Waiting On You: The Henderson Family Saga, Book 20

Henderson Family Saga #20

by Monica Walters, Taryn Henry (Narrator), Dylan Ford (Narrator)

Love is patient … Love is kind … Two unlikely hearts discover they are beating for the other.

Rylan Douglas, a calf roper and assistant CFO for Henderson Ranch and Farms, finds himself in a predicament. He’s fallen in love with a woman eight years his junior. That wouldn’t be a problem if they were older. While she’s an adult, he’s still hesitant about pursuing her. He doesn’t want anyone to think he’s taking advantage of her, especially since she’s extremely trusting of him. Her intellectual disability makes her even more vulnerable. However, he can’t seem to move on because he knows his heart belongs to her.

Angel Warner longs to feel love from a man and be cherished by him. That man enters her life when she’s eighteen years old, and she’s adamant about him, one day, being hers. Her mother and stepfather are extremely protective of her, and her mother has sheltered her for her entire life. Her naivety and innocence make her seem childlike, and she knows it’s because of her intellectual delays. However, she doesn’t let Down syndrome keep her from living. It simply makes her different. Knowing that Rylan sees past that and sees her heart only makes her long for him more.

Years blow by, and Rylan and Angel have a strong bond, but Rylan refuses to leave the friendzone he’s put them in because of the age gap. When he does try to give in to what he’s feeling for Angel, opposition halts them before they can begin. With both of them avoiding drama at all costs, how will they be together when drama is eminent? Will they choose peace and be miserable, or will they choose to fight for what they feel is meant to be?

Genres: Romance, African American

Audible Audio

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

Starting with poetry, writing has always been a constant in Monica's life. The interest began in her teenage years, being in love for the first time. Her love for writing has only progressed. Song lyrics and poetry led to short stories, then one day in her down time, a short story became a 56k word novel. It has been non-stop since then. Being a wife and mother, has only added to the joys of Monica's life. Attaining a BS in Sociology, helping her better understand people and their behaviors, has only helped her become a better writer, understanding characters and their complex personalities. Romance of all types has been her passion, and she plans to continue honing her skills in that genre.

Reviews

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn, Miss Monica! I didn't know you would have me all in my feelings like this! 🥹 Anywho, come on Rylan! I applauded the time he took to reconcile what he was feeling for Angel first. He was adamant about not being like his father, and wanted to keep everything on the up and up. He was kind to her, befriended her and allowed their friendship to blossom. When the time came, he even went to the house to talk to Decaurey man to man about his daughter. You are the man Rylan! 😍

Angel is a woman who knows what she wants. She was not going to allow her parents, or anyone else to stop her from being happy in her life. That happiness included Rylan, front and center.

I wanted to fight Decaurey for real, for real. I mean just dive right in, and deliver a two piece, with a shot to the gut! 🤬Really dude? It ain't like you don't know Rylan, his family, and his character. You were doing too much! Didn't even have a real conversation with the man, just flat out broke his heart, along with Angel's. You on my ish list forever bruh! 👀😤

Rylan being the stand-up man he is, had to remove himself from the chaos, as it was tearing him apart. As much as it hurt him to do so, he had to let go. It took Angel a minute to get her footing, but she did manage to move on, and dammit look what happened! 😤🤬

This waiting ish is for the birds, and Rylan was comin' for his woman, Decaurey be damned! Miss Angel been doin' her homework and was ready to let the freak out expeditiously. Cause girl what?? 😂 I loved how intentional Angel was about pleasing Rylan in every way. She was a let's get things movin' kinda girl. Don't pass go, and I don't give a damn about the $200! 😂 Rylan was a bit stunned in the beginning, but he was game for anything that made Angel happy. They were such an adorable couple. With the family rallying around them, they will be just fine. Enjoyed this ma'am!👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[Mia Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This one was just okay. I didn't get the feels from the main characters. Usually, I like all the books, or maybe it's just starting to be too many books in this series.

[Kerry Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could read about Angel & Rylan for another 500 pages!!!

[Keyerra Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

half way through the book i already knew i was rating this book 2 stars. This book was just weird. I want to say that their age gap didn’t bother me, but it kind of did in a sense of experience. ultimately, though I think Rylan irritated me the most. He just seemed like a child who didn’t know how to express himself and always seemed to go to extreme levels. moving to another city? excessive. Then let’s talk about angel, because she was way too aggressive. And I understand a girl who knows what she wants, but she just took it over the top, which made things awkward. which resulted in Rylan acting like a child. i don’t feel like there was a true connection between the main characters because there was so many time jumps. so the author expressed what was happening, but it didn’t seem to convey. also, the conversations with all the family members was a bit overwhelming. first of all there is way too many of them to keep up with and secondly, the conversations were just redundant. and for this book to be less than 200 pages, it felt like eternity that I was reading this. i still don’t understand why there’s 23 books in this series. some of these books could’ve been combined.

