THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  But seeing Jayden today had thrown her world into a spin. She shouldn’t have come back to Brisbane with Luke, but he’d insisted. No way could she tell him the real reason for not wanting to come. If she did, he’d dump her there and then. No, it was paramount he never found out about Jayden.

  She forced a smile on her face when he called her over for a photograph. How could she refuse? She’d tried so hard to hide her identity from the media, but no doubt it would come out eventually, possibly even tomorrow when the paper came out. And then? Pushing down the sick feeling in the pit of her stomach, she smiled for the cameras. Luke’s toned arm around her shoulders offered some comfort, but didn’t fully alleviate the dread she felt.

  “All right, baby. I'm done for now.” He placed a quick kiss on her cheek and waved once more to his fans before linking her arm in his and walking to the elevators. Once the doors closed, he pulled her close. His red polo shirt was slightly damp with sweat, but neither the dampness nor his body odour offended her. In fact, her body still tingled with anticipation whenever he touched her.

  “How did I do out there, sweet pea?”

  “Fantastic as always.” She lifted her head and gazed into his eyes. “But you need to rest. You hardly got any sleep last night.”

  “I wonder why?” A cheeky grin grew on his face. He squeezed her bottom as the doors opened.

  “Luke! Behave!” She giggled as she batted her eyelashes and shimmied her bottom away from him, for a moment forgetting all about Jayden.

  Reaching their penthouse suite, he showered and then fell into bed, pulling her with him. After they’d made love, he lay back and pulled her tight.

  As he slept soundly beside her, she ran perfectly manicured nails slowly across his chest. If only they could stay here, cocooned in this sumptuous suite, away from the prying eyes of the media and fans. And Jayden. As much as she tried to push thoughts of him from her mind, the image of her son’s distraught face when recognition hit taunted her. Just as well she and Luke were flying out first thing in the morning, otherwise the temptation to see him might be too great.

  She wriggled carefully out of Luke’s tight embrace and ran the bath. As the hot, soapy, perfumed water swirled over her body, Kathryn rested her head on the rim of the tub. For the first time since leaving Ben and Jayden, tears sprang to her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

  Had she made the right choice? She opened her eyes slowly and stared at the soft lights glowing above her. Ben had been so shocked when he saw the packed bags sitting just inside their front door that day. He looked like he’d been punched in the stomach. He’d begged her to reconsider, to change her mind—if for no reason other than Jayden.

  He’d pleaded with her to tell him why. What had he done wrong? The problem with that question was that he hadn't done anything wrong. Ben was a good man. He wasn't as good looking as Luke Emerson. He didn't have money in the millions or a mansion or a yacht. He hadn’t showered her with attention or lavish gifts like Luke had, and he’d never been as romantic as Luke. But despite all that, Ben was a good man. The problem was, he hadn’t made her feel special like Luke had. Luke loved her, and with him, all her dreams had come true.

  It had been a mistake having a child. She’d been so young and had no idea what parenthood involved, nor how much she’d have to sacrifice. Ben had been a great father, doting on Jayden and doing everything for him. Just as well, because she couldn’t stand the smell of dirty nappies or the feel of sticky fingers. Yes, Jayden was better off without her in his life. But something deep down tugged at her. Jayden was her son. Her flesh and blood. Her eyes burned with unwelcome tears as pain stabbed her heart. She glanced at her phone. Maybe she should call him.

  She picked up the phone and dialled the number that was etched in her memory before she changed her mind. As the phone began to ring, Luke called out. She hung up quickly and tried to still her thumping heart. “Coming…”

  As she climbed back into bed with him, tucking herself close to his warm body, she convinced herself she’d made the right decision. Jayden was better off without her.

  * * *

  Ben woke early Sunday morning with Jayden's words ringing in his head: ‘I saw Mum. She's with Luke.’ Unable to return to sleep, Ben rose and went downstairs. He poured a cup of coffee, picked up his Bible and sat at the kitchen table. Kathryn's leaving hadn’t stopped him praying and reading God's Word each morning, but most times, like today, he only read with his eyes; his mind and his heart were a million miles away. He still believed God was in control of everything, but the divorce had certainly tested, if not shaken his faith.

