“Dad!” Stuart came running up, with Molly and the two dogs in tow. “We should go to Point Leopold for ice cream!”
“Yes!” Molly agreed with a squeal. The dogs, drenched from splashing in the water, stopped in front of them and shook, sending spray over everyone.
Jonathon chuckled. He should have known that by coming down to the beach there’d be no way his children would be able to resist asking for a treat when the yacht club and café were so close. “There’s still an hour or so before dinner, so I guess it wouldn’t hurt too much, but what does our new nanny think?”
“Oh, I don’t know…” Ruth tapped her index finger against her chin.
“Oh, please, Ruth,” Molly begged, her hands together as if she were praying.
“Yes, please, they have the best ice cream,” Stuart added.
“The best ice cream, huh? Really? In all of Seaforth?” She played along.
“In all the world!” Stuart said.
Jonathon couldn’t help but chuckle at the boy’s emphatic support of the cafe’s ice cream quality. He watched as the children danced around Ruth begging her to say yes. Even Bethany stood close by with what looked like a vested interest in Ruth’s nanny’s response.
“What do you think, Bethany?” Ruth asked.
“It’s good, I guess.” She shrugged but sounded reasonably polite. It was the most she’d said since they’d left the house, and Jonathon began to hope that perhaps Ruth could reach his daughter when no one else had been able to. Not even his mother.
“Well, that settles it. If everyone promises to eat all their dinner, I guess having an ice cream is acceptable. After all, it is the best.” Ruth winked at Stuart, making him laugh.
“If Ruth agrees, then who am I to argue?” Jonathon added.
Molly and Stuart jumped up and down cheering, and even Rex and Riley joined in the excitement with boisterous barking.
They strolled slowly along the foreshore towards the café, although Stuart and Molly kept running ahead with the dogs and then had to wait for the adults and Bethany, to catch up. Jonathon was very aware of Ruth walking beside him, but couldn’t shake the memory of similar walks with Larissa.
The small café bustled with locals and tourists warding off the late afternoon heat with ice creams and cool drinks. They lined up and the girl behind the counter patiently took their orders. Stuart chose chocolate, Molly strawberry, Bethany cookies and cream, and Jonathon and Ruth both chose butterscotch.
Immediately after finishing his, Stuart and the dogs sprinted to the rock pools where a bunch of children of a similar age were playing. Jonathon thought he recognised some of the boys from his son’s football team, but wasn’t sure.
Molly was sitting on Ruth’s lap finishing her cone while playing with her doll. She’d taken to the new nanny so quickly, and it confirmed to Jonathon that he’d made the right decision in choosing Ruth. She had the right mind-set and intelligence to deal with his children, even Bethany. The fact that they knew each other as children only made him more comfortable trusting her around his own.
He turned his gaze from Molly to Bethany, who was sitting alone on a rock on the edge of the beach, staring out across the bay, her arms wrapped around her drawn up legs. She looked so much like her mother it brought a lump to his throat. Larissa had struck the same pose on those very rocks whenever she’d been deep in thought. It was unbelievable how much he missed her.
“What do you think she’s looking at?” Ruth asked.
“I’m not sure. She seems to be staring at nothing.”
“That’s what I thought initially, but I think she’s watching that surfing class.” Ruth pointed out past the breaks and sure enough, someone, probably the instructor, was sitting on a surfboard facing a row of novice surfers.
“I think you’re right. But she’s never shown any interest in surfing.” In fact, of late, she hadn’t seemed interested in anything other than her iPad. If only he could reach her, but he didn’t know how. How was it he could haggle with the toughest of negotiators, but he couldn’t talk with his own daughter? It grieved him, but he also knew that if he did break through her hardened exterior, his own grief would also be exposed, and honestly, that scared him.
“Lots of kids develop interests at her age. David was twelve when he grew interested in hiking and camping.”
“I guess that makes sense. But surfing? I don’t think so. She’s probably just staring into the distance.” He took the last bite of his ice cream and changed the topic. “You must miss your son.”
