A Love Worth Waiting For

His warm, steady hand cradling her chin. His feather-soft kiss on her cheek… Julie tried to forget the emotional closeness they’d shared, but it was impossible.

I’m concerned about his health, that’s all this is, she tried to tell herself. But that wasn’t the whole truth. She had so wanted Noah to stay with her, instead of leaving on his jet. She wished she had the chance to comfort him. She wished that when he was hurting, and when he needed someone to hold on to, he would reach for her.

But he’d gone back to his life in New York. It was a few minutes past midnight, which meant it would be three in the morning in New York. He’d be fast asleep, and in a few hours his alarm would go off and he’d start his day. It would be a day without her. A day where he wouldn’t think of her once.

But she would think of him….

JILLIAN HART

grew up in a small rural town in Washington State, where she could ride horses and hike in the mountains any time she wished. Although she left home, went to college, got married and moved to the city, she is still a country girl at heart. When Jillian’s not hard at work on her next story, she reads, stops for café mochas and putters around her rose garden.

A Love Worth Waiting For

Jillian Hart

MILLS & BOON

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Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.

—Psalms 119:105

To Cheryl McGee and Jolene Haskins—

extraordinary women, writers and friends.

The writingchicks rule.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Letter to Reader

Chapter One

“Noah!”

She was in his arms the second he’d stepped away from the crowded gate. Noah Ashton couldn’t get over it. His little sister, Hope, married and glowing, flung her arms around his neck, squeezed tight and then stepped back to look him over.

Her brows furrowed and her mouth pursed downward as she scanned him from head to toe. Noah liked that about Hope, that she fussed over him. Not that he needed it and not that it made a bit of difference. She always had the same complaints when it came to his lifestyle.

“Do I meet with your approval?”

“You most certainly do not, and you know it, mister.” She scowled, eyes flashing. “You look like death warmed over.”

“I’m just tired, that’s all. Long day, long night, long flight.” Noah brushed aside her concern with a wave of one hand. “I’m good as gold.”

“Gold is a lifeless mineral.”

“Ah, but it’s of great value.”

“You know what I mean.” She slipped her slim arm around his, steering him down the small breeze-way in the tiny Montana airport. “You work too hard. Our grandmother is worried about you.”

“Nanna hasn’t seen me since your wedding. For all she knows, I’m still as good-looking as ever.”

“Good-looking?” Hope’s smile dazzled, teasing him right back. “There is something wrong with you, brother dear. You’re delusional.”

“Hey, women tell me I’m handsome all the time.”

“What kind of women have you been hanging around? They obviously have terrible taste when it comes to men.” Her dark eyes sparkled with humor.

Hope loved teasing him, he knew it, but he was a good guy. Did he deserve being hassled? “Hey, wait a minute. Not five minutes off that plane and you’re torturing me. I’m a billionaire. I don’t need to put up with this.”

“You’re only getting what you deserve.” She winked at him. “You’ve hardly spoken to me since my wedding. I’ve been busy, but never too busy to talk with you.”

“I’ve been overburdened with this takeover, and I figured being a newlywed, you needed time with your husband.” Noah shrugged, not sure how to feel about his sister’s decision to marry. Good luck in marriage genes just didn’t run in their family. “Are you doing all right? Married life agrees with you?”

“It sure does. Why, are you thinking about trying it?”

“Not in this lifetime.” Noah swung his carry-on over his shoulder, steering Hope toward baggage claim. “I want you to be happy—don’t get me wrong—but after watching our parents year in and year out, I still can’t believe you’re giving marriage a try.”

“I’m not giving it a try. I’m in for life. And don’t give me that look. Not every marriage was like our parents’.” She led the way through the doors and into the crisp weather. “I never thought I could be so blessed.”

She did look happy. She sparkled when she smiled. It was as if she’d found her heart’s desire. Now there was a concept—the words happy and married in the same thought.

Remembering the chaos of his childhood, Noah shivered. If true love were possible, it had to be a rare occurrence—like a total eclipse of the sun.

