Page 107 of Silent Partner (Pine Falls 3)

“Do tell,” Ariana sang.

I recounted the tale at the attorney’s office to them. Once I was done, Dani said, “Serves them right. I’ve never met such spoiled brats.”

“I should have listened to you and never gone into business with them,” I lamented.

Dani kissed Sammy’s head. “I don’t know. I think it worked out how it was supposed to.” She paused before adding, “You have a good partner now.” She seemed reluctant to mention Brant.

“He is.” It was awkward to talk about him, but we had to start somewhere.

Ariana set down her soldering iron in its stand. “And . . . where does that leave you two romantically, then?” She knew she was bringing up the elephant in the room.

I looked at Dani; she gave me an encouraging smile.

“Well . . . um . . . he says he loves me.”

“He does,” Dani whispered. “So much.”

“Ooh, love,” Ariana teased, trying to add some lightheartedness to the conversation.

I felt myself blush. “We’re going to take it slow.”

Dani patted my knee. “I think that’s smart, but don’t put a timetable on it. Don’t be afraid of him. He’s a good man, Kins.”

“I know that. But enough about me.” I was starting to feel those conflicting emotions, and I didn’t want to ruin this moment with my sisters. “How are you feeling, Dani? How’s the baby?”

“I’m getting better,” she said stoically. “And the baby is so good.” She rubbed her baby bump, which was a little more pronounced.

“How’s Brock?” I felt this kinship to him now. I knew this wasn’t easy for him either, bringing up all these past hurts. He would probably never know how much I appreciated his willingness to be open with me.

Dani gave me a look that said she knew why I was asking. “He’s good. Honestly, he’s the best.” Her smile lit up her red swollen eyes. “You know you have a good man when he lets his daughter paint his nails and do his hair.”

We all giggled.

“I hope you took pictures.”

“Oh, I did, but Brock has made me swear to never show them to anyone.”

“Just leave your phone out, and maybe we’ll happen to glance at it,” Ariana deviously suggested.

“All right,” Dani agreed, “but I need to snuggle this guy some more.” She cradled Sammy carefully, like the precious gift he was. She had spoken often about how she ached to hold Charlotte in her arms. How she could almost feel her. I wondered if Brant ached for Charlotte the way Dani did. I had a lot of questions.

One thing I didn’t question, and that was how I felt about my sisters. As awkward as it was at times, I loved our two hours together. But I did have a business to run and a partner to see.

I took Sammy with me to Ariana’s office to grab my new phone from its charger and get it connected to my mobile provider and number.

Dani followed me back, and we chitchatted about Children to Love while I got my phone set up.

“I’m glad donations are up this year,” I commented.

“Me too because . . . it might be my last year running it,” her voice faltered.

My head snapped up. “Why?”

Dani checked to make sure the door was closed, but she still whispered, “When everything comes out about John, the media is going to have a field day. I’m worried donors won’t look too kindly at that. I would hate for the kids I work with to suffer because of my last name.”

“You can’t give up Children to Love.”

“I wouldn’t be giving it up; I would be saving it,” she choked out.

I held Sammy to me. “Do you really think it will come to that?”

Dani stepped closer. “If you think the press is bad, the Copelands are worse. I never wanted you to be involved in all of this. It’s the reason I wanted you to stay away from Brant. I swear it wasn’t to protect my own skin, though I did dread things coming to light. Truly, I just wanted to protect you from that family,” she spat as if she’d said a bad word.

I didn’t want to get into all the things coming to light, so I focused on what I could. “But we’re stronger than them, right?” I swallowed hard.

She gave me a small smile. “Yes, but to love a Holland man means you have to be willing to sacrifice.”

“Is it worth it?”

“Without a doubt,” she easily answered.

“I hope you don’t have to sacrifice Children to Love.” I tried to steer the conversation away from Brant for the time being.

“Me either, but if I do, Brock and I will foster and adopt as many kids as we can.”

“You’re good people, Dani.”

Her eyes misted over. “Some days I wonder.”

“We all do, but I have it on good authority that you make the cut.” I sincerely meant that.

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