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

by Juliette Duncan

  She picked the phone up and dialled the number which was etched in her memory. As the phone began to ring, Luke called out. She quickly hung up, but her heart was thumping.

  “Coming…”

  As she climbed back into bed with Luke and tucked herself close into his warm body, Kathryn convinced herself she’d made the right decision.

  Ben woke early Sunday morning with Jayden's words ringing in his head: ‘I saw Mum. She's with Luke.’ Unable to return to sleep, Ben got up and went downstairs. He poured a cup of coffee, picked up His Bible and sat at the kitchen table. Kathryn's leaving hadn’t stopped him praying and reading God's Word each morning, but most times - like today - he only read with his eyes - his mind and his heart were a million miles away. He still believed God was in control of everything, but the divorce had certainly tested, if not shaken his faith.

  Putting his cup down, he sighed deeply as he rested his head on his upturned hand. The intense pain he’d felt when Kathryn first left had lessened to a dull ache inside his chest, but seeing her with Luke had shocked him. At least now he had some idea as to why she’d left. Kathryn had always been spoiled. As an only child of well-to-do parents, she only had to ask and anything she wanted would be hers. That was most likely where he’d failed. He’d never missed her birthday or their anniversary, but he’d never pandered to her or showered her with lavish gifts like Luke most likely had. Maybe if he’d paid her more attention she wouldn't have left. She was always going to the doctor for one thing or another, and he’d often accused her of being a hypochondriac. Ben gulped as he recalled some of the things he’d said to her, but never had he thought she’d walk out on him. Or Jayden. Pain gripped Ben’s chest. How terrible it must have been for Jayden to discover his mum had run off with Luke Emerson, and that she didn’t even make an effort to see him.

  Thumping rock music and Bindy's barking snapped Ben out of his thoughts. How long had he been sitting there? Ben looked at the clock. Fifteen minutes to get to church. Closing his Bible, he inhaled deeply before hurrying up the stairs to Jayden's room.

  “What?” Jayden called out when Ben knocked on his door before opening it. He was still in bed, sitting up with his MacBook Air propped on a pillow in front of him.

  “Can you turn it down a little?”

  Jayden rolled his eyes but complied.

  “Better get ready for church.”

  “I'm not going to church, Dad.”

  Ben’s body slumped. Not again. “We went through this last week, Jayden. Let’s not go through it again.”

  “Don't see why I should have to go. It's boring and I don't understand half of what’s said.” Jayden glared at him. “Besides, you and Mum always went to church and look where that got us.”

  Ben’s heart dropped. He felt like he’d just been punched. “You can’t blame God for Mum leaving.”

  “God?” Jayden looked up at him with mocking eyes. “Come on, Dad. After Mum left, I heard you pray every night for God to bring her back. In case you haven't noticed, He hasn't done so. Obviously, he sent her to Luke. I don't think a God who refuses to answer a prayer like yours deserves to be trusted.”

  “Jayden…”

  “I'm not going, Dad.”

  Ben sighed heavily. He couldn’t blame Jayden for feeling that way. Hadn’t he held those very thoughts himself on occasion? The hurt and defiance in Jayden’s face was breaking his heart, but he wouldn’t let it go.

  “Jayden, you’re coming, and that’s that.”

  Chapter 13

  Tessa took the mug of coffee she’d just made and curled up on the living room couch. After Ben had dropped her off unexpectedly early, she’d caught up on housework and now needed a break. As she dusted and swept, her thoughts and prayers had been with Ben and Jayden. How she wished she could do more, but really, what could she do? Stephanie would quiz her, of that she was certain, but no way would she say anything about what had happened.

  Moments later, Stephanie arrived home with the week’s groceries and gave Tessa a puzzled look. “Didn’t expect you back so soon. Wasn’t it an all-day thing?”

  Tessa gave a slight shrug and just told her Ben had decided to leave early.

  Stephanie began to unpack the groceries, but stopped and joined Tessa on the couch. “Is everything alright, Tess?”

