THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  “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?”

  He shrugged in an off-handed manner, as if he didn’t care. “If you want.”

  She clenched her jaw and breathed slowly and 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. 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 he eased back without pursuing Jayden any further.

  She continued chatting with Ben, doing her best to include Jayden, but her efforts continued to be met with either a short answer, a half-hearted 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. She 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. I’ll come with you.”

  Jayden looked back with almost zero expression on his face as she 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 she 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, she 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…. she inhaled and gave it a go.

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

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

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

  He 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.” He raised his head, meeting Tessa’s gaze with the same milk chocolate eyes as Ben’s. “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. “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.” She 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?” Her 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, 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, but it was so obvious he cared 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.”

  Her brows shot up. 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 she’d given 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 she 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, 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 na
me, 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, he 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. He 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. He 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. She 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 him 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. He 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 them. His mind started to tick. 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 him play chess, but when he was younger, he’d often played 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. She tried not to take it personally.

  As they 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 wedged 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. He 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. She 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.

  He 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.” He took her in a loose dance hold as soft music played in the background. She 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,” she whispered into his ear.

  “Yes, we do.” His deep voice sent tingles down her spine. When he spoke to her like that, it was easy to forget all the arguments they’d had, and she fell in love with him all over again. He kissed her slowly, and for a moment, she forgot all about Jayden.

  She reluctantly pulled away when Jayden appeared beside them carrying a tray of piping hot pizza. Ben left one arm around her waist as he turned to face Jayden.

  The poor boy. She and Ben had tried to keep their physical displays of affection private as much as possible, but Ben had set this up, so he must have decided it was okay this time. Nevertheless, Jayden’s face had reddened, and she couldn’t help but feel for him.

  “The pizza smells wonderful, Jayden. Let’s eat while it’s hot.” She moved away from Ben and placed her arm lightly on Jayden’s shoulders as they moved to the table. The aroma of melted mozzarella, salami, and Italian herbs made her stomach rumble.

  “This is a perfect way to end the weekend. Thank you.” She smiled lovingly at Ben as she reached her hand out and found his under the table.

  “It is, I entirely agree.” Ben’s eyes lit up as he squeezed her hand and returned her smile. He took a slow breath before tearing his gaze away from her. “Let’s give thanks before we eat.”

  Tessa grimaced when Jayden rolled his eyes, and as Ben gave thanks for the meal, for the day, and for his family, she prayed silently for him.

  Later, she was surprised when Ben brought out a chess set. “I didn’t know you played chess. How many more secrets have you got?” she asked with a touch of mockery in her voice.

  “Ah, not many, my love. But you’ll have to wait to find out.”

  She hit him playfully with the back of her hand, but as their eyes met, her stomach fluttered. How she’d love to wrap her arms around him and tell him how sorry she was for questioning him and how much she loved him, but he had a chess match to play. Instead, she curled up on the outdoor lounge and pretended to read while he and Jayden played chess. Her heart warmed as she watched them interacting so easily. All was going to be well in the Williams’ household.

  Chapter 9

  Three weeks later, Tessa locked her sky blue Hatchback and headed to the cinema entrance. After yet another argument with Ben that morning, she’d considered cancelling her lunch and movie date with Stephanie, but in the end, had decided to go. A few hours with her best friend would probably do her the world of good, and maybe put some perspective into everything. Not that
she wanted to bare all to Stephanie, but if the opportunity arose, maybe she could share a little.

  She scanned the area to see if Stephanie had already arrived. She wasn’t half obvious. Standing at the ticket booth, dressed in casual brown balloon pants and white crepe top, her long auburn hair popped with red highlights. She whirled around when Tessa called out.

  “Tess! Great to see you!” She gave Tessa a massive hug, almost pulling her off her feet before drawing back and holding her at arm’s length. “You’re looking fantastic. Married life must be suiting you.”

  You didn’t see how long it took to cover up my red eyes. Tessa determined to put on a brave face and not let Stephanie see how upset she was. Though the argument with Ben gnawed at her deep down, and sat like a heavy lump in her stomach. How could they be arguing like this again? She drew a deep breath and planted a smile on her face.

  “You’re looking pretty good yourself, Steph. Love your hair!”

  “Had it done this week. You really like it?” Stephanie ran her hand through her long locks, holding it out so the red highlights gleamed.

  “Yes, it really suits you.”

  Stephanie linked her arm through Tessa’s and they strolled inside, talking non-stop as they headed for one of the cafés they used to frequent when they were housemates. Tessa tried to focus on what Stephanie was saying, but she couldn’t shake the horrible words she’d shouted at Ben just before she left. They rang in her ears and in her heart, making her feel sick to her stomach. How could she have told Ben he was the hardest, coldest person she knew? God, please forgive me, I didn’t mean what I said. You know that.

  Standing at the front of the café, she could barely think about what to order. Her appetite had fled, and in fact, the very thought of food turned her stomach. She had to get something, so she ordered a grilled chicken burger. Stephanie ordered a vegetarian pizza. They decided on a table towards the back where it was quiet.