| |
Mark stood outside the house, soaking in the Mediterranean heat as he looked out over Jerusalem. He looked up as Josiah approached, standing a moment together in silence.
Josiah wasn't sure how to say what was on his heart. He didn't even know his father-in-law other than the fact they were vastly different, as if from two different worlds. He blanched at the thought of leaving Atarah with her family for even just a few days.
She was a new convert and he wasn't sure how strong she would be in the onslaught of certain hatred for his people, but what was worse? He wouldn't lose Atarah again. He needed to know she was alright. They both loved their unborn child, and so Josiah believed she would remain faithful to her new faith even more than she would stay faithful to him. And with that, he turned to Mark, not noticing when Sheila joined them.
He really wasn't sure how to begin but couldn't stall any longer. Plans needed to be made.
"My faith is very important to me, and well, some things are non-negotiable, no matter what my particular feelings are about it."
Sheila stepped forward, standing beside her husband. Was Josiah considering becoming a Christian? She could only hope.
"I cannot be with Atarah before our wedding," he looked away, hiding the aching in his clear blue eyes. "The wedding will take place in a week and Jewish laws require that I not see her during those seven days. I am leaving to stay with my brother," he turned again, fixing his gaze on the horizon.
From where the house stood, they could see the Mount of Olives. He wondered if Mark realized the significance of the place he was looking at.
Probably not.
"Mother will remain here of course and help with the remaining wedding preparations. After the wedding, if you wish to return home, Shaul will drive you back to the airport. My plan is to remain here until our child is born, then when Atarah is able to travel within the next few days, we will return to Canada. I am going to make arrangements to have the naming ceremony at a synagogue near you, for your convenience."
Josiah knew he was asking a lot, but turned his eyes back to his in-laws, "It would mean a lot to both of us if we could meet at the synagogue for the naming ceremony and you partake in the celebration with us. From there, we will come and visit you, as you have offered."
Mark frowned. There was no way he would darken the door of such a place, but Sheila's mind worked quickly. She saw the greater end.
"Yes, of course, we will be there," she pasted on a smile, much like the Cheshire cat.
Josiah raised an eyebrow, never expected it to go so smoothly.
"Israel is beautiful from what we have seen but I'm sure you will just love the island," Sheila placed her hand on Josiah's arm.
Josiah nodded, thankful they were taking it so well, unaware that this was turning out better than Sheila had hoped - this was her plan as well.
"I had hoped you would have the wedding on our island," she looked up into her son-in-law's troubled eyes, "My brother-in-law is a pastor. He would perform the ceremony."
Sheila omitted the fact that he wouldn't speak to Arlana.
"Shaul is performing the ceremony..."
Josiah looked away, seeking an olive branch, "But if your relative can make it here, we would love to have him take part in the ceremony. Just be sure to let Shaul know so the changes can be arranged."
Sheila nodded, putting it on the top of her to-do list.
"I'll talk with my family," Sheila bit her inner cheek a moment, "And discuss these plans with them. I'm almost certain this will work for all of us, but we will let you know. How will we reach you?"
Josiah smiled, "Oh, it is only Atarah that cannot see me. I was hoping to take you sightseeing this morning. Shaul can pick you up in, let's say, an hour from now?"
Mark nodded, "Sounds good to me."
"I need to speak with my wife," Josiah turned to leave.
Like sand in an hourglass, they were running out of time to be together.
****
JOSIAH SHOULD HAVE breathed a sigh of relief knowing Atarah was now a Jewess, his baby within her as much a Jew as he was. That is all he had wanted since he had discovered their brief mating had born fruit, yet he was restless, wanting much more. He wanted his wife but couldn't have her...yet.
"I look forward to marrying you, Einayim Sheli."
He lowered his head, brushing her lips with a tender kiss, then kissed the top of Azrael's head, before looking away. He had quickly explained their custom. They would not see each other until the wedding ceremony. He assured her that Rivkah would help her prepare of course and answer any questions she may have.
He leaned against the wall as he spoke, his voice low.
"I need to leave soon..." He stated the obvious before continuing to share his plan with her.
"I am taking your family sight-seeing today and Mother will take you to the doctor. I hadn't realized you haven't seen one," his brow furrowed a moment, "I am hoping your family will enjoy their time here, yet after your father's speech back in Renfrew..."
Josiah let his words hang, giving her just a glimpse into how he felt.
"Well, I will try to make them as comfortable as possible. After our child is born, we will find out from the doctor how soon you are able to travel safely, then will return to Canada for the naming ceremony. I need to contact local synagogues and see if we can possibly rent the space for the service. It would be an honour if Shaul would perform the ceremony."
A smile tugged at his mouth. Josiah's family was very close and he clearly loved his older brother.
"Your family has been very insistent that they would like us to go to the island, so I have been thinking we will accept the invitation and go for at least a few days. It would give Azrael time with his cousins and your mother the time she desires to have with our children."
Atarah had listened to Josiah's plans, frowning when he came to the end.
Josiah misunderstood her expression, crossing the room to hold out his hand to her.
"Seven days will pass quickly enough. We will be so busy with wedding preparations, the time will fly by, and then," his eyes grew hazy, "We will never experience such separation again."
It was cruel torment knowing he had been apart from her before and the pain had been too much for her, turning her into the arms of not just any man, but Lachlan, a man he trusted. His employee, but even more, his friend. Josiah knew what he needed to do although it wrenched his heart.
It would be hard being apart again, Atarah admitted, but the thought of having to visit her family on their turf seemed so much worse. She needed to tell Josiah. Warn him that they would be stepping into a den of lions.
Atarah reached for the hands of the man who had turned his world upside down and had not stopped searching for her until she was found - the man who had given her his heart and stood steadfast in his loyalty, unwavering. Emotion welled up in her throat, but she couldn't bring herself to look in his eyes, completely ashamed. Yet time was running out. They only had a few minutes left to be together and he needed to know the truth. She regretted not telling him sooner.
"I don't want us to stay with my family... Everything changed when we were at the funeral. My family has incredibly dark secrets that I am struggling with," she looked away, "I had hoped I would never see them again and yet, they are Azrael's grandparents. When they die, will I regret this decision?"
She was clearly tormented.
Josiah frowned. He had no idea how she felt about seeing her family. This entire visit since they came to the farm had been a struggle? How had he not seen it?
Atarah didn't share details, just her emotional battle over what had been revealed.
"I don't know what to do," she came back full circle, leaving out details.
"Let's show them honour. Remember the Scriptures, 'Honor your father and mother so that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your G-d giveth you? I believe you need to show respect."