“Yes. David’s leaving was hard. It had been only the two of us for so long, and then, in the blink of an eye, he wasn’t my little boy anymore. He was a man, going off on his own. I guess I was naïve thinking the day would never come.”
“They grow up so fast.”
“They really do. Sometimes I wish he was my little boy again.” She drew a slow breath and looked at him.
As their gazes met, an image of little Ruthie Reynolds danced before his eyes. It seemed like just yesterday that they were twelve.
“Don’t get me wrong,” she continued. “I’m so proud of the man he’s become, and I’m excited for his future. But sometimes I wish he was Molly’s age again and that we could spend more time together.”
At the mention of her name, Molly looked up and flashed him a bright smile, looking very cute with her two missing front teeth. Ruth was right. Time passed all too quickly and his children, especially Bethany, would be grown up before he knew it. It was happening already. If only Larissa was here to help him navigate these unchartered waters.
Suddenly overwhelmed by the emotion and memories that had been stirred inside him, Jonathon stood and whistled for the other children and the dogs. He needed to get home and bury himself in work, the only place he could hide from the memories and pain.
Rex and Riley stopped digging in the sand and trotted back. Stuart and Bethany looked his way. “We need to head home, it’s getting late,” he yelled.
While the two older children made their way back, Ruth helped Molly finish braiding Mary’s hair. From the occasional glance she shot him, he could tell his change of mood confused her. But it was too much. It was all too much.
Heading back up the track, he gazed out at a line of dark clouds forming on the horizon across the bay. A storm was brewing, and he sensed it wasn’t just a physical one.
Chapter 8
John, Stuart and Molly walked ahead as they all made their way back to the house, while Rex and Riley had to constantly be called back as they darted here and there, sniffing and smelling everything in their path.
Ruth hung back, choosing to keep pace with Bethany who was lagging behind. “Did you have fun at the beach?” she asked as they strolled along. A crack of thunder in the distance made her wonder if they shouldn’t be walking a little faster.
“It was all right, I guess.” Bethany shrugged.
“I noticed you staring out across the water. Is everything okay?”
“You don’t have to try and be my friend, you know.”
“I know I don’t have to try.” Bethany’s harsh tone didn’t offend Ruth and her reply was soft and caring. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be entering puberty without a mother and her heart went out to the girl. “I’m genuinely interested, that’s all.”
Bethany shrugged again and turned her head away. The conversation was over. Ruth tried not to feel defeated. It was only her first day. She wondered what Bethany’s relationship was like with her grandmother. Peggy seemed a wise woman, and often grandmothers had a special way with their grandchildren. Still, twelve was a confusing and angst-ridden time in any girl’s life. Would either of them be able to help compensate for her not having her mother’s love and understanding that she obviously longed for? She prayed silently for the girl as they walked along together. Oh Lord, please help me navigate these waters and let Bethany see that only You can heal her hurting heart.
Reaching the house, the most amaz
ing aromas greeted Ruth as she set foot in the door. Her stomach growled as she realised how hungry she was. It must have been the fresh air. She closed her eyes as the aromatic smell of rosemary and roasting meats tickled her nose.
“All right, kids, go wash up and get ready for dinner,” John told the children, although Stuart and Molly were already halfway up the stairs. After Bethany followed them, he spoke to Ruth. “You’re welcome to join us for dinner if you wish, or if you prefer, you can eat in the kitchen. Or in your room. Whatever you like. I’m not often home for dinner, but when I am, we usually eat in the dining room together.”
She hesitated. Eating with John and the children almost seemed like overstepping an imaginary line. She was an employee. A nanny. Eating with the children when he wasn’t home was one thing, but when he was here? She thought of one of her favourite television shows, Downton Abbey. The nanny would never have dreamt of eating with the family at their dining table. But this was different. This was John, and he’d told her she was welcome to join them.
