Page 81 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“It’s beautiful!” Ashley cried. “And you must be Brad’s parents. I’m Ashley Biddle. Won’t you please come inside? It’s your house, too.”

Laughing, they entered.

Inside, introductions were made to Mark. The kids greeted them politely, then went back to splashing each other in the pool.

“We’re just a little excited,” Ashley said, indicating the children. “Hopefully, this swimming pool will tire them out a bit.”

“I’ve picked out a dress for you to wear, if you want,” said Morgan. “Otherwise, any dress will do.”

“Thanks. I know your theme is pink and white. Lizzy has the perfect dress. I brought khaki pants and a pink golf shirt for Ben. Mark too.”

“How thoughtful,” said Morgan. “We bought Brad and his dad pink golf shirts to wear, so everyone will be coordinated.”

“I’ve waited a long time to see you this happy,” said Ashley.

“It’s almost like a dream,” Morgan said. “Everything is working out so well. We’ll have a party when we get home, and I’ll invite my parents. Everything will be completed by then, and they’ll have no reason to interfere.”

“That’s a wise solution,” said Ashley. “This time, I think your mother will be impressed that Brad comes from money. You know how important that is to her.”

“Indeed, I do,” said Morgan, and quickly pushed away any negative thoughts. She went on to tell her about Tracy’s gift of pearls to her.

“That’s a beautiful gesture,” said Ashley, smiling. “I’m so excited for you. I adore my mother-in-law. I’m sure you and Tracy will continue to have a loving relationship.”

Morgan nodded. She would make sure of it.

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Following a lovely evening meal in the hotel dining room, the entire group walked to the house where the wedding party was staying. Everyone was tired from the trip, so it was easy for Morgan and Brad to leave.

In their suite, lying in bed with Brad, Morgan reviewed the details of their upcoming wedding. “Everything is uncomplicated with so few people involved.”

“I agree. I’m very happy we chose to do our wedding this way.” He chuckled. “The kids are having a blast and will add a lot to the ceremony.”

“Lizzy can’t wait to wear her princess crown of flowers,” Morgan said, smiling.

“I have a special gift for you, but I can’t tell you about it until tomorrow,” said Brad.

“We’ve agreed to go on our safari for our honeymoon at a later date,” Morgan said. “Right?”

“Yes, my surprise doesn’t change any of that.” Brad tweaked her chin. “You’ll just have to wait, my love.”

Morgan gripped her hands. She both loved and hated surprises.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

The next morning was cloudy when Morgan padded to the sliding glass door in the master bedroom and looked out.

Brad came up behind her and drew her back against him. “Rhonda promised us a lovely afternoon for our wedding. Crazy as it seems right now, I believe her.”

“Rhonda and her romantic notions are a hoot,” said Morgan. “I love those two women together.”

“Everyone does, so I’ve heard,” Brad said. “How about a walk on the beach? It’s cloudy right now, but it’s pleasantly warm.”

They dressed in shorts and T-shirts and hit the beach. The grayness of the sky accented the white-edged waves rolling into shore, helped by an onshore breeze. Shore life continued as usual, with birds circling above them and smaller birds scurrying on the sand next to the water.

At this early hour, there were few people about.

Brad tugged Morgan to him and smiled down at her. “You’re making me a happy man today.”