CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Morgan hurried home from the office to prepare for Brad’s overnight visit.
He would come to her home after completing all his phone calls.
Before then, she hoped to get the dogs outside and fed.
It would make it less confusing when he arrived.
Brad had suggested picking up some Italian food from their favorite restaurant in another effort to make things go smoothly in her small space.
As she was feeding the dogs, they stopped eating and, ears cocked, began barking together. Smiling, she went to the door and found Brad holding his overnight bag from his trip to New Jersey and a large paper bag with their dinner.
“That didn’t take you long to get here,” she said, ushering him inside.
“I couldn’t wait any longer.” He placed the paper bag on the counter, set down his suitcase, and pulled her into his arms, laughing as the dogs gathered around them.
When they pulled apart, she led him into the bedroom. “You can leave your suitcase here. If you need to hang up anything, there’s room in the closet. And I have counter space for your Dopp kit in the bathroom.”
“It’ll do nicely,” he said, taking off his blazer and rolling up his shirt sleeves. “Thanks. Before coming here, I reconfirmed with the security company, so I should be able to return home tomorrow night.”
“Have you heard anything more from Nick Carelli and his friends?” Morgan shuddered at the memory of the man who had handed her the envelope. There hadn’t been a sign of basic kindness in his face or manner.
“I’m off the case, so I don’t expect to have anything more to do with them,” Brad said. “I’ll make sure that my replacement has all my notes and facts. Nick’s wife deserves to have custody of their son.”
“Do you get many cases like this?” Morgan asked as she poured each of them a glass of a special red wine she’d recently bought.
“No,” he said. “The real heartbreak comes when neither parent wants their child, and they are placed in foster care. Some are given a chance for a better life, but the thought of not being wanted always hurts.”
Understanding from her own experiences, Morgan motioned for him to sit at the table and then took a seat opposite him. “How did you become involved in family law? You once told me you came from a strong family background.”
“I did, and that’s why. Growing up, I didn’t realize how lucky I was to have kind, loving parents who supported my siblings and me.
When I was old enough to understand what had happened to some other kids, I knew I wanted to pursue this career.
That was especially true when I became friends with a boy in foster care.
His situation was a happy one, but that isn’t always the case. ”
“Are you sorry you and your wife didn’t have children?” Morgan asked.
“We’d talked about it, but as you know, it never happened. When the time is right, I’d like to have children of my own.” His gaze remained on her.
Morgan’s heartbeat raced at the longing look he settled on her. She didn’t talk about the baby she lost, but she’d never gotten over the loss. With the right man, she knew she wanted to try again, wanted to be able to hold a baby of her own.
One of the dogs barked, and the moment was shattered.
“Why don’t we take the dogs for their before-dinner outing, and then we can relax for the evening,” said Brad. “It’s a routine my dogs are used to.”
“Okay,” said Morgan. “I’ll carry Blue down the stairs. You might want to get Caesar. The one drawback to this apartment is the number of steps in the stairway. It’s the only entrance and is bad for their backs.”
“Sure thing,” said Brad, swooping up Caesar into his arms. Sid trailed him down the stairs, and then Morgan and Blue followed.
###
Outside, Mark was playing catch with Ben, while Ashley and Lizzy stood by. Seeing them, both of the kids stopped what they were doing and raced over to pet the dogs.
Ashley opened the gate to their backyard. “C’mon inside. The dogs can run and play for a while.”
Mark and Brad shook hands and began talking.
Ashley gave her an impish grin and pulled her aside. “So, Brad is spending the night?”
“Yes. He’ll be able to return to his house tomorrow. But we’re taking no chances that anyone could arrive without his special security system in operation. It should be completed tomorrow. Apparently, the initial work has already been done.”
“I’m glad you decided not to stay there,” said Ashley.
“Me too. Brad’s been taken off the case, and everything has been reported to the judge. I took the bribery money to the Chief of Police this morning. I’ve never been so glad to get rid of something. Believe me, the man who gave it to me looked and acted like he would welcome trouble.”
Ashley indicated the men with a glance. “I’m glad to see that Mark and Brad seem to get along. Mark is so busy with his practice that he doesn’t have time for much socializing.”
“I’m sure that Brad would like to make friends in town. Maybe we can encourage them to do some things together,” said Morgan.
