Cold didn’t have to think twice about the answer. He lost count of the times his mother made him and Seth sit across from each other until they compromised. Even something small as fighting over a toy, she didn’t condone fighting. They could disagree or have differences of opinion, but nothing could break their bond as brothers.
“Son?”
“I hear you.”
The front door opened and closed.
“Okay, Dad, I don’t have much time, so what happened in the kitchen you need my help with?” Seth paused as soon as he and Cole made eye contact. His eyes then shifted back to his father. “What’s he doing here?”
Their father pointed to the couch. “Have a seat, Seth.”
Seth sat in the chair in front of the fireplace. “What’s going on?”
“You both tell me. Now, you’re grown men, so I can’t tell you what to do, but when your arguing affects your mother, I have to speak on it.”
Seth leaned forward and rested his elbows on his thighs.
Cole leaned back on the couch. He didn’t want to fight anymore. What would it take for them to compromise? “I’m… sorry.”
His brother rubbed the back of his head. “No… I’m sorry.”
“You are?”
“I’ll let you boys talk it out.” Their father stepped out of the room. “No wrestling.”
Seth’s mouth twisted, but not quite into a full smile. “I am sorry, Cole. I’ve been thinking, and I shouldn’t have kicked you out.”
“I meant to tell you before about Leah and me.”
“Why didn’t you?”
Cole raised his eyebrows. “Based on your reaction, can you blame me for waiting?”
“I guess I can’t.” He leaned back in his chair. “I guess I thought ‘what does she see in him she doesn’t see in me?’”
“I thought the same thing about you in high school.”
“I know, and I thought we could get it back, but…” Seth looked over at his brother. “She loves you, Cole.” Then he extended his hand. “Make her happy. She deserves it.”
Cole shook his brother’s hand, then released it. “Thanks.”
“I’m also sorry about everything else. I was so busy wanting my success I didn’t take time to include you. I’ve always been proud, but I should have said it more.”
This couldn’t be his brother. “I appreciate that, but I was wrong. You always supported me. Truth is, you going after your dreams inspired me to do the same.”
“I uh… love you.”
“Love you too.” Cole swallowed the lump in his throat. “So, uh… how about them Yankees?”
Seth laughed. “Not a fan, you know that.”
“Who doesn’t like the Yankees?”
“Me, but there’s something else I need to tell you.” He stood upright and sauntered over to the couch to sit next to him.
“What’s that?”
“I reached out to my former agent last year. I wrote a book.”