THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  “It can't be that bad. You're so good at sorting out problems.” Tessa squeezed her hand. “You’ll be able to do something. I know you will.”

  Stephanie shrugged wearily. “And there's this other lady, Gwen. She's terrified of getting cancer. I understand her concern a little because one of her aunts and her only sister died of ovarian cancer, and just last month her mum died from breast cancer.” She looked up, her eyes heavy with concern.

  “Now she wants to have a preventive double mastectomy and have her ovaries removed. The problem is, her husband doesn't want her to, and they’re arguing about it. They were referred to the centre to try to resolve their differences, but I’m at a loss as to how to help. It’s likely their marriage will break up soon if we can’t help them reach a resolution.”

  “Can you discuss it with your manager? Surely he can help.” Tessa hated seeing her best friend so torn up about her work. Steph’s problem was that she cared too much.

  Stephanie let out a dejected sigh. “I guess so. But he’ll think I’m useless if I do.”

  “Surely not. It’s a Christian Counselling Centre, for goodness sake. They should be supporting you as much as they can, especially while you’re still in training.”

  “You’d think so, but they’re tough on newbies.”

  Tessa glanced at the files, each bearing a bold red Confidential stamp. They shouldn’t be discussing these cases. Her patients were different. Chatting about the animals she operated on would never get her in hot water, but Steph’s patients were people, and she could get into big trouble if she got caught talking about them with anyone outside the centre.

  She’d get defensive, but Tessa had to bring it up. Sparky wriggled and she placed him on the floor. She hated confronting Steph like this, but she had no choice. She turned around and sat square on, facing her as she tucked one leg under the other.

  “Steph, should you be talking to me about your cases? I’d hate you to get into trouble.”

  Stephanie fidgeted with her hands, but held Tessa’s gaze for a moment before lowering her eyes. “Probably not, but I have to talk to someone or I'll go crazy.” She looked up, her eyes glistening.

  Tessa’s voice softened. “It’s really getting to you, isn’t it?”

  Stephanie nodded and turned her head away.

  “Let me make you a cup of tea.” Tessa squeezed her friend’s shoulder before hopping off the couch.

  “Thanks.” Steph pulled a tissue from the box on the side table and blew her nose. “This is really stupid. I’m sorry.”

  “Would you like to pray about it?”

  She nodded. Her body shuddered as she sucked in a big breath.

  Tessa sat back down again, and placing an arm around her shoulder, bowed her head. “Lord God, I pray for Stephanie right now. You know she has a heart for people who are hurting and that she really wants to help them, so please give her wisdom and confidence when she meets with them, especially with those she’s mentioned just now. Let your love shine through her to them, and Lord, please work in each of their lives and give them a sense of hope that their problems might have a resolution. Thank you for Stephanie’s commitment to do your work and for her love and compassion for others. I pray that you’ll meet her needs, Lord God, and help her in all she does. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

  She gave Stephanie a big hug, holding her tight.

  Tears streamed down Stephanie’s cheeks. She sniffed and gave Tessa a watery smile as she dabbed her face with a tissue. “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  “You’d survive, Stephanie Trejo. You’re the strong one, remember?” Tessa gave her another hug as a knock sounded on their door.

  “That must be dinner. Good timing!” Tessa stood and reached the front door in two strides.

  Stephanie continued talking about her work as they ate, like she needed to get it off her chest although now she was more composed. Tessa wasn’t completely happy about listening, but what else could she do after all the nonsense she’d put Stephanie through after her breakup with Michael? Steph had been so patient and had helped her so much, the least she could do was listen, but as Steph told her about yet another case, she hoped and prayed she’d never run into any of these people at the store or café in town.

  “This guy’s wife divorced him after running off with another man and leaving him to raise their teenage son on his own. I’m sure he’s suffering from depression, but he refuses to talk about it and instead gives me a hard time at every meeting. I don’t even know why he comes.” Stephanie sighed and rested her chin in her hands. “I have absolutely no idea how to get through to him.” She looked up, exhaling slowly. Her eyes had watered once again. “I have to do case studies on them all, and I don't even know where to begin, especially with Mr. Williams. He’s so stiff, we don’t even use first names.”

