CHAPTER TWENTY
Having shared a glorious weekend with Brad, learning more about him, and testing how compatible they were, Morgan was reluctant to leave for her apartment on Sunday evening.
Though they were strengthening their relationship, neither she nor Brad brought up living together.
Truthfully, Morgan was relieved. She wasn’t quite ready to give up her independence.
The anticipation of the upcoming holiday season brightened the next few days as she began preparing for Thanksgiving.
Wanting to look her best, Morgan splurged and bought herself a new pair of black pants and a sweater in a yummy pumpkin color perfect with her auburn hair.
Christmas items were displayed everywhere, and with a bit of whimsy, she chose a cute red bow tie for Blue to wear for the holidays.
On Wednesday morning, her free day, Morgan headed over to Ashley’s house with Blue. This time with Ashley, going over the last-minute details for their joint Thanksgiving dinner, was one of Morgan’s favorite events, a time when she felt as if she truly had a loving family.
Ashley greeted her at the door and quickly ushered both Morgan and the dog into the kitchen. “Please allow Blue to wander around. I want to see how it will be with a dog in the house.”
Morgan heard the television in the den. She unleashed Blue, and he immediately headed for the sound.
Ashley hugged her. “Another Thanksgiving holiday. I’m so grateful we can do this together. And this year will be special with two new guests.”
Morgan’s eyes grew misty. “The pleasure is mine, as you know. It was a lucky day for me when we met in college.”
“How about a cup of coffee?” Ashley asked. “The kids and I have made our usual pumpkin cookies, and I’ve set a plate out for us.”
Morgan grinned. “You know I will have at least one.”
Ashley laughed. “Just not three.”
They grabbed their cups of coffee and sat down at the table, chatting happily.
Mark came into the room carrying a large package. “I picked up the turkey. It’s a beauty. Take a look. Twenty-two pounds.”
“I’ll get started on the stuffing this afternoon, leaving the last parts for tomorrow morning,” said Morgan, staring at the impressive bird. “We’ll need a lot of it.”
She admired the dining room’s table arrangement and the decorations the kids had helped make, and left the house with Blue. She had pies to bake.
###
Morgan was pulling the pecan pie out of the oven when Brad appeared. “That sure looks delicious. And two more pies? Do we have to wait until tomorrow to taste test them?”
She faced him, smiling. “Yes, we do. But I had enough apples to make a small tart just for you.”
“Really? I could really use something like that. It’s been a bad day at the office, catching up with a new case. Also, I heard the Carelli trial is underway, with jury selection. It’s an abuse case as well as a custody case.”
Morgan frowned. “That’s not going to be easy. Is there any danger to you? You know the circumstances. Will they call on you?”
“The lawyer handling the case said he’s told the opposition that I can’t speak about the private information I have on the case, that I am no longer in the loop.”
“Good, because I would hate to see you involved,” said Morgan, feeling a shiver race down her spine. “After meeting Nick Carelli’s driver, I know it wouldn’t be safe for you. He was a dangerous man.”
Brad’s expression was grim. “I must believe that justice will prevail, maybe not to the extent I would wish, but Nick can’t bribe everyone involved.”
Morgan placed a plate with the tart on the table. “Why don’t you have a seat and relax? This is just a sample of the tasty food planned for tomorrow’s meal. Would you like milk, water, or coffee to go with it?”
“Coffee sounds perfect. It’s getting cold outside.”
Morgan served him coffee and poured a cup for herself.
Blue sat on the floor beside Brad, staring up at him with a pleading expression.
Brad laughed. “You’re wasting your time, dog. I won’t feed you at the table.”
“Thank you,” said Morgan. “I don’t mind if Blue lies down near the table while I eat, but I don’t want any whining or begging.”
“He’s certainly settling in nicely,” said Brad. “I’m glad it’s working out for you. I’m hoping you’ll come to the farmhouse for dinner and the night.”
“That sounds delightful. I can’t stay too long in the morning. The bulk of my part of tomorrow’s meal is done, but Ashley and I always prepare and stuff the turkey together. It’s become a tradition since my first Thanksgiving here.”
“Sounds fine. I’ll take the dogs out for a run and do some projects around the house,” said Brad.
Morgan was again reminded how normal, how easy this relationship was compared to the constant fighting and bickering in her marriage to a man who was never happy with anything she did.
She studied Brad. His dark hair curled softly above his wide forehead as his blue-gray eyes settled on her, and his lips curled into a smile. She felt the core of her body heat.
Brad winked at her, and she knew she was having the same effect on him.
He rose. “Thanks for the treat. Hurry and get ready to follow me. I can’t wait to get you alone at my house.”
Brad left, and Blue ran to where his leash hung from a hook by the back door and barked.
“All right, all right,” said Morgan, chuckling. “Give me a few minutes, and I’ll be ready.”
###
Driving past the gate and up the driveway to Brad’s house, Morgan felt as if she was coming home and wondered what it would be like to live here with him. Since living alone, he’d learned to keep things tidy, which made it easy for her to think of sharing a house with him.
He proved it all over again what a companionable guy he was when he helped cook their meal, then cuddled on the couch with her to watch a sappy movie she loved.
Still feeling happy about the romance in the movie, they moved together to his bedroom, where he showed her once more that he was a special man, generous and sweet.
###
The next afternoon, before their Thanksgiving meal, Morgan was still feeling the effects of a growing love for Brad when he arrived at Ashley’s house with Simon. Brad had offered to pick him up.
Delighted to see her special friend, Morgan greeted Simon with a hug and a kiss, bringing a smile to his face and a light to his eyes. He stepped back and watched as Brad drew Morgan close and kissed her.
When they pulled apart, Simon gave Morgan a nod of approval.
Morgan had no time to react before Ashley appeared by her side.
