"I don't think I've ever played with my brother... He was quite a bit older than me." And he just wasn't that type of person. Holden shrugged. "He lives up the hill, actually. Over there."

Holden indicated the direction, then ran his fingers through Gideon's hair. It was so soft now, so shiny and nice. Washing it really had done wonders. "I don't know about a brother, sweet boy, but we are going to try nursery school. Also, I've been thinking..."

Was this bribery, given the day they'd had? Whatever. "How would you like to get a puppy?"