“Hello, dear,” Ruth greeted, wheeling her chair into the kitchen.
Tiffany smiled at her favourite client. “Have you had breakfast already? I can smell bacon.”
“Yes, Marcus had an early morning meeting but made breakfast before he left. There’s some left if you’re hungry,” Ruth offered.
“Thank you, but I’m good. I ate at home.” Tiffany sighed with relief. Marcus wasn’t there. She wouldn’t have to give him an answer yet.
“Alright then, dear. Can you help me get dressed?”
“Sure.” Tiffany smiled and pushed Ruth’s wheelchair through the sprawling mansion to her bedroom and helped her dress. Ruth struggled to perform such simple tasks, but she always tried to do things herself. Although not totally incapacitated, walking caused her such great pain that she only walked when she had to. Tiffany felt such respect for the elderly woman who never complained, unlike Mrs. Honeycutt.
“What’s the plan for today?” Tiffany asked brightly after helping Ruth into a warm pair of trousers and a matching twinset. Fridays were never a consistent schedule and Ruth often surprised her.
“I thought we could go for a walk this morning and then, this afternoon, there’s a women’s event at church I’d love to go to.”
Tiffany nodded with a smile. On the days Ruth went to church events and Bible study, she mostly sat in the car reading while she waited for Ruth to finish. She enjoyed those days since they gave her an opportunity for peaceful downtime she typically didn’t get being a single mum of two. Mike and Polly were great kids, but looking after them on her own was tiring, so she snatched whatever respite she could.
Soon, they made their way out the front door to the path that weaved around the estate. It was a glorious morning with a slight freshness in the air. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the park?” Tiffany asked.
“No, I’m happy to stay here today.”
“That’s okay. I thought you might like to go somewhere different, that’s all.”
“Speaking of going somewhere different…” Ruth lifted an eyebrow.
Tiffany groaned. She’d said the wrong thing. Of course, Ruth was going to home in on that topic now. Why hadn’t she been more cautious with her words? “Yes?” she asked hesitantly.
“You seem a little jumpy today. Is there something on your mind? You appear distracted,” Ruth said, angling her head.
Tiffany bit her lip. She couldn’t lie. “Maybe a little,” she replied honestly.
“Is it anything to do with Marcus? Did he, by any chance, invite you to an event?”
Tiffany blew out a breath. There was no point denying it. “Yes, yes he did,” she answered.
“Oh, how wonderful! I was hoping he’d asked you. Have you made up your mind to go?”
This was awkward. Tiffany didn’t want to insult Ruth by refusing her son. But she also didn’t want to lie. She hadn’t made up her mind yet, and that was the truth, but the thought of accepting the invitation and all that it entailed filled her with anxiety. “There’s a lot I have to consider first. I’d need to find someone to mind my kids. That’s my first priority,” she said, again hoping she could lay all the blame on being a single mother so she wouldn’t offend the Alcotts if she refused Marcus’s invitation, although she knew it wasn’t really a valid excuse. Her mum had already offered to mind the kids and to help with the dress.
“Absolutely. They must always remain your top priority, but you do need to think of yourself as well, dear. I think you should go. It won’t be an easy evening for Marcus, and I’m sure you’d be good company for him.”
Tiffany didn’t know much about Marcus’s wife, but she knew enough to understand why it would be a challenging event for him. She also guessed it might be hard for him to take a date when it was an event honouring his late wife. She could hardly blame him for struggling to find somebody to go with.
“I suppose it wouldn’t do any harm…so long as my parents can mind Mike and Polly,” Tiffany finally said. She’d allow herself a small indulgence. Just once. And she’d face her anxiety head on. She could do this. If not for herself, for Marcus.
Ruth smiled. “Marcus doesn’t enjoy being in the spotlight. He avoids it as much as he can, but he goes because he has to, and because it’s for such a worthy cause. He won’t leave you on your own—he’ll look after you the whole evening.”
Tiffany had no doubt Ruth was right, although she didn’t really go for the chivalrous types. She was too independent for that. Nevertheless, if she could make Marcus’s evening a little easier, maybe she could agree to be his date.
Chapter 6
“And how are things going with the new contract?” Ruth asked Marcus on Sunday morning as they drove towards their church.
“Great. I felt bad making Hodge come in yesterday so he could file the papers. I don’t like making the guys work on Saturdays. I rarely have to, and it doesn’t seem right making them do it,” Marcus replied.
The contract had been finalised and he was confident that this newest venture would take the business to another level altogether. They’d been doing so well since obtaining the Great Vacations contract, but winning the deal with Money Solutions was something else, and he was thrilled about it. Bree would have been so proud.
“You really do pour yourself into your work,” his mum commented.
“It’s a big part of my life,” he agreed.
“Yes, but don’t let it be the only part of your life.” She raised a brow.
“It’s not, you know that. I also have you. And you’re way more important to me than work will ever be,” he said, glancing from the road to her.
