Triumphant Love: A Christian Romance (The True Love Series Book 4)

by Juliette Duncan

  The flight seemed never-ending, and this was only the first leg. He had a long lay over in L.A., but all going well, he should arrive at Billings by six p.m. Robert said it’d take two hours to drive to the camp from there.

  When Ben finally arrived at L.A International Airport early Friday morning local time, he immediately switched his phone on. The message from Stephanie alarmed him. ‘Tessa’s in hospital, but don’t worry—it’s only food poisoning. The baby’s fine.’ But hospital? Why would Tess be in hospital if it was only food poisoning? And what had she eaten? He calculated what time it was back home. It was the wee hours of the morning there. Should he call? He sighed. There was nothing he could do, anyway. Maybe he should wait until he reached Portland, although he could call the hospital. But Steph hadn’t said which hospital. Best to wait. But it was so long until he’d arrive in Billings.

  His phone dinged. He looked down. A message from Robert. Ben’s heart fell. Not more bad news, surely? Ben clicked on the message and opened it. His shoulders sagged. ‘Bad weather here, your flight might be delayed. Sorry. Will be in touch, Robert’. As if the flight wasn’t long enough already. He went to the Information Counter. Robert was right. All flights to Billings were currently being diverted due to bad weather. He’d need to wait in Portland until it cleared.

  No use getting upset. There was nothing Ben could do about the weather, but he felt restless during the four hour layover. He just wanted to get there and see Jayden. And he needed to find out what had happened to Tess. He found a seat and tried to read, and even opened his laptop again, but he couldn’t focus. Strange how alone he felt in such a busy airport. But he wasn’t alone. God was with him, and he needed to trust that all would work out. He rested his head in his hands and prayed.

  When Ben raised his head, an older man with scruffy clothes had taken a seat opposite him. Ben’s heart quickened. Had God placed this man here for him to talk to? Ben smiled at the man and began chatting. The man’s face brightened. He told Ben he was on his way to see his daughter who’d just been diagnosed with cancer. Ben’s heart went out to the man, and he spent the next hour talking with him. Before the man left, Ben prayed with him—something he would never have done before Ecuador.

  Ben called Tessa as soon as he disembarked at Portland. Although he had peace in his heart that she was okay, he couldn’t help the small amount of anxiety he felt as he waited for her to answer. When he heard her voice, he swallowed hard. “Tess, what happened?”

  “Oh Ben, I thought I was going to die. But I’m okay now. I’ll be going home shortly.” Her voice sounded weak.

  “You had me worried.”

  “I’m sorry. I thought I was in labour to start with, so at least it wasn’t that.” She let out a small chuckle.

  “Well that’s a relief. Is Stephanie with you?”

  “No, she had to go, but Mum and Dad are coming for me.”

  “I’m glad about that, Tess. So are you really okay?”

  “Yes Ben, I’m really okay. And so’s the baby.”

  Ben let out a relieved sigh. “Thank God for that.”

  They continued chatting for a while. Ben told Tessa about the expected delay, but that he’d determined not to let it frustrate him. She told him she was praying for his meeting with Jayden. He thanked her and told her he loved her. She told him she missed him already and to call again soon.

  When he hung up, he checked the Departures Board, which confirmed that his connecting flight to Billings had been indefinitely delayed due to bad weather.

  He lined up at the Information Counter and inquired about the possibility of hiring a car. The airline attendant advised against it. “It’s pretty hairy out there, sir. Best to wait for the weather to clear.”

  He let out a small sigh, and then chastised himself. Hadn’t he determined not to get frustrated? He took the attendant’s advice and accepted a hotel room for the night. Although he would have liked to have seen Jayden tonight, a good night’s sleep in a proper bed would do him good.

  He pressed the button for the elevator and got out at the fifth floor. When he opened the door to the room, he placed his suitcase on the rack and pulled out his washbag and a change of clothes and jumped into the shower.

  As the warm water ran down his body, he closed his eyes. Never had a shower felt so good.

