THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  She took him for a short walk through the property, ending up at the wooden bench where the views over the valleys below to the rolling mountains in the distance still took her breath away.

  “Do you like it, Ben?”

  He slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “It’s lovely, Tess. It’s so peaceful.”

  “Could you see yourself living here?”

  He tilted his head, his forehead creasing. “What do you mean by that?”

  She took a deep, slow breath and raised her head. “Well, it’s for sale, and I thought we could buy it and build some small cabins on it and develop it as a retreat. Stephanie’s got this job working with disadvantaged youth, and she could bring them here, and…”

  Ben placed his finger across her lips. “Whoa, Tess, slow down.”

  “Sorry. You can see I’m excited about it.”

  “You’re not wrong.” The sparkle in his eye gave her hope he might share that excitement. “Tell me what you’re thinking, but slowly.”

  “Okay.” She smiled at him and then began. “Well, I’ve always wanted to live in the country. I could see myself as a country vet. And we’ve been praying about a ministry, and I think it’s the perfect place for a retreat. A place where people can come to recharge, to reconnect with each other and with God, and a place where Stephanie could bring the young people she’ll be working with to get away from the city for a while.” A grin formed on her face. “And I think Jayden would love it. He doesn’t want to go back to the same school, and we could get some horses, and maybe a cow or two, and some chickens.” She paused. “What do you think?”

  Ben shook his head and laughed. “And what do you suggest I do?”

  “You can get a job in town— it’s not that far, or you could work from home, or you could become ‘Retreat Manager’. Or all of the above!”

  He pulled her close and kissed the side of her head. “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

  She nodded.

  “Guess we’d better make an offer, then.”

  Tessa’s face expanded into a broad smile as she threw her arms around his neck. She drew back and met his gaze. “Does that mean you’re not going to think about it for three months? Or run the figures through your spreadsheets, or even pray about it?”

  He chuckled. “We should pray about it, and maybe I’ll run some figures, but if we sell our house, I can’t see it’s a problem.” He turned his gaze to the mountains. “Besides, I could easily get used to this. It’s the perfect place to raise our family.”

  Tessa rested her head against his shoulder and sighed. “I can just imagine it. Happy children running around playing games, going fishing, riding horses, getting dirty.” She laughed.

  “Sounds amazing.” He kissed the top of her head and pulled her close.

  The deal was done. The house at New Farm sold quickly, and they’d be moved in by Christmas. Jayden was excited that he’d get his own horse, and he promised to milk the cows every morning. He’d met up with Neil a few times, but they’d both changed, and Jayden was looking forward to making new friends at his new school and new church. Most days he managed to Facetime with Angie, and although it wasn’t quite the same, they still laughed together and spent hours talking about everything that was happening in their lives, including what they’d been learning in the Bible study they were doing together. Jayden didn’t know when he’d see her again, but he looked forward to the day he would.

  * * *

  Tessa’s baby was due any day. Jayden was in his room packing the last of his stuff when she called out from downstairs. He raced down to find her doubled over, holding her stomach. She’d been packing boxes in the living room—he was sure Dad had told her not to do that. Dad was at work, tidying everything up before he finished.

  “Are you all right?” He placed his arm lightly on her back. She didn’t look all right. She certainly didn’t sound all right. What a stupid question.

  She shook her head.

  “Is it the baby?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was just a whisper.

  “I’ll call Dad.” He helped her to the couch then dialled Dad’s number.

  Dad answered straight away.

  “Dad, it’s Tessa. The baby’s coming.”

  “I’m on my way. I’ll be home in ten minutes.”

  “Okay.” Jayden turned to Tessa. “Dad’ll be home soon. Is there anything I can do?”

  She shook her head. “Everything’s ready.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t want to deliver a baby on his own.

  Dad arrived and helped Tessa into the car. Jayden went with them. Tessa’s parents came and sat with him while Dad went in with Tessa.

