Bethany kept her expression neutral and didn’t react, but Ruth had to agree, her room was indeed messy. Clothes were strewn all over the floor and her bed was unmade. Ruth assumed there would have been a maid who cleaned up every day, but perhaps not. Or else, Bethany had recently made this mess, possibly for Ruth’s benefit. Other than the obvious mess, her walls were filled with posters of pop stars and animals, but what caught Ruth’s attention the most was the photograph on top of the bookshelf of Bethany holding a woman’s hand. Larissa. John’s wife. It had obviously been taken before she grew sick because she looked a picture of health. Smiling, happy, content, as did Bethany. It seemed so unfair. Ruth didn’t usually question God. She knew better than that, but at times like this it was difficult not to. She swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled at Bethany. Somehow, she felt her reason for being here was to help this motherless pre-teen, but oh goodness, was she out of her comfort zone. She desperately needed wisdom from above. “It’s a nice room, Bethany. And I don’t care about the mess.”
Ruth thought she saw a tear form in the girl’s eye, but she wasn’t sure because she quickly flopped onto her bed. “I’m going to read for a while,” she said, hiding her face in a magazine she grabbed from the floor.
“Okay, that’s fine.” Ruth smiled again and stepped back to the hallway. Stuart had stayed in his room and was playing with his racing cars. She turned to Molly who’d sprinted to her room and returned holding a book of Bible stories.
“Will you read me a story now?” she asked in such a sweet voice Ruth couldn’t deny her, even if she wanted to.
“Of course, sweetheart. Why don’t we go back to your room and get your pjs on first? Then I’ll read you three stories.”
“Three? You promise?”
Ruth nodded. “Yes. I promise I’ll read three stories.”
Cuddled up with Molly on her four-poster bed surrounded by pink tulle and princess pillows reminded Ruth of how she’d longed for a little girl of her own. She wouldn’t trade her David for anything, but she had to admit there was something special about a little girl. Especially one as cute as Molly.
True to her word, she read Molly three of her favourite stories from the big book. Joseph and His Coat of Many Colours was Ruth’s favourite, while Molly preferred the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. They both decided that Noah and his Ark was also good, but not as fun and exciting as the other two.
“Will you stay while I say my prayers?”
Once again, Ruth felt powerless to refuse such a heartfelt request. Nor did she want to. “Of course I will,” she replied.
As Molly knelt and folded her small hands, Ruth’s heart clenched. The sweet girl must have learned to pray from someone. She was much too young for her mother to have taught her. Had it been the previous nannies or Peggy who’d instilled faith in the child? Or could it be that Molly had learned to pray from her father? Ruth wasn’t sure if John had kept his faith or not, but perhaps he had.
“Please, dear God,” Molly began. “Keep my mummy safe in heaven, and watch over my Grandma and Papa, and look after Daddy. I know he doesn’t pray as much as he should, but he’s a good daddy. And also, thank You for bringing Ruth to us. I like her a lot. Amen.”
Ruth opened her eyes but quickly shut them again as Molly re-clasped her hands and continued. “Oh… and God, please look after Mary. Amen.”
Ruth chuckled at the little girl’s innocence. “Let’s get you into bed,” she said when it was clear Molly was satisfied with her prayers.
Molly climbed up and snuggled under the bed covers. Ruth tickled her and Molly let out a peel of giggles that Ruth answered in kind. She found Mary on the floor next to the bed and tucked the doll in beside the little girl. “Is there anything else you need before you go to sleep?”
Molly played with Mary’s hair and then looked up. “No, but can I ask you something?”
“Sure, sweetheart. What is it?”
“Will you promise to stay longer than Rose and the others?”
Oh goodness. What a question. How could she promise to stay when she had her heart set on getting her own apartment? How could she tell this sweet little girl that she only intended to stay until the holiday was over?
She swallowed hard and ran a gentle hand across the girl’s forehead, pushing a lock of fine blonde hair off her cheek before planting a kiss on her forehead. “Oh darling, that’s so sweet, but it’s only my first day. How about you ask me in a week’s time?”
