Page 72 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Morgan smiled at the memory. “Your mother told me so.”

“We’ll be busy at work for the next few days, then we can relax somewhere for New Year’s Eve. Where would you like to go?” asked Brad.

“Right here, with you and the dogs,” Morgan said.

“Good. Me, too.” Brad lowered his lips to hers.

Morgan was grateful to have this kind and generous man in her life. He completed a need within her.

###

At the office, Morgan and Brad worked together to clean up some details of pending cases, preparing for the busy year ahead. The one good piece of news was that Nick Carelli had been warned not to try to interfere with any legal proceedings, or the temporary loss of his child would become permanent.

“I’m glad we don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

“I wouldn’t allow you to stay at my house if I thought you were in any danger,” said Brad.

“I know,” said Morgan, confident in their relationship.

###

By the time New Year’s Eve arrived, Morgan loved the idea of staying home with him. She and Ashley had promised to get together on New Year’s Day to give the next year a solid start as they usually did. But the night before would be for Brad.

“I’m going to grill some tenderloin steaks,” said Brad. “Will you make your potato casserole? And maybe a salad?”

“Yes. It sounds easy and delicious,” said Morgan, rolling over in bed to snuggle with him. The dogs had all been put outside with the doggy door closed.

He rubbed her back. “I’m glad you’ve decided to move in with me. It’s the best Christmas gift you could have given me.”

She cupped his face in her hands. “I just needed to know our future together was secure. After visiting your parents, I felt that way.”

“Stay here. I’ll be right back,” said Brad.

Morgan lay against her pillow and stared up at the recessed ceiling, losing herself in loving thoughts of her time with Brad. She’d never experienced a true, steady, supportive love. Simon’s admiration was an added plus in helping her to heal.

Brad entered the room carrying a tray with coffee mugs and a plate full of cookies. He grinned. “I thought we’d have a treat in bed.”

“How nice,” she said, sitting up and accepting a mug of coffee from him. He set down the plate of cookies in front of her and then crawled under the covers.

He picked up the plate of cookies. “Here. Have one. I know you especially like the soft sugar cookies that Ashley and the kids made for you.”

Morgan reached for the sugar cookie in the middle of the plate. “Thanks.”

As she went to take a bite from it, she saw something fall out of it.

Brad lifted the ring from the bedcover and held it out to her in his hand.

Morgan gaped at the size of the round diamond mounted on a wide gold band with an intricate design.

“I was going to give you this ring on Christmas Day, but you know how that went,” said Brad. “Morgan Riley, will you marry me? I’ve waited a long time to find someone like you, someone who cares about others and is willing to work hard for them, someone who will be a real partner to me. You are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. The woman I love with all my heart.”

Morgan gazed at him, eyes blurred with tears. She flung her arms around him. “Yes, Brad, I will marry you. You are the best part of me. I love you more than I’ve ever loved anyone. Yes, Yes.”

Brad pulled back just enough to slide the ring on her finger.

It fit perfectly, just like the way they fit together.

They gazed at one another with joyful expressions.