THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  Tessa glared at her. Gleaning information from Ben didn’t sit well with her and she’d told Stephanie that. Taking one last look in the mirror, she walked to the front door, her pulse quickening. God, please be with me tonight. Help me not to read too much into anything, and to keep my eyes on You. Thank You.

  She reached out and opened the door.

  Dressed in a sharp black tailored dinner suit that made him look like the accountant he was, Ben stood on the doorstep. She noted the beads of perspiration dotting his forehead, possibly from wearing a suit on a hot summer’s evening, but maybe from nerves, just like her.

  She swallowed the lump in her throat and smiled. “Ben, hello!”

  “Hello, Tess.” Their eyes locked together for a moment, as if neither knew what to do or say.

  He eventually broke the silence. “You look lovely. And I'm not just saying that. You really do.”

  She smiled gratefully. “Thank you. You don't look bad yourself.” She let out a nervous laugh as he led her to his car. She slid under his arm and onto the passenger seat, sinking deep into the soft leather.

  He started the engine and pulled away from the kerb. “Thanks for coming with me.” His deep voice sent a tingle through her body. He looked straight ahead and had a firm grip on the steering wheel. “I hope you won’t be bored.”

  “It’s nice just going out. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

  He gave her a warm smile, and they chatted about pups and puppy training for the ten or so minutes it took to get to the Hotel Grand Chancellor in the city.

  Around five hundred people attended the gala awards night. Under the setting sun, the Roma Street Parklands looked spectacular from the floor to ceiling windows. Ben and Tessa had arrived right on time and he introduced her to his associate, Walton, and several other of workmates and partners who seemed pleased to meet her.

  She didn't fully understand all the accounting jargon and financial jokes that were thrown around the table as the evening wore on, but she followed along as best she could and cheered politely whenever the MC mentioned the name of Ben's firm. When it was announced that they’d won the “Firm of the Year” award, the whole table burst into applause. After the CEO made his acceptance speech, the MC went on to announce the “Accountant of the Year” award. He mentioned that the recipient stood out for his innovative client and management ideas. Ben leaned into Tessa and mentioned the name of the person he assumed would be the winner, but when the MC announced it was him, she turned to him with wide eyes and gave him a brief impromptu hug.

  His face was a blend of disbelief and delight as Walton clapped him on the shoulder.

  She felt nervous for him as he walked to the podium and wondered if he’d prepared a speech. If it had been her, she probably wouldn’t know what to say and would speak too fast and say things she ought not. Ben walked confidently to the front of the room, and when he turned to face the applauding audience, her heart swelled with pride, even though she barely knew him.

  “Thank you.” He waited for the applause to die down. “I’m greatly humbled and honoured to be receiving this award. I’d like to give my deepest gratitude to God. He’s blessed me in more ways than I deserve.” A hush descended on the room. His voice commanded attention, but mentioning God in a gathering such as this? “I’m also grateful to my partners and my firm.” He turned his gaze to his colleagues sitting either side of Tessa. “It’s a joy to work with you and for you.

  “I’d be lying if I said I’d made the journey here alone. Numerous people have supported me along the way. First, while my parents struggled with managing money for much of their lives, they made sure I had a good education and always supported me in all my endeavours. Even though they’re no longer here, I’m eternally grateful for their unwavering guidance and encouragement.

  “Secondly, I’m thankful for my family.” Ben paused and looked down at the podium. He hesitated before moving on. “We aren't together anymore, but I’d like to acknowledge my former wife, Kathryn. Her support in the early years won’t be forgotten. Jayden, my son, who’s not here tonight, I’m blessed to be his father.

  “I feel very honoured to have won this award. I hope I can live up to it. Thank you all.”

  Ben's award was the last one given out. When he returned to their table, he asked Tessa if she’d like to dance.

  Her heart thudded. “I'd… I’d love to. I’m not sure how good I'll be, but I’ll give it a go.”