  “It could be a long time, Jayden.” Eleanor patted his thigh.

  “Will she be all right?”

  “The doctor said everything’s fine, so yes, God willing, she will be.”

  “What do you think she’ll have?”

  Eleanor chuckled. “I’ve never got it right yet, so if I say it’ll be a boy, it’ll probably be a girl.”

  “So what do you think?”

  “A boy.”

  “Okay, so it’ll be a girl.” He leaned back in his chair. A little sister. He could live with that. Maybe they could call her Angie.

  Hours passed. Finally Dad appeared through the double doors with a broad smile on his face. “It’s a girl. We have a daughter!”

  Eleanor jumped up and gave him a big hug. Telford shook his hand, and then hugged him too.

  Jayden hung back, but then Dad stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him. “You have a little sister, Jayden. She’s beautiful.”

  “Can I see her?”

  “You sure can.”

  * * *

  Tessa sat in bed, leaning against her pillows, cradling her new little daughter in her arms. She was perfect in every way. A tiny rosebud mouth, softer than soft skin, a beautifully formed face, long lashes, and a light covering of hair. As her tiny fingers wrapped around Tessa’s thumb, Tessa’s heart swelled with love.

  She looked up when Ben returned with Jayden and her parents.

  They all stood around her bed, trying to get a better look. Ben sat beside her on the bed and gazed down at their little baby girl.

  “What are you going to call her?” Jayden asked.

  Tessa glanced at Ben. “Go on, you tell them.”

  Ben smiled with pride as he gently stroked the baby’s head. “Her name is Naomi Joy Williams.”

  Eleanor let out a happy sigh. “I love it! And she’s beautiful, Tessa.” Tears ran down her cheeks.

  Tessa held her hand out and smiled. “Thanks, Mum.”

  “Can I hold her?” Jayden stepped closer.

  “Of course. Sit in the chair and Dad will pass her to you.”

  He smiled. “Thanks, Mum.”

  Tears pricked Tessa’s eyes. How long had she been waiting to hear that? And now she had two children to love and cherish. God was so good. Her heart burst with joy as Jayden cradled his little sister in his arms. Her gaze met Ben’s and her spirit soared.

  “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7

  * * *

  Keep reading for your bonus TWO books, True Love at Christmas and Promises of Love. Read and enjoy!

  True Love at Christmas

  Brisbane, Australia

  Margaret Smith peered out the window as a car, sounding like Harold’s, pulled up in the driveway. Yes, it’s Harold. What’s he doing home at this time of day? She flung her front door open and rushed down the steps.

  As Harold climbed out of the car, Margaret grew even more concerned. He’d been coughing that morning, but nothing like this. A violent coughing bout seized his body. He was almost bent in two and could hardly walk.

  Margaret put her arm around his shoulder and waited for him to stop coughing. When he looked up, his eyes were red and watery, and h
e looked like he was on death’s door.

  “Harold dear, what’s wrong?”

  “Influenza. I went to the doctor.” Harold could barely get the words out before succumbing to another bout of violent coughing.

  “Oh no.” Margaret’s mind went into a whirl. Harold couldn’t have influenza now. They were due to leave for London in two days’ time. “We need to get you better quickly, otherwise they won’t let you on the plane.” She helped him inside and led him to the couch where she arranged several cushions behind his head and squeezed his hand, which was cold and clammy to the touch. Her heart plummeted. He didn’t look good at all. “Stay here, and I’ll make some honey lemon tea.”

  Margaret spun on her heels, but Harold didn’t let her hand go. Instead, he pulled her back with the small amount of strength he had left. She turned around and leaned closer to him. He was trying to say something in between coughs.

  “What is it, Harold?”

  “The doctor said I can’t go, Marg.”

  As Margaret’s eyes widened, her heart fell. It couldn’t be true. “But we have to go, Harold. The tickets are booked, and the twins are expecting us.”

