THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  “And this was a great idea. Thank you.”

  “Our pleasure. It’s great to have the house filled with friends. Especially today.”

  Margaret placed her hand lightly on Tessa’s wrist. “He’ll be back soon, I’m sure of it.”

  “Maybe, but now he’s got a girlfriend…” Tessa raised a brow. “Who knows?”

  “Don’t give up hope, dear.”

  “We’re not, it’s just that it’s hard being patient.”

  “Tell me about it!” Margaret let out a chuckle. “But when it finally happens, it’s like all that lost time is forgotten. I’m sure it’ll be the same for you as well.”

  “I hope so. I truly do.”

  Later, after everyone had eaten, Margaret brought out a chocolate cake she’d picked up on her way from church. She lit sixteen candles, and placed the cake in front of Ben and Tessa. “Let’s sing happy birthday to Jayden.”

  Tessa smiled at Margaret and then leaned into Ben. Her heart ached as they sang, and tears filled her eyes, but she was ever so glad they were surrounded by friends who understood their pain and were there to support them.

  “Can we pray for Jayden?” Fraser’s normally strong voice was quiet and full of compassion.

  Tessa glanced up at Ben before nodding. “That would be great, thank you.”

  Fraser smiled and then cleared his throat. “Let’s pray.” He bowed his head. “Dear God, we thank You for this beautiful day, and for this beautiful family. We can’t even begin to understand the heartache that Ben and Tessa are feeling, but You understand, dear Lord, and we pray that today as they celebrate Jayden’s sixteenth birthday, that You’ll comfort them and wrap Your arms around them. And we also pray for Jayden. We ask that You’ll be with him, that You’ll keep him safe, and that You’ll keep knocking on the door of his heart, and we pray that one day soon he’ll let You in. Bless the new little baby that’s soon to be welcomed into this family, dear Lord, and may Your name continue to be glorified in this home. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

  Tessa sucked in a breath as she wiped her eyes. Fraser’s prayer had acted as a balm to her soul. She raised her head and gazed around the group, thanking God for bringing each one of them into her life.

  After they’d all left, Tessa flopped onto a sun-lounge, resting her head on a cushion. “I think I need a nap, Ben.”

  “I’m not surprised.” Ben perched beside her and brushed his hand over her hair. “Thanks for organising that. It was great.”

  She took his other hand and held it. “Funny how spontaneous events are often better than overly planned ones.”

  “I’m beginning to learn that!” He chuckled as he lowered his face before placing a gentle kiss on her lips. “I’ll go write that letter while you nap.”

  She smiled before stifling a yawn. “Great idea.”

  Chapter 5

  While Tessa napped, Ben sat at his computer and stared at the screen. So many things he wanted to say to Jayden, but now he didn’t know where to start. He spun around in his chair and gazed out at Tessa sleeping on the sun-lounge, cozily wrapped in a blanket. He drew in a deep breath and picked up Jayden’s latest letter. He knew the contents by heart, but read it again anyway.

  Dear Dad and Tessa,

  You know I’m not that good at writing letters, so I’ll keep this short. I’m doing okay. Work is all right, but it’s a bit boring. I never thought I’d be stocking shelves for a job, but at least I get paid every week. The lady I work with keeps telling me I need to be studying. I will, one day. My biggest news is that I’ve got a girlfriend. Her name’s Angie, and she’s really nice. It was her parents who told me I should write to you. They’re really cool. They live on a ranch, but Mr. Morgan is a teacher at the high school. They also go to church, and I’ve been going with them for the past few weeks. I know you’ll be happy about that. I don’t see Mum very often, but she’s not in a good way. I keep an eye out for her in case she needs me. How are Bindy and Sparky? I miss them. I’m not ready to talk yet, but I’m glad we can write to each other and that you’re not mad at me.

