Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series

by Juliette Duncan

  “Can I ring the doorbell, Mummy?” Polly asked.

  Tiffany fought her apprehension and nodded. “Okay. But ring it only once.”

  “Okay.” Polly raised her hand and was about to press the buzzer when the door opened.

  Marcus stood before them wearing a tan coloured button-up shirt with black trousers and smelling of exotic cologne. Their gazes met and her pulse throbbed double-time. He exuded masculinity.

  “Hello there!” he said, lowering his gaze to the children and smiling at them. “I’m Marcus. And you must be Mike and Polly.”

  “Mum said we are to call you Mr. Alcott,” Mike said.

  “Did she just?” Marcus let out a small chuckle and lifted his gaze to Tiffany’s, his eyes glinting with amusement.

  She shrugged. “I want my kids to be respectful of the adults they meet.”

  “I’m happy for them to call me Marcus if you’re comfortable with that.”

  “Yes, I’m okay with it.” She smiled and placed her hands lightly on each of the children’s shoulders. “They’re very excited to be here.”

  “Well, come on in. Mum’s waiting to meet them, too. She’s out on the deck catching the last of the sun.” He ushered them in and walked with them through the foyer and down the hallway. Tiffany was aware of both Mike and Polly turning their heads to gaze at the rooms they passed. She imagined their mouths dropping open as they passed the main living room with its designer furniture, huge chandelier, and plush velvet drapes. She was certain it was the most impressive room they’d ever seen.

  When they reached the deck, Ruth looked up, her wrinkled face creasing in a smile. “Tiffany! How nice to see you. And your children! At last I get to meet you. Come here and let me look at you.” She held out her arms.

  Sensing their hesitation, Tiffany pressed their backs more firmly. “Children, this is Mrs. Alcott. Say hello.”

  “Hello,” they said in unison.

  “It’s so nice to meet you at last. Your mother has told me so much about you.”

  Once again, Tiffany sensed they weren’t sure what to say. Relief flowed through her when Ruth added, “And it’s all good! Now, I’m sure you’ll want to go swimming. Marcus has arranged for a couple of the youth from church to supervise you, unless of course you’d like to stay here with the adults.”

  They looked at each other and then looked questioningly at Tiffany.

  “If you’d like to go swimming, that’s okay,” she assured them.

  “I can take them down if you like. Dinner isn’t until seven, so they’ll have plenty of time to swim before then,” Marcus said.

  “That sounds great. Thank you.”

  “Go with them, Tiffany. You don’t need to stay here with me,” Ruth said, waving her away.

  “As long as you’re sure.” Tiffany could tell that Ruth was contriving to push her and Marcus together, but to be honest, she really didn’t mind. She realized again just how attractive Marcus was and was anxious to spend time with him.

  “I’m sure.” Ruth’s tone left no room for argument.

  “Okay then. Thank you.” She smiled at Ruth and then turned to Marcus. “They’re wearing their swimmers so there’s no need for them to get changed.”

  “Great. Let’s go.” He led the way down the flagstone path, passing the summer house complete with a spa and a gymnasium, until finally reaching the pool.

  “Wow!” Mike exclaimed. “Look at all those slides! Can we go on them, Mum?”

  Tiffany laughed. “As long as Mr. Alcott, sorry, Marcus, says you can.”

  “That’s fine by me,” he replied. “Jack and Susie are going down a slide now. Come with me and I’ll introduce you.”

  They followed him to the far side of the pool and waited for the pair to splash into the water. The kids laughed when they got wet.

  Jack and Susie emerged and quickly climbed out. Marcus made the introductions and then he and Tiffany stood and watched as the pair, whom Tiffany guessed were in their late teens, took her children under their wings.

  “They seem like nice kids,” Tiffany said.

  “Yes, they’re brother and sister, and they’re great with younger children since they have three younger siblings.”

  “It’s very kind of them to offer to supervise my two.”

  Marcus laughed. “They’d do anything to come over for a swim.”

