CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE #2
“What’s that sitting on the counter?” Ashley asked, pointing to the framed photo of a giraffe.
“That is a Christmas gift from Simon. He knows how much I love giraffes.”
“That’s so thoughtful,” said Ashley.
Morgan hesitated, then said. “That’s not all. Look at this.” She handed the certificate to her.
Ashley read it and gave her a wide-eyed look.
“Wow! What a fantastic gift!”
“I know. I still can’t believe it. But, Ashley, I’m not telling anyone else about it. Not even Brad. When the time is right, I’ll surprise him with this trip.”
“Okay. I won’t say a word. I promise.” She clasped her hands. “It’s a magnificent opportunity.”
“I know,” said Morgan. “Simon’s grandson, Austin, will handle all the arrangements when it’s time. He’s such a nice man.”
“It would make a divine honeymoon,” Ashley teased.
Morgan grinned. “I’ve thought of it. That’s why I don’t want to tell Brad. That might jinx our relationship.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about jinxing your relationship with Brad. Those adoring looks he gives you make it clear how he feels.”
“Please, have a seat. I’ll pour each of us a glass of wine,” said Morgan.
They sipped their drinks in quiet companionship, and then their conversation turned to the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
“We’ll be home throughout the holidays with the two puppies. It’ll be hectic, but seeing how much my children love dogs, it will be worth it. Mark has already promised me a spring vacation, just the two of us.”
“That sounds like a good way to handle it. You and Mark plan such exciting getaways.”
Ashley sipped the last of her wine and got to her feet. “I’d better get back to the kids and finish preparing dinner. Thanks so much. And I promise that your secret is safe with me, though I don’t know how you will be able to keep it from Brad. It’s such a fantastic gift.”
Morgan laughed. “I’m going to try to keep it from him. Thanks so much for the cookies. Please thank Lizzy. It’s such a thoughtful gesture.”
Ashley left, and Morgan placed the certificate from Simon in her metal documents file box. She’d never received such a thoughtful and generous gift and wanted to be sure it was stored away safely.
###
The workweek was hectic, with numerous situations requiring attention before the Christmas holidays. The evenings were busy too, with a number of Christmas events to attend, including an evening at the bookstore where she served as hostess at James’ annual holiday open house.
On Saturday, Morgan was finally able to shop for the Christmas decorations for Brad’s house.
She spent time visiting a variety of local stores to purchase the items she wanted.
It was the first time she felt at peace with the holidays.
She had a full and happy life, both at work and with her friends, especially with Brad.
It felt natural to walk into Brad’s house with her Christmas shopping bags filled with items to share with him.
He was amused as she showed him each decoration and then placed it in an appropriate spot.
Brad wrapped his arms around her and hugged her close. “Now it’s really looking like Christmas. We can decorate the tree tonight.”
Loving the effect of the decorations, Morgan grinned. “Yes, I was hoping you’d agree to do that. I’ll make my favorite chicken casserole, and we will be ready to eat whenever it’s convenient.”
“I’ll put the lights on the tree after I finish putting them on the bushes in the yard,” said Brad. The dogs followed him outside.
Left alone, Morgan sat in the living room and decided it was time to call her parents. It was never an easy thing to do.
Morgan had punched in their number on her cell, and she waited for someone to pick up.
“Hello?” came her mother’s voice.
“Hi, Mom. I don’t know what plans you and Dad have for the holidays this year, but I thought I’d call before you left.”
“It’s a good thing you did. We’re leaving for Barbados next week.
We’re enjoying a long vacation with some friends from the country club.
He’s a financial manager who’s made a lot of money, and Dad and I really like him and his wife.
In fact, Dad has invested some money with him, and it’s going well. You can’t ever be too successful.”
During the silence that followed, Morgan told herself not to overreact when her mother said nothing. Morgan cleared her throat. “It sounds like the kind of vacation you like most. Merry Christmas, a little early to you and Dad.”
“Thank you. I assume you will be with your friend, Ashley, and her family,” said her mother.