  Chapter 20

  Jayden wrapped his hands around his mug of hot chocolate. His heart pounded as he gazed at his gorgeous Angie.

  Angie took a sip of her drink and then placed her mug on the table. “What do you want to talk about, Jayden?”

  She looked so sweet, and his heart ached with love for her. He had to trust that somehow it would all work out. Lowering his mug to the table he shifted closer and took her hand. He cleared his throat. “Angie, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but tonight I had a real sense that I need to go home.” He gulped.

  Her eyes widened.

  “God didn’t tell me directly, but I had the strongest feeling that it was the right thing to do, and I can’t ignore it any longer.” He brushed tears from his eyes.

  Angie blinked as her eyes misted over. “I knew it would happen one day soon, Jayden, and as much as I don’t want you to go,” her voice caught, “I agree with you—it’s the right thing to do.”

  Tears stung his eyes as his chest burned with anguish. “I love you, Angie.” His chest heaved.

  “And I love you too, Jayden.” Tears streamed down her face.

  Their eyes were locked.

  “When will you go?”

  Jayden inhaled slowly. “After camp. Early next week.” Was he really saying this? He’d be going home so soon?

  Angie nodded. “God will honor your decision, Jayden. He’s got good things planned for you.”

  It was Jayden’s turn to nod. He didn’t trust his voice.

  “We should pray.” Angie wiped her face.

  Jayden sniffed. “We should.” He took her hand and squeezed it before closing his eyes. “Lord God, thank You for bringing Angie into my life. You know how much I love her, and how much it’s hurting me to let her go, but I pray that You’ll bless her and that You’ll use her in whatever way you see fit in the future. She’s such a special person, Lord, and she loves You so much. Please help us both to grow in You, and to always put You first in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

  Angie leaned closer. “And Lord God, please bless Jayden’s obedience. Go with him as he returns to his family, heal their hurting hearts, and bring them closer to each other and to You. And Lord, I pray for Jayden’s mom. Please work in her life and soften her heart. May she come to know Your love in a real way. Thank You for the time Jayden and I had together.” She paused and inhaled deeply. “You know how special he is to me, and he always will be. Look after him, Lord. Pour your blessings out on him, and wrap Your arms around him. Give him strength and wisdom as he goes home. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

  Jayden pulled Angie close and cuddled her. He kissed the top of her head and squeezed back tears. How could doing the right thing hurt so much?

  Moments passed. Jayden wished time would stand still. Finally Angie raised her head and looked at him. “Can you hear that?”

  Jayden angled his head. “Hear what?”

  She chuckled. “Nothing.”

  Jayden drew his eyebrows together. What was she talking about?

  “The wind’s stopped.”

  She was right. The only noise came from the chatter and laughter of campers. The howling had stopped. “Shall we take a walk?”

  She smiled up at him. “That would be nice.”

  He held her hand as they ventured outside.

  With the wind stopped, an eerie hush had settled. Fresh pine needles crunched under foot as Jayden led Angie along the formed path toward the lookout. Not that there’d be much to see. Clouds still hovered overhead, and the only light came from Jayden’s cell phone which he used to light their way. They passed one or two others on their way back, and a
nother couple was ahead of them. Jayden wrapped his arm around Angie’s shoulders as they walked in silence.

  They reached the lookout and stood against the metal railing. It was difficult to see where the mountains met the sky, but Angie assured him they were out there. A light mist was forming, and he pulled her closer. “Are you warm enough, Ange?”

  She nodded, but snuggled into his chest anyway.

  Although he’d done the right thing, Jayden’s heart was heavy. How long would it be until he’d see her again?

  He nuzzled the top of her head. The smell of her freshly washed hair made him weak. If only he could kiss her.

  She lifted her head.

  He bit his lip. His eyes caressed her face as he drank in everything about her. He gazed into her eyes. “Can I kiss you, Angie?” His voice was weak, breathless.

  She didn’t answer, but instead lifted her mouth to his.

