Tested Love: A Christian Romance (The True Love Series Book 2)

by Juliette Duncan

  Tessa spotted Jayden standing with a group of boys his age. “There he is. Looks like he’s made some friends.” Tessa caught his eye and smiled, but he lowered his cap and turned away. What had she done wrong now? She sighed and turned her attention back to Ben and Fraser. She had no idea how his mind worked.

  “I thoroughly enjoyed your sermon,” Ben was saying. “It was just what I needed to hear.”

  Fraser gave a self-effacing wave. “I always pray God will use my feeble preaching skills to touch lives in some way, but I’m glad you appreciated it. Why don’t you stay for a coffee and meet some of the members? My wife is around somewhere, probably fussing over the babies in the nursery.” Fraser laughed. “I’ll try to find her and introduce you.”

  In the meantime, Ben and Tessa introduced themselves to some of the church members as they enjoyed the coffee and cakes on offer. Tessa was delighted to find that Sandy was a member there and they greeted each other—not as manager and clinic receptionist—but as sisters in Christ. As Tessa enjoyed the Christian fellowship of Sandy and the other women, she had a nagging feeling she was being watched. She turned around and scanned the crowd of laughing, chatting members.

  Tessa almost spilled her cup of coffee as she locked eyes with a familiar pair of steel-grey eyes. The sun-tanned face with unmistakable high cheekbones to which they belonged confirmed her suspicions. Michael’s sister, Sabrina.

  Chapter 7

  Tessa excused herself from the group of women she stood with and started toward Sabrina Urbane, but was stopped by Ben. “Jayden’s already in the car, Tess. Are you ready? The second service is about to start, so we should be going.”

  “Just a second.” Tessa shot a glance over his shoulder to where Sabrina had been standing a moment before, but she was gone.

  Ben raised his eyebrows. “Looking for someone?”

  “I thought I saw someone familiar, but never mind. Let’s go.” Tessa said goodbye to Sandy and the others before they left. Ben took her hand as they walked through the church parking lot to their car.

  “Tess, I’m sorry for the way I reacted this morning and ignoring you on the ride over here. I didn’t think before I spoke, but I know you love Jayden and want the best for him, and however you persuaded him to come, I’m glad he came with us today.”

  Was she hearing right? Ben was apologising? As much as she deplored crying at the drop of a hat, she couldn’t help the glad tears that welled in the corners of her eyes. Her father had once told her that saying ‘I’m sorry’ is a sign of strength. She smiled gratefully at Ben now.

  “I should have checked with you first before making any promises to Jayden, so I’m the one who should be the most sorry.” Tessa wiped her eyes with a tissue she already had in her hand. “But sometimes I do think you’re too hard on him.” She gulped. Had she said too much again?

  Ben stopped a few feet from the car and placed his hands on Tessa’s shoulders, turning her to face him. “You might be right, Tessa. I don’t know.” He rubbed her arms. “But never be afraid to be honest with me. Even if we don’t see eye to eye on the best way to raise Jayden or other matters, let’s try to agree to disagree. I can’t stand the silent treatment any more than you can. And I’m sorry for letting my anger get the better of me. We’ll get better together, I promise.” He lifted her chin with his finger and kissed her lips. “And I guess I’ll be happy to go camping.”

  The twinkle in his eye made her laugh.

  They decided to have lunch at Southbank, and caught the CityCat along the river from New Farm. Southbank buzzed with locals and visitors out enjoying the sultry summer’s afternoon. Ben held Tessa’s hand as they strolled along the promenade inspecting the various menus on display from the array of restaurants vying for their patronage. Tessa encouraged Jayden to walk beside them, but he hung back, much to her frustration. They chose an Italian restaurant and sat at a table under the shade of some large leafy trees. The breeze from the river occasionally reached them, as did the air conditioning from inside whenever a waiter came in or out. Tessa was glad she and Ben were back on speaking terms, and they enjoyed each other’s company as they discussed the church service and made plans for the week ahead.

  “I’d like to watch your rugby practice on Friday, Jayden. I finish work early, so I could come and watch and then bring you home. What do you think? Is that okay?”

