Page 66 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Morgan stood by as Brad’s mother hugged him and then faced her. “So, this is the woman who has captured my son. Welcome, Morgan. We’re so glad you’re here. I’m Tracy.”

They hugged, and then Brad’s father shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Philip, but you can call me Philly like all my friends do.” His smile was so like his son’s that she couldn’t stop grinning.

“Thank you. I’m happy to be here,” said Morgan.

“Not as happy as I am to have her meet you guys,” Brad said. “I’m glad it will be just the four of us.”

“Yes, we thought a nice, quiet Christmas would give Morgan a chance to get to know us,” said Tracy.

“Do you play golf?” Philly asked her.

Morgan shook her head. “I’ve tried but soon realized I was not talented at it.”

“While the men golf, we’ll do some shopping and have lunch,” said Tracy. “Does that sound okay?”

“Very nice,” said Morgan, relieved to see that Tracy wore shorts and a knit shirt that was attractive but not dressy. Her own mother would have dressed up for such an occasion and adorned herself with jewels wherever possible. And by now, she would have mentioned the country club several times. Morgan sighed at the thought.

Brad easily placed their suitcases in his parents’ Lexus SUV and climbed into the front seat with his father.

Tracy and Morgan sat in the backseat, and Tracy easily talked about life in Tucson and why she liked living there.

“Do you like to eat?” Tracy asked her.

“I like trying new things. I’m not an excellent cook, but I enjoy making new things.”

From the front seat, Brad faced them. “Morgan’s a great cook, Mom. Will you give her some of your favorite recipes?”

Tracy smiled at them both. “Of course. I’m happy to share any recipe you both want.”

“We usually have something quick and easy after work,” said Morgan. “But the weekends give me a better chance to be more creative.”

“Brad tells me you had him decorating his house for the holidays,” Tracy said softly while the men were discussing a sports event. “That’s such an important step forward.”

“We’ve both needed that,” Morgan said. “His house is a beautiful setting for them. We have to be careful, though, not to tempt the dogs too much with something they can chew.”

“How are the dogs?” asked Tracy. “We haven’t seen them in a while. I understand Brad helped you get a Dachshund.”

“Yes,” Morgan said. “He’s adorable. Blue is his name, and he and Caesar make quite a pair when they try to gang up on Sid.”

Tracy chuckled. “I told Brad that when the temperature rises here, we’ll make a trip to New York to visit. I can’t wait to see more than pictures of his house.”

“It’s beautiful. Simple, but charming,” said Morgan. “You’ll love it. ”

Tracy gave Morgan a steady stare. “I’m sure I will.” She squeezed Morgan’s hand. “Thank you.”

They arrived at Brad’s parents’ home, a lovely one-story sprawling house on a larger lot than some others in the upscale neighborhood.

“Let’s get your luggage inside and give you a chance to relax,” said Tracy, as they all got out of the car. “There’s time for you to swim in the pool before cocktails and dinner.”

“That sounds great,” said Brad, turning to Morgan. “The pool is heated.”

“The best way to relax.” The one thing she missed about living in New York was not having a pool. In Florida, she’d used their pool almost every day.

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The evening was the beginning of a lovely stay. Each day gave Morgan a better idea of the kind of family Brad was raised in. Seeing how much love and acceptance were exchanged so easily, so naturally, Morgan realized why she and her parents didn’t have a warm relationship. She was an afterthought in their lives.

On Christmas Day, Morgan helped Tracy with a festive brunch and then sat with the rest of the family while gifts were opened. She was nervous about the items she’d chosen for Brad’s parents, and was touched when they made a fuss about each one.