THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  Chapter 17

  Ben quickly finished packing his small suitcase and zipped it closed.

  Tessa sat on the edge of the bed watching his every move. “Are you sure about this?”

  “Absolutely. It’s time.”

  “We’ve been through it countless times, wouldn’t it be best to wait for him to decide?”

  Ben closed the space between them and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I’m not going to force him, but it’ll be easier for him to do the right thing if I’m there to support him.”

  “Do you want me to come with you?”

  He raised a brow. “In your condition?”

  She glanced down at her stomach and sighed. “You’re right. I doubt the doctor would let me travel anyway.”

  “For once I want to take the initiative. I feel good about it, but please pray.”

  She smiled up at him. “Of course. But don’t stay away too long.”

  “I won’t, don’t worry. I’m not planning on staying any longer than I have to.”

  “I know, but I’m going to miss you.”

  Ben stepped closer and gently pulled her towards him. “And I’m going to miss you too.” He brushed her cheek with the back of his hand as their eyes met. His heart filled with love for her. He lifted her chin and lowered his lips until they touched. He kissed her slowly, savouring every moment. When he let her go, her face was flushed and her eyes moist.

  “Hurry back, Ben.” Her voice was soft, barely more than a whisper.

  He gave her another slow kiss. “Don’t you worry about that. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

  * * *

  Tessa clung to Ben and gave him a huge hug before he stepped onto the escalator leading to the departures area of the Brisbane International Airport. Fixing her gaze on him, she waved and blew him one last kiss before he disappeared.

  If only she could have gone with him, but having been advised to ‘take it easy’, they’d agreed that her job was to pray and to look after herself and their unborn baby.

  She stepped out of the cool air-conditioned airport into a beautiful late spring day in Brisbane. The sky was a brilliant blue, and as a plane soared upwards, leaving a trail of vapour in its wake, her thoughts drifted. The last couple of months of her pregnancy had been challenging. She’d been so tired all the time, and although she loved her work, especially now she'd returned to her old job as Head Surgeon, she was looking forward to taking a break. But how was she going to cope with Ben being away? They’d hardly spent a night apart since they’d married, except for the couple of days she’d spent at Stephanie’s mother’s farm before they went to Ecuador.

  Tessa came back to the present with a jolt. Stephanie… She glanced at her watch and breathed a sigh of relief. Plenty of time. In fact, she’d be early for their lunch date.

  When she arrived at the new Waterside Café in New Farm ten minutes early, she chose a table and ordered a coffee, all the while keeping one eye on the car park and one eye on the river. She was just finishing her coffee when Mrs. Trejo’s modified van pulled into the car park and stopped under a shady poinciana tree. Mrs. Trejo slid out and waited for Stephanie’s wheelchair, with Stephanie in it, to be lowered to the ground. Tessa’s heart still ached for her friend every time she thought about her not being able to walk. Mrs. Trejo had been so convinced Stephanie would walk again, but now it seemed highly unlikely. She would be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.

  Tessa stood and waved to Mrs. Trejo as she drove off, and waited while Stephanie wheeled herself towards the entrance of the café. At least she had some independence these days, although she still lived on the farm with her mother. Tessa leaned down and hugged her. “Great to see you, Steph.”

  “And you, Tessa. Hope you’re looking after this little one.” Her eyes sparkled as she gently ran her hand over Tessa’s stomach. “You’re getting so big.”

  Tessa rolled her eyes. “And don’t I know it!” She glanced inside. “I’ve got a table right on the water. We should be able to get you there without too much problem.” She stepped around the wheelchair and placed her hands on the handles.

  Stephanie reached out and tapped her hand. “I can do it.”

  Tessa’s hand flew to her chest. “I’m so sorry. I keep forgetting how clever you’ve become with this thing.” She laughed lightly.

  “You should see me zip around the farm.” Stephanie chuckled as she maneuvered around the tables and chairs to reach the table Tessa indicated. “This is a great spot.”