  “Right.” She could imagine that. What kid wouldn’t want to swim here? The pool was amazing.

  “Would you like to take a walk?” Marcus inquired.

  “Yes, I would.” She smiled and once again felt her heart pounding as memories of the night of the ball flashed through her mind.

  “You have lovely grounds,” she said as they strolled along pathways filled with scented shrubs and colourful annuals. The perfume of gardenias wafted in the air, and she ran her hand through the lavender bordering the pathway and brought it to her nose, breathing in the heady scent.

  “Thank you. We have a great gardener who keeps it in top shape.” A few moments later, he said, “I really was glad to hear about your decision.”

  Tiffany smiled. “I am too. It’s amazing to think that the truth was there all along, waiting for me. To know that thousands of years ago, Jesus was thinking of me and it’s only been two days since I realised what that means. I’m thankful for your mum, for explaining everything to me so well.” She paused and glanced at him. “And for you. The things you said started me thinking.”

  “That was my pleasure, Tiffany. I’m glad it helped.”

  “So am I. The past two days have been life changing. At your mother’s suggestion, I’ve read through the four Gospels and also Acts and Romans. I need to go back and read them more slowly, but I just couldn’t stop once I started.”

  Marcus’s brows lifted. “You’ve read all of that in two days?”

  “I know. It’s weird, but I’m desperate to know more. But as much as I want to read about Jesus, I’m already excited to read the Old Testament as well. I watched a sermon online about how important it is not to separate the two.”

  Marcus shook his head and chuckled lightly. “It’s not weird. It’s amazing. I hope your passion for scripture never wavers.”

  “Me too.”

  Stopping when they reached the jetty, they stood side by side and gazed out at the harbour. As the sun slowly slipped over the horizon, washing the sky with soft pinks and oranges, Tiffany felt at peace with herself and with God. Whatever was happening with her and Marcus was in His hands.

  A little later, she sat and chatted with Ruth while Marcus finished preparing dinner. She learned that he was an excellent cook and had even considered becoming a chef when he was young. When they all gathered around the table, she quickly realised why.

  He’d been slow-cooking a side of lamb on the rotisserie since early afternoon and it was cooked to perfection, and the vegetables were to die for. Mike even ate the honey-roasted Brussel sprouts without a fuss. Soft dinner music played quietly in the background while they ate, and Tiffany kept pinching herself to know she wasn’t dreaming.

  After a dessert of creme brûlée, Marcus asked Mike and Polly if they’d like a hit of tennis.

  “But we don’t know how to play,” Polly said sadly.

  “That’s okay. I can give you some pointers.”

  “Okay then,” she said brightly.

  “How about you, Tiffany? Would you like a game?” He swung his gaze to hers.

  Her heart fluttered as their gazes connected. She chuckled a little nervously. “After that meal, I don’t think I can walk, let alone run.”

  “We can take it easy. It’ll be fine.” His voice was as soft as silk.

  “Alright then. But I haven’t played in years.”

  “No problem. Neither have I.” He winked, sending her pulse skittering.

  “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll give it a miss,” Ruth said with a laugh.

  “That’s fine, Mum, but you’re welcome to watch,” he said.

&nbs
p; “No, I think I’ll do a spot of reading.”

  “Okay. We won’t be long.” He bent down and kissed her cheek.

  The next hour was filled with fun and laughter, and then, a little later, while the kids watched a video, Marcus and Tiffany sat on the deck overlooking the harbour, sipping tonic water with lime and mint.

  “It’s been a wonderful evening. Thank you, Marcus,” she said.

  “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it, because I have, too.” He turned to face her and a tremor ran through her body at the passion in his eyes. “If it’s not too premature, would you have dinner with me again next Friday? Not here, though. And just us. A date. A real date.”

  Her heart danced with excitement. A date! A real one. Before she knew it, the answer flew out of her mouth. “Yes! I’d love to.”

