pick up the slack Kelly had left. Kelly applauded Bunny’s initiative then had to run out the door again to meet Evan for the meeting with the child psychologist.
Now, Kelly and Evan didn’t shield Matt from the few determined reporters who clamored around the car when they drove up to the penthouse garage.
“What do those guys want?” Matt asked.
Evan shook his head. “Your mom made an announcement on TV today and they want to talk to her about it.”
Matt’s eyes lit up. “You were on TV today, Mom?”
She smiled. “Yes, indeed.”
“Did you see Urban Hero?”
“No, honey. That was your special day.”
“So who did you talk to?”
She glanced at Evan over the boy’s head. “Dad.”
It was the first time she’d given Evan that title out loud. The smile he rewarded her with sent her heart skidding in her chest. Saints in Heaven, this man had an effect on her.
Matt had climbed up on his knees to see the reporters who had fallen away as the car eased past the security gate.
“So, why are those guys yelling at you for talking to Dad?”
On the advice of the counselor, Kelly had rehearsed this answer in her mind over and over on the ride to pick him up from school. Given Matt’s age, she didn’t have to say much. Just enough for him to understand that his mom had a conflict concerning him, but she and Evan would keep Matt safe.
“Matt, do you know who Luke Skywalker from Star Wars is?”
“Sure!”
“Well, you know how cool and brave Luke is and how his father was that mean old Darth Vader?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Something like that has happened to me. You are my very cool and wonderful son and there is a man who is important in our government. I used to work for him. Turns out, he’s a bad man. He is telling everyone that you are his son. I went on TV to make sure that everyone knows that he is not allowed to be your father. I also spoke to Mr. Quince because I’m telling the police on him, too.”
Matt let his butt slide back down into his seat. He looked warily from Evan to Kelly. “But Evan is my dad, right?”
Evan held up his fist for their secret handshake. “I am your dad, Matt-man. I will be your dad for the rest of your life. You are safe with me.”
His little face became thoughtful.
Kelly kissed him on the top of the head. “Sometimes we get problems in life. But if we stick together, they all work out.”
He looked up at her. The trust in his eyes made her so very proud. “Okay, Mom.”
Just like that. Her son’s well-being rested in her hands as it always did. With Evan by her side, no one would get in their way.
She wasn’t going to give up on either cause.
As they entered the penthouse, Evan’s phone rang. He answered when he saw the caller ID.
“Steve. What’s going on?”
“Is Kelly with you?”
“Yes.”
“Put me on speakerphone.”
Evan tapped the icon. “Okay, you’re on.”
Steve practically cooed his satisfaction. “Kelly, my girl, you were brilliant today!”
Feeling shy, she shot Evan an appreciative glance. “Oh, be still, Steve. I just told the truth.”
“Yes, you did. Between your difficult story and that delicious Irish brogue, the phones have been ringing off the tables. Women’s rights movements, attorneys, universities, charities. They all want to support or donate or interview you as a sponsor for changing the laws on protecting women on assault issues. I even heard from the governor’s office.
“Oh, my.”
He laughed. “If you two wanted to start a grassroots movement, you’ve done a good job. Campbell is scrambling.”
Kelly’s hand went to her throat. “The power of the media. Wow. I’m a little overwhelmed.”
Evan was smiling at her. “We’re not done yet, Red. So hold on to your skirts.”
Steve spoke again. “Evan, I talked with the board. They want to give you a time slot for your own talk show. Immediately. We have a lot to discuss. When can you both come in?”
Evan laughed. “I’m still mad at you, Steve.”
“You won’t be when you see the bonus you’re getting from today’s interview with your wife. You’ll have to take her on a vacation. Come on now, buddy. Water under the bridge.”
Kelly grabbed Evan’s arm. “You might want to consider the offer. After all, the man did save you from lying. Terrible sin, lying.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
One month later
KELLY AND EVAN sat on the veranda of their private bungalow overlooking the Atlantic. Given their new and hectic schedules, they were