  Jayden kissed her slowly and gently, savoring every second. This kiss had to sustain them both for a long time. When he eventually pulled away, her eyes glistened. His arms tightened around her as he committed this moment to memory.

  Ben had set his alarm for five a.m. If the weather had improved, the first flight to Billings would be scheduled for seven a.m. He raised the blind and looked outside. The wet road glistened under the streetlights as early morning traffic trundled along, but at least it was only a drizzle. He flipped his phone open and checked his emails. Yes, one from the airline. He clicked on it. His flight had been rescheduled and was due to leave at seven. He let out a relieved sigh and quickly dressed and packed the few things he’d taken out.

  Arriving at the airport in plenty of time, he chose a small café near his departure lounge and ordered a light breakfast. He selected a financial newspaper off the rack and flicked through it while he waited for his meal to be delivered, but pushed it aside when he couldn’t recall a thing he’d read. How could he concentrate when he’d be seeing Jayden in a matter of hours?

  He toyed with his food, but downed a full cup of coffee and ordered another. When his flight was called, he jumped up and strode to the boarding gate.

  Three hours later, Ben’s plane began the descent into Billings Logan International Airport. The sight of huge mountain ranges, icy blue lakes and rivers spreading out in every direction as far as the eye could see took Ben’s breath away.

  But then his shoulders sagged. Had Jayden seen a bear up close? Had he been to Yellowstone National Park? Had he been horse riding? Jayden would have experienced so many things he and Tessa hadn’t been part of. After living out here, how would Jayden ever adjust to living back in the city? Ben inhaled slowly. Lord, I trust You to prepare the way. Please don’t let me make a mess of it.

  Heading north along Highway 87, Ben’s hands gripped the steering wheel. He barely noticed the magnificent countryside—his entire focus was on Jayden.

  Chapter 21

  The following morning, Jayden woke to the sound of worship music playing through the speakers in the cabin he shared with five other boys. Much better than his normal alarm, but it was still way too early. Turning over, he buried his head in his pillow and began drifting back to sleep. Images of Angie floated through his mind, and warmth flowed through his body. All of a sudden his head jerked up. He’d told Angie he was going home. The warmth drained out of his body and in its place, a deep pain gripped his heart. His head flopped back onto his pillow as a guttural groan slid from his throat.

  Had he really told Angie he was leaving, or was it just a bad dream? His heart burned. Oh God, what have I done?

  The music grew louder. He covered his ears with his pillow, but the words filtered through.

  Change my heart oh God

  Make it ever true

  Change my heart oh God

  May I be like You.

  Jayden squeezed back the tears pricking his eyes. It was real. He’d told her, but he’d also given God his life to do with as He pleased. He’d asked God to mold him and make him, like clay in the potter’s hands. Tears flowed as the rest of the song played, and God’s Spirit reached deep into his heart.

  Rolling over, Jayden drew his knees to his chin and wrapped his arms around them. His head hung heavily on his arms as tears rolled down his cheeks. His chest heaved. Oh Lord, please change my heart. Help me to think and feel like You do. He gulped. Please mold me and shape me into the person You want me to be. I’m sorry for being so stubborn and selfish. I know going home is the right thing to do, but it’s so hard letting go of Angie, dear Lord. He sniffed and wiped his face with the back of his hand. Please help me to let her go, for now at least. He let out a long, slow breath and remained still and silent as he allowed the praise and worship music to touch his soul.

  A soft knock, followed by the voice of one of the leaders, stirred Jayden out of his prayerful state.

  Below him on the bottom bunk, bed springs squeaked as Gareth moved.

  Matt called out from the top of another bunk and said they’d heard, before burying his head in his pillow.

  Jayden inched his way to the ladder at the end of the bed and climbed down backwards. The others began to stir and one by one sat and stretched before climbing out of bed and preparing for the day.