“Dad…the nanny should eat in the kitchen.” Bethany had stopped halfway up the stairs, her jaw tight as she glared first at her father and then at Ruth.
“Bethany,” John snapped. It was the closest Ruth had heard him sounding cross, and she felt bad that it was on her behalf. “Apologise to Ruth. She has every right to enjoy a family meal with us on her first night.”
“It’s all right,” Ruth said, knowing better than to take offence at the girl’s protest. Bethany was wary of new people, she hadn’t exactly warmed to her yet, and she was protective of her father. “I’d actually prefer to take a plate to my room tonight, if you don’t mind. I have a few calls to make.”
“Are you sure? You’re more than welcome.” By the way he looked at her she was sure he’d guessed she wasn’t being entirely truthful. He wasn’t far off, but it wasn’t exactly a lie. She detested even half-truths and avoided them whenever she could, yet she felt in this case it was better for Bethany if she took her dinner alone, especially since John had admitted that he wasn’t home in the evenings as much as the children would like him to be. She’d have plenty of opportunities to share meals with them, anyway.
“I’m sure,” she replied. “I’ll head to the kitchen and introduce myself to the cook and grab a plate.”
“Okay, but I’ll need help with putting the children to bed a little later.”
She nodded. “That won’t be a problem. Call me when you’re ready.”
Leaving John, she made her way through the house to the kitchen, the delicious smells becoming more pronounced the closer she got. Ruth paused when she reached the large, well-appointed kitchen. A tall woman wearing a traditional chef’s coat stood with her back to her, carving meat.
“Hello…” Ruth called out softly.
The woman turned. Wisps of grey hair poked out from under her cap, making her look older than Ruth had initially thought she was. “You must be the new nanny!” she said, her smile wide and genuine.
Ruth instantly knew she was going to like her. “Yes, Ruth Taylor. Pleased to meet you.” She extended a hand in greeting.
“Madeline Waters,” the woman replied, wiping her hands on a towel kept at her side, and returning Ruth’s handshake with a solid grip. “Have you eaten?”
“Not yet, but everything smells wonderful.”
“Thank you. I knew Mr. Montgomery would be home tonight so I made a special roast, one of his favourites.”
Ruth saw the respect the cook had for John in her eyes. That was a good thing. He must treat his staff well. Not that she had any reason to believe he didn’t. Still, it felt nice to see her initial opinions corroborated in others. She thought back on the kind and thoughtful boy he’d been, always helping those who needed it and befriending the boys in Sunday School whom no one else could be bothered with. It seemed he’d brought some of those qualities into adulthood.
Madeline motioned for her to sit at the island and set a plate piled high with roast meat, crispy baked potatoes, vegetables and gravy in front of her. Usually Ruth wouldn’t eat such a large meal, but she was starving after their long walk and getting acclimated to her new role.
“This looks amazing,” she said as she dug right in, thoughts of going to her room and eating alone having gone by the wayside. The first bite was so delectable she closed her eyes and moaned as she chewed. It was possibly the best meal she’d ever eaten. “Wow.”
“I think we’ll be friends, Ruth Taylor,” Madeline chuckled as she returned to her carving.
Ruth smiled. Madeline wasn’t only a genius with food, she also seemed a nice woman. “I think you’re right. I think we’ll be great friends,” she replied after swallowing another mouthful. A friend in the house would be nice. A friend in the house who cooked like a Michelin starred chef would be wonderful.
Chapter 9
Although Jonathon had been determined to lose himself in his work after the walk to the beach, Ruth’s words had haunted him and he decided to leave the work until later. He needed to enjoy dinner with the children, regardless of how he felt.
Now, seated at the dining table with them, the youngest two chatted in between mouthfuls, telling him about this and that, but Bethany was conspicuously silent after her earlier outburst.
“How’s your dinner, Bethie?” He used her childhood nickname, hoping to at least get a smile.
She shrugged as she picked at a roasted potato. “It’s all right.”
