Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series

by Juliette Duncan

  Letting out a small chuckle, he shrugged and leaned back in his chair, giving her his full attention. “I didn’t mean to stay so late, but I needed to make sure everything’s under control with the Bayside Project.” Bayside was a lower socio-economic suburb in Melbourne, and the Montgomery Corporation was committed to building not just a new community centre, but an entire neighbourhood to help improve the standard of living for the local people.

  It was where Jonathon’s heart in business truly lay. Giving back to the community where he’d been born and raised was the least he and his company could do.

  “Your hours are not for me to judge, sir.” She set a tray down on a corner of his desk. His stomach growled as the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled his nostrils. “I think it’s commendable you trying to get the centre open in time for Christmas. Those children deserve to have a safe, wonderful place to celebrate the birth of Jesus.”

  He reached for a blueberry pastry but she moved the tray out of his reach and stared him down. “But, if I may be so bold, I’d hate to see you neglect your own children in the meantime. They need their father this time of year, just as much as that community needs you, Mr. Montgomery.”

  He sighed heavily as she moved away and allowed him to grab the pastry, but the taste was bitter in his mouth as he absorbed her advice. Of course, she was right. His children were his world and he hated leaving them in the nanny’s care for days at a time while he worked. Yet, without his philanthropic projects which absorbed so much of his time, many other children would suffer and go without.

  “The children are fine. I’ll head back to Seaforth shortly. Until then, the nanny is perfectly capable of taking care of them.” Even as he spoke the words, they rang hollow and a pang of guilt gnawed at his insides. The children were growing so fast and they needed more than a nanny to help them navigate the difficulties of growing up without their mother who’d lost her battle with a brain tumour four years earlier. It was always a fine line he walked between father and businessman, and he knew that too often the line blurred.

  The phone on his desk rang, and before he could get to it, Mrs. Shields answered it, her face growing more pensive by the moment. His first thought was that something had happened with the project, but then he chastised himself. The call had come through on his personal line. Something must have happened to one of the children.

  The phone was snug against her ear, so he could only hear Mrs. Shields’ side of the conversation.

  “Yes, I understand. I’ll put him on, dear. And take care. We’ll all be praying for you and for your father.”

  She covered the mouthpiece. “It’s the nanny, sir. The children are fine, but her father is ill, not expected to make it past Christmas, and she has to leave immediately.”

  “The nanny’s leaving?” Jonathon’s brows drew together and he let out an exasperated sigh. What was he meant to do now?

  Mrs. Shields nodded. “Yes, sir. Would you like to speak with her?” She held out the receiver. He had no choice. He took it from her and cleared his throat. “Rose, I’m sorry to hear about your father.”

  “Thank you, sir. And I’m so sorry to leave at such short notice. Your mother is coming over to mind the children.”

  “It’s fine, Rose. Family comes first. When do you expect to be back?”

  The line went quiet before she replied. “I…I don’t think I will be coming back, sir. My mother will need me after…”

  “No need to say it, Rose. I understand. It’s okay. We’ll manage.”

  “Thank you, sir. I appreciate it.”

  “You’re more than welcome. And don’t worry, Mrs. Shields will attend to your severance package.” He ended the call and spun his chair around to stare out the window. The bay was now dazzling in the early morning sunshine, but his mind was elsewhere, searching for a quick solution. The phone rang again, and this time he answered it before Mrs. Shields. It was his mother.

  “Jonathon. I guess you’ve heard?”

  “Yes, I have. Rose called a few moments ago.”

  “I hope you were kind to her.” His mother’s voice bordered on condescending.

  “Of course, Mother. How could I not be, under the circumstances?

  “Good. Make sure you give her some extra money for the journey.”

  He rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he covered the phone with his hand and mouthed to Mrs. Shields, “Make sure the nanny gets a nice severance package in her final pay.”

  The woman nodded.

  He returned his attention to his mother. “Taken care of.”

