THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  Jayden’s eyes misted over as a heavy weight settled on his heart. He gulped, wiping his eyes quickly. “I know. But it’s still hard. I just wish she’d leave him.” He struggled to hold himself together.

  “We all do. Trust me.” Charmian gave him another hug before reaching down below the register. She pulled out a small package and with a warm smile on her face, gave it to him. “Happy seventeenth birthday, Jayden. It’s not much, but I hope you like it. The boys helped me choose it.”

  Jayden’s eyes widened. “How did you know?”

  “You wrote your date of birth on the application when you started here.”

  “Oh.” The day and month were correct, but the year… he’d have to come clean one day. “Thank you.” He smiled gratefully and took the parcel.

  “The boys have been asking when you’re going to come around.” She chuckled. “I told them you had a girlfriend now, so you might not be too interested in seeing them anymore.”

  “That’s not true. I’d love to see them.”

  “Well, feel free to come over whenever you want. I guess you’ll be seeing Angela tonight?”

  Jayden nodded. “Yes, I’m going there right after work today.”

  “They’re good people, the Morgan’s.” Her expression grew serious, and she stepped closer. “I heard about the other daughter. Is it true what they’re saying?”

  Jayden sucked in a breath. Here we go. All week he’d been getting sly looks from a number of customers, although none had actually said anything to him directly. But they knew about Jess being pregnant, no doubt about it. He’d have to tell her. “Yes, it’s true. Jess is pregnant.”

  Charmian shook her head and tutted. “The poor girl. How’s she coping?”

  Jayden shrugged. “Angie says she’s doing okay. She’s back at school.”

  Charmian raised an eyebrow. “Where you should be, young man.”

  He let out a resigned sigh. “I know. I’ll go back one day.”

  An elderly woman, one of their regular customers, hobbled into the store.

  Charmian smiled and waved to the woman, who, despite having to walk with a cane, was always well dressed and wore a full face of make-up. “Good morning, Mrs. Johnson.”

  “Good morning, dear.” Mrs. Johnson’s kind face broke into a wrinkly smile.

  “I’d better get on.” Jayden lifted his package and smiled at Charmian. “Thanks for this.”

  “My pleasure. Have a great day.”

  He wandered back to the boxes of dog food and began stocking again. If only Mom was like Charmian. But she wasn’t, and he just had to accept it. At least Dad and Tessa hadn’t forgotten his birthday. A parcel had turned up yesterday with a framed photo of Bindy and Sparky, along with a birthday card. He’d almost been tempted to jump on a plane and go home. He would have, if it hadn’t been for Angie.

  The rest of the morning, he checked the time almost every ten minutes or so. Four hours had never seemed so long. Twelve o’clock finally came around and he was able to leave. He didn’t know why they’d even bothered opening. Apart from Mrs. Johnson, they’d only had two other customers. Seemed everyone was at the Saturday markets this week.

  Jayden grabbed his bag and gift from the lunch room and bid goodbye to Charmian, who was closing off the register. “See you Monday, and thanks again.” He held up the gift and gave her a wave.

  As he stepped outside into the clean, fresh air, he looked expectantly left, then right. Angie hadn't said she'd pick him up, but he hoped she would. He could ride his bike out to the ranch, but it'd better if he went with Angie. His heart skipped a beat every time he thought of her, but now she was back at school, he could only see her on weekends and on Wednesday nights at Bible Study. If he was at school, he’d see her every day, but he couldn’t afford to quit his job, so that wasn’t going to happen.

  He’d just started walking when a car horn sounded. He turned and smiled as Angie’s silver Ford Focus pulled up beside him. She stretched across to the passenger side and opened the door.

  “Hey Jayden, thought I might catch you. Happy birthday!”

  He jumped into the car. “Thanks. Do I get a birthday kiss?” He leaned the side of his head towards her and waited. With proper kissing off limits, they’d agreed a cheek kiss would be okay, but it was killing him. She was wearing the perfume he’d bought to celebrate their one-month anniversary. Charmian had suggested it. Not that she knew what perfume girls liked because she had all boys, but he didn’t have a clue. Seemed Angie liked it though, so it must have been all right. At least she was wearing it. But the smell of it only made him want to hold her. He held his head still, waiting. Her finger touched his chin. His heart thumped as she slowly turned his face around until their eyes met. Her lips were so close. She leaned closer until their lips brushed. Her kiss was soft and tender.