  Tessa squeezed her hand. “I’m sure God will help you find a way. Hang in there, Steph.”

  Chapter 3

  “No!” Stephanie gasped as she opened the front door of their cottage a few days later. Tessa hurried up the steps and her heart fell as she peered around Stephanie at the mess. Stepping carefully over a lamp on the floor, she set the load of shopping bags in her arms onto the nearby table. A couple of cushions had been torn open and stuffing covered the floor. Another lamp had been knocked from the living room coffee table, several pairs of shoes from Stephanie's closet lay in the hallway, and bathroom tissue littered the entire house.

  “What a mess! Sparky, where are you?” Raising her voice, she strode into the kitchen. The pup emerged from under the table tangled in tissue, his soft brown eyes imploring her not to be angry.

  “You're such a naughty boy!” She grabbed him and pulled the paper off him. “It’s not going to work on me.” But when he licked her face with his wet, pink tongue, she couldn’t help herself and burst out laughing.

  “I don't see what’s funny.” Stephanie stood in the doorway waving a pair of dark blue ballet flats in Tessa's direction. “That troublemaker of yours has ripped up my favourite shoes.”

  “He just needs to be trained, Steph. I’m sorry. I’ll buy you a new pair.” Tessa hugged the puppy closer and planted a kiss on top of his head. “Cathy’s husband has just started his own dog and puppy training courses. I'll sign up for classes.”

  “Good idea.” Stephanie huffed as she inspected her destroyed shoes.

  “I'll clean up the mess and then fix us a nice lunch. I'm really sorry, Steph. Truly I am.”

  Stephanie huffed again as she walked back to her room, but Tessa knew she didn’t mean it.

  Half an hour later, with the house tidied, the two girls sat down to rounds of toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches. Sparky was back in his pen and Tessa laughed at the pitiful look on his face.

  “He may be a troublemaker, but at least one good thing has come out of having him here.”

  Tessa looked up. This was a surprise coming from Stephanie. “What’s that?”

  “He’s kept your mind off Michael. You've stopped moping about him.”

  “True.” She’d hardly thought about him since bringing Sparky home. A pang of guilt hit her. How was it possible to completely let go of someone who’d been such a major part of your life for so long? And so quickly? Was she a bad person to have done that? Surely not, but still, it didn’t seem right to have forgotten about him completely. Maybe she should check on him.

  “A dog might be helpful for that man I told you about the other night. You know, the one whose wife walked out on him?” Stephanie placed her knife neatly on her plate. Tessa nodded her head slowly, struggling to remember which one Steph was referring to. She’d mentioned so many.

  “Think I'll suggest it to him. Might help with his depression.”

  “Oh, that one. Yes, a dog might help, but make sure he wants one first. I see too many unwanted animals in my line of work. And pets can't fix everything.”

  She looked at Sparky and her heart warmed. Getting a dog h
ad certainly helped her—who was she to deny anyone else that opportunity?

  “No, but it might be part of the solution. I'll suggest it at our next meeting.” Stephanie shrugged. “He doesn't have to take my advice.”

  Tessa collected the dirty plates and carried them to the kitchen. She didn’t want to debate the merits or otherwise of having a pet right now. But yes, a dog could help the guy. And at least it might help Stephanie feel like she was doing something.

  The phone rang just as Tessa started the dishes. She dried her hands and answered it. Her brother, Elliott, was on the line.

  “Hey, sis.” She smiled to herself. It was so good to hear his voice. “I'm back from the States and it'd be good to catch up. I assume you've remembered it's Mum and Dad's thirtieth wedding anniversary in a few weeks?”

  “Yes…” No… She’d actually forgotten about her parents’ anniversary, but she wasn't about to admit that to her younger brother.

