He kissed her on the forehead. “And I love you, Moll. I’m sorry I haven’t been around a lot, but I promise I will be from now on.”
“Can you promise something else?”
“What’s that, sweetheart?”
“Will you promise to make Ruth stay? I don’t want her to leave.”
He sucked in a breath. “I…I don’t know that I can promise that, but I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you.” Her voice trailed off and her arms slipped from his neck. Moments later, her eyes closed.
After carefully changing her into pyjamas and tucking her into bed, he tiptoed from her room and released a heavy breath. He hadn’t seen that coming.
Next, he poked his head into Stuart’s room. The boy was asleep, uncovered. Jonathon walked quietly over to his bed and gently placed the cover over him. “Good night, son. I love you.” His voice faltered. Obviously he hadn’t said those words often enough for them to feel natural.
He backtracked out of Stuart’s room and headed to Bethany’s, knocking quietly as he pushed open the door. She was sitting up in bed flicking through her iPad.
“I came to say goodnight. It’s getting late, Bethie. You should turn that off and get some sleep.”
“I will. I was just looking at photos.”
He crossed the room and sat on the edge of her bed. “Can I look?”
She shrugged. “If you want. They’re of Mum.”
Surprised, he’d expected them to be of her friends. “Do you look at them often?”
“All the time.”
He lifted his hand and tucked some hair behind her ear. “You miss her a lot, don’t you?”
She nodded, and tears welled in her eyes.
“So do I, sweetheart. I wish she was here, but she’s not.” He swallowed hard and bit back his own tears. “I promise to be here for you from now on. I’m so sorry I’ve neglected you. It was wrong of me to push you away. Will you forgive me?”
Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded and threw her arms around his neck and sobbed.
He held her tight and whispered that he loved her. Tears blinded his own eyes as she cried against his chest. Finally, her sobs subsided and he kissed the top of her head. “Things will be different from now on, Bethie. I promise.” He tucked her into her bed, kissed her again and then turned the light off.
He paused in the hallway and fingered the ring on his left hand. It was time. It was time to move on. He’d never forget his beautiful wife, but she was gone. He was finally prepared to admit it. To face it. The rest of his life lay ahead of him, and Larissa would want him to embrace it. Enjoy it. Treasure it. Slowly, he twisted the band and slipped it off his finger. Bringing it to his lips, he closed his eyes and kissed it, and then placed it in his pocket.
Drawing a deep breath, he cracked his knuckles, walked down the stairs and headed for the living room.
Ruth looked up as he entered, the smile on her face warm, the shine in her eyes tender.
He approached and extended his hand. When she took it, heat sizzled up his arm and flowed all the way to his heart. He helped her stand and then pulled her to him, his arms encircling her. Her soft curves molded to the contours of his body as she sank into his embrace. “Ruth…”
She raised her head. “Shhh…. don’t speak.”
Her silky voice enveloped him. He gazed into her eyes and caressed her face with his thumb. He ran his fingers through her hair, delighting in its softness. Slowly, he slipped his hand behind her head and pulled her face closer. First, he kissed the tip of her nose, then her eyes, and then finally, he kissed her soft mouth. Her lips were warm and sweet and triggered a desire in him he thought long dead.
Finally, reluctantly, he ended the kiss and pulled her to his chest again, wrapping his arms around her. “Shall we get that drink?” he whispered into her ear.
She nodded and stepped back, a coy expression on her face. “Lemon soda?”
“With a dash of lime?”
She smiled. “Perfect.”
He walked to the cabinet and poured two drinks before rejoining her. “Shall we go outside?”
“That would be nice.”
She shivered as they stood against the railing at the edge of the patio. He slipped an arm around her and hugged her. “Better?”
“Yes, thank you.”
They stood in silence, gazing at the night sky. Inside, his heart beat like a drum as he exhaled a long sigh of contentment.
“The stars are gorgeous tonight, almost magical,” she said.
