Page 39 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

When she returned to the living room, Blue was nestled against Simon, who was stroking his ears. “Brad’s on his way. Now, do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

“Constance wants me to sign papers giving her authority over my income from my investments. She says I’m failing fast because I took those tumbles. It’s all part of her plan to try to seize my money.”

Morgan looked from him to Jake. After meeting Constance, she wasn’t a bit shocked.

Jake gazed down at his shoes and shuffled his feet against the carpet. When he looked up, his face held a look of remorse. “My mother is not the upstanding person she wants other people to believe. She and I have disagreed about almost everything for my entire life. I’m ashamed of what she’s trying to do to my grandfather.”

“Jake’s told me he’s willing to defend my freedom,” said Simon. “I’m very proud of him.”

“That’s kind of you,” said Morgan, giving Jake a steady look, seeing his sincerity.

“It’s the right thing to do,” Jake said. “She’s lost all common sense and fairness.”

“Sit down and make yourself comfortable,” Simon said to Morgan. “I like your new dog. He’s a charmer.”

“He obviously likes you, too.” She leaned over to pick up Blue and said softly, “Tell me how you are, Simon. Why does Constance think you’re failing so quickly? Is something else going on?”

He shook his head. “I told you I was hurrying too fast on the first fall. The second one was simply in my bedroom when the rubber tip of my shoe caught on the soft carpet.”

“You don’t have any broken bones? Any other damage to your body?” she asked, studying him.

“A bruise or two, but nothing serious. Mostly, it’s my ego that is bruised. I realize I can’t move as fast anymore. But that’s not unusual at my age.”

“No, it’s not,” said Morgan, her mind racing as she sat on the couch. Would Brad be annoyed to be dragged into a family fight like this?

At the sound of the doorbell, Jake raced to answer it. He returned with Brad.

Morgan jumped up from the couch and went to meet him. “Thank you for coming. Hopefully, Simon can explain the situation before his daughter-in-law returns.” She led Brad to Simon. “This is my friend, Simon Weaver. And Simon, this is Brad Hamlin. An attorney who specializes in family law.”

“Yes, yes. That’s what Morgan has mentioned to me,” said Simon. “That’s why I thought of you. I need you to hear what my daughter-in-law is saying and to understand what she intends to do. I’m not feeble-minded, and I’m healthy even though I’ve fallen twice in the past week due to my own stupidity.”

The men shook hands, and Brad finally spoke. “I have no idea what you have in writing to protect you and your property. We’ll need to take a look at that.”

The conversation stopped with the arrival of Constance.

“What are you people doing here? I know you, Morgan. But who are you?” she asked Brad and then noticed the dog. “And a dog here? That’s dangerous. My father-in-law has already fallen twice this week. A small dog here is just asking for trouble.”

Morgan and Brad stayed silent as Simon spoke.

“You know Morgan. This is her gentleman friend, Brad, and the dog is the new pet that she wanted to show me. His name is Blue, and it’s absolutely fine for him to be here. And, Brad, this is my daughter-in-law, Constance Weaver.”

“Why are they here?” Constance asked.

“Simon asked to meet here for our reading time instead of at the bookstore,” said Morgan. “And he agreed for me to bring Blue.”

“And Brad is her boyfriend,” said Simon. “Anyone can see that.”

Morgan glanced at Brad and felt her cheeks turn hot.

“We’ll have to talk another time then, Simon,” said Constance. “Unless you want to sign the papers that I’ve had drawn up now. Afterwards, I could be on my way.”

“Leave the paperwork with me,” said Simon. “I need a chance to look at them.”

“Simon, these papers can’t wait,” said Constance. “If you fall again and really hurt yourself and are unable to act on your own, your finances could be caught up in legal proceedings for heaven knows how long.”

“I’ve had my finances in order for some time, Constance,” said Simon. “No need to worry. But I’ll take a look at the papers if you leave them with me. Jake and a bank representative will act as trustees of the estate.”

“What? Jake? He’s just a child. I should be named as a trustee. I was married to your son during some difficult times,” said Constance.