Page 2 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Next time, we can find out a little more about each other,” said Simon, bobbing his head at her before turning and walking away.

Morgan stared after him. Their meeting was unexpected, yet she sensed a rightness to it that pleased her. It was a lot like how she happened to be in Ellenton—through an unexpected phone call four years ago from her best friend, Ashley Biddle, her college roommate at FSU.

Happily married to Mark Biddle, a physician in town, Ashley now had two children, ten-year-old Ben and seven-year-old Lizzy. They’d bought a large Victorian home in the area and decided to fix it up and rent out an apartment above their oversized, unattached garage. Just as it was about to be completed, Ashley called her to say the rental was the ideal solution to Morgan’s problems. Not only would it give Morgan a place to live and a sense of family that she didn’t have with her own parents, but it would help her restart her life following her husband Dale’s death. She paid off Dale’s business debts by selling her house, leaving her with very little money.

Hearing about this opportunity, Morgan jumped at the chance.

Moving to Ellenton was a blessing from the beginning. She had a good-paying job, a few close girlfriends, and little desire to make any significant changes. She’d gone on a few dates, but when any man got serious, she tended to back away.

She hadn’t told anyone, but she and Dale had endured an up-and-down marriage that was controlled, in large part, by his drinking. There’d been times she was ready to pack her bags and leave him. When the automobile accident occurred, the situation was handled without her having to admit the truth to anyone. Heaven knew that she’d never want it to get back to her parents. They’d refused to accept her marriage to someone like Dale Riley, who was considered below their social status. She’d never told them she was pregnant. That’s why she and Dale had eloped. A useless exercise of defiance in the end. She’d miscarried the baby in her third month.

Morgan focused once again on her book. She read a little more, then finally decided to leave her sanctuary for the reality of babysitting Ashley’s children. She loved them both. And she always made sure to plan some fun with them. This evening, they were going bowling.

Before leaving the store, she spoke with the owner about book recommendations and ended up buying two paperbacks that could easily fit into her oversized purse. Just having them with her gave her a sense of comfort.

###

Late afternoon, when Morgan arrived at Ashley’s house, the children were all ready for her, coats on, and smiles on their faces.

“Thanks so much,” Ashley said to her, giving her a warm hug. “Mark and I need some time to ourselves. He’s been on call all week, and I’ve been subbing at Ben’s school.”

“You know I’m happy to do this for you,” said Morgan. “Enjoy your overnight stay upstate at the inn in the Catskills. It’s a nice time of year to settle down in a cozy cabin in the mountains.”

Ashley’s face lit up. “And the food is supposed to be delicious.”

She turned as Mark approached them. “Thanks, Morgan. We really appreciate this.” He shot Ashley a sexy look that sent a flush of pink to her cheeks.

Morgan sighed inwardly. That’s the kind of relationship she wanted. Would she ever find the right man?

“Come on, Auntie M,” said Lizzy, tugging on Morgan’s hand, pulling her out of her thoughts.

“I’m ready. Let’s go!” Morgan said. She and the children waved goodbye and headed out to Morgan’s SUV.

###

They were having fun at the bowling alley when another family arrived. Ben waved to his friend and turned to Morgan. “Can we ask them to bowl with us?”

“Sure,” said Morgan. She knew the family and went over to Rachel Higgins, the mother of the three children. “Hi, Rachel. Would you and the children like to join us at our table?”

Rachel grinned. “Hi, Morgan. That would be fun. The kids all get along well, and that will give me a chance to catch up with you.”

Morgan led Rachel to the table they were using, and then she gathered the children together. “How about this for a line-up?” She alternated a spot for a Higgins child with a Biddle child. The kids all agreed, and Ben’s friend Rob led off.

“Where’s Ed?” Morgan asked Rachel.

“He’s down in Florida on the fishing trip I gave him for Christmas,” said Rachel. “In return, he gave me a spa weekend in Arizona. It’s something we do for one another each year. It works out well.”

“Nice. I like the idea that you each have free time of your own,” said Morgan.

“That’s the only way it works,” said Rachel, chuckling.

Morgan realized that, as much as they’d enjoyed being together, Dale had never wanted her to do something without him. Boy! She had a lot to learn.

She looked up at the end of one alley and saw all ten pins flying as Ben shouted, “Did you see that, Auntie M?”

Laughing, she said, “Yes! A strike! That was a good one!”

“Those kids sure love you,” commented Rachel. “Ashley’s lucky to have you for a friend.”