Billionaires with Heart Boxset: Christian Romance Series

by Juliette Duncan

“And good morning to you. What’s made you so pensive this lovely morning?” Madeline carried her coffee to the counter and slid onto a stool opposite her.

  “Oh, it’s nothing, really,” Ruth replied, shrugging. Discussing John with Madeline wasn’t something she felt comfortable doing. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust her, but what would she sound like? Our boss wanted to kiss me last night, and I wanted him to.

  “Is it about Jonathon?” Madeline asked, as if reading her thoughts.

  “What?” Ruth looked up, her eyes widening. How had she guessed?

  “It’s not exactly a secret with the way you two look at each other.” Madeline sipped her coffee and grinned. “Anyone with a set of eyes can see there’s chemistry between you.”

  Was it that obvious? Ruth felt her cheeks burn. What did the other staff members think of her? That she was after his money? The thought made her nauseous. “What can I say? I feel so embarrassed, but it’s true. There is something between us, but it’s not what you think. We knew each other as children.”

  “Ahh! But I think there’s more to it than that.”

  Ruth blew out a breath. Gulped. Maybe she did need to talk about what was happening. Attempt to sort out her feelings. And Madeline was as good as any to talk with. As the longest serving employee, she knew John better than most. She looked up and met her friend’s gaze. “You’re right. I’ve been trying to fight it, but I can’t. Whenever I see him, my heart takes over. I think I’m falling for him and I don’t know what to do.”

  “Aww, sweetie.” Madeline reached out and squeezed her hand. “I don’t think you need to do anything. Jonathon is a good man. You’re a good woman. Take it slowly and see where it goes.”

  “But I’m his employee. It’s not right.”

  “Is he taking advantage of you?”

  “No. He’s been a perfect gentleman.”

  “Do you feel like he’s used his position as your boss to make you do things you don’t want to do?”

  “No, not even close.” Ruth laughed at the thought. If anything, she was the one who’d been insubordinate by challenging him and trying to make him see how his obsession with work was affecting the children.

  “Then I say, go for it! Maybe this is all part of God’s plan. You and Jonathon might be meant to have found each other.”

  Ruth closed her eyes. Could she be right? Could this possibly be God’s plan? Peggy had said a similar thing. Her heart swelled with a feeling that perhaps she was right where God wanted her to be. But how could it work? Once again, stumbling blocks bombarded her mind. They lived in different worlds. He was a billionaire. She had next to nothing. She was about to buy an apartment. He lived in this mansion.

  Trust Me…

  Ruth gulped. Lord, please help me. Show me what You want me to do. Let me be open to whatever You have in mind. “It’s not up to me to do anything,” she said to Madeline, all of a sudden feeling a surge of confidence grow within her as she considered the possibility of what could happen between her and John, “but if John makes the first move, I won’t step back. Okay?”

  Madeline’s smile widened in approval.

  Chapter 20

  Ruth floated through the day, until her phone rang and she learned that her loan had been approved and that she could move into her apartment in two weeks’ time. Normally the news would have made her ecstatic. For so long she’d dreamed of having her own place, but now the news left her with a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach. The prospect of living on her own, away from the children and John, left her cold. She thanked the bank manager and tucked the news away to process later.

  Right now, she needed to get the children ready for the Christmas Eve Extravaganza. She hadn’t seen John since the previous evening when he’d tried to kiss her. He’d left early that morning but had left instructions of where to go when they arrived. He would meet them and spend as much time with the children as he could.

  By four p.m., she and the children were dressed and ready. She called for the car John said would be waiting to take them to Melbourne. He didn’t want her driving because of the holiday traffic.

  When the limo pulled up in the circular drive and the chauffeur held the door open for her and the children, she felt like royalty. It seemed the kids were used to this way of travel as they proceeded to show her all the accessories and features as the limo whizzed them to the city.