  “I know.” He held his hand to his mouth as he began coughing again. “I’m sorry.” His chest heaved as he struggled for breath. “You could go on your own.”

  “Oh Harold, I can’t fly halfway around the world on my own. And besides, who’d take care of you if I went?” Margaret sighed sadly as her shoulders sagged. “No, we’ll just have to hold off and go when you’re better. Maybe we could make it for New Year instead of Christmas.”

  “I’m so sorry, Marg.” Beads of sweat glistened on Harold’s forehead as his eyes flickered.

  “It’s not your fault, dear. But the girls will be disappointed.” Margaret picked up the photo album she’d been looking at before Harold’s arrival and ran a finger over the wedding photos of their twin daughters, Chloe and Sophie. It still amused her that they’d married twin brothers, Alastair and Angus Callum, but she couldn’t complain because they were both fine young men.

  “At least it means we can have Christmas with Harrison.” Harold coughed again.

  Margaret’s face lit up. “Yes, it does. I was discussing our Christmas plans with him just yesterday. He was a bit despondent because he couldn’t get the time off work to come with us.”

  Harold attempted a smile, but another violent coughing episode racked his body.

  “You need to get some rest, Harold. Let’s get you to bed.”

  Harold nodded. He tried to sit, but could barely manage it on his own.

  Margaret helped him up and guided him into their bedroom. After making sure he was comfortable and giving him the lemon tea, she returned to the living room and stared at the mess. Her usually spotless red oak floor and puffy sofas were strewn with festive gold and silver wrapping paper, decorative gift boxes, and newly purchased toys all ready to be wrapped and packed into their suitcases.

  Her heart was heavy. Harold couldn’t help being sick, but it was so disappointing. She’d been so looking forward to seeing her daughters and their husbands, but had especially been looking forward to seeing her grandchildren for the first time and had splurged a good amount of money on baby and toddler clothes and toys.

  Chloe’s little boy, Lachlan, had recently had his first birthday, and on their last phone call, Chloe had told her he’d just started walking. And Sophie had given birth to a baby girl just over six months ago. While the twins had sent numerous cards and photos of their children, and even tried to get them to make some noises on the phone, nothing could replace seeing them in person. But now with Harold sick, they’d have to wait a little longer for that to happen.

  What am I going to do with all this? Margaret let out another sad sigh as she picked up a tiny pink cardigan and held it to her cheek. It was so soft against her skin, and she could just imagine little Lara-Katie wearing it. A lump grew in her throat. She’d been so looking forward to holding her tiny granddaughter.

  Well, she’d just have to post everything.

  She sat down on her favourite chair, an old recliner that had seen better days, but it was the most comfortable chair she’d ever sat in and she couldn’t bear to part with it. After a short while, she picked up the phone to call Harrison. He’d be at work, but unlike times in the past, Margaret knew her son would pick up if he could, and that he’d be truly pleased to talk with her. The animosity that had once been between them was long gone, and her heart was full of gratitude that they were back on speaking terms. Their relationship still had some growing to do, but her twenty-eight-year old son was closer to her than he’d been in years.

  He answered after three rings. “That’s so sad, Mum. You and Dad were so looking forward to your trip.”

  “I know, but there’s no way Dad could travel like he is.” Margaret let out a heavy sigh before brightening. “But at least it means we can spend Christmas with you. That is, unless you have other plans.”

  “No other plans, so I’d love to come. Thanks Mum.” He paused. “Will it be all right if I bring Zoe?”

  “Of course, darling.” Margaret couldn’t help but smile. She secretly hoped Zoe might officially join their family soon, even though Harrison hadn’t suggested in any way he was about to pop the question. “She’s always welcome, you know that.”

  “Thanks Mum. We’ll look forward to it.”

  After Margaret ended her call with Harrison, she placed calls to Chloe and Sophie in London and passed on the sad news. As expected, they were devastated, but asked her to pass on their best wishes to their father for a speedy recovery.

