Triumphant Love: A Christian Romance (The True Love Series Book 4)

by Juliette Duncan

  “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, Mrs. Morgan. 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, Jayden.”

  Jayden 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 Jayden’s hair.

  “You would too, Dad, 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?”

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

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

  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, Dad.” 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, Angie. 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?”

  Jessica 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, Dad. Thank you.”

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

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

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

  Jayden 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.

  Jayden changed out of his work clothes and slipped on his 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. 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, Jayden 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!” Jayden 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?” Angie’s 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. Jayden lifted his gaze, a slow grin forming on his face. “Is this what I think it is?”

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

  “A cowboy hat?”

  Angie nodded eagerly. “Yes. Open it!”

  Jayden lifted the lid and pulled out a black Bullhide Leather cowboy hat. He inspected it slowly before placing 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.

  Jayden 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.

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

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

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

  Shortly after, the three of them were saddled up and heading 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 to tell her that. How difficult could it be?

  They trotted along in silence, with just the occasional word spoken between them until the narrow trail opened up to a meadow full of green grass and colorful wildflowers. Angie stopped and Jayden pulled Misty up alongside her. Jayden gazed in awe at the wide open expanse. In the distance, the mountains stood rocky and stark against the deep-blue Montana sky. Jayden’s thoughts turned to this week’s Bible study, where they’d discussed the complexity of God’s creation and the amazing detail in even the very smallest of animals. The more Jayden learned, the more he was convinced that all of this just couldn’t have happened by accident.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Angie turned her head and caught Jayden’s eye.

  “Sure is.”

  Simon leaned forward, raising his reins as he looked around Jayden and challenged Angie. “Race?”

  Angie glared at him. “Remember what Dad said, Simon? No shenanigans.”

  Simon rolled his eyes. “Well, I’m off—see you down there.” He
kicked the sides of his horse with his boots; Midnight reared and took off. Simon moved effortlessly in time with the galloping horse.

  Jayden gazed longingly after him. It’d be such fun, riding fast, the wind whipping through his hair, the sound of the horse thudding across the hard ground. His heart beat faster. “Ange, let’s go.”

  Angie’s eyes popped. “You can’t be serious, Jayden. You’ll fall off.”

  “No, I won’t. Coming?” Jayden lifted the reins and gave Misty a gentle kick. She took off, throwing him backwards before he managed to pull himself upright. He steadied his feet in the stirrups, stiffening his legs to stand, just like he’d seen in the movies, and held on. His heart thumped. She wasn’t going as fast as Midnight, but it was fast enough. The thud of her hooves sent thrills through his body. This was even better than jet-skiing or snow-boarding.

  Angie’s horse caught him and galloped alongside. Jayden turned his head and gave Angie a beaming smile. She didn’t return it. Her lips had flat-lined, and her glare was so intense he thought her eyes would pop out.

  Girls. Why couldn’t he have some fun? It’d been too long. Way too long. Jayden turned his head to the front and focused on staying upright. Angie could like it or lump it. He wasn’t going to fall off. Adrenaline coursed through his veins like a bolt of lightning that kept coming. He geed Misty up, urging her to go faster. She responded. The exhilaration was like nothing he’d ever experienced.

  Simon was up ahead, and had brought Midnight to a slow canter.

  The ground had become rockier as the foothills of the mountains loomed ahead. Now all Jayden had to do was slow Misty down without falling off. It was taking all his effort to hold on; how was he going to pull the reins in? He tried, but almost lost his balance. Jayden’s pulse raced. She’s not going to stop…there’s water up ahead. His heart beat faster. Surely she’ll stop… don’t horses do that? Jayden clenched his jaw. All of a sudden his legs felt like jelly. The stream loomed. Misty wasn’t slowing. His breaths came faster. He braced himself. This is going to hurt. He gulped. One last time he tried to pull the reins in. As he did, Angie reached out and grabbed them, somehow slowing both horses down at the same time.

  “Stupid, Jayden. Stupid. You could have killed yourself.” Angie’s chest heaved. Her face had turned almost as red as her hair.

  Hanging his head, Jayden panted as he tried to catch his breath. Yes, what was I thinking? He raised his head. “Sorry Ange, I shouldn’t have done that.”

  “No, you shouldn’t.”

  “But it was fun.” Jayden shot her a cheeky grin.

  Angie shook her head, but then burst out laughing. “Don’t ever let Dad know you did that.”

  “I won’t.”

  “That was a close call,” Simon said as he pulled Midnight to a halt beside them, a smug look on his face. “Don’t know how to stop, Jayden?”

  Jayden drew a breath. Count to ten. “No, but you can show me if you want.”

  Simon shrugged. “Maybe later.”

  “Okay, now we’re all here, safely, let’s have a drink and then we’ll cross and climb up to the ridge.” Angie reached into her saddle bag and drew out her water canteen.

  Jayden followed suit, gulping greedily as the cool water slid down his throat. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he was.

  “Keep some for later.” Angie’s voice had softened.

  “Okay, but can’t we fill up?”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Here? No, you never know what’s pooped in the water.”

  “Bears?”

  Angie laughed. “No bears around here, Jayden. But there’s elk and the odd moose, and loads of beavers.”

  “Will we see any?”

  “Maybe, we’ll keep an eye out.”

  “Okay.” He smiled at her. They’d survived their first tiff, and she’d forgiven him for acting like a goose. He’d have to act more grown up around her. He really had been stupid.

  The track to the ridge was windy and narrow. Simon led the way, followed by Jayden, with Angie bringing up the rear. Half an hour after crossing the stream, they reached the top and dismounted.