  “Just because it’s your birthday.” Her eyes sparkled, and then she smiled. Not just an ordinary smile, but one that lit up her face, making him want to pull her close and hold her tight. His hands began to sweat. He was falling in love. His heart beat faster. How was he going to keep their agreement?

  She laughed. “What’s with you? Come on, let’s get out of here.” She clicked her seatbelt on, put the car into gear and pulled out onto the road. All the way back to her place she chatted, but all he could think about was how much he loved her.

  When they pulled into the long driveway that led up to the house, Angie stopped the car and looked at him. “You’ve hardly said a word. Is something wrong?”

  He looked down and fiddled with his hands. He couldn’t tell her he loved her. Not yet. What if she laughed at him? He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. “Nothing’s wrong. Just thinking, that’s all.”

  “Are you sad?”

  “Kind of. I saw Mom today. She didn’t remember it was my birthday.”

  “You poor thing.” Angie’s face softened.

  “But Charmian gave me a present.” Jayden opened his bag and pulled it out. “Guess I should open it.”

  “Go on then.”

  He returned it to the bag. “Nuh, I’ll do it later.”

  “Okay.” Angie’s eyes lit up as another huge smile grew on her face. “You’ll never guess what I’ve got you.”

  “Give me a clue?”

  She laughed. “No, you can guess.” She eased off the clutch and inched the car up the deeply rutted gravel driveway. Within minutes they were pulling into the garage alongside Mr. Morgan’s white SUV, making her Ford Focus look even tinier than it was. Jayden still hadn’t guessed what his present was.

  Mrs. Morgan was pulling a pizza out of the oven as they entered the kitchen a few moments later.

  “Smells great, Mom.” Angie gave her mom a peck on the cheek and swung her bag off her shoulder.

  “Thanks sweetie.” Bethany Morgan placed the pizza on a trivet, wiped her hands on her apron before taking it off, and extended her arms to Jayden. “And happy birthday, Jayden.”

  Her smile was the same as Angie’s, warm and friendly, and apart from Angie, and maybe Charmian, Mrs. Morgan was the only other person Jayden was happy to hug. He always felt welcome here in her kitchen, the hub of the sprawling house where the whole family gathered, but today, no one else was about, although music filtered down from somewhere upstairs.

  Jayden stepped into her embrace and returned her hug. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure. And you’re just in time for lunch. Angela, can you call the others?”

  “Sure.” Angie disappeared upstairs, leaving Jayden alone with Mrs. Morgan.

  He stood awkwardly, not really knowing what to do. Angie was always with him, but Mrs. Morgan began chatting just like Angie did, and told him to pull up a stool and asked if he’d like a drink, and then asked how work was this morning, and before he realized it, he was telling her about Mom’s visit to the store.

  “Sounds like she’s in a bad way. It’s a sad situation, from what I hear.”

  He drew a breath and wrapped hi
s hands around his glass of soda, struggling to control the sudden wave of sadness that hit him. All of a sudden he had the urge to confide about how he was feeling, but the sound of voices coming closer stopped him. Another time, maybe.

  “Yeah, she’s pretty messed up.”

  “We pray for her every day, just like we pray for you. No situation is so bad that God can’t fix it.” Mrs. Morgan gave him another smile that tugged at his heart. How could she do this in just a matter of minutes? He drew in a steadying breath and finished his drink, just as Angie, Jess and Simon entered the kitchen.

  “Where’s your father?” Mrs. Morgan asked of no one in particular.

  “He’s coming.” Angie pulled out a stool and sat beside Jayden.

  “We know what that means.” Mrs. Morgan rolled her eyes and gave a small chuckle.

  “No, he said he’d be right down.”

  “And here I am.” Mr. Morgan strolled in and placed his hands on his wife’s shoulders as she stood in front of the kitchen counter slicing a pizza. “Let me do that, Beth. It smells great.”

  Mrs. Morgan stood aside, allowing him to take over while she tossed the salad.

