Tender Love: A Christian Romance (The True Love Series Book 1)

by Juliette Duncan

  “This guy’s wife divorced him after running off with another man and leaving him to raise their teenage son on his own. I’m sure he’s suffering from depression, but he refuses to talk about it and instead gives me a hard time at every meeting. I don’t even know why he comes.” Stephanie sighed and rested her chin in her hands. “I have absolutely no idea how to get through to him.” She looked up, exhaling slowly. Her eyes had watered once again. “I have to do case studies on them all, and I don't even know where to begin, especially with Mr Williams. He’s so stiff, we don’t even use first names.”

  Tessa squeezed Steph’s hand reassuringly. “I’m sure God will help you find a way. Hang in there, Steph.”

  Chapter 3

  “No!” Stephanie gasped as she opened the front door of their cottage a few days later. Tessa hurried up the steps and her heart fell as she peered around Stephanie at the mess that confronted her. Stepping carefully over a lamp on the floor, she set down the load of shopping bags she was carrying onto the nearby table. A couple of cushions had been torn open, and stuffing covered the floor. Another lamp had been knocked from the living room coffee table, several pairs of shoes from Stephanie's closet lay in the hallway, and bathroom tissue was strewn everywhere.

  “What a mess! Sparky, where are you?” Tessa raised her voice and strode into the kitchen. Sparky emerged from under the table tangled in tissue, his soft brown eyes imploring her not to be angry.

  “Sparky, you're such a naughty boy!” Tessa grabbed him and pulled the paper off him. “It’s not going to work on me.” But as she did, Sparky licked her face with his wet, pink tongue, causing a smile to crack on her face before she broke out in a full fit of laughter.

  “I don't see much that's funny.” Stephanie stood in the doorway waving a pair of dark blue ballet flats in Tessa's direction. “That troublemaker of yours has ripped up my favourite shoes.”

  “He just needs to be trained, Steph. I’m sorry. I’ll buy you a new pair.” Tessa hugged the puppy closer and planted a kiss on top of his head. “Cathy’s husband recently started his own dog and puppy training courses. I'll sign up for classes.”

  “Good idea.” Stephanie huffed as she inspected her destroyed shoes.

  “I'll clean up the mess and then fix us a nice lunch. I'm really sorry, Steph – truly I am.”

  Stephanie huffed again as she walked back to her room, but Tessa knew she didn’t really mean it.

  Half an hour later the house had been set in order, and Tessa and Stephanie sat down to a meal of toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwiches. Sparky had been put back in his pen. Tessa laughed at the pitiful look on his face.

  “He may be a troublemaker, but at least one good thing has come out of having him here.”

  Tessa looked up. This was a surprise coming from Stephanie. “What’s that, Steph?”

  “He’s kept your mind off Michael. You've stopped moping about him.”

  True. She’d hardly thought about Michael Urbane since bringing Sparky home. A pang of guilt hit her. How was it possible to completely let go of someone who’d been a major part of your life for so long? And so quickly? Was she a bad person to have done so? Surely not, but still, it didn’t seem right to have forgotten about him completely. Maybe she should check on him.

  “A dog might be helpful for that man I told you about the other night. You know, the one whose wife walked out on him?” Stephanie placed her knife back on her plate. Tessa nodded her head slowly, struggling to remember which one Steph was referring to. She’d mentioned so many.

  “Think I'll suggest it to him. Might help him get over his depression.”

  “Oh, that one. Yes, a dog might help, but make sure he wants one first. I see too many unwanted animals in my line of work. And pets can't fix everything.”

  Tessa looked at Sparky and her heart warmed. Getting a dog had certainly helped her – who was she to deny anyone else that opportunity?

  “No, but it might be part of the solution.” Stephanie pulled herself straighter. “I'll make the suggestion at our next meeting. He doesn't have to take my advice.”

  Tessa collected the dirty plates and carried them to the kitchen. She didn’t want to debate the merits or otherwise of having a pet right now. But yes, a dog could help the guy. And at least it might help Stephanie feel like she was doing something.

