36

Adah rushed past the temple courtyard. Beads of perspiration formed on her brow as the afternoon sun baked her head covering. More orders needed filling.

She kept her betrothed busy bartering in the marketplace with the help of his mother. Praise be, Othniel agreed to live under her father’s roof once they were married. Her storeroom was only a saunter from the front door, a convenience if she was late getting out of bed. My Othniel. A blush warmed her cheeks. No one would notice with the sun so high.

Telem had purchased a dwelling not far from her home. No one knew where he got the coins. What do you find in a cave to trade? It didn’t matter as long as Judith was happy and lived nearby.

“Woman,” a deep voice called.

Adah turned. She would know that summons anywhere.

“Shalom, Governor.”

Nehemiah strode closer in an alabaster and indigo robe free of dust and sweat. His expression was as smooth as a newly budded leaf. He held a scroll aloft like a king holds a scepter.

“I’m glad I saw you.” He nodded. “Shalom.”.

She bobbed her head in a show of respect. “I am fleeing the crowd in the marketplace.”

“I hear a request came from Egypt.”

“It’s true. Several orders were delivered by messenger.” She smiled boldly. “Ever since Telem has been assisting my father, nothing stays quiet.”

“What a blessing it is to finally be informed.” He winked and then bent forward and began unrolling the scroll. “I thought you might like to read this before it is presented to the officials. I had to pry it out of a scribe’s hand.” Holding open a page, he grinned as if the squabble with the priest was notable.

Squinting at the perfect script, she read locations around Jerusalem and familiar names. Half-way down the page, she saw it. She saw her father’s name listed among the names of other men.

“Shallum son of Hallohesh,” she read aloud. “Ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem.” Pressure built behind her eyes. She would not cry. Woe to any tear that spilled on this most important scroll. “Repaired.” Her voice faltered, but her chest nearly burst open with pride. “With the help of his daughters.”

Adah stepped back and swiped a tear from her cheek. Her vow was complete, and her father’s name was recorded for all to see. Now and forevermore.

“You know what I regret?” Nehemiah carefully rolled the scroll. “That the priests did not record what I remember most.” He paused and swallowed hard. “That a young girl standing on these rocks challenged grown men to be strong and courageous for their God.”

Her spirit took flight. She tried to smile but her lips just quivered. “You forget where I would be without a cupbearer to the king who taught me that my strength and joy come from God.”

Nehemiah’s eyes glistened. He kissed the parchment listing the laborers. “It would seem, Daughter of Shallum, that when God spoke to our hearts, we both listened.”

“And heard,” Adah whispered. “Selah.”