Page 9 of Valentines In The Presidential Suite

Late that afternoon, Brad returned to the office.

Once he was settled behind his desk, Morgan handed him her notebook. “The morning with Isabel went well. Here are my notes. She told me she’d have an itemized list of suggestions for you within a day or two.”

“Thank you,” said Brad. “What do you think? What did you like most?”

“The house is gorgeous,” she said. “But the best part was the setting. The trees, the landscaping, the brook all made me feel as if I was enjoying a slice of heaven.”

Brad studied her and grinned. “That’s what convinced me to buy the property. I’m glad you like it. Did you have ideas about the interior, too?”

“Yes. Isabel and I shared thoughts. I’m convinced she’ll do a superb job for you.”

“I can’t thank you enough for your input. On the drive back from the city, I dictated some notes onto my phone. I’ll print them off and ask you to type them up in an acceptable way for my files.”

“No problem,” said Morgan, excited to be part of the project.

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The days flew by as Morgan enjoyed the new aspects of her job. She was learning that family law encompassed many aspects of living, from foster care and adoption to marriage and divorce, as well as economic and family matters, including estate planning, tax implications, and criminal charges.

The more she worked with Brad, the more she grew to admire him. There was an innate kindness about him that she’d personally never experienced with any man, including her father.

CHAPTER FIVE

On Saturday, Morgan awoke with the happy thought that she’d be spending time with Simon. It might be fun for them to read the same book and discuss it occasionally.

She got up, got ready for the day, and prepared to go to Ashley’s house to share some girls’ time over a cup of coffee. With Mark doing morning hospital rounds, Ashley often invited Morgan to join her on Saturday mornings.

Today, Morgan left early to jog downtown to a favorite bakery to pick up some of Ashley’s favorite blueberry scones.

It felt nice to be outside on this fall day. The crispness in the air reminded her that winter would be here before she knew it. That thought sent a shudder through her. Winters could seem never-ending in this part of the country.

Heated from her run, Morgan showed up at Ashley’s house and, after greeting the kids, who were watching television, she went into the kitchen where Ashley had brewed fresh coffee.

“For you,” Morgan said, handing her the box of scones. “It’s such a beautiful day, I ran to get them.”

Ashley accepted the treats with a smile. “I should be the one running. You’re in such great shape.”

“You’re fine,” Morgan said. Ashley was a very attractive woman whose husband adored her. If Morgan didn’t love her, she might be jealous of her best friend.

“Let’s sit by the window,” said Ashley, handing Morgan a cup of coffee. “I want to hear about your boss and your new job. Everyone in town is talking about the handsome, new, available lawyer.”

“I don’t know about the available part, but he is handsome and very, very nice,” said Morgan, sitting in the window seat beside Ashley. The morning sun shone on them, making the cozy spot even nicer.

“How’s it going? Do you find the work more to your liking?” asked Ashley.

“Yes,” said Morgan. “It’s much more interesting. I’m starting to realize how I can make a real difference for Brad. Though he’s organized, he has an awful lot on his agenda.”

“I know you went to see his house. I heard that Isabel is going to work on it. She loves it. She even told me that you helped with a couple of the ideas.”

“I did,” said Morgan with a sense of satisfaction. “The house is lovely, unusual. Like yours, it has been renovated and retains that kind of character. The setting is so peaceful that I almost took a nap on his back deck with one of his dogs, a Dachshund, in my lap.”

“Wow! That does sound inviting,” said Ashley. “Mark and I have been talking about getting a dog now that Ben and Lizzy are old enough to take care of one.”

“I must admit, the thought has crossed my mind,” said Morgan. “Maybe after I get a place of my own.”

“I hate to think of you moving out of the apartment,” said Ashley, squeezing her hand. “It’s so comforting to know you’re just a few steps away.”

“I enjoy that too, but I want a house. I’m saving as much money as I can,” Morgan said, “because I want to stay in this area. I’m thankful that you encouraged me to come to Ellenton. It’s been a blessing.”