Tested Love: A Christian Romance (The True Love Series Book 2) Read online

  Contents

  Title Page

  Foreward

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  TESTED LOVE

  The True Love Series

  Book 2

  Juliette Duncan

  Cover Design by http://www.StunningBookCovers.com

  Copyright © 2016 Juliette Duncan

  All rights reserved

  TESTED LOVE is a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents are all products of the author’s imagination or are used for fictional purposes. Any mentioned brand names, places, and trade marks remain the property of their respective owners, bear no association with the the author, and are used for fictional purposes only.

  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

  Foreward

  Note from the Author:

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  Chapter 1

  Brisbane, Australia

  Tessa slipped her arm through Ben’s as the newlyweds stood gazing at the house they were about to call home. “I’ve said it before, Ben, but I’m glad we chose this one. I absolutely love it!”

  Both the architect and builder had done a great job of creating the modern sleek family home, blending it into the surrounding neighbourhood of New Farm, renowned for its trendy renovated worker’s cottages; cute cafes and shady, tree-lined streets. The house sat on a narrow block. A row of lush green agapanthus in full bloom lay on either side of a short path leading to the modern double doors she and Ben had spent hours choosing.

  Ben kissed the side of her head. “Me too, my sweet. It’s perfect.”

  Jayden, Ben’s fourteen-year old son, raced past them with Bindy yapping at his heels. Hearing Sparky’s short, sharp barks, Jayden headed directly for the backyard. Stephanie, Tessa’s old house-mate, had dropped Sparky off a little earlier, and Tessa knew her energetic dog was excited to see her, but she wanted to inspect the inside of the house first. Grabbing Ben’s hand, she pulled him along the path to the front door. Tessa let out a small gasp as Ben whisked her off her feet and carried her over the threshold, kissing her gently as he placed her back on her feet.

  “The first thing we should do in our new home is ask God to bless it. What do you say?” Ben whispered when he finally released her.

  Tessa smiled into his eyes. “That’s a wonderful idea.”

  Ben kept his arms around her, and Tessa leaned her head against his chest as Ben thanked God for bringing them together and giving them a fresh start. “Heavenly Father, your faithfulness and grace are amazing. Thank you for bringing Tess into my life. Thank you for the gift of marriage that we can share together and for all the good things you have in store for us. And thank you for this house. Please make it into a home where your love touches everything we do. Thank you for being here with us right now, and we ask you to bless this home and this family. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

  “Amen.” Tessa drew her head back and gazed into her husband’s eyes. How she loved him. Thank you, God for such a wonderful husband.

  Persistent knocking on the expansive glass sliding door leading out to the deck and pool area broke the moment. Jayden stood on the other side with both dogs at his heels, tails wagging and filling the air with short sharp yaps. Ben located the correct key and opened the door, letting Jayden in but holding the dogs back.

  “Let them in, Ben.” Tessa laughed as she picked Sparky up and cuddled him, trying to protect her face from his eager kisses. Bindy snuck in through the gap but Ben grabbed her before she got too far.

  “They should stay out, Tess. They’ll destroy our new furniture.”

  “Seriously?” Tessa arched an eyebrow and cocked her head. Although Steph had never been too happy about it, Sparky had been allowed inside their house whenever they were home, and she hadn’t thought about him not being allowed inside here. Was this going to be their first disagreement? “Maybe we could just set some ground rules? They’re smart—they’ll learn, I’d hate them to be outside all the time.”

  Tessa hugged Sparky to her chest as she waited for Ben’s response. Ben’s gaze bounced between Tessa, Jayden and the two dogs.

  “Yeah Dad, the backyard’s way too small. There’s hardly any room for them to run around in. You’ve got to let them in.”

  Ben let out a slow sigh. “All right then. But they’re not allowed on any of the furniture or upstairs. Agreed?”

  Tessa winked at Jayden as they nodded their heads in agreement. Jayden’s shy grin gave Tessa hope that he might start to accept her, maybe not as his mother, but at least as a friend.

  Reversing beepers sounded from the front of the house. Ben strode to the door to meet the truck drivers, and Tessa and Jayden reluctantly put the two dogs outside for their own safety.

  “I’m going to check out my room.” Jayden picked up his box of memorabilia and headed upstairs. “Hope it’s bigger than the backyard…”

  Tessa laughed lightly, but cringed at the sarcasm in Jayden’s voice. Would he learn to be happy here? She took a few moments to pray for him and to look around her new home before Ben returned with one of the drivers and a load of boxes.

  Hours later, once the drivers had left and they’d eaten the dinner Tessa’s mother had pre-cooked for them, Tessa and Ben relaxed on their new soft leather sofa. Subtle lighting in the garden highlighted a range of lush tropical plants surrounding the pool, and Tessa could almost imagine they were still on their honeymoon.

  “Hard to believe we were in Fiji this time last night.” She leaned back against Ben’s chest and gazed outside. “I wish we had longer before going back to work. This month has been wonderful Ben. I don’t want it to end.”

