Page 54 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

On Wednesday morning, her free day, Morgan headed over to Ashley’s house with Blue. This time with Ashley, going over the last-minute details for their joint Thanksgiving dinner, was one of Morgan’s favorite events, a time when she felt as if she truly had a loving family.

Ashley greeted her at the door and quickly ushered both Morgan and the dog into the kitchen. “Please allow Blue to wander around. I want to see how it will be with a dog in the house.”

Morgan heard the television in the den. She unleashed Blue, and he immediately headed for the sound.

Ashley hugged her. “Another Thanksgiving holiday. I’m so grateful we can do this together. And this year will be special with two new guests.”

Morgan’s eyes grew misty. “The pleasure is mine, as you know. It was a lucky day for me when we met in college.”

“How about a cup of coffee?” Ashley asked. “The kids and I have made our usual pumpkin cookies, and I’ve set a plate out for us.”

Morgan grinned. “You know I will have at least one.”

Ashley laughed. “Just not three.”

They grabbed their cups of coffee and sat down at the table, chatting happily.

Mark came into the room carrying a large package. “I picked up the turkey. It’s a beauty. Take a look. Twenty-two pounds.”

“I’ll get started on the stuffing this afternoon, leaving the last parts for tomorrow morning,” said Morgan, staring at the impressive bird. “We’ll need a lot of it.”

She admired the dining room’s table arrangement and the decorations the kids had helped make, and left the house with Blue. She had pies to bake.

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Morgan was pulling the pecan pie out of the oven when Brad appeared. “That sure looks delicious. And two more pies? Do we have to wait until tomorrow to taste test them?”

She faced him, smiling. “Yes, we do. But I had enough apples to make a small tart just for you.”

“Really? I could really use something like that. It’s been a bad day at the office, catching up with a new case. Also, I heard the Carelli trial is underway, with jury selection. It’s an abuse case as well as a custody case.”

Morgan frowned. “That’s not going to be easy. Is there any danger to you? You know the circumstances. Will they call on you?”

“The lawyer handling the case said he’s told the opposition that I can’t speak about the private information I have on the case, that I am no longer in the loop.”

“Good, because I would hate to see you involved,” said Morgan, feeling a shiver race down her spine. “After meeting Nick Carelli’s driver, I know it wouldn’t be safe for you. He was a dangerous man.”

Brad’s expression was grim. “I must believe that justice will prevail, maybe not to the extent I would wish, but Nick can’t bribe everyone involved.”

Morgan placed a plate with the tart on the table. “Why don’t you have a seat and relax? This is just a sample of the tasty food planned for tomorrow’s meal. Would you like milk, water, or coffee to go with it?”

“Coffee sounds perfect. It’s getting cold outside.”

Morgan served him coffee and poured a cup for herself.

Blue sat on the floor beside Brad, staring up at him with a pleading expression.

Brad laughed. “You’re wasting your time, dog. I won’t feed you at the table.”

“Thank you,” said Morgan. “I don’t mind if Blue lies down near the table while I eat, but I don’t want any whining or begging.”

“He’s certainly settling in nicely,” said Brad. “I’m glad it’s working out for you. I’m hoping you’ll come to the farmhouse for dinner and the night.”

“That sounds delightful. I can’t stay too long in the morning. The bulk of my part of tomorrow’s meal is done, but Ashley and I always prepare and stuff the turkey together. It’s become a tradition since my first Thanksgiving here.”

“Sounds fine. I’ll take the dogs out for a run and do some projects around the house,” said Brad.

Morgan was again reminded how normal, how easy this relationship was compared to the constant fighting and bickering in her marriage to a man who was never happy with anything she did.