THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  The second email message was from Margaret Smith welcoming her to the women’s Bible study group at Fellowship Bible Church. ‘It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a new member, and I’d love to get to know you better. If you’re free on Saturday, would you join me for lunch at my place? All my children are grown and have left the nest, and my husband will be away for the weekend, so I’d appreciate the company. Let me know!’

  Tessa quickly typed back a response saying she didn’t have anything planned and would be glad to join her for lunch.

  Tessa’s eyes widened at the last email message. It was from Michael. She read the name twice to make sure she hadn’t made a mistake. Her heart pounded as she hovered over the message. Should she open it? How did he know her email address? She looked again. He’d sent it to her old address. Had Sabrina told him about their Bible study run in? Too coincidental if she hadn’t. Tessa considered ignoring it or even deleting it, but as she hovered over the delete button, at the last minute she clicked to open it. It was only an email after all.

  ‘Hello Tessa,

  It’s been a while since we talked, a real long while, but when Sabrina told me you were asking about me, I had to contact you. I felt sure you’d have forgotten all about me, so I was glad to hear you hadn’t. I’ve missed you, Tessa, more than words can express. Last time we were together I was a mess and I treated you badly, but I’ve cleaned my life up and sorted my problems. I finally did what you said and got help and have been in a rehab centre here in Sydney for the past six months. I should have done it much earlier, then maybe you wouldn’t have left me. What a stupid person I was. Whatever the case, I feel the best I’ve felt since the accident.

  The people here at the centre are fantastic. Most of them are Christians, and a few weeks ago I started attending chapel services and asked Jesus back into my heart. I’m so happy, Tess, and am filled with such peace.

  There are so many things I want to talk with you about, and I’d really like to see you again. I guess you’ve moved on, and after all I put you through, I don’t expect you to readily invite me back into your life, but I’m hoping we could put the past behind us and at least try being friends again. I’ll be checking out of rehab in two weeks and I plan on staying with Sabrina for a week or so. Maybe we can meet then. Looking forward to seeing you.

  Yours,

  Michael’

  Tessa sat in front of the computer, re-reading the message several times. Her pulse was racing but she wasn’t aware of it. It was too much to take in. Michael was better, and he’d recommitted his life to Jesus—the two things she’d prayed so long and hard for after he’d become hooked on those drugs. Such wonderful news she could hardly believe it. Thank You God. Thank You so much. Tessa sighed contentedly and leaned back in her chair.

  It would be wonderful to see him again, to clear the air between them. After all the years they’d been together, to have it end like it did had left a heaviness in her heart. They’d been the perfect couple. He was the college sports hero, the boy every girl wanted to date, but she was the one who’d caught his attention, and he chose her, Tessa Scott, to be his girl. And they’d been inseparable for years.

  Even when she continued at University after he dropped out, “I need a break from studying,” he’d said after doing just one year, they’d still made it work. He’d massage her feet while she struggled with assignments, and he’d surprise her with impromptu outings and romantic gifts. One night when she’d been sitting at home with Stephanie, cramming for an exam, he’d dropped by and put a blindfold on her and whisked her away in his car. She’d protested. “I need to study, Michael,” she’d said as he led her out, but she giggled the whole way until he took the blindfold off and she found herself at the top of Mt Coot-tha, looking out at the twinkling lights of the city below. He’d packed a midnight feast, and Tessa laughed with him as they devoured chocolate and ice-cream and drank cold pop.

  But then he had that accident…

  Tessa bolted upright in her seat. Something about his email wasn’t right. She read it again. Then it dawned on her. She sucked in a breath and her hand flew to her chest. Sabrina hasn’t told him I’m married!

  That would be right. Sabrina loved stirring things up. But why wouldn’t she have told him? Would Michael be hoping they could be more than friends? Probably. She would have to set him straight. Tell him she was married and that it was too late. They could never be more than friends. Hopefully that news wouldn’t cause a relapse.

