THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  They trotted along in silence, with just the occasional word spoken between them until the narrow trail opened up to a meadow full of green grass and colorful wildflowers. Angie stopped and Jayden pulled Misty up alongside her. He gazed in awe at the wide open expanse. In the distance, the mountains stood rocky and stark against the deep-blue Montana sky. His thoughts turned to this week’s Bible study, where they’d discussed the complexity of God’s creation and the amazing detail in even the very smallest of animals. The more he learned, the more he was convinced that all of this just couldn’t have happened by accident.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Angie turned her head and caught his eye.

  “Sure is.”

  Simon leaned forward, raising his reins as he looked around Jayden and challenged Angie. “Race?”

  Angie glared at him. “Remember what Dad said? No shenanigans.”

  Simon rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m off—see you down there.” He kicked the sides of his horse with his boots; Midnight reared and took off. Simon moved effortlessly in time with the galloping horse.

  Jayden gazed longingly after him. It’d be such fun, riding fast, the wind whipping through his hair, the sound of the horse thudding across the hard ground. His heart beat faster. “Come on, Ange, let’s go.”

  Her eyes popped. “You can’t be serious. You’ll fall off.”

  “No, I won’t. Coming?” He lifted the reins and gave Misty a gentle kick. She took off, throwing him backwards before he managed to pull himself upright. He steadied his feet in the stirrups, stiffening his legs to stand, just like he’d seen in the movies, and held on. His heart thumped. She wasn’t going as fast as Midnight, but it was fast enough. The thud of her hooves sent thrills through his body. This was even better than jet-skiing or snow-boarding.

  Angie’s horse caught him and galloped alongside. Jayden turned his head and gave Angie a beaming smile. She didn’t return it. Her lips had flat-lined, and her glare was so intense he thought her eyes would pop out.

  Girls. Why couldn’t he have some fun? It’d been too long. Way too long. Jayden turned his head to the front and focused on staying upright. Angie could like it or lump it. He wasn’t going to fall off. Adrenaline coursed through his veins like a bolt of lightning that kept coming. He geed Misty up, urging her to go faster. She responded. The exhilaration was like nothing he’d ever experienced.

  Simon was up ahead and had brought Midnight to a slow canter.

  The ground had become rockier as the foothills of the mountains loomed ahead. Now all Jayden had to do was slow Misty down without falling off. It was taking all his effort to hold on; how was he going to pull the reins in? He tried, but almost lost his balance. His pulse raced. She’s not going to stop… there’s water up ahead. His heart beat faster. Surely she’ll stop… don’t horses do that? He clenched his jaw. All of a sudden his legs felt like jelly. The stream loomed. Misty wasn’t slowing. His breaths came faster. He braced himself. This is going to hurt. He swallowed hard. One last time he tried to pull the reins in. As he did, Angie reached out and grabbed them, somehow slowing both horses at the same time.

  “Stupid, Jayden. Stupid. You could have killed yourself.” Her chest heaved. Her face had turned almost as red as her hair.

  Hanging his head, Jayden panted as he tried to catch his breath. Yes, what was I thinking? He raised his head. “Sorry Ange, I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “No, you shouldn’t.”

  “But it was fun.” He shot her a cheeky grin.

  She shook her head, but then burst out laughing. “Don’t ever let Dad know you did that.”

  “I won’t.”

  “That was a close call,” Simon said as he pulled Midnight to a halt beside them, a smug look on his face. “Don’t know how to stop, Jayden?”

  Jayden drew a breath. Count to ten. “No, but you can show me if you want.”

  Simon shrugged. “Maybe later.”

  “Okay, now we’re all here, safely, let’s have a drink and then we’ll cross and climb up to the ridge.” Angie reached into her saddle bag and drew out her water canteen.

  Jayden followed suit, gulping greedily as the cool water slid down his throat. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he was.

  “Keep some for later.” Her voice had softened.

  “Okay, but can’t we fill up?”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Here? No, you never know what’s pooped in the water.”

  “Bears?”

  She laughed. “No bears around here, but there’s elk and the odd moose, and loads of beavers.”

