery was good for Kane. You’re not gonna miss what you’ve let go of.”
Robert had never considered such a comparison, and for some reason, he agreed. Even though he knew nothing more about that time in his fathers’ lives than the memories sporadically shared over Robert’s life. Rodney nodded toward Landon, and Robert looked that way as the music came to an end. Landon caught his quick peek. Like normal, Landon had a way of picking up on Robert’s emotional cues. His husband’s smile turned quizzical as he encouraged Autumn back toward the table.
“But Avery left his mark on you, that’s for sure. You’re the spitting image of that man.”
“Yeah. Always hear how much I look like him.” He smiled at the thought of his dad. “I was hoping to show Landon around. It’s part of the reason we started our honeymoon in Minnesota. He wanted to see where I grew up,” Robert said, looking up as Landon touched his shoulder. The gentle caress moved across his shoulders until Robert could capture the hand in his and bring it to his lips. His gaze stayed on Landon’s as his lips pressed against his knuckles.
“I’m running to the restroom,” Autumn said. Robert nodded, turning his hand to fully grip Landon’s. This moment right here, holding his precious niece in his arms with Landon by his side… Perfection.
“Of course, you know you have access to it all.” Rodney’s attention shifted to Landon. “Robert was just telling me your plans for street fare. Does that mean you’re leaving the military?”
“No, sir. I’ve got four years until retirement. I’m sticking it out.” Every time Landon spoke of his military career, his tone dripped with pride.
His mister was proud of his accomplishments. Robert was too, but if given a choice, he’d vote for Landon to quit or deny orders—however the Air Force did their thing. Robert was ready to take off with their new lives, but Landon dug in his heels, holding them in place.
“I work second shift. I can lend a hand every day, but Robert does all the heavy lifting. He keeps saying it’s a we deal. It’s not. It’s a he deal.”
Robert grinned, tightening his grip. “You do all the heavy lifting—literally. We did a test run last week. Landon’s expert-level good at lugging things around. He had us setup in record time without breaking a sweat.”
“Like that matters.” Landon squeezed his hand, drawing Robert’s gaze up to see Landon peering down at him, making his heart sputter. “He’s happier here in Minnesota. He’s different here. Less weight on his shoulders.”
“They grew up here—right here in this restaurant. The Adamses are the first family of Minnesota. They’re all our children,” Rodney stated proudly, winking at Robert.
“All right, guys. It’s almost nine o’clock. She’s passed out, so I need to do the same,” Autumn said, carefully taking the sleeping baby from his arms.
“I’ll walk Autumn out then give you a tour. I’ll be back.” Robert got to his feet, kissing Landon on the way up before he grabbed the diaper bag and Autumn’s purse, helping Autumn and Kylie out to the car.
Landon stood transfixed, committing every detail of this restaurant to memory. How Robert kept saying their honeymoon hadn’t officially begun was in direct contrast to his views. For Landon, they had started the minute they’d stepped off the plane in Minnesota. To have such a tour of all the places Avery Adams had spoken of inside his books, and the tour guide to be his son, who also happened to be Landon’s husband, just made everything more special.
From the picture of Paulie hanging on the wall in the kitchen to the place where Avery had dropped down on one knee and proposed to Kane—Landon was seeing where it all happened and mentally committed each place to memory.
“We had a nursery in this room.” Robert pushed open the door. Stacks of boxes now filled the space. “We spent all day here when we were children. My fathers hired a caregiver, Patty, who would watch us all day in this tiny room. It seemed so big at the time.”
“You didn’t stay home?” Landon asked, sticking his head inside the room. The walls were still painted in primary colors, in patterns Paulie had chosen and painted.
“No, not after those first six months or so. In the beginning, they tried to take care of us themselves while running the restaurant and my dad’s law firm, but they said we were a handful. We double teamed them, so we started coming here so my granddaddy could keep an eye on our nanny. My dad would come here after work and help out then we’d all go home together.” Robert flipped on the light and pushed through the boxes. “Come in and shut the door.”
Landon entered as Robert pushed along the back wall until he found what he was looking for. A door opened under his
