Page 80 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Following a tour of the three-bedroom, three-bath private house, Ann and Rhonda left.

“I’d like to change my clothes into something suitable for the beach. And then, Morgan, can we take the walk I talked about?”

“Sure,” she said.

“Dad and I will have a beer and sit around the pool,” said Brad.

“Excellent,” said Morgan, glad she’d worn shorts and a top suitable for the walk on the sand.

###

Morgan and Tracy stood at the water’s edge, staring out at the waves in quiet companionship.

“It’s so beautiful here. A lovely spot for a wedding,” said Tracy.

“Brad and I chose to be married in the garden. We thought that would be easier with the kids, without the sand distracting them.”

“You’ve thought of everything. How thoughtful,” said Tracy. She lifted a gray velvet bag from the pocket of her beach coverup. “I have something for you. It’s something my mother gave me when I was getting ready for my wedding.”

Morgan accepted the bag Tracy held out to her. “Thank you.”

“Open it,” said Tracy, her eyes shining with excitement.

Morgan opened the bag and pulled out a string of pearls. “Oh, how lovely.”

Tracy hugged her. “I’d be honored if you’d wear them. It could be ‘your something old.’”

Tears swam in Morgan’s eyes. “What a thoughtful gift. It means the world to me.”

“And to me,” said Tracy, struggling not to cry. “You have no idea how I’ve worried about Brad. Now, seeing him with you, knowing how truly happy he is, I can relax. Seeing the two of you together at the holidays, both Philly and I felt he was in loving hands. To a mother, that means everything.”

“Brad has opened my world; proven to me I can let go of the past and love with my whole heart.”

The two women stared at one another, and then, with nods of satisfaction, they went on their way.

###

Ashley called Morgan from the airport. “We’ve got the rental car, and we’re on our way. Why don’t you meet us at the cottage in an hour? That will give me time to get unpacked and have the kids settled.”

“That sounds perfect. Brad’s parents, Tracy and Philip, are with us in town for lunch. They’ve taken one of the bedroom suites. The other two bedrooms are yours. I can’t wait to see you!”

“It’s so exciting! See you soon,” said Ashley.

Morgan ended the call and turned back to the conversation at their lunch table, happy to listen as Brad and his father exchanged teasing remarks about their golf games.

After lunch, the four of them headed back to the hotel and the house.

“You’ll love Ashley and Mark and their children, Ben and Lizzy,” Morgan said.

“Mark and I are becoming friends, playing golf together,” said Brad. “And Ashley and Morgan are like sisters.”

“I’m sort of an aunt to Ben and Lizzy. Lizzy is going to be our flower girl, and Ben is going to be the ring bearer. I’d already promised them,” explained Morgan.

“That sounds very nice,” said Brad’s mother.

They pulled up to the house.

Morgan could already hear the kids splashing in the pool and grinned when Ashley opened the door and ran out to hug her.