  The phone rang just as Tessa started the dishes. She dried her hands and answered it. Her brother, Elliott, was on the line.

  “Hey, sis.” Tessa smiled to herself. So good to hear Elliott's voice. “I'm back from the States, and it'd be good to catch up. Assume you've remembered it's Mum and Dad's thirtieth wedding anniversary in a few weeks?”

  “Yes…” No… She’d actually forgotten about her parents’ anniversary, but she wasn't about to admit that to her younger brother.

  “We need to discuss what we're doing for them. They’ve stepped out to run some errands, so now's a good time for you to come over if you’ve got a few minutes.”

  Tessa shook her head and laughed.

  “You haven't changed, Elliott. I'll be there shortly.”

  Elliott was outside on her parents’ driveway polishing his motorcycle under the shade of a magnificent frangipani tree when Tessa arrived soon after.

  “See you've got a new friend there, sis. Better let him out.” Elliott nodded towards Sparky, who was trying to climb out of the car window. Elliott stopped polishing his bike and gave her a big hug before she opened the door and allowed Sparky to jump out.

  He leaned against his bike and folded his arms. “So, how have you been doing?”

  For a moment, Tessa was tempted to tell him about her recent heartache over Michael. But he probably already knew they'd broken up - Mum would have told him. Elliott had never much liked Michael, anyway. No, she wouldn’t mention the breakup unless he did.

  “I'm doing alright. And you?” She stopped Sparky from jumping on Elliott. The sooner I can start those lessons the better.

  “Can't complain. Next month I go on my first official mission trip to Ecuador. Finally get to put all that theory into practice. Can't wait.” Tessa smiled at her brother's enthusiasm for sharing Christ with peoples in other cultures. He'd always been the adventurer of the family.

  “Now, regarding our parents' anniversary,” Tessa said, trying to hold Sparky still. “I was thinking something simple. Maybe just a family dinner someplace special.”

  “They go to dinner all the time. Come on, sis. Not every couple reaches their Pearl wedding anniversary. This needs to be extravagant.” Elliott’s eyes lit up. “I'm thinking a catered, candlelight dinner at a beach-side restaurant, followed by a night in a hotel, and then a whale watching cruise. What do you think?”

  Maybe he was right, but her parents were quiet and conservative. What if they didn’t appreciate all the fuss?

  “Mum would love the cruise. She’s always wanted to go on one. So, I guess… I just hope they like it.”

  Elliott beamed, his deep blue eyes standing out in his paler than normal skin. “Great. We could invite all their friends from work and church, and Pastor Stanek.”

  Tessa shook her head and let out a resigned but happy chuckle. Elliott was nothing if not enthusiastic.

  “I'll sort all the details, but sis, you take care of the guest list. Whatever you do, remember this is a surprise, so don't say a word about it to them.”

  “My lips are sealed.” Tessa grinned fondly at her gregarious little brother as they shook the special handshake they'd created as children for keeping secrets.

  As she drove away, excitement about the plans they'd just made for her parents grew. It would be a special celebration for them, and Tessa couldn't wait to see their faces when they arrived at the restaurant and were told about the night in the hotel and the cruise. She hoped they’d enjoy it. Thirty years of marriage hadn't always been easy for her parents but was an achievement worthy of celebration.

  Would she ever find someone to spend three decades with? A
t one time she’d thought it would have been with Michael, but now… A lone tear escaped from the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away with the back of her hand as she pulled into her driveway. She and Michael had always done such fun things together. In fact, their whole relationship had been built on having fun. He was such a big kid. Who would she have fun with now that Michael was no longer around?

  Steph was so serious of late. And her parents were so straight and conservative. It had always been her and Michael. At least Elliott would be around for a while, but then he’d be off again on one of his adventures. Tessa’s eyes blurred with tears as the old familiar ache found its way back into her heart.

  Chapter 4

  Tessa pulled up outside Cathy’s large ranch-style house for Sparky’s first puppy training class the following Thursday evening. The number of cars already parked under the large gum trees surprised her; it seemed Cathy’s husband, Dave, had already developed a good reputation. It had taken more than half an hour to drive from New Farm to the leafy suburb of Ferny Hills in the west of the city, and she’d only just made it. The traffic had been a nightmare - maybe she should have gone to a closer one.

