THE TRUE LOVE SERIES BOX SET: A Christian Romance

by Duncan, Juliette

  “It’s okay, Mom.” Jayden swallowed hard. “We’ve both forgiven you.”

  “Why would you do that? I don’t deserve it.”

  “Because that’s what God expects of us.”

  She sniffed and brushed her face with her hand. Her eyes flickered before she lifted her gaze. “Do you think He’d ever forgive me?”

  He smiled at her, pushing back tears of his own. “Of course He will. You just have to ask Him.”

  She inhaled slowly. “I’ll give it some thought.”

  “You do that. I’ll be praying for you every day.” Leaning forward, he wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you too, Jayden. Look after yourself.” She wiped her eyes.

  He sniffed. “I will. Good-bye, Mom.” He kissed her cheek and stood. He had to leave so she wouldn’t see the tears streaming down his face.

  “That was a hard thing to do, son.” Mr. Morgan placed his hand lightly on Jayden’s shoulder.

  Jayden nodded, not trusting himself to speak.

  “She’s still got a long way to go, but the Rehab center is great, and I have every hope she’ll make a full recovery.”

  Jayden nodded again, shivering as he stepped outside.

  Dad crossed the road and joined them. “How did it go?”

  “She was upset, but we think she’ll be okay.”

  Dad smiled. “I hope so.”

  From there, Mr. Morgan drove to school and collected Angie and Simon. Jessica had stopped going, but was studying online at home so she could finish her schooling.

  Angie sat in the back with Jayden and Simon. Jayden took her hand and held it tightly. They had less than twenty-four hours left as boyfriend and girlfriend. His heart quickened as she rested her head on his shoulder.

  The Morgan’s had invited all of their friends over for a farewell dinner, and even though he’d miss them, Jayden would rather have spent his last night with just the family, but he hadn’t had enough courage to tell them that. They were so kind and thoughtful, and he was going to miss them so much.

  When they arrived home, the smell of freshly baked bread and roast turkey greeted them. He was sure going to miss Mrs. Morgan’s baking. But Tessa’s mum’s cooking was pretty good, and maybe Tessa’s cooking had improved. Over the past few days his thoughts had been turning more towards home. Sometimes they filled him with anticipation, like when images of Bindy and Sparky came to mind, but other thoughts filled him with dread, like going back to school. It was a means to an end, but how could he ever settle into the same old boring routine again? Especially if Neil had made new friends. And besides, Neil would be a year ahead now. He sighed. Lord, You’re going to have to help me with this.

  Mrs. Morgan and Jessica were busy in the kitchen with food preparation. Mrs. Morgan raised her head from her chopping board and smiled. “Help yourselves. There’s fresh cookies in the jar, and a ton of pancakes.”

  Simon raced straight for the pancakes. “Thanks, Mom.”

  Angie stepped close to her mom and kissed her cheek. “What can I help with?”

  Mrs. Morgan patted her hand. “Nothing. You don’t want to spend your last afternoon with Jayden in the kitchen. Go for a walk or a ride.” Her eyes held a sparkle. What a special woman.

  Angie gave her a hug. “As long as you’re sure.”

  Mrs. Morgan waved her hand. “Yes, I’m sure.”

  Angie didn’t notice the look on Jessica’s face. Jayden’s heart went out to Jess. Not only was she pregnant, but her boyfriend had deserted her. But she couldn’t have asked for better parents. It was going to be hard on her, but he was confident she’d be okay.

  “What would you like to do? Walk or ride?” Angie smiled at him.

  She had to ask? He laughed. “Ride, of course.” He turned to Dad and raised a brow. “Like to come?”

  Dad chuckled. “No, you two go. You don’t want me with you.”

  “Thanks.” Jayden gave him a grateful smile.

  “Be back by five,” Mr. Morgan called out as they headed towards the door.

  “Five. Sure thing,” Angie called back.

  Jayden checked his watch. An hour. Not long, but long enough.

  Angie grabbed his hand and together they ran to the stables. They quickly saddled and mounted the horses, and within minutes they were galloping towards the mountains.