  “Will we see any?”

  “Maybe, we’ll keep an eye out.”

  “Okay.” He smiled at her. They’d survived their first tiff and she’d forgiven him for acting like a goose. He’d have to act more grown up around her. He really had been stupid.

  The track to the ridge was windy and narrow. Simon led the way, followed by Jayden, with Angie bringing up the rear. Half an hour after crossing the stream, they reached the top and dismounted.

  Jayden stood and gazed around. Magic. Absolutely magic. In the distance, snow-capped mountains stretched as far as the eye could see, reminding him of the Remarkables in New Zealand, and sending a pang of guilt through his body. He should never have disappeared like he had. What had he been thinking? He pushed the memory away. He was here now, gazing at the Rocky Mountains with the girl he loved holding his hand. What could be better than that? He pulled Angie close and wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug. As he brushed a strand of loose hair off her face, his pulse quickened. They shouldn’t be doing this. They’d agreed, but she was so beautiful, and the mountains were so breathtaking, and the ride had been exhilarating. He just wanted to kiss her. He gazed into her eyes and began lowering his face.

  “Come on you two, stop being so lovey-dovey.” Simon stood to Jayden’s left, his nose wrinkling and his lip curling.

  Jayden dropped his arms and bit his lip. He could get angry with Simon if he wasn’t careful. Why did he have to come? Jayden sucked in a breath and glared at him.

  Angie squeezed Jayden’s hand and leaned her head against his shoulder. “It’s okay. Probably better he’s here.” She angled her head and spoke quietly.

  She was probably right. They could easily get carried away. But still…

  “Let’s have a snack before we head back.” She let go of his hand and opened her saddle bag, pulling out a plastic lunch box before choosing a flat rock to sit on.

  Jayden sat beside her; Simon chose a different rock a few feet away.

  “These look great.” Jayden’s mouth watered at the pile of homemade cookies sitting in the box.

  “Mom made them this morning.”

  “You’re very lucky.” A sudden wave of sadness washed over him. It must be so good to have a mother like Mrs. Morgan. Mom had never been like her. She hated cooking. And Tessa, well, she tried, but it wasn’t the same. Jayden swallowed the lump in his throat. Dad had told him about the new baby they were expecting. He hoped Tessa didn’t lose it this time.

  He took a chocolate chip cookie and nibbled on it as he gazed at the mountains. In the distance, an eagle soared on a current. Magic. It must be so cool up there.

  “Do you think you’ll ever go back?” Turning her head, Angie looked at him as she drew her knees up and wrapped her arms around them.

  Jayden held her gaze for a second and then looked down. That was a good question. One he’d been thinking about a lot. But no, he couldn’t go back. He was getting fed up with Mom, and in fact, after this morning, he was almost ready to forget about her, but how could he leave Angie? He raised his head. “No, I don’t think so, not for a long time.”

  “Your mom?” Angie raised an eyebrow.

  He nodded slowly. How could he tell Angie it was her, not his mom, keeping him here?

  “You know, she doesn’t deserve you, the way she’s treated you.”

  He shrugged. “But she’s my mom.”

  “But you’ve also got
a dad and a step-mom who really miss you.”

  He inhaled slowly. She was right. But how could he go home and leave her behind?

  A small smile grew on her face. “Plus you’ll have a baby brother or sister soon. I’m sure they’ll want you there for that.”

  His shoulders slumped. “Sounds like you want to get rid of me.”

  Angie’s forehead puckered, her expression growing serious. She reached out and placed her hand lightly on his leg. “I don’t want to get rid of you, but I’ve been thinking that maybe you should go home before the baby comes.”

  “But what about us?” A heavy weight settled on his heart.

  Angie’s eyes misted over. She brushed them quickly with the back of her hand. “When we started going out, I didn’t know much about your family, but now I do, I think you should be with them.” She paused, sucking in another breath and swallowing hard. “You shouldn’t be here with me, or even your mom.” She wriggled closer to him and placed her arm around his shoulder. “I’m sure my mom and dad would look out for her.”

  Jayden kicked some dirt with his boot. He couldn’t leave Angie. He loved her. His heart beat faster. No, he couldn’t leave.

