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"Here, let me get you some tea. Lemon?" Rivkah stood, reaching for her son's black suit jacket.
Looking up from the book he held in his hand, Josiah smiled at his mother, "Please sit, Mother, I will help myself. You know I worry when I must be away. It is good you are not alone..."
Draping his jacket on the back of a chair, Josiah passed the book to his mother before walking to the stove.
"Ah, it is finally here!" Rivkah beamed, gazing down at the cover as though she herself had written the contents. "Does Lachlan know?"
"I haven't spoken to him for a few days. He is finishing up his assignment, then will meet me here on Thursday if all goes according to plan." Josiah rejoined the others at the table.
The book was written by both men, however, Josiah had insisted on being a ghostwriter. David had objected, believing there would be no harm in Josiah being recognized as the main author, or at the very least, listed as a co-author on the cover, but Josiah wouldn't hear of it. No, Lachlan was the face of The Resistance and Josiah intended to keep it that way. Setting down his cup of lemon-scented tea, he looked over Rivkah's shoulder, taking in the eye-catching cover and embossed "The Remnant." Yes, it turned out well.
"I'll make a note to order a few boxes of the books so Lachlan can bring them to his next speaking engagement."
"Where will it be held? Perhaps David and I will be able to attend," Rose laid a hand on her husband's arm.
Josiah leaned back, "He has two meetings scheduled at a mission a few months from now. That would be ample time to have at least a hundred printed..."
"You know..." David leaned forward, reaching for his drink, "Rose has been speaking with her cousin Heather. They are planning on throwing a surprise party for James..."
"Yes, of course! I don't know why I didn't think of that!" Rose interrupted, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. "My cousin James is ninety-five. For once, the mainstream media are correct - there are no living WWI veterans and those who fought in the Second World War, God only knows how much longer they will be with us. Well, we were thinking of having a celebration to honour his service and it would also be an opportunity for the extended family to come to the reunion. I was thinking just now..." Rose continued her husband's idea as though it were her own, yet after so many years of marriage, they often shared the same thoughts and David didn't mind. He was far less chatty than his wife. "Why don't you send Lachlan to cover the event? After all, the focus will be honouring some of our last WWII veterans and he shares our vision. I believe James is one of our biggest financial supporters...." She looked over at Josiah for confirmation. Josiah nodded in agreement before Rose continued. "So I think it would also be a good opportunity to draw attention to the Resistance. If you bring along a case of books, well, I'm sure my relatives would purchase a copy. We don't have a number on the guests just yet, but this would be a good opportunity..."
"You are more than welcome to come as well," David interjected, gesturing toward their hosts.
Josiah smiled, "Let me know the date and I'm sure Lachlan would love to cover the event. Thank you for the invitation. Of course, I will be there unless I am called away... In any case, I am very fond of your cousin, James, and think this is a wonderful idea to give him honour. It will be nice to see Heather again as well. It doesn't seem like five years since she moved, does it? Time really is passing at an alarming rate."
David chuckled, "They say time flies faster as you age..."
The corners of Rose's eyes crinkled as she smiled at Josiah, "You aren't getting younger, son. We were just discussing your marriage before you walked in."
"My marriage?" Josiah laughed at the older woman who had been a second mother to him over the years. "What marriage? Well, my timing was good to put an end to that topic..." He shook his head, laughter filling his voice.
"Surely you must meet some lovely women when you are away. I know there is no one here, but..."
Josiah ran his fingers through his still-damp hair. He really didn't want to face this discussion now but wasn't about to be rude.
"It is not that simple and you know I have very little time to myself. Mine is not a life many women would sign up for. And besides, she must share my faith. That is of utmost importance to me. Since our people made Aaliyah..."
Rose didn't understand the sudden sorrow that laced Josiah's voice, guessing the sudden change in tone must be his longing for a wife and family. She shared a look with her husband. It isn't good for a man to be alone. He needs a wife.
David grinned at Josiah. The poor guy had no idea Rose had officially donned her match-making hat.
"I would love grandchildren," Rivkah sighed wistfully, giving Josiah a glimpse of her heart. It was something she had never mentioned before, so he looked up in surprise before masking the haunted look in his eyes. A family would be wonderful, but it would never be his portion. Perhaps Shaul would give his mother the grandchildren her heart longed for, but he knew his brother well enough to know Shaul had no intention of marrying until he had finished his training. Nothing and no one could distract him from his calling. Rivkah may never see her grandchildren if Shaul continued to drag his feet.
"Speaking of your brother," Rivkah changed the topic after watching her son's unspoken emotions. "He called earlier today. Shaul wishes to speak with you as soon as possible..." She reached out, holding her son's hand, "You know he wants us to join him in Israel."
A muscle clenched in Josiah's jaw as he looked down at her hand on his. Shaul wouldn't give up, not that he really blamed his brother.
David spoke up in the awkward silence. "We need you here, Josiah. The Remnant and The Resistance need you although I don't understand why you insist on being anonymous. Without you, they wouldn't exist. It is clear you are exhausted. What harm is there in recognition. I worry you are working yourself into the ground. The human body can only take so much... No, your place is with us. The Third Temple hasn't even been built yet. I understand Shaul is preparing now, but what is the rush? You could really use his help..."
"What he needs is a wife to help share his burdens..." Rose was like a dog with a bone.
Josiah raised his eyebrow but shook his head at the elderly lady before speaking, "You are right, my place is here. That is what I have been telling Shaul, but you know my brother. He will not let the matter rest." Shaul and your wife have much in common. "It is too much for just Lachlan and I. I am considering hiring another to work part-time. Owen is not Lachlan, of course, but he is a good young man and I believe he can assist Lachlan. Perhaps he can cover smaller events until he proves himself." Josiah rubbed his temples, his head pounding, "I am giving my life to The Remnant, but will not ever come forward as it's CEO. You must understand. It is already controversial and if people find out a Jew..." his voice choked on the word as he struggled to mask his emotions, "An Orthodox Jew at that...after what happened to my father. No, I do not fear death, but the hatred for my people is so great. It is for the best that a Scottsman is the face of The Resistance. Unless I am called away again in the next few weeks, I intend to work from home on The Remnant. As you know, it is the cry of my heart for my people...for this generation."
David didn't say anything, placing his hand on Josiah's shoulder, "God is with you and if there is anything you need, I'm here for you. I wish I could help more..."
At David's age, he couldn't be on the front lines but showed his support in other ways, invaluable to the cause.
"Thank you, David. I know I can count on you."
David smiled, reaching for his wife's hand as he rose from the table. 12:05 am. He hadn't intended to stay so long.
"Happy New Year," he placed a gentle kiss on his wife's lips. After fifty years of marriage, he still made her eyes sparkle.
Josiah couldn't help but grin. David and Rose were still clearly in love. Perhaps Rose was onto something after all, and he hated seeing the sorrow in his mother's eyes when she shared her longing for grandchildren. He would pray about it and ask Adonai for a clear sign. A marriage such as theirs could only be a blessing.
"Thank you again for your hospitality," David interrupted his thoughts, "Happy New Year." They waved before stepping back out into the rain.
Josiah locked the door after they had driven away, turning to his mother who was bringing the empty teacups to the sink.
"I will pray about it."
Rivkah looked over her shoulder, her eyes questioning.
"I will pray about a wife...and about returning to Israel."
Josiah wasn't sure which was more impossible.
A tender smile danced on Rivkah's lips as her son offered her a glimmer of hope. "Thank you. Come, let us sit by the fire together. You have much to tell me."
Josiah kissed the top of his mother's head before leading her to the living room. It was good to be home.