Page 69 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

A nurse came into the room. “He’s tired. Mr. Weaver needs to rest.”

Morgan stepped closer to Simon and leaned over, kissing him gently on the cheek. “I love you, Simon.” She squeezed his hand.

He closed his eyes, but his fingers tightened around her hand.

Morgan and Brad left the room and stood outside talking quietly until Austin approached them.

“How is he? Did he get the chance to talk to you?” he asked Morgan.

“Yes, he said you know what he wanted,” she replied.

“I do,” Austin said. “Give me a minute to see my grandfather and then let’s go to my house, where you can relax and I can talk to you. Jake is on his way up to sit with him.”

###

Austin’s house was a lovely two-story, beige stucco home accented with wrought-iron balconies and a brick tile driveway that gave a Spanish look to it.

They entered the house through double mahogany doors and were greeted by two black and tan smooth Dachshunds.

“How cute,” Morgan murmured, giving them affectionate pats. She straightened and took in her surroundings.

A curving stairway led from the entrance to the second floor.

Austin showed them around the first floor. It featured a living area, dining room, den, and an updated kitchen that led outside. The backyard hosted a pool with a spa and showcased an outdoor kitchen and guesthouse.

A maid greeted them from the kitchen. “Can I get you anything to eat or drink?”

“A glass of water would be lovely,” said Morgan.

“Where would you like me to bring it to you?” the maid asked.

Morgan glanced at Brad. “I think I’d like to sit outside. The fresh air will help clear my mind.”

“I’m going to take a walk around the neighborhood,” said Brad.

“And I will check on my wife. Alexis is lying down,” Austin said. “Our baby is due in a few days, and she’s exhausted from the holidays and Simon’s health issues.”

“She should take advantage of any rest she can get,” said Morgan. “Please give her our best.”

###

Brad and Austin left the kitchen.

Morgan went outside and sat by the pool, soothed by the sound of the waterfall along the middle edge of the pool. The water sparkled in the sunlight, reminding Morgan of the meaningful times she’d shared with Simon, each book-reading session with him, a blessing. She blinked away tears.

Seeing him in the hospital, Morgan was very concerned that Simon might be right. He might not make it. The thought tore at her.

She wondered why he’d brought her here and what he had discussed with Austin and decided that no matter what Simon had in mind, she was grateful to see him, perhaps to say goodbye.

Morgan sniffed and brushed a finger over her wet cheeks before leaning back in the chair and closing her eyes.

She sat up with a start as a shriek rent the air.

Blinking in the bright sunlight, Morgan tried to focus on the woman stalking toward her on heavy feet.

“Constance. What are you doing here?” she asked.

Hands on her hips, Constance glared at her. “I should be asking why you are here. Are you trying to get something out of Simon? I know that’s why you’ve been so nice to him, such a grumpy old man.”