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I leaned forward, interested in seeing how this would all play out, especially now that Jill was involved.
Brant looked calm and collected while wearing his million-dollar smile. Wow, he was a good actor. I prayed he could use those skills to get us all out of this mess. Or at least break free from Edward. At this point, I would take the fallout just to be rid of the evil man.
Laurie crossed her long, lean legs and smiled at the pair. “It’s a pleasure to have you both on the show today. I know this has been a difficult time for your family. Please tell us, how are Major Holland and his wife, Dani, doing?”
“Thank you for asking, Laurie.” Brant turned slightly toward her, away from the clutches of his fiancée.
Jill wasn’t having it and placed her hand on his upper thigh, a little too high for comfort. Yikes.
Brant paid her no attention and proceeded. “They are doing as well as can be expected. I’m extremely proud of my brother for accepting that he needed help and then seeking it. My sister-in-law is amazing, supporting him even though they are both grieving over the loss of their unborn baby,” Brant’s voice wobbled.
I grabbed Sheridan’s hand. “I’m sorry Brant has to lie about his baby. Our baby.”
“Don’t be. Maybe it was foolish of all of you to think you could live with that choice, but each of your intents were noble.”
“That’s a word for it,” I half scoffed. I didn’t feel noble lying, even if it was to protect my baby.
“Take my word for it.”
We focused back on Brant.
“Dani has been encouraging my brother to seek treatment for some time now. As you may know, she works closely with the foster care system in Colorado and is a big advocate for mental health awareness and treatment for all, regardless of a person’s financial situation. She and my family want to see the stigma regarding mental health challenges erased and have these medical conditions be treated like any other illness we face.”
I swore I saw Jill’s fist clench and her hand on Brant squeeze him like boa constrictor. She obviously didn’t like me or that Brant was giving me any praise. The question was, did she have suspicions about me? Or was her father shielding her from those?
“Yes, I’ve read about the foundation Dani started. What a wonderful program. I know you have spoken many times about the need for more funding for the foster care system and for those who have aged out of the system. If you’re elected, will your brother and sister-in-law play a role in structuring the child advocacy bill you’re hoping to present before Congress?”
For the briefest moment, I saw a hint of sadness in Brant’s eyes. I knew what he was giving up—for me. I wanted to yell at him not to do it because I knew what good he could do and wanted to do. Yet, I didn’t want to see him tied to such miserable people as the Copelands. Just looking at Jill trying to keep her face in a state of adoration all while fighting off the glower that kept appearing every time my name was mentioned made me cringe. Brant didn’t deserve a lifetime of hell with that woman.
“Absolutely,” Brant answered. “I can’t think of two people more capable or more passionate about the needs of all children in this country.”
“I’ll be championing that bill too,” Jill jumped in without being asked. “In fact, my employer, Jameson and Jameson, just donated several thousand dollars to after-school programs in Maryland.”
“How benevolent of that multibillion-dollar conglomerate she works for,” Sheridan spat. “I guarantee she had no say in it. They have a charitable outreach coordinator that has nothing to do with Jill’s department.”
I had never seen Sheridan so fired up. I liked it. “How does Jill get all this time off to be with Brant?”
“Like everyone else, her company loves the exposure interviews like this give them. She’s worth more sitting on that couch than in her office making deals.”
Laurie Summers gave Jill a placating smile. “You talk as if Brant has already won. Are you confident in your fiancé’s ability to beat the incumbent, Senator Richard Wadsworth, who has had high approval ratings during his last two terms?”
Jill leaned into Brant. “Of course. Brant has the drive and fresh new ideas Colorado and our nation need.” She fluttered her eyes at him. “And the two of us together are an unstoppable team. I’m going to be with him every step of the way.”
I pretended to stick my finger down my throat and gag. Sheridan laughed at me.
“Speaking of that . . . When are we going to hear wedding bells for the two of you?”
Brant’s face turned a shade of red, which came off as blushing, so that was good. Jill, though, was happy to take that question and run with it. “We were hoping for a Christmas wedding. Unfortunately, the venue we wanted was booked, so we had to push it off until March.”
