Page 59 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Austin chuckled. “You can tell a lot about people who own them. I was already impressed by all the kindness you’ve shown my grandfather.”

He held the door for her, and Morgan followed Simon inside.

“Have a seat,” said Austin. “I just made fresh coffee, and Simon ordered some cookies from the kitchen.”

“That sounds perfect on this blustery day,” said Morgan. “Simon and I always get coffee at the bookstore.”

“Yes, I’ve told Austin how we have become friends doing book reviews for the store’s owner,” said Simon.

She and Simon sat on the couch. Austin left them and then carried in cups of coffee and a plate of cookies, setting them on the coffee table. “Please help yourselves. I’ll be right back with my coffee. I’ve added a little cream and sugar to your coffees as Simon suggested.”

“What do you think about Austin?” Simon whispered.

“He’s so nice,” said Morgan, smiling when Simon agreed. “He’s the best.”

Austin returned to the living room, sat in an overstuffed chair, and held out his hand to Blue. The dog settled against the chair for the ear rubs Austin was giving him.

“You may be wondering why I asked you to come here,” Simon said to her. “Austin had business in New York City yesterday and decided to stay over for a visit. In light of that, we’ve decided that I will fly to Houston with him next week for the Christmas holidays. Houston, with Austin, his mother, and his family, is where I’m happiest. Considering all that Constance is trying to do to undermine my decisions, I know I’ll be most comfortable with them.”

“We love having Grandpa with us,” said Austin. “Especially for the holidays.”

Alarm filled Morgan. “But you’ll come back here after the holidays, won’t you, Simon?”

“Oh yes. I have every intention of doing so,” he answered, smiling at her. “I want to thank you for inviting me to your Thanksgiving dinner. It was delicious, and I’m making a new friendship with Mark’s mother.”

“Oh, that makes me happy. Barbara is a lovely person,” said Morgan. “Okay, I’m glad to know this is just a temporary goodbye, and that you’ll return.” She turned to Austin. “Simon has been like the grandfather I never had. I can never thank him enough for the time he’s given me.”

“It’s the other way around,” said Simon. “Austin knows how lonely I was before I met you. “

“Indeed, I do,” said Austin, studying her, his lips curving. “It’s special when friendship is formed between two unlikely people. Tell me a little bit about you.”

Morgan told him about her unhappy situation in Florida and how she’d moved to Ellenton due to her close friendship with Ashley Biddle. “I’ve found a new home here with friends.”

“Including a friendship with the young lawyer. He helped me respond to the demands Constance was trying to make with my mental health,” said Simon.

“Ah, yes. Anyone who knows you well understands you have no mental health issues. The audacity of that woman is astonishing,” said Austin.

Chatting a little more, Morgan got up to leave. “As much as Blue might be annoyed, we have to leave. It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Austin. Simon, I’ll see you when you get back.”

She went to Simon and hugged him. “Travel well, my friend. I’ll miss you. Let me know when you’re flying in, and I’ll pick you up.”

“Will do,” Simon said, moisture in his eyes.

“I’ll walk you out,” said Austin.

Morgan led Austin to her car, put Blue inside it, and turned to him. “I need to say something. Constance has accused me of befriending Simon because of his money. I had no idea who he was when we met, and I would never continue our friendship with the idea of wanting anything from him.”

Austin nodded. “I know this. Simon has made it clear to me. No worries.”

“Constance is a problem for Simon, and it’s unnecessary. I was not impressed when I met her.”

“My father made a few mistakes in his life. Marrying Constance was one of them, though Jake is a great kid,” said Austin. “I’m happy I had the opportunity to meet you. Simon was most eager for me to do so. Happy Holidays. We’ll let you know when Simon is scheduled to return to New York.”

“Thank you. Enjoy your family time.” Morgan got behind the wheel of her car and gave Austin a wave before pulling away from the curb. From the backseat, Blue barked, making Austin smile.

###

Brad said, “Okay, if you want to go shopping for tree ornaments, let’s make an evening of it. We’ll shop and then go to Luciano’s Italian Restaurant for dinner. I’m hungry for lasagna. Does that sound like a plan?”