  Margaret returned to her gift wrapping, trying hard not to feel too depressed about the delayed trip. Now they’d be having Christmas at home, she’d have to get the Christmas tree and all the decorations out and she’d have to go shopping, and she’d have to bake and clean… the list could go on forever. She searched for a notepad and began writing it all down.

  * * *

  Harrison was still digesting the news of his father’s illness and the cancellation of his parents’ eagerly anticipated trip as he headed across the parking lot to the Veterinary Clinic where he worked as head surgeon.

  He was glad to be on friendly terms again with his parents, but why it had taken him so long to come around he still wasn’t sure. If it hadn’t been for the clinic manager, Tessa Williams, he most likely would still be at odds with them.

  As he crossed the parking lot, Tessa drove her sky blue Hatchback into the spot beside his car. Harrison waved and waited for her to catch him.

  Tessa, who was friendly with his mother, had worn a heavy heart ever since she and her husband, Ben, had returned from their skiing holiday in Queenstown, New Zealand, without Jayden, Ben’s teenage son. Understandable. The boy had disappeared with his birth mother without even a word.

  The sun gleamed on Tessa’s light brown shoulder length hair as she walked, but the spark that used to be in her cornflower blue eyes was missing. Despite that, Tessa gave him a warm smile and stepped into line with him as they headed towards the clinic.

  Harrison didn’t know all the details of Tessa, Ben, and Jayden’s situation, but he had a feeling that Jayden had made a bad decision by leaving them. If only he could talk with the boy like Tessa had talked with him a while back, urging him not to turn his back on the ones who truly loved him.

  “Still nothing?” He shot her a side-wise glance as they walked.

  Tessa shook her head.

  “I can’t imagine how you’re feeling.” But the truth was, he could. Much the same as his parents had felt after years of him ignoring them.

  “I’ve never thanked you properly, Tessa.”

  “What for?” Tessa paused outside the clinic entrance and angled her head.

  “For helping me see that I needed to make things right with my parents.” Harrison gulped. It still pained him whenever he thought of how badly he’d treated them both, especially his mother. She hadn’t deserved the tre
atment he’d dished out.

  “I’m just so glad you finally got things sorted, Harrison. Your Mum’s been a changed woman these past couple of months.”

  Harrison pushed the door open and held it for her. “But she had bad news today.”

  Tessa gave him a puzzled look as she ducked under his arm. “What’s happened?”

  “Dad’s got a bad strain of ‘flu and can’t travel, which means they won’t be spending Christmas with my sisters.”

  “Oh… she’d been so looking forward to it.” Tessa’s voice softened. “I’ll have to call her.”

  “Mum would appreciate that.” Harrison followed Tessa to her office and leaned on the door-frame, his hands shoved into the large pockets of the white lab coat he’d just slipped on. “But there’s one good thing that’s come of it.”

  “What’s that?” Tessa placed her brief case on the desk and clicked it open.

  “Zoe and I will get to spend Christmas with Mum and Dad.”

  “Well, that is good news. I’m sure it’ll be a wonderful day.” The smile Tessa gave him, although sincere, held a tinge of sadness. How thoughtless he’d been. Of course she and Ben would be dreading Christmas with Jayden missing.

  “I’m sorry Tessa, I didn’t think.”

  “It’s okay, Harrison. I’m glad for you. It’s not your fault Jayden’s not talking to us.”

  “I know, but it must be hard.”

  Tessa drew in a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, but we’re dealing with it.” Her voice sounded fragile. “Anyway, we both have work to do.” She blew her nose and gave him a half smile. Probably the best she could manage under the circumstances.

  * * *

  Chloe balanced her bouncy one-year-old son, Lachlan, in one arm and struggled to adjust the restaurant highchair in the other. A young male waiter set down his tray of dishes and stepped over to help. “Thank you so much.” Chloe smiled at him as she slipped Lachlan into the chair, untangling his hands from her hair.