“Oh Tessa, I’m so sorry. But there’s no reason for it to happen again, is there?”
“No, the doctor said everything’s fine. I’m just being silly.” Tessa blinked back tears. She had no rational reason to be concerned, but the memory of that night was still so vivid sometimes, and even though she knew their little baby boy was in heaven, waiting for her and Ben, the pain of loss was still so real.
“Come here. Let me give you a hug.” Penny drew her into her arms, but as she did, tears streamed down Tessa’s cheeks. She couldn’t help it. Penny reminded her so much of her mother. And that’s what she needed. Her mother’s arms.
“There, there, you’ll be fine.” Penny whispered into her ear.
Tessa sniffed as she nodded. She wiped her eyes with a tissue she pulled from her pocket.
“You know, Larry and I were unable to have children.” Penny’s voice was soft and quiet.
Tessa straightened, wiping her eye again. "I’m so sorry. I had no idea." She’d assumed they’d chosen not to have children. She felt so bad.
“There was no reason for you to know. We’d so much wanted a large family, but it wasn’t to be.” Penny smiled wistfully. “We’ve come to accept it now, but in the early days it was hard. Both Larry and I questioned God continually. We couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t bless us with a baby. We tried everything, but in the end, we just had to come to terms with it and accept that it was God’s will for our lives. And you know, God has blessed our lives so much, but in a completely different way to what we’d ever imagined.”
Tessa took a deep breath as she allowed Penny's words to sink in. Everyone had challenges, some more obvious than others, but they were all part of the journey called life. She recalled the hymn she’d sung with Stephanie, and the words challenged her yet again. Would her anchor hold, even if she did miscarry again? What if it had turned out that she and Ben couldn’t have children, like Penny and Larry? And what if Jayden never returned? Not that she believed he wouldn’t. But would her anchor hold, regardless? Could she go back home and live confidently with Jesus as her Lord and Saviour, trusting him like the people of this village did on a daily basis for the simplest of things that she and Ben had taken for granted all their lives? She wanted to. She truly did.
The pain of the loss of their first baby was still a dull ache in her chest. She guessed it would always be, but now they had another precious little one growing inside her. She had nothing to be sad or concerned about. She and Ben had their whole futures ahead of them. Instead of being bitter about not having children, Penny’s disappointment had made her stronger, with a heart to serve and love God and to serve and love others. Wasn't that the reason she and Ben had come to Ecuador? To get their minds off their own problems and to serve others? God, please forgive me for my lack of trust. Give me a heart for others, just like Penny, and make me a better, stronger person, so I can serve you and others with compassion and fervour. You are my anchor, Lord God, steadfast and sure. I will hold firmly to You, and trust You, regardless of what happens in my life.
“Thank you, Penny.” Tessa sniffed again. “That spoke to me so much. You’re such a wonderful person. Thank you for being here for me.”
“Oh Tessa, you’ll make me cry next. Come on, let’s get going. Our rounds won’t do themselves, you know.”
Penny stood and held her hand out to Tessa before giving her another hug. “We’ll be praying for you, Tessa.”
Tessa blew her nose and smiled. “Thank you so much.”
That night, Tessa rested her head against Ben’s chest as he read. Outside, the noises of the night drifted in. Somewhere in the distance, a cow bellowed. Someone played a drum not far away, and next door, a baby cried. She’d miss the closeness of community living, but it was time. She lifted her head and turned Ben’s face toward her. “Ben…
“I’m trying to read.” He turned his face back to his book.
“I want to say something.”
“What?” He kept reading.
“I’m ready to go home.”
He jolted up, dropping his book and losing his place. “Really?”
Tessa nodded, her eyes misting over.
Ben’s eyes softened. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. It’s time, isn’t it?” He lifted his hand and ran his fingers slowly down her hairline as he held her gaze.
She nodded again, happy tears filling her eyes. Lowering her head back onto Ben’s chest, she sighed contentedly as he wrapped his arms around her.
Chapter 25
Ben and Tessa broke the news to the team the following day. Nobody wanted them to go, but everyone respected their decision, especially when they heard about the new addition. The soon-to-be-parents agreed to stay until new team members had been recruited.
The evening before their departure, the mission put on a huge going away party. Early in the morning, fires were lit, and four pigs prepared. The women busied themselves cooking an array of dishes to accompany the roast pig, and also prepared platters of the fresh tropical fruit that Tessa had come to love. She’d miss the gaiety and colour of village life, but mostly she’d miss the people. They’d made so many wonderful friends, but her focus was now turning to their baby and life back home.
The party carried on well into the night, with lots of eating, music and dancing. One by one, the children and their parents offered their shy goodbyes, presenting small handmade gifts to remember them by. Tessa was nearly brought to tears several times, but when Maria gave her a handwritten recipe book, she couldn’t hold them back any longer. “Maria, you have been such a special friend. Thank you.” She wiped her tears with a tissue and then gave Maria a big hug.
“We’ll miss you, Tessa. We all will. Come back sometime soon?”
