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Important Lessons

Cody adjusted the visor as he sat in the passenger seat next to Jacob. The midday sun was hot in the empty parking lot, and he grinned when his brother donned his new 'driving' sunglasses - a gift sent from Casey. "Okay, Jake, remember to press down on the gas slowly," he instructed, his voice calm and reassuring.

Jacob nodded enthusiastically, his hands gripping the steering wheel with a mix of excitement and nervousness. "Got it, Cody," he said eagerly, bouncing a little in the driver's seat. As he pushed the pedal, the engine sprang to life and he steered the car around the empty lot, his movements cautious. "How am I doing?" He asked without looking at his brother who could hear some uncertainty in his voice.

Cody smiled, the corner of his lip lifting. "You're doing great, Jake. Just remember, it's all about control. Keep your movements smooth and steady."

The car traveled through the lot and Jacob's confidence grew with each turn, his hands gradually becoming more steady on the wheel.

"Add a little gas," Cody said and when Jacob accelerated a little bit too quickly, the car bucked forward unevenly and came to a bouncy stop when the fifteen year old hit the break.

"Sorry," he said sheepishly.

"That's okay, just ease off on the gas next time and gently pump the brake," Cody said with a smile as he retracted the hand that had instinctively reached for the dashboard.

He started again, this time with smoother acceleration and his brother chuckled. "It's alright, you just had a little too much gas before. Remember what Steve always says, 'Drive smart, not scared,'" he advised.

"Got it," he smiled and loosened the knuckle-whitening grip he'd had on the wheel.

As the lesson continued, the teen's confidence grew. With Cody's guidance, he navigated more steadily, and the brothers shared a smile.

After an hour, Jacob parked the car, turning off the engine and exhaling deeply. "That was awesome, Cody! Thanks for teaching me," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with his patented excitement.

Cody grinned. "You did great. Remember, driving isn't just about the technical stuff. It's about being responsible and aware," he said, echoing Steve's advice.

When they stepped out of the car to switch places for the ride back, Cody slung an arm over his little brother's shoulders. "I sound like mom but wasn't I just teaching you to ride a tricycle like a week ago?" he teased.

"You totally sound like Mom," Jacob grinned, then turned to face him with a more serious expression. "And you've always been here for me, Cody. Every single minute of my life." He stopped moving and wrapped his brother in a hug. "Thanks. For today and for forever. Love you."

Cody Allen blinked hard and swallowed the lump in his throat. "Love, you, Jake, and I've always got your back. Forever."

As they reentered the car, Jacob smiled at Cody. "Hey, remember when you first moved out and I thought it was like the world was ending?"

Cody chuckled, a soft smile reaching his eyes. "Yeah, I remember. And I told you I would never be more than a call away."

Jacob nodded, his blue eyes on his brother. "I thought everything was changing, and I didn't want it to," he admitted.

Cody placed a hand on Jacob's shoulder and gave a reassuring squeeze. "I get it, Jake. But you know, relationships can change, but that doesn't mean they're less special or strong," he assured him. "Our family is forever."

Jacob beamed. "It totally is."

As soon as Cody reached his and Jess' apartment, his phone rang. He fished it out, glancing at the screen before answering, "Hey, Steve."

"How'd it go?"

"Good," Cody said as he grabbed an iced tea and took a swallow. "He did great. A little…heavy on the break a couple of times, but he was excited." He chuckled.

"That's Jacob. Best driving lesson ever?"

Steve asked, and Cody could picture his grin.

"First and best yet. He really did well. I told him about drive smart, not scared."

"It's true."

"It is, and I told him about ten other things you said when you were teaching me."

"You remember that many, huh?"

Cody's voice turned serious. "I remember them all. We're gonna change a tire, too."

"Good," Steve replied, "you're a great brother, Cody, but you know that. You're also a good man. Jacob's growing into one, too, in no small part thanks to you."

"Steve, I …" the younger man's voice caught and he cleared his throat, "thanks; that means…more than I can say. Especially from you." He let out a breath. "If you think I'm a good man, a good person, you had so much to do with it. I hope you know that."

It was Steve's turn to let out a breath. "Cody, you've always been incredible. If I had any part in who you've become, it's my honor. I hope you know that."

"Listen to us," Cody said. "Expressing feelings and everything," he teased, but the meaning behind his words was clear.

"Long way from not needing a cart in Walmart, hmm?" Steve agreed, just as Danny's voice carried from nearby.

"Steve, we caught a double homicide…"

"I've gotta go, I'll call you back. Cody?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

"Thank you. Be safe."

Ending the call, Cody smiled to himself, glancing at the phone for a few seconds before deciding another call was in order.

After the conversation with Steve, Cody smiled and hit speed-dial for his brother. "Hey, it's me. I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing."

On the other end of the line, Jacob's usual enthusiasm greeted him. "Hey, Cody! I'm great! Just setting the table. Mom's making dinner," Jacob reported. "We're having lasagna and Kaitlyn's making salad."

"Hi Cody!" His sister's voice carried from across the kitchen while Jenna called, "Hi, honey!" towards the phone.

Cody smiled at the image in his mind. "Nice, tell Kaitlyn hi and tell mom I'll call her later. I'll see you Saturday for another lesson."

"Awesome," he said, "tell Jess hi. Hey, Cody?"

Sensing the shift in his brother's tone, he pressed the phone closer to his ear. "Yeah?"

"Thanks again. Driving was great and I had fun."

Momentarily picturing his brother as a toddler on a tricycle, Cody smiled. "Me, too."

# End thanks for reading

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