The dinner was superb. She had the silver dory and clam chowder, served with kipfler potatoes and confit fennel, and he had the roasted paroo kangaroo loin with braised cabbage, sweet potato and coriander. After they finished eating, he asked if she fancied a walk along the beach. When she said she would, he called for the limo and asked the driver to take them to Coogee Beach.
After arriving, they removed their shoes and strolled along the beach arm in arm, and Tiffany couldn’t think of a better way to end a perfect evening—until he stopped and turned to face her. His eyes were just visible in the moonlight, but in them she saw his heart. Tender, caring, loving. “I never expected to love another woman, but I’m falling for you, Tiffany.” His voice was soft and as tender as his eyes. Her pulse raced. “No, that’s not true,” he continued. “I’ve already fallen for you. You’ve captured my heart, and I’d be the happiest man if you let me court you.”
She almost laughed. Court her! She’d never expected to hear that! “Marcus, that’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard! Of course you can court me.”
He smiled. “Does that mean I can kiss you?”
“Yes, please! I never thought you’d ask!” Her heart beat double-time as he lowered his mouth and their lips met for the first time in a kiss that left her hungry for more.
That night, as she lay in bed, dreams of being courted by a billionaire played over and over in her mind, filling her with such warmth and anticipation that she could barely sleep.
Chapter 27
Three months had passed since their first official date, and Marcus was astounded at how Tiffany had grown in her relationship with the Lord during that time. Sometimes, when they were having dinner together, she’d bring up a theological topic he’d never looked into and ask him all sorts of deep questions.
Her curiosity and devotion challenged him in his own faith, forcing him to really consider some of the ways he looked at Scripture.
“Okay, but don’t you see? Israel demanded a king. God warned them that they were being sinful and that He wanted to be their king. But He gave them a king anyway because they selfishly insisted on it,” Tiffany pointed out one evening.
“So, you’re suggesting that God gave in to their sinful demand?” he asked, confused.
“No, He used it for His own purposes. This is the same lineage that brought us Jesus, the true and final King!” Tiffany exclaimed as they sat next to the pool while the kids swam.
Marcus suddenly saw the connection. He saw another instance of how God had taken sin and redeemed it for His own plans and purposes. It was right there in front of him, but he’d never thought about it like that.
“Tiffany, you amaze me. The way you keep studying Scripture is so encouraging and challenging,” he told her, as he had many times in the previous months.
Mike and Polly were enjoying church, even going to Sunday school every week, now that they were confident Sally was never going to come back for them. And on Wednesdays, they went to kid’s church while Tiffany was involved in the evening discipleship meetings.
But her favourite, she had told Marcus, was Ruth’s Bible study. She’d been diligently attending and was learning a lot. And thanks to those women, she’d also been given a lot of book recommendations. Marcus knew how much she loved reading through all the material and learning about the Word of God from those who had been living the faith for many years.
She was growing into an incredibly strong Christian woman. And she’d also allowed herself to become vulnerable. When he’d first met her, although she was always polite to him, he knew she didn’t trust him, or men in general.
She’d explained to him that her marriage to Steve had impacted her ability to trust any man, but she was working hard to overcome that. She had since made it clear that she trusted him, and that was all Marcus needed to know.
Her affection and the way she reciprocated his were evidence that she would not be imprisoned in the cage of her former concerns. She was now free to live in grace and mercy, and there was no longer any need to put up walls to protect her heart.
“So, what do you think?” Marcus asked his mum one morning at breakfast.
Tears had sprung to her eyes. “You know what I think.”
“Okay, but do you think it’s a good idea? I know it’s quick. Am I crazy to think about proposing to her so soon? With her past and everything she’s gone through? And the fact that she still has trust issues. Am I sabotaging our future by wanting it to start now?”
“I think if she isn’t ready, you’d know. You know full well that she’ll say yes. You’re wanting me to confirm what you already know and that’s a waste of time. She loves you. She trusts you. Don’t waste any more time,” his mother said, patting his hand.
He was jubilant to gain his mother’s approval. It was the encouragement he needed. With every passing day he spent with Tiffany, he’d grown more certain that he not only could love again, but that he did.
He’d spoken with his pastor about the challenges of falling in love again after losing Bree. And just like his mother had done, his pastor had urged him to move forward. “She’s a wonderful woman, Marcus, and it’s great to see you happy and in love after all these years of heartache. I wish you all the best.”
Marcus not only loved Tiffany, he loved Mike and Polly as well. He knew that he could be a father to them as much as they were willing to accept him as one.
Her family was also wonderful, constantly inviting him for gatherings at her parents’ house. Her mother had hinted about the two of them having a future together. It seemed as though Marcus had everyone’s approval. No matter how early it was in their relationship, everyone seemed to trust that they would make it.
He only had to hope that Tiffany felt that way. That she would trust him enough to accept his proposal and consent to a future with him.
Aware that it could destroy all of his plans, he finally decided to ask Tiffany’s father if he would give his blessing.
“Have a seat, Marcus,” Wayne insisted. He’d gone to the Watson’s home later that same day, and now felt slightly anxious. What if he didn’t approve?