[Andrea Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart 😍

It took me 2 days to finish this book and 4 days to figure out how I could properly express my thoughts. First off…I love the Henderson Family down!! There are hands down one of the top three family sagas I will always go back to. Every single story leaves me with a warm heart (when they finally get it right). Second off thank you Monica for living us acts with the timelines known. It helped soften the blows that came lol. Seeing the struggle that Rylan was going through damn near broke my heart because while it was understood I just wanted him to take a page from Uncle Mayor and say f all this I want what I want. Angel…my sweet loving caring baby Angel. Her parents were giving me a headache because how much closer can you possibly keep somebody?! The fact that Rylan was always who she needed (even when she didn’t want him to be) is what made me love him even more. If that ain’t a soulmate then tell me what is? I know this family has been through it all and I don’t know if Monica will grace with more stories…but I truly hope so. I never wanna say goodbye to the Henderson’s

[Takelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs Walters never misses!!

This book! Whew! First Author Monica Walters never misses and has always written about heavy topics so I knew this would be a good one. What I didn't know was how much my heart would break for a character. When Angel's heart was breaking so was mine. It takes IMMENSE talent to be able to invoke emotions like that. Another thing I love about this author is her ability to showcase her character's flaws. For example, while I loved Decaurey in his and Tyeis story this one made me want to fight him! The fact that Uncle Mayor Storm advice's to Rylan was "f*@k the family" proves exactly how wrong Decaurey was. But whennnn they got over that!!! I was so happy for Angel!! She got her man and was all in! Rylan was so patient and loving towards her, it was beautiful to read. I honesty did not want this story to end. I loved the way the Henderson girls loved on Angel and did not play about her. I can't wait for more Henderson stories!

[Juanita]

Angel & Rylan

Because yes ma'am! The Henderson family and friends will always have me in a chokehold. Decaurey could've caught this fade! This book was taking me over, I was in tears. Ms. Monica Walter's never disappoints and will forever be my top 5. GO READ!!!!

[Shanelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL ANGEL

WOW... Rylan and Angel. What a beautiful love story for these two. I have loved Angel since Decaurey and Tyeis's story. She didn't let her down syndrome deter her from being independent. She was a go getter, and when it came to Rylan, she knew he was the man for her. Rylan's hesitation to pursue Angel was understandable, but even he couldn't deny the feelings he was developing for her. Their journey from friends to lovers was so heartwarming, and the support they got from most of the family was great. Never judge a book by its cover because you can miss out on just how great that person can be.

[Kristal Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting on you

I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and read it in one sitting. Rylan and Angel were made for each other and their love and bond was beautiful to witness. I appreciated the time it took for this couple to get to their happily ever after. Rylan was such a good man and his love for Angel was unmatched. I loved that he never treated her as if she had a disability and that his only concern was their age difference. I loved how they became friends first as well. I also loved how the girls had Angel’s back and was ready to ride for her against whoever. A genuine soul and spirit like Angel needs people like that in her life; people that don’t treat her as having a disability and treat her as normal but realizing that she hasn’t had their same life experiences. Now Decaurey and Tyeis had me so mad at them and the way they were handling the situation with Angel and Rylan and some things could have been avoided had they not focused only on her disability. I loved how Angel doubled down with her parents their response to her and Rylan wanting to be together but I hate how their actions and the actions of another caused her confidence and self assurance to fade. You would think with her parents seeing her so miserable, they would have tried to talk to her more to understand the connection Angel shared with Rylan and vice versa but sometimes unfortunate things need to happen in order for people to see the error of their ways. I also enjoyed getting to see the younger Henderson’s all grown up and I look forward to seeing more of them.

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one else for me but you

Angel had the biggest Crush on Rylan ever since their first meeting. He understood from jump that people probably looked at her and treated her differently due to her disability so he was always kind and genuine to her and didn’t pity her. He saw past her disability to the person she was. That made her crush on him even more because he didn’t make her feel different or less than. Making him was always her goal tho so she came with that pressure.
Age was the only problem because she was so much younger than him. So they struck up a friendship while he stuck to his moral compass. She didn’t let up on the pressure because she knew what she wanted and she wanted him - all or nothing.