“They are.” He turned to her. “Ruth, I…I owe you an apology and an explanation.”
“Jonathon, please, it’s not—”
She tried to protest, but he held up a hand. “Please, Ruth, let me finish.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “You’ve been right about everything. Since Larissa passed, I’ve been hiding my grief in my work, and I’ve failed my kids badly. I’ve been a terrible father.”
“Jonathon, you’re an amazing dad.”
“That’s kind of you to say that, but we both know I’m not. That’s what I’m trying to say. If it wasn’t for you…” He swallowed hard. “Well, if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be on our way to healing. You made that happen.”
“You give me too much credit, but I’m so happy you’ve reached this point. I feel humbled you think I’ve played a part in it.”
“You’ve played a huge part, Ruth. I’ve wasted so much time wallowing in self-pity. Larissa would be so disappointed in me. She knew how precious every moment is. She had so very little time, and yet, towards the end, when she knew the treatments weren’t working, we discussed the future and what it would look like without her in it. I hadn’t wanted to talk about it. I didn’t want her to give up. But she wasn’t giving up. I know that now. She was allowing God to take her to a better place.
“She told me to grieve for a while, but then to get on with my life. For four years I’ve messed everything up, but now, I’m ready to move on. I’ll never forget her, and I’ll always love her, but Ruth, before you came into our lives, I can’t remember the last time I laughed, nor the last time I truly enjoyed myself. The last few weeks have been amazing.” He smoothed his hand over her hair. “You’re amazing.”
“No, I’m not. I’m only me.”
He slipped his finger under her chin and tilted her face. “Don’t underestimate yourself, Ruth. You are amazing. I’d love to find out the full story of how quiet Ruthie Reynolds became such an alluring woman. I want to learn everything about you, if you’ll let me. Please tell me you will.” He couldn’t deny his feelings any longer. He’d fallen head over heels in love with the children’s nanny.
Relief swept through him when she chuckled and replied, “There’s not much to tell, but yes. As long as you tell me the full story of how John Robertson became Jonathon Montgomery.”
“With pleasure.” His heart swelled with love as he gazed into her gorgeous eyes before he lowered his mouth and covered hers gently, savouring every moment of this wonderful Christmas miracle. The only thing missing was mistletoe.
The following morning, Ruth woke with a smile on her face. She lifted a hand to her lips and recalled the ecstasy of being held by Jonathon as he’d kissed her in the starlight. It was a dream come true. But two things worried her. What would the children think, and what would she do about her apartment?
But then, as if on cue, she recalled a memory verse from Sunday School: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
She simply needed to trust God to work it out. He was in control, and since it seemed that He’d been the one to bring her and Jonathon together, He would also work these things out.
Moments later, excited squeals reached her ears and she smiled to herself. Christmas morning with children. There was nothing better. She slip
ped out of bed and quickly dressed. Although she was technically not on duty, she couldn’t miss being a part of the Montgomery family Christmas celebrations. With his new resolve, Jonathon had promised to cook pancakes for everyone, and no doubt he was already up and cooking. And although he’d invited the other staff members to stay for Christmas, apart from her, they all had family to go to.
She quickly checked each of the children’s rooms, but as expected, their beds were empty, so she headed quietly down the stairs. After Jonathon’s kiss and revelation of his feelings, she suddenly felt shy facing him, but she needn’t have worried. When she reached the kitchen and he looked up and smiled, all her fears and anxiety slipped away.
“Ruth! Merry Christmas! Come in and have some pancakes.”
When she returned his smile, unspoken words acknowledging what had transpired between them the previous evening were spoken with their eyes. “Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you all.” She held her arms out and hugged the three children one at a time.
“Merry Christmas to you, too, Ruth,” Molly said, plopping herself onto Ruth’s lap and putting her hands around her neck. “You never did answer my question.”
Ruth swallowed hard. “What question was that, Molly?” But she already knew what it was.
