THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  She nodded, but snuggled into his chest anyway.

  Although he’d done the right thing, his 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 his 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? He 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.

  He 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. 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 he 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. It 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.

  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.

  He 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, son.”

  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. “Angela, we should give them some time. Come with me?”

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

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

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

  “Let’s take a walk,” his dad said.

  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 his father. He shared how hurt and disappointed he’d been when he realized he’d been tricked by his mother, 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.

  “Some kind of year you’ve had,” Dad said, his voice thick with emotion.

  Jayden lifted his gaze and met Dad’s. Tears brimmed in his eyes and his chest burned. “I have.” He swallowed hard.

  “Tessa and I never stopped praying for you.”

  “I know. Thank you.” Jayden sniffed and swallowed again before exhaling slowly. “I’ve decided to come home.” Tears streamed down his cheeks.

  Dad’s eyes widened before he threw his arms around Jayden. “That’s the best news you could have given me.”

  Jayden clung to him. “I only decided last night.” He struggled to speak. “I told Angie…” He pushed down the sobs rising in his throat. He straightened, and tried to control his breathing. “I told her it was time for me to go home, that it was the right thing to do. Last night when Pastor Graham was speaking, I got this sense that I needed to let her go, and that God wanted me back home with you and Tessa.”

  “You don’t know how much that means to me. When I decided to come, I had no idea what the outcome would be, but I didn’t expect you to have already decided. That is such a bonus. I didn’t want to have to convince you. It’s so much better that you’ve already decided. But what about your mother? What’s going to happen with her?”

  “The Morgan’s have said they’ll look after her. They’re such kind people. They’re amazing, in fact. You should stay for a few days and get to know them.”

  “I’d like that.” Dad gave him a warm smile.

  “But now we should have lunch. I’m starving.”

  “That hasn’t changed.” Dad let out a small chuckle.

  “No, that hasn’t changed.”

  * * *

  Ben walked back to the main building with Jayden. He wasn’t that hungry, but Jayden obviously was. He couldn’t get over how much Jayden had grown in just over a year. When he’d left he was just a boy; now he was a young man. And what a young man he’d become. Ben’s heart swelled with pride as he glanced at his son.

  Lunch was finished, but the cook had kept meals aside for them. They took their plates and sat at a table.

  “When were you thinking of coming home?”

  Jayden finished his mouthful and lifted his gaze. “Sometime next week.”

  Ben’s eyes widened. “So soon?”

  Jayden nodded. “I might change my mind if I wait.”

  “Angie seems nice.”

  The corners of Jayden’s mouth lifted. “She’s the best.”

  Ben leaned back in his chair and tried to hide the grin forming on his face. His son was in love! How could that have happened? He was so young, but he’d been through so much, and Angie had been there for him when he needed someone to love him. Ben should be grateful it had been her, someone who loved the Lord deeply and who really cared for him, and not that girl from Austin. God had truly been looking after him.

  He sat forward and rested his arms on the table. “You’re doing a very mature thing. You’re only young, and you don’t know what’s ahead of you, but you and Angie can always remain as friends.”

  Jayden winced. It obviously wasn’t what he wanted, which was perfectly understandable, but they’d both survive. Life would go on, and in time they’d meet other people.

  The door swung open and Robert and Angie walked towards them. Robert had his arm around her shoulders. Angie’s eyes were red and she dabbed a tissue to her nose as they reached the table.

  Robert raised his eyebrows. “All okay?”

  Ben glanced at Jayden and his heart warmed. Yes, everything was okay. In fact, it was more than okay—it was wonderful. He rubbed Jayden’s back and nodded.

  * * *

  Ben stayed for the remainder of camp and spent time with Jayden, Angie and Mr. Morgan. He sat towards the back with Mr. Morgan during the praise and worship sessions, a broad smile planted on his face. Occasionally Jayden lifted his head and met his gaze. Each time, he couldn’t stop the grin that spread warmth through his body. Dad was proud of him, and that made the world of difference. No longer did he fear being a disappointment. Dad loved him unconditionally, just like God did. If only he’d realised that a year ago. But if he had, his and Angie’s paths might never have crossed, and he would have missed meeting the most beautiful girl in the world. Even if she could now only be his friend.

