Page 65 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

On Saturday, Morgan was finally able to shop for the Christmas decorations for Brad’s house. She spent time visiting a variety of local stores to purchase the items she wanted. It was the first time she felt at peace with the holidays. She had a full and happy life, both at work and with her friends, especially with Brad.

It felt natural to walk into Brad’s house with her Christmas shopping bags filled with items to share with him.

He was amused as she showed him each decoration and then placed it in an appropriate spot.

Brad wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. “Now it’s really looking like Christmas. We can decorate the tree tonight.”

Loving the effect of the decorations, Morgan grinned. “Yes, I was hoping you’d agree to do that. I’ll make my favorite chicken casserole, and we will be ready to eat whenever it’s convenient.”

“I’ll put the lights on the tree after I finish putting them on the bushes in the yard,” said Brad. The dogs followed him outside.

Left alone, Morgan sat in the living room and decided it was time to call her parents. It was never an easy thing to do.

Morgan had punched in their number on her cell, and she waited for someone to pick up.

“Hello?” came her mother’s voice.

“Hi, Mom. I don’t know what plans you and Dad have for the holidays this year, but I thought I’d call before you left.”

“It’s a good thing you did. We’re leaving for Barbados next week. We’re enjoying a long vacation with some friends from the country club. He’s a financial manager who’s made a lot of money, and Dad and I really like him and his wife. In fact, Dad has invested some money with him, and it’s going well. You can’t ever be too successful.”

During the silence that followed, Morgan told herself not to overreact when her mother said nothing. Morgan cleared her throat. “It sounds like the kind of vacation you like most. Merry Christmas, a little early to you and Dad.”

“Thank you. I assume you will be with your friend, Ashley, and her family,” said her mother.

“Yes. She, Mark, and the kids always make me feel so welcome,” Morgan said. “They’re a great family.” She had no intention of telling her parents about Brad. Not yet.

“I must go. I’m shopping for a few cruise items to take with me,” her mother said. “Have a pleasant holiday, Morgan.”

“You too,” said Morgan. Her mother never seemed to show any real warmth toward her. Morgan ended the call, sighing, but she was determined not to let her hurt ruin the time with friends. They truly cared about her. As a child, she’d often wondered if she’d been adopted and placed with the wrong family.

As she went to the kitchen to prepare the casserole Brad liked so much, she was curious about Brad’s family. He always spoke about them with obvious affection. She worried about fitting in.

###

That night, Morgan and Brad sat on the couch staring at the Christmas tree in the corner. Brad had turned the lights low to get the best effect from the lit and decorated tree.

“I just love seeing the tree like this. It seems almost magical, doesn’t it?” murmured Morgan, snuggling against him.

“Yes. I’ve missed this,” said Brad. “Thank you for getting me out of my rut and into the holiday spirit again.”

Morgan lifted her face, and Brad’s gray-blue eyes studied her before he lowered his lips to hers.

Warmth and comfort filled her before lust took over. She knew the evening was far from over and that she’d enjoy it.

###

Over the next two weeks, anticipation grew in Morgan. She and Ashley discussed what clothes she should take to Arizona, and together they selected a lovely pine-scented Christmas candle and a beautiful photographic coffee table book featuring Christmas holidays around the world.

The visit to Brad’s parents would be brief due to work commitments. They planned to arrive on December 23rd and leave on December 27th.

With the holidays approaching, the office became busy with situations that needed to be resolved before the end of the year. Morgan and Brad worked well together, and although there were occasional miscommunications, they were easily resolved. For Morgan, it was another indicator of what life would be like as Brad’s partner.

When they finally boarded the plane, both she and Brad were relieved to have some time away from the office.

###

The minute Morgan saw Brad’s parents waiting for them at the airport, she relaxed. Brad’s mother was a short, attractive woman whose open smile welcomed her. Brad’s father was tall, like him, and shared a lot of the same facial features. He, too, seemed very approachable.