Cole glanced toward Jase, who shrugged.
“There was something she didn’t know about the agreement her parents had for child support after they got divorced,” Cole said.
Jase laughed softly. “You should be the politician. That was the biggest spin I’ve ever heard.” He took a step toward Shep. “My mother moved away from Crimson with Sienna when we were kids. My dad was a mess. Mom sent him money, and it was understood that he wouldn’t contact her or see my sister.”
“Like a payoff?” Shep asked.
“Such an ugly word,” Jase muttered.
“Exactly like a payoff,” Cole admitted, even though he’d tried to convince himself it was something different when Jase had first told him about the arrangement.
“That’s bad.” Shep leaned forward over the bar. “Bartender,” he shouted. “Another round for these two idiots and one for me, as well.”
Cole looked to David and shook his head slightly. “No more for me.” He glanced at his brother. “It’s bad.”
“Why didn’t you tell her?”
“I’m an idiot,” Cole muttered. “Just like you said.”
“It’s my fault.” Jase shook his head. “I asked you not to say anything.”
Shep gave a small laugh. “Bros before—”
“Sometimes I wish we were twelve again,” Cole interrupted, “so I could tackle you to the ground. It’s better this way. She got out early before I could hurt her even worse than I have. I’m my father’s son after all.”
“You don’t actually believe that.”
Cole glanced at his brother. “What are you talking about? We look just like him.”
“I’m not debating paternity.” Shep ran a hand through his hair. “But you aren’t like him.” He leaned in closer. “You arenotour father.”
“I lied to her,” Cole whispered.
“Yes, and you’ll have to fix the mess you’re in. I recommend flowers and jewelry and a load of sappy, humiliating groveling. You can make this better. Hell, Cole, Dad could have made it better if he hadn’t been such a coward.”
“He was going to jail.”
“Which didn’t stop Mom from loving him. He gave up on her and on himself. That’s the part I couldn’t face. That’s why I never came back. He was supposed to be the strongest man I knew, and he gave up. Don’t be like him. Don’t give up.”
“I hate to side with your brother,” Jase said, “but he’s right.”
“Hell, yeah, I am.” Shep stood from his chair, pulled his wallet from his back pocket and threw a few crisp bills on the bar. “Do you know why?” He held up a hand before Cole could answer. “Becauseyouare the strongest man I know. It sounds like this woman loves you, and there is nothing worth fighting for more important than that. Speaking of, I’ve actually got a lady waiting on me tonight. You two sad saps remind me I’d rather be with her.”
“I thought you just got to town,” Jase murmured. “You work fast.”
Shep flashed a grin. “Something like that.”
Cole met his brother’s gaze, and it was like looking at a version of his own reflection. “I’m glad you’re here,” he said quietly, surprised to realize it had been true from the first moment he’d spotted Shep on the ski resort’s patio. His brother might infuriate him, but their bond couldn’t be broken.
“Besides...” Shep quickly drained the glass of whiskey David had set on the bar in front of him, then took two steps back. “If you don’t handle it, I’m going to have to make myself available to help this poor girl get over you.”
“Shut up.”
“See ya, Cole.” Shep turned with a laugh and walked out of the bar.
“Can I fix this?” Cole asked Jase a moment later.
His friend sighed. “I sure as hell hope so.”