This story pulled at my heart strings because I really wanted them to have an hea. It be your own people hating sometimes that can throw you off your path. It didn’t help that Rylan didn’t want to cause problems in the family but f that!They went through a lot emotionally because people weren’t accepting of their love. I haven’t wanted to beat somebody so bad in this series since Avery, but Decaurey definitely had me ready to throw hands.
Angel and Rylan were it for each other and they displayed their love in its purest form for each other - self sacrificing, understanding, protective, passionate, caring, loving, supportive and selfless.

Wonderful read!

[TrueBookJunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angel finally got her man, y'all! It was a hard journey, and I'm not feeling certain characters after this read, but in the end, my girl and Rylan received what they wanted and needed, and it gave my heart joy! Monica Walters knew she had to approach this story the right way because there were so many variables, but she did her thing!
Ooooo the way these two loved each other was so heartwarming. Their love was so open and refreshing. From previous books, we know there is an age gap that may not seem massive to some, but paired with Angel’s disability, it made things really hard for these two as well as the people around them. Decaurey showed his behind in this book, and I honestly lost some respect for him. I got his way of thinking, but it wasn’t enough for me, especially after things transpired. Tyeis played the “I followed my man’s lead” card, which also upset me, but the Hendersons as a whole gave that heat I needed lol, especially the sisterhood… I love them, and yes, the twins are still hell!
Monica and I had a conversation while I was reading because her and this forgiveness in books ain’t always for me, but like she said, there are different circumstances, and I completely agree. However, in this case, we had two beautiful souls who truly loved each other but were forced to face obstacles that were not truly necessary. I tried to write this review but not give spoilers because everyone needs this journey to be pure, but please grab some tissues!

[Jite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good!

The past two Henderson releases from this author have been incredibly soft and sweet while still retaining the sexy and I’ve been very much here for them. Rylan and Angel’s relationship (which had been teased for a few books now) was always going to be thin line to tread because of the 8.5 year age gap with Angel being a very new adult, but almost moreso because of Angel’s additional potential vulnerability having mosaic Down syndrome. I have to say this author executed this book really well in my opinion, taking what could have been problematic and writing it with a lot of empathy for Angel’s power and agency over her own life.

I will admit that at certain points in the book, I was really irritated by Rylan’s seeming passiveness and unwillingness to fight for Angel. But on reflection, I understood that he was being extra careful listening to Angel’s people as well and her support network because of the age and disability situation and admittedly when he saw that they didn’t indeed necessarily make the wisest decisions in her best interests, he (and Angel) took decisive action.

All in all, I really liked this and I’m feeling this softer hero vibe the Henderson series has had the past couple of books.

[Ladi Tee Inferno · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Peaceful Love

Rylan has so much of his beautiful mother Chrissy’s spirit in him it’s wonderful to see unfolding. Angel is sweet and innocent as well, but some of that is due to the sheltered life she’s had under Tyeis and Decaurey, which doesn’t give her a lot of experience of life. Rylan’s decisions to not pursue a relationship due to the age gap and then how he thought the family would perceive him and her condition. Although most were encouraging because they’d already observed them, and knowing the man Rylan is. Because Rylan knew Angel wouldn’t move on, he chose to move to Dallas and cut communication. During that time and distance apart, neither could forget the other. After a most unfortunate incident at school, Angel retreated briefly, until that one person was able to bring her softly and safely back to life. And Baybeee, when I say it was up from there. Rylan broke Angel off a piece and let’s just say, the Old Angel is gone and Mrs. Douglas, rears with a plus one. Angel unfortunately has learned from hearing her parents getting busy as well as everyone talking about where and how much Chasity and Jasper get it in. So you already know. lol!!

[Deborah Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love-Waiting on You

A beautiful story, Monica you have done it again. Thanks for treating autism with care. Simply showing that love comes in all forms. Angel and Rylan ability to wait for one another, didn't come without issues or concerns, but nonetheless they were able to overcome all of the naysayers!. I enjoyed how observant Angel was when it came to others, but Rylan ability to reassure her that she was all that mattered to him, spoke volumes of just how intense he loved her! Baby, the female cousins didn't play about Angel and had her back on all cylinders, Storm daughters were every bit of him. The guys rally around Rylan as well, though it took them a little longer to understand just how in love Rylan was with Angel. Rylan and Angel were able to get their happily ever after, They vows were just as beautiful!