“Just all right?”
“I mean, it’s good. But Madeline always makes good food.” She gave another non-committal shrug.
He let out an exasperated sigh. Instead of trying to drag more adjectives out of his pre-teen, he changed the subject. “So, what do you guys think of Ruth?” He set his fork down and joined his hands together, placing his chin on them as he shifted his gaze between each of his children.
“I like her a lot.” Molly’s smile was like a sunbeam, bright and warm.
“Yeah, she’s great,” Stuart added. “Plus, she likes animals. I mean, I’m gonna miss Rose, but she didn’t love Rex and Riley. I don’t think she even liked them. Not like Ruth does.”
It gladdened him that at least two of his children had taken to Ruth. Although she resembled the shy girl he remembered from his childhood, she’d also changed, gaining confidence and wisdom, something he found comforting if not a little confronting.
“She’s okay, I guess,” Bethany mumbled.
Before he could ask her to elaborate, his phone rang. He wanted to ignore it, but it was most likely important. The name flashing on the screen was Gareth, the project manager in charge of handling the logistics of the Bayside Christmas Eve Extravaganza. Jonathon groaned. Something had to be wrong for him to be calling. “I’m sorry, guys, I’ve gotta take this.” He looked up, readying himself for the disappointment in his children’s eyes.
At that exact moment, Ruth poked her head into the room and asked the children if they’d finished their dinner.
His brows arched in surprise.
She simply lifted a shoulder and gave a short nod. How she’d heard the phone ring from her room was a mystery, but he was glad she’d come to his rescue.
“If you’ve finished, I’d love to see your rooms,” she said to the children.
He nodded his appreciation before leaving to take the call.
“Let me show you my room first!” Molly jumped up from the table and grabbed Ruth’s hand.
Ruth laughed. “Okay, but slow down! We need to wait for the other two.” She glanced at Bethany and groaned at the hostility in the pre-teen’s eyes. How was she ever going to get through to her?
“Come on, you two. Show me your rooms.” She smiled at Stuart and Bethany and waited for them to stand before directing them to go ahead. She followed them upstairs with Molly chattering beside her the entire time, reminding Ruth of one of the little girls from her Sunday School class. Trudie’s mother had been worried about her daughter when she was little because she was
slow to start talking, but now, at seven years of age, she never stopped. Much like Molly. She was a delightful child. So innocent. So loving. Knowing the loss she’d suffered when she was so young, it was difficult to understand how she was so content and happy. Ruth could only think that she felt loved and secure, even though her father was more absent than present from what she’d gathered already.
Stuart and Bethany hovered in the hallway while Molly exuberantly showed Ruth her room, which was simply delightful. An entire family of fluffy animals was piled on her four-poster bed which was draped with a soft-pink canopy. What looked like a hand-made doll house, complete with miniature furniture on all three levels, filled one corner. Ruth wondered who had made it for her. John? Perhaps his stepfather? And who had decorated the room? Peggy, or one of the nannies? Whoever it had been, they’d done a wonderful job.
“This is a lovely room, Molly. It’s beautiful.”
Her little face lit up even more. “Thank you! Can you read to me before bed?”
Ruth smiled. “I’d love to. But before we do that, I need to look at Stuart and Bethany’s rooms.”
“Okay.” She skipped off happily towards the door, grabbing Ruth’s hand on the way, a sweet gesture that suddenly brought a lump to Ruth’s throat.
Stuart showed her his room next. It was a typical ten-year-old boy’s room with race cars and transformers spilling out of a large plastic toy box on the floor, and a more practical bed than Molly’s. The walls were covered with posters of mountain bikes and football players. There was no doubting what interested him.
Next was Bethany’s room. Suddenly, Ruth felt as though she was entering the girl’s private world and almost suggested it wasn’t necessary for her to view it. But Molly dragged her in before she could say anything. “Bethie has a messy room,” she announced, taunting her sister.
Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series Page 39