She grinned back at him, but it was clear she wasn’t finished with what she wanted to say. “Now Marcus, I’m glad you’re doing so well these days, but when I talk about you pouring yourself into work, or spending so much time with your doddering old mum—”
“You’re hardly doddering,” he interjected.
“Well, either way, it’s important that you don’t neglect yourself. You should make efforts to do what you want now and then.”
“I think I do.”
“I disagree. I hardly see you doing anything for yourself. You know that’s why I’m urging you to take someone to the ball. You need to go out and enjoy yourself once in a while.”
Marcus quietly nodded. She was right. He knew she was right, but he didn’t necessarily want to listen or admit it. His loneliness was more evident to his mother than anyone. Even his sister hardly bothered him about these things. It was understandable. She had her own life to live, a family to care for.
They reached the church and Marcus helped his mum out of the vehicle. He pushed her along the path to the entrance where they were greeted warmly by the friendly elders. They entered the chapel and Marcus positioned his mum’s wheelchair into the space especially set aside for her towards the front before he sat on the pew next to her.
“Just think about it, that’s all.” His mum patted his hand. “You deserve happiness, Marcus,” she said once more as the worship band made their way to the front of the church and the service began.
He tried to shut out his personal concerns and focus on worshiping God throughout the songs and hymns that followed.
When the worship time ended, the pastor, an older man who was well respected amongst his parishioners, stood behind the pulpit. He began by praying and asking God to bless the message before reading a passage of Scripture from Isaiah twenty-eight.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
“I love this passage as it reminds me that our Lord is so much greater
than I can ever think or imagine. He is the everlasting God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and is worthy of our praise. Despite His greatness and majesty, He cares for each and every one of us. We might find that difficult to comprehend when we face challenges, but He gives those who love Him strength to face them, and He promises that all those who wait upon Him shall mount up like eagles. Take heart if you’re struggling today and call upon the name of the Lord. He might not remove your challenges, but He will give you strength to face them.”
Marcus had struggled to believe that God truly cared when Bree died. He’d always believed that God was good and that He had a plan and a purpose for his and Bree’s life, but after she passed, he struggled to find the good in her death and began to question God. It took a lot of soul searching and praying, but finally, he’d accepted that God’s ways were higher than his. Once he’d accepted that, he’d found peace.
Although Bree was now with God and no longer had any suffering or pain, he was still alone and missed her terribly. Sometimes he still questioned God before he realised he had no right to.
Church ended and they chatted with some other worshippers for a short while. He’d promised to take his mum to her favourite restaurant for lunch, so he wheeled her back to the car and then headed into the city.
After reaching the restaurant at Double Bay, they placed their orders and chatted for a while about the church service.
“On another topic, I got a strange phone call yesterday,” his mother said while removing her glasses.
“Oh? From whom?” Marcus asked.
“Sally. She was asking about you. Have you seen her lately?”
He sighed. “Yes, I should have told you, but I’ve had a lot of things going on and I forgot. She’s started working at Great Vacations and I’ve seen her at work once. She left a voicemail on my phone on Thursday.” He then told her about Sally inviting herself to the ball.
“Hmm,” she said, frowning. “I don’t like her bothering you like that, and she shouldn’t be inviting herself to the ball.”
“Neither do I. I don’t know what she’s trying to do, but she still seems a little unstable.”
“We ought to pray for her.”
“That’s a good idea. She really needs help.”
“I’ve tried to help her. Believe me.”
“I know you have, Mum. You’ve been more than patient with her. More than she deserves.”
“We’re called to be kind, Marcus. You know that, but I’m not sure how much more we can do for her.”
“Like you said, we can pray for her. We’ll pray that she finds peace and that she can forgive herself.”
“Yes. I think that’s all we can do.”
Their meals arrived, and Marcus included Sally in his prayer of thanks before they ate.
Chapter 7
Arriving at the Alcott estate on Monday morning, Tiffany had finally made up her mind. She knew exactly what she would do and what she would say when she saw Marcus Alcott. She had no other choice.
Still, the moment she actually laid eyes on him in the kitchen where he stood, facing away from her, she was distracted by the broadness of his shoulders and his tall, well-proportioned body. Her reaction surprised her.
She shook it off, embarrassed that her resolve to treat the ball as nothing more than an extension of her job had almost been derailed by his physical appearance. After all, it wouldn’t work if she started to think of Marcus as anything other than her client’s son. Her employer. And as she’d vowed never to marry again, there was no reason to allow herself to even look at him in that way.
“Good morning,” she said, knocking at the open door and poking her head in.
He turned and faced her.
“Oh, hello. Good morning,” he greeted. He was putting away some sort of powder that he’d added to a smoothie. No wonder he looked healthy if he was consuming that stuff. Tiffany had seen it at the store and remembered how expensive it was.
“Sorry, am I early?” she asked. The house was abnormally silent.
“Mum isn’t awake yet, but you’re right on time. She was exhausted after yesterday. I should have called to give you a heads up so you didn’t rush over.”
