CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
The next morning, the last one with just the two of them before the others arrived for the wedding, Morgan and Brad decided to order room service.
Brad grinned at her. “Besides, I need to have some alone time with you. Stay in bed. When they bring the food, I’ll meet them in my robe and bring the food in here.”
Morgan returned his smile, delighted to have this sexy time with him. As soon as people arrived for the wedding, she’d be all business about seeing to their happiness and making sure the wedding went the way she wanted.
Sharing a shower with Brad, Morgan focused on meeting his parents to discuss sharing the house with Ashley’s family.
They were lucky to have obtained any accommodations at the hotel during what Ann called their “high season.” She’d already spoken to Ashley about the arrangements.
Aside from worrying if the children would bother them, Ashley and Mark were fine with it.
They dressed and headed downstairs to drive to the airport. Brad had rented a car, although so far, they hadn’t used it. They had spent time at the hotel or on the beach instead.
###
Seeing the smiles of delight on the faces of Brad’s parents as they approached them, Morgan felt warm inside. They were the parents she wished she’d had growing up. They would make incredible grandparents one day.
“Such excitement,” exclaimed Brad’s mother, Tracy. She hugged Brad and turned to Morgan. “Thank you so much for including us.”
As they hugged, Tracy’s eyes watered. “I hope we can have a private walk on the beach. There’s something I want to give you.”
“We’ll make it happen. You don’t mind sharing the house with my dearest friend and her family?”
“Not at all,” said Tracy. She moved away so Brad’s father could give Morgan a quick hug.
“Welcome to the family,” he said.
“Thank you, Philly.” She gazed at his parents. “Welcome to The Beach House Hotel. Wait until you see it and meet the owners. It’s as fabulous as all their five-star reviews say.”
Brad and his father handled the luggage while Morgan and Tracy found places in the backseat.
“Do you have your dress?” Tracy asked her.
“Yes. With the help of one of the owners, I found my dress and one for my friend to wear. Hers is a pretty pink. That’s the theme I’ve chosen. You won’t believe the way the wedding department has helped put this together practically overnight.”
Tracy lovingly patted her hand. “I’m so happy about this wedding. Did you know that Brad was going to propose to you on Christmas Day?”
Morgan smiled and nodded. “He told me. As it was, his proposal was very romantic.” No way would she tell his mother they were both almost nude when it happened.
They pulled up in front of the hotel and saw Ann Sanders and Rhonda Grayson talking to a couple who’d just arrived. Brad pulled the car behind theirs, and they got out. When the owners saw them, they hurried over.
“Welcome to The Beach House Hotel,” said Ann. “It’s such a happy occasion. You’ve been booked into one of our houses. After checking in, Rhonda and I will show you to it.”
“We love having weddings like this one here. It’s the ultimate place,” said Rhonda. “If you need anything, please call the front desk. They can direct you to our wedding department.”
Ann and Rhonda walked Brad’s parents up the hotel’s front steps and stood by with Morgan and Brad while they got checked in.
“I told them they would love the hotel,” said Morgan. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for us.”
“I had a feeling this would happen. I have a special talent for knowing things like this,” said Rhonda.
Much to Morgan’s amusement, Ann rolled her eyes at her partner.
Following a tour of the three-bedroom, three-bath private house, Ann and Rhonda left.
“I’d like to change my clothes into something suitable for the beach. And then, Morgan, can we take the walk I talked about?”
“Sure,” she said.
“Dad and I will have a beer and sit around the pool,” said Brad.
“Excellent,” said Morgan, glad she’d worn shorts and a top suitable for the walk on the sand.
###
Morgan and Tracy stood at the water’s edge, staring out at the waves in quiet companionship.
“It’s so beautiful here. A lovely spot for a wedding,” said Tracy.
“Brad and I chose to be married in the garden. We thought that would be easier with the kids, without the sand distracting them.”
“You’ve thought of everything. How thoughtful,” said Tracy. She lifted a gray velvet bag from the pocket of her beach coverup. “I have something for you. It’s something my mother gave me when I was getting ready for my wedding.”
Morgan accepted the bag Tracy held out to her. “Thank you.”
“Open it,” said Tracy, her eyes shining with excitement.
Morgan opened the bag and pulled out a string of pearls. “Oh, how lovely.”