  “If you want.”

  Tessa clenched her jaw and breathed in deeply. She’d been trying everything to include him in the conversation, but he’d reverted to short retorts. Maybe it was typical of teenagers, but it was a hard slog.

  “I think I can make it too, Jayden. Tessa and I can both come and watch.” Ben squeezed her hand.

  Jayden lifted one shoulder and eyed his father. “Whatever.”

  What was wrong with the boy?

  Ben jolted forward. Tessa grabbed his hand, holding him back. She breathed a sigh of relief when Ben didn’t pursue Jayden any further.

  Tessa continued talking with Ben, doing her best to include Jayden, but her efforts continued to be met with either a short answer, a halfhearted shrug, or a frosty stare. What had made him like this? He’d been happier and even a little chatty after she’d talked with him this morning and promised the camping trip. Church should have done him some good, but he seemed worse, if that was possible. Tessa prayed for God to give her patience and understanding.

  Back home a little later, Jayden asked if he could take the dogs to the off leash park. Tessa was tempted to let him go alone, but instead, grabbed the opportunity to spend some time with him—she didn’t care if he wanted her to come or not. Nothing was going to change if she didn’t take whatever opportunities came her way, and Ben had already said he had some work to catch up on. Besides, she hadn’t spent much time with Sparky over the past month, and a walk in the park with the dogs in the late afternoon sunshine appealed.

  “Wait there, Jayden, I’ll come with you.”

  Jayden looked back with almost zero expression on his face as Tessa grabbed her hat and hurried to join him. He threw Sparky’s sky blue leash to her without turning his head when she stepped in beside him.

  They settled into a leisurely pace as they walked along the shaded footpath. Most of the houses in the street were renovated workers’ cottages, much like the one Tessa had shared with Stephanie. They passed only one other new house. When they reached the corner, they had to side step the tables and chairs outside the local bakery which also doubled as a popular café.

  The tantalising aroma of freshly baked bread and coffee wafted from the recently rejuvenated building. “We could have breakfast here next Saturday. It’s nice and close, and the food looks great,” Tessa said as she looked back at the freshly baked pastries on display in the glass cabinet.

  Jayden didn’t reply. Maybe teenage boys didn’t like eating out with their parents, especially when they had no siblings to hang out with. As a teenager, Tessa had Elliott to talk and joke with when they’d eaten out with their parents, and they’d all enjoyed their outings to Busseys. What would it be like to be an only child? Maybe Jayden felt he was an appendage, and that she and Ben would prefer him not to be there.

  They reached the main road running down to the river and crossed to the other side where the park began. Huge Moreton Bay Figs created a cool avenue of dense shade leading to the river, and stems of blue and white flowers from lush green clumps of agapanthus nodded in the breeze. Tessa breathed in deeply and allowed the fragrance to tickle her senses. How easy it’d be to forget the task at hand. Jayden hadn’t said more than one or two words since they’d left home. He’d said more to Bindy than he’d said to her. But that was why she’d come. She took a deep breath and tried again.

  “How are you liking school so far this year, Jayden?” The question wouldn’t elicit much of an answer, but she had to start somewhere.

  “Fine.” One word, but at least he didn’t sound defensive. Exasperated, but not defensive. A slight improvement.


  What did fourteen-year old boys talk about? Music? Girls? Pets? She’d have to give Elliott a ring sometime soon and get some suggestions from him. Sport? Maybe…. Tessa inhaled and gave it a go.

  “Out of all the sport teams you’re in, Jayden, which is your favourite?” She tried to make it light, not an interrogation, but would he see it that way?

  Jayden took a moment to reply. “Rowing,” he finally said.

  “Really? I thought it would’ve been rugby.”

  Jayden shook his head. “It’s fun to play, but I prefer rowing and tennis.” The dogs stopped to sniff at a tree. Jayden toed the dirt with his shoe. “Dad played rugby when he was in school, and he was good at it. He won a lot of awards.” Jayden lifted his head, meeting Tessa’s gaze with the same milk chocolate eyes as Ben’s. “I think he’d be disappointed if I didn’t play.”