[KayBee's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

review

Angel got her man. This was a good story. I think that the author handled the sensitive topics with care and it’s always she provided a sort of trigger warning at the beginning of her book. I enjoyed seeing the relationship that Angel and the twins and other girls had. I think the story moved well enough and while it was not a whole lot of action per se, I feel like the author focus more on the inner monologues to primaries this allowed us to learn more about the decisions behind how their relationship was handled and how they took in what others thought about the relationship and how it affected them individually and as a couple. And of course it was always good seeing uncle Mayor now when his twins fall in love, I think that’s going to be explosive time in big city Nome, Texas.

[NubianJoí · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Angel’s Ain’t Innocent

Ms. Walter’s brought the heat 🔥🔥once again from Texas‼️…Because all Angel’s 😇 ain’t innocent, just ask Rylan 🤭🤠‼️”Waiting On You (The Henderson Family Saga - Book 20) was an excellent read for various reasons. Angel’s journey alone dispelled many theory’s regarding people with develop mental challenges and stereotypes associated within their community. All people desire opportunities to learn, mature, safety, security, human interactions, reciprocated affection & love. Angel was cognizant at nineteen of her future. Unfortunately, it took a near tragedy to recognize (parents, guardians and or people in authority) wisdom & discernment aren’t universally inherent. They don’t have all the answers either 🤷🏾‍♀️‼️…and an apology was warranted (from both Decaurey & Tyeis)‼️👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽🤎🤎🥰

[Taffany Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Amazing Read

Rylan and Angel were dealt a tough hand in the beginning. This book took me through so many emotions. Rylan learned to be her friend first, which is always good. His love for Angel was so beautiful and loyal. Angel was
more knowledgeable than everyone realized. Her parents were the problem. They were trying to cripple her. It caused friction in her life and her. Angel was extremely blessed to have the friends that she had. They loved her immensely. They would move heaven and earth for her. Rylan didn't give up on loving her and pursuing her. Their love was so beautiful! I can't wait to read about the next young Henderson because they're definitely interesting! Outstanding job, Monica!

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monica has done it again! Waiting On You is not just a book, it's a symphony of emotions, a journey that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go until the very end. Monica has a way of never losing sight of the emotional core of this story. I felt everything the characters felt and then some.
If you are looking for a read that resonate on a deeply personal level, this is it. The characters' struggles, triumphs and their heartbreak felt so achingly real that I couldn't help but wonder if it was based on a true story.
As an author myself, I understand the skill and effort to craft a truly captivating story and Monica is a master at it. I hope that one day I'm able to do it just as well.
Grab your tissues and hold on to your emotions, you are in for a ride with this one!

[Kimberly Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love

This was the sweetest love story I've ever read. Half way through I forgot that Angel had Downs Syndrome. Even the age gap was forgotten. I was a little triggered when Renan kidnapped her. I was praying that he wouldn't rape her, only because that is what happened to me at 14 by someone I had no business being with. Thank you for not traumatizing that poor baby worse than she already was. As usual, I'm hooked on the Henderson's and thank you for the cameos from Noah TAZ and of course Ryan!! (I think I have a bigger crush on Ryan than I do Noah 🤗🤗). I hope that this isn't the last installment of the Hendersons. I'm going to Dallas in August and silly me will be looking to see if I can find the big city of Nome 😂😂😂

[Freddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rylan & Angel

I loved Angel & Rylan. Often times society writes off persons with disabilities as if they are their disabilities alone instead of human with thoughts, feelings and emotions first. Angel was bucking the system and refusing to allow her voice and desires to be muted due to others uncomfortability and unreadiness for what or who she wanted. I LOVED that for my girl!!! I loved Rylan for how he loved Angel. He was sensitive to her special needs, but he didn’t treat her as less that the grown and independent woman she desired to be. He was genuine and gentle and moved at whatever pace she wanted. Can’t wait to see more of them in the future of Hendersonville and Big City Nome, Texas. And as always Uncle Mayor Storm is my heart!

[NATASHA COLEMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're my angel

Angel was always protected because she had down syndrome. Her parents doubted her ability to make good decisions and were always overbearing. She was madly in love with Rylan since the day they met. Despite the age difference Rylan had feelings for her too. His past with his father clouded his judgment and made him pursuing her more difficult. Despite the obstacles of her parents forbidding them to date and putting her in the arms of someone who had no intentions on loving her Rylan and Angel finally were able to be together. I loved how gentle he was with her heart and how he didn't treat her as if she had a disability. Their love for each other was pure. I know there will be more to their story in future books and I'm here for it!! ♥️♥️

[Ieshia Shephard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henderson 20: Waiting on You

I don’t know if this is a good thing but I have to say I was teary eyed most of the book! I hated that I could feel so many emotions from these two. To have everyone so against but you want to be so respectful that’s you’re willing to basically die unhappy just did something to me! Poor Angel, they sheltered her soo much that that’s what made her “immature” it was never her disability. I cried the most when Rylan told her face to face they could no longer be I could feel the heartbreak. Yo see that looong dreadful journey turn around & the sun shine bright on their love….what a masterpiece! Ms Monica you have done it AGAIN!!!!