  She was just about to type a reply when she heard the key turn in the front door. She clicked out of the message and closed the lid of the computer before stepping into the hallway. Ben stood in the entrance, soaked from head to foot. His short brown hair bristled with water, and droplets fell from his nose.

  “Ben—you’re drenched!” Tessa grabbed a towel from the hall closet and handed it to him.

  He dried his hair and face and peeled off his wet clothes, leaving a puddle of water on the floor. “I should have taken an umbrella to work. It started just after I got off the bus and I had to make a dash for it.” He sounded breathless as he balanced on one foot and took a sodden sock off the other.

  “You should have called, I would have picked you up. Here, pass me your wet clothes.”

  She took all his wet things and headed towards the laundry.

  “Where’s Jayden?”

  Tessa hit her head with her hand. How could she have forgotten about him? He and the dogs were out in this. Michael’s email had made her forget everything else.

  “Tess?” Ben stood on one foot drying the other.

  “He went to the park. I’ll go find him.” She threw Ben’s wet clothes into the tub and grabbed her keys before heading out the door, but just as she was unlocking the car, Jayden turned up, soaking wet and out of breath, carrying Sparky.

  “Sorry. I would’ve been back earlier, but Sparky got into a fight at the dog park.”

  “A fight?” Her heart pounded. “Is he all right? I hope he didn’t start it.”

  “No, it was the other dog. And I think he’s okay. He’s just got some blood dripping from his ear.”

  “Let me look.” Jayden placed Sparky on the ground and she bent over him. Blood wasn’t just dripping from his ear, it oozed. He whimpered as she inspected the damage.

  “You’re a lucky boy, Sparky, it’s just a small tear. But you shouldn’t have got yourself into a fight.” She gently picked him up and carried him to the outdoor wash tub. Jayden followed with Bindy close behind.

  As she was applying ointment and a butterfly clip to the injured ear, Tessa remembered the phone call Jayden had taken before leaving. “Who was it who called earlier? You seemed to be having a good chat.”

  He froze momentarily before shrugging. “Just some lady. She had the wrong number but wanted to talk for some reason.”

  “That’s odd.” Tessa drew her eyebrows together and studied his face. Was he hiding something?

  Shortly after, once Ben, Jayden and the dogs were dried and clean and all the puddles had been wiped off the floor, Tessa turned her attention to dinner. Ben offered to help.

  “I bought a cooked chicken at the supermarket on my way home, so we’re just having that and some chips and salad. Maybe you could cut the chicken?” Tessa placed the chicken in front of Ben on a cutting board.

  “Sure, no problem.” While he dissected the chicken, she prepared the salad, but her mind wasn’t on lettuce and tomatoes. She couldn’t shrug off the message sitting on her computer.

  “Is something the matter? You seem a little distracted. You haven’t been having job troubles again, have you?” Ben looked up from the chicken and leaned against the kitchen bench.

  She continued cutting vegetables. “No, everything’s fine. I just have to catch up on some order forms tonight.” Should I tell him about the email?

  “Something’s bothering you. I can tell.” He put down his knife and stepped behind her, placing his hands lightly on her shoulders and g
ently massaged them.

  She gulped. Why was it so hard to tell him about Michael’s email? Was it because deep down she knew he wouldn’t be happy about Michael wanting to see her? But why should he be unhappy? She had nothing to hide. She’d told him all about her relationship with Michael, and he’d been fine with it, so why was she now feeling anxious?

  “Tess?” Ben stopped massaging and stepped closer. The familiar fragrance of his cologne tickled her senses. Surely he’ll be okay with it. I should tell him.

  “Yes, there is something.” She continued slicing the tomatoes, but her hands trembled. Ben’s breath was warm on her neck. She inhaled slowly. “Michael contacted me today.” She continued working on the vegetables but held her breath as she waited for Ben’s response. He didn’t say anything but his hands tensed on her shoulders.