  As he placed his hand on the small of her back and led her confidently to the dance floor, she marvelled at how nice it felt.

  “My dad once told me,” he whispered into her ear, “that the most important rule in dancing is not to step on your partner's toes.”

  She looked down at her peep toe pumps and laughed. “I think he was right,” she said as he led her in a slow waltz to the soft music. His arm was firm around her waist, their faces inches apart. At the base of her throat a pulse beat and swelled as though her heart had risen from its usual place. She wouldn’t spoil the night by trying to extract information from him like Stephanie had asked. Let her find it herself.

  “I thought your acceptance speech was sincere.” Tessa spoke quietly, not quite trusting her voice. “I was pleased to hear that you're a Christian.”

  He lowered his gaze and met hers. “Yes, since I was eighteen. What about you?”

  “Yes, since I was ten. I know that’s young, but I’d been brought up in the church and in a Christian family. I don’t think I fully understood what I was doing, but I knew it was something I wanted to do, and I haven’t regretted it.”

  “I thought you might have been, but I wasn’t sure. I’m glad.” His hand firmed on her back as he guided her around a tight corner and between other dancers. She had always dreamed of being swept around a dance floor with a handsome man. How often had she wished Michael could dance like this? But he only ever wanted to jig. He really was such a big kid. Ben was a man, and a smart, handsome one at that.

  They continued dancing in companionable silence, comfortable in each other’s arms. She was more than happy to allow him to lead, savouring the moment until the music changed.

  “Would you like a drink?” He steered her out of the way of a bunch of young people who’d just invaded the floor.

  “That would be nice. Yes, thank you.”

  As she sat at a bar table sipping a sparkling mineral water, she felt it was time to find out about the man who could quickly capture her heart if she let him. Recalling Pastor Stanek’s advice, she needed to find out who Ben Williams really was and who or what he was chasing. Now was as good a time as any.

  Taking another small sip of her drink, she sent up a quick prayer. It’d be so easy to say the wrong thing and spoil everything. She took a deep breath to steady herself. “Ben...”

  He turned his head away from the gardens in the distance and looked at her with those milk chocolate eyes that could just about melt her heart. Was she really game enough to pry into his past? What if she offended him by asking? From what Stephanie had told her, he didn’t open up to anyone, and yet, he’d mentioned Kathryn in his speech. Maybe it was just Stephanie he had trouble with.

  Her heart quickened, and she clenched her hands together to stop them from shaking. “What happened with your wife? You mentioned her in your speech.”

  His eyes clouded, his expression altering, like a veil had fallen over his face.

  “You don't have to say if you don't want to.” She gulped. Had she ruined everything?

  He didn’t answer, but looked down at his hands. What had happened to the man who’d spoken so confidently in front of that huge crowd? Where had his self-assurance gone?

  “It's not something I normally like to talk about,” he finally replied. He looked up and held her gaze. “But I don't mind telling you.”

  She breathed easier. Thank you, God.

  “There isn't much to tell, really.” He glanced out the window and stared into the distance. “Kathryn and I first met in m
iddle school, and then bumped into each other again at church some years later. She’d started going with a bunch of her girlfriends. We married as soon as I finished University. We were both very young, just turned twenty-two.” He turned to face her. “I’m not sure how wise we were in doing that, but we loved each other. At least, I thought we did.” He lowered his eyes and fiddled with his hands. “I loved her. Kathryn fell pregnant with Jayden in our first year of marriage. I would have loved more children, but she had a difficult pregnancy and didn't want to go through it all again, so we just left it at one.” He shrugged as if it didn’t matter, but Tessa was sure it did.

  “How many children did you want?”

  Ben looked up, his eyes a little brighter. “I’d always thought I’d like three. Maybe four.” A small smile appeared on his face.

  “So after Jayden, what happened?”

  The smile slipped and he sighed deeply. “We were married for almost thirteen years, and then one day she told me she'd met someone else and was going to the States to live. A year to the day after she left, she filed for divorce. I haven't seen or heard from her since.”