  “Great. Now Jonathon, you know I’m more than willing to care for the children.”

  He tried to interrupt her but she continued talking, telling him what her plans were for the day. He appreciated her kind heart and willingness to help, but he couldn’t allow her to care for all three of his children along with his stepfather who had advanced Parkinson’s disease and needed almost constant care. It simply wouldn’t be fair or right, even though he knew she would do it gladly.

  “Let me give it some thought. I’ll see what I can do to find a replacement nanny.”

  “This close to Christmas?”

  “You never know. Miracles still happen, so I’ve heard.” Although as the words slipped off his tongue, he wasn’t so sure he believed them. There’d certainly been no miracle as far as Larissa was concerned.

  After ending the call, he dropped his head into his hands, his thoughts turning to his children. They deserved so much better than he was giving them. He might have all the money in the world, but he’d gladly give it all away to have Larissa back. They needed a mother, not a replacement nanny, but since he hadn’t looked at another woman since Larissa’s passing, that wasn’t going to happen any time soon.

  He blew out a breath and raised his head. Time to get on with it. But who’d be looking for a full-time live in position so close to Christmas?

  Mrs. Shields stood with her hands neatly folded in front of her, dutifully awaiting his instructions, which he proceeded to give her. “Place an advertisement immediately. I’ll start interviews today.”

  “Right away, sir.” The woman gave a nod and strode out the door.

  Chapter 2

  “I’m not going to be late, Mum, but I can’t stand the motorway. Besides, I’ve plenty of time.” Ruth Taylor tried her best to be patient with her mother as she drove along the arterial road hugging Port Phillip Bay on her way to the city. She was nervous enough about the interview at Regent Towers. She didn’t need the aggressive motorway to make it worse. Or her mother’s voice on the other end of her mobile phone.

  “I know you think you do, love,” her mother responded, her voice crackling on the line. “But what if there’s an accident? Or something worse. I just think it’d be wise to get there as early as possible.”

  Ruth clenched the wheel a little tighter as she slowed for a red light. “Don’t worry, Mum. I’ll get there with time to spare.”

  “I certainly hope so. You need this job, Ruth, and I’ll be praying for you the whole time.”

  Ruth took a breath and released it slowly. Her mother was right. She did need this job. She’d lose the chance to buy her own home if she didn’t get a job in the next few days. What bank would offer a loan to an unemployed child-care worker? None she knew of. She still couldn’t believe she’d lost the job she’d held for the last fifteen years. It hadn’t been her fault. The centre had closed down. Not enough children in attendance was the reason cited for its closure. And it was true. She couldn’t blame the parents for shifting their children to the new Bayside Childcare Centre with its high-tech facilities and playground to die for. Goodness, if David had been a pre-schooler, she would have shifted him too. But she’d been left high and dry, with only a good reference and a month’s payout after all the years she’d invested in the place. It left a sour taste in her mouth, but it was no use getting angry. God had it under control. Maybe He had other plans for her
, although she’d had her heart set on one of the new affordable apartments in the Bayside Complex and had signed the purchase contract on it only days before losing her job. Now all she needed was the finance. And another job. She was tired of renting, being at the beck and call of fickle landlords. And now that David had left home to travel the world, having a place of her own had given her something to look forward to.

  The position for a nanny to three young children wasn’t one she’d normally consider, especially when it was a live-in job in the country, but at this time of year, with Christmas just around the corner, it was likely the only option she might have. And something about its urgency spoke to her. Three young children in need. It was as if they were calling to her.

  She shook her head to dislodge the silly thought. There was most likely nothing remarkable about these children at all. It was more likely that their rich, entitled parents simply needed a regular babysitter. But still, she’d applied. The kind woman she’d spoken to had sounded relieved when Ruth confirmed she’d had experience working with young children and had even raised one of her own. No doubt the woman had been bombarded with numerous enquiries. It wasn’t easy to land a job at this time of year.