“Don’t worry, I had to drop my kids at school, anyway,” she replied. “And I did want to talk to you.” Tiffany felt her heart beating a little faster thanks to the commitment she was about to make. Going to a charity ball with a man like Marcus Alcott was not something to take lightly. But she had to press on and tell him what she was thinking.
“Oh?”
“Yes. About the charity ball.” She swallowed hard. “I think I’ve got everything sorted. My parents can mind the kids, so if the invitation is still open, I’d like to accept.”
“That’s wonderful! I’m glad you got it worked out. And don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything else. My sister can go shopping with you. And I’ll pay for your dress.”
“Whoa. Hang on a minute. I’ll get all of that sorted myself, thank you,” she replied tersely. She wasn’t about to be taken over, not even by a good-looking billionaire.
His expression fell. “Oh, of course you can. I’m really sorry, I wasn’t thinking,” he said quickly.
She gave him a muted smile. She’d have to rely on her mum for the dress, and maybe her sister for hair and makeup. No way would she allow herself to be bought or considered a charity case. She was independent and proud, and she needed him to see that. “Well, I’ll look forward to the ball. Thank you for inviting me.”
“It’s my pleasure, and I’m looking forward to taking you.” His smile almost derailed her again. She quickly took hold of herself while he went about preparing to leave for work. She remained downstairs until Ruth was up and about, then went to help her get dressed. The two of them headed out to visit some of Ruth’s friends and to get groceries.
After that, Tiffany drove to her mum’s home to talk over everything she would need in preparation for the ball.
“I don’t know what to wear, Mum. I could go to a charity shop, but the people who’ll be at the ball are the sort who send their clothes to those shops. What if I buy a dress one of them wore two years ago?”
“I told you I’d make your dress,” her mum reminded her.
“I know, but I don’t have money for fabric.”
“Then I guess it’s a good thing navy suits you, because I’ve got plenty of it.” Her mother grinned.
“Navy? That could work. What kind of fabric is it?”
“Exactly the kind you’d want for a fancy charity ball.”
“It’s a black-tie affair so I’ll have to wear a long dress. Is there enough fabric?”
“Yes. It was a cancelled order. Let me grab it,” her mum said, leaving Tiffany alone for a moment.
When she returned, Tiffany’s breath caught. The fabric was beautiful. Rich in colour but soft to the touch.
“And this lace goes with it.”
“This is incredible, Mum. I love it. Thank you so much.” Wrapping her arms around her mother, she gave her a big hug as excitement about the ball grew within her. She could check out some charity shops for shoes and jewelry. She wouldn’t need much, maybe some paste diamonds for earrings, a pair of heels, and a small purse.
She might grow anxious again, but right now, she couldn’t help the small tremor of anticipation that flowed through her. She was going to a ball with a billionaire! How had that happened?
“Thank you for everything, Mum.” She gave her mother another hug.
“Anything for my little girl.” Her mum smiled. Tiffany thought she saw tears in her eyes.
Chapter 8
“Are you sure we didn’t need to bring anything more than this?” Ruth asked, holding up one of the breadsticks she’d bought at the local bakery.
Marcus glanced at his mum but continued driving with a grin on his face. “It’s more than enough. Ebony said they have everything in hand. There’s no need to worry.”
“I suppose you’re right. She al
ways makes more than enough.”
“Yes, she does.” It was actually an understatement—his sister always over catered. In fact, she could almost feed an entire family for a week with what she prepared whenever he and his mum visited. It was as if she were trying to over-compensate for not having as much money as he did. He’d lost count how many times he’d assured her she had nothing to prove, but he understood how she must feel when she and Jason lived week to week, and he had more money than he knew what to do with. They wouldn’t accept help. He could understand that they had pride, but he would have gladly helped them out and not thought any less of them, but they were proud people and always refused his offer.
Arriving after the hour-long drive, Marcus climbed out of the car and stretched. His nine-year-old nephew, Harry, ran out the door to greet them and almost knocked him over. Marcus lifted his nephew in his arms and groaned under the boy’s weight as he swung him around.
“You’re getting so big!” he exclaimed. At five years of age, Ella and Lily were much easier to pick up. In fact, he often carried one in each arm.
Marcus loved seeing the kids, but he always felt a tinge of sadness as well. He and Bree had tried IVF after learning they couldn’t conceive naturally, but it hadn’t been successful. They’d agreed to consider adoption, but then Bree got sick.
Ebony and Jason invited Marcus and his mother inside. Jason took over the wheelchair and wheeled Ruth inside. The house was small and didn’t have the ramps and railings to accommodate Ruth like his estate did. But it didn’t matter—it was always a joy to visit.
They sat down to a meal of spaghetti, meatballs and bread, and there was plenty left over. Afterwards, the children went to play in another room while the adults chatted in the living room while drinking coffee and eating chocolate.
“Do you remember that time Dad accidentally took my prenatal pills thinking they were multivitamins?” Ebony reminisced, eliciting laughter from the others. It had been just a few months prior to his death, when Ebony was about four months pregnant with Harry.
Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series Page 15
