Page 20 of Easton Island: Old-Fashioned Christmas
“Not a clue. I was hoping you knew,” Elizabeth said. “He’s been awfully quiet lately.”
“Last night at the party he seemed…distracted, like he was a million miles away.”
The conversation abruptly ended when Brett appeared. “Sorry I’m late.”
“No need to apologize. Morgan was inviting Gerard and me to accompany her on a trip to Florida this winter.”
“Florida? I’ve visited the Miami area for business but can’t remember the last time I went there for a vacation.”
“Neither can I, and who better to show us around than a former Floridian?” She changed the subject. “We were also wondering why you called us here.”
“It’s about my health.”
The color drained from Elizabeth’s face. “Please tell me you haven’t had a relapse.”
“You didn’t let me finish. My heart issues were a reality check.”
“For all of us.”
“It was a sober reminder that life is short. I’m not getting any younger and have done some serious contemplating about my future.”
Morgan thought about her earlier conversation with Quinn, and how close she and Brett had become. His showering her with flowers, with small gifts, and impromptu dates. “Does it involve Quinn?”
A flicker of surprise crossed his face. “Yes, as a matter of fact, it does.”
“You seem to have grown close these past few months—date days, flowers, small gifts. Quinn loves you.”
“And I love her.” Brett pulled a ring box from his pocket. “She’s everything I’ve been looking for…loving, thoughtful. She’sspunky and smart. I commissioned this ring a few weeks ago and plan to propose to her.”
Morgan squinted her eyes, studying the exquisite diamond tucked in the folds of the velvet sapphire box. The ring caught the light, glittering brightly. “It’s gorgeous.”
“Very lovely,” Elizabeth added. “I couldn’t have done better if I had designed it myself. When do you intend to pop the question?”
“I’m waiting for the right moment, maybe when her parents are here visiting. I haven’t decided yet. Anyway, I wanted your blessing, Morgan as her closest friend and Grandmother as her future in-law.”
“Quinn is a lovely woman, possessing all of the qualities you already stated,” Elizabeth said. “You don’t think you’re jumping the gun?”
“I want to be with her for the rest of my life,” he simply said. “Why wait?”
“Congratulations.” Morgan impulsively flung her arms around her brother’s neck. “You two are perfect for each other. I’m excited to think my best friend will also be my sister-in-law.”
“Thanks. I was hoping you would approve.”
“More than approve,” Elizabeth said. “Now, I don’t want to rush things, but about those great-grandchildren.”
Morgan and Brett collectively groaned.
“I’ve had my say.” Elizabeth glanced at the clock. “It’s time to view the Wynn Harbor Inn documentary.”
“I can’t wait to see how it turned out.” Morgan backed toward the door, and Brett stopped her. “This conversation is strictly between the three of us.”
“Absolutely.” She made a zipping motion across her lips. “My lips are sealed.”
*****
“I have the popcorn.” Morgan waltzed into the Easton Estate’s library, a cozy yet opulent room filled with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. A roaring fire blazed brightly in the fireplace while outside the window a flurry of snowflakes fell to the ground.
Her arms laden with boxes of fresh popcorn she’d picked up at Easton Harbor’s only movie theater, she came to an abrupt halt when all eyes turned to her. “Did I miss something?”