  Tessa caught Stephanie’s gaze. She’d have to watch what she said. “I told him about our friendship, and he wasn’t happy about it.”

  Stephanie’s mouth fell open. “No…”

  “Told you that would happen.” You should sweat, Stephanie… Ben could easily have reported you.

  The colour drained from Stephanie’s face and she leaned closer to Tessa. “What’s he going to do?” Her voice was shallow and shaky.

  Tessa paused before answering, holding Stephanie’s frightened gaze.

  Moments passed. Tessa recalled the look on Ben’s face when she’d told him. But then he softened, as she would.

  “Nothing. You’re a very lucky girl, Stephanie Trejo.”

  Stephanie released a huge breath.

  “He was disappointed you’d broken client patient confidentiality, but he’s prepared to let it go.”

  “Guess you’re not going to tell me anything he said, then?”

  “Absolutely not.” Tessa picked up a shirt from the washing basket and folded it. If only she could share Ben’s heartache with Steph. They could have even prayed for Ben and Jayden together, but she didn’t dare do anything that might jeopardize her fledgling relationship with Ben any further. If they still had one. Would they be able to pick up where they left off, or had Kathryn’s reappearance changed everything?

  “Are you going to see him again? You can tell me that, at least.”

  Tessa drew in a deep breath and shrugged half-heartedly. “Not sure.” She hardly dared look up. She’d always had trouble hiding her emotions, and Steph knew her so well.

  “You’re smitten! I can tell. Look at me, Tessa Scott.”

  Tessa slowly lifted her face and tried as hard as she could to keep it neutral, but she knew her concern for Ben and Jayden was written all over her face. No need to look in a mirror.

  “Oh Tessa.” Stephanie inched closer and wrapped her arms around her. “I didn’t mean for you to get so involved. He’s got way too much baggage. And your parents would never approve.”

  “Should have thought about that before you set us up.” Tessa struggled to keep her voice steady. Maybe Steph was right and she should forget all about Ben Williams.

  “I’m sorry kiddo. I really am.” Stephanie gave her a hug. “Hey, I just remembered. Your parents called while you were at the Pro-Am and invited you to join them for an early dinner at Bussey’s.” Stephanie glanced at her watch. “They’ll be expecting you in an hour.”

  “Why didn't Mum call my phone?”

  “You know how she is … I told her I’d let you know, and then I forgot. I’m sorry, Tess, I really am.”

  Tessa’s head drooped. As much as she loved them, dinner with her parents was the last thing she wanted to do, especially at Bussey’s. They’d want to know what she’d been doing. How could she convince them nothing much had been happening? Maybe Elliott would be there… But that could be worse. Either way - too late to pull out now.

  Tessa smiled weakly at Steph. “Guess I’d better get ready.”

  Tessa changed out of her aqua-coloured jogging suit into a flower-patterned summer dress and white sandals. Her parents wouldn't have cared too much what she wore, but Tessa always liked to look presentable around them. She’d long admired how her mother managed to dress impressively whatever the occasion.

  Telford and Eleanor Scott were seated at a table outside on the deck when Tessa arrived at the café. “Tess, you made it.” Telford stood and kissed her cheek. “I was just about to call you - we thought you’d forgotten.”

  “Actually, Stephanie’s the one who forgot to tell me until about an hour ago.” Tessa took her seat between them and smiled warmly at the
m both. “This is a nice surprise.”

  “Yes, well, Stephanie is a forgetful one. I'm just glad she remembered to tell you in time,” Eleanor said. “We took Elliott out last week, so now it's your turn.”

  “I half expected to see him here.”

  “You look disappointed, honey.” Telford squeezed Tessa’s wrist.

  “I just haven’t seen much of him since he’s been back, that’s all.” Tessa gave her father an assuring smile. “Never mind. I’ll catch up with him later.”

  “We haven’t been here for a long time and thought it’d be nice to come back for a visit.” Telford’s gaze travelled from one side of the busy café to the other.