  Chapter 24

  He was almost late, but Marcus pulled into Tiffany’s driveway just in time to pick her and the kids up for church. He hadn’t been to her house before, but he wasn’t surprised by how neat and tidy the small front yard was. He knew she was a hard worker, and he guessed that trait flowed through to every aspect of her life.

  Polly was running down the steps before he managed to get out of the car. He laughed when she ran right up to his door and spoke to him through the window. “Thank you very much for taking us to church, Mr. Marcus. I like going with Grandma and Grandpa, but it will be fun going in your big car.”

  “You’re more than welcome, Miss Polly.”

  A flash of blue caught his eye and he looked up at the house. Dressed in a simple, blue floral dress, Tiffany had come out with Mike and was closing the door. Her dress, although simple, accentuated her slim figure. With the sun shining on her pinned up hair, she looked gorgeous.

  He quickly opened his door, taking care not to knock into Polly, and climbed out. Walking towards Tiffany, he greeted her with a smile.

  Tiffany returned his smile as she approached with Mike. “Good morning.” Her gentle voice floated in the air.

  “Hi! I hope you don’t mind sitting in the back. Mum’s in the front.”

  “That’s fine,” she replied.

  He opened the back door and the kids climbed in. Before she followed them, their gazes met, and he was once again entranced by her subtle beauty.

  Soon they were on their way. The conversation was light and simple during the short drive and when they reached the church, Marcus helped his mum into her wheelchair. Tiffany offered to push. Once inside, Marcus said he’d take the kids to the Sunday school hall.

  “Are you sure? I’m happy to take them,” Tiffany said.

  “It’s fine. Why don’t you stay here with Mum?”

  “Okay.” She gave him a warm smile and then sat. He took the kids to the Sunday school hall and signed them in. He wasn’t blind to the looks he received from some of the women, but instead of explaining, he simply smiled at them.

  On his way back to the sanctuary, Dave walked beside him. “You’ve got a looker there, mate,” he said, winking.

  Marcus shot his friend a warning look.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so crass. I’m glad you’ve found someone at last, Marcus.”

  “We’re only friends,” Marcus said, but even to himself, he didn’t sound convincing.

  “I’ve heard that one before.” Dave chuckled and clapped him on the back. “It’s all good, Marcus. You’ll have to introduce me.”

  Marcus smiled. “Okay. After the service.”

  The worship band had begun playing by the time he reached his mum and Tiffany. Sliding past his mum, he stood beside Tiffany, casting her a quick glance before turning his focus to the words of the first song.

  Throughout the service, he couldn’t help but glance at her every now and then. He struggled to believe that she was here with him, in church, and that she now shared his faith. It was an answer to prayer, and he was truly grateful.

  When the service was over, his mum said she’d wait in the foyer and chat with her friends while he and Tiffany collected Mike and Polly.

  Reaching the Sunday school hall, Jocelyn, the head teacher, frowned. “Did the kids forget something?”

  “No. We’re here to pick them up,” he replied.

  Her face clouded as she glanced at Tiffany and then back at him. “What do you mean, you’re here to pick them up?”

  Marcus was confused. It was a straightforward statement, after all. “We’ve come to collect the children from Sunday school,” he replied, trying not to grow annoyed.

  “Marcus, their mum already came for them,” Jocelyn said, glancing again at Tiffany. Her expression grew more puzzled.

  “This is their mum, Jocelyn.” He placed his hand lightly on Tiffany’s back.

  Jocelyn looked around nervously. “Oh Marcus, I’m so sorry. A woman claiming to be their mum took them just a few minutes ago. They’re probably still in the car park,” she said in a rush.

  “What are you talking about?” Marcus glanced at Tiffany and noted her face was pale. She mumbled something and took off in the direction of the car park.

  “What did she look like?” Marcus asked.

  “Short black bob, art glasses, kind of immature.”

  A sudden chill froze his body before he bolted for the door and sprinted after Tiffany. As he ran, he wondered how the children had been released to someone without proof. That should never have happened.