Mark walked over to them and put an arm around Ashley. “I think I’ve found a new golf partner.” He beamed as Brad approached.
Ashley winked at Morgan and turned to her husband. “That’s nice for both of you. Perhaps you can help Brad join the country club.”
“We’ve already talked about it,” said Mark, giving Ashley a pat on the back. “Now, let’s talk about dogs. Brad, how does it work to have a large dog like Sid living with Caesar? Does it work well to have two such different kinds of dogs?”
“Actually, it does. Sid is calm and laid-back compared to Caesar. Caesar is curious about everything and keeps Sid on the move. They’re devoted to one another.”
“Ben wants a big dog like Sid, and Lizzy wants a Dachshund.” Mark turned to Ashley. “Maybe we can do as the kids want.”
“Brad and I can give you a list of all the things you’ll need,” said Morgan. “It’s like bringing a baby into your home.”
“I think it might be easier,” said Ashley, smiling at her children.
Morgan glanced at Brad. “We’d better go eat dinner. The food is getting cold.”
“I’ll call you about a golf game,” Mark told Brad.
Brad gave him a thumbs-up sign.
Morgan helped to leash the dogs before leading them away.
###
Upstairs in her apartment, she and Brad had another glass of wine while Morgan heated the lasagna and tossed the salad Brad had ordered.
“I’m glad you and Mark get along. Ashley is my best friend, and it means a lot when couples are congenial,” Morgan said.
“He seems like a nice guy,” said Brad. “And I need to find an outlet from my work schedule. Do you play golf?”
Morgan shook her head. “I played a little in Florida, but believe me, you don’t want to partner with me. I’m terrible.”
Brad chuckled. “You’re the best assistant I’ve ever had. That counts for a lot.”
The buzzer rang for the oven timer, and Morgan turned her attention to that.
Sitting at the table, Morgan said, “How should we handle the situation at the office? By now, all the partners in the firm will be aware that we are dating. I plan to act as I normally do. That means I will not be talking about us.”
“Yeah, that’s wise. If it becomes office gossip, that’ll be a problem. I’ve never known us to be unprofessional until today in my office. But that has to stop.” His smile softened his features. “I’m very happy that you’re willing to take a chance on us.”
“I am,” she said firmly, though inwardly, she was fighting off the insecurity that living with Dale had instilled in her about relationships.
“I’ll let the dogs out one last time, and then I’m ready to settle down for the night. How about you?” Brad asked.
The question wasn’t a simple one. Morgan had known all evening how their time together was going to end and was excited by the prospect of making love with Brad.
“Yes, I’ll be ready. We’ll need to shut the dogs out of my bedroom, or there won’t be room for you.”
Brad grinned at her. “I’ll take care of that. I promise.”
Morgan laughed. “Deal. I’ll do the dishes, and then I’ll get ready for bed.”
A short while later, Morgan lay in bed waiting for Brad to finish his nightly routine in the bathroom. She liked knowing he wouldn’t rush into their first time together. Her last memories of Dale weren’t pleasant, and she’d need Brad’s patience.
He emerged from the bathroom and slid into bed beside her. He lay on his back for a few minutes before turning to her.
He caressed her face in his broad hands and studied her. “This isn’t a casual thing. I was attracted to you from the start. I’ve waited until I knew you felt the same way.”
“It’s been a long time since I was truly interested in spending time with anyone like this,” she said.
Understanding the tremor in her voice, he said, “I’m glad you feel safe with me.”
His lips met hers.
Forgotten emotions filled her, and Morgan knew it was going to be the best night of her life.
###
The next morning, Morgan got up before Brad. She put on a robe and quietly opened the bedroom door. Before she could stop them, the two Dachshunds jumped up on the bench at the end of her bed and onto the mattress. They reached Brad at the same time that Sid licked Brad’s face.
Sputtering, then laughing, Brad sat up and swept the hair out of his eyes. “Morning, everyone. Guess that’s one way to wake up.”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t stop them,” said Morgan, remembering how Dale would have reacted, swearing and accusing her of doing everything wrong.
“No worries,” said Brad. “The only problem is that you’re standing there, and I’m over here. Don’t I get a morning kiss?”
Smiling, she hurried to his side, laughing as he pulled her onto the bed so they could snuggle, the dogs gathering close.
Cuddled against him, Morgan knew it wasn’t only the best night she’d ever known but the best morning, too.