A Love Worth Waiting For

A Love Worth Waiting For
Jillian Hart

Jaded jet-setter Noah Ashton arrived in Montana with the sole purpose of making sure his beloved grandmother was not marrying a man out to steal her fortune.However, when he experienced a life-threatening crisis, the last person he expected to lean on was Julie Renton, the granddaughter of his grandmother's suitor. The small-town schoolteacher not only staunchly defended her grandfather's honor, but also opened this world-weary tycoon's eyes to the Lord's most precious blessings.A handsome and chivalrous Noah was everything Julie had ever dreamed of in a man. But even while she lavished him with sweet solace to see him through the hardships ahead, she sensed he had the power to shatter her fragile heart. It took a miracle from above to convince Julie she'd finally found a love worth fighting for.

If she closed her eyes,

she could still feel his touch.

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

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.”