“Thank you,” Marcus said, easing himself into an old, worn armchair.
“When you called, it sounded important. What do you want to talk about?” Wayne asked.
Marcus let out a slow breath and clenched his hands together. “As you know, the past few months have been a whirlwind. From your daughter joining me as a friend for an event I needed a date for, to becoming someone I love very much, a lot has happened,” Marcus began.
“Not to mention her kids getting kidnapped by your stalker…” Wayne added, lifting a brow.
Marcus looked at him sheepishly, knowing that it could be Wayne who distrusted him rather than Tiffany. After all, it was a woman obsessed with him who’d caused all the problems. And that meant he’d put Wayne’s grandchildren in danger.
“Don’t worry, Marcus, I’m not judging you for that,” he said, grinning. “It’s a father’s job to put a little bit of fear in a man who comes around asking what I think you’re about to ask. It doesn’t change the fact that I’m going to approve.”
Marcus exhaled in relief. “You’re going to approve? But you don’t know my question,” Marcus said with a laugh.
“I think I do, but go ahead and ask it anyway,” Wayne urged.
Marcus steadied himself. “I’d like to marry your daughter, Wayne.”
“What a shock!” Wayne chuckled. “Are you here to tell me that or to ask for my approval?”
“I hope it’s a little bit of both,” Marcus replied.
“Then you get both. You have my approval, Marcus. You’re a fine man and I like the way you look after my daughter. I appreciate the way you take care of Mike and Polly, and I’d be honoured to have you as part of our family. So please, feel free to ask Tiffany to marry you. She deserves some happiness after all she’s been through.”
Having received approval and confirmation from every side, all he
had to do now was act on it. It was time to propose to Tiffany.
He prayed she’d trust him enough to say yes.
Chapter 28
Tiffany was thrilled to be dining out again with Marcus at yet another upmarket restaurant. Since they’d been dating, he’d been spoiling her, and she felt like a princess. Never before had she been treated so well by anyone, and despite her previously held conviction to remain totally independent, she was reveling in the attention.
That night they were dining at the ‘Versailles Restaurant’, a high-end French restaurant that had won award after award for its cuisine, service and ambience. Tiffany knew why. When they entered, it was like she was walking into a palace. Marcus told her that it had been designed to resemble the Palace of Versailles. They walked through parterre gardens with fountains and subtle lighting to reach the restaurant itself. Gold embellished statues filled every corner, and when they were shown to their table which overlooked the harbour, they were addressed in French. Luckily, Marcus could speak the language. She loved hearing him conversing with the waiter and wished she could speak French.
“Have you been to France?” she asked after they were seated.
“No, but I’d love to go one day and see the real palace.” He reached out his hand and held hers, rubbing his thumb gently over her skin. Their gazes met and a tremor ran through her body. “And I’d love to go there with you.”
She was wholly unprepared for that. France? With Marcus? Was he serious? “Really?” she asked, dumbfounded.
He nodded. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see it with than you.” His voice was calm, his gaze steady.
Her heart swelled at the thought of visiting France with him, but what were his intentions? It seemed too unbelievable to consider seriously. Plus, how could she go with him unless they were married? Suddenly she realised he might be planning to propose. She gulped and said, “That’s very sweet of you. Of course, I’d love to visit France. Who wouldn’t?”
After they finished eating, Marcus asked if she’d like to take a stroll along the harbour.
Tiffany smiled and nodded, thinking back to the night of the charity ball when this amazing journey had begun.
Walking with Marcus again along the harbour brought back memories of her life just five months ago. So much had changed in her heart. In the four months they’d been officially dating, Tiffany realised she’d become a different woman. She’d always believed that being vulnerable with a man would make her weak, but allowing Marcus to see the real her gave her confidence to be herself and made her strong. His respect for her was unlike anything she’d ever known before.
“Do you remember the first time we walked together?” Marcus asked. They were walking arm in arm and Tiffany had never felt more at peace.
“I was just thinking about the very same thing. How could I ever forget?” she replied.
“I so badly wanted to kiss you, or at least hold your hand that night,” he confessed.
She chuckled. “And I was wishing you would. I was so mad at myself for wishing that, but I still thought it.”
Stopping, he turned and faced her. Lowering his mouth, he brushed his lips across hers. “We need to make up for lost time.” He pressed a little harder, and she kissed him back with a hunger that surprised her. She never wanted to leave the safety of his arms, but they were in public. She reluctantly pulled back. “What will people think?” she asked breathlessly.
He laughed. “I don’t see any people, do you?”
She quickly glanced to the left and the right. “I guess not!”
He gazed into her eyes, and then cupping her cheeks with his hands, lowered his mouth again, pressing his lips gently against hers. This time, his kiss was slow and thoughtful and left her feeling like jelly.
After they broke the kiss, they continued walking until they reached the end of the pier where they sat on a bench seat. One other couple strolled arm in arm eating ice creams, and a few fishermen sat on the edge of the jetty, lines set, trying their luck. Marcus slipped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer when a cool breeze made her shiver. She snuggled in, laying her head on his shoulder and enjoying the closeness of his body.
