Page 70 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Morgan got to her feet and faced Constance. “I won’t even deign to answer that ridiculous question.”

Austin appeared. “Is everything all right?”

“No,” said Constance and Morgan together.

“Are you making trouble, Constance?” Austin asked in a firm voice, his irritation evident. “I thought you were leaving.”

“I was going to leave, but maybe I’d better stay. This woman, a so-called friend of Simon’s, is up to no good. I can tell.”

Austin drew in a long breath. “There’s no need to worry. Grandpa requested that Morgan come to Houston. It’s between the two of them.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” said Constance. “She wants his money. Just look at what she’s wearing. No wonder she quickly befriended Simon. She could use some sprucing up.”

“Enough, Constance,” growled Austin. “Neither you nor I has the right to tell Grandpa how his estate should be handled. You’ve made sure to show up for Grandpa’s illness but have plans to return to St. Lucia tomorrow. Your so-called dedication is noted.”

Constance glared at him. “You never did like me, Austin. If you try to get hold of my share of the estate, you’ll be sorry. I’ll fight you all the way.”

Austin pointed to the door. “I think it’s time for you to leave. Alexis and I are due to have our baby soon, and I want peace in this house.”

“Is she leaving?” Constance asked, nodding to Morgan.

“No, she’s not,” said Austin. “We plan on seeing Grandpa again. Jake should be with him now.”

“You tell Jake to give me a call before I board my flight back east,” said Constance. She turned and flounced away, her greediness on full display.

Morgan sighed. “You know I’m not here for any money,” she said to Austin.

“Absolutely,” said Austin. “Grandpa wanted to thank you for your friendship, and he has a special gift for you.” The look he gave her was intriguing. “When Brad returns, I’ll give it to you together.

As they returned to the kitchen, Brad showed up. “Beautiful neighborhood. I had a great walk through a part of it.”

“Then you must be ready for a glass of wine with Morgan and me,” said Austin. “I have a special pinot noir I think you both might like.”

Austin got out a bottle of wine from his wine closet and opened it.

He poured a sample of the wine into one of the glasses. “Who wants to taste it?”

“I will,” said Brad. He lifted the glass, sniffed the bouquet of the wine, took a sip, and gave a satisfying nod. “Exceptional.”

“I’m glad you like it,” said Austin. “It’s one of my favorites. Here’s to a new friendship. I’m sure we’ll be in touch through the years.”

Brad put an arm around Morgan’s shoulders. “To think it all started with reading books. It’s an easy way to make friends.”

“Come into my den and let’s talk. I have something for the two of you,” said Austin.

Morgan and Brad followed him into a spacious room where the walls beside a large, stone fireplace were lined with bookcases. A brown leather couch faced the fireplace, and two wing-backed chairs sat on each side of it, forming an easy conversation space.

Morgan and Brad sat on the couch as Austin indicated. He walked over to his desk in the corner, picked up a large envelope, and brought it over to them.

He stood before them to explain the contents. “This is something Grandpa planned to give to you both for Valentine’s Day. I’ve gathered what information I could about The Beach House Hotel and will make all the arrangements for you. It’s a very special, upscale hotel on the Gulf Coast of Florida run by two well-known women in the industry. Grandpa and my grandmother, Ellie, were scheduled to go there before she got sick. Now, Grandpa wants you two to enjoy a Valentine’s Day in the Presidential Suite.”

Tears had already formed and were running down Morgan’s cheeks as she turned to Brad and then gazed at Austin. “That means so much to me. How can I ever thank him for such a sweet gesture?”

Austin beamed at her. “You should have seen my grandfather’s excitement when he told me what he wanted to do. I will be sure to tell him what your reaction was to it.”

“He will get better, won’t he?” Morgan asked, her voice trembling.

“It’s out of our hands,” said Austin, becoming somber. “He told me he didn’t think he was going to make it.”