  Putting his cup down, he sighed deeply as he rested his head on his upturned hand. The intense pain he’d felt when Kathryn first left had lessened to a dull ache inside his chest, but seeing her with Luke had shocked him. At least now he had some idea as to why she’d left. She’d always been spoiled. As an only child of well-to-do parents, she only had to ask and anything she wanted would be hers. That was most likely where he’d failed. He’d never missed her birthday or their anniversary, but he’d never pandered to her or showered her with lavish gifts like Luke most likely had. Maybe if he’d paid her more attention she wouldn't have left. She was always going to the doctor for one thing or another, and he’d often accused her of being a hypochondriac. Ben gulped as he recalled some of the things he’d said to her, but never had he expected her to walk out on him. Or on Jayden. Pain gripped his chest. How terrible it must have been for Jayden to discover that his mum had run off with Luke Emerson. But worse still, the fact that she was in town and had chosen not to see him… How could she do that?

  Thumping rock music and Bindy's barking snapped Ben out of his thoughts. How long had he been sitting there? He looked at the clock. Fifteen minutes to get to church. Closing his Bible, he inhaled deeply before hurrying up the stairs to Jayden's room.

  “What?” Jayden called out when Ben knocked on his door before opening it. He was sitting up in bed with his MacBook Air propped on a pillow in front of him.

  “Can you turn it down a little?”

  Jayden rolled his eyes but complied.

  “Better get ready for church.”

  “I'm not going.”

  Ben’s body slumped. Not again. “We went through this last week, Jayden. Let’s not go through it again.”

  “I don't see why I should have to go. It's boring and I don't understand half of what’s said.” Jayden glared at him. “Besides, you and Mum always went to church, and look where that got us.”

  Ben’s heart dropped. He felt like he’d just been punched. “You can’t blame God for Mum leaving.”

  “God?” Jayden looked up with mocking eyes. “Come on, Dad. After Mum left, I heard you pray every night for God to bring her back. In case you haven't noticed, He hasn't done so. Obviously, He sent her to Luke. I don't think a God who refuses to answer a prayer like yours deserves to be trusted.”

  “Jayden…”

  “I'm not going.”

  Ben sighed heavily. He couldn’t blame Jayden for feeling that way. Hadn’t he held those very thoughts himself on occasion? The hurt and defiance in Jayden’s face was breaking his heart, but he wouldn’t let it go.

  “Jayden, you’re coming, and that’s that.”

  Chapter 13

  The previous afternoon, after Ben dropped Tessa off unexpectedly early, she made some coffee and curled up on the living room couch. Her thoughts and prayers were with him and Jayden. How she wished she could do more, but really, what could she do? Stephanie would quiz her, of that she was certain, but no way would she say anything about what had happened.

  Shortly after, Stephanie arrived home with the week’s groceries, her forehead puckering as she dumped the bag onto the kitchen counter. “I didn’t expect you back so soon. Wasn’t it an all-day thing?”

  Tessa gave an off-handed shrug and just told her Ben had decided to leave early.

  Stephanie began to unpack the groceries, but stopped and joine
d her on the couch. “Is everything all right?”

  Tessa caught her friend’s gaze. She’d have to be very careful with what she said. She half-shrugged again. “I told him that we were friends. He wasn’t too happy about it.”

  Stephanie’s jaw dropped and the colour drained from her face. “No…”

  “I told you that would happen.” You should sweat, Stephanie… he could easily have reported you.

  “What’s he going to do?” Her voice was shallow.

  Tessa held her anxious gaze. Moments passed. She recalled the look on Ben’s face when she’d broken the news. But then he’d softened, as she would now. “Nothing. You’re a very lucky girl.”

  Stephanie released a huge breath.

