Page 78 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“No, I thought it through when I lay awake last night. As sad as it seems, it’s the right thing to do. Family drama would take over and ruin it for everyone else, including me.”

“You’re right. I know your parents well enough to understand how true it is,” said Ashley. “They would bring up your first marriage and how they told you it wouldn’t work. It has happened in my presence. You can’t let anyone ruin this time for you.”

“Thank you for saying that. It’s a shame that things are the way they are. But as someone once said, you can’t choose your family, but you can choose your friends. I’m so happy you are mine.”

“Me, too. And I’m thrilled that you’ve found someone as outstanding as Brad, someone who comes from such a loving family. I can’t believe all the kind things Brad’s mother has done for you, with phone calls, little gifts, and all.”

“It makes me super excited to be part of his family. We’re only inviting his parents. Other members of his family will celebrate with us at another time.”

“I’m very honored you chose Mark, me, and the kids. Now talk to me about clothes. What’s the weather like?”

She was still talking to Ashley when Mark walked into the room in his undershorts.

“Everything okay?”

“Ashley and her family are set to come here. I told her we’d arrange the rooms or the house if that’s what the owners offer us.”

Morgan ended the call with Ashley and turned to Brad. “I’m waiting for another hour before either you or I call to confirm your parents’ participation.”

Brad pulled her to her feet. “Let’s go for a walk on the beach and talk about ideas for the wedding. It’s a perfect place to think.”

“Okay. That will give us time to have more information for your parents,” said Morgan. She rested her head against his chest and was content when she heard his heartbeat speed up. There was definitely chemistry between them.

###

On the beach, Morgan headed right for the water. Standing in the shallow part, feeling the foamy edges of the waves reach her toes, she sighed with happiness. She lifted her face to the blue sky and watched as puffy white clouds floated above her. She imagined she saw shapes of wedding cakes and bouquets of pink and white flowers.

She turned to Brad. “I want to have pink flowers. Okay?”

Brad gave her an indulgent smile. “Whatever you want. It’s your wedding…Our wedding.”

“Okay. And I’ll choose a simple dress. What about you? What do you want to wear?” she asked him.

“Anything you want,” he answered, squeezing her hand. “I’m just happy that we’ve decided to do this. It makes it unique for both of us.”

“We’ll meet with Ann and Rhonda and then go from there,” said Morgan. “You’re right. The simpler, the better.”

They walked along the beach for a while longer and then hurried back to the hotel to meet with the owners.

###

When Morgan and Brad met with Ann and Rhonda, they were introduced to Lorraine Grace, the wedding planner. Brad clarified that he and Morgan would pay for the wedding, including housing for their guests.

“I think renting the house for the duration is the way to go,” said Rhonda.

“Your guests will have privacy. Traveling with children can be difficult, but the house serves families well,” added Ann.

In a short period, they all decided on a garden wedding at four o’clock in two days. A small reception and dinner would be held in the private dining room. Then their guests would be on their own.

“While you discuss details of the wedding, I’m going to call my parents,” Brad told Morgan.

“Okay,” said Morgan, excited that she would be able to choose the details she wanted.

Morgan went with Ann to a dress store, where she could be assured of excellent service.

At the store, it didn’t take Ann and Morgan long to find the right dress for a late afternoon wedding. They even found a dress for Ashley.

Back at the hotel, Morgan went to their suite, hoping to find Brad. A note was waiting for her on the entry table.