  “Angie, I don’t want to leave you.” His voice caught in his throat as tears pricked his eyes. Surely they weren’t breaking up?

  “We’re only young, Jayden. We shouldn’t be planning our whole lives around each other.”

  Tears rolled down his cheek as he held her gaze. “Are you breaking up with me?”

  She exhaled slowly. “No. I’m just saying you need to make the right decision, and that maybe you shouldn’t even be thinking about me.”

  “But Ange,” he gazed into her eyes,” I…” he gulped. He couldn’t say it.

  “Let’s leave it for now.” She blinked back the tears wedged in her eyes. “There’s plenty of time to think about it—the baby’s not due until Christmas.” Her eyes lit up and she attempted a smile. “Maybe you could surprise them and go home for Christmas?”

  Jayden brightened. He pulled her close and kissed the side of her head. “Maybe you could come with me?”

  Her mouth fell open. “I… I don’t know what Mom and Dad would think about that.”

  He inhaled slowly as he stroked her hair. “Think about it?”

  A moment of silence passed between them. She held his gaze.

  His pulse quickened. If she came home with him, that would be the answer to everything.

  “I’ll think about it.” She gave him one of her dazzling smiles.

  Jayden sighed. He’d have to be happy with that for now.

  The ride back was much more subdued than the ride out. Jayden was lost in thought almost the whole way. What would it be like to take Angie home to Australia to meet Dad and Tessa? And to meet his new little brother or sister? But would she leave her own mom and dad, and Jessica, and Jess’s new baby, and come with him? He glanced at her as they approached the ranch. What would he do if she didn’t?

  Chapter 8

  Mr. Morgan was outside in the yard hanging fairy lights between the trees when the three arrived back after putting the horses away. Several tables had been laid out to one side, and a large fire was set in a hollow away from the house.

  Jayden looked at Angie, his eyebrows drawn. “So... what’s happening?”

  She crossed her legs at the ankle and held her hands together in front of her, gazing at the ground before raising her head slowly. “Nothing, really. We’re just having a few people over.”

  He narrowed his eyes further. “Thought it was just us for dinner.”

  She lifted her chin and gave him a playful smile. “I never said that.”

  No, she hadn’t. He’d just assumed.

  “So, who’s coming?”

  “Don’t worry. Just a few of the youth, and Uncle John and Aunt Mary from next door, and our cousins, that’s all.”

  “It’s not for my birthday, is it?”

  She sidled up to him. “And if it was?” She held both his hands and looked coyly at him.

  Jayden inhaled slowly. He’d rather not spend his birthday with people he didn’t know well, but what could he do? “Guess it’d be okay, but I’d rather spend it with you.”

  Angie slapped his wrist lightly. “Jayden.”

  “It’s true.”

  “Well, they’re all nice people, and we’ll have fun, you’ll see.”

  “Mmm.” He still wasn’t quite sure how to feel about having a party sprung on him.

  “How was your ride?” Mr. Morgan stepped off the ladder, folded it up, and then placed it on his shoulder as he headed towards them.

  Jayden glanced at Angie. She wouldn’t say anything, but would Simon?

  “It was great, Dad. No problems at all.” She sounded a little too innocent, as if she were trying too hard to convince him.

  “And how did you go, Jayden?”

  “Good, thanks. My butt’s a bit sore, that’s all.” Jayden felt his bottom before testing his legs. “And my legs are a bit wobbly, but it was worth it. Didn’t see any moose, though.”

  Mr. Morgan chuckled. “I’ll take you out one day and we’ll find some. Would you like that?”

  “Yes, sir, that’d be great.”

  “We could have a boy’s camp-out. Do some fishing, spot some bears. I’ll plan it.”

  “Sounds good.” But not if Simon’s coming…

  Mr. Morgan continued on his way.

  Angie glanced at her watch. “We’d better get cleaned up. They’ll be here soon.”

  Jayden’s shoulders slumped as he nodded. So much for spending time alone with her.