Great that his sister was happy as a newlywed, but he wasn’t about to be led astray from the path he’d chosen—a single, unattached bachelor’s life. He wasn’t about to wish there could be a woman out there who would love him just the way he was.

“Nanna is so excited you’ve come,” Hope told him after he’d grabbed his luggage, and when they were weaving between cars in the parking lot. “It means so much to her that you’ll be at the party tonight.”

“I wouldn’t miss it—you know that.” Tenderness filled his chest at the thought of their grandmother. “How’s she doing?”

“Fantastic.” Hope pressed her remote key chain and the side door on her minivan slid open. “Getting married at her stage in life is an exciting event. She wants to make sure she does it right.”

“And the engagement party is the kick-off event?”

“It’s a celebration, Noah, not a football game.” Hope stole his briefcase from him and set it on the floor of her van. “Tell me it isn’t so, that you didn’t bring work.”

“Of course I did. You know I have to. I have a company to keep afloat while I’m here.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of a vacation? You know, where you leave your desk and phone behind and go someplace and enjoy recreation?”

“I’ve heard of it. Never tried it myself. Could be addictive and destroy my carefully guarded work ethic.”

“No wonder you look like death warmed over. You really don’t look well.”

She’d hit a nerve, but he didn’t want her to know that. Whatever his problems were, they were his. That’s the way he was made—he could solve his own troubles. “I’m jet-lagged. Just came back from Japan.”

“That would explain it. Okay, you’re off the hook. For now.”

He deposited his suitcase and garment bag on the floor. Now what? How did he tell his sister, who loved him and thought she was doing the best for him, that he didn’t know about the state of his health? When he’d flown in from Tokyo last week, he’d spent the night in the emergency room.

He opted not to tell her and snapped the seat belt into place instead.

Hope negotiated her minivan through the airport traffic and soon they were pulling onto the freeway. The Christian country music on the radio mumbled in the background as the miles sped by. Noah stared out the window at the road ribboning between gently rolling fields. The rugged snow-capped mountains, dead ahead, rose up from the horizon to touch the enormous blue sky.

Peace. For a brief moment, the restlessness within him stilled. What would it be like to live here, spend each day absorbing the beauty and the quiet, letting serenity settle over like the sun from above?

Then his cell phone rang, and Hope glared at him in that sisterly way that said she was still worried about him.

Not able to tell her why he had to work, why there would be no peace for him, he took the call.

The church hall was warm and friendly despite the darkening storm outside, and the heater clicked on just as Julie Renton was stretching on tiptoe on the second-to-the-top step on the ladder. The crepe paper rustled as she pressed it to the ceiling. The air current from the nearby duct tore the streamer of pink from her fingers and sent it fluttering to the carpeted floor.

On the other end of the streamer, Susan Whitly cried out in protest as the end she was securing to the opposite corner popped out of her grip.

“Sorry.” Laughing, Julie scurried down the step-ladder to rescue the crepe paper. “Doom strikes again.”

“The more you say the word doom, the more it’s going to follow you around like a dark cloud,” Misty Collins called from the corner where she was draping the last of the tables with beautiful shimmery pink cloths. “Everything’s coming along fine. We’ll be done in time for the party.”

“I can’t help seeing disaster.” Julie glanced around the large hall, already half-decorated thanks to her very best friends. “Granddad’s had it tough over the past few years. Now that he’s found happiness, I want this party to be perfect. To sort of kick off this exciting new phase of his life.”

“With all the hard work you’ve done and the plans you’ve made, it will be beautiful,” Susan assured her from high atop the other ladder. “Your grandfather is going to have a wonderful time.”

“I’m praying that you’re right!”

The party had to be perfect for him, Julie thought as she climbed up the rickety ladder. It wasn’t every day a girl’s grandfather got engaged. After being a widower for so long, Granddad deserved as much joy as he could get.

He’d been the only close family she’d had after Mom left.

“They say Nora’s grandson is coming tonight.” Misty smoothed wrinkles from the tablecloth. “You know, the really rich one.”