Tessa nodded. Yes, she’d like that.
Larry called everyone to attention after dessert had been served, motioning for her and Ben to join him.
Tessa grabbed Ben’s hand as they stepped towards Larry. Her heart was heavy as reality hit her. They were actually leaving this place they’d come to love so much. Tomorrow they’d be back in their clean, quiet house in suburban Brisbane, far away from this colourful, noisy village. But it was time. She knew that. And as Larry and Penny gave their farewell speeches and prayed for them, she knew in her heart that this was God’s timing.
As Elliott drove them to the airport the following morning, Tessa drank in the colours and sights and sounds of the countryside, entrusting them to her memory. She’d never forget this place nor its people. She squeezed Ben’s hand. They’d hardly said a word. Even Elliott was unusually subdued.
“I’m going to miss you, sis.” Elliott’s eyes misted over as he gave her one last hug.
“We’re going to miss you, too. Thank you for everything.” She smiled into his eyes and sucked in a breath. “Come and visit soon? I know Mum would love to see you.”
He nodded and waved as they turned and walked toward the Departures area.
Circling above Brisbane just over twenty-four hours later, Tessa gazed down on her hometown with excitement, although a tinge of sadness sat in her heart. The most difficult part of the trip had been the transit in Los Angeles. Both she and Ben couldn’t help but wonder if Jayden was nearby, but they had no way of knowing. He’d had no communication with Neil or anyone else for months, and so they had no choice but to continue trusting that he was okay.
Eleanor and Telford met them at the airport, and Tessa once again couldn’t control her emotions and teared up at first sight of her parents. Her mother gave her a big hug and congratulated her on her pregnancy. Her father wrapped her in a bear hug and told her how much he’d missed them both.
After catching up over a light lunch at Bussey’s, her parents delivered them home, promising to come by again in the next day or so once they’d recovered from the flight.
Stepping inside their house, Tessa’s eyes popped. It was huge. And so white. And so clean.
Ben slipped his arms around her and nuzzled her nec
k. “What say we brighten it up?”
Tessa nodded as she gazed around. “Yes, no more white!”
Ben laughed and turned her around. “Well, Mrs. Williams, this is another beginning.”
She gazed into Ben’s eyes and lifted her hand to his cheek. “I’m happy to be home, Ben.”
“So am I.”
Her body tingled as he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. She chuckled when he swept her off her feet and carried her upstairs to their bedroom. “You could never have done that before we went to Ecuador!”
He laughed as he lowered her onto their king-sized bed, but then his expression sobered as he gazed into her eyes. “I didn’t think I could love you more than I did on our wedding day, but I do. I love you so much.” He stroked her cheek gently with his fingers. Her heart thumped as he continued. “Thank you for supporting me when I was so miserable, and always believing in me. I wouldn’t have survived without you.” His eyes moistened, causing hers to do the same.
“Oh Ben. Stop your talking and just kiss me.” She pulled his head down and buried herself in his love.
The couple who’d rented their home had kept the house and yard in good condition, and Jayden’s bedroom was still untouched and remained just the way he’d left it, a condition of the rental agreement.
“So much mail.” Tessa sighed as she began checking the pile she’d ignored over the few days since they’d returned. “I certainly didn’t miss this while we were away.”
“Me either.” Ben pulled up a chair and started sorting through the pile. Tessa chuckled when he began placing the mail into neat stacks. Some things would never change.
“I’ll get that,” Tessa said as the phone rang. She swung into the hall and picked up the receiver. “Hi, Tess,” Fran greeted from the other end. “I’m glad you’re back. Did you enjoy your time away?” Fran’s tone was still so business like, although there was a tinge of warmth to her voice.
“Very much so.” Tessa smiled as a memory of the village flashed through her mind. “We actually really loved it.” Her heart warmed as she gazed at the assorted handmade gifts now taking pride of place on the display cabinet in the living room.
“I’m glad you had a good time. Just a quick call to touch base and to run something past you.”
“Yes…”
“We’ve been unusually busy, so I’ve hired two more employees.” Fran paused and cleared her throat. “Harrison’s been doing a fantastic job as manager. You chose the right person to take over while you were away. I was actually thinking I’d like to keep him on as manager, at least for a time.”
Tessa pressed her lips together and tried to steady her breathing. Is Fran actually saying what I think she’s saying? She wants to replace me with Harrison as manager? Didn’t she think I was the best person for the job?
“However, Harrison can’t manage effectively while also being head surgeon, so if you’d like to return to your old job, he could certainly use your help.” Fran paused. “Any thoughts on that?”
Tessa pondered her response before replying. She had to admit she was put out, but hadn’t she promised God to trust Him, regardless? Maybe this had been put before her to test her resolve. She could react badly, make a scene, or just accept the situation gracefully. She didn’t have to be manager. She still had a job she loved, and she should be grateful. Besides, she’d be stopping work shortly anyway. Placing her hand on her tummy, she caressed the baby growing inside her. “I think that’s a fine decision, Fran. Harrison has great skills, and I’ll look forward to getting my gloves back on. Oh, and also, I’m pregnant.”
