Page 73 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

On a beautiful, sunny February afternoon, Morgan Riley stood in front of the pink, luxurious hotel on the Gulf Coast of Florida, in a charming town called Sabal. She stared at the palm fronds rustling in the gentle breeze, the colorful tropical flowers highlighting the landscaping, the stunning carved double wooden doors that welcomed guests, and let out a sigh. The Beach House Hotel was everything she’d hoped for. Even more.

She and Brad had followed Simon Weaver’s wishes for them to be his guests at the hotel in celebration of their love and the love Simon had shared with his wife, Ellie.

Brad came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her body. “Wow! Pictures don’t do this place justice.”

They watched as two women came down the front steps to them.

“Welcome to The Beach House Hotel,” said the smaller woman with dark hair. “I’m Ann Sanders, one of the owners of the hotel.”

“And I’m Rhonda Grayson, Ann’s business partner,” said the other woman with a big smile. “We love opening the hotel to all our guests, but it’s especially exciting when they arrive with a story as touching as yours.”

“We have the Presidential Suite all ready for you. And reservations have already been made for you to our Valentine’s Party here at the hotel,” said Ann.

“It’s the best,” Rhonda said. “Come with us. We’ll show you to your suite, home for the next six days. Who knows? It might be enough time to squeeze in a wedding.”

Morgan was amused to see Ann Sanders roll her eyes at her partner. “Now, Rhonda…”

“No worries,” said Rhonda. “But I have a feeling about such things.”

Ann faced Morgan and Brad. “You’ll have to excuse Rhonda. She loves to play matchmaker.”

Morgan held out her left hand, on which a diamond sparkled in the sun. “We’re already matched. Since New Year’s Eve.”

“Very nice.” Rhonda winked at her and turned to thank the bellman taking their bags away.

“Your luggage will be in your room,” said Ann. “Let’s get you registered and then we’ll take you there.”

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Morgan and Brad were led through double doors into the Presidential Suite. A round table stood in the tiled entryway. A huge fresh flower arrangement sat in the middle of it.

Morgan turned to Brad with a smile of appreciation. “So lovely,” she whispered.

They followed Ann and Rhonda into the living room. A blue Oriental rug covered the floor. Two couches and a couple of overstuffed chairs complemented the colors in the rug.

“The balcony off the living room overlooks the side garden where some weddings take place,” said Rhonda. “Wait until you see how gorgeous it is.”

“The kitchen has everything you might need,” said Ann, diverting their attention. “But if you require anything else, be sure to call on your special service line. You’ll see it marked on all the phones.”

They left the kitchen and were shown the powder room and a separate guest suite before heading to the master suite.

The main bedroom held a king-size bed and an alcove with two comfortable chairs. Along the outside wall, sliding glass doors led to a balcony which overlooked the swimming area and, beyond it, the beach.

“You can have as much privacy as you wish,” said Rhonda, with a sweep of her hand.

“But be sure to enjoy the swimming pool and beach,” said Ann. “An early morning walk along the shore is one of my favorite things.”

“I intend to do that,” said Brad. “It looks beautiful.”

“We want our guests to feel at home here,” said Rhonda. “As long as you keep to our privacy policy concerning our other guests, it will be fine.”

“Yes, that’s important. We want you and all of our guests to have a sense of privacy,” said Ann. “Knowing that makes a special welcome to our hotel.”

“Enjoy your stay,” said Rhonda.

The two owners left, and with the door closed, Morgan let out a yip of pleasure. “Wow! What a gorgeous place!”