  “I believe birthday wishes are in order, Jayden.” Mr. Morgan glanced up and looked towards him. “Any plans for the day?”

  Jayden glanced at Angie. “We were thinking of going for a ride.”

  “If that’s okay?” Angie stole a cherry tomato from the salad and popped it into her mouth.

  “Can I come?” Simon asked, looking up from his iPad, sounding quite eager.

  Angie glared at him.

  “Great idea,” Mr. Morgan replied. “Maybe you’d like to go too, Jess?”

  Jessica shook her head violently as she slapped her hand over her mouth. She slid off the stool and raced out of the room.

  Jayden’s stomach churned at the sound of her vomiting.

  “She’s having a rough time of it, isn’t she?” Mr. Morgan glanced towards the downstairs bathroom before turning his attention to the next pizza.

  “Yes, poor dear,” Mrs. Morgan paused, drawing a breath, “but going for a ride might do her good.”

  Jayden managed another quick sideways glance at Angie. She gave a small shrug as their eyes met briefly. They were going to be chaperoned, like it or not.

  Chapter 7

  “Lunch was great, thank you, Mrs. Morgan.”

  “My pleasure, Jayden. Glad you enjoyed it.” She had begun collecting the dirty plates off the outdoor table and was about to collect his.

  His eye was on the last remaining slice of meat lover’s pizza, but he held back, not wanting to appear rude in front of Angie’s family. Besides, he’d already had more than Simon, and that was saying something. Angie’s fourteen-year-old brother certainly had a good appetite for a small dude.

  “Go on, have it.” Mr. Morgan chuckled. “It’s your birthday, after all.”

  Jayden looked up, his eyes widening. “Really?”

  “Yes, go for it.”

  “Thank you.” Jayden reached for the slice and popped it onto his plate, but Simon’s eyes were on him. Jayden let out a small sigh. He’d have to share it. He lifted his gaze and looked at Simon. “Want half?”

  “Yes please.” Simon straightened and watched eagerly as Jayden cut it in half.

  Mrs. Morgan angled her head and glared at him. “Simon!”

  “He offered.” Simon’s brow lowered.

  “Yes, but Jayden's our guest, and it’s his birthday.”

  “It’s fine. I don’t mind.” Jayden forced a smile that looked warmer than it felt as he slipped Simon’s half onto his plate.

  “That’s very kind of you.”

  He shrugged. He had no choice. He wolfed down the half slice, wiped his face with a napkin, and then passed his plate to Mrs. Morgan. “Thank you.”

  “You’ve got a good appetite, son.” Mr. Morgan ruffled his hair.

  “You would too if you ate frozen meals every night,” Angie said.

  “Guess I would.” Mr. Morgan smiled at her. “So where are you three planning on riding?”

  Angie shrugged. “Not sure yet. Maybe across the stream and then up to Gooseneck Gorge."

  Mr. Morgan shifted his gaze to Jayden. “Have you ridden before, son?”

  Jayden straightened. “A little.”

  “Take it easy, then.” Mr. Morgan turned his attention to Angie and lowered his voice. “Let Jayden ride Misty—she’ll be the best horse for him.”

  “Will do.” Angie pushed her chair back and looked at Jayden. “I’ll help Mom with the dishes and then we’ll go. Oh, and I need to give you your present.” Her face expanded into a broad grin.

  “It’s okay. I’ll help Mom. You three go.” Mr. Morgan turned to Jessica, who hadn’t said a word right through lunch and had barely eaten a bite, and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Sure you won’t go, sweetie?”

  She shook her head. Her face was so pale and thin.

  Mr. Morgan let out a sigh before turning back to Angie. “Be back in time for dinner, and ride carefully.”

  Angie threw her arms around him. “We will. Thank you.”

  “Enjoy your ride, son.” He nodded at Jayden before turning to Simon, his expression growing serious. “And no shenanigans.”

  “Yes, Dad.” Simon hung his head and looked down at his feet.

  “Come on, Jayden. Let’s get ready.” Grabbing his hand, Angie dragged him inside. “Mom said you can have the downstairs room. Got your clothes?”

  He nodded. “Yep.”

  “I won’t be long.” She squeezed his hand and disappeared upstairs.