  Jayden breathed in the clean, crisp air, his eyes taking in the magnificent surroundings for the last time.

  Angie slowed her horse to a trot, as did he. They rode alongside each other for the next ten minutes until they reached the edge of a ridge where they dismounted and tethered the horses to a tree.

  Jayden wrapped his arms around Angie’s waist from behind and rested his head on her shoulder. He drank in not only the vista but the whole experience, etching it into his memory. God’s creation—the snow-capped mountains, the vast sky, the deep valley below, the stars he couldn’t see but were up there, stretching further than he could ever imagine, the birds soaring above, the smell of fresh pine needles, the sound of wind whispering through the trees. His spirit quickened as the verses from Colossians 1 that Pastor Graham often referred to came to mind: ‘For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.’ Jayden thought his heart would burst. The God of creation was here with them now, showering His love down on them, filling them with peace and hope for the future.

  No words were needed. Jayden pulled Angie tighter and gave thanks to God for bringing her into his life, and asked Him for strength to let her go.

  The ride back was slower than the ride out, but they made it back right on the dot of five. The next few hours passed in a blur. Their friends arrived. They laughed, they played games, the boys had a game of pool. Dad talked at length with Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. Jayden wondered what they were talking about. Maybe he’d ask him tomorrow on the plane. Mr. Morgan lit a fire, and towards the end of the evening, they all sat around it and played guitars and sang praise and worship songs in between toasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate.

  Jayden’s heart was full to brimming as he lay on his back with Angie beside him and gazed up at the stars. He turned to her and nuzzled her neck. “We could stay here all night. What do you think?”

  She giggled. “We’d freeze, and besides, Dad wouldn’t let me.”

  She was right, it was a silly idea. But maybe they could stay up and watch movies inside. He’d have plenty of time to sleep on the plane, and Angie was taking the day off school.

  Her parents agreed, but only if Simon stayed with them. Simon, their chaperone. Understandable, given Jessica’s situation.

  Angie chose the first two movies—Jayden groaned at her choices but watched them anyway. He chose the next two, and then it was her turn to groan.

  As the first pale light of dawn broke on the horizon, Jayden yawned and turned the television off. Time to shower and do a final pack.

  Chapter 23

  The next morning, Jayden and Angie were the first ones ready. They set the table for breakfast as everyone else showered and dressed. By six a.m., everyone was seated around the large kitchen table giving thanks and praying for the days and weeks ahead.

  By six-thirty they were headed for Billings International Airport, a two-hour drive away. Angie joined Jayden in Dad’s car, but sat in the back while Jayden sat in the front, and Simon went with his parents. Jessica stayed home.

  Jayden tried to talk, and kept turning around to look at Angie, but with Dad seated beside him, it was awkward. Angie didn’t seem to mind, or maybe chatting the whole way was her method of coping. She pointed out places of interest to Dad, and laughed at his jokes that weren’t funny. And all the time, Jayden struggled to ignore the heavy weight lodged in his stomach.

  Before he was ready, they arrived at the airport. As he climbed out of
the car, his heart beat in his throat. This was it. He was going home. Dad opened the trunk and lifted out their luggage. Jayden had given his black and green duffle bag to Simon, replacing it with the largest suitcase available to fit in all the things he’d collected during his time in America. He pulled the handle out and placed his carry-on bag and guitar on top of the case, then took Angie’s hand and walked into the terminal.

  His hands grew clammy as he and Dad joined the line to check in. Dad had told him it would be fine, he wouldn’t be stopped, but what if he got pulled aside and questioned about why he’d overstayed? Dad told him not to worry—he was a minor, and he was leaving the country with his father. It wouldn’t be a problem. But still, as they approached the counter, his hands shook and his heart pounded.

  The tall, attractive woman behind the counter waved them over. Dad handed her their tickets and passports.

  Jayden held his breath as she opened both passports and placed them on the counter. “Enjoy your stay, Mr. Williams?” Her eyes darted between her monitor, Dad and the passports while she typed.

  Dad cleared his throat. “Yes, thanks. Not long enough, though.”