  “We need to discuss what we're doing for them. They’ve stepped out to run some errands, so now's a good time for you to come over if you’ve got a few minutes.”

  She shook her head and laughed.

  “You haven't changed, Elliott. I'll be there shortly.”

  When Tessa arrived soon after, Elliott was outside on their parents’ driveway polishing his motorcycle under the shade of a magnificent frangipani tree.

  “See you've got a new friend there, sis. Better let him out.” He nodded towards Sparky, who was scratching at the car window. Elliott stopped polishing his bike and gave her a bear hug before she opened the door and let the pup out.

  Elliott bent down and patted him before leaning against his bike and folding his arms. “So, how have you been doing, sis?”

  For a moment, she was tempted to tell him about her recent heartache over Michael. But he probably already knew they'd broken up—Mum would have told him. Elliott had never much liked Michael, anyway. No, she wouldn’t mention the breakup unless he did.

  “I'm doing all right. And you?” She picked Sparky up to stop him jumping on Elliott. The sooner I can start those lessons the better.

  “I can't complain. Next month I go on my first official mission trip to Ecuador. Finally get to put all that theory into practice. Can't wait.”

  She smiled at her brother's enthusiasm for sharing Christ with peoples in other cultures. He'd always been the adventurer of the family, and he had such a zeal to serve God.

  “Now, regarding our parents' anniversary,” she said, trying to hold Sparky still. “I was thinking something simple. Maybe just a family dinner someplace special.”

  “They go to dinner all the time. Come on, sis. Not every couple reaches their Pearl wedding anniversary. This needs to be extravagant.” His eyes lit up. “I'm thinking a catered, candlelight dinner at a beach-side restaurant, followed by a night in a hotel, and then a whale watching cruise. What do you think?”

  Tessa shook her head and laughed. How did he come up with ideas like this? Maybe he was right, but her parents were quiet and conservative. What if they didn’t appreciate all the fuss? “Mum would love the cruise. She’s always wanted to go on one. So, I guess… I just hope they like it.”

  Elliott beamed, his deep blue eyes standing out in his paler than normal skin. “Great. We could invite all their friends from work and church, and Pastor Stanek, of course.”

  “It sounds great.”

  “I'll sort the details, but sis, you take care of the guest list. Whatever you do, remember this is a surprise, so don't say a word about it to them.”

  “My lips are sealed.” Tessa grinned fondly at her gregarious little brother as they shook the special handshake they'd created as children for keeping secrets.

  As she drove away, excitement about the plans they'd just made for her parents grew. It would be a special celebration for them, and she couldn't wait to see their faces when they arrived at the restaurant and found out about the night in the hotel and the cruise. She hoped they’d enjoy it. Thirty years of marriage hadn't always been easy for her parents but it was an achievement worthy of celebration.

  Would she ever find someone to spend three decades with? At one time she’d thought it would have been with Michael, but now? A lone tear escaped from the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away with the back of her hand as she pulled into her driveway. She and Michael had always done such fun things together. In fact, their whole relationship had been built on having fun. He was such a big kid. Who would she have fun with now that Michael was no longer around?

  Not Steph—she was so serious of late. And not Mum and Dad. They were so straight and conservative. It had always been her and Michael. At least Elliott would be around for a while, but then he’d be off again on one of his adventures. Tessa’s eyes blurred with tears as the old familiar ache found its way back to her heart.

  Chapter 4

  Tessa pulled up outside Cathy’s large ranch-style house for Sparky’s first puppy training class the following Thursday evening. The number of cars already parked under the large gum trees surprised her; it seemed Cathy’s husband, Dave, had already developed a good reputation. It had taken more than half an hour to drive from New Farm to the leafy suburb of Ferny Hills in the west of the city, and she’d only just made it. The traffic had been a nightmare and she’d started to think a closer one would have been smarter.

  She turned off the engine and picked up Sparky’s leash. “Well, young man, this is it. Time to grow up and learn to behave.” She ruffled his head and chuckled at his eagerness to lick her at every opportunity.