  Tessa’s heart ached for him. How could anyone do something like that to a man like Ben? “But how could she do that? Just up and leave you both? Especially her son?”

  Ben’s gaze shifted back to the gardens. He looked so sad, as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The hurt from Kathryn's leaving was written all over his face, making her breakup with Michael look like nothing.

  “I'm still trying to find the answer to that question.”

  Reaching out her hand, Tessa placed it lightly on his. “I’m so sorry, Ben. I truly am.”

  Chapter 9

  “Would you like to take a walk?” Tessa asked Ben softly as she looked into his melancholy eyes. She was still struggling to process what he’d told her about Kathryn. It was no wonder he was struggling; it was beyond belief.

  “I think I’d like that. Some fresh air would be good.” He gave her a wan smile.

  They said goodbye to his associates and left the hotel.

  The balmy evening air embraced them as they crossed the street from the hotel to the Roma Street Parklands. Ben carried his jacket over his arm and loosened his tie. Beside him, Tessa inhaled the lingering scent from the tropical plants lining the walkways. The clear sky overhead was littered with twinkling stars.

  “I meant to ask about him earlier, but how’s Jayden doing? I know he’s doing well with Bindy, but what about everything else?”

  Ben groaned and shook his head. “Getting harder to handle. I guess it's to be expected at his age.”

  “He must have been upset when his mum left.”

  “He was shattered. When I first told him Kathryn had gone, he thought I was joking and that she’d just gone to the store and would be back any minute. But as the days turned into weeks and she didn't come back, he knew I was telling the truth.” Ben stopped and leaned on the railing of a small bridge. “She called him once or twice. He cried each time, but then he clammed up. He couldn’t understand why she’d left.” The deep hurt in Ben’s eyes brought tears to Tessa’s. “He had a few angry outbursts, but he basically withdrew into himself. He hasn’t been the same boy since she left.”

  “Does he ever talk about it?”

  Ben sighed heavily and shook his head. “He used to ask if his mum left because of him. I assured him it had nothing to do with him, but I don’t think he believed me. He’s carrying a lot of bitterness and anger, but he refuses to talk about it with me or anyone else.”

  “I’m not surprised he’s still struggling. That’s a horrible thing to have happen. Have you thought about arranging some counselling for him?”

  “Yes, but he’s not ready. It would be pointless at the moment.”

  Tessa was tempted to say ‘much like yours’, but thought better of it. “I’ll be sure to pray for him. It’s the least I can do.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  They continued strolling along the pathway in silence. After a few moments, she asked if he had any plans to change jobs. “You’ll be in demand after winning that award.”

  Ben chuckled. “Maybe, but I enjoy where I am at the moment. They’re good people. In fact, I’ve just been offered a partnership. I don’t think I’ll take it—Jayden’s my priority right now, not my work, but it was a nice feeling to be given the opportunity. What about you? Do you enjoy your work?”

  “I love it. I think I'd like to have my own practice one day.”

  “Big dreams. I like it. Jayden told me the other night on the way home from puppy school that he wants to be a vet, just like you. So that’s something.”

  “Really?” That surprised her. He’d hardly said two words to her.

  “Yes, instead of a rock star, so that's saying a lot.”

  She laughed. “He's already good with Bindy and Sparky. I’m sure he’d be a great vet if he decided to give up his rock star dreams!”

  They came to a bench beside a water feature and took a seat. “Is Jayden a believer?”

  “He comes to church with me, but I get the feeling he’d rather not. I wish he’d see his need for God, and I'm praying he will, sooner rather than later.”

  “People often have a hard time believing when so many bad things happen to them. I'll pray for him too.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I know you probably don't feel this way,” she said, turning to look him in the eye. “But you're doing a great job with Jayden. I've watched you in training classes, and you're so patient and thoughtful with him. You're a wonderful dad.”