Morgan introduced Simon to her, then to Mark, before leading him to the living room, where Mark introduced Simon and Brad to two older women sitting on the couch, each sipping a glass of champagne.
As the two women met the very attractive men, their cheeks grew pink, and smiles lit their faces, much to Morgan’s amusement.
Mark’s mother, Barbara Biddle, was a lovely lady who was very refined, almost regal in her demeanor as she sat in her gray tailored pants and pink cashmere sweater, adorned by a string of pearls.
Her sister, Margo Hightower, was dressed in black leather pants that accentuated her curves and a black sweater adorned with rhinestones.
Her dyed red hair seemed to complement the tone of her outfit.
“My! My!” said Margo. “I had no idea such handsome men lived in this town. Now, Simon, I want you to sit between Barbara and me. We need to talk.”
Morgan glanced at Simon, wondering what his reaction would be, and was touched to see a wide grin on his face. He immediately found his seat on the couch between the two women. It warmed her heart to see him at the center of attention, because he obviously enjoyed it.
“Let’s get a sip of champagne,” she said to Brad. “It’s such a festive way to start the meal. We usually limit hors d’oeuvres, so we have room for dinner.”
They walked into the kitchen, where a small bar had been set up.
Mark poured each of them a tulip glass of the bubbly white wine and began chatting with Brad.
Morgan left them to go outside to the back porch for some fresh air.
Ashley joined her. “It’s another delightful Thanksgiving. I have to say, you and Brad make a perfect couple. And the ladies are certainly enjoying Simon’s company. Even the kids aren’t fighting. By tomorrow, all this will be gone, and we’ll start decorating for Christmas.”
Brad appeared. “What are you two talking about? Christmas already?”
“Yes, it’s my favorite holiday,” said Ashley.
“I’m hoping to talk Morgan into making the trip to Arizona with me to celebrate Christmas there,” said Brad. “To meet some of my family. I promised my parents I would join them.”
Morgan couldn’t hide the panic she felt. What if she didn’t measure up as someone suitable for their son to date? Her own parents hadn’t approved of her choice to come to a small town like Ellenton. Or any of her choices before or since.
Ashley took hold of Morgan’s hand and squeezed it. “Your parents will love Morgan. We all do.”
“I don’t doubt it at all,” said Brad smoothly, placing an arm around Morgan. “We’ll talk about it another time. I didn’t mean to catch you off guard.”
Morgan forced a smile, but all her insecurities rose to the surface of her mind.
###
Throughout the meal, she pushed aside her worries as she noticed how well everyone was getting along.
And when it came time for each one to tell what made them thankful this year, she was touched when Simon said, “I’m thankful for my friendship with Morgan.
” And when Lizzy announced, “I’m thankful Blue lives next door so my parents know what kind of dog I want for Christmas,” Morgan laughed along with everyone else.
Brad’s statement meant the most when he said, “I’m thankful for new beginnings,” and looked right at her.
Morgan simply said, “I’m thankful for all of you.” Alone with him, she’d show Brad how thankful she was for him in her life.
Morgan helped with the cleanup with the others, then said, “Thank you, everyone, for a wonderful day. I’m sorry to end this day with you, but I need to go home to Blue.”
“I’ll take Simon home and meet you there,” said Brad.
Morgan exchanged goodbyes and left Simon in deep conversation with Barbara.
###
At home, Blue whined and wiggled with happiness, then reproach as he greeted her. She fed him and waited for Brad to show up.
When he did, they decided to take Blue on a walk through the neighborhood to work off the big meals they had eaten.
Morgan and Brad strolled comfortably side by side, stopping to let Blue sniff at spots.
“I meant what I said about wanting you to come to Arizona with me for a couple of days at Christmas,” Brad said. “Is that possible for you? You mentioned you usually stay in town for the holidays.”
“It might work, but what about the dogs?” she asked, fighting uncertainty.
“I have the name of an excellent dog sitter, and we can have all three dogs stay with her at my house,” said Brad.
His gaze settled on her. “I know you don’t get along with your parents, but I want you to meet mine.
I told them we were dating. My mother will be thrilled to meet you.
” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. “As Ashley said, they will love you.”
“It’s a big step in our relationship. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes,” he said solemnly. “We agreed to date and see where this relationship might go. I’m not going to hold back. I hope you’re not having second thoughts.”
Her eyes widened. “Not at all. I simply don’t want to rush into anything.”
“I understand,” said Brad. “You’ve told me about your previous marriage, and I know from experience how difficult it is to move forward from a traumatic past. My parents aren’t judgmental, and it should be a pleasant time.”
“Okay, I’d love to meet them,” said Morgan, aware of how important it was to Brad.
“Great. It’s important to me to have this family time together,” he said. He drew her closer and kissed her.
Morgan kissed him back and felt herself falling into that happy place he always filled.
Blue seemed to sense the importance of this exchange and sat quietly on the sidewalk, staring up at them.
When Morgan noticed the dog wagging his tail, she burst out laughing. “It seems we have approval.”
Brad chuckled. “That’s very important on his part. We certainly have no problem with my dogs.”
Morgan impulsively threaded her fingers through Brad’s, loving the way all parts of their bodies seemed to fit together, and they continued their walk.
When they returned to her apartment, Brad said, “Want to come to my house to spend the night?”
“Yes,” said Morgan, “but I must warn you, I promised Rosie I would come into the office tomorrow morning to help decorate for Christmas. Afterward, the group of us helping her will go to lunch.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’m not going into the office but will probably do some work at home while you’re gone, and then we’ll have the rest of the weekend together, if you want.”
Her lips curved. “I want.” For the first time in a long time, she was looking forward to a long, lazy weekend with someone with whom she was growing to love in a way she’d never experienced.