  “It is, isn’t it? I really love living so close to the river, but sometimes I feel so guilty when I think back to the living conditions in Ecuador. We’re very spoiled.”

  “But you enjoyed your time there.” She held Tessa’s gaze. “You know, since I’ve been confined to this chair, I’ve come to realise it’s not so much about your living conditions or what you do, it’s what’s inside you that counts.”

  “A very profound statement, Stephanie!”

  Stephanie laughed. “I know. I have too much time to think these days!”

  Tessa looked up as the waiter came to take their orders. “I’m sorry, we’ve been so busy chatting we haven’t even looked at the menu. What do you suggest?”

  The waiter, a young man with dark, curly hair and translucent blue eyes, flashed a smile at them. “Well, for two such beautiful young ladies like yourselves, I’d recommend some share plates. The Lamb Koftas are very good, as is the Baked Camembert served with a baguette and a green tomato chutney.”

  Tessa glanced at Stephanie and raised a brow.

  Stephanie shrugged. “Sounds good to me. We’ll have one of each.”

  “And to drink?” The waiter’s pencil was poised above his notepad as he angled his head at Stephanie.

  “Sparkling water?” Stephanie glanced at her.

  She nodded and smiled. “Thank you.” When the waiter left, she sat for a moment, her thoughts turning to Ben. She glanced at her watch. He’d be boarding by now.

  “How’s Ben feeling about the trip?” Stephanie asked.

  Tessa inhaled slowly. It was such a huge thing after such a long and challenging road. Strange to think that Jayden could be home by this time next week if all went well. She let her breath out and lifted her gaze. “Nervous. Excited.” Tessa blinked back the tears suddenly pricking her eyes.

  “I can understand that. It’s hard to believe Jayden's been gone for more than a year.”

  “Yep, and he’s changed so much.”

  “Do you think he’ll come back?”

  Tessa shrugged. “I hope so.” She glanced at the CityCat pulling away from the terminal on the other side of the river and wiped her eyes. “He seems very attached to his girlfriend, and now this has happened to his mother…”

  “Wait, what happened to his mother?”

  Tessa drew another breath and proceeded to tell Stephanie all about Buck’s murder and Kathryn ending up in a Mental Hospital.

  “Wow! And they thought she’d killed him?”

  Tessa nodded, looking up as the waiter returned with their share plates. She smiled at him and thanked him before picking up some bread and placing a little cheese on it. “Shouldn’t be eating this, but it smells so yummy.”

  “You’ll get fat if you’re not careful.” Stephanie shot her a playful look, but then laughed as she proceeded to do the same.

  Tessa shrugged. “I’m past caring.”

  “I bet you are. But you’re looking great.”

  “Like a beached whale, you mean?” Tessa looked up and burst out laughing. She took a sip of water and settled herself. “I can’t wait to be back to normal.” As soon as she said it, she wished she could retract the words. At least she would get back to normal, unlike Stephanie. She touched Stephanie’s wrist. “I’m so sorry, Steph. That was thoughtless.”

  “It’s okay. You don’t need to tip-toe around me. I can handle things like that.”

  Tessa shook her head. “I don’t know how you’re doi
ng it. Sure you’re not just putting on a happy face?”

  “No, I’m not. God’s taught me so much by sticking me in this wheelchair. Sure, I miss not being able to walk, but I kind of knew that from the beginning. It was Mum who found it harder to accept. But it’s okay, it really is.” She leaned closer. “And I’ve got something exciting to tell you. The reason we came to the city was for me to meet with the Director of Youth Services. I applied for a job working with disadvantaged kids, and I got it! I’m so excited!”

  Tessa threw her arms around Stephanie. Joy for her friend welled within her and bubbled out. “That is the best news.” She straightened. “Wait, does that mean you’re moving back to the city?”

  Stephanie nodded, her eyes shining. “Yes, so I’ll be able to help you with this little one when he or she comes.”

  Tessa let out a happy sigh. “I bet your Mum’s not too happy about that.”