  “Me either, my sweet. We’ve got tonight and tomorrow, so let’s make the most of it.”

  He nuzzled his face into her hair and sighed contentedly.

  The next morning, Ben suggested they have breakfast out before tackling the remaining boxes. The rest of the day passed too quickly, but by the time evening came, everything was unpacked and in its place.

  Tessa woke early the next morning to Ben kissing her forehead. “Good morning, my sweet,” he said softly as he gazed into her eyes. “I’m going for my morning jog. Be back in twenty.” Tessa returned his kiss and rolled over, warmth and contentedness enveloping her body as she curled up, cuddling Ben’s pillow. She was drifting off when a jolt stabbed her body and she sat with a start. What am I doing? I can’t go back to sleep. Her pulse quickened. She couldn’t be late for work, today of all days. The day she started her new job. She showered quickly, threw on a pair of new pink scrubs before changing her mind, choosing a white shirt and black trousers instead, more fitting for her new role as manager, and ran downstairs pinning h
er hair up. Jayden was in the lounge room watching television.

  “Good morning, Jayden.”

  Jayden glanced at her and mumbled something unintelligible.

  “Did you sleep okay in your new room?”

  “Preferred my old bed.”

  Tessa inhaled slowly. Be patient. Count to ten.

  “Do you always take so long to get ready?” Jayden turned his head away from the television and looked at her directly.

  Tessa fought the temptation to tell him off for being rude. Instead, she replied in a controlled voice. “The new clinic’s right near here so I don’t have to get up so early. It’d be a different matter if I was still working at the old one.” She wasn’t going to tell him she’d slept in and was now in a rush.

  “My school’s on the other side of the city. How am I going to get there?”

  “We’ve already talked about that.” He really is trying me out… Tessa clenched her fists and steadied her breathing. “Your dad will drive you today since it’s your first day back after the break, but then you’ll need to catch a bus most mornings.”

  She took a deep breath as Jayden continued to glare at her. “You should be able to catch the same bus to the city as your dad, but then you’ll need to change and catch the bus to Indooroopilly on your own. From there it’s only a short walk to school.” Tessa held his gaze firmly as she paused. “Remember?”

  “Dad used to drive me every day.” Jayden’s eyes narrowed.

  “I know, but let’s give this a try, shall we? It’s not fair to expect your dad to drive through the city and then back to his work every day when you can catch a bus. It was different when you lived on the other side of town.”

  Jayden shrugged and gave Tessa a glassy stare before picking up his school bag and absentmindedly checking the contents. “Guess I have no choice, so I suppose we’ll have to. Where’s Dad?”

  “Gone for his run. Should be back any minute.” Tessa poured herself a coffee and sat at the breakfast bar, resting her elbows on the marble benchtop as she wrapped her hands around the mug and studied Jayden. Her heart was heavy. How am I going to get through to him, God? Please help me, I’m really struggling.

  She sighed and took another sip of her coffee. He’d be a good looking boy if only he’d cut his hair. But that doesn’t matter, it’s what’s going on inside him that’s important. He’s been through so much, God, it’s understandable he’s struggling with everything. What child could ever understand why their mother would walk out on them without explanation? Even though he’s surrounded by people who love him dearly, there must a deep ache in his soul. Tessa’s heart cried for him. I just want to love him and have him love me, Lord.

  But she had to earn that right. She couldn’t expect a fourteen-year old boy who’d been through everything he’d been through to automatically accept her as his new mum.

  “Jayden, I’m sorry if I was short with you. Let’s try to get through this first week and then we can see if it’s working. Okay?” Her voice was warm and much softer than before.

  Jayden stopped fiddling with his bag and looked up, tilting his head a little. His lips were still tight and he wore a pout on his face.

  “Whatever.”

  Tessa cringed. She was starting to hate that word.

  “Tell me about all your sports and after school activities. I’d like to come and watch when I can—if you’re happy for me to do that.”

  Jayden raised his eyebrows. He leaned back and crossed his arms, studying her face as he reeled off his weekly schedule. “This term I’ve got rugby training on Mondays and Fridays, rowing on Tuesday mornings, and tennis on Wednesdays.” He paused, as if waiting for her to say something, but then continued before she could. “I’m also part of the science club which meets on Thursday afternoons.”

  Tessa’s eyes widened. “Wow! All of that?”

  Jayden’s mouth lifted slightly at the edges, falling just short of a smile.

  “It’s nothing.” Jayden shrugged again as if he were trying to play it down, but Tessa’s reaction had obviously pleased him. “And you don’t have to worry about watching me play. Dad hardly ever comes even though he says he will.”

  “That’s not true, Jayden. Your Dad tries to get there as often as he can. You know he does.” Tessa couldn’t help herself. He wasn’t being fair on Ben at all. During their courtship, Ben was always having to hurry away to either watch Jayden play something or other, or to pick him up. Tessa had occasionally gone with him, but most often she’d just let Ben go on his own. But that was about to change. She would go whenever she could. She stood her ground and looked him in the face. Jayden’s smile had disappeared and his sullen look had returned, and it made her blood boil.