  Chapter 22

  The next few days passed all too quickly. Dad helped Jayden pack up his apartment, went with him when he said good-bye to Charmian and her family, and sat outside while he and Mr. Morgan visited Mom again.

  “Are you sure you won’t come in?” Jayden asked as he closed the car door.

  Dad shook his head. “No, you go. Just tell her I forgive her.”

  Jayden’s shoulders sagged. Maybe it was for the best. Mom might not cope with seeing Dad after all this time, and she still wasn’t well. “Okay, we won’t be long.”

  “Take as long as you need.”

  Jayden gave him a grateful smile. Dad had changed. He seemed more patient, more caring, more understanding. Jayden still had trouble picturing him building a school playground in Ecuador, but it had obviously done him good. He lifted his hand in a wave and followed Mr. Morgan inside.

  Jayden steeled himself as Mr. Morgan signed them in. Mom wasn’t going to be happy about him leaving. He really hoped she wouldn’t cause a scene.

  The main area where she’d been last time they’d visited was empty. Magazines, empty coffee mugs, and half-finished board games sat on the tables. The nurse told them Mom was in a relaxation class, but it should be finished any minute. Mr. Morgan suggested they wait in the courtyard.

  Since Dad had arrived, Jayden hadn’t talked to Mr. Morgan on his own. Sitting opposite him now, Jayden felt a tinge of sadness sweep though him. He’d developed a high regard for this man, and he’d miss him when he and Dad flew out tomorrow.

  “I’m glad it all worked out, son.”

  Jayden let out a slow breath. “Yes. But there’s still the little problem of me getting through Security.”

  “You’ll be fine. At least you have your dad with you.”

  Jayden nodded. How scary it would have been if he’d had to go through on his own.

  “Do you forgive me for calling your dad?”

  Jayden laughed. “What do you think?”

  “I think that’s a yes.” Mr. Morgan let out a chuckle as a door opened and a group of patients walked along the corridor.

  Jayden turned his attention to the group. Would Mom remember to call him by his full name? But it didn’t really matte
r. He felt bad he’d made a fuss about it now.

  She was at the back of the group, busy talking with Betty and didn’t notice him and Mr. Morgan as she walked past. Mr. Morgan stood and caught up with her, tapping her lightly on the back.

  She stopped and turned. Her face brightened. “Jayden! You’ve come back!” Her over-the-top-smile had returned, and Jayden laughed. She flew into the courtyard and wrapped her arms around him, almost knocking him over.

  “Good to see you, Mom.” He beamed a smile at her. It really was good to see her back to normal. And she’d remembered his name!

  “Sit and talk with me.” She pulled him to a bench seat and sat with her legs crossed, leaning forward. Her eyes had cleared and some color had returned to her face. Even her hair had been brushed and washed and had a shine to it. She peered into his eyes. “They’re letting me out soon. I can come live with you then.”

  Jayden gulped. He’d been dreading breaking the news to her. “Remember last time I said I might be going home because I’m illegal?”

  Her body stiffened.

  “I’m leaving tomorrow, Mom.”

  She grabbed his hand. “No, Jay, you can’t. Please don’t go.”

  “I have to. I’m sorry.”

  Mr. Morgan stepped forward. “We’ll look after you, Kathryn. There’s a lovely place not far out of town where you can stay until you’re fully well. And Beth and I will be here for you.”

  Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know why you’d bother, but thank you.” Her gaze shifted back to Jayden. “But Jay, are you sure you can’t stay?”

  Jayden squeezed her hand. “Yes, Mom, I have to go. But come home when you’re better. I’ll be there for you.”

  “Your dad won’t like that.”

  “Dad’s okay. He said to tell you he’s forgiven you.”

  A wistful expression grew on her face. “He’s a good man, your dad.” Tears spilled from her eyes. “I treated you both badly.”