Julie inwardly groaned. She was under enough pressure with this party going well. “I don’t want to think about the billionaire.”

“Why not?” Misty opened a package of lace place mats. “I mean, he’s a billionaire. You know. With billions of dollars.”

“That doesn’t mean he’s nice.” Julie pressed the streamer into place. “Just because he’s rich doesn’t mean he’s gracious or polite or even understanding about a party for his grandmother. He’s probably used to events far more lavish than we could ever dream of. What if he doesn’t think our efforts are good enough and isn’t afraid to say so?”

“Julie, don’t worry.” Susan leaned the ladder safely against the wall. “This Mr. Ashton may be rich, but he’s got to have a heart. He has to want his grandmother to be happy.”

“What if he thinks my grandfather isn’t good enough for his grandmother?” Julie’s throat felt tight as she tossed the tape roll into the cardboard box she’d brought all her supplies in.

“Who knows? Rich Mr. James Noah Ashton the Third was on the cover of some magazine I was reading at the dentist’s office. He lives a grand lifestyle.” Misty argued. “I wouldn’t mind some of that.”

“Hey, I saw that picture and I thought he was to-die-for,” Susan added. “He looked really nice. Like a real gentleman.”

Hmm, a gentleman? Julie wasn’t too sure about that. “Can you really tell from a magazine picture? Especially where they airbrushed away all his flaws?”

“What flaws? Judging by the picture, I don’t think the man has one itty-bitty imperfection.”

Julie sighed and didn’t say a word. The indentation on her left ring finger remained from the engagement ring she’d worn for over a year. She definitely knew about men’s imperfections. Specifically their unwillingness to commit.

“Maybe this Ashton guy isn’t so bad,” Misty argued. “Even if he does have blemishes or scars or something. His coming here to our little town, don’t you think it’s like a fairy tale? He could be my Prince Charming come to rescue me.”

Julie helped Misty with the last of the candlesticks. “I love that you’re an optimist, but believe me, I don’t think Prince Charming exists.”

“They do on my daily soap opera,” she insisted. “Don’t mess with my dreams.”

Everyone laughed, even Julie. Okay, so she was a little disillusioned. She didn’t mean to be. It had been a difficult year, learning to set aside her long-cherished dreams of a husband and children of her own. Her heart still ached.

Maybe someday her own prince would come, a man who wouldn’t leave her, who’d never let her down.

It was a prayer, a wish really, and Julie knew deep in her heart it was one wish that would never come true.

The sound of the car door closing shot like a bullet in the quiet. Probably Granddad. Right on time, as always.

“Is that our promised pizza?”

“And our reliable deliveryman,” Julie confirmed. “I’d better go help him. You guys stay here and put up your feet.”

Cold wind hit her face, reminding her that winter was on its way. Soon, Granddad’s wedding would be here, and she’d be celebrating the holidays alone.

But it’s good for him, Julie reminded herself, and let the cold wind blow over her, chasing away the heaviness of lost dreams. She had friends, and she still had her grandfather, who was heading her way, awkwardly balancing a couple of pizza cartons.

“Julie!” he called out, his voice deep and robust, the way an old cowboy should sound. “I hope I got the order right. Good thing is they’re still hot.”

“You’re my favorite granddad for doing this.” She ducked his Stetson brim to kiss him on the cheek, cool from the chilly air.

“Least I could do for the girls who are making my Nora’s party special.”

“Let me take these.” She lifted the boxes from his arms. “Everyone’s done a great job. The hall looks so nice. Do you want to come see?”

He looked sheepish—and a little panicked. “An old rustler like me dining with fine young women like you? Nope. Somethin’ tells me I’d best be on my way.”

“Shy, are you?” She tucked a twenty-dollar bill into his pocket and argued when he tried he give it back to her. “I’ll let you get away with running out on us this time, because I know you have a beautiful woman waiting for you.”

“Nora’s grandson’s gonna be there, you know.” Granddad pulled his Stetson low over his brows. His mouth pressed into a tight, worried line. “Not sure how I feel about meeting him, though. My Nora puts a lot of stock in that grandson of hers. Thinks anything he says is as good as gold.”

