Page 61 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“This is a pleasant way to end our shopping trip,” said Morgan, leaning back against her chair. “Thank you. You’ve put me in the holiday spirit.”

As he studied her, his features softened. “I haven’t been able to face holidays like this for what seems like a long time. But now, I’m ready to try. Thank you for agreeing to go to Arizona with me.”

“I’m delighted you asked me, but I must admit, I’m a little nervous about it.”

“Don’t be. It will be only my parents and us this time,” said Brad. “You’re not going to see your parents at all over the holidays?”

Morgan shook her head. “No, I will call them and wish them a happy holiday, but visits are difficult, and honestly, they always make plans, so no one feels obliged to try to get together. Sad, but true. Ashley has met my parents and understands, which is why it is so special to be able to spend holidays with her, Mark, and the children.”

“As they say, you can’t always pick your family, but you can choose your friends. She’s an excellent one.”

“Absolutely,” said Morgan, making a mental note to find the perfect Christmas gift for Ashley.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Morgan and Brad left Luciano’s, where, to Brad’s amusement, she had her usual veal piccata, and they rode to his house.

The dogs greeted them. Morgan and Brad fed them, then unloaded the boxes of ornaments and placed them on a shelf, out of reach of the dogs.

“While you’re buying lights for the Christmas tree tomorrow, you might want to get lights for the bushes out front,” said Morgan, turning and facing him with a smile.

“Oka-a-ay,” said Brad, nodding thoughtfully.

“And a pretty wreath for the front door,” Morgan said quickly, bringing a grin to Brad’s face. “All right. Tell me what else I need.”

“Well, we could get something for the fireplace mantel and maybe a decoration for the kitchen bar.”

“I trust your taste. Why don’t you get those on your own while I handle the lights?” said Brad, looking around the living room. “You’re right. Let’s do this.”

Morgan walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m so excited to be able to celebrate Christmas with you.”

He lowered his lips to hers, and she let out a sigh of contentment, wondering how she could be this lucky to find this incredible man.

###

The next day, Morgan awoke to a cold, rainy, drizzly Sunday morning. She snuggled next to Brad and decided to wait to do her holiday shopping.

Brad stirred. “Sounds like a lazy day. What do you say?”

“I agree. We can do our errands during the week. I have some things to attend to at home, so I’ll leave here this afternoon.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to spend the week here?” he asked, circling his hands across her back.

“As silly as it may seem, I think it’s best to stay at my apartment during the work week. It seems more professional.”

“I get it,” said Brad. “How about I make my special French toast for breakfast? It looks like that kind of morning.”

“That would be lovely,” said Morgan. “I’m going to take a soak in the tub, and then I’ll be ready anytime you are.”

“Okay. First…”

She laughed as he tugged her closer.

###

Morgan had just unpacked her suitcase at home when her cell rang. Simon.

“Hello, Morgan. I have a favor to ask. Our plans have changed, and Austin and I are flying to Houston tomorrow. Would you do me the favor of stopping by so I can say goodbye to you?”