  She reached for the salad dressing. “He’s apparently sorted himself out and has recommitted his life to Christ.” She was talking too fast. “He’ll be here in Brisbane in a couple of weeks’ time.”

  Silence filled the air. She wasn’t game to move. Why was Michael contacting her turning into such a big problem?

  “What’s that got to do with us?” Ben’s voice was controlled and steady, but she could tell he wasn’t happy.

  She turned around slowly and fixed her eyes on his. “He wants to see me.”

  Ben’s eyes darkened. “Does he know you’re married?”

  “I don’t think so.” Her voice trembled. “He’s been in rehab for the past six months.”

  For a long moment they stood, eyes locked. Her heart pounded. She didn’t like the way Ben was looking at her, as if he didn’t trust her.

  “I don’t see there’s any need for that.”

  Her breathing quickened and she clenched her jaw. What was his problem? There’s only one man I love, and that’s Ben. I just want to see Michael. She shouldn’t have told him. “But I’d like to,” she said quietly.

  Ben dropped his arms from her shoulders and moved away. He stood in front of the floor to ceiling windows and crossed his arms as he stared out into the grey drizzle.

  She stepped closer to him. “I’d just like to see Michael to clear the air between us. Nothing more.”

  Ben shook his head as he whipped around. There was a glimmer of raw pain in his eyes but then his expression hardened. “I don’t understand why you would see the need for that, Tessa. The past is the past, and that’s where it should stay. I’d rather you didn’t see him.”

  The sharpness in his voice shocked her. She’d never expected Ben to be so adamant. She felt like standing up to him, but thought better of it.

  “Okay, I’ll think about it. Don’t worry about it for now.” She moved closer and placed her hands on his chest. It was no use keeping the argument going. She looked up into his eyes and smiled. “There’s only one man I love, and it’s you.” She stretched up and kissed him on the lips.

  Later that evening when she returned to her study, Tessa quickly finished the order forms and turned her attention back to Michael’s email. She was tempted to reply and tell him how much she’d look forward to meeting up with him, but something stopped her. However incensed she was about having Ben dictate to her about whom she could or could not see, she hesitated to blatantly go against his wishes.

  She leaned back in her chair and allowed her mind to drift. What would it have been like if she’d married Michael instead of Ben? Doubtless they would have had more fun. Michael definitely knew how to have fun. But would he have been a good husband? She rolled her chair towards the bookcase and rummaged through the box on the bottom shelf. She finally found what she’d been looking for—the photo of her and Michael taken at Moreton Island on his birthday. She blew the dust off the glass and held it up. His grey eyes and tanned, chiselled face stared out at her. Although she had no right to feel this way, she couldn’t help the small pang of regret that ran through her body as she gazed into his familiar face.

  She drew the photo closer. What would he look like now? Would the drugs have altered his good looks? But more importantly, how had he changed now he’d recommitted his life to God?

  The more she thought about him, the more she wanted to see him. Not to rekindle anything—just to say she was sorry for deserting him like she had, because despite Sabrina’s rude manner, what she’d said had hit a nerve, and Tessa had begun to think that she was indeed a runner.

  She replaced the photo and reread his email. She should reply, but what would she say? Could she tell him she was married in an email? But if she didn’t… Just then, footsteps sounded in the hallway and she quickly closed the lid of her computer.

  Chapter 13

  A few days later, Tessa was bringing in a basket of clean laundry and had to jump out of Jayden’s way as he raced for the phone. She stared after him as he skidded to a halt and picked it up.

  “Hello,” he answered eagerly, but after hearing who it was, his expression changed and he handed her the phone. “It’s Stephanie.”

  Tessa took the phone from him and placed it between her ear and shoulder as she carried the basket into the bedroom. “Steph, how are you?”

  “Not good.” Stephanie’s voice caught in her throat.

