Page 21 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

“Rather than a puppy, would you know of any place I could get an older dog who could easily fit into my home?”

“Let me think about it. The breeder where I got Caesar sometimes has older dogs available for adoption. I’ll look into it and let you know. In the meantime, why don’t I lend you Caesar? That will help you decide what kind of dog you want.”

“If that wouldn’t be too much trouble, it would be an ideal solution,” she said. “What about Sid? Will he miss Caesar?”

“I’ll take care of Sid with extra attention. He’ll be fine,” said Brad. “I would hate for anything to happen to you.” His cheeks flushed with emotion, and even though this situation was vastly different, Morgan knew he was thinking of his wife.

Morgan got to her feet. “Thank you so much for your understanding.”

“If it’s convenient, I’ll bring Caesar by after work, and we can see how he does,” said Brad.

“Okay. I’ll order pizza and make a salad for supper to give us both time to see if Caesar is willing to stay with me.”

“That sounds like a deal,” said Brad. “I have an afternoon court date, but as soon as I’m through, I’ll let you know, and we can arrange a time to meet.”

“Thanks,” said Morgan, grateful he hadn’t brushed off her worries. She was an independent woman who’d lived on her own for most of her adult life, minus the two years with Dale.

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That evening, Brad arrived on her doorstep, holding Caesar in one arm and a large bag in the other.

When the dog saw her, he wiggled with excitement in Brad’s arms.

“Come in, come in,” she said, patting Caesar’s head before Brad entered and set him down.

“Yes, you’ll have to carry a dog up and down the stairs,” said Brad. “Dachshunds tend to have problems with their backs if you’re not careful with them.”

They both chuckled as Caesar headed to the kitchen closet, where Morgan stored food.

“I bought some treats for him. Okay if I give him one?” she asked Brad.

“Sure. He’s already had dinner, but I brought his food, bowl, favorite toy, harness, and blanket if you both decide he’s going to stay a while.”

Morgan chuckled. “I bought him a blanket and a cuddly toy, but thought we’d see how things go before doing more than that. How about a glass of wine? I have the pizza warming in the oven and a salad almost ready to go.”

“Wine sounds great,” said Brad, taking a seat at the little round table in the kitchen, which served as both a dining room and a kitchen eating area.

She handed him a glass of wine and sat down at the table opposite him with her own drink.

He looked around. “This is nice.”

“Thanks. It’s small but well laid out. It’s a blessing to be able to stay here. My friends, Ashley and Mark, own the house and decided to add an apartment over the garage as an extra source of income.”

“I noticed the trees and the garden. It’s a beautiful setting,” said Brad.

“The fenced yard will be a suitable place for Caesar or another dog to run and play.”

At hearing his name, Caesar walked over to her and jumped up into her lap.

Laughing, Morgan hugged him.

“I guess it’s settled. Caesar can stay here until you can get a dog of your own,” said Brad. “Besides I’m super busy and Caesar will be content here.”

“I’ve noticed how much busier you’ve been,” said Morgan.

“It will only get worse. More and more cases involving families are being brought to court,” he said. “Drugs are a big part of it.”

“I’ve noticed that when typing up notes on various cases,” she said.