  Yes, she remembered. They’d had many a family meal here at Bussey’s Fish Café when she was growing up, sitting on this very deck overlooking the river. And Michael used to bring me here all the time too. But her parents were unaware of that. Tonight, as usual, the café was full of busy, smiling waitresses and eating, drinking, and chatting diners. The brass ship's bell sitting beside the exit door would no doubt be rung many times. As a young girl, she couldn’t wait to ring the bell each time they left, but Michael had taken over that role as an adult. He thought it was a hoot.

  “I'm surprised they've stayed in business so long. It’s not the most convenient location for a restaurant,” Eleanor said.

  “Convenient or not, they have the best seafood around.” Tessa picked up the menu and engrossed herself in it.

  “I hope you're not planning on getting the kids’ meal,” Eleanor said with a little laugh. “You're much too old for that now.”

  “I agree.” Tessa placed her menu back down. She knew it back to front. “I think I'll have the clam chowder, shrimp scampi, and a garden salad.”

  “You've decided for me,” Telford said. “I'll have the same, along with a side of chips and a tall iced tea.”

  Eleanor ordered a fish taco and seasoned rice. After the waitress took their orders, Tessa's parents turned their full attention to her. “How have you been doing, honey?” Eleanor asked. “Is life treating you well?”

  Here goes… “Yes, life’s good, thanks Mum. Work’s going well. Fran’s opening another clinic in New Farm and wants me to manage it.”

  “That’s lovely, dear.” Eleanor squeezed her hand.

  “Does that mean you wouldn’t be doing surgery anymore?” Telford drew his big bushy eyebrows together. “All that study, and that talent…”

  “Don’t worry, Dad.” Tessa interrupted him. “I’d still be doing some of the surgery. But nothing’s been confirmed yet. Fran would really like me to accept her offer, but I haven't decided yet.”

  “Be sure to pray about it, dear.” Telford patted her hand. “Now, tell me, how are things with you and that boyfriend of yours? I forget his name?”

  How could Dad forget Michael’s name? She’d only been going out with him for almost five years. And he’d forgotten they’d broken up. She was sure she’d told him. Maybe early signs of dementia? No, please God. Tessa sighed inwardly.

  “You remember, dear, Tess told us she and Michael broke up a while ago?”

  Tessa flashed her mother a grateful smile.

  “Humph. Never did like him anyway.”

  Their food arrived just then and Tessa breathed a sigh of relief, thankful for the reprieve. However, after thanking the waitress, saying grace, and taking a few bites of his shrimp, Telford picked up where he’d left off.

  “Thought you were crazy about him. I didn’t like him, but your mother and I had assumed you’d end up married.” Telford said, reaching for his glass of iced tea.

  So had I … But maybe Dad and Elliott had seen something in him she hadn’t. What would they think of Ben? Tessa caught herself. They weren’t even going out. Why was she thinking like that?

  “Things just didn’t work out. You know, after his accident and all. It’s very sad, but the medication really changed him.” The last time they’d been here he’d been off his head. Why did they choose to come here?

  Eleanor leaned across the table and placed a caring hand on Tessa’s.

  “Is there someone else, Tess?” Eleanor studied Tessa’s face carefully. Her mother was nothing if not perceptive.

  Lowering her eyes, Tessa dabbed a napkin to her lips with her spare hand. How does she know?

  “Well...yes and no.”

  “Well, tell us honey. Who is he and what does he do?”

  Tessa gulped. How could she answer that? She could tell Dad Ben was an accountant. Dad would be happy about that. He certainly wouldn’t be happy if she told him Ben was divorced and had a thirteen-year old son.

  She straightened in her chair and took a deep breath. “Okay. But I’m not going out with him. He’s just a friend. Stephanie sort of inadvertently introduced us because he's a client of hers and we both go to the same puppy training classes. And he’s an accountant.”

  Telford’s face darkened and he raised one eyebrow. “You say this friend of yours is one of Stephanie’s clients?” Why did I blurt that out? “Stephanie’s a counsellor, isn’t she? Or learning to be one…”

  Tessa nodded.

  “What’s he getting counselling for?”

  “Telford! Don’t ask questions like that!” Eleanor sounded horrified.