“Yes. She, Mark, and the kids always make me feel so welcome,” Morgan said. “They’re a great family.” She had no intention of telling her parents about Brad. Not yet.
“I must go. I’m shopping for a few cruise items to take with me,” her mother said. “Have a pleasant holiday, Morgan.”
“You too,” said Morgan. Her mother never seemed to show any real warmth toward her.
Morgan ended the call, sighing, but she was determined not to let her hurt ruin the time with friends.
They truly cared about her. As a child, she’d often wondered if she’d been adopted and placed with the wrong family.
As she went to the kitchen to prepare the casserole Brad liked so much, she was curious about Brad’s family. He always spoke about them with obvious affection. She worried about fitting in.
###
That night, Morgan and Brad sat on the couch staring at the Christmas tree in the corner. Brad had turned the lights low to get the best effect from the lit and decorated tree.
“I just love seeing the tree like this. It seems almost magical, doesn’t it?” murmured Morgan, snuggling against him.
“Yes. I’ve missed this,” said Brad. “Thank you for getting me out of my rut and into the holiday spirit again.”
Morgan lifted her face, and Brad’s gray-blue eyes studied her before he lowered his lips to hers.
Warmth and comfort filled her before lust took over. She knew the evening was far from over and that she’d enjoy it.
###
Over the next two weeks, anticipation grew in Morgan. She and Ashley discussed what clothes she should take to Arizona, and together they selected a lovely pine-scented Christmas candle and a beautiful photographic coffee table book featuring Christmas holidays around the world.
The visit to Brad’s parents would be brief due to work commitments. They planned to arrive on December 23rd and leave on December 27th.
With the holidays approaching, the office became busy with situations that needed to be resolved before the end of the year.
Morgan and Brad worked well together, and although there were occasional miscommunications, they were easily resolved.
For Morgan, it was another indicator of what life would be like as Brad’s partner.
When they finally boarded the plane, both she and Brad were relieved to have some time away from the office.
###
The minute Morgan saw Brad’s parents waiting for them at the airport, she relaxed. Brad’s mother was a short, attractive woman whose open smile welcomed her. Brad’s father was tall, like him, and shared a lot of the same facial features. He, too, seemed very approachable.
Morgan stood by as Brad’s mother hugged him and then faced her. “So, this is the woman who has captured my son. Welcome, Morgan. We’re so glad you’re here. I’m Tracy.”
They hugged, and then Brad’s father shook her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Philip, but you can call me Philly like all my friends do.” His smile was so like his son’s that she couldn’t stop grinning.
“Thank you. I’m happy to be here,” said Morgan.
“Not as happy as I am to have her meet you guys,” Brad said. “I’m glad it will be just the four of us.”
“Yes, we thought a nice, quiet Christmas would give Morgan a chance to get to know us,” said Tracy.
“Do you play golf?” Philly asked her.
Morgan shook her head. “I’ve tried but soon realized I was not talented at it.”
“While the men golf, we’ll do some shopping and have lunch,” said Tracy. “Does that sound okay?”
“Very nice,” said Morgan, relieved to see that Tracy wore shorts and a knit shirt that was attractive but not dressy.
Her own mother would have dressed up for such an occasion and adorned herself with jewels wherever possible.
And by now, she would have mentioned the country club several times. Morgan sighed at the thought.
Brad easily placed their suitcases in his parents’ Lexus SUV and climbed into the front seat with his father.
Tracy and Morgan sat in the backseat, and Tracy easily talked about life in Tucson and why she liked living there.
“Do you like to eat?” Tracy asked her.
“I like trying new things. I’m not an excellent cook, but I enjoy making new things.”
From the front seat, Brad faced them. “Morgan’s a great cook, Mom. Will you give her some of your favorite recipes?”
Tracy smiled at them both. “Of course. I’m happy to share any recipe you both want.”
“We usually have something quick and easy after work,” said Morgan. “But the weekends give me a better chance to be more creative.”
“Brad tells me you had him decorating his house for the holidays,” Tracy said softly while the men were discussing a sports event. “That’s such an important step forward.”