Around the World in 80 Men Boxed Set 31-35 by Rebecca Ratliff Page A

kissed the Phoenix softly, and smiled at her world.
    That
night, after her return, she had told Julianne everything. Her
enthusiasm was contagious, and it made Julianne happy to see that
Morgan was returning to life. She had watched her sleep, cry, and
find shelter in her own silence. It was something that Julianne
couldn't fix, nor did she know how to even make a little better.
    Julianne
had called Finlay, Angel, and even Alrik to ask for help with how to
shake Morgan from her depression. Not one of them knew what to do. It
was a long, hard road for all involved, but finally, the Morgan that
was excited about life again had started to returned.
    “I'm
happy for you, Morgan. So very happy for you.” Julianne held
her tightly and was thankful for the unexpected news. Morgan's next
words, were just as wonderful.
    “I've
been afraid of everything.” Morgan nodded, as if remembering
something important. “Working. Men. Being alone, anywhere.
But.... I know that I'm not really alone. I mean,” Morgan
looked back at Julianne, and took her hand. “I was attacked. I
was meant to die. But the love of my friends...my family...saved me.”
Julianne nodded, and wiped the tears that fell to her own cheek. “I'm
not alone. I'm not weak. I'm not as afraid as I was.”
Julianne's arms instantly went around Morgan's neck.
    “No,
you're not alone. And you're right, child... we're family.”

Chapter
Twelve

Morgan
had spent another two weeks cleaning her home, decorating with the
help of Angel's messages and calls, and preparing everything for the
renovations to come. Her excitement had taken her mind off the ordeal
for the most part, but she knew that her time to rest had to come to
an end. It was a Thursday afternoon when she approached Julianne with
her thoughts.
    “I
think it's time for me to pick a client and get back to work.”
Morgan sat next to her boss on the plush white sofa, and sipped her
afternoon coffee as she waited for her response. Julianne shifted and
took a sip of her own before answering.
    “Morgan.”
Julianne moved Morgan's hair from her shoulder and straightened an
unruly strand near her face. “I think you need a little more
time.” The random nights that Julianne would pass Morgan's room
and hear her crying had seemed to come to an end, but she couldn't be
sure. “A few more weeks...and then...,”
    “No.”
Morgan didn't want to sound harsh, or ungrateful. She took a quiet
breath and continued. “I mean, I'm as ready as I'm going to
be.” She looked at Julianne, hoping not to cry. “Please.
I need to move forward. I need to...live...again.” Julianne
nodded and stood. She gracefully crossed the room in a fashion that
Morgan envied. As a true lady would move.
    “I'll
think about it, child. That's the best I can do right now.”
Julianne's back was to Morgan, and she didn't see the sadness that
her words brought to Morgan's face. With a simple unseen nod, Morgan
left the room. It was also with that nod that she thought it might be
best to start living in her own home, even if it wasn't quite ready.
    Ten
minutes later, Julianne walked into Morgan's room and demanded
answers. “What in the world do you think you're doing?”
Julianne grabbed Morgan's shirts from her hand and put them back into
the dresser drawer. Morgan shook her head and sat down on the bed. “I
just need... something.” Julianne looked at Morgan, her heart
breaking, and joined her. Once again, Julianne moved Morgan's hair
from her face. “I'm better. Not completely, just mostly tired,
but better.” Julianne nodded as Morgan spoke. Morgan turned
and brought her legs up to the bed, crossing them over one another.
She looked so small right then, helpless, and it tore at Julianne to
see her still so broken. “If I can't work... I'll just.. go
home.” Finally, Julianne understood. She smiled and brought
Morgan's face up to meet her eyes.
    “Morgan.
You've been through hell and back. I imagine,” Julianne looked
around the room