Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series

by Juliette Duncan

  Ruth gulped. What else had John told her? “Yes, we went to Sunday School together for a while.”

  “I think I remember your mother. Eleanor Reynolds? Is that right?”

  Ruth nodded. “Yes, that’s her.”

  “How is she?”

  A smile grew on Ruth’s face. She’d talked to her mother just a little earlier and had heard all of her news. “She’s good. She and my dad are looking forward to retiring soon.”

  “Do they still live in St. Kilda?”

  “Yes. In the same house I grew up in.”

  “Will you give her my regards when you next talk to her?”

  “I…I will.” Ruth was tempted to ask Peggy how she’d ended up marrying a billionaire when she’d come from the same impoverished background as she had but thought better of it. It would seem way too forward. However, she could ask John. She’d heard the stories of a local woman marrying a billionaire property developer, but she’d never taken much notice. It was gossip, and at age fifteen she hadn’t been overly interested, although never in her wildest dreams had she thought it would have been John’s mother. She’d wondered why he’d suddenly disappeared, but by that stage, Wayne Taylor had caught her attention and she’d left it at that, not putting two and two together until now.

  “I hope you intend to stay, Ruth.”

  Ruth blinked. She hadn’t expected to hear words like that from Peggy Montgomery. She’d been half expecting Molly to ask her again to stay but was grateful the little girl seemed to have forgotten her request. Now Ruth was torn. It had never been her intention to stay longer than the holiday period. In fact, she’d had a call from the bank manager just the previous day asking if she was intending to go ahead with the loan application. She’d told him yes, and she was really looking forward to moving into her own new apartment. But something was shifting inside her. In the short time she’d been here, the children, even Bethany, had endeared themselves to her, and now she wondered if perhaps staying and caring for them might be what God planned for her instead of getting her own place and another job in the city. But it was oh, so hard to consider giving up that dream. The dream she’d held for so long. It would only be a tiny apartment, but it would be hers. And it would be brand new.

  But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

  Ruth gulped as the memory verse she’d learned at Sunday School flashed through her mind. Oh Lord, please forgive me. I do only want to do Your will. Please show me what that is.

  She turned to Peggy and sighed. “I’m not sure what my plans are yet, but I told John when I took the job that I could only commit to the holiday period.”

  Reaching out, Peggy tapped Ruth’s wrist and looked at her over her glasses. “I think he’d want you to stay longer than that.”

  Ruth gulped. She hadn’t missed the meaning in the older woman’s words, but it was nonsense to even entertain the idea that something could happen between her and John. He was still grieving for his wife for one thing, plus he was a billionaire property developer. She lived week to week. Although they shared the same background, their lives now were poles apart. She looked away, unable to hold the woman’s gaze any longer. If she were honest, however, she could no longer deny that it was only the children who had endeared themselves to her.

  She chewed her lower lip and stole a look at him on the lawn. It would be so easy to fall for him. But it would never work. Never.

  Peggy continued. “When Larissa passed away, Jonathon was angry with God for not healing her and threw himself into his work. That was his way of coping. It breaks my heart to see him so lost. I pray for him daily, but until now, my prayers have been unanswered.”

  The heartache in Peggy’s voice touched Ruth. She loved her son dearly, something Ruth could relate to. She faced the woman and smiled. “He said he might come to church tomorrow.”

  Tears welled in Peggy’s eyes and she reached out and squeezed Ruth’s hand. “That is the best news I’ve heard in a long time. You may just be the miracle I’ve been praying for.”

  Ruth gulped again. Goodness.

  Since John was home, Ruth had the day off. She could have driven back to the city and visited her parents, or gone back to her apartment and started packing, but she needed time alone. In the short time she’d been here, so much had shifted in her life.

  She headed to the beach and began walking. After leaving Point Leopold, the beach grew deserted, but she didn’t mind. That was what she was after. Solitude. She came to a group of rocks and sat down, allowing the wind and the waves and the fresh, salty air to wash over her. Renew her. She also prayed, and asked God for direction. Lord, I don’t know what my future holds, but I entrust You with it. Right now I’m confused and unsure. I can’t allow myself to fall in love with John, but I’m afraid that if I stay, I will. But I’ve also grown fond of the children, and the thought of going back to the city and living alone, even in my own place, doesn’t excite me anymore. Show me what You want me to do, dear Lord. I want to be obedient and do Your will.

  She walked on further until peace settled in her heart. There was something about a windswept, desolate beach that allowed God to reach into the depths of the heart. On the return journey, Ruth found herself singing worship songs and her soul soared like the seagulls hovering above the ocean.

  When Sunday morning came, Ruth wondered what John had decided about church. After her walk along the beach, she’d stayed in her room allowing him to spend the full weekend with the children. She was extremely hopeful he’d decided to come and that God had been speaking to him. And that he’d been listening.

