CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Morgan had never flown in a private jet before and admitted to herself she loved it, even though the purpose of the trip was devastating.
Brad sat in the same row in the cabin on the opposite side of the aisle, staring out the window.
Morgan was relieved to have some moments to herself to think about his parents and worry about Simon.
Her relationship with Simon was special; she’d known it from the beginning.
They each filled a special role for the other.
She’d be heartbroken if he didn’t survive.
She was grateful Brad’s parents understood the nature of their relationship and hadn’t given her trouble about ruining Christmas for them.
It told her how special Brad’s family was.
###
When she and Brad got off the plane, she saw a uniformed man holding a sign with her name on it. They immediately went over to him.
He bobbed his head. “Ms. Riley? Mr. Hamlin? Come right this way. I have a car waiting for you.”
He took their suitcases and led them outside to a black limousine.
“Climb in. I’ll take care of the baggage.” He held open the passenger door for them and waited until they got inside before hurrying to the back of the limo to stow their luggage.
Seated in the back, Morgan punched in the number for Austin.
He answered, and he said, “Glad you’re here. Simon has rallied but isn’t out of the danger zone. I told him you were on your way, and he’s waiting to see you both.”
The driver pulled up in front of the Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center.
“Go ahead inside. I’ll take care of your luggage as Mr. Weaver requested.”
Morgan didn’t argue. Now that she was here at the entrance of the hospital, nothing could keep her away from reaching Simon.
Morgan and Brad checked in at the reception desk and then took the elevator to the ICU, where Simon had been taken.
As soon as the elevator door opened, Morgan saw Austin.
He waved them forward. “We can’t spend much time with him, or he gets too tired. You have special permission to see him, Morgan. You may go first. He’s been waiting to see you.”
Morgan glanced at Brad and took a deep breath before hurrying after Austin.
He led her to a private room in the middle of the hallway.
The door was ajar.
She stood for a moment, torn between wanting to run to Simon’s bedside and dreading seeing him in poor health.
The pull of their friendship drew her inside.
She walked over to his bedside, searching the face of the man she knew among monitors, IVs, and other equipment that sent an alarm through her.
Simon was sleeping, but he opened his eyes when she lifted one of his hands and wrapped her fingers around it.
“Ah, you came,” he murmured. “I’m not sure I’m going to make it.”
“Simon, you’re in good hands––” she protested, hating the idea of losing him.
He cut her off. “There are some things I want you to know about. I haven’t forgotten the joy our friendship gave me. Austin knows what I intend to do. More than that, I have something for you and your young man. Is he here?”
“Yes. Do you want to see him?” Morgan asked. At his nod, Morgan went to the door and waved Brad inside.
They stood beside Simon’s bed.
He closed his eyes. When he opened them, he gave them a weak smile. “A gift. I have a special gift for you both. Austin will take care of it.” Simon focused his gaze on Brad. “I expect you to take care of Morgan, treat her right.”
“Of course,” said Brad. “I promise.”
Simon’s eyes filled. “She’s so like my Ellie.”
A nurse came into the room. “He’s tired. Mr. Weaver needs to rest.”
Morgan stepped closer to Simon and leaned over, kissing him gently on the cheek. “I love you, Simon.” She squeezed his hand.
He closed his eyes, but his fingers tightened around her hand.
Morgan and Brad left the room and stood outside talking quietly until Austin approached them.
“How is he? Did he get the chance to talk to you?” he asked Morgan.
“Yes, he said you know what he wanted,” she replied.
“I do,” Austin said. “Give me a minute to see my grandfather and then let’s go to my house, where you can relax and I can talk to you. Jake is on his way up to sit with him.”
###
Austin’s house was a lovely two-story, beige stucco home accented with wrought-iron balconies and a brick tile driveway that gave a Spanish look to it.
They entered the house through double mahogany doors and were greeted by two black and tan smooth Dachshunds.
“How cute,” Morgan murmured, giving them affectionate pats. She straightened and took in her surroundings.
A curving stairway led from the entrance to the second floor.
Austin showed them around the first floor. It featured a living area, dining room, den, and an updated kitchen that led outside. The backyard hosted a pool with a spa and showcased an outdoor kitchen and guesthouse.