  Stephanie chuckled. “I think she’s going to sell the farm.”

  “No! She can’t. I love that place.”

  Stephanie nodded. “I think she is.”

  A thought flashed through Tessa’s mind. But was she jumping the gun? Maybe she needed to pray about it. But it wouldn’t hurt to run the thought past Steph, surely. Hadn’t the seed of the idea for Ecuador been planted in her heart just like this one had now been? Maybe that’s how God works sometimes, planting spontaneous ideas in people’s hearts. Why not? She leaned forward, placing her crossed arms on the table. “Steph, I’ve got an idea.”

  Stephanie laughed. “Of course you have. Fire away.”

  Tessa drew a steadying breath. “I’ve always loved your mother’s farm. In fact, I’ve often day-dreamed about buying one just like it, but I’ve never mentioned it to Ben.” She paused and drew another breath. “What if Ben and I bought it off your mum, and turned it into a retreat? It could even be used for your disadvantaged youth.” Her heart quickened as she uttered the words. It felt so right.

  Stephanie’s face lit up. “That’s a great idea! And Mum would be so happy it was being used to help others.”

  Tessa straightened. “Ben would have to agree, of course, but I think he would. Since we’ve been back from Ecuador we’ve been praying about what we should be doing, and I think this might be the answer. I can see it already… little cabins dotted around where people can stay to unwind and spend quality time with each other and with God. A big communal area for groups, outdoor activities, and animals. Lots of animals!” Tessa couldn’t help her enthusiasm. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that the idea was from God.

  “It sounds great.” Stephanie beamed at her. “Now all we need to do is make it happen.”

  Tessa exhaled slowly. “Yes. We need to pray about it, and then I’ll talk to Ben. I’m sure our church would back it too, so we can talk with our Pastor.” She leaned forward again and squeezed Stephanie’s hand. “I really feel good about this.”

  “So do I.” Stephanie chuckled. “But first you’ve got to have this baby!”

  Tessa laughed. “Yes, that’s true.” She glanced down and rubbed her tummy. “And it can’t happen soon enough!”

  The waiter appeared at their table and collected their empty plates. “Can I get you two ladies anything else?”

  Tessa looked at Stephanie. “Coffee?”

  “That’d be great.”

  “Two flat whites, thanks.”

  “Coming right up.”

  As the waiter weaved his way through the tables, Tessa clutched her stomach and doubled over in pain. She breathed heavily, trying to deal with the sudden excruciating pain stabbing her stomach.

  “Tessa, what’s happening?” Stephanie wheeled her chair closer to Tessa and draped her arm across her shoulder.

  “I think I’m in labour.” She clutched her stomach again as another stab of pain hit her.

  “You can’t be… it’s too early.”

  “I know… and Ben’s on his way to America. Oh… I’m going to be sick.” Tessa placed her hand over her mouth and tried to hold back the vomit rising in her throat.

  The waiter appeared out of nowhere and placed a bowl on her lap. “I’ll call an ambulance.”

  Tessa threw up her whole lunch and more before the ambulance arrived. The paramedics placed her onto a trolley bed and settled her in the ambulance. As they were closing the doors, Stephanie called out that she'd follow as soon as her mother arrived. Tessa could only nod.

  Chapter 18

  Jayden sat in the middle row of Mr. Morgan’s SUV with his arm around Angie as they sped along the main highway towards Camp Fletcher. His stomach was tight, and despite the coolness in the air, his hands were damp with sweat. In the front, Simon chatted to his father, but he and Angie sat in silence. During the week they’d spent at her place, they’d skirted around the fact that their relationship as they knew it was coming to an end.

  He kissed the side of her face, his eyes lingering on the cute ringlets of red hair spiraling down her neck. She turned her head and smiled at him, sending his raw nerves into a whirl. Just as well Mr. Morgan and Simon were in the car, because it was the only thing stopping him from kissing her.