  Having spent time away from the family, she’d come to see things more objectively, and although she’d told God she was willing to do whatever He wished, she felt convinced that staying here and becoming a permanent nanny to the children was not where she belonged, despite what Peggy had said. Cosy evening chats with John and cuddles from his children would only lead to heartache. She couldn’t trust herself not to fall in love, so she needed to stay firm to her original intentions and start looking for a job in the city.

  But when she walked downstairs and saw him with the children, her resolve was completely shattered. He was wearing casual trousers and a pale pink polo shirt that hugged his trim body in a way that made her think thoughts she knew she oughtn’t. Especially since they were about to go to church, so it seemed. Lord, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.

  He looked up and smiled, his warm hazel eyes reaching her, entwining her heart with their softness. “There you are! We wondered if you were coming.”

  Ruth swallowed. Nodded. How could she be so weak?

  “Ruth, do you like my dress?” Molly gave a twirl and then grabbed Ruth’s legs, looking up at her with adorable blue eyes.

  Relieved by the distraction, Ruth couldn’t help but smile. “It’s gorgeous, Molly.” She bent down and hugged the little girl. As she straightened, she met John’s gaze and her stomach fizzed. No. She couldn’t allow that to happen. Quickly averting her gaze, she straightened Stuart’s collar. “There, that’s better.”

  John glanced at his watch. “We’d better get going or we’ll be late.” He ushered everyone to the front door.

  “I was planning on driving myself,” Ruth said as they approached the garage.

  “Come with us, Ruth,” Molly pleaded, grabbing her hand.

  “You may as well,” John said. “We’re both going to the same place.”

  What choice did she have? Against her better judgement, she agreed and slid onto the front seat of the luxury vehicle. Beside John. Get a grip, Ruth. We’re going to church, and this is a momentous occasion in his life. Stop acting like a twelve-year-old with a crush.

  She could tell he was nervous by the way he chattered in the car and rubbed his hands together when they climbed out. She wanted to put him at ease. It wasn’t just the physical act of going to church that was happening here, but a shifting in his heart. His spirit. Would
he open them both to the Lord again? Expose his innermost hurts to the God he blamed for taking his wife too early? If only he knew how much pain God Himself suffered when His children turned away from Him and chose to go their own way. He wasn’t a God who was immune to pain. Not at all. He felt it as much or more than any human ever could. But that’s why He understood. “Are you okay?” she asked quietly.

  He looked at her and nodded. “Yes. Let’s go in.” As he placed his hand momentarily on the small of her back, warmth from his touch shimmied up her spine. She daren’t look at him lest feelings she couldn’t, or perhaps didn’t want to admit, were evident on her face. Who was she kidding? She was falling for him, and falling fast.

  When they entered the chapel, she nodded hello to Peggy and Mathew who had arrived before them. The older woman smiled and dabbed the corner of her eye. Ruth squeezed past them to the far end of the pew to allow the two younger children to sit beside their father. Bethany had come in last and sat beside her grandmother. Ruth couldn’t shake the feeling that this was what family was supposed to feel like. Three generations worshipping together.

  She drew a calming breath, and facing the front, prayed silently that God would touch hearts today. Hers included.

  The service was more formal than she was used to. Instead of a band, an organ played the introduction to one of Ruth’s favourite Christmas songs, ‘O Holy Night’. The words gave glory and honour to God and alluded to the hope that Christ brought to the world when He humbled Himself and came to earth as a baby. As she joined in, peace filled her heart and she knew that God in His wisdom would work everything out. He was truly trustworthy and knew what He was doing. Even if she didn’t.

  O holy night the stars are brightly shining

  It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth

  Long lay the world in sin and error pining

  Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

  A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

  For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

  Fall on your knees

  O hear the angels' voices

  O night divine

  O night when Christ was born

  O night divine o night

  O night divine

  When the service was well underway, Ruth sneaked a look down the pew and her heart warmed—the sermon seemed to have captured John’s full attention. On either side of him, Molly and Stuart were fidgeting, not unexpected since the children’s programme wasn’t on because of the holidays.

  Ruth’s gaze travelled further to Bethany. She was twirling her hair and staring at a boy three pews up on the left. A good-looking boy with sandy blond hair that he every so often flicked off his face. If Ruth could put an age to him, she guessed he was twelve or thirteen. As she glanced between the two, she recalled her own childhood when she’d sat in a church very similar to this one, her focus on John as she waited desperately for Sunday School to start so she could be near him. She knew exactly how Bethany felt.

  She returned her focus to the sermon. The minister spoke well, and she prayed his Christmas message was touching John’s heart.

  “Jesus came to earth to bring hope to a lost people. God incarnate humbled Himself and came to earth as a human, becoming a substitute for all of humankind’s sin when He died on the cross so that all who believe might have eternal life. During this festive season the focus is placed on His remarkable birth, but many miss the true significance of Christmas which can only be truly appreciated when His death and resurrection are also considered.

