Page 60 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Yes, I think I’ll break with my tradition and order something different. Maybe the Italian Wedding Soup.”

He laughed. “We’ll see. I’m not betting on it.”

She grinned. “Well, I do like their veal piccata.”

They put the dogs in the kitchen and headed out.

As they drove into downtown, Morgan admired the decorations posted in store windows, wreaths hanging on light posts, and poinsettias in pots by doorways.

“I’m glad we decided to do our shopping with local businesses,” said Morgan. “It’s such a cute town center, and they all need our support.”

“I’m letting you take the lead on this,” said Brad. “You choose what you think would look right on a Christmas tree inside my house.”

“Thanks, but I need to make sure it’s what you want,” said Morgan. “I love Christmas decorations of all kinds.”

Brad parked his car, and they strolled down Main Street looking into shop windows.

“There,” said Brad. “Looks like they have what we might need.”

Morgan opened the door to her favorite gift shop, Whimsy.

Brad followed her inside.

They stood for a moment, staring at the vast array of Christmas items.

Morgan was excited to see such choices. “It makes it easy when compatible ornaments are grouped together. Let’s walk through the store, and you tell me which group or groups you like, and we’ll go from there.” The thought of being able to choose whatever they liked was exciting to her. The very best decorations she had were purchased during after-holiday sales.

They both stopped at the Heritage glass ornament sets, with glass balls in bright colors, some with hand-painted designs.

“These are beautiful,” gushed Morgan.

“I like them, too,” Brad said. “Let’s get as many boxes as we need for an average tree.”

“We could fill in with some other glass ornaments to give the tree a little sparkle,” Morgan said.

“Done,” said Brad. “Now, let’s get a glass of wine and then go to dinner.”

“Guess you’re not much of a shopper,” said Morgan, amused. “The tree will be beautiful.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll pick up the lights for the tree, and then we can go pick out a tree.”

“That sounds great. It will be the first live Christmas tree I’ve had in years.” Morgan beamed at him as a salesclerk approached them.

“I haven’t really wanted one for a few years,” said Brad, squeezing her hand.

It took them little time to complete the purchase. They carried the boxes to Brad’s car.

“C’mon. I’ll treat you to a glass of wine at Smithson’s Bar,” said Brad.

They walked a block or two to the bar that Joel Smithson’s brother, Gabe, owned and ran. Joel worked at the law firm and was as different from his brother as any two could be. However, they were both professional men who knew how to run a business and keep customers satisfied.

Gabe greeted them and ushered them to a table in the corner of the pine-paneled main room. “Your waitress will be here soon. Would you like her to bring you a bowl of nuts?”

“Yes, please,” said Brad, smiling as a waitress appeared.

They each ordered a glass of pinot noir.

Their glasses arrived moments later, along with a bowl of mixed nuts.