  Your son,

  Jayden

  Ben blinked back tears as he slowly folded the paper. How did this happen, God? How did Jayden end up on the other side of the world? He swallowed the lump in his throat and sucked in a deep breath before exhaling slowly. God was working in Jayden’s heart, and at least they were communicating. He needed to be thankful for that. But it was still, oh so hard.

  A flock of brightly coloured rainbow lorikeet parrots flew overhead and settled in the grevillea bush in the far corner of the yard and twittered, triggering memories of the camping trip they’d taken to the mountains. Such a fun weekend, although he hadn’t wanted to go. He sighed heavily. Will we ever to get to do that again?

  He turned back to his desk, but instead of typing, he pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. God, please give me the words to write.

  Dear Jayden,

  This is such a hard letter to write. Today is your sixteenth birthday, and Tessa and I are wondering what you’re doing for it. We’re guessing you’ll be spending it with your girlfriend, and maybe her family. They sound really nice. Whatever you do, we hope you have a great day.

  Ben ran his hand through his hair. It wasn’t right—Jayden should be spending his birthday with him and Tessa, not with another family. But he had to put that aside.

  It’s hard for us to imagine you with a girlfriend. You must have grown up so much, and we’re proud of the way you’re taking on such responsibility, but we can’t pretend we’re not sad that you still haven’t come home. Know that whenever you do decide to come, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Bindy and Sparky will be so excited to see you too. They miss you terribly.

  We would have liked to celebrate your birthday with you today, but as we couldn’t, we celebrated it anyway. It’s been a lovely day, even though the guest of honour was missing. We miss you, Jayden, and we look forward to the day when we’ll see you again.

  And yes, both Tessa and I were pleased to hear you’ve been to church. And we’re happy you’ve found a family to spend time with. Maybe you could send a photograph with your next letter?

  Until then, be assured of our love, which will never change, no matter where you are or what you do.

  Dad

  Sighing, Ben placed his pen on the desk and folded the paper. One step at a time. It was all he could ask for, and he had to be content with that.

  He hadn’t heard Tessa come in, but her hand on his shoulder was warm and soft. He reached up and placed his hand on hers before spinning slowly around in his chair.

  “Done?” Her voice still sounded sleepy, and her hair was messed up.

  He pulled her gently onto his lap, blanket and all, slipping his arms around her waist. “Yes, it’s done.”

  “Good.” She leaned her head on his and wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders.

  Moments of silence passed between them. He closed his eyes. Tessa’s love kept him going. He nuzzled her hair. So soft. And the smell… He breathed in her perfume as he kissed the curve of her neck. Her head rolled slowly. His pulse quickened. His kisses grew more urgent. He lifted his hand and tilted her face towards his. He opened his eyes and gazed into hers.

  “We couldn’t do this if Jayden was here.” Tessa’s eyes sparkled, her voice no more than a whisper.

  “We’d better make the most of it, then.” He pulled her closer until their lips met in a kiss that began gently, but grew in intensity, leaving them both breathless.

  * * *

  “We’re going to be late.” Tessa threw off her blanket and stood. Her chest heaved. “You get distracted so easily these days.”

  Ben laughed. “What do you expect? We’re here on our own, and you’re so deliciously beautiful.”

  It was true. Not that she was so deliciously beautiful, he could say that if he wanted, but it was true that apart from their honeymoon, they’d never really been on their own. Even at the mission,
people were always popping in at random times, but here, in their own home, it was almost like they were newlyweds.

  “We told Mum and Dad we’d be there by six.” Tessa glanced at her watch. “It’s five-thirty now.”

  “We’d better hurry, then. Just one more kiss?” Ben cocked his head. His eyes were so soft and doey. She almost gave in.

  “No. Come on, we need to get ready.”

  Ben blew out a breath and stuck his bottom lip out. “If we have to.” He stood, but as he did, he grabbed her hand and pulled her close. “I do love you, Tess. With all my heart.”

  She smiled up at him. “I know. And I love you too.”

  He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.

  Eleanor and Telford stood outside the new Modern Australian restaurant Tessa had suggested trying after seeing it on one of her early morning walks with the dogs.

