Chapter 102

“He’s so damn stubborn.” Jake sounded resigned. “It still amazes me how you and your brother have such opposing views of the world. You’re so optimistic by nature. You always want to see the good in everyone.”

“Brian sees the good in people, too.”

Jake smiled against his hair at his automatic defense of his brother.

“I know he does. He’s just more cynical in his view of life. He always has been.”

“I don’t know who I’d be without him. He’s such an important part of me.”

“He is a part of all of us. You are, too. We complete each other in some unfinished way.”

* * * *

Jake was warmed by the serene expression on his nephew’s face. He laid his hand over Matt’s leg and squeezed gently. It was significant moments like these, where so many words remained in the air, but nothing was left unsaid. He had to let his boys go into the world soon. He only hoped that he could still be an important part of their lives. He supposed every parent had to face this inevitability at some point.