  “Are you still on the line, Ruthie?”

  Her mother’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Guilt at leaving her mother with dead air warmed her cheeks. How long had she let the line go silent? “Don’t worry about me, Mum, I’ll be fine. But I’ve got to go. I’ll ring you as soon as the interview is over. Promise.”

  Ruth ended the call and concentrated on where she was going. Although she lived not far from the city, she rarely ventured out of her neighbourhood, and now as she became entangled in inner-city traffic, she began to wonder why she hadn’t caught the tram. Stupid. The woman had given her instructions of where to park, and she listened intently to her navigator. She’d definitely get lost without it. After a slow crawl along three blocks, she spotted the entrance to the car park and turned in, finding a vacant spot on the third floor down. Regent Towers certainly was a massive building.

  She entered via the elevators, and after being whizzed to the top floor in a glass fronted lift, she stepped into the most expansive, amazing room she’d ever seen. Marble floor tiles, lush green plants, paintings that wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery, topped off with a stunning view across the city to the bay. Wow.

  A young, well-dressed receptionist smiled and directed her to take a seat. “Mr. Montgomery will be with you shortly.”

  Ruth’s eyes widened. Mr. Montgomery? If Mrs. Shields had mentioned on the phone that he was the parent in need, she may not have had the nerve to follow through with the interview. She’d heard of the reclusive, billionaire developer and philanthropist. She doubted there was anyone in Melbourne who hadn’t. But surely he was too old to have young children?

  She eased herself carefully onto a plush leather armchair and tried to calm her racing heart as she gazed around. Windows surrounded three sides of the room, and the sleek, chrome-rimmed reception desk sat in the corner just outside a large set of smooth, polished, walnut doors she was sure led to his office. She gulped. What would her mother say if she got the job? Her heart rate kicked up another notch.

  “Mrs. Taylor?” An older woman with a warm smile and a tight grey bun emerged from the walnut doors. Mrs. Shields…

  “It’s Ms., but that’s me,” Ruth said nervously as she stood, wiped her hand quickly on her black slacks, and then extended it. “Ms. Ruth Taylor, but please call me Ruth.”

  “Ruth it is, then. My apologies. I’m Barbara Shields, Mr. Montgomery’s secretary and that of his father before him.”

  So that explained it. She was interviewing with the younger Mr. Montgomery. Of course. Ruth searched her memory for any mention in the tabloids of the son but came up empty. She’d have to go in blind.

  “Mr. Montgomery is finishing up with another candidate but shouldn’t be much longer.” Mrs. Shields walked over to the reception desk and nodded to the woman manning the phones before turning back to Ruth. The walnut doors opened again, and a short, much younger woman, perhaps still in her late teens, walked out. On her feet were trainers and she wore what looked to Ruth like yoga pants and a sweatshirt. Not what Ruth would consider proper interview attire.

  But what did one wear to an interview for a nanny’s position? That morning, after leaving a pile of tried on clothes in her wake, Ruth had finally decided on a simple, lightweight pair of black slacks and a capped-sleeved dusky rose blouse. The dusky rose set off her suntanned skin, but the blouse was still modest and professional enough that she thought it would be acceptable. But who knew? Maybe the teen had it right.

  The young woman turned and shook the hand of a tall, slim man who stood just inside the room. Ruth couldn’t quite make out his features, but she could tell by his demeanour and smart dark grey trousers that he was a professional.

  Lord, calm my nerves and go with me, and please let me know if this position is the right path for me, she prayed silently.

  “Mr. Montgomery is ready for you now, Ruth.” Mrs. Shields’ voice broke her out of her musings just as the man turned to face her. Ruth’s eyes bulged. She couldn’t believe it. She knew him… She’d recognise those soulful hazel eyes anywhere. The sharply dressed, handsome, dark-haired man standing before her with his hand extended in greeting was John Robertson, her childhood crush. Lord, what are You doing?