They sat quietly, gazing out over the water. In the distance, the city lights lit up the night sky, but here in this secluded nook of the harbour, they could have been a world away from the bustling city. It was so peaceful, with only the sound of water gently lapping against the moored dinghies and the wooden legs of the pier, with the occasional noise of people laughing as they left the restaurant.
“You’re an amazing woman, Tiffany,” Marcus said in a soft voice. “And I love being amazed by you. In fact, I was thinking how nice it would be to spend the rest of my life being amazed by you.”
Her heart began to pound. Was their conversation going to a place she’d both longed for yet still feared?
She lifted her head off his shoulder and looked into his eyes, wanting to read his intentions. She saw them clearly.
“Marcus…” she said, unable to prevent a coy grin growing on her face.
He shifted off the bench and onto one knee, taking her hands in his. “I know some people might think this is premature, but I don’t care. I’m not just in love with you, Tiffany, I’m overwhelmed by you. In the short time we’ve had together, I’ve seen something exquisite and precious within your heart. I see the love of Christ in you, I see a woman who is seeking God, and I see a mother who loves her children fiercely.”
Tiffany blinked back the tears pricking at her eyes.
He pulled a small box from his jacket pocket and opened it, holding it towards her. “I love you so much, Tiffany. I might have all the money a man could ever want or need, but it means nothing without someone special to share it with, and I’d love to share it with you. Tiffany, my love, I’d be the happiest man alive if you agree to be my wife.”
Nodding through her tears, she threw her arms around his neck and breathed out a small, “Yes, of course I’ll marry you. I love you with all my heart.”
He kissed the nape of her neck and then pulled back and slowly slipped the exquisite diamond and sapphire ring onto her finger.
“It’s gorgeous, Marcus. I love it!” She held her hand out to see it better. “Thank you.” She smiled at him and thought her heart would explode with joy.
She’d been so hurt before, she never wanted to marry again. It had been something she’d fiercely determined long ago. She never wanted to be in a position of having to rely on a man, but Marcus wasn’t like Steve or any other man she’d ever known. He was different. He was kind. He was generous. And she knew he would never hurt her.
He would always love his first wife, but Tiffany was coming to realise that his love for Bree didn’t negate his love for her. He was giving his whole heart to her, and she wanted to give hers right back.
“Just so you know, I received permission from a lot of people. First, my own mum. Then your dad and your mum. And, remember yesterday when I picked up Mike and Polly from school?”
“You asked them?” Tiffany shrieked in laughter.
“I had to!” Marcus exclaimed.
“I can’t believe they managed to keep it a secret!”
“They knew it would only be for a day. But yes, everyone has consented.”
Tiffany felt a wave of peace wash over her as he pulled her tight and kissed her passionately. Since meeting Marcus, her life had changed irrevocably. And it was all she could have dreamed of and more.
Chapter 29
The day had finally arrived, and Marcus couldn’t wait for Tiffany to become his wife. Standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for the music to start, he blew into his hands.
“It’s okay, mate. She’ll be here in a minute,” Dave assured him. “Take a deep breath.”
Nodding, he did what his friend suggested. There was no reason to be anxious, and he wasn’t. He was simply filled with anticipation.
After settling himself, he mingled with the guest
s, greeting family and friends, but soon, it was time. He quickly hurried back to his position at the front when the music started, and everyone stood.
Polly entered first, sprinkling colourful flower petals from a small white basket, wearing a beautiful white princess-style dress. Her blonde hair fell around her shoulders and a crown of small daisies encircled her head. She looked so sweet.
When she reached him, he bent down and gave her hand a kiss. She then stood across from him, leaving enough room for the bridesmaid and Tiffany.
Mike came next, holding the rings on a white pillow. His hair was slicked back, and he wore a black suit with a tie that matched Marcus’s. Marcus was so glad that the two of them had been getting along so well. Tiffany was thrilled that Mike finally had a man in his life who treated him with respect.
Denise, Tiffany’s sister, entered next, and then came the moment he’d been waiting for. Marcus inhaled a deep breath.
When Tiffany entered on her father’s arm, his breath hitched. He’d never seen anything so breathtaking. The strapless princess gown she wore was soft and feminine, and it suited her slim figure to a tee.
Her hair was in soft curls and her makeup was subtle, and perfect. When she reached him, Marcus could tell she was feeling confident, strong, and entirely ready for the commitment she was about to make. It was a moment he’d never forget.
The pastor welcomed everyone and then opened with prayer. They sang the hymns they’d chosen together, ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’ and ‘Love Divine All Loves Excelling.’ Both hymns contained lyrics that meant so much to them.
Finally, the time came for them to say their vows. Marcus took Tiffany’s hand in his and met her gaze. “Tiffany, I’m far from perfect and my love is far from perfect, but I vow to pursue God faithfully so that I can be a husband to you like Hosea. The love described in the book of the same name is one of deep, selfless affection and pursuit.
Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series Page 24