“Well, if he doesn’t take one look at you and see what a decent, honorable man you are, then I can teach him a lesson or two. I didn’t win state in calf roping two years in a row for nothing.”

“That’s my girl.” Laughing, Granddad tipped his hat and backed away. “Wish me a bucket of luck, girl, cuz I’m fairly certain I’m going to need it. If I need help, I’ll give you a call.”

“You can count on me, Granddad.”

“I know I can. You take care, now, you hear?” He climbed into his classic pickup and started the engine. He tipped his hat again as he drove away.

The church’s side door swung open with a squeak. It was Susan. “Hey, I thought we lost you. We’re some serious hungry women. I don’t think you should keep us waiting.”

“I’ve got the goods right here.” Julie held the boxes level as she headed for the open door.

The warmth of the church beckoned her, but the cold kept hold on her. She wished she could do something to take away her grandfather’s troubles.

She watched the red taillights of his pickup fade from sight. “They don’t make men like Granddad anymore.”

“Oh, there’s a few good ones around. The tough part is finding them.”

“Tough? How about impossible? I’ve been trying to find one to call my own, and I’ve given up.”

“That’s when it happens, you know.” Susan held the door wide. “When you’ve given up all hope and you don’t think you’ll ever find love, love finds you.”

Not me, Julie wanted to say, but what was the point? Susan had her beliefs, and Julie had hers. Three failed engagements that had taken more of her heart and her confidence each time she gave back the diamond ring.

She didn’t have a lot of heart and confidence left to risk on another man, another dream, another chance for happily-ever-after.

She’d make the most of the life God had given her—and that was easy. Look at all the blessings she had—a wonderful grandfather and soon a new grandmother, and lifelong friends she loved like sisters. What a beautiful life she had.

“We’re starving,” Misty called from inside the hall. “Is that pepperoni I smell?”

Because anyone holding a pepperoni pizza was popular, Julie hurried into the hall to share the meal with her friends.

Chapter Two

“Consider this fair warning.”

“Warning for what?” Noah bounced in the seat as his sister navigated her minivan along the stretch of dirt that passed for a driveway. “Maybe I should see that this road gets paved.”

Hope shot him a withering look. “Forget the driveway. It’s been newly graveled. I’m trying to look out for your best interests. Nanna has her agenda.”

“Believe me, I know. She hits me over the head with it every week when I call her.” Noah squared his shoulders. “Don’t worry, I can handle her. I’m bigger and stronger. I have a will of steel.”

“Hey, Superman, I give Nanna two minutes before she brings up the subject of marriage.”

“Marriage is like kryptonite to a man like me.” Noah winked at her. “One and a half minutes, I say. She’s gotten pushy since she’s become engaged. Wants to spread the torture around I guess.”

“Misery loves company.” Hope winked right back at him. “I can handle Nanna. She’s not going to marry me off.”

“We’ll see about that.” Hope brought the vehicle to a stop in the gravel driveway, beneath the shelter of a mighty oak. Rain sputtered from the sky, making the wipers skid on the windshield. “Did you want me to pick you up? Or are you taking Nanna to the party?”

“I have no idea. I’m just along for the ride.” He opened the door. The cool and damp air rushing over him was enough to make him shiver as he stepped onto Montana soil. “Go home to your husband and kids. Thanks for the ride.”

“Anytime.”

He grabbed his bags and briefcase. His sister drove away, leaving him standing in the noontime rain.

The windows of the old white farmhouse glowed like a promise of shelter from the storm. The front door swung wide, casting a generous swatch of light onto the old-fashioned porch. Noah’s chest warmed at the sight of the woman framed in the doorway.

“There you are.” Nanna opened her arms wide, and he stepped into them. “I should have known my Noah would be here right on time. Oh, it’s good to see my boy.”

He hadn’t been a boy in over twenty years, but he didn’t correct her. “You’re looking as lovely as ever. I guess being in love agrees with you.”