  The children’s mouths gaped as they pulled up an hour later in front of the Bayside arena. Ruth struggled to contain her own surprise. What had been no more than a wasteland less than three weeks ago had been transformed into the biggest fairground she’d ever seen. John and his team had performed no less than a miracle.

  “This is amazing!” Stuart said, his eyes wide as he took everything in.

  “It is,” she agreed with him. Ruth held his and Molly’s hands tightly as they walked along with the crowd all heading in the same direction towards the gigantic Christmas tree that was so tall it would almost be visible from the centre of Melbourne. Bethany sauntered behind, and Ruth kept checking to make sure she was still following. Bethany had wanted to stay back and attend the Christmas Eve service at their church. Ruth knew why… Stephen would be there. Her heart went out to the girl because she knew exactly how she felt, but she was only twelve, and it was Christmas Eve, and she needed to be with her family.

  Both Stuart and Molly wanted to look at every game, activity, jumping pillow and ride they passed. Ruth kept assuring them they’d have plenty of time to come back and go on everything they wanted. Besides, nothing was running yet. Everything would start later, after their father officially opened the evening.

  At the main stage, a live nativity play, complete with donkeys, cows, sheep, shepherds, wise men on camels, and of course, baby Jesus in the manger, was in action. The Extravaganza was just as John had promised it would be with a focus on the real message of Christmas—the birth of Jesus. She found a spare spot of lawn in front of the stage, and after spreading out the blanket she’d brought, told the children to get comfy and watch the play.

  During the performance, Ruth’s gaze travelled to the new apartment blocks surrounding the field. Her new apartment was on the third floor of the block on the left. In two weeks’ time she could move in, but the prospect of leaving the children, and John, filled her with anguish. There was no way she could pull out of the transaction now, however. In two weeks’ time, the apartment would be hers.

  When the performance was over, John walked onto the stage and stepped up to the microphone. He looked so at ease, and Ruth couldn’t take her eyes off him. Neither could Molly, who pointed at him and proudly proclaimed that he was her daddy.

  He smiled at the crowd and then began to speak confidently. Warmly. “Thank you all for coming tonight. As many of you know, the Bayside project is near and dear to my heart. I grew up in this area, and I love the spirit of community that’s so evident amongst you all.” The crowd quieted as he proceeded to describe the importance of community, affordable housing, and his desire to help those who needed it the most. “It’s my hope that this new development will give many of you the opportunity to own your own homes for the first time. Also, the training college will provide many of you with new skills so that you can obtain employment. But most of all, my wish is that this development will enhance the sense of community you already have. You have an amazing connection with each other, and that’s something money can’t buy. God bless you all this Christmas. Enjoy the Extravaganza. Here’s to you, Bayside! Now let’s sing some Christmas carols while we wait for Santa to arrive!”

  A round of applause broke out as he waved and stepped away from the microphone. As the band began playing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Ruth’s pulse quickened as he headed towards them. Their gazes briefly locked before he squatted down and hugged the children.

  “Well, don’t you all look festive,” Jonathon said as he approached his family. Without thinking, he included Ruth as part of that grouping. Despite the size of
the crowd, his gaze had been drawn to her as he’d spoken from the stage. She looked gorgeous in a red blouse and figure-hugging jeans, her auburn hair bouncing softly on her shoulders. He hadn’t seen her since the previous night, but all day he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about what would have happened if Molly hadn’t interrupted them, and now, she seemed unaware of the captivating picture she made. He gave her a smile he hoped would put her at ease, but her face flamed before she averted her gaze. The almost kiss had changed things between them, that was for sure.

  “Dad! This is a really a cool party,” Stuart said while Molly wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.

  “I’m glad you like it, buddy.” He turned his focus to his daughter. “You look very pretty, Molly. Did Ruth do your hair?”

  “Yes! And she said we can go on the rides soon.” Her face was animated and bright.

  He ruffled her hair. “Soon, but I’ve got a special job lined up for you guys first.”

  “Really Daddy? What is it?”