  “He was disappointed you’d broken client patient confidentiality, but he’s prepared to let it go.”

  “You’re not going to tell me anything he said, then?”

  “Absolutely not.” Tessa picked up a shirt from the washing basket and folded it. If only she could share Ben’s heartache with Steph. They could have even prayed for him and Jayden together, but she daren’t do anything that might jeopardize her fledgling relationship with him any further. If they still had a relationship. Would they be able to pick up where they left off, or had Kathryn’s reappearance changed everything?

  “Are you going to see him again? You can tell me that, at least.”

  Tessa drew a deep breath. “I’m not sure.” She couldn’t look up. She’d always had trouble hiding her emotions, and Steph could read her like a book.

  “You’re smitten! I can tell. Look at me.”

  Tessa slowly raised her head and tried to keep her expression neutral, but she knew that concern for Ben and Jayden was written all over her face. No need to look in a mirror.

  “Oh Tessa.” Stephanie inched closer and wrapped her arms around her. “I didn’t mean for you to get so involved. He’s got way too much baggage. And your parents would never approve.”

  “You should have thought about that before you set us up.” Tessa struggled to keep her voice steady. Maybe Steph was right and she should forget all about him.

  “I’m sorry, kiddo. I really am.” Stephanie gave her a hug. “Hey, I just remembered. Your parents called while you were at the Pro-Am and invited you to join them for an early dinner at Bussey’s.” She glanced at her watch. “They’ll be expecting you in an hour.”

  “Why didn't Mum call my phone?”

  “You know how she is… I said I’d let you know, but then I forgot. I’m sorry, I really am.”

  Tessa’s head drooped. As much as she loved them, dinner with her parents was the last thing she wanted to do, especially at Bussey’s. They’d want to know what she’d been doing. How could she convince them nothing much had been happening? Maybe Elliott would be there… but that could be worse. Either way, it was too late to pull out now.

  She smiled weakly. “Guess I’d better get ready.”

  She changed out of her aqua-coloured jogging suit and into a flower-patterned summer dress and white sandals. Her parents wouldn't have cared too much what she wore, but Tessa always liked to look presentable around them. She’d long admired how her mother managed to dress impressively whatever the occasion.

  Her parents, Telford and Eleanor Scott, were seated at a table outside on the deck overlooking the river when she arrived at the café. Her father stood and kissed her cheek. “You made it. I was just about to call you—we thought you’d forgotten.”

  “Actually, Stephanie’s the one who forgot to tell me until about an hour ago.” She took the seat between them and smiled warmly at them both. “This is a nice surprise.”

  “Yes, well, Stephanie is a forgetful one. I'm just glad she remembered to tell you in time,” her mother said. “We took Elliott out last week, so now it's your turn.”

  “I half expected to see him here.”

  “You look disappointed, honey.” Her father squeezed her wrist.

  “I just haven’t seen much of him since he’s been back, that’s all.” She gave him an assuring smile. “Never mind. I’ll catch up with him later.”

  “We haven’t been here for a long time and thought it’d be nice to come back for a visit.” Her father’s gaze travelled from one side of the busy café to the other.

  Yes, she remembered. They’d had many a family meal here at Bussey’s Fish Café when she was growing up. And Michael used to bring me here all the time. But her parents were unaware of that. Tonight, as usual, the café was full of busy, smiling waitresses and eating, drinking, and chatting diners. The brass ship's bell sitting beside the exit door would no doubt be rung many times. As a young girl, she couldn’t wait to ring the bell each time they left, but Michael had taken over that role as an adult. He thought it a hoot.

  “I'm surprised they've stayed in business so long. It’s not the most convenient location for a restaurant,” her mother said.

  “Convenient or not, they have the best seafood around.” Tessa picked up the menu and engrossed herself in it.

  “I hope you're not planning on getting the kids’ meal,” her mother said with a little laugh. “You're much too old for that now.”

  “I agree.” Tessa placed her menu back down. She knew it back to front. “I think I'll have the clam chowder, shrimp scampi, and a garden salad.”

