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“You were being honest, and I appreciate it.”
He angled his body toward her. “Leah, leaving you back in high school was one of my biggest regrets, but I want you to be happy.”
“I want that for you too.”
His expression softened. “I know.” Then his shoulders slumped, and his mouth released a deep sigh. “If my brother makes you happy, that’s all that matters. I’ll… have to get used to that.”
“Thank you.” Her heart melted at his kind words.
Seth clutched her hand in response. Would he be okay? Leah’s heart filled with warmth knowing he would be. Seth proved himself a fighter after his injury. While he came on very strong to get what he wanted, he would be okay with a different outcome. She would never forget the boy she once loved. Never.
****
Cole surveyed the images on his laptop. Picking the best photos of Jeremy and April’s engagement photos, he saved them all to one file. The clearing of a throat made him raise his chin. His father lowered his gaze, but then he glared at his son.
Crossing his arms, he cleared his throat. “I talked with Mayor Kimble. He said he called you.”
Cole reached in his pocket for his phone. He had missed a call. Taking a minute, he listened to the voicemail. “Cole, this is Mayor Kimble, April’s father. She told me of your generous donation. I wanted to call and thank you personally. We’re proud to have you a part of our town.” The phone slipped through his fingers but he regained his grip before it toppled to the floor.
“You donated money to the community center?” his father asked.
“It’s not a big deal. The storm left the roof damaged. I stopped by last night during my drive.” Cole rubbed the back of his head. He should have known April wouldn’t have kept his secret for long.
“I didn’t know.” His father dragged his feet and came over to sit next to his son on the couch. “I was talking with your mother last night. Do you remember when you asked me to help you with your book report as a little boy?”
“I was ten, right?”
“I told you to ask your mother.”
Cole said, “And then when Seth asked you to play catch with him outside, you went to hang out with him.”
“I never meant to make you feel like I passed you over,” his father said.
Cole sat still as a statue. Was his father being vulnerable? Growing up, he came across tough as nails. He wasn’t much for soft words and barely said, “I love you.” His mother always defended him saying, “That’s his way,” and “Your father’s a good man.” Cole never understood that concept only wanting the love and support from his father.
Too many years he spent angry with him, unwilling to forgive. “This whole time… I thought you weren’t proud of me.”
His father released a deep breath. “I’ve always been proud of you. I just wanted you to choose the best career possible. I had already set in my mind your future. I didn’t realize I took away your choice. Now that you’re successful, I didn’t want to admit I was wrong.
“You were so smart growing up, and I wanted you to use that the way I thought best. I never went after my dreams. I lacked courage, but I should have trusted that I raised you well and respected your decision. You were right, and I’m so proud.”
Cole rubbed his chin. “I’ve always admired you. Even though our relationship has been rocky, I thought the world of you. Even when I was angry, I wanted your approval.”
“That means a lot coming from you.” His father gave him a side hug. “I’m sorry, son. I never wanted you to feel like I didn’t care. I know I’m not much with words, but I love you.”
Cole’s voice choked. Too focused on his own feelings, he did not see his father’s. “I… love you too, Dad.”
His father patted his arm before releasing him. “I also called your brother over here.”
Cole’s eyebrows shot up. “What?”
“Your mother asked me to intervene, so whatever it is you two are fighting about, it ends today.”
“It’s not my fault.”
“I didn’t say it was, but what’s the one thing your mother hates?” His father r
aised an eyebrow.