  He smiled at his youngest daughter’s enthusiasm. “How would you like to be Santa’s helpers and hand out the gifts to all the kids?”

  “Like an elf?” she asked.

  “No, silly,” Stuart said. “Elves make the presents.”

  “You don’t believe that, do you?” Bethany said, rolling her eyes.

  “Come on, Bethie, it’s just a bit of fun.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “And besides, I’ve got another surprise for you.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I hope it’s got nothing to do with Santa.”

  “Nothing at all. Why don’t you turn around?”

  Frowning, she slowly turned and squealed with delight when her best friend, Marcia, stepped forward and hugged her. “Dad! How did you do this?”

  He gave a half shrug and a chuckle. “I have my ways and means.”

  “Seriously…”

  He smiled. “Ruth suggested it. She thought it might be nice for you to have a friend here tonight. Marcia’s parents were more than happy for her to come since they had an official engagement in the city they had to attend.”

  “Thank you so much! Both of you. This is so cool.” She jumped up and down and hugged Ruth and then Jonathon.

  He smiled. “You’re welcome, Bethie. I’m glad you’re happy.”

  “Can we go on the rides now?” she asked.

  Jonathon chuckled. It really was wonderful to see his eldest daughter so excited. “Sorry sweetheart, they’re not starting until after all the gifts are handed out.”

  Her shoulders fell. “Okay. You win. Can we help?”

  “I never thought you’d ask. But yes, you sure can.”

  A short while later, as the children from the community gathered around Santa, Jonathon watched from a distance with Ruth beside him. Each neighbourhood child was given a gift, and the delight in his own children’s eyes at seeing the joy in others was exactly what he’d hoped would happen when he’d planned for them to help. Their upbringing was so different to what his and Ruth’s had been. It wasn’t their fault, but he wanted them to appreciate that not all children were as fortunate as they were, and that it was more blessed to give than to receive.

  “You should feel proud of them, John. Most kids would be upset to not be receiving gifts, but not yours. Look how happy they are simply seeing the happiness in others. You’ve raised wonderful children.”

  “Thank you. Their mother would be so proud if she could see them.” He swallowed hard. It was the first time he’d thought of Larissa in days and the realisation hit him hard. He was slowly letting go, moving on. He fingered his wedding band and wondered how long it might be before he removed it. Somehow, looking at Ruth, he sensed it might be soon.

  She smiled. “You never know, she might be watching them right now. But whether she is or isn’t, I’m sure she’d not only be proud of the children, but of you as well.” She paused, her gaze lingering on his. “This is truly a remarkable event, John. This community needs a centre like this and your passion for helping others is amazing.”

  Her words touched him, and he wasn’t sure how to respond, so he simply said, “Thank you.”

  After all the gifts had been handed out, and Christmas food hampers distributed to each and every community family, the rides and activities started. For the next couple of hours, he and Ruth wandered around together trying to keep an eye on Stuart and Molly as they darted from ride to ride, activity to activity. Bethany and Marcia went off on their own, although they were to check in every half hour.

  Jonathon so much wanted to hold Ruth’s hand. Every now and then he reached out but at the last moment drew back. He was totally entranced by her, but this was not the time or place to publicise his feelings. Nevertheless, each time their gazes met or their hands lightly brushed, the pull was stronger.

  The evening concluded with an explosive round of fireworks and a prayer by one of the local ministers. After all the planning, Jonathon couldn’t have been more pleased with the way the event had gone off without a hitch. He owed his team a debt of gratitude, and now, he needed to help pack up.

  He turned to Ruth and told her he needed to stay behind, but as the words rolled off his tongue, she placed a hand on his arm and looked him in the eye. “Jonathon, you have people for that. It’s Christmas Eve, come home with your children. They need you.”

  It was the first time she’d called him Jonathon, and the sound of it made his heart sing.

  He nodded. “You’re right, let’s go home.”