  “Sorry we’re late.” Tessa gave her mother and father a hug and a kiss, while Ben greeted Eleanor with a kiss and Telford with a handshake.

  “No problem, dear, we were just admiring the view. The river always looks spectacular at night.” Eleanor gave her a warm smile as she linked her arm through Tessa’s. “And this place looks interesting. A little different to Bussey’s.”

  Tessa chuckled. “You could say that. But it’s well and truly time you and Dad tried something different.”

  “Not so sure about trying crocodile, though.” Telford raised his bushy eyebrows as a look of mock terror appeared on his face.

  “Oh Dad, be adventurous for once!” Tessa slapped him playfully on the back as they strolled towards the entrance of ‘Bree’s on the River’.

  “It’s so modern and fancy,” Eleanor said as they stepped inside the door and waited to be seated. The restaurant was expansive, with an open-air feel to it. Perched on the edge of the river, the jogging path was the only separation between the restaurant and the waterway that was the life of the city. Tonight, a steady stream of couples strolled along the path, with the occasional cyclist weaving around them. On the river, the CityCat skimmed past, leaving a ripple of small waves in its wake. The gentle sound of water lapping the river’s edge greeted them as they took their seats at their table on the outside alfresco deck.

  “Glad I wore a jacket.” Tessa shivered and rubbed her arms briskly as a light breeze came off the river.

  “I’ll ask them to light a heater,” Ben said, calling a waiter over.

  “That’s better,” Tessa said as their young, smart-looking waiter ignited the gas heater, sending an immediate blast of warmth her way.

  “I have to admit this is lovely, Tessa.” Her mother’s gaze swept around the restaurant and along the river.

  “Still don’t know what was wrong with Bussey’s.” Her father folded his arms and wriggled in his seat.

  “Dad. Stop it!”

  He laughed. “I’m just teasing.” His eyes crinkled at the edge as his face softened into a playful grin. “But I’m still not so sure about the menu.”

  “We can always have fish.” Eleanor leaned against him and lifted her eyes.

  Telford placed his arm around her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. “Yes, we could.”

  Tessa shook her head. One day she’d get them to try something different.

  They placed their orders. Ben chose the Seared Kangaroo Fillet with fresh raspberries and char grilled spring onions. She chose the Smoked Duck Breast with potato gallet and glazed baby carrots. Her parents both chose the Fish of the Day, which was a Pan Fried Coral Trout with kipfler potatoes, broccolini and truss cherry tomatoes.

  “I’m not sure about Coral Trout. Would have preferred Barramundi,” her father said, the playful grin returning to his face.

  Tessa glared at him before bursting out in laughter. “Whatever.” Her smile quickly slipped from her face. The last time she’d heard that word it’d come out of Jayden’s mouth when they were in New Zealand, the day before he disappeared. It was like it happened yesterday. Jayden stood in the doorway of their hotel room, engrossed in his phone, while Neil waited for him to leave for their snowboarding lesson with Eversley. Jayden’s attitude was so bad Ben had come close to hitting him. And then came the ‘whatever’ word. She released a slow breath. It wasn’t what she wanted to remember tonight.

  “Are you all right, dear?” Mum leaned forward and touched her wrist.

  Tessa drew a slow breath and steadied herself before meeting her mother’s gaze. “Yes, I just had a sudden flashback, that’s all.”

  “Jayden?” her father asked.

  She nodded.

  “We wondered how you were both holding up,” Mum said.

  Ben slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “We’ve survived.” His deep voice was steady and controlled, but more subdued than normal. Yes, they’d survived, but only just. “Tessa organised an impromptu lunch at our house after the working bee. It helped.”

  “That’s good to hear.” Mum offered a soft smile. “I’m sure he’ll be home soon.”

  “You sound just like Tessa.” Ben shook his head as he let out a small chuckle. “I don’t know how you can both be so confident.”

