“Take heart, darling, you’re a tough cookie. You can handle this,” Sheridan tried to put me at ease.
I nodded, though I didn’t feel all that confident.
Sheridan smiled and waved at people as we did a turn about the room. “Jill’s family is rooted in politics and old money. The kind of money that can buy anything or anyone.”
I wanted to say, “The kind your husband has,” but I kept my mouth shut because I was hoping I could finally make sense of why Brant was marrying Jill.
“I told John not to befriend Edward Copeland, but sometimes it’s the price you have to pay in Washington. Unfortunately, a woman or man who has the ear of any president is dangerous.”
“How so?”
“Because that privilege has a cost, and sometimes it’s a heavy one.”
My heart dropped. “Brant?”
Sheridan gave me a sad smile. “I’m afraid so. I know John says Jill is Brant’s choice, but I look at them and I can tell he doesn’t love her. He doesn’t have the love that exists between you and Brock.”
I could feel my skin break out in red blotches. I felt awful for deceiving her. I so badly wanted to tell her the truth about Brock and me. About John. Her evil husband who threatened me and obviously used his son as some bargaining chip. I held my stomach and kept my mouth shut. I berated myself, wondering if I was any better of a person than John, keeping lies the way I was. Even if it was for a pure purpose—the life of my child.
Sheridan patted my arm. “I’m so happy Brock has at least found happiness.”
I gave her a pressed-lip smile, doing my best to hold my tongue and tears back.
“How is your sister Kinsley, by the way?”
“Well, uh . . .”
“She’s hurt, I’m sure.”
My eyes widened. “You know?”
“The reason she and Ariana aren’t here and that she would have been a better choice for my son? Yes, I know.”
Of course they had all been invited, but Ariana and Jonah thought it best to stay with Kinsley, as I had no other choice but to come. They all used work as an excuse.
“Does Brant have to go through with this?”
Sheridan paused and looked at her son surrounded by dozens of well-wishers. A sheen of moisture covered her eyes. “Brant’s dream has always been to follow in his father’s footsteps. Unfortunately, people like the Copelands are part of the package. I only hope it’s worth it. That Jill will prove me wrong.”
What was she going to do when both of her daughters-in-law did?Chapter Thirteen“Thank you. It was so nice to meet you,” I said for what seemed like the hundredth time that night. I had met foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and more politicians than I had ever wanted to. However, I had also met some of Sheridan’s dearest friends who still lived in the DC area, as well as the director of a national child advocacy group who was very interested in what I did. She had taken one of my cards and promised to call me. I was hoping to make her an ally and possibly work with her to get some much-needed reforms in the foster care system, as well as bring more attention to those who age out of foster care. Most of those children ended up with low-paying jobs, and too many of them found themselves on the streets or in prison.
Sheridan sweetly rubbed my cheeks. “Your muscles will get used to all the smiling, eventually.”
I could only hope. “How did you survive living here for all those years?”
“Chocolate during the day and cocktails at night,” she teased.
I laughed. “I’ll remember that.”
Sheridan scanned the room until she found her boys.
I was surprised to see Brant and Brock together among the greatest throng of people. Seeing them side by side, there was no denying how dangerously handsome they were. There was no doubt why someone like Jill would plot and plan her entire life to be with Brant. It broke my heart, though, to see the invisible line that was between the brothers. I knew I was to blame. Which hurt even more.
Sheridan strung her arm through mine and, once again, we were taking a turn about the room. This time she pointed randomly at nothing as she spoke low, trying to divert any attention away from us. “Do you know why my sons seem to be at odds with each other?”
Heat consumed me like I’d been doused with gas and someone had tossed a match near me. I hated lying to this wonderful woman any more than I had to. I hated that I had to lie at all. I swallowed my conscience down my dry throat. “I think Brock is having a hard time adjusting to life after everything he went through. It’s bound to affect relationships.”