  “You've decided for me,” her father said. “I'll have the same, along with a side of chips and a tall iced tea.”

  Her mother ordered a fish taco and seasoned rice. After the waitress took their orders, her parents turned their full attention to her. “How have you been doing, honey?” her mother asked. “Is life treating you well?”

  Here goes… “Yes, life’s good, thanks Mum. Work’s going well. Fran’s opening another clinic in New Farm and wants me to manage it.”

  “That’s lovely, dear.” Her mother squeezed her hand.

  “Does that mean you won’t be doing surgery anymore?” Her father’s big bushy eyebrows came together. “All that study, and that talent…”

  “Don’t worry, Dad.” Tessa interrupted him. “I’d still be doing some of the surgery. But nothing’s been confirmed yet. Fran would really like me to accept her offer, but I haven't decided yet.”

  “Be sure to pray about it, dear.” He patted her hand. “Now, tell me, how are things with you and that boyfriend of yours? I forget his name?”

  How could Dad forget Michael’s name? She’d only been going out with him for almost five years. And he’d forgotten they’d broken up. She was sure she’d told him. Maybe early signs of dementia? Please, God, no… She sighed inwardly.

  “You remember, dear, Tess told us she and Michael broke up a while ago?”

  She flashed her mother a grateful smile.

  “Humph. Never did like him anyway.”

  Their food arrived just then and Tessa breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for the reprieve. However, after thanking the waitress, saying grace, and taking a few bites of his shrimp, her father picked up where he’d left off.

  “Thought you were crazy about him. I didn’t like him, but your mother and I had assumed you’d end up married.” He reached for his glass of iced tea and took a sip.

  So had I … But maybe Dad and Elliott had seen something in him she hadn’t. What would they think of Ben? She caught herself. They weren’t even going out. Why was she thinking like that?

  “Things just didn’t work out. You know, after his accident and all. It’s very sad, but the medication really changed him.” The last time they’d been here he’d been off his head. Why had her parents chosen to come here?

  Her mother leaned across the table and placed a caring hand on hers. “Is there someone else, dear?”

  Tessa felt her face begin to flush. Lowering her eyes, she dabbed a napkin to her lips with her spare hand. How does she know? “Yes and no.”

  “Well, tell us, honey. Who is he and what does he do?”

  She gulped. How could she answer that? She could tell Dad that Ben wa
s an accountant. He’d be happy about that. He certainly wouldn’t be happy if she told him that Ben was divorced and had a thirteen-year old son.

  She straightened in her chair and took a deep breath. “Okay. But I’m not going out with him. He’s just a friend. Stephanie sort of inadvertently introduced us because he's a client of hers and we both go to the same puppy training classes. And he’s an accountant.”

  Her father raised an eyebrow. “You say this friend of yours is one of Stephanie’s clients?”

  She grimaced. Why had she blurted that out?

  “Stephanie’s a counsellor, isn’t she? Or learning to be one.”

  She nodded.

  “What’s he getting counselling for?”

  “Telford! Don’t ask questions like that!” Her mother sounded horrified.

  Tessa sighed inwardly at her father's immediate scepticism. He could have picked up on the accountant bit, but no… this was going to be harder than expected.

  “Ben's a single father,” she said quietly. “He's having a few problems with his son and he’s still trying to come to terms with his wife walking out on him.”

  Her father’s fork fell to his plate. “Are you telling me you're dating a divorced man?”

  “I’m not dating him, Dad. And it isn't like that. He didn't want a divorce. It was all his wife's... his former wife's, doing.”

  “Think twice before getting involved with a divorcee, Tessa. You know what the Bible says about divorce.”

  Her mother placed a hand lightly on his arm again. Tessa stared down at the small pools of sauce remaining on her empty plate. She’d read through most of the Bible, but struggled to recall the specific verses that talked about divorce. She’d had no need to study them… until now. Stephanie was right again. Her parents didn’t approve of Ben, and they hadn't even met him.