Page 58 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“I haven’t done so in years, but if you would like to decorate, we can at least get a tree,” he said. “I think I’m ready.”

Aware of the sadness that had flitted across his face, Morgan guessed that decorating was something his wife liked to do. “The choice is yours,” she said.

“Let’s do it. Let’s get a tree, and you can help me pick out ornaments for it.”

“This house is a lovely setting for a beautiful tree,” said Morgan. “Let me know when you’re ready, and we can plan a day of shopping.”

“Deal,” he said. “How about another glass of wine before I grill the chicken?”

“While you cook, I’ll make a salad.”

He grinned at her. “You’re so easy to be with.”

They continued to sit together until their peaceful time was shattered by the ringing of Morgan’s cell. She checked her phone. Simon.

She picked up the call. “Hi, Simon. What’s up?”

“Hello, Morgan. I have a favor to ask. Instead of picking me up to go to the bookstore, could you come to my house tomorrow afternoon?”

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes, I want you to meet another member of my family. And please bring Blue.”

“Oka-a-ay! Anything else I should know about?”

“No,” said Simon. “I’ll see you tomorrow at the regular time. Thank you, Morgan.”

Simon ended the call, and Morgan gave Brad a puzzled look. “I’m not sure what is going on. Instead of picking up Simon for the bookstore, he wants me to go to his house and bring Blue.”

“It’s obvious he adores you,” said Brad. “And you’re very nice to him.”

“I’ve loved having him in my life,” Morgan said. “We liked one another from the start. I’ll go see Simon, and then maybe we can shop for ornaments.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Brad said. “I’m going to heat the grill.”

Before going into the kitchen, Morgan sat for a moment, reflecting on how easily she’d become friends with Simon, despite being from different generations and very different backgrounds. It was rare.

###

The next afternoon, Morgan put a harness on Blue and attached his matching leash. “You’re coming with me, and you must behave.”

He wagged his tail and followed her out the door.

The drive to Simon’s house seemed to take no time as Morgan fought an unexpected case of nerves. She wondered who Simon wanted her to meet. Would they be like Constance, wanting to check her out? She had no alarming past, except for some poor choices.

She pulled up to his house and noted an unfamiliar car in the driveway.

“Here we go,” Morgan said to Blue, getting him out of the car.

They walked up to the front door, and she knocked.

The door opened, and Morgan faced a younger version of Simon. He appeared to be a little older than Brad.

He gave her a wide smile. “Hello. You must be Morgan. And who is this?” he asked, bending over to pat Blue. He straightened. “I’m sorry. I should introduce myself. I’m Austin Weaver, Simon’s grandson.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Morgan said, watching as Simon came up behind Austin.

“Hi, Morgan. Please come in. I see all the introductions have been made. I asked you to bring Blue because Austin and his family have Dachshunds, and I’ve learned that their owners are very special and get along well.”