“Will you stay longer than the other nannies?” As she stared at Ruth, she wore such a sweet expression that tears pricked Ruth’s eyes.
Ruth hugged her and kissed the top of her head as she met Jonathon’s gaze. “I think I just might do that.”
Chapter 22
That Christmas day was the best Ruth had ever experienced. Following their pancake breakfast in the kitchen, during which time Peggy and Mathew arrived, Jonathon announced that the presents could now be opened. The children raced ahead and sat eagerly around the tree while the adults followed. Molly put a Santa hat on his head and offered to be his helper. Ruth was amazed at the gifts he’d bought the children. It seemed he knew exactly what would please each one, and she guessed that maybe he’d had help. His mother, perhaps? Or Mrs. Shields? It didn’t matter. Molly was delighted with her princess castle complete with turrets and moats, Stuart loved his skateboard kit and couldn’t wait to set it up, and Bethany was over the moon with her very own surfboard.
Ruth had helped the children with gifts for their dad. With Madeline’s help, they’d baked his favourite Christmas treats and placed them in a basket wrapped with cellophane paper. They’d also made their own cards and written personal notes on them. She didn’t miss the tears that welled in his eyes as he read them. One by one, they joined him on the floor and wrapped their arms around him. It was the most wonderful sight.
Later, Ruth sat beside him in church. Occasionally their hands brushed and a warm tingle of anticipation flowed through her. It was too early to say anything to the children, but the hope of a future together heightened her emotions as they sang songs of praise to God in the highest. He indeed was worthy of their praise, and when Jonathon told her later about his encounter with Mrs. Cleary and how he’d recommitted his life to the Lord, she was ecstatic.
He proposed two weeks later, the day before her apartment settled and would become hers. The day before she’d planned to leave Seaforth and return to her normal life. But her life would never again be normal. How could it, when she’d fallen heads over heels in love, not only with Jonathon, but also with his children?
They’d been out on his luxury yacht enjoying a day of fishing and exploring the bay with the kids, when he came up behind her as she was enjoying the view of the setting sun. He turned her around and wrapped his arms around her waist. Longing filled his gaze and her pulse throbbed double time.
“Ruth, you’re the most beautiful woman I know and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. I love you with all my heart, and I want to spend the rest of it with you. Will you do me the very greatest honour and agree to be my wife?”
Tears of pleasure found their way to her eyes as she said yes. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with all the passion that had been latent since she was twelve and he’d been her childhood crush.
They told the children and began planning their wedding. They agreed on a short engagement, just three months. They thought it best that Ruth move into her apartment for those three months, although no one was happy about it. Instead of employing another nanny, Jonathon stayed home and looked after the children. He promoted Gareth to project manager and turned off his emails.
They agreed they’d get married in the old church, the one where they’d met years before. Where it all began. They could have gotten married anywhere in the world. Jonathon had suggested Paris, the Greek Islands, Hawaii, but Ruth was happy with St. Kilda.
They visited the church and met with the pastor. During their visit, they enquired about Mrs. Cleary. He told them she was staying in the rectory because her husband had recently died and she could no longer afford the rent on her place. An idea surfaced, and when Ruth told Jonathon, he readily agreed. She would soon have no need for her apartment. They’d been praying about what to do with it after they were married, and now they knew. They would offer it to Mrs. Cleary.
Epilogue
Ruth stood still while her mother adjusted her veil and then stepped back to inspect her.
“Oh, darling, you look so gorgeous I could cry!”
“Don’t do that, Mum. You’ll start me off.”
“Who would have thought that my little girl would end up marrying a billionaire!”
Ruth smiled at her mother. She didn’t think of Jonathon as a billionaire. Not that she knew any others, but she imagined that most would not be as kind or thoughtful or generous as Jonathon. Over the past three months she’d gotten to know him so well, and what she loved most about him was the way he truly cared for others. He had a compassionate heart, and that mattered far more to her than how much money he had. Although the money was nice, she had to admit.