Tracy hugged her. “I’d be honored if you’d wear them. It could be ‘your something old.’”
Tears swam in Morgan’s eyes. “What a thoughtful gift. It means the world to me.”
“And to me,” said Tracy, struggling not to cry. “You have no idea how I’ve worried about Brad. Now, seeing him with you, knowing how truly happy he is, I can relax. Seeing the two of you together at the holidays, both Philly and I felt he was in loving hands. To a mother, that means everything.”
“Brad has opened my world; proven to me I can let go of the past and love with my whole heart.”
The two women stared at one another, and then, with nods of satisfaction, they went on their way.
###
Ashley called Morgan from the airport. “We’ve got the rental car, and we’re on our way. Why don’t you meet us at the cottage in an hour? That will give me time to get unpacked and have the kids settled.”
“That sounds perfect. Brad’s parents, Tracy and Philip, are with us in town for lunch. They’ve taken one of the bedroom suites. The other two bedrooms are yours. I can’t wait to see you!”
“It’s so exciting! See you soon,” said Ashley.
Morgan ended the call and turned back to the conversation at their lunch table, happy to listen as Brad and his father exchanged teasing remarks about their golf games.
After lunch, the four of them headed back to the hotel and the house.
“You’ll love Ashley and Mark and their children, Ben and Lizzy,” Morgan said.
“Mark and I are becoming friends, playing golf together,” said Brad. “And Ashley and Morgan are like sisters.”
“I’m sort of an aunt to Ben and Lizzy. Lizzy is going to be our flower girl, and Ben is going to be the ring bearer. I’d already promised them,” explained Morgan.
“That sounds very nice,” said Brad’s mother.
They pulled up to the house.
Morgan could already hear the kids splashing in the pool and grinned when Ashley opened the door and ran out to hug her.
“It’s beautiful!” Ashley cried. “And you must be Brad’s parents. I’m Ashley Biddle. Won’t you please come inside? It’s your house, too.”
Laughing, they entered.
Inside, introductions were made to Mark. The kids greeted them politely, then went back to splashing each other in the pool.
“We’re just a little excited,” Ashley said, indicating the children. “Hopefully, this swimming pool will tire them out a bit.”
“I’ve picked out a dress for you to wear, if you want,” said Morgan. “Otherwise, any dress will do.”
“Thanks. I know your theme is pink and white. Lizzy has the perfect dress. I brought khaki pants and a pink golf shirt for Ben. Mark too.”
“How thoughtful,” said Morgan. “We bought Brad and his dad pink golf shirts to wear, so everyone will be coordinated.”
“I’ve waited a long time to see you this happy,” said Ashley.
“It’s almost like a dream,” Morgan said. “Everything is working out so well. We’ll have a party when we get home, and I’ll invite my parents. Everything will be completed by then, and they’ll have no reason to interfere.”
“That’s a wise solution,” said Ashley. “This time, I think your mother will be impressed that Brad comes from money. You know how important that is to her.”
“Indeed, I do,” said Morgan, and quickly pushed away any negative thoughts. She went on to tell her about Tracy’s gift of pearls to her.
“That’s a beautiful gesture,” said Ashley, smiling. “I’m so excited for you. I adore my mother-in-law. I’m sure you and Tracy will continue to have a loving relationship.”
Morgan nodded. She would make sure of it.
###
Following a lovely evening meal in the hotel dining room, the entire group walked to the house where the wedding party was staying. Everyone was tired from the trip, so it was easy for Morgan and Brad to leave.
In their suite, lying in bed with Brad, Morgan reviewed the details of their upcoming wedding. “Everything is uncomplicated with so few people involved.”
“I agree. I’m very happy we chose to do our wedding this way.” He chuckled. “The kids are having a blast and will add a lot to the ceremony.”
“Lizzy can’t wait to wear her princess crown of flowers,” Morgan said, smiling.
“I have a special gift for you, but I can’t tell you about it until tomorrow,” said Brad.
“We’ve agreed to go on our safari for our honeymoon at a later date,” Morgan said. “Right?”
“Yes, my surprise doesn’t change any of that.” Brad tweaked her chin. “You’ll just have to wait, my love.”
Morgan gripped her hands. She both loved and hated surprises.