  Jayden’s shoulders slumped. Why did Dad say that? Now she’ll wonder why I stayed so long.

  She finished with Dad’s passport and then placed Jayden’s on top. She studied his passport photo, then her gaze shifted to him.

  Jayden’s body tensed. God, please let it be okay. He had long hair in the photo and was just a kid. He looked totally different now.

  “Grown up a bit, I see.” Her large blue eyes twinkled as a playful grin appeared on her face. As she typed, her attention turned to the screen. Her brows lifted. She leaned closer to the screen, then glanced back at Jayden.

  His heart was beating so loudly he was sure she’d hear it.

  Dad placed his hand on Jayden’s shoulder as he spoke to the woman. “Everything all right?”

  How did Dad sound so calm? Jayden’s body relaxed. He didn’t need to worry, Dad was with him, clean-looking and smart, and his deep voice held authority.

  The woman looked up and smiled as she returned the passports. “Yes, everything’s fine. Here are your boarding passes. Safe trip.”

  Dad gave her a warm smile as he tucked the passports and passes into his top pocket. “Thank you.”

  As Jayden turned and walked towards Angie, he wore a wide grin on his face, and his heart was no longer weighed down.

  “Everything okay?” Angie asked when he rejoined the group.

  He nodded. “Yep, touch and go for a while, but it’s all good. She didn’t even ask.” He glanced at Dad chatting with Mr. And Mrs. Morgan. “Helped having Dad there.”

  “Your dad’s a good man, Jayden.”

  Jayden swallowed hard. “I know.” He took a deep breath. “He’s the best.”

  The adults shifted closer. “There’s time for a quick coffee,” Mr. Morgan said. “My treat.”

  They all moved to an airport café and sat at a table overlooking the runway. Mr. Morgan placed the orders and then everyone chatted while they waited.

  Jayden squeezed Angie’s hand.

  She turned to him and gave him the sweetest smile. Her eyes glistened. The countdown was on and they both knew it. They drank their sodas and nibbled their muffins, but it was like they were on conveyor belts that would soon separate and take them in opposite directions.

  “I’m going to miss you, Jayden.” Tears welled in the corners of her eyes.

  “I’m going to miss you, too, Angie.” He blinked back tears of his own.

  “I’ll write.”

  “I’ll call.”

  Angie giggled. “We can Facetime.”

  Jayden nodded. But it wouldn’t be the same. They couldn’t hold hands; he’d miss the smell of her freshly washed hair and her perfume; they couldn’t ride into the mountains, and they wouldn’t be able to play music together. He swallowed hard. Yes, he was going to miss her.

  “Come on, you two love birds,” Mr. Morgan’s voice held a tinge of amusement. “Let’s have a quick prayer and then it’s time.”

  Jayden gave Angie’s hand a squeeze before they shifted their chairs closer.

  Mr. Morgan’s gaze traveled around the group before it settled on Jayden.

  Jayden fidgeted with his hands. He didn’t want to be the center of attention.

  “Jayden, we’ve only known you for a short time, but we’ve all come to love you, and we pray that as you go home to your family, you’ll remember your time here with us fondly, as you no doubt will,” he grinned at Angie, “but please know you’ll always be welcome here.” He gave him a warm smile. “Let’s pray.” Mr. Morgan stood and moved behind Jayden, placing his hand on Jayden’s shoulder. Mrs. Morgan stretched out her hand too. “Dear God, we commit Jayden to You today. We ask You to go with him, and that You’ll help him grow closer to You. Please help him adjust to life back home, and bless his obedience, dear Lord. May he become a man of God, full of your love and compassion. Guide him and lead him, dear Lord, we pray. Amen.”

  Jayden wiped his face and sniffed. He would remember this time as long as he lived.

  Tears streamed down Angie’s face when Jayden gave her one last hug in front of the Security barrier. “I love you, Ange, I always will.” He kissed her forehead and brushed her tears with his hand.

  “I love you, too, Jayden.” She could barely speak.

  He squeezed her hand and then gazed into her eyes one last time before turning and entering the security area. His heart was heavy. How would he survive?