“It’s a dream come true. I never thought it would happen, either, but it seems that God knew what He was doing when I applied for that job.”
“He always knows what He’s doing, love. Sometimes we just have to take that step of faith and trust Him.”
“Well, I’m certainly glad I did.”
“And so am I. Your dad and I get three extra grandchildren to spoil now. Talking of grandchildren, I can’t believe that David couldn’t make it. I’m not very pleased with him at the moment.”
A pain squeezed Ruth’s heart as she thought of her son somewhere in the jungles of Borneo. He said he’d do his best to get back but couldn’t promise anything. She’d struggled to suppress her anger and disappointment at his apparent indifference. She was his mother—surely he’d make every effort to be at her wedding. But no. He hadn’t arrived and time was running out. The wedding car was already waiting, and soon she’d be on her way to the church. “I’m not either, Mum, but I’m not going to let it spoil the day.”
“Good girl. I’ll have words with him later.”
“So will I, don’t worry.”
“Okay, love, your dad’s ready, and the girls are too. You’re all going to do great.”
“Thanks, Mum. I love you. Thank you for everything.”
Her mum smiled and gave her a careful hug. “And I love you, sweetheart. God bless you and your new family.”
“Thank you.”
Her mum stepped back as her dad stepped forward and smiled at her. “Are you ready, love?”
Ruth nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She linked her arm in his and walked carefully outside and got into the limousine. She was wearing her dream Cinderella ballgown with a huge skirt she knew would give her trouble getting in and out of the car, but somehow she managed.
She waved to her mum, and then to Peggy, Bethany and Molly as they drove past in the other car.
Several minutes later, the limousine pulled up in front of the church. Her heart beat in her throat as she carefully got out and smiled at the waiting photographers. Jonathon ha
d warned her that the media would most likely be in attendance, so she’d been expecting them, but one photographer in particular caught her attention. No, it couldn’t be… but it was. Standing amidst the group, head and shoulders above the rest, with a broad grin on his face, was her son. David. Leaving her dad’s side, she pushed through the crowd and hugged him. “David! You made it.”
“There’s no way I could miss your wedding!” He winked and she was tempted to slap him on the cheek. Playfully, of course. Instead, she just studied him. His skin was darker, tanned. He’d also grown taller. So tall, in fact, she had to rise onto her tippy toes to hug him.
“I’m so glad you made it.” Her heart swelled with gratitude.
“You’d better go in, because I think someone’s waiting for you.”
She chuckled. “Oh yes. I guess I should. We’ll catch up later, okay?”
“Okay.”
As Ruth rejoined her father, David offered his arm to his grandmother while Peggy stood with Molly and Bethany and straightened their dresses. They’d wanted the children involved in the wedding party, and the girls were excited to be Ruth’s flower girl and bridesmaid. Stuart was Jonathon’s best man.
The organ sounded from inside the church, and Ruth knew it was time. She nodded to Peggy who positioned the girls in front of her before walking into the chapel to join Mathew. Molly turned and waited for Ruth to give her the nod. They’d practiced this several times over the previous days and Molly had done so well, but now that it was the real thing, Ruth expected her to be anxious. Her face, however, was bright and filled with excitement. She was going to do a great job. Ruth smiled at her and gave her the nod, and then Molly set off, walking slowly in time with the music just as they’d practiced. Ruth knew she’d be counting her steps as she walked down the aisle, dropping silk rose petals along the way.
She then gave Bethany the nod, and she too entered the chapel. Ruth was thrilled with the change in the girl. No longer a sullen pre-teen, she was now a sweet thirteen year-old, who, while she still had moments, was generally friendly and helpful. Most important of all, she’d told Ruth she was happy that she was marrying her dad and that once again she would have a mother. Ruth had hugged her so hard Bethany had to ask her to let go. Ruth could never replace Larissa—she didn’t want to, but she could love Larissa’s children as if they were her own, and that’s what she intended to do.
Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series Page 47