[Vickie Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vickie J

This book was so emotional, I was crying then I was laughing... my husband asked me What are you reading.. didn't say a word just kept reading😂 Rylan just wanted to love her unconditional and Angel loved him with everything inside her. It took someone else to hurt her for everyone to see how much he truly loved her but family was about to get F... Up . The girls didn't play about their friend they were ready to throw hands and the twins, yes they belong to Uncle Mayor 😂😂 . The twins graduation was so so funny my Boo meant that... We from Texas I love the Henderson's.

[Kim Coleman-Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written ✨

The Henderson Series in it's entirety is fire, however this one pulled at my heart strings. 💖
Rylan is a proud man, one of integrity and is trying his best to overcome the shadow of ugly deeds that their dad created for him and his brothers.
Angel has Mosaic down syndrome, she is high functioning, but there is an age gap too that causes several to ponder on what she is capable of.
They are drawn to each and Rylan has tried everything to stay in his lane, but Angel is NOT having it.
A horrible event takes place and leads them to the love they're both yearning for.
Beautiful story❣️

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting On You (The Henderson Family Saga Book 20)

I loved this storyline and characters in this book. I gave this book five stars ⭐️ because it was written with thought and emotion. I love the Henderson Family and the family camaraderie. This book has passion and romance in it and a lot of love and perseverance in it. I loved how patient Rylan was with Angel and the love they shared was genuine and survived the obstacles placed in their lives. Thank you for sharing your insights on Down Syndrome. I love the sisterhood and brotherhood in this book. Monica Walters I have not been let down yet reading one of your books. Most definitely will recommend this book.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure Love

Rylan was so patient, attentive, and kind to Angel. He was one of the few people to treat her like her age. Their love grew each year even though they weren't able to be together. I felt for Angel and that horrible situation she had to go through. I'm still mad at Decaurey. He kissed his stepsister and had the nerve to judge Rylan. I wanted Tyeis to stand up for Angel when she was so brokenhearted. It was good having Nate and Kenya be there for Rylan. I didn't understand why Chrissy didn't visit Rylan. But it all worked out. Their love bloomed after the tragedy Angel went through. This series has me hooked!

[Lisareadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crying like a baby

When i tell you my heart was in my ass the first half of this book. Rylan and Angel love was the standard, he saw her as so much more than people gave her credit for being. They loved each other unapologetically that they lit were in pain from it. Decaurey had me wanting to box his ass, because he and tyeis we're the ones not giving angel credit they were the ones handicapping her not believing she was ready. I was in awe of how strongly angel felt for rylan, her love was all-consuming and on an unwavering dan, this might be my favorite book. I'm gonna be honest with you of like the kids. Thank you so much.

[Artia · Rating 5 out of 5]

So worth the wait!

Listen, patience is a virtue! Not everyone has it, but Ry and Angel certainly have it. Their story is beautiful. Friends becoming lovers make the best relationships. Tyeis and Decaurey....smh...had me hot for a minute. Ry was haunted by his father's past and Angel's age & innocence....poor thing had to run. Can't run from love when it is knocking on your door. Just like Uncle Mayor said, forget what haters say, and do you! Well, he didn't say it nice like that.....lmao. Have a read, it is waiting on you!!!!

[Jahari Dowdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤❤🙌🙌👏👏👏

I am just speechless at the amount of love displayed in this book. Angel and Rylan were definitely an example of love ❤standing the test of time😍. Their chemistry was 💥and Ms. Angel was with all the 💦💦🔥🔥. These two and Decaurey had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I knew that Kenan guy was trash 🗑😈

The care and sensitivity that was shown to the Down Syndrome jssue was amazing. I can't proper express how great this Henderson family book was. Go ahead and grab this banger, you won't be disappointed.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🙌🙌👏👏.

[Verlana Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart Wants What The Heart Wants!

Monica, I am so glad I got introduced to your pen. When I tell you this story made my heart swell with love. Being different isn't easy. Angel, is such a loving young lady. Rylan was such a great guy. I love watching them grow. My favorite family are the Henderson's and everyone that comes from them. The love they give is just such a wonderful thing. Thanks for another great read. I know those twins are gonna have something going on.🤗🤗🤗🤗