  “Mike! Polly!” Tiffany screamed in the middle of the car park. Church goers approached and asked what was happening, but she either didn’t hear them or she simply ignored them.

  Marcus scanned the car park. He knew Sally’s car. A burgundy hatchback. He’d find it. He had to. There, turning onto the main road. The wheels screeched as she accelerated into the turn. He sprinted after it, but he was no match for a speeding car. As it disappeared from view, he whipped out his phone and called the police.

  “My friend’s children, kidnapped,” he panted. Breathlessly, he gave the make of the car, license plate number, and Sally’s name, to the operator.

  He was still panting when Tiffany reached him. “Who’s got them?” she asked frantically.

  “It’s a long story.” He pulled her close and rubbed her back. “I’ve called the police. I’m sure they’ll find them.”

  She pulled away. “But who took them, and why?” Her eyes flamed with anger.

  “Her name’s Sally Hubbard and she’s been stalking me for several weeks.”

  “Why would she take my kids?” Tiffany was almost yelling.

  “Because she’s unstable.” Marcus bit down hard on his lower lip. Why hadn’t he done something about her? If he had, this wouldn’t have happened. But how could he have anticipated she’d do something like this? He knew she was unstable, but not crazy enough to kidnap Tiffany’s children. Jealousy. That was it. She was jealous. He recalled the strange words she’d spoken when she came to his office… You just haven’t realised that I’m the one for you. You haven’t seen the love we could share, but I have. It’s only a matter of time before you do, too. And when you do, you’ll be begging for me to come back to you.

  He slipped an arm around Tiffany’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s walk back and I’ll tell you everything.”

  After the police arrived and took further details, Marcus drove Tiffany and his mother back to the estate. Some of Tiffany’s anger had evaporated, leaving behind fear and confusion. Marcus had explained the woman’s history, that she was the one responsible for his father’s death, and that she’d become unstable after her time in jail. And that she believed she was in love with him.

  The police had assured her they were doing everything possible to find the children, but back at the estate, Tiffany couldn’t sit still and do nothing, so she began pacing.

  “Tiffany, let’s pray about this,” Ruth said calmly. “God knows where the children are.”

  She stopped pacing. Of course. It was all so new for her that in her distraught state, she’d forgotten to pray. “That’s a great idea.” S
he joined Ruth and Marcus at the table. He took her hand and squeezed it. Ruth held out her hand for her to take, which she did.

  “Let’s pray,” Ruth said. They all bowed their heads and she began. “Our dear Lord and Heavenly Father, we come to You in our time of need and ask that You be with those dear little children. If they’re frightened, comfort them, if they’re confused, let them know that You’re with them. Wrap Your arms around them and pour Your peace into their hearts.

  “And Lord, we pray also for Sally. Her mind is troubled. Let her see reason and return the children safely to Tiffany. Be with the police as they search for her and give them wisdom and clarity of mind. Lord God, we desperately need Your peace in this situation. Free us from our fears and let us trust in You. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.”

  Tiffany let go of Ruth’s hand and brushed tears from her eyes. “Thank you.”

  “You’re more than welcome, dear.” Smiling, she passed Tiffany a tissue and then spoke to Marcus. “Let’s have some coffee while we wait.”

  Marcus stood and walked to the kitchen. Ruth wheeled closer to Tiffany and placed her hand lightly on her shoulder. “‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’”

  Tiffany nodded and dabbed her eyes. She’d come to the realisation that God really did care, but she wasn’t sure why He would have allowed a deranged woman to kidnap her children. Surely, He could have prevented that.

  Ruth must have read her mind—something she was good at. “Being a Christian doesn’t mean we won’t have trials. But we know ‘that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.’ He will work this out for good, Tiffany. I’m sure of it.”

  Marcus returned with the coffee. As Tiffany took her first sip, Marcus’s phone rang. Tiffany’s body stiffened. She wanted desperately to believe it was good news, not bad.