  She turned off the engine and picked up Sparky’s leash. “Well, young man, this is it. Time to grow up and learn to behave.” She ruffled his head and chuckled at his eagerness to lick her at every opportunity.

  No need for the signs pointing towards the garage that Dave had turned into a canine training school. The noise of yapping dogs reached Tessa’s ears long before she reached it.

  Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds filled the various areas inside the building. Tessa leaned close to hear the assistant’s directions to the puppy class about to start outside. Dave welcomed her as she joined the group.

  “Sorry I’m late.” Tessa flashed an apologetic smile and pulled Sparky into line as best she could. Cathy had told her Dave used to be a shearer. His bulging arms suggested he must still work out.

  “No problem. Welcome.” He offered a short smile and lifted his cap before returning his attention to the group. “Now you’re all here, take a few moments to introduce yourselves to each other before we begin the class. I’d like to see how the pups interact with each other, so let them off their leashes if you feel comfortable.” His sun hardened face crinkled into an infectious grin. “Don’t worry - they can’t escape. It’s all fenced.”

  Tessa bent down and unclipped Sparky’s leash before shaking hands with the dark-haired woman standing beside her. They both laughed as Sparky darted back and forth across the grass, sniffing at everything and everyone in his path.

  “Looks like you’ve got the most active pup of the bunch.” Who owned that voice, the deepest, most alluring voice she’d ever heard? Tessa turned around slowly. Before her stood a slim, attractive man with short dark brown hair and milk chocolate eyes, dressed in a smart white polo shirt, cargo shorts and Nike joggers. Her heart skipped a beat, and for once she struggled for words.

  “My pup’s quite shy, unlike yours.” The man bent down to pat Sparky, who’d returned to check on Tessa and yapped excitedly as he spun around in circles.

  “Yes, he never stops.” Tessa glanced around for the man’s dog and let out a nervous laugh. He pointed to the fence where a teenage boy stood holding a black terrier pup.

  “Your son? He looks like you.” Why did I say that? I can hardly see the boy’s face under his hair...

  “Yes, my son Jayden. And I'm Ben... Ben Williams.” The man hesitated, but then extended his hand. Tessa's eyes widened. Ben Williams? No! It can’t be Stephanie’s depressed patient, surely? Or could it? Her heart pounded. What am I going to do?

  If it was him, no way could she let slip she knew bits and pieces about him or let him know her best friend happened to be his counsellor. Ben stared at her curiously, his hand still outstretched.

  “Are you alright? Has something happened?”

  “Ah, yes. I'm fine.” Tessa controlled herself and shook his hand - a little too vigorously. “I’m Tessa, Tessa Scott, but just call me Tess if you want. Most people do.” She was talking way too much.

  Ben’s smile grew warm. “Tess, nice to meet you.”

  Tessa's cheeks flushed under his gaze. How could this personable man before her give anyone, least of all Stephanie, a hard time? Standing a head taller than her, his slim body was toned, but not as muscly as Michael’s. His eyes held a tinge of sadness, but Tessa certainly wouldn't call them depressed. She made a mental note to reprimand Stephanie for needlessly exaggerating Ben Williams’ state of mind.

  Ben's deep voice brought Tessa back to the moment. He introduced her to his son. Jayden’s hair was the same colour as his father’s, but his head hung low, and under his baseball cap, she had no idea if his eyes were the same as Ben’s or not. Only when Tessa asked for their dog's name did he look up. Yes, the same milk chocolate eyes, although they were hard, unlike his father’s.

  “It's Bindy. She's a Scottish Terrier.” Jayden pulled the dog closer to his chest, but wore a sullen look on his face, as if he’d only come under sufferance.

  Tessa was just about to respond when Dave called everyone to attention and began the first lesson. With the noise from the other trainers and dogs, she had trouble getting Sparky to listen to her, especially as he seemed more interested in what the other dogs were doing.