  Tessa plonked the basket onto the bed and sat beside it. “What’s wrong? You’re not crying, are you?”

  “I have been.” Stephanie sniffed. “You’re not going to believe this, but I was fired this morning.”

  “Fired? What for?” Tessa straightened.

  “When I arrived this morning, Rod walked into my office and told me my services weren’t needed anymore.” Tessa heard fresh sobs collect in her throat; her friend was barely able to get the words out.

  “That’s terrible. What reason did he give?”

  “Seems I’m not cut out for the job. All my case studies have been subpar and none of my recommendations seem to improve situations for the long term.” Stephanie drew in a shaky breath and blew her nose.

  “Don’t say that. You’re good at helping people sort their problems, like you did with Ben. In fact, you’re the best counsellor I know.”

  “You mustn’t know many, then.” Stephanie succumbed to a fresh wave of sobs.

  “Is there something you’re not telling me?” A sinking feeling had developed in Tessa’s stomach as the probable reason for Stephanie’s dismissal occurred to her.

  Stephanie continued to sob quietly.

  “C’mon, Steph, what happened?”

  Stephanie blew her nose again before answering. “Rod said it was because of breach of client confidentially.”

  I knew it. Tessa held her tongue.

  Stephanie sucked in a deep breath. “When we lived together, I used to tell you about my patients. You warned me not to. I should have listened.” She went quiet for a moment. “You told me I’d get in trouble for it.”

  “I’m so sorry. Can’t they give you another chance?”

  “I’ve already tried. I promised Rod I’d never do it again, but he wouldn’t budge. I just don’t understand how he found out. I mean, you’re the only one I talked to about my clients and you’d never tell anyone.” Stephanie gasped. “Ben! He’s the only other one who knows.”

  “No!” Tessa’s breath caught. “Ben would never do something like that. He loves you like a sister.”

  “He wasn’t pleased when he found out I’d told you his life story. I wouldn’t put it past him.”

  “You’re overreacting. You’re upset. But don’t blame Ben. I have no idea how Rod found out, but it wasn’t me, and it wasn’t Ben.”

  “Well I don’t know who, then.” She began to cry.

  “Stephanie, listen to me. You’re good at what you do, and you’ll get through this.” Tessa paused. What advice could she give to someone who normally was the advice giver? God? What can I possibly say that will help? She breathed in slowly as words formulated in her mind. “What would you say to me if I came to you and told you I’d lost my job?” She waited. Stephanie took her time, but wh
en she finally answered, her voice was steadier.

  “I’d tell you that God was in control and you needed to trust Him.”

  “Yes, and…”

  Stephanie sighed, and Tessa imagined her rolling her eyes. “God can work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.”

  “And…”

  “Tessa! Stop it!”

  “No, I won’t. You know the theory—now it’s time for you to put it into practice. And you can’t go blaming others for your own mistakes—you know that. I’m sorry I’m being so blunt, but it needed to be said. How many times did I ask you not to disclose confidential information to me?”

  Stephanie sighed heavily. “I know. It was wrong, but how can I tell my mum? She’ll be so disappointed.” She succumbed to a fresh wave of sobs, making Tessa wish she could be beside her to comfort her. But Ben would be home any minute and she hadn’t got dinner ready. Maybe Stephanie could come to them.

  “Come over for dinner. It won’t be anything fancy, but we can talk more about it then. And we can pray.

  “I can’t face Ben. Not yet. I’m sorry, Tess. But thanks.” Her voice caught again, and she swallowed hard.

  Tessa exhaled slowly. She was torn. Should she drop everything and go to her friend, or stay here for her husband? Her grip tightened on the receiver. God, what should I do?

  She made her mind up. “I understand, but Ben won’t bite your head off. He truly does care for you. I’ll try to pop over a little later, but hang in there, okay? By the way, is Hannah there?”

  “No.” Stephanie struggled to get the one word answer out. “But she should be home soon.”