  His eyes moistened as he searched her face. “You really think so?” His voice was quiet, disbelieving.

  “I do.” She smiled.

  He covered her hand with his own and squeezed it. They sat together in silence and listened to the water swish under the bridge beside them as rainbow lorikeets flitted back and forth between the trees. She couldn’t think of any place she’d rather be.

  A short time later, Ben straightened and looked at his watch, alarm spreading across his face.

  “What’s wrong, Ben?”

  “Jayden had rugby practice tonight. I was meant to pick him up around 9.30.” He thumped his head. “I totally forgot, and now I’m almost an hour late.”

  “Has he called?”

  “Probably. I turned my phone to silent before the awards ceremony.” He took his phone out and grimaced. “Nine missed calls.” He hit Jayden’s number, but it went straight to voicemail. He left a message, apologising profusely and telling him to stay put and that he’d be there as soon as possible.

  They hurried from the parklands, recrossing the street to the Hotel Grand Chancellor's parking lot and found his car. The drive back to Tessa’s place was largely a quiet one.

  Pulling into her driveway, he left the engine running and turned to her. “I'm sorry we had to end this outing so abruptly, but thank you again for coming. I really enjoyed your company.” When his eyes settled on hers, she had a hard job controlling her thoughts. All she wanted was for him to take her in his arms. “Maybe we could do it again sometime soon. Not at a ceremony, of course. Just you and me.”

  Had she heard right? He was asking her out on a proper date? She smiled warmly at him. “I'd like that. Thank you.” Her pulse quickened as he leaned over and kissed her cheek, his soft lips brushing her skin.

  “Goodnight, Tess.”

  “Goodnight, Ben.” Her mouth went dry, and she wasn't sure if he heard her.

  * * *

  “Tess, will you put that phone down and finish telling me what happened.” Stephanie sat cross-legged on the couch in their living room.

  Tessa sat across from her on another couch with Sparky curled in her lap. She’d exchanged her gown and heels for a white shirt dress and bare feet. As soon as she read the brief text message from Ben, she set her phone aside and rehashed some of the night's events, leaving out any information that could be classified as
private and confidential.

  “Come on, Tess, give me more. You know I need more than I’ve got to put in my report.”

  “No, it’s not right. And besides, I’m just getting to know him so I don’t know much. Sorry.”

  “Okay then. But tell me, has he asked you out again?”

  “Maybe.” But Tessa knew that the playful grin on her face gave it away.

  * * *

  Ben waited until Tessa was safely inside before he accelerated down the street and headed towards Jayden’s school, a good twenty minute drive away. No doubt she’d be having second thoughts about his parenting skills after this. But it didn't really matter what anyone else thought. He’d failed both as a husband and as a father. He hadn’t been able to keep his wife, and now he was certain he was losing his son—slowly but surely.

  The grassy sports field belonging to the middle school was empty and shrouded in darkness when he arrived. Everyone had left for the night. Not surprising really—he was well over an hour late.

  Jayden must have caught a ride with one of his friends. Ben dialled his number again as he headed home. It rang several times before once again going to voicemail. He was calling for the fifth time when he entered the kitchen via the garage.

  Jayden was at the microwave warming up leftover Hawaiian pizza slices and shot him angry daggers. “Where were you? I called you like a zillion times, and you're now just calling me back?”

  “I'm sorry. My phone was on silent and I lost track of time. How did you get home?”

  “What do you care?” He flicked his hair off his face. “I got a lift with Neil, if you want to know.”

  The microwave beeped. He yanked the door open, snatched the pizza slices out and slid them onto a plate.

  Ben tried to think of something else to say but couldn't. Jayden was upset with him, and this time, he couldn’t blame the boy. “I'm sorry, son. It won’t happen again.”

  “I don't believe you.” Jayden’s words stabbed at his heart. He was losing him, and fast. “Obviously your work thing was more important than me.” Jayden picked up his plate and headed for the stairs.