  She couldn’t help but watch Jayden and Ben out of the corner of her eye as they worked with Bindy. Jayden became animated as he interacted with the pup. His face even lit up a little every time Bindy responded to one of his commands. And Ben was very encouraging with Jayden. Not how Stephanie described him at all.

  As everyone began to leave, Tessa stepped in beside Jayden. The boy was obviously having a difficult time, and her heart went out to him.

  “Hey Jayden, I was impressed with the way you handled Bindy tonight. Better than me with Sparky.” She let out a small laugh as Jayden shot her a suspicious look, but when she stopped and patted Bindy, a faint smile showed on his face.

  “Well, what do you say to the lady, Jayden?”

  Jayden rolled his eyes at his dad. “Thank you.” He glanced up but lowered his eyes quickly. Teenagers could be so surly.

  When they reached the car park, Ben slowed down.

  “Why don’t you take both dogs for a short walk, Jayden? As long as that’s okay with you, Tess.”

  As Tessa’s eyes met Ben’s, her heart beat faster. What was happening? What was the look in his eyes? Was it just her overactive imagination, or had she really seen something? Maybe just wishful thinking. Take a grip, Tessa. You’ve only just met the man, and he has a teenage son. Don’t even go there.

  “Yes, that’s fine.” She forced herself to respond normally, trying not to let any of her crazy thoughts show in her voice.

  “I'll admit I wasn't that keen about getting a pet,” Ben said quietly once Jayden had moved out of hearing range. “Seems to be helping, though. With him.” Ben nodded his head towards Jayden and let out a huge sigh.

  “Teenagers aren't the easiest of people. I remember what I was like as a teenager… and my brother Elliott, he was worse than me.” Tessa shoved her hands into her pockets and let out a small laugh. Her heart beat so loudly she hoped he couldn’t hear it.

  “Don’t I know. My counsellor suggested we get a dog. Thought it might help improve our…” Ben paused, as if searching for the right word. “Relationship.”

  “You’re getting counselling?” Tessa gritted her teeth and berated herself for yet again speaking before thinking. Why did I ask that? Stupid. Stupid.

  She held her breath. Ben took a long time to answer, his shoulders drooping as he let out a resigned sigh.

  “Yes. Just trying to work through some personal issues.”

  Don’t ask. Don’t ask… Tessa steeled herself and considered her reply.

  “Dogs can be miracle workers. Sparky’s helped improve my outlook on life already, and I've only had him a couple of weeks.” That�
�s better. Keep it neutral.

  Ben leaned on his car, a fancy looking thing, and looked wistfully at Jayden. If only he’d smile. Maybe Steph was right and he is depressed. Tessa felt like giving him a big hug and telling him it was all right, but that certainly would be acting rashly. She hardly knew the man.

  “I think I’d say the same for Jayden. We’ve only had Bindy a couple of days, but she seems to have made a real difference to him already.”

  “That’s wonderful, Ben.” Tessa’s pulse quickened as Ben turned his gaze towards her. Was it her imagination again, or was there a connection between them? She held his gaze for a moment longer before lowering her eyes. She could really embarrass herself if she wasn’t careful.

  “Come on Jayden, time to go.” His deep voice carried easily. He unlocked the car and held the back door open. Jayden placed Bindy on the back seat before slumping down into the front passenger seat and turning on the radio.

  “It’s been nice meeting you, Tess. I’ll look forward to seeing you next week.” Ben held out his hand. Tessa didn’t hesitate. The touch of his warm skin on hers sent tingles through her body.

  “I’ll look forward to it too, Ben.”

  Tessa smiled all the way home. When Stephanie arrived home from work, Tessa couldn't stop gushing to her about Ben Williams.

  “We must be talking about a different person. The Ben Williams I know doesn’t say more than two words.”

  Chapter 5

  Tessa fell asleep with Ben on her mind. When she woke, he was still on it. It was late morning, and since no surgeries were scheduled at the vet clinic, she had no need to go into work until after lunch. Stephanie had already left for college.