"Going soft, old man?" Tim strutted in front of us, rubbing what might pass for a beard on a good day. "Thought it was only Mom who read crap like that." He grinned at me, a sly smirk evolving. "Give me an action read every time, something with real men doing real stuff. Taking charge and kicking ass." He struck a muscle man pose, grunting as he flexed his arms.
Dad slowly got up from his chair, his lips pulled into a tight line.
James and I exchanged knowing glances—it was on.
Dad advanced on Tim, raising one eyebrow in his familiar rebuke. "Considering how much time you spend studying rocks, I would think you would clear out the ones between your eyes. These aren't just fast, fun reads." He waved the paperback in front of my older brother's nose. "They also teach you how to take care