Fran remained silent for a few seconds before congratulating her. “I guess it was the right decision then.” She let out a small laugh.
“Tess, Tess! Come quickly!” Ben called from the kitchen.
“I’ve got to go, Fran. Talk soon.” Tessa hung up and ran to the kitchen where Ben was holding up an envelope, his eyes brimming.
“It’s from Jayden. He wrote us a letter.”
Tessa’s heart pounded as she took the envelope and inspected it. “It’s dated two weeks ago. And he’s way up north. How did he get there?”
“He explains it all in the letter. I’ve quickly scanned it. He’s okay. He’s found a job and is staying in his own place, but he’s also looking after Kathryn. He says he can’t leave her right now for some reason. I don’t know why, but I have the feeling he’s not happy with her anymore.”
Tessa sat down and quickly read through Jayden’s entire letter for herself, wiping tears from her eyes as she read. She lifted her eyes to Ben’s and smiled though her tears. “I believe this means he’ll be coming home sometime soon.”
“I think you’re right. I truly do.”
* * *
Ben, Tessa and Jayden’s story continues in…
BOOK 4: "TRIUMPHANT LOVE"
READ THE BONUS CHAPTER OF “TRIUMPHANT LOVE” AT THE END OF THIS BOOK
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
Hi! It’s Juliette here. I hope you’ve enjoyed the third book in “The True Love Series". Ben, Tessa and Jayden's stories continue in Book 4 - "Triumphant Love" (free to read on Kindle Unlimited).
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Blessings,
Juliette
TRIUMPHANT LOVE
BOOK FOUR
Chapter 1
Hunters Hollow, Montana
Jayden Williams was stocking shelves when a flash of red caught his eye. Angie! He smiled to himself. This was a bonus—he hadn’t expected to see her until the weekend. He jumped off the ladder and wiped his hands on a rag and waited for her to reach him. The last few weeks had been amazing. His heart beat faster every time he thought about their first kiss, and he still couldn’t believe that Angie Morgan had agreed to be his girlfriend. Her red hair and green eyes were the last thing he thought about before going to sleep every night, and the first thing on his mind every morning. He couldn’t get her out of his head. He didn’t want to.
And now here she was, but something wasn't right. She didn't look herself, her eyes weren't sparkling and there was a trace of sadness to her usually happy face. What was wrong? Surely she wasn’t about to break up with him? Everything had been going so well.
“Angie, nice to see you.” He tried not to sound worried.
“Hey Jayden.” Her voice had lost its spark.
“Didn’t expect to see you today.” He shoved his hands in his pockets.
“Can you take a break?”
His heart raced. Something was wrong. He checked the time. Five minutes until lunch break. Charmian would let him go early. “Sure.”
He followed Angie to a quiet café in the mall. He’d brought his own lunch to work, so he just ordered a soda. Angie ordered the same. She sat opposite him, fiddling with her straw. He hadn’t dared ask why she wanted to see him, but he had a strong feeling she didn’t want to go out with him anymore. It puzzled him, because just last Sunday he’d gone to church with her for the first time, and she’d held his hand right through the service. And her parents had accepted him. Well, he thought they had. So, what had changed?
“Jayden, I need to tell you something before you hear it from someone else.”
His head jerked up. Did she have another boyfriend? Was she sick? “Hear what, Ange?” He gulped.
She held his gaze; her b
ottom lip quivered slightly.
He reached out and took her hand. “Tell me, Angie. I can take it.” I can’t, but I need to know.
She let out the smallest chuckle. “Oh Jayden. It’s not you. It’s… it’s Jessica.” Her body stiffened as her expression sobered even further. “She’s… she’s pregnant.”
Jayden straightened. “Pregnant? Your sister?”
Angie leaned forward and held her finger to her lips. “Shh…”
“Sorry.” Jayden lowered his voice and glanced around. “She can’t be.”
Angie let out a heavy sigh. “She is. And the whole town’s about to know.”
“Can’t she do something about it?”
Angie pulled back. “Jayden! How could you ask such a question?”
Yes, how could he? Of course Angie’s parents wouldn’t even hear of it. “Sorry. That was dumb.”
“School starts next Monday, and Dad’s making an announcement at the school staff meeting today, so word’s going to get around real quick.”
Jayden’s forehead puckered. “Why would he do that? Surely he’d want to keep it quiet.”
“That’s what I thought, but he said it’s better they find out from him than hear it as gossip.”
Jayden shook his head. Amazing. If it was him, he’d probably want to keep it quiet as long as he could.
“How is she? And what about her boyfriend and his parents?”
Angie began fiddling with her straw again. “Oh, Blake’s parents are livid. They’ve disowned him. Mom and Dad have taken him in until he goes off to College at the end of the week.”
Jayden sat back in his chair. “Wow, I can’t imagine my dad doing that. He’d probably be like Blake’s dad and kick me out.”
“No he wouldn’t, not from what you’ve told me about him.”
THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance Page 40