Page 64 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Thank you. Happy holidays to you and your family. And I wish you the best with the arrival of your baby. It’s such an exciting time.”

Morgan put the picture in the car and slid behind the wheel, still unable to believe all she’d been given.

Austin raised a hand in farewell.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

That evening, Morgan had just finished feeding Blue when a knock sounded on her door. She checked to see who it was.

Ashley was standing there with a plate of cookies.

“Hi, come on in,” said Morgan. “I was just about to sit down with a glass of wine before heating up dinner. I’d love to share some with you.”

“Thanks. I could use a break. Here are Christmas cookies for you. Lizzy insisted we make some. You know how she loves to help in the kitchen.” Ashley rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t ready to start the project, but I couldn’t resist having that time with her.”

“They look yummy,” Morgan said. “Thank you.”

“What’s that sitting on the counter?” Ashley asked, pointing to the framed photo of a giraffe.

“That is a Christmas gift from Simon. He knows how much I love giraffes.”

“That’s so thoughtful,” said Ashley.

Morgan hesitated, then said. “That’s not all. Look at this.” She handed the certificate to her.

Ashley read it and gave her a wide-eyed look.

“Wow! What a fantastic gift!”

“I know. I still can’t believe it. But, Ashley, I’m not telling anyone else about it. Not even Brad. When the time is right, I’ll surprise him with this trip.”

“Okay. I won’t say a word. I promise.” She clasped her hands. “It’s a magnificent opportunity.”

“I know,” said Morgan. “Simon’s grandson, Austin, will handle all the arrangements when it’s time. He’s such a nice man.”

“It would make a divine honeymoon,” Ashley teased.

Morgan grinned. “I’ve thought of it. That’s why I don’t want to tell Brad. That might jinx our relationship.”

“I don’t think you have to worry about jinxing your relationship with Brad. Those adoring looks he gives you make it clear how he feels.”

“Please, have a seat. I’ll pour each of us a glass of wine,” said Morgan.

They sipped their drinks in quiet companionship, and then their conversation turned to the upcoming Christmas celebrations.

“We’ll be home throughout the holidays with the two puppies. It’ll be hectic, but seeing how much my children love dogs, it will be worth it. Mark has already promised me a spring vacation, just the two of us.”

“That sounds like a good way to handle it. You and Mark plan such exciting getaways.”

Ashley sipped the last of her wine and got to her feet. “I’d better get back to the kids and finish preparing dinner. Thanks so much. And I promise that your secret is safe with me, though I don’t know how you will be able to keep it from Brad. It’s such a fantastic gift.”

Morgan laughed. “I’m going to try to keep it from him. Thanks so much for the cookies. Please thank Lizzy. It’s such a thoughtful gesture.”

Ashley left, and Morgan placed the certificate from Simon in her metal documents file box. She’d never received such a thoughtful and generous gift and wanted to be sure it was stored away safely.

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The workweek was hectic, with numerous situations requiring attention before the Christmas holidays. The evenings were busy too, with a number of Christmas events to attend, including an evening at the bookstore where she served as hostess at James’ annual holiday open house.