  Tessa sighed inwardly at her father's immediate scepticism. He could have picked up on the accountant bit, but no… this was going to be harder than expected.

  “Ben's a single father,” Tessa said quietly. “He's having a few problems with his son and he’s still trying to come to terms with his wife walking out on him.”

  Telford's fork fell to his plate. “Tess, are you telling me you're dating a divorced man?”

  “I’m not dating him, Dad. And it isn't like that. He didn't want a divorce. It was all his wife's...his former wife's, doing.”

  “Oh, honey, think twice before getting involved with a divorcee. You know what the Bible says about divorce, Tessa.”

  Eleanor placed her hand lightly on her husband's arm again. Tessa stared down at the small pools of sauce remaining on her empty plate. She’d read through most of the Bible, but struggled to recall a specific verse about divorce. Stephanie was right again - her parents weren’t approving of Ben, and they hadn't even met him.

  Tessa looked up. "Not really. But I guess I should."

  “Well, Jesus is pretty clear about it in Matthew 19.” Telford continued. “He said that what God has joined together, no man should separate, and that, except for marital unfaithfulness, anyone who divorces and remarries is committing adultery.”

  “Ben's wife was unfaithful, Dad.”

  “I'm sorry to hear that, Tessa, but be careful. You don't know what caused her to be unfaithful, and it breaks God heart whenever a divorce happens. It's not what He intended.”

  Tessa held her father’s gaze but her heart thumped. Maybe it was all too hard and she should forget about Ben while she could. But could she? She bit her lip and looked away.

  “Tell us about Ben's son, Tessa,” Eleanor said, touching Tessa's wrist lightly. “How old is he?”

  Blinking, Tessa turned her head back. “He's just turned thirteen.” She held her breath.

  “Thirteen!” Telford repeated. “Then this Mr… what’s his name? must be quite a few years older than you.”

  “His name is Ben, and no, not by much. He's only thirty-six.”

  “Must’ve had kids young, then.”

  “He only has one son, Dad. And we’re only friends.”

  “So you say.”

  “I'm not as worried about Ben as I am about his son,” Eleanor said. “If you two did become more than friends, dear, have you thought what that would mean?”

  Tessa tilted her head and looked at her mother quizzically.

  “If it got serious and he asked you to marry him, for example, you’d become an instant mother to a teenager. Raising a toddler’s difficult enough, but a teenager?” Eleanor touched Tess’s hand lightly. “Honey, are you ready for
that?”

  Tessa drew in a sober breath. Put that way, maybe not. Mother to a teenager?

  “I doubt that would happen, and if it did, I’d pray long and hard about it.” That would keep them happy. They both seemed to relax a little. “I know you're both looking out for me, but I don't think you should judge someone you've never met.”

  Telford and Eleanor sat quietly for a minute.

  “You're right, Tess,” Telford finally said. “The Bible does tell us not to judge. Maybe we should meet this Ben before making any further judgments. Even if he is only a friend.”

  “Why don’t you invite him to dinner at our place?” Eleanor asked. “Friday evening would suit.” Eleanor smiled warmly at her.

  “Really?” Tessa looked from her mother to her father. They really weren’t that bad after all. “That would be wonderful. I'll ask both him and Jayden, that’s his son, to come. Is that okay?”

  “Of course, dear,” Eleanor replied. “I have a soft spot for thirteen-year old boys.” Yes! Of course! Her mother had taken the young teens’ class at church for years when she’d been younger.

  Tessa was so thrilled about her parents’ willingness to meet Ben she almost forgot about ordering dessert and she gave the ship’s bell a double ring when they left.

  Chapter 14

  The elevator doors slid nosily together. While this was only Ben’s sixth week meeting with Stephanie, it seemed like he was heading up to the fourth floor office for the hundredth time. He’d thought about asking for a new counsellor, but in the end had decided to remain with her. She meant well, and maybe the connection with Tess would help, but he looked forward to the day when Stephanie would write him a clean bill of mental and emotional health and he’d no longer have any need to see her.