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Shaul waited for them back in the car.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, he asked, "How did it go?"
Atarah wanted to be able to tell Josiah herself but would have to wait till they were together after the wedding.
"It is well," Rivkah answered, smiling at Atarah.
Shaul nodded, "Did he give a due date?"
"Two weeks."
Sheila was quiet but was frowning.
"Are you staying for the birth?" she asked Rivkah, already knowing her answer.
"Of course!" Rivkah beamed, "And you?"
Sheila hadn't been sure until now.
"Most definitely."
She had not been present for the birth of any of her other grandchildren. This birth would be different. Would Mark agree to stay for an extra two weeks? She was really pushing her luck, and besides, they couldn't be away from home for so long. There weren't a lot of people they could trust to keep an eye on their ministry while they were away. They needed to return to their fledgling church sooner than later.
"I need to talk with Mark when we return, but yes, I want to be here."
Rivkah nodded, too happy to think of anything else.
Twins!
****
JAIRA WAS CONCENTRATING on her cell phone, texting Terrell the pictures she had taken earlier.
"How is it going over there? I miss you, Baby," he answered her text at 2 am.
Jaira had clearly forgotten about the time difference, but Harrison wasn't complaining, shifting to prop himself up on his pillows.
"I miss you too. It's alright. I have to admit seeing the same places Jesus saw is really cool, but I'd rather be back in your arms."
Terrell grinned in his dark bedroom. He had Jaira hook, line and sinker. He'd wait till she returned...
"There you are," Lachlan smiled, interrupting Jaira's texting.
Jaira looked up, irritated at the interruption, but Lachlan didn't seem to notice.
"Josiah told me you'd mentioned wanting to help with The Resistance," he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to recall Josiah's words just a few minutes earlier, thinking how to word this without betraying Josiah's secret.
"Anyway, I have an assignment here and wondered if you would like to join me. It's not far from here and we should be back within the hour. This will give you a chance to see what it is like working on the front lines and you can write an article about your experience. Show me what you've got and I'll look over it tomorrow," he lowered his voice as though sharing a secret, "If you're good, you might have a chance at being hired. I know the CEO mentioned he is looking for more writers and people on the ground."
Jaira nodded. Lachlan was the author of most articles.
"You know the CEO? What's he like? He must be pretty incredible to have created such a powerful alternative news source. I've been following The Resistance for years," a wistful look passed over Jaira's face, Terrell temporarily forgot, "I'd love to meet him someday."
A dimple danced on Lachlan's cheek, then disappeared. He couldn't help but wonder what her reaction would be if she ever found out the man behind the scenes was Josiah, her brother-in-law.
The irony was rather amusing.
"Ya sure, I'd love to go. When are we leaving?"
Lachlan looked over her head, nodding slightly to Josiah.
"Now."
****
"I DON'T LIKE THIS ONE bit," Mark frowned, sitting at the table after they'd returned from their tour.
It was late, the children already in bed, when Sheila called for an impromptu family meeting that included everyone but Atarah.
"Mark, remember what we talked about at the mission," she pointed out, "besides Josiah has paid so much for us to attend a wedding, this is the least that we can do."
Her husband wasn't exactly listening, but it didn't matter. Sheila was the boss and if she said they were going, they'd be there regardless of how he felt.
"What did Martin Luther call these places?" He searched his memory, "Oh right. Synagogues of Satan. No, I won't go."
Sheila ignored him. He really didn't have a choice in the matter.
Adelaide listened to the exchange in silence, then leaned forward.
"We were hoping to leave after the wedding," she glanced at her husband who had been unemployed for over two months, their finances stretched to the limit.
They could return home, or stay here where the cousins were together and the meals were free.
Mark sat back in his chair.
"I pray every day that you will come home with us. Oh, what I wouldn't do to have my family all together again."
He looked over at Gavin, including the in-laws.
Gavin had nothing to lose. Mark had made living on Victoria Island sound like nothing short of living in the Promised Land. It was a crazy idea but... He reached for Adelaide's hand without asking her advice first or even mentioning the idea that just popped into his head.
"There's nothing keeping us in Ottawa. If you're sure you have the room, we'll move down to the island as soon as we return home."
Adelaide's sharp intake of breath could be heard in the silence.
"That's wonderful!" Sheila couldn't hide her delight, already making plans, "So you will leave after the wedding and that will give you time to pack. Mark, you don't need to stay for the birth, so I'll fly back with Atarah and meet you at the naming ceremony. The boys can help you move... Actually, I'll talk with Atarah about it, but I don't see why we couldn't go to Ottawa first and meet you there, then drive down, stopping at this synagogue on the way. It would kill two birds with one stone and there'd be more hands to help you, Addy. I'm so glad you thought of this!"
Sheila smiled, although it was she who was doing all the planning.
Gavin nodded with a grin. He'd heard rumours of Mark's ministry. He'd wanted to start his own church for years now, but could barely hold down a job. This was a golden opportunity to work in ministry and score brownie points with his father-in-law.
Adelaide frowned, "This is all happening so fast! Okay, wow, I have so much to do when I get home." She turned her amber eyes to Gavin, "We could offer to take Azrael back with us when we leave. Atarah could use the break I'm sure with the arrival of the new baby and that would give the children extra time together."
Gavin nodded, not caring so much about the little details.
Sheila, impressively, kept her daughter's secret. Atarah would be exhausted with two infants. Having Azrael taken care of would likely be a welcome blessing...and a reason for the couple to keep their word. They'd need to return for Azrael.
"Debbie," Sheila turned her attention to her sister, "I'm going to try to reach Steven. Josiah said his brother is conducting the wedding ceremony but if he can come, they'd make other arrangements. I would like him to do the wedding."
Debbie nodded as Sheila continued, "What are your plans?"
"Mamma is enjoying herself so much, but I am just going to take it day by day. I'm not sure we will be able to stay for the birth," Debbie sighed, "No, I think for us it is best to just take it one day at a time and see how it goes."
Her mother had fallen asleep with starry eyes and rosy cheeks. This trip so far was a blessing.
Sheila's sons had been silent, waiting for the others to finish.
"I want to get outta this place," Jared's eyes were cold, "I'm going to see if we can go home sooner. There's no way I'm staying here for a week."
Isaac would have no choice but to leave if Jared took off early.
"Don't be so rude!" Sheila scowled.
At over six feet tall, Sheila could still make Jared squirm.
He hung his head, "Okay, we'll stay."
Jared knew better than to contradict his mother.
Jaira shut the door softly behind her, expecting everyone to be sound asleep. Her eyes shone as she poked her head in the dining room, bidding everyone a hasty goodnight before running up the stairs. Closing the door softly, she sat down, ready to write.
Sheila waited till Jaira reached her room before turning back to those gathered at the table, "Let's keep this between ourselves. I'm going to call Steven. Adelaide, I wouldn't mention you are moving yet. Wait till we meet up with you in Oshawa before Atarah finds out what is going on. I think it is for the best."
Adelaide nodded. Less stress. That made sense. She'd ask her sister about Azrael in the morning