  “Yeah, well, what you think is often and what I think is often must be two different things.” He turned his attention back to his bag. “By the way, what’s for breakfast?”

  “Breakfast?” Tessa dropped her striped leather work bag onto the floor and slapped her forehead. “Breakfast! Of course, I nearly forgot.” She let out a small laugh as she hurried into the kitchen.

  Jayden sat with crossed arms watching as she pulled out pots and pans and yanked food items out of the pantry.

  “Stop looking at me like that, Jayden! I’m not used to making breakfast for a family.”

  Jayden flicked the television off and joined her in the kitchen. “We normally only have cereal and toast.” He grabbed the packet of Weetbix from the cupboard and placed four of the breakfast biscuits into a bowl.

  Tessa sighed with relief and chuckled to herself as she leaned back against the counter. He’d been testing her again. Such a changeable boy. One minute he was horrible and the next he was joking with her. Was it typical teenage behaviour, or was it because he was sorting out how to treat her now she was his step-mum?

  “Thank you.” She gave him a grateful smile, and her heart warmed as a cheeky grin spread slowly across his face. Maybe, just maybe, they’d made some progress.

  Chapter 2

  After Ben and Jayden left, Tessa spent a few minutes doing a quick tidy up before leaving for the Clinic. She reluctantly decided to take the car instead of her bicycle. Riding along the tree-lined streets, feeling the sun on her back and the breeze tickling her face always put her in a good frame of mind for work, but today she needed to make an impression. And she couldn’t be late.

  Pulling up in the parking lot of the New Farm Veterinary Clinic just before eight o’clock, Tessa sighed heavily when she saw several cars already there. She paused to settle herself before climbing out. The morning definitely hadn’t gone to plan. Everything had been hurried, and the interaction with Jayden had left her drained. She and Ben had hardly said a word to each other. By the time he got back from his jog, he only had time for a quick shower and an even quicker breakfast. They had a very short Bible reading and prayer together, with Jayden sitting between them with crossed arms. Nothing like the leisurely breakfasts they’d had on their honeymoon and the extended devotions they’d enjoyed so much. They’d have to get up earlier in the future.

  And now she had to face her new staff. Most of them she’d worked with at the old clinic, but there, she’d been one of them; now she was the boss. Why had she let Fran talk her into it? Fran knew how much Tessa loved having hands-on contact with all the animal patients, but had insisted Tessa would make a great manager and convinced her to take the position. At least she had the option of reverting to her old job as head surgeon after six months if she didn’t like it. Six months! Tessa sighed again. Okay God, I prayed about this, and everyone seemed to think it was the right thing to do. I’m still not sure, so you’ll have to be with me today. Please help me to manage my staff wisely. Thank you.

  Tessa opened the car door and climbed out. The new clinic was impressive with its fresh paint job and brightly coloured murals of animals of all sorts covering the front and side walls. Fran had been busy. The old run-down building she’d bought for her second clinic was now warm and w
elcoming.

  Tessa glanced at her watch. Right on eight. No more time to procrastinate. She inhaled slowly and deeply before pushing the door open and entering her new work place.

  Tessa’s staff was grouped around the reception desk. They all looked up as she entered, including two new faces. Fran had briefed her about Sandy and Harrison, but Tessa had yet to meet them. She greeted the group and introduced herself to the new staff members. Sandy Bowman had sharply arched eyebrows and a mole the size of a pen point above her top lip. She talked with her hands and jiggled on the spot. “Today’s my first day on the job,” she told Tessa enthusiastically in a high-pitched voice.

  “Is that so?” Tessa already knew this was the receptionist’s first day of paid employment, ever. Fran had taken a liking to the young, enthusiastic New Zealander and was prepared to give her a go.

  Sandy nodded, her face lighting up even further.

  “You’re not from around here, are you? Let me guess...” Tessa tilted her head and tapped her finger to her chin. “Across the Tasman Sea? New Zealand?”

  A wide smile, showing a set of braced teeth, appeared on Sandy’s face. “Yes! I grew up on a sheep farm, but we also had goats and pigs, and ducks and chickens. I’ve been around animals all my life.”

  Tessa laughed at Sandy’s enthusiasm. “Fantastic, Sandy. Glad to have you on our team.”

  Tessa then turned her attention to Harrison Smith, the new surgeon. Lean and tanned with high cheekbones and big brown eyes, Harrison’s black hair hung loosely around his shoulders. She was tempted to remind him to tie it back before he operated, but instead, she offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Harrison.”

  Harrison nodded and shook Tessa’s outstretched hand, but his steady gaze unsettled her a little. As he leaned against the reception desk, he stuck his hands into the large pockets of his white lab coat and crossed one ankle over the over. A little too cool for my liking. But he’d come with excellent references, and Fran had raved about him.