Molly nodded and her eyelids began to droop.
Ruth could only pray that she would have forgotten the request by then.
Chapter 10
Jonathon disconnected the phone call and raked his hand across his hair. How could the caterer cancel this close to the event when they’d been booked for so long? Was it a conspiracy? First the nanny, now the caterer?
Groaning, he looked around his desk for his Bayside binder. It had to be here somewhere. He needed to get a replacement list of potential caterers to his team as quickly as possible. Otherwise there’d be no food at the Extravaganza. He couldn’t trust Gareth his project manager to get it done without his overseeing the details. He wouldn’t have called Jonathon on his mobile during dinner if he’d been able to handle it.
Where was it? Surely he hadn’t left it at the office. He wouldn’t have done that. No, it must be in the car.
As he hurried through the house to the front door, sounds of laughter drifted down the stairs and he paused to listen. It sounded like Molly and Ruth were getting along well, and that pleased him. No matter how much of a challenge the Bayside Christmas Eve Extravaganza was becoming, at least he’d hit the jackpot with the replacement nanny.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d heard a woman’s laughter in the house, and he realised with a start that he missed it. His heart clenched once again as memories of Larissa flooded back. Her dying so young was grossly unfair. He sighed heavily and headed outside. Life went on, he knew that, and tonight, he had work to do. There was no time for self-pity and moroseness.
After successfully getting Molly to sleep and checking on Stuart and Bethany, Ruth headed downstairs to speak with John before retiring for the night. She wanted to learn more about his schedule, and even though he’d told her she had free rein with the children, she wanted to talk to him further about what that meant.
The living areas and kitchen were shrouded in darkness and the cavernous house felt less like a home and more like a hotel. It could definitely use a touch of warmth, Ruth thought as she made her way down one of the ground-floor hallways. John had told her his study was on that level, and she guessed that’s where he’d ended up after he took the phone call she’d heard from the kitchen while she was eating dinner. It was only nine o’clock. Much too early for him to have gone to bed.
Soft music sounded from the end of the hallway. She couldn’t quite make it out, but it sounded an awful lot like Christmas music which surprised her since there were no decorations inside the house either. She walked along the hallway, taking note of the artwork lit up by fancy wall sconces that lined the walls, until she reached a door that was slightly ajar and had light spilling out from it.
She peered in, not at all surprised to see John leaning over his large walnut desk, head in hands pouring over a thick three-ring binder. Not wanting to startle him, she gave a light knock on the door. “Hello. Is everything all right?”
Looking up, he released a tired sigh. “I’m not sure.”
“Would you like to talk about it?” She still had her own agenda, but maybe now wasn’t the right time. He seemed to have pressing matters consuming his attention.
He leaned back in his chair and placed his hands behind his head. He looked handsomely rugged with his shirt sleeves rolled up and a day’s stubble dusting his chin.
“It depends. What do you know about the new Bayside development?”
Her eyes widened. “The…the new housing and community centre off Bayside Road?”
&
nbsp; “That’s the one.”
She gulped. Don’t tell me he owns the very development where I’m planning to live. She slipped into the room and perched on the oversized leather chair facing his desk.
“We’re opening to the public week after next, and we’re hosting a free Christmas Extravaganza there on Christmas Eve, much like the ones we used to have when we were kids. Do you remember them? Carols by candlelight, a funfair, loads of food and ice cream. And of course, a visit by Santa, although I want the focus to be on the true meaning of Christmas.”
Wow. She’d planned to go to the Extravaganza with a girlfriend, but her new job had thrown those plans out the window. She nodded. “Yes, I remember.” How could she forget? Especially the ones when she’d followed him around like a love-sick puppy. But he wouldn’t remember that. He probably hadn’t even been aware she was there. “I’d heard the event was happening this year and had planned to go to it,” she finally replied.
“Really?”