  “I guess we’re just hopeful, that’s all. Nobody really knows what’s going to happen with him apart from God, but we can keep on praying, and asking God to keep working on him. I’m sure that one day he will come home. We just hope and pray it’ll be sooner rather than later.”

  “Yes, but he’s got a girlfriend now.”

  “A girlfriend?” Dad’s eyebrows waggled.

  “I told you, Telford. Don’t you remember?” An expression holding a hint of frustration flashed across Mum’s face.

  “Can’t say I do.”

  Tessa drew her eyebrows together and looked at her mother. Is something wrong with Dad? He seems very forgetful of late.

  She averted her gaze, as if she didn’t want to acknowledge Tessa’s unspoken question.

  “Yes, well, he’s got a girlfriend.” Ben shifted in his seat.

  “A bit young for one of them, I’d say.” Dad’s eyebrows waggled again.

  “Sounds like he’s grown up a lot, Ben.” Mum’s voice was soft and warm. “We might not recognise him anymore.”

  Ben sighed. “I know. That’s what worries us.”

  “We’ll know him.” Tessa squeezed his hand. “He’ll just be older, that’s all.”

  A waiter stopped by their table with drinks and a share platter for entrée. After he’d left, Telford held up his glass. “Let’s drink to Jayden’s sixteenth birthday.”

  Tessa clinked her glass with the other three, praying silently for Jayden as gratitude that at least Dad had remembered how old Jayden was swept over her.

  Chapter 6

  As Jayden pushed his cart into the pet food aisle, he glanced towards the front of the store and caught his breath. Mom stood near the register, talking with Charmian. His pulse quickened as he paused and peered down the aisle. Had Mom remembered his birthday?

  He left the cart and strolled as casually as he could to the front.

  Charmian looked up and called him over, extending her arm.

  Mom lowered her gaze to the floor as he approached.

  “Hey Mom. How are you doing?” Jayden sidled up to her and placed his hand lightly on her shoulder. His hand recoiled at the bones protruding through her thin shirt.

  She raised her head slowly and gave him a weak smile, not the flashy over-the-top smile she used to give him, instead, one that seemed like it was almost too much effort. “I’m doing all right, Jay. Good to see you.” Her eyes lit up for a second before she lowered them again and reached inside her purse.

  Jayden held his breath. Maybe she’s remembered.

  But instead of pulling out a gift, she pulled out a tissue. His shoulders sagged. Why wasn’t he surprised?

  “Take a break if you’d like,” Charmian said, touching his wrist lightly.

  “Thanks.” He gave Charmian a grateful smile, and then turned his gaze to M
om. “Would you like to have breakfast?”

  Her eyes lit up. “That would be lovely.”

  “No problem. Let’s go.”

  As he placed his arm lightly around her shoulders and led her out of the store, he glanced at Charmian and gave her a backwards wave.

  “So how are you really doing?” Jayden asked as they sat at a table towards the back of the café he often frequented with Angie. He steadied his gaze as he tried hard not to let his disappointment show. How could his own mother have forgotten his sixteenth birthday? So much for all her promises.

  “I’m okay. Buck’s still looking after me.”

  Jayden shook his head. He knew exactly what that meant. He’d seen her latest lot of bruises, even though she’d obviously tried to cover them.

  “Why don’t you leave him? I can make room for you at my place.”

  “Oh Jay, if only I could.”

  Jayden gritted his teeth. “I don’t see why it’s so hard.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “You don’t understand.”

  Jayden raised an eyebrow. “Obviously not.” He shook his head and let out a heavy sigh. “You’d better eat before it gets cold.” He nodded towards her sausage and egg sandwich. “Looks like you could do with some good food.”

  She shrugged as she lifted the sandwich and took a bite.

  Jayden picked at his pancakes, but his appetite had disappeared the moment Mom turned up.

  When he returned to the store a short while later, Charmian stepped away from the register and gave him a bear hug. “You did the right thing leaving her. She would have pulled you down with her if you’d stayed.”