  Just as dark settled in, Mr. Morgan turned off the highway and into the entrance to the campsite. Twenty or so cars were already parked in the parking lot, and lights from the main building lit up the surrounding area. A gust of wind barreled into Jayden as he opened the car door. There’d been talk of cancelling the weekend camp because of the threat of bad weather, but the decision had been made to hold it anyway. Maybe not so wise as the wind was already whipping up a storm. He zipped his jacket up and then helped Angie out of the car. The faint tinkling of a piano reached them through the whistling wind.

  “We must be late.” Jayden had to shout.

  “No, they’ll just be practicing.”

  As he grabbed their luggage from the trunk, another car pulled up alongside. Gareth and his girlfriend, Rachel, climbed out.

  “Hey Jayden. Good to see you. Ready to jam?” Gareth called out above the wind.

  Jayden nodded. “Yep, can’t wait.”

  “Great. Let’s get out of this wind.”

  Inside, the main building buzzed with young people chatting and laughing. A casual supper had been prepared for those who hadn’t eaten. Jayden carried his guitar to the front of the room where the other instruments were all sitting, and then joined his group of friends around a table. He reached for Angie’s hand and held it tightly.

  “Sorry to hear about your mother, Jayden.” Rachel leaned forward across the table, a concerned look on her face.

  Jayden gulped. Word had obviously gotten around. “Thanks.” He offered a warm smile.

  “Is she going to be okay?”

  Jayden let out a breath. “I hope so.”

  “We’re all praying for her.”

  “Thanks.”

  “It’s the least we can do.”

  Gareth stood and slapped him on the back. “Come on, time to rock and roll.”

  Jayden sighed with relief. He couldn’t talk like this any longer. He needed to lose himself in some music.

  The band began to play, and before long all the chairs were filled with young people eager to join in. Jayden glanced at Angie every few seconds, his heart fluttering every time their eyes met. If only there was some way of staying. But he’d looked into it, and there wasn’t any option. As soon as the authorities were alerted, he’d have to leave. The good news was that as he was still a minor, he may not be barred from re-entering in the future, but how could he and Angie survive with not seeing each other? His heart ached at the thought.

  He glanced up again and studied her as she played. She made it look so easy, and she played so well. There was no doubt in Jayden’s mind she’d be selected for a musical scholarship once she graduated from High School. He let out a sigh. The only way it could work would be for him to go home, finish school and then apply for University here as well. But he wanted to study Veterinary Medicine,
and it was unlikely he’d get in since places were limited, even if he studied hard. He’d have to study something else, but if it meant being with Angie again, he’d do it. He felt himself growing anxious again, and had to remind himself to trust God, just as the words of the song they were playing said to do.

  Pastor Graham walked to the front as the song came to an end. Jayden took a seat with Angie and held her hand. He had no idea how he’d be able to concentrate on the message, but he tried to push all thoughts of leaving aside for the moment to focus his attention on the pastor. There were still a lot of unanswered questions from the study they’d been doing, and he did want to listen.

  “Welcome to Camp Fletcher, everyone. We’re going to have a great weekend of fun, fellowship and learning, despite the weather.” He glanced outside as a gust of wind howled through the trees. “Over the past couple of months, we’ve been finding out how we can be certain of God’s existence. We’ve studied the creation story, and how recent scientific discoveries are confirming that the universe as we know it was brought into existence by an intelligent being, and instead of refuting the creation story, these discoveries are confirming that it couldn’t have just happened by chance, as many scientists and others used to believe. The more they study the complexity of the universe and all the living beings within it, the more proof there is for an intelligent designer. I’m sure you’ll all agree it’s really exciting stuff. As Christians, we believe that the intelligent designer is God, but how is it possible for us, as mere human beings, to have a personal relationship with a God who’s so immense and so powerful? How can God have any relevance in our day to day living? That’s the topic of this camp, and I hope that by the end of it, you’ll be so in awe of God that you’ll never doubt His keen interest and involvement in your life every minute of every day. Let’s bow our heads.”