  “The sinless Saviour of the world was born to satisfy God's justice by dying on our behalf. The sinless for the sinful. He died a painful death on the cross for each and every one of us. We shouldn’t simply see Jesus as the baby in the manger, but the One who conquered death and sin, and rose again, giving us all hope for an eternity with the Father.

  “Isaiah chapter 53 describes the life and death of Jesus perfectly. Let me read it to you.

  Who has believed our message

  and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

  He grew up before him like a tender shoot,

  and like a root out of dry ground.

  He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him,

  nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

  He was despised and rejected by mankind,

  a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

  Like one from whom people hide their faces

  he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

  Surely he took up our pain

  and bore our suffering,

  yet we considered him punished by God,

  stricken by him, and afflicted.

  But he was pierced for our transgressions,

  he was crushed for our iniquities;

  the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

  and by his wounds we are healed.

  We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

  each of us has turned to our own way;

  and the Lord has laid on him

  the iniquity of us all.

  He was oppressed and afflicted,

  yet he did not open his mouth;

  he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

  and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

  so he did not open his mouth.

  By oppression and judgment he was taken away.

  Yet who of his generation protested?

  For he was cut off from the land of the living;

  for the transgression of my people he was punished.

  He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

  and with the rich in his death,

  though he had done no violence,

  nor was any deceit in his mouth.

  Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

  and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,

  he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

  and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

  After he has suffered,

  he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

  by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

  and he will bear their iniquities.

  Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

  and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

  because he poured out his life unto death,

  and was numbered with the transgressors.

  For he bore the sin of many,

  and made intercession for the transgressors.

  “But He didn’t remain dead. Hallelujah. He rose and ascended to heaven, gaining victory over death. As believers, we have that same hope, that same confidence. Death is not the end, it’s the beginning of an eternity with God.

  “As Christmas day approaches, I pray that you’ll reflect on your reason for celebrating Christmas, and that you’ll join me in bowing your knee and your heart before our almighty Saviour. Let us pray.”

  Overwhelmed by the message of the gospel the pastor had just presented, Ruth bowed her head in humble adoration and prayed that John, too, would be doing the same.

  The pastor began, his voice quiet, humble. “Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of what You have done for us. That You would send Your only Son to earth to be a sacrifice for us is the most amazing act of love the world has ever witnessed. We thank You, Lord, for that love that has the power to transform lives. It’s my prayer that today each and every person here will grasp that love with both hands and choose to live for You. In Your Son’s precious name we pray. Amen.”

  Standing for the final hymn, Ruth glanced at John. He had an arm around Stuart and Molly and was holding them close. A lump formed in her throat. As she joined the congregation and sang ‘Joy to the World’, her spirit lifted further.

  At the end of the carol, the organist continued to play quietly in the background while everyone greeted each other with handshakes and smiles.

>   Ruth caught John’s gaze briefly as she gathered her purse and followed Stuart out of the pew. The nod he gave her suggested that his heart had indeed been touched, and that made her own heart swell with praise.

  The church courtyard had changed little in almost four years. Memories of him and Larissa chatting with their friends after the morning service threatened to overwhelm Jonathon. In fact, just being in church had threatened to do that. He needed to move on. He knew that. It was doing him no good reminiscing constantly. He was living in the past, but he needed to move forward, for his own sake and that of his children.

  The service had challenged him. Especially the message. Who was he to blame God for Larissa’s death when He’d given up His only Son? Jonathon couldn’t imagine the pain that must have caused Him, nor the pain that Jesus endured on the cross. The sacrifice He’d made was beyond measure. He’d bowed his head and told God he was sorry. It wasn’t enough, but it was a start.

  He was hovering in the courtyard on his own after Stuart and Molly had disappeared with some friends from school when Mathew approached and squeezed his shoulder gently. “It’s nice to have all the family at church again,” he said, his face crinkling in a smile. His shaking seemed less this morning than usual.

  “Yes, it is nice,” Jonathon replied. He probably should never have stopped going. Why had he? “Would you like a coffee?”

  “That would be great. Your mother’s off with your new nanny, introducing her to everyone. I must say, she’s good with the children, and your mother seems to enjoy her company as well.”

  Jonathon smiled as he caught sight of his mother introducing Ruth to a group of ladies. He couldn’t help but be taken with Ruth. She was simply delightful. A breath of fresh air. And yes, she was very good with the children. “She is,” he finally replied.

  “Pretty, too.” Mathew gave him a wink.

  “Come on now, Mathew.” Jonathon laughed off the comment, but he would have been blind not to have noticed that little Ruthie Reynolds had grown up so very well. She was beautiful, smart, gentle, and caring, but she was also his employee. Off limits.