Page 82 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“And I’m a happy woman to have found you. We have so much to look forward to. I think Simon has helped me see that.”

Brad looked up and waved to someone. “Remember that surprise I told you about? Turn around.”

Morgan watched a man stroll toward them. She studied him. He reminded her of someone, but who?

As he came closer, she froze.

“Oh, my word! Is that…?” Morgan began and then took off running.

“Austin! You came!” She ran up to him and threw her arms around him. “You looked so much like Simon, it took my breath away. How can I ever thank you for being here?” She couldn’t help the tears of joy that escaped.

Austin beamed at her. “When Brad invited me, I knew I had to attend your wedding. It’s something that Simon would want to do for himself. Now, I’m doing it for him…and for you and Brad, of course. Alexis is sorry she couldn’t travel with me; she’s staying home with Sim.”

“How is the baby?”

Austin’s smile widened. “He’s fantastic. Well, maybe not at 2 AM, but he’s getting better. We’re just sorry that Simon couldn’t see his little namesake. He’d be as taken with him as Lexi and I are.”

“Are you staying at the hotel?” asked Morgan.

“Yes. I was able to get a room at the last minute. I see now why Simon thought this was such a special place. It’s gorgeous.”

“A perfect place for a wedding,” said Morgan.

Brad and Austin shook hands. “Thanks for coming. Come meet my family and Morgan’s best friends. We were planning on joining them for breakfast.”

“I’d like that,” said Austin.

Morgan gazed at him, still amazed he’d made the trip. She knew what responsibilities he had, running his part of Simon’s companies. Simon had spoken proudly of Austin. Now, she knew why. He was a very down-to-earth, kind man. Just like Simon.

###

As they joined the others at the house, the sun broke through the clouds, and the bright, sunny day they’d been promised came alive.

Austin was introduced to everyone and eagerly told the story of how his grandfather and Morgan had connected over books. He smiled at her. “You made the last months of my grandfather’s life a blessing. My mother, Alexis, and I can never thank you enough.”

Morgan let out a trembling breath. Austin looked so much like a younger version of Simon that it was almost as if he were there with them.

At breakfast, Tracy said, “I’ve made arrangements for the women and Lizzy to get a spa treatment and their hair done, my treat.”

“Me, too?” asked Lizzy, round-eyed.

“Yes,” said Ashley. “Lizzy, please thank Ms. Tracy.”

“Thank you. I love being a flower girl,” said Lizzy. “It’s like I’m a princess.”

“It’s very special that you’re here,” said Morgan. “Ben, too. He’s an excellent ring bearer.” She still had no idea what her ring looked like. Another surprise from Brad.

###

While the men played golf, Morgan spent the rest of the morning and the early afternoon with Tracy, Ashley, and Lizzy, relaxing at the spa and then making the trip downtown to the hair salon the hotel had recommended.

Tracy made an effort to be affectionate with her. At first, it had felt a bit awkward, but by the time they returned to the hotel, Morgan realized this was how it was in some families between mothers and daughters. After settling into her marriage to Brad, she would ask her mother if they could attend therapy together. It seemed a shame to be so disconnected. Morgan wasn’t sure her mother would agree, but at least she would ask her.

###

Ashley and Lizzy came to the guest room in the Presidential Suite to dress for the wedding. The deep-pink dress Morgan had picked out for Ashley fit her beautifully, and with its three-quarter sleeves and tea-length was lovely for a garden wedding.

Lizzy looked like an angel in her pink floral dress, wearing a small crown of flowers.