  Jayden took a shower downstairs and then pulled on some clean jeans and a white T-shirt. Thinking Angie would probably be a while, he walked over to the wall lined with family photos and cast his eye over them. They were a very close family, but then, he already knew that. Angie and Jess could almost be twins. Both had copper-red curly hair, but Angie’s eyes were green, while Jess’s were hazel. Jayden sighed. How could he expect Angie to leave when her sister was having a baby, even if it was only for a visit? Maybe she’d come after Jess had the baby. Or maybe she wouldn’t come at all. If that was the case, he’d stay. She said they were only young, but he loved her. His life had changed in such a short time, and he couldn’t imagine life without her. As he gazed into her smiling eyes, his heart beat with love for her. He’d have to choose between Angie and Dad—he couldn’t have them both.

  A soft knock on the door interrupted Jayden’s thoughts. He quickly stepped back from the photos.

  “Come in.”

  The door opened. Angie stood in the doorway, smelling amazing. She was wearing the perfume he’d given her, and she’d pulled her hair up into a top knot. A few strands spiraled down the sides of her cheeks. He wanted to touch them. She was wearing make-up, and her eyes sparkled even more than normal. Maybe she didn’t know what effect she had on him, but all he wanted to do was hold her tight and kiss her.

  He inhaled slowly. No way could he kiss Angela Morgan the way he wanted to, especially in her parents’ house. He’d have to control himself. He stepped towards her and took her hand. “Ange, you look beautiful.”

  She gave him a coy smile. “Thanks. You’re not bad yourself.”

  He took another deep breath. “I was just looking at these photos.” He placed his arm lightly on her shoulder and turned her to face the wall.

  She pointed out a photo of when she was a toddler and laughed. She and Jess were wearing the same outfits. “Mom used to do that all the time.”

  Standing beside her, hearing her laugh and breathing in her perfume, Jayden grew dizzy. Maybe he could steal a kiss? His pulse quickened as they studied the most recent photo. Blake had his arm around Jess. If Blake could be in a Morgan family photo, why couldn’t he?

  Jayden turned her slowly towards him. He held a finger to her chin and tilted her face. His stomach tightened. Her eyes met his and held. His heart pounded. He gulped and cleared his throat. “Can I
…” Jayden gulped. “Can I kiss you, Angie?”

  She blinked and swallowed. “Jayden…” Her chest heaved. “You know we can’t.”

  His heart fell.

  She lifted her hand to his cheek. “I’m sorry, but we can’t.”

  He placed his hand on hers. “But I love you, Angie.” The words slipped out of his mouth.

  Her eyes widened, her body stiffening. Seconds passed. Why did he say that? She dropped her hand, but her gaze remained steady. “Jayden…”

  He stepped closer, placing his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Her lip trembled. She swallowed again, her eyes still fixed on his. “We’re too young to feel like that.”

  Tears stung his eyes. No they weren’t. He loved her. They weren’t too young to know true love.

  She stepped closer and hugged him, resting her head against his chest before lifting her face. “Let’s not spoil what we’ve got?”

  Jayden drew in a long, slow breath before nodding. He swallowed hard and released his breath. “I’m sorry. I won’t say it again.”

  She smiled at him before kissing her finger and placing it on his lips.

  He breathed a sigh of relief. At least he hadn’t lost her.

  At the sound of cars pulling up outside, Angie took Jayden’s hand and led him outside to greet their friends. A group of eight young people from the church had arrived in two cars. Gareth and Rachel, Matt, Dave and Rosy were amongst them.

  Gareth extended his hand. “Happy birthday, Jayden.”

  Jayden took Gareth’s hand and shook it. “Thanks.”

  The others followed suit.

  “What’s for dinner, Ange?” Dave sniffed the air. “Smells good, whatever it is.”

  “Ribs, what else would you expect from my dad?” Angie let out a small laugh.

  Dave nodded. “Your dad’s ribs are the best.”

  “They’re about the one thing he knows how to cook.” She glanced towards her father who stood in front of the large outdoor barbecue turning ribs while chatting with Pastor Graham. Jayden had to agree with Dave—his mouth watered at the aroma of smoking ribs wafting in the air towards them.