  Tessa’s heart rose a little. Jayden was finally telling her something about himself. She wanted him to continue, but he looked like he’d already said too much and he lowered his eyes.

  “Maybe you should talk to him about it. I don’t think he’d mind if you dropped it.”

  “I never said I wanted to drop it,” Jayden said sharply.

  She’d got that wrong. They continued walking along the path heading towards the off leash area.

  Tessa took a deep breath and changed the subject. “Jayden, if ever you want to talk about things, like how you feel about your Mum leaving, or about school or church, or anything, really, I hope you feel you can talk to me. I’m a good listener.” Tessa held her breath as she studied his reaction. He kept walking straight ahead, as if he hadn’t even heard, but sniffed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

  “You miss her, don’t you?” Tessa’s voice softened, and she struggled to hold her own tears back. How could Kathryn have done this to him?

  He nodded as he wiped his eyes again.

  Tessa placed her arm lightly across his shoulders. He didn’t push her away, but he didn’t look at her either. “You know, Jayden, I think you’re doing remarkably well given all that’s happened. I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling, but I’m sure your Mum still loves you.”

  He pushed her arm away. “Yeah—that’s why she left me and lives on the other side of the world. Funny way of showing love.”

  “She sent you cards and money for your birthday and Christmas, so she hasn’t forgotten about you.”

  Jayden shrugged an I don’t care type of shrug, but it was so obvious he did care, and that Kathryn had hurt him more than she’d ever know.

  Time to change subject again. “What kind of band are you and Neil planning?”

  “One that makes music.” Jayden’s voice was full of sarcasm.

  Obviously. Patience, Tessa. She drew in a breath. “I mean, what type of music do you play?”

  “Heavy metal.”

  Tessa raised her eyebrows. Ben wouldn’t approve of that. “Do you have a name for yourselves yet?”

  “No.”

  Back to one word answers. By the time they reached the off leash dog park, Jayden had stopped talking completely and Tessa gave up asking questions. After watching him run and play with Bindy and Sparky for a while, she chatted with some of the other pet owners then took a stroll along the fence line. She gazed at the river where the shadows from the trees were slowly reaching across to the other side and shivered. Every time she started to connect with Jayden, he pulled away and it saddened her. Maybe he resented not having Ben to himself anymore. Or maybe he thought she’d walk out like his mum had. If that was the case, she’d have to find a way to reassure him she was in his life to stay.

  The warmth was quickly disappearing out of the day, giving way to a cool evening. A jacket would have been sensible. As Tessa watched Jayden run around with the dogs, her heart reached out to him. So much bitterness and hurt, and so young. “Lord God, please help me connect with Jayden. Help me love him like you do, and to see him through your eyes, as a child of God who is precious in every way. Pour your love out on him, and draw him to yourself. Heal his hurting heart, Lord God. And please give me wisdom and patience in all I say and do, even when he ignores me or is rude to me. Thank you Lord God for loving and caring for him. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

  Chapter 8

  Ben glanced at the clock for the third time in less than five minutes and sighed, throwing his pen across the desk. It wasn’t that important, anyway. The report could wait until tomorrow—no urgent need to do it tonight.

  He should have gone with Tessa and Jayden. But maybe it’d do them good to spend time together. He picked up the photo of the three of them taken at the wedding. Jayden had really tried that day to be on his best behaviour. He looked so grown up in his dark coloured suit. He’d even had his hair trimmed and for once it looked tidy. And Tessa. Ben’s heart skipped a beat as he gazed at his beautiful wife. All brides were beautiful, but she’d outdone them all. From the moment she’d appeared at the church entrance on her father’s arm, Ben hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her. Her face had beamed as she walked down the aisle, and her long flowing dress, her gleaming hair, her flowers, they’d all mesmerised him. How he loved her. But this past week had taken its toll. He hated it when they argued over Jayden. Ben sighed heavily and replaced the photo before closing his laptop computer and tidying his desk.