She nodded again.
“It’s a small world.”
Not nearly as small as you think…
“Why don’t you still come and bring the children? It’ll be a lot of fun.”
Hmmm… That meant he hadn’t been planning to spend Christmas Eve with his own family. “Okay…” She narrowed her eyes. “But what’s got you worried?”
He groaned. “We just lost the caterer.”
“Two weeks before Christmas?”
“Yep.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“That’s kind of you to ask, but don’t worry yourself. I’ve got an entire team working on the party and I’ve already given the project manager a list of caterers to contact. We’ll be back on track in no time.”
“Well, if you need anything…” She stood to take her leave, her own agenda temporarily forgotten.
“Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind.” Their gazes met and his compelling eyes riveted her to the spot. There was something tangible between them. Maybe it was simply their past connection, but if she were honest, her infatuation as a twelve-year-old with John Robertson was quickly resurfacing.
“Do you remember how to get to your rooms, or would you like me to walk with you?”
Her heart thumped faster. It was a tempting offer. But no, she knew the way. And besides, she needed to calm her heart. “Thanks, but I think I can remember.”
“I hope you sleep well in your new surroundings. Goodnight, Ruth.”
“Goodnight, John.” She gave him a smile as she made her way out of his office into the hallway, her heart heaving. Slumping against the wall, she closed her eyes. He’d grown into such a handsome and kind man. If she wasn’t careful, she’d soon be falling in love with him. If she hadn’t already.
Chapter 11
Ruth and the children hadn’t seen John in almost two days. He’d left for the office each morning before they woke and didn’t return until long after the household had settled in each night. His long hours worried her. She could see how much the children missed him, and she fully intended to speak with him when she saw him next.
She was pleased, however, with the routine they’d begun to settle into. Even Bethany had started to warm towards her, if only a little. Still, it was progress and gave Ruth hope.
On the third morning, when Ruth and Bethany were sitting at the breakfast bar alone, Stuart and Molly both having raced outside to pat the dogs before having theirs, Ruth took the opportunity to speak with her. “Is there anything special you’d like to do these holidays, Bethany?”
The girl looked up and raised a brow, as if taunting her. “Do you really want to know?”
Ruth nodded. “I do, or I wouldn’t have asked.”
The corner of Bethany’s lip twitched and she fixed her gaze on the cereal packet in the middle of the table. When she spoke, her voice was so quiet Ruth wasn’t sure she heard her correctly when she said, “I want to take surfing lessons.”
“Sorry. Did you say surfing lessons?”
Bethany pulled her gaze from the cereal packet and held Ruth’s. “Yes.”
“I think that’s wonderful!” Ruth wanted to lean over and squeeze her in a tight embrace but thought better of it. But her heart swelled. That Bethany had trusted her enough to share this was a real breakthrough.
“Really? You do?” Bethany’s eyes widened.
“Really and truly. Have you told your father?”
She looked down and fiddled with her hands. “No, he’d probably just say it’s silly.” She seemed to already be defeated, and Ruth winced with the pain she felt radiating from Bethany. But why would she be so hesitant to ask her father? Ruth hadn’t detected any real problem between the two, other than the fact that John was rarely at home.
“I’ll talk to him about it if you like.” Surely John would be eager to allow his daughter to do an activity that involved sunshine and water. It had to be better than her being on her iPad all day.
“Would you?” Bethany’s expression brightened with hope, and Ruth nodded quickly before Stuart and Molly raced into the kitchen and jumped on their stools.
“Do we have to have cereal again?” Stuart had enough of a whine in his voice to earn a pointed look from Ruth.
“Cereal during the week, you know that,” she replied. “Weekends are for special treats like pancakes and bacon.”
He immediately flashed a bright smile and took a large sip of his orange juice. Breakfast had quickly turned into Ruth’s favourite time in the Montgomery house. Madeline didn’t arrive until later in the morning, so it was her responsibility to ensure the children were fed, and she enjoyed spending the time with them as they ate their cereal and toast.