“And why shouldn’t it? Love is one of God’s greatest blessings and one day you’re going to discover it for yourself. I’ve been praying, so you’d better watch out, my boy.” She broke away and nudged him into the threshold. “Let me take a good look at you.”

“I’m fine.”

“Fine, my foot! Why, James Noah Ashton you look terrible. Simply terrible. What have you been doing to yourself?” Nanna shook her head, her mouth tight with disapproval. “I know what you’ve been up to, lying to me on the phone!”

“I wasn’t lying—” He was being selective. He didn’t know for sure if anything was wrong.

“Letting me think you’re better off than you are! I can take one look at you and see that you’ve been working day and night, not getting enough sleep. Not taking care of yourself. Eating restaurant food.”

“There’s nothing wrong with restaurant food.”

“Have you looked in a mirror lately? And why aren’t you wearing a coat? Come inside out of this cold.” She grabbed him by the arm and hauled him into her living room. “Now sit down and warm up in front of the fire.”

She had every right to scold, he figured. And as long as she went on about his lifestyle, she wasn’t bringing up the word marriage. He checked his watch. Two minutes and counting.

“It breaks my heart to see you alone,” Nanna called from the kitchen, not sounding heartbroken at all. Oh, no, she sounded like a four-star general on the eve of battle. “I had so hoped you would bring along a date. It’s not good for a man to be alone.”

“I’ve heard that before. Somewhere, I just can’t think where—” He strolled into the kitchen in time to see her wave her hand at him.

“Oh, you. Don’t blame a poor old woman for wanting to see her only grandson happy.”

“I am happy.” He kissed her cheek and stole the oven mitt from her. “Move aside and let the master work.”

“Master? You can’t cook, young man.” She chuckled, her laughter as sweet as a meadowlark’s song.

“That’s what you think. I bought this video series by some gourmet chef on how to cook. So you see, I can feed myself and I do know how to get stuff from the oven.”

“Just be careful. The pan is plumb full—”

“I won’t spill,” he told her gently, because he loved her. Noah lifted the heavy pan from the oven and set her culinary masterpiece on the trivet to cool. The delicious scents of Italian herbs made his mouth water. “Hey, I just thought of something. You could give me the recipe and maybe I can make it when I’m at home.”

“That I’d pay good money to see.” Nanna squeezed his arm. “The lasagna needs to cool. Come sit down and I’ll get you some of that lemonade you like. And no, I certainly will not give you my recipe. It has been a guarded secret in my family for generations.”

“Nanna, I am family.”

“When you have a wife and children of your own, then I’ll give you the recipe. How’s that?” Eyes twinkling, she led him to the round oak table near the windows.

“Maybe I’ll have to charm the recipe out of you because, face the truth, Nanna, I’m not getting married. Read my lips.”

“Oh, what you don’t know.” She tugged at his tie. “Sit down and relax. I’ve made up my mind to treat you so well, you’re never going to want to go back to the big city and the job that’s making you so unhappy.”

“I’m not unhappy,” he reminded her, and because he knew he could distract her, took her by the hand and pulled out a wooden chair. “My grandmother taught me to treat beautiful women with respect, so here, have a seat. I won’t take no for an answer.”

“There you go, charming me again. You’re trouble.”

“Don’t I know it. Now, sit.”

She slipped onto the cushioned seat with great resignation, but her eyes sparkled with pleasure. “It’s so good to have you here. Now my engagement party will be perfect.”

“It’s good to be here.” He found a pitcher of lemonade in the refrigerator. “Tell me more about this man you’re going to marry. When do I get to meet him?”

“Harold?” Nanna clasped her hands together. “Why, you’re going to love him!”

Noah snared two glasses from the cupboard. “He must be quite a man to win your heart.”

“He is! Oh, the plans we’ve been making. We’ve hired an architect and we’re going to build a new home, can you imagine? It’s a terrible big project, but oh, what fun I’ve been having. I’ve even decided on the house plan I want. It took a lot of looking, I tell you.”