  Angie was already seated in the dining room when Jayden and the boys entered a short while later. She waved for them to join her and her group of friends. He steeled himself before walking over and taking a seat beside her. Memories of their kiss quickened his pulse, but then he stared at his hands. He needed to control his thoughts. If his commitment to God was sincere and genuine, he needed to be more careful with what he allowed to flow through his mind. Not that kissing Angie was wrong, but if it dominated his thinking, then it was. Today he would try to enjoy her company as a friend, and not so much as his girl-friend, as hard as that might be.

  He gave her the best smile he could muster and began breakfast.

  The morning’s program included a time of praise and worship followed by small group discussions. Jayden put his all into both as he sought God’s strength to follow through with his decisions. During the free time just prior to lunch, he joined a game of volleyball in the gymnasium, and as much as he tried to keep his eyes off Angie, the flash of her red hair caught his eye every time she made a move. He’d just punched the ball over the net when a car pulling up outside the main entrance caught his attention through the window. Not the car so much as the person getting out of it. His eyes popped. Sure looked like Dad. But it couldn’t be—what would Dad be doing here? The ball came back over the net. It should have been an easy hit as it headed straight for him, but his attention was elsewhere. The ball bounced on the ground beside him.

  “Jayden! How’d you miss that?” Gareth shot him a puzzled look and then picked the ball up and punched it to the server on the other team.

  Jayden stepped out of the marked play area and walked to the window.

  Angie joined him, placing her arm around his shoulder. “What’s wrong, Jayden?” Her voice was soft and full of concern.

  His gaze didn’t shift. Mr. Morgan stepped outside and shook the man’s hand before pointing towards the gymnasium. As the man turned, Jayden gasped.

  “Jayden…” Angie followed Jayden’s gaze. “Who’s that with Dad?”

  Jayden's lip quivered. This couldn’t be happening. But it was. “It’s my dad.” His voice was barely a whisper.

  “Your dad?” Angie’s arm stiffened on his shoulder as she turned to face him. “Jayden, is that really your dad?” Her gaze flickered back to the two men approaching.

  Jayden nodded slowly before he walked to the entrance of the building.

  Dad stopped a few feet outside. His eyes had tears in them.

  Jayden’s heart pounded as tears stung his own eyes. “Dad…” He could hardly speak.

  Dad stepped forward and drew Jayden into his arms. “Jayden…”

  “I’m sorry, Dad.”

  “It’s all right, Jayden.”

  Jayden closed his eyes
and for the first time in his life, hugged his dad with everything he had.

  Later, Jayden introduced Dad to Angie. He pulled her to his side and slipped his arm around her waist. He’d never expected this moment to happen. His chest filled with pride. “Dad, this is Angie.”

  A warm smile grew on Dad’s face as he leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Nice to meet you, Angie.”

  “And you, Mr. Williams.” Angie’s voice was so sweet.

  Mr. Morgan cleared his throat. “Angie, we should give them some time. Come with me?”

  Angie nodded. She gave Jayden a hug. “I’ll see you soon.”

  Jayden drew a breath, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before she moved away with her father.

  Jayden turned and faced Dad. So unexpected to be standing here with him, but so good.

  “Let’s take a walk, Jayden.”

  Jayden nodded.

  Dad placed his arm on Jayden’s shoulder as they strolled to the lake. They sat on the ground and gazed at the snow-capped mountains in the distance. A gentle breeze blew across the lake which was shimmering under the wide open sky. Brightly colored fall leaves ruffled lightly in the breeze. Some fluttered slowly to the ground, adding to the multi-colored carpet covering the area.

  Over the next hour, Jayden poured his heart out to Dad. He shared how hurt and disappointed he’d been when he realized Mom had tricked him, but how he gradually accepted that he couldn’t leave her. She needed him, more than he needed her. He struggled to contain his raw emotion as he recalled to Dad about the early days back in Miami, where he lived in the lap of luxury, and then in Austin, Texas, where he almost got tangled up with drugs, partying and girls, and about the road trip north in Mom’s old car, and finally ending up in Hunters Hollow, where he met Angie, and the Lord.

  “You’ve had some kind of year, Jayden,” Dad said, his voice thick with emotion.