  No need for the signs pointing towards the garage that Dave had turned into a canine training school. The noise of yapping dogs reached her ears long before she reached it. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds filled the various areas inside the building. She leaned close to hear the assistant’s directions to the puppy class about to start outside. Dave welcomed her as she joined the group.

  “Sorry I’m late.” She flashed an apologetic smile and pulled Sparky into line as best she could. Cathy had told her Dave used to be a shearer. His bulging arms suggested he must still work out.

  “No problem. Welcome.” He offered a short smile and lifted his cap before returning his attention to the group. “Now you’re all here, take a few moments to introduce yourselves to each other before we begin the class. I’d like to see how the pups interact with each other, so let them off their leashes if you feel comfortable.” His sun hardened face crinkled into an infectious grin. “Don’t worry. They can’t escape—it’s all fenced.”

  Tessa bent down and unclipped Sparky’s leash before shaking hands with the dark-haired woman standing beside her. They both laughed as Sparky darted back and forth across the grass, sniffing at everything and everyone in his path.

  “Looks like you’ve got the most active pup of the bunch.” Although deep, the voice behind her was friendly, warm, and mesmerising.

  Tessa turned around slowly. Before her stood a slim, attractive man with short, dark brown hair and milk chocolate eyes, dressed in a smart white polo shirt, cargo shorts and Nike joggers. Her heart skipped a beat and for once she struggled for words.

  “My pup’s quite shy, unlike yours.” The man bent down to pat Sparky, who’d returned to check on Tessa and yapped excitedly as he spun around in circles.

  “Yes, he never stops.” She glanced around for the man’s dog and let out a nervous laugh. He pointed to the fence where a teenage boy stood holding a black terrier pup.

  “Your son? He looks like you.” Why did I say that? I can hardly see the boy’s face under his hair...

  “Yes, my son Jayden. And I'm Ben... Ben Williams.” The man hesitated, but then extended his hand. Her eyes widened. Ben Williams? No! It can’t be Stephanie’s depressed patient, surely? Or could it? Her heart pounded. What am I going to do?

  If it was him, no way could she let slip she knew bits and pieces about him, or that her best friend happened to be his counsellor. He stare
d at her curiously, his hand still outstretched.

  “Are you all right? Has something happened?”

  “Ah, yes. I'm fine.” She controlled herself and shook his hand—perhaps a little too vigorously. “I’m Tessa. Tessa Scott, but just call me Tess if you want. Most people do.” She was talking way too much.

  “Nice to meet you, Tess.”

  Her cheeks warmed under his gaze. How could this personable man before her give anyone, least of all Stephanie, a hard time? Standing a head taller than her, his slim body was toned, but not as muscly as Michael’s. His eyes held a tinge of sadness, but she certainly wouldn't call them depressed. She made a mental note to reprimand Stephanie for needlessly exaggerating Ben Williams’ state of mind.

  His smooth deep voice brought her back to the moment when he introduced his son, Jayden. The boy’s hair was the same colour as his father’s, but his head hung low, and under his baseball cap, she had no idea if his eyes were the same as Ben’s or not. Only when she asked for the dog's name did he look up. Yes, the same eyes, although they were hard, unlike his father’s.

  “It's Bindy. She's a Scottish Terrier.” Jayden pulled the dog closer to his chest, but wore a sullen look on his face, as if he’d only come under sufferance.

  She was just about to respond when Dave called everyone to attention and began the first lesson. With the noise from the other trainers and dogs, Tessa had trouble getting Sparky to listen to her, especially as he seemed more interested in what the other dogs were doing.

  She couldn’t help but watch Jayden and Ben out of the corner of her eye as they worked with Bindy. Jayden became animated as he interacted with the pup. His face even lit up a little every time Bindy responded to one of his commands. And Ben was very encouraging with Jayden. Not how Stephanie described him at all.

  As everyone began to leave, she stepped in beside Jayden. The boy was obviously having a difficult time, and her heart went out to him.