  “Ruth,” Mrs. Shields prompted, nudging her in the side with her elbow with just enough force that Ruth let out a little cough of embarrassment.

  “Oh…uh…yes.” She took John’s hand and despite her shock, shook it firmly. “Ruth Taylor. Pleased to meet you.”

  “Well, Ms. Taylor, it’s a pleasure to meet you, too. I’m Jonathon Montgomery. Would you care to come in for a quick chat?” The smooth velvet of his voice caused her stomach to flip-flop. Her childhood crush had certainly grown into an attractive man. Should she let him know she was Ruth Reynolds? Would he even remember the shy, bespectacled girl who’d followed him around like a lost puppy when they were kids?

  She followed him into his office while Mrs. Shields closed the door behind them.

  “Mrs. Shields said she very much enjoyed chatting with you this morning,” he said, offering her the seat across from his own. A large mahogany desk sat between them and looked like it would be worth more than she could earn in a year. Things had certainly improved for John Robertson, er, Montgomery.

  “She said you have experience with young children?” He leaned back in his chair and studied her.

  She squeezed her hands together and forced herself to speak slowly. “Yes, I have a son who’s now twenty, but I was also a childcare worker at the Mother Duck Child Care Centre in St. Kilda for the last fifteen years.”

  His forehead creased and he scratched his head. “St. Kilda? I grew up there.”

  She took a steadying breath and sat taller. Did he recognise her? Somehow she doubted it. She’d been such a quiet mouse when she was twelve. “I grew up there as well. I still live there, in fact.” Suddenly her hands grew damp. This was a bad idea. How could she keep up the pretence of not knowing the man who could potentially be her employer? She should tell him.

  He looked down at the portfolio in his hand and made a note in the margin before looking back at her. “Well, your C.V. is certainly impressive.” He frowned and angled his head. “You look familiar. Have we met before?”

  Ruth gulped. She couldn’t lie, but all of a sudden she wished the floor would open up and swallow her. As the image of John at age twelve crystallised in her mind, all those mushy feelings she’d had for him flooded back. Of course, it was simply a childhood crush, but at the time she believed she’d loved him and had even dreamt of marrying him. Her gaze flew to his left hand. At the sight of the wedding band on his third finger, an odd twinge of disappointment flowed through her. It was pure nonsense, of course, to entertain the idea that he might be mildly interested in her, either then
, or now.

  She released a breath and relaxed. At least that idea was put to bed. “We have,” she replied, her voice steadier than she’d expected. “We went to Sunday School together as kids.”

  Realisation dawned across his features. He clapped his hands on the desk and his face lit up. “Ruthie Reynolds? No way, is it really you?”

  “That’s me,” she replied with a chuckle. “But I go by Ruth Taylor now.”

  “Of course. Well, I go by Jonathon Montgomery these days.” He swept his hands across the air as if to signal that his new last name was more about the office than anything else. “Seems we’ve both changed.” He gave her a charming smile as he brushed his hands along the sides of his short, dark hair.

  “I didn’t know it was you when I applied for the position. I hope you don’t think...”

  “Not at all,” he replied, interrupting her. “The job’s yours. If you still want it.”

  “I do,” she replied quickly. “But are you offering it to me because of our childhood connection or because of my credentials? You’ve barely asked any questions.”

  Leaning back in his chair, he placed his hands behind his head and studied her a second before sitting forward and folding his arms on the desk. “Honestly, it’s both, but I was sold on you before you came in. Your C.V. is truly impressive. The other candidate was too young and too inexperienced.” He paused, took a breath. “My children are good kids, but their mother passed away four years ago and they miss her terribly. I need someone a little older and more experienced to look after them. I think you fit the bill perfectly, Ruth.”

  She was speechless. John was a widower? He must have loved his wife immensely to still be wearing a ring. But she needed to put all those thoughts to the side. The children were motherless, and her heart went out to them. “I’m so sorry, John. How old are the children?”