  Jayden stepped into the spare room which Blake, Jessica’s boyfriend, had been using before he went off to College. The room was almost as big as his entire apartment. A queen-size bed dominated the room, which also contained an old oak dresser, a dark-brown leather wing chair made brighter by the addition of several neatly arranged lime-green cushions and a throw rug, and a whole wall of family portraits.

  He quickly changed out of his work clothes and slipped on a pair of thick, blue denim jeans and the long sleeved checked shirt he’d bought especially for the afternoon’s ride. The shirt still had the fold lines on it, and felt itchy as his arms slid into it. He grimaced. He should have washed it. Lastly, he put on the leather boots he’d been saving up for for weeks. Ariat boots. Comfortable and trendy. All he needed now was a cowboy hat. He glanced at himself in the full-length mirror. Not bad. Leaning closer, he ran his hand down his cheek and inspected the two-day-old growth on his face. A sudden thought flashed through his mind. Dad would hardly recognize him now. He hadn’t even begun shaving before he’d left with Mom. He swallowed the lump that had suddenly lodged in his throat. He’d have to write another letter.

  “Jayden, are you ready?” Angie’s voice sounded outside the room.

  “Yep. Coming.” He quickly grabbed his bag and opened the door.

  Dressed in a white, snug fitting shirt with the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, Angie stood holding a box wrapped in purple paper with a big bow on top. She held it out, a beaming smile lighting her face. “Happy birthday, Jayden.”

  “Thank you!” He took the box from her and carried it to the sofa in the living area just outside his room.

  “Can you guess what it is?” Her eyes glistened, and she held her hands together tightly as she jigged on the spot.

  Jayden shook the parcel gently. No rattle. Fairly light. He had no idea. He lifted his eyes. “Give me a clue.”

  “No. Just open it.” She looked at him with expectant eyes.

  What if he didn’t like whatever it was? He’d have to pretend. He couldn’t let her down, she was so excited about it. He began by carefully undoing the bow, and then ran his finger under the tape on one side and then the other. Finally the paper came off, almost intact, revealing a brown box that looked very much like it might hold a hat. He lifted his gaze, a slow grin forming on his face. “Is this what I think it is?”

  “What do you thi
nk it is?” she asked playfully.

  “A cowboy hat?”

  She nodded eagerly. “Yes. Open it!”

  He lifted the lid and pulled out a black Bullhide Leather cowboy hat. He took his time to inspect it before he placed it on his head. “How’s it look?”

  “Cute!” Angie giggled. “Come and take a look.” Dragging him back into the room, she stood him in front of the mirror, and stretching on her tippy-toes, peeked over his shoulder.

  He caught her eye. The light from the window bounced off her copper red hair making it shine, and her eyes danced with excitement. His pulse quickened. Maybe now was the time to tell her. Turning around slowly, he placed his hands on her hips, his heart thumping so loudly she had to hear it.

  “Do you like it?” She looked at him eagerly.

  “I love it.” He gulped. “Just like I…

  “Ange, are you coming?” Simon appeared in the doorway but stopped with a jerk. “Whoops. Sorry.” He took a step back.

  Jayden let out a frustrated sigh. Trust Simon to get in the way.

  She held his gaze for another second before turning her head towards her brother. “Yes, Simon, we’re coming.”

  Jayden took her hand and squeezed it. It was all he could do in front of her brother.

  “Glad you like it.” Angie smiled sweetly at him. “Come on, let’s go.”

  Shortly after, the three were saddled up and were headed towards the mountains. Angie took the lead on a brown gelding called Rusty, Jayden was in the middle on Misty, a pie-bald mare with a gentle nature, and Simon brought up the rear on a dark mare called Midnight. The trail narrowed quickly, and before long the ranch was out of sight, and they weaved their way slowly higher towards the foothills of the mountain range that sat behind the Morgan’s ranch.

  Misty was sure-footed, and Jayden felt comfortable in his new attire, including his cowboy hat and boots. Angie was an expert horse rider, but had promised to take it easy since he hadn’t ridden in a while. In fact, he hadn’t really ridden a horse at all; just a pony at the local Show, but he wasn’t going to tell her that. How difficult could it be?