Page 56 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Morgan forced a smile, but all her insecurities rose to the surface of her mind.

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Throughout the meal, she pushed aside her worries as she noticed how well everyone was getting along. And when it came time for each one to tell what made them thankful this year, she was touched when Simon said, “I’m thankful for my friendship with Morgan.” And when Lizzy announced, “I’m thankful Blue lives next door so my parents know what kind of dog I want for Christmas,” Morgan laughed along with everyone else.

Brad’s statement meant the most when he said, “I’m thankful for new beginnings,” and looked right at her.

Morgan simply said, “I’m thankful for all of you.” Alone with him, she’d show Brad how thankful she was for him in her life.

Morgan helped with the cleanup with the others, then said, “Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful day. I’m sorry to end this day with you, but I need to go home to Blue.”

“I’ll take Simon home and meet you there,” said Brad.

Morgan exchanged goodbyes and left Simon in deep conversation with Barbara.

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At home, Blue whined and wiggled with happiness, then reproach as he greeted her. She fed him and waited for Brad to show up.

When he did, they decided to take Blue on a walk through the neighborhood to work off the big meals they had eaten.

Morgan and Brad strolled comfortably side by side, stopping to let Blue sniff at spots.

“I meant what I said about wanting you to come to Arizona with me for a couple of days at Christmas,” Brad said. “Is that possible for you? You mentioned you usually stay in town for the holidays.”

“It might work, but what about the dogs?” she asked, fighting uncertainty.

“I have the name of an excellent dog sitter, and we can have all three dogs stay with her at my house,” said Brad. His gaze settled on her. “I know you don’t get along with your parents, but I want you to meet mine. I told them we were dating. My mother will be thrilled to meet you.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “As Ashley said, they will love you.”

“It’s a big step in our relationship. Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Yes,” he said solemnly. “We agreed to date and see where this relationship might go. I’m not going to hold back. I hope you’re not having second thoughts.”

Her eyes widened. “Not at all. I simply don’t want to rush into anything.”

“I understand,” said Brad. “You’ve told me about your previous marriage, and I know from experience how difficult it is to move forward from a traumatic past. My parents aren’t judgmental, and it should be a pleasant time.”

“Okay, I’d love to meet them,” said Morgan, aware of how important it was to Brad.

“Great. It’s important to me to have this family time together,” he said. He drew her closer and kissed her.

Morgan kissed him back and felt herself falling into that happy place he always filled.

Blue seemed to sense the importance of this exchange and sat quietly on the sidewalk, staring up at them.

When Morgan noticed the dog wagging his tail, she burst out laughing. “It seems we have approval.”

Brad chuckled. “That’s very important on his part. We certainly have no problem with my dogs.”

Morgan impulsively threaded her fingers through Brad’s, loving the way all parts of their bodies seemed to fit together, and they continued their walk.

When they returned to her apartment, Brad said, “Want to come to my house to spend the night?”

“Yes,” said Morgan, “but I must warn you, I promised Rosie I would come into the office tomorrow morning to help decorate for Christmas. Afterward, the group of us helping her will go to lunch.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’m not going into the office but will probably do some work at home while you’re gone, and then we’ll have the rest of the weekend together, if you want.”

Her lips curved. “I want.” For the first time in a long time, she was looking forward to a long, lazy weekend with someone with whom she was growing to love in a way she’d never experienced.