A maid greeted them from the kitchen. “Can I get you anything to eat or drink?”
“A glass of water would be lovely,” said Morgan.
“Where would you like me to bring it to you?” the maid asked.
Morgan glanced at Brad. “I think I’d like to sit outside. The fresh air will help clear my mind.”
“I’m going to take a walk around the neighborhood,” said Brad.
“And I will check on my wife. Alexis is lying down,” Austin said. “Our baby is due in a few days, and she’s exhausted from the holidays and Simon’s health issues.”
“She should take advantage of any rest she can get,” said Morgan. “Please give her our best.”
###
Brad and Austin left the kitchen.
Morgan went outside and sat by the pool, soothed by the sound of the waterfall along the middle edge of the pool. The water sparkled in the sunlight, reminding Morgan of the meaningful times she’d shared with Simon, each book-reading session with him, a blessing. She blinked away tears.
Seeing him in the hospital, Morgan was very concerned that Simon might be right. He might not make it. The thought tore at her.
She wondered why he’d brought her here and what he had discussed with Austin and decided that no matter what Simon had in mind, she was grateful to see him, perhaps to say goodbye.
Morgan sniffed and brushed a finger over her wet cheeks before leaning back in the chair and closing her eyes.
She sat up with a start as a shriek rent the air.
Blinking in the bright sunlight, Morgan tried to focus on the woman stalking toward her on heavy feet.
“Constance. What are you doing here?” she asked.
Hands on her hips, Constance glared at her. “I should be asking why you are here. Are you trying to get something out of Simon? I know that’s why you’ve been so nice to him, such a grumpy old man.”
Morgan got to her feet and faced Constance. “I won’t even deign to answer that ridiculous question.”
Austin appeared. “Is everything all right?”
“No,” said Constance and Morgan together.
“Are you making trouble, Constance?” Austin asked in a firm voice, his irritation evident. “I thought you were leaving.”
“I was going to leave, but maybe I’d better stay. This woman, a so-called friend of Simon’s, is up to no good. I can tell.”
Austin drew in a long breath. “There’s no need to worry. Grandpa requested that Morgan come to Houston. It’s between the two of them.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” said Constance. “She wants his money. Just look at what she’s wearing. No wonder she quickly befriended Simon. She could use some sprucing up.”
“Enough, Constance,” growled Austin. “Neither you nor I has the right to tell Grandpa how his estate should be handled. You’ve made sure to show up for Grandpa’s illness but have plans to return to St. Lucia tomorrow. Your so-called dedication is noted.”
Constance glared at him. “You never did like me, Austin. If you try to get hold of my share of the estate, you’ll be sorry. I’ll fight you all the way.”
Austin pointed to the door. “I think it’s time for you to leave. Alexis and I are due to have our baby soon, and I want peace in this house.”
“Is she leaving?” Constance asked, nodding to Morgan.
“No, she’s not,” said Austin. “We plan on seeing Grandpa again. Jake should be with him now.”
“You tell Jake to give me a call before I board my flight back east,” said Constance. She turned and flounced away, her greediness on full display.
Morgan sighed. “You know I’m not here for any money,” she said to Austin.
“Absolutely,” said Austin. “Grandpa wanted to thank you for your friendship, and he has a special gift for you.” The look he gave her was intriguing. “When Brad returns, I’ll give it to you together.
As they returned to the kitchen, Brad showed up. “Beautiful neighborhood. I had a great walk through a part of it.”
“Then you must be ready for a glass of wine with Morgan and me,” said Austin. “I have a special pinot noir I think you both might like.”
Austin got out a bottle of wine from his wine closet and opened it.
He poured a sample of the wine into one of the glasses. “Who wants to taste it?”
“I will,” said Brad. He lifted the glass, sniffed the bouquet of the wine, took a sip, and gave a satisfying nod. “Exceptional.”
“I’m glad you like it,” said Austin. “It’s one of my favorites. Here’s to a new friendship. I’m sure we’ll be in touch through the years.”
Brad put an arm around Morgan’s shoulders. “To think it all started with reading books. It’s an easy way to make friends.”
