Page 68 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Brad sat in the same row in the cabin on the opposite side of the aisle, staring out the window.

Morgan was relieved to have some moments to herself to think about his parents and worry about Simon. Her relationship with Simon was special; she’d known it from the beginning. They each filled a special role for the other. She’d be heartbroken if he didn’t survive. She was grateful Brad’s parents understood the nature of their relationship and hadn’t given her trouble about ruining Christmas for them. It told her how special Brad’s family was.

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When she and Brad got off the plane, she saw a uniformed man holding a sign with her name on it. They immediately went over to him.

He bobbed his head. “Ms. Riley? Mr. Hamlin? Come right this way. I have a car waiting for you.”

He took their suitcases and led them outside to a black limousine.

“Climb in. I’ll take care of the baggage.” He held open the passenger door for them and waited until they got inside before hurrying to the back of the limo to stow their luggage.

Seated in the back, Morgan punched in the number for Austin.

He answered, and he said, “Glad you’re here. Simon has rallied but isn’t out of the danger zone. I told him you were on your way, and he’s waiting to see you both.”

The driver pulled up in front of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.

“Go ahead inside. I’ll take care of your luggage as Mr. Weaver requested.”

Morgan didn’t argue. Now that she was here at the entrance of the hospital, nothing could keep her away from reaching Simon.

Morgan and Brad checked in at the reception desk and then took the elevator to the ICU, where Simon had been taken.

As soon as the elevator door opened, Morgan saw Austin.

He waved them forward. “We can’t spend much time with him, or he gets too tired. You have special permission to see him, Morgan. You may go first. He’s been waiting to see you.”

Morgan glanced at Brad and took a deep breath before hurrying after Austin.

He led her to a private room in the middle of the hallway.

The door was ajar.

She stood for a moment, torn between wanting to run to Simon’s bedside and dreading seeing him in poor health.

The pull of their friendship drew her inside.

She walked over to his bedside, searching the face of the man she knew among monitors, IVs, and other equipment that sent an alarm through her.

Simon was sleeping, but he opened his eyes when she lifted one of his hands and wrapped her fingers around it.

“Ah, you came,” he murmured. “I’m not sure I’m going to make it.”

“Simon, you’re in good hands––” she protested, hating the idea of losing him.

He cut her off. “There are some things I want you to know about. I haven’t forgotten the joy our friendship gave me. Austin knows what I intend to do. More than that, I have something for you and your young man. Is he here?”

“Yes. Do you want to see him?” Morgan asked. At his nod, Morgan went to the door and waved Brad inside.

They stood beside Simon’s bed.

He closed his eyes. When he opened them, he gave them a weak smile. “A gift. I have a special gift for you both. Austin will take care of it.” Simon focused his gaze on Brad. “I expect you to take care of Morgan, treat her right.”

“Of course,” said Brad. “I promise.”

Simon’s eyes filled. “She’s so like my Ellie.”