  Jayden stood and gazed around. Magic. Absolutely magic. In the distance, snow-capped mountains stretched as far as the eye could see, reminding him of the Remarkables in New Zealand, and sending a pang of guilt through his body. He should never have disappeared like he had. What had he been thinking? He gulped and pushed the memory away. He was here now, gazing at the Rocky Mountains with the girl he loved holding his hand. What could be better than that? He pulled Angie close and wrapped his arms around her in a bear hug. As he brushed a strand of loose hair off her face, his pulse quickened. They shouldn’t be doing this. They’d agreed, but she was so beautiful, and the mountains were so breathtaking, and the ride had been exhilarating. He just wanted to kiss her. He gazed into her eyes and began lowering his face.

  “Come on you two, stop being so lovey-dovey.” Simon stood to Jayden’s left, his nose wrinkling and his lip curling.

  Jayden dropped his arms and bit his lip. He could get angry with Simon if he wasn’t careful. Why did Simon have to come? Jayden sucked in a breath and glared at him.

  Angie squeezed Jayden’s hand and leaned her head against his shoulder. “It’s okay, Jayden. Probably better he’s here.” Angie angled her head and spoke quietly.

  She was probably right. They could easily get carried away. But still…

  “Let’s have a snack before we head back.” Angie let go of his hand and opened her saddle bag, pulling out a plastic lunch box. She chose a flat rock to sit on.

  Jayden sat beside her; Simon chose a different rock a few feet away.

  “These look great.” Jayden’s mouth watered at the pile of homemade cookies sitting in the box.

  “Mom made them this morning.”

  “You’re very lucky, Ange.” A sudden wave of sadness washed over Jayden. It must be so good to have a mother like Mrs. Morgan. Mom had never been like her. She hated cooking. And Tessa, well, she tried, but it wasn’t the same. Jayden swallowed the lump in his throat. Dad had told him about the new baby they were expecting. He hoped Tessa didn’t lose it this time.

  Jayden took a chocolate chip cookie and nibbled on it as he gazed at the mountains. In the distance, an eagle soared on a current. Magic. It must be so cool up there.

  “Do you think you’ll ever go back?” Turning her head, Angie looked at him as she drew her knees up and wrapped her arms around them.

  Jayden held her gaze for a second and then looked down. That was a good question. One he’d been thinking about a lot. But no, he couldn’t go back. He was getting fed up with Mom, and in fact, after this morning, he was almost ready to forget about her, but how could he leave Angie? Jayden raised his head. “No, I don’t think so, not for a long time.”

  “Your mom?” Angie raised an eyebrow.

  He nodded slowly. How could he tell Angie it was her, not Mom, keeping him here?

  “You know, she doesn’t deserve you, Jayden—the way she’s treated you.”

  Jayden shrugged. “But she’s my mom.”

  “But you’ve also got a dad and a step-mom who really miss you.”

  Jayden inhaled slowly. She was right. But how could he go home and leave Angie behind?

  A small smile grew on her face. “Plus you’ll have a baby brother or sister soon. I’m sure they’ll want you there for that.”

  Jayden’s shoulders slumped. “Sounds like you want to get rid of me.”

  Angie’s forehead puckered, her expression growing serious. She reached out and placed her hand lightly on his leg. “I don’t want to get rid of you, Jayden, but I’ve been thinking that maybe you should go home before the baby comes.”

  “But what about us?” A heavy weight settled on Jayden’s heart.

  Angie’s eyes misted over. She brushed them quickly with the back of her hand. “When we started going out, I didn’t know much about your family, but now I do, I think you should be with them.” She paused, su
cking in another breath and swallowing hard. “You shouldn’t be here with me, or even your mom.” She wriggled closer to him and placed her arm around his shoulder. “I’m sure my mom and dad would look out for her.”

  Jayden kicked some dirt with his boot. He couldn’t leave Angie. He loved her. His heart beat faster. No, he couldn’t leave.

  “Angie, I don’t want to leave you.” His voice caught in his throat as tears pricked his eyes. Surely they weren’t breaking up?

  “We’re only young, Jayden, we shouldn’t be planning our whole lives around each other.”

  Tears rolled down Jayden’s cheek as he held her gaze. “Are you breaking up with me?”

  Angie exhaled slowly. “No. I’m just saying you need to make the right decision, and that maybe you shouldn’t even be thinking about me.”

  “But Ange,” he gazed into her eyes,” I…” he gulped. He couldn’t say it.

  “Let’s leave it for now.” She blinked back the tears wedged in her eyes. “There’s plenty of time to think about it—the baby’s not due until Christmas.” Her eyes lit up and she attempted a smile. “Maybe you could surprise them and go home for Christmas?”

  Jayden brightened. He pulled her close and kissed the side of her head. “Maybe you could come with me?”

  Angie’s mouth dropped. “I… I don’t know what Mom and Dad would think about that.”

  He inhaled slowly as he stroked her hair. “Think about it?”

  A moment of silence passed between them. Angie held his gaze.

  Jayden’s pulse quickened. If she came home with him, that would be the answer to everything.

  “I’ll…I’ll think about it.” She gave him one of her dazzling smiles.

  Jayden sighed. He’d have to be happy with that for now.

  The ride back was much more subdued than the ride out. Jayden was lost in thought almost the whole way. What would it be like to take Angie home to Australia to meet Dad and Tessa? And to meet his new little brother or sister? But would she leave her own mom and dad, and Jessica, and Jess’s new baby, and come with him? He glanced at her as they approached the ranch. What would he do if she didn’t?