“Come into my den and let’s talk. I have something for the two of you,” said Austin.
Morgan and Brad followed him into a spacious room where the walls beside a large, stone fireplace were lined with bookcases. A brown leather couch faced the fireplace, and two wing-backed chairs sat on each side of it, forming an easy conversation space.
Morgan and Brad sat on the couch as Austin indicated. He walked over to his desk in the corner, picked up a large envelope, and brought it over to them.
He stood before them to explain the contents.
“This is something Grandpa planned to give to you both for Valentine’s Day.
I’ve gathered what information I could about The Beach House Hotel and will make all the arrangements for you.
It’s a very special, upscale hotel on the Gulf Coast of Florida run by two well-known women in the industry.
Grandpa and my grandmother, Ellie, were scheduled to go there before she got sick.
Now, Grandpa wants you two to enjoy a Valentine’s Day in the Presidential Suite. ”
Tears had already formed and were running down Morgan’s cheeks as she turned to Brad and then gazed at Austin. “That means so much to me. How can I ever thank him for such a sweet gesture?”
Austin beamed at her. “You should have seen my grandfather’s excitement when he told me what he wanted to do. I will be sure to tell him what your reaction was to it.”
“He will get better, won’t he?” Morgan asked, her voice trembling.
“It’s out of our hands,” said Austin, becoming somber. “He told me he didn’t think he was going to make it.”
Morgan clapped a hand to her chest. “He told me the same thing. Can we go back to the hospital to check on him?”
Austin nodded. “Of course.”
The phone on his desk began ringing.
Austin hurried to answer.
Morgan took hold of Brad’s hand, thinking Alexis was calling for Austin. It took her a moment to realize Austin was saying, “Thank you for the news. I’ll be in touch to handle the details.”
“Oh, no!” she said, squeezing Brad’s hand hard. “Is it Simon?”
Austin let out a long sigh and sank into one of the chairs. He lowered his head and held his face in his hands.
Brad helped Morgan up, and they quietly left Austin to his grief and headed outside.
On the patio, Brad hugged Morgan to him and let her cry.
When she calmed, Brad said, “Have a seat here. I’m going to talk with Austin to see how we can help.”
Brad returned in a matter of moments. “Austin and I agree we should fly back home. He will notify us when or if they will hold a memorial service for Simon. Apparently, he didn’t want one. He just wanted to be buried next to Ellie without any fuss or bother.”
They looked up as a small blonde woman, visibly pregnant, walked onto the patio.
“Hi, I’m Alexis. I’m so sorry that any plans for getting to know you both better have been abruptly changed.
I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.
Perhaps we’ll meet again in the future. I know how much you both meant to Simon. ”
“I’m happy I had the chance to meet you,” said Morgan, trying to get her emotions under control. “I think it’s best for us to leave and return to New York, as Austin and Brad have decided. I’m wishing you the best with your baby.”
“Thank you. It’s a boy. We’re naming him Sim, in honor of Simon.” Tears filled Alexis’ eyes. “He was such a special man.”
“Constance thinks I befriended him for money,” said Morgan. “But I didn’t even know who he was.”
“Constance has a much-deserved wake-up call coming to her,” said Alexis. “We have to put up with her on occasion, but everyone sees her for her true self. Simon made it very clear to Austin and me that you were not like her.”
“Thank you,” said Morgan, giving Alexis a careful hug. “I have a feeling we’ll meet again.”
“Without a doubt,” said Alexis. “I’m sorry to leave you, but I’m on bedrest and must get back upstairs.”
Austin appeared. “There you are, darling. You have to go lie down. I’ll take care of our guests.”
“Yes, I know. I just wanted to introduce myself,” said Alexis. She turned to them with a smile. “They tell me that having a first baby can be difficult like this, but after that, it’s much easier.”
Morgan thought of the baby she’d lost, hoping Alexis was right.
Austin led his wife into the house, leaving Morgan and Brad alone on the patio.
Morgan leaned into him, loving the feel of his arms around her when all she wanted to do was cry. Simon was a remarkable man. She couldn’t believe he’d come up with such a fabulous gift for them. But then again, that’s the kind of person he was. She would miss him every day.