“I like cereal,” Molly chimed in, never missing an opportunity to appear better than her brother.
“You like everything,” Bethany added, snidely.
“All right, then, no more of that.” Ruth clapped her hands and looked out the large bay window onto the beautifully manicured lawn. “So, what shall we do today?”
“I want to go riding with Dwayne,” Stuart said through a large milky bite of his cereal.
Ruth searched her memory for who Dwayne was and came to the conclusion that she needed to consult the instruction manual. As much as she found an instruction manual for children to be a laughable idea, when it came to lists of their friends and activities they enjoyed and were allowed to participate in, it was rather helpful. Turning to Stuart’s pages while he ate, she found it was indeed okay for him to go bike riding with Dwayne. The boy lived in the neighbourhood and his family’s estate shared common paths with the Montgomery estate.
“Okay then, you can go riding with your friend. But no crossing the main road. Stick to the paths between the houses.”
He jumped up from the table, quickly putting his dish into the sink, and ran out the door in a flash. Ruth shook her head and laughed before turning to the girls. “All right, it’s just us three. What shall we do today?”
Bethany shrugged. “It doesn’t matter what we do, it’s going to be boring.”
Ruth sighed. One step forward, two back, it seemed. Before she could stop herself, she tossed the older girl a stern look but immediately regretted it. Maybe that wasn’t the way to go about getting close to Bethany.
“What do you think we should do, Ruth?” Molly asked before Ruth could say anything further.
She placed her hand on her chin and played hard at pretending to think. “Well,” she finally answered, “how about we put up a Christmas tree and decorate the house for Christmas?”
Both girls’ eyes lit up. “Rose said it would be too much trouble,” Bethany said, “so we forgot about it.”
“Too much trouble to decorate for Christmas? Not at all! It’s the most wonderful time of year!” Why would anyone think it was too much trouble? Ruth was aghast that her predecessor had thought that, but then perhaps her mind had been elsewhere… with her sick father. She could understand how difficult it would be to be excite
d about Christmas decorations when your father was so unwell.
“Let’s get dressed for the day, shall we, and then we can head to the stores and get all the decorations we need.”
The two girls exchanged a knowing glance. “We don’t need to go shopping,” Bethany said.
“Of course we do,” Ruth replied, suddenly excited with the idea of bringing some Christmas cheer into the Montgomery house. “How else will we get the items we need to trim the tree? We need tinsel and ornaments. We can make some, I guess, oh, and of course, we need a tree—”
“No, you don’t understand,” Bethany said again, hands on her hips as she stopped Ruth’s rapid-fire train of thought in the middle of her list making. “We have a tree. We have two as a matter of fact.”
“Yeah,” Molly said. “And we have boxes and boxes of decorations in the garage. I’ve seen them.”
“Okay. Let’s go. Show me.”
The girls were right. There was indeed a plethora of boxes containing Christmas decorations in the garage storage area. She looked for one that might contain the tree, and finally came across two long cardboard boxes with sturdy plastic handles running along one side, labelled ‘Tree’. Ruth struggled to get them down from the top shelf and was pleased when Bethany offered to help.
Once the boxes were on the floor, she straightened and wiped the sweat from her brow. She and the girls had been digging out boxes labelled Christmas for over an hour, and now, having found the trees, she was satisfied with what they’d discovered. There’d be enough lights and decorations to bring a truckload of holiday cheer to the Montgomery house.
More than once, Ruth glanced outside and noticed Stuart and his friend Dwayne craning their necks over the handlebars of their bikes to see what the girls were up to. She was pleased that he’d listened to her and had stayed around the paths on the property.
“We’re going to start trimming the tree if you and your friend would like to come,” she called out the next time they passed. “Madeline’s making iced chocolate with marshmallows as well.” Ruth couldn’t help but smile at the look the two boys exchanged. Bicycles quickly forgotten, they sprinted to join the girls in the house.
Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series Page 40