Page 67 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Brad’s mother held up the Christmas book. “Now, you’ll be part of our holidays each year.”

Touched, Morgan blinked rapidly. Her mother would have asked her the price of the book and where she’d bought it.

Brad put an arm around Morgan and turned to his parents. “Morgan’s made such a difference in this Christmas for me. I’m glad to know you feel the same way.”

“Indeed,” said his mother.

Morgan’s cell rang. Wondering who it might be, she stared at the unfamiliar number and picked up the call. “Hello?”

“Morgan? This is Austin Weaver. I’m very sorry to bother you on this holiday, but Simon isn’t doing well and is asking to see you. I can arrange a flight for you if you’re willing to come here.”

Morgan’s heart stopped and raced ahead, leaving her a bit woozy. “Of course, I’ll come. How bad is it?”

“He’s had a heart attack. The doctors are extremely worried. He’s in and out of consciousness and asked me to bring you here to Houston. He wants to tell you something.”

Morgan clapped a hand to her chest. “Will he be able to hold on until I get there?”

“He’s stubborn enough to do it,” said Austin, with a note of sadness.

“I’m in Tucson. Tell me which flight I’m to catch, and I’ll start packing.”

“Okay. I’ll call you right back,” said Austin. “The company has a private jet. It’s a matter of the pilot making arrangements to fly in and out of Tucson.”

The call ended, and Morgan turned to face Brad to give him the details.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Brad asked.

“If you don’t mind, I’d love the support.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. Morgan wiped them away with a shaky hand. “I can’t believe it. Simon has always been so full of energy. In such a short time, he became a dear, dear friend, more like a grandparent I’d always wanted.”

“You have a real connection to him. It was obvious to anyone who saw you together,” said Brad, taking hold of her hand.

“Some other time, I will tell you what he did for me. Not now.”

Morgan’s cell rang, and she quickly answered it and listened. “Okay. Brad is going to come with me.”

“Not a problem,” said Austin. “That will work out just fine. We’ve got space for you here at the house.”

When she ended the call, she said, “They’ll pick us up at the airport in two hours.” She gazed at Brad’s parents. “I’m so sorry this is disrupting the plans for our Christmas dinner.”

“It’s more important for you to support your friend at this time. I hope you have the chance to speak to him,” said Tracy, looking worried.

“We’ll have that golf game another time, Brad,” said his father.

“Thanks so much for understanding,” Morgan said, well aware of how angry her parents would be if their dinner at the club was canceled.

“This Simon Weaver certainly has made it obvious how much he cares for you,” said Tracy. “Let me help you pack.”

“We’ll leave Houston and return to New York. I have a couple of cases I have to try to settle before New Year’s Day,” said Brad.

With a look of disappointment, Brad’s mother said, “We’ll make up the time later next year.”

“Of course,” said Brad.

“You’ve been just wonderful to me. I hope you don’t wait too long to come to New York,” said Morgan, accepting a hug from Tracy, trying not to cry.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Morgan had never flown in a private jet before and admitted to herself she loved it, even though the purpose of the trip was devastating.