  Chapter 21

  Jonathon sat opposite Ruth in the limousine on the way home, flanked by Stuart and Molly who chatted almost non-stop the whole way about the rides they’d been on and the awesome fireworks at the end. Ruth remained quiet except for the occasional word with Bethany. Her friend, Marcia, had been collected by her parents, and she seemed content to also sit quietly and look out the window.

  Ruth made every effort to avoid meeting Jonathon’s gaze, but being so close, it was difficult. For the most part, she stared out into the darkness, her body tense. Jonathon confused her. The whole time at the Extravaganza he’d been pleasant. Pleasant! Apart from when their gazes had briefly met after he descended from the stage, he’d given no indication that he was interested in her at all and she was beginning to think she’d totally misread his intentions the other evening. He might have at least said something. Held her hand. Looked into her eyes. He’d had plenty of opportunity to do something as they walked around together for hours. But nothing. She’d misread him and now she was going to have her heart broken. She just knew it.

  Arriving home an hour later, Ruth expected Jonathon would send the children straight to bed, but instead, he suggested hot chocolate for everyone. “I won’t be long. Why don’t you all go into the living room while I grab the drinks?”

  Ruth ushered the children into the room while Jonathon headed to the kitchen.

  “Wow!” Molly ran over to the tree where a pile of presents had appeared while they’d been out.

  “Dad, Santa’s been here!” Stuart shouted as he joined Molly at the foot of the tree.

  “Already?” Moments later, Jonathon came into the room carrying a tray with the makings of hot chocolate, including a pile of fluffy marshmallows. “Well, you know the rules. One gift tonight, the rest tomorrow.”

  Ruth chuckled. That was always how her Christmas Eves went with David when he was young. He would argue, plead, and barter to stay up as late as possible, and she would do her best to usher him to bed as early as possible. Usually they compromised somewhere in between with her agreeing to allow him to open one gift if he promised to go to bed, and then he could open the rest in the morning. Seemed the Montgomery family had the same rules.

  He gave her a wink, and it occurred to her that he must have planned all of this.

  “Okay everyone, pick one.” He didn’t have to tell them twice. Ruth was surprised when each of them, including Bethany who had now joined them, pulled out a medium-sized gif
t. She was sure their excitement would cause them to pull the largest from the stack.

  Jonathon crossed the room to the stereo system and put on some Christmas music. The scene unfolding around Ruth was cosy, familial. It would be so easy to get hurt. This wasn’t her family. She needed to remember that, and soon she would be leaving.

  Thirty minutes later, after the hot chocolates were finished and the children had finally grown sleepy, Ruth suggested Stuart and Bethany take themselves upstairs, brush their teeth and climb into bed. However, Molly had fallen asleep in her father’s lap as he sat in his leather armchair.

  It was a picture-perfect father and daughter snap. Molly’s sweet mouth rimmed with chocolate. Christmas lights dancing on her hair. Ruth didn’t want to disturb her, but Molly needed to sleep in her own bed. She stood and approached Jonathon. “I can take her up,” she whispered, trying to avoid eye contact with him.

  “No, I’ll take her. It’s fine.” There was a gentleness in his voice, and when he looked up, their gazes momentarily met. His eyes were soft and warm, and her heart melted. He stood slowly, careful to hold Molly so she didn’t wake. As he headed to the stairs, he turned and looked at Ruth. “Have a drink with me when I return?”

  Her heart lurched. She hadn’t misread him after all. Words no longer seemed to work for her, so she simply nodded before he carried Molly upstairs.

  As Jonathon walked up the stairs with Molly in his arms, her eyes fluttered and then opened. “Is it Christmas yet, Daddy?”

  He chuckled. “No, sweetheart, but it soon will be. Did you have a good day today?”

  “Yes. It was so much fun. Can we do it again?”

  “We’ll see, but right now, you need to get to bed, and when you wake up, it will be Christmas.”

  “Yay!” A sweet smile grew on her face, melting his heart.

  When he tucked her into her bed, she reached up her arms and said, “I love you, Daddy.”