  He turned and waved after passing through. Mrs. Morgan held Angie tight in her arms.

  Angie lifted her hand and waved. Although her face was pale and blotched from crying, she was still the most beautiful girl in the world.

  They passed through Security without a problem. The flight home was long and tiring—two long transits and a long-haul flight. Jayden filled his time with sleeping, watching movies, eating and some reading. But it was hard to concentrate on anything. He’d left Angie behind, and his thoughts turned to what life would be like at home.

  * * *

  Tessa busied herself preparing for Jayden and Ben’s return. She and Ben had discussed how challenging the first few days might be for Jayden, and had decided a few days away at the beach would help him adjust. They’d booked a house at Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast for five days, and she was looking forward to leisurely walks on the beach, dining out at one of the many restaurants in the area, and just relaxing prior to the birth of their baby. Jayden would need more activity than that, but Ben could sort that.

  Tessa’s parents were eager to be at the airport with her, and arranged to meet her there at six-thirty a.m. on the Thursday morning. They arrived only a few minutes apart, and walked into the Arrivals area together.

  Her father found three seats, and for the next thirty minutes, they waited. Ben had warned them that Jayden had changed, but when he and Ben walked through the doors, Tessa gasped. Jayden was taller than Ben! And he looked more like his father than ever.

  She stood and held her arms out to him. She’d determined she wouldn’t cry, but as he stepped into her arms, tears flowed freely down her cheeks. “Welcome home, Jayden.” She wiped her face and then held him at arm’s length. “How did you get so tall?”

  Jayden shrugged, but a grin had formed on his face. “Must have been the mountain air.”

  Tessa laughed before she hugged Ben.

  “Food poisoning all gone?” He leaned down and kissed her on the lips.

  She nodded. “Thank goodness. It was horrible.”

  Eleanor gave Jayden a big hug, and Telford held his hand out.

  Jayden took his hand and shook it.

  They agreed to have breakfast and a catch up at the new café Tessa had tried with Stephanie. She assured them it wasn’t there she’d eaten bad food.

  The next couple of hours passed pleasantly, and Tessa’s heart warmed as Jayden engaged in conversation, something he’d
rarely done before. He told them all about the Morgan’s ranch, and his eyes lit up as he described his and Angie’s rides into the mountains. He even told them he’d tried to milk a cow. But what brought tears to Tessa’s eyes and an inner glow to her heart was when he shared about giving his life to the Lord.

  “I didn’t understand what true love was until I gave my heart to Jesus.” Jayden’s gaze was fixed on his hands wrapped around his glass. He looked up and his gaze travelled between Tessa and Ben, finally settling on his father. "I know now that you love me, but I used to think you were too tough on me and didn’t really care about me. I’m sorry, Dad.” His gaze shifted. “I’m sorry, Tessa.”

  Tessa reached out her hand and squeezed his wrist. “Jayden, it’s all okay. We’ve all grown and changed—we’re not the same people we were a year ago, and your dad and I are so proud of you. And you’re home, that’s all that matters.” She turned her face away and quickly blinked back tears. She swallowed hard before continuing. “We have a lot of catching up to do, but there’s no hurry.”

  Jayden nodded. “You’re right, thank you.” His face brightened. “Can we go home now so I can see Sparky and Bindy?”

  “Sure can,” Ben said. “We need someone else to walk them now Tessa’s put on so much weight.”

  Tessa shot daggers at Ben, but then burst into laughter.

  “Come on, let’s go home.”

  They all stood. Telford and Eleanor said good-bye, and then Tessa, Ben and Jayden headed home.

  Chapter 24

  During their stay at the beach, Tessa suggested they drive to Mrs. Trejo’s farm for a visit since it was reasonably close by. She’d been praying about the farm, and had a real sense it was the right thing to do. And when she’d seen how animated Jayden had become when he spoke of the Morgan’s ranch, any worries he wouldn’t like living in the country had disappeared. The only hiccup now was Ben. But Tessa was convinced that when he saw it, and she shared with him her vision for the place, he’d become as excited as she was.