  The house was quiet with nobody home. Normally, loud music blared from Jayden’s room, or Tessa had the Christian radio station on. Quiet was nice. Peaceful. Ben strolled through the house, pausing in the living room. Tessa had thrown her bag on the couch beside her jacket. Why couldn’t she put them away? Before they were married, he’d never noticed how untidy she was. How had he not noticed? He let out a small chuckle. Probably because he’d been so captivated by her stunning blue eyes and her fun, loving nature that nothing else mattered. But now they were living together, sharing their lives on a daily basis, little things about her annoyed him. But he wouldn’t say anything—especially not today after their argument this morning. Instead, he picked her bag and jacket up and placed them in the bedroom where they belonged.

  Their disagreement this morning still weighed heavily on his mind. Yes, they’d forgiven each other, but it shouldn’t have happened. Tessa was only trying to help, but she didn’t know Jayden. Jayden would take advantage of her every way he could, and would have her wrapped around his little finger in no time at all if she pandered to him. The only way to handle Jayden was by being firm.

  Ben stood in the doorway, looking out at the pool and deck area before stepping outside. Rays of light from the late afternoon sun shimmered through the trees and onto the pool. They’d barely swum in it, yet it was one of the reasons they’d chosen this house. Already life was too busy. Ben eased onto a wicker chair and tried to relax, but thoughts of Tessa and Jayden made him restless. He rubbed the back of his neck. Maybe they could eat outside tonight. And maybe he could do something special. Try to make it up to both of them. Ben’s mind starting ticking. He couldn’t cook, so it was no use trying—it’d be a complete failure. But he could order pizza, and he could buy flowers for Tessa. And maybe he could suggest a game of chess with Jayden. That would surprise him. Jayden had never seen Ben play chess, but when he was younger, Ben played often with his parents, usually beating them, much to his father’s displeasure.

  Ben grabbed his car keys and headed out. Hopefully he’d have enough time to get everything before they got back.

  Tessa and Jayden strolled home in the last of the afternoon sunshine. Tessa didn’t try to force any further conversation, instead, as she walked silently beside Jayden, she prayed for him. He turned his music up and listened to it through his earbuds. Very anti-social, but he was a teenager, so maybe it was the done thing. Tessa tried not to take it personally.

  As Tessa neared the front door, something red caught her eye. A rose? She squinted to see it better. What would a rose be doing on her front door? Yes, a single red rose with a small card attached had been wedg
ed into the door frame. She carefully pulled both from the door, and, holding the perfectly formed rosebud to her nose, inhaled the beautiful perfume. She opened the card and her hand flew to her chest as she read, ‘A beautiful rose for my beautiful Tess. I love you with all my heart. Ben xxx’

  “Oh Ben.” Tessa lifted the rosebud to her nose again before opening the door and peering in. Ben was nowhere to be seen, but the tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked pizza floated through the house. Jayden had taken the dogs around the back, and outside on the deck, he and Ben were leaning down and patting the dogs, and talking. Tessa paused and gazed with love at her husband. So handsome, and so caring. He said he had work to do, but instead he’d gone out and bought flowers and pizza. The outdoor table was already set. Two pillar candles flickering in over-sized glass holders, a wedding gift from Stephanie, shed soft light onto the table. The solar garden lights highlighting the greenery around the pool and the gentle trickle from the water feature reminded her of their bure in Fiji, and her heart overflowed with love for her husband.

  Ben rose slowly as she stepped outside onto the decking. She met his gaze. Her pulse quickened as she walked slowly into his arms. He lowered his lips and kissed her gently, leaving her in no doubt of his love.

  “I thought you were working…”

  “Shh…” He put his finger to her lips. “Let’s just enjoy this moment.”

  “But what about Jayden?”

  “Don’t worry your beautiful head, Mrs Williams. Jayden’s getting the pizza ready. We’re safe for a few minutes.” Ben took her in a loose dance hold as soft music played in the background. Tessa moved in time with him, swaying to the rhythm of the music, and thought she was in heaven.

  “We need to do this more often, Ben,” Tessa whispered into his ear.