37

Mahlah scrambled to her feet. She stood barefoot in the dirt facing the man she had dreamed about for years. The soil was cooler, softer than she realized, but she would not leave to gather her sandals. She had taken root in his presence. Her nerves had her heart at an all-out gallop, so much so, her cheeks pulsed with every beat. They should not be out in the dark alone. Well, with the eyes of Tirzah bearing down like a hawk on Reuben’s every shuffle, they had an ever-alert chaperone.

“Is something wrong?” It had to be. What other reason could there be for him to seek her out in the dark of night? She licked her lips and waited. Her mind flung random thoughts on the mischievous breeze.

Reuben rubbed his jaw and stepped closer. His eyes sparkled under the ample moon. He glanced toward the tent flap.

The opening to her tent was cluttered with amused and curious faces.

Chastising her sisters to go inside would stir whining and protests. Their grinning lips were at least closed. So much for sleeping.

“I didn’t get to finish what I was saying earlier.” He cast a glance at her sisters. “I tried to put it off until morning, but I am too restless.”

What had he said? She envisioned their walk back to camp. He had thought of her. And Jonah. He had thought of the land. Did he wish to stay east? Settle in the land of the Amorites?

“I missed you.” He slid his fingers down the hair framing her face. One slip and she would feel his touch on her lips. “More than I should have.” His confession rumbled deep in his chest and caught in his throat. “I have not noticed what has been right in front of me.”

The sweep of his hand, rough, yet gentle as a morning dove, sent a wave rising in her belly. She should push him away, but she leaned closer to feel his breath and not miss a single word from his mouth.

This couldn’t be happening. Not in front of the tent she had staked since a girl. Why now? Why not before when he accepted another woman as his wife? The ache in her ribs couldn’t compare to the ache that consumed her when Reuben had taken a wife into his tent.

“Were you lonely at war?” That had to be the reason he came to her with such a burning need. Her lips trembled. His thumb was but a hair-width from her mouth, still, yet waiting.

“I was.” His gaze held hers. “Lonely to be a father to Jonah. Lonely, in wanting to be a husband again.”

And she was an easy match. A woman older than most and with land bestowed. A double-portion of land since her father was the firstborn of Hepher. But she had responsibilities to her family, to her sisters. She couldn’t leave them alone.

He tipped her chin. “You are too quiet. The woman I know would be telling me all that happened while I was away. Before she fought off spies.”

His freshly bathed scent swept her toward the stars. “I am in a daze.”

His strong-jaw smile mesmerized her. “Let me wake you.” He caressed her cheek. “Be my wife. Lay beside me when I return from fighting. Allow me to comfort you when others slander your good name. I will defend you like I have before and challenge any man who dares utter your name with contempt.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “I have waited so long.” She touched his hand and withdrew it from her skin. “I have thought of you every day since you left.” Her heart struggled to beat through her grief. Wetness flooded her cheeks. “But now I fear it may be too late. I promised my mother that I would take care of my sisters. I cannot ask you to take on my responsibilities.” No matter how she tried to stop the flow of tears and be the straight-backed, broad-shouldered eldest daughter, she failed. “I am the firstborn of my father.”

“I know. I have lived alongside the daughters of Zelophehad all my life.” He wiped the tears clinging to her chin. “Be with me, Mahlah.”

The stars in the night sky blurred through her tears. How could she leave her sisters with a fortress looming on the horizon and warring nations all around?

She cast a glance at her sisters. She knew everything about them. The wave of their hair. Every amber hue in their eyes. When one would bicker, and another would fall silent. She opened her mouth, but her voice fled.

“I need a moment with my sister.” Noah stomped from the tent. She waggled her eyebrows at Reuben. “I am sorry to interrupt again. Wait here and do not move.”

Noah pushed Mahlah into the tent. Her sisters jumped backward, parting like the River Jordan.

“Why are you standing there like a mute,” Noah asked. “I would have leapt into his arms by now.”

Tirzah chuckled as she closed the tent flap.

“Do not heed Noah’s advice, little one.” Pressing a hand to her chest, she turned toward Noah. “I promised our mother I would take care of you. How can I leave you now in this new land?”

Noah shook her disheveled ringlets. “Where do you think we are going? We have lived down the path from Reuben all of our lives. Besides, Hoglah can manage our tent.”

“I have been feeding you for more than two years now.” Hoglah rubbed Mahlah’s shoulder. “There have been few complaints.”

“Save your own.” Noah smirked.

“Why don’t we set up three tents?” Milcah stretched her arms toward the tip of the tent. “You and Reuben can live between his family and ours. When he is off fighting, you can sneak and sleep with us.”

“With Jonah,” Tirzah added, leaning on Mahlah’s hip.

“You cannot be around every one of us all the time.” Noah cupped Mahlah’s face. “God has watched over us. The One True God will not forsake us. You have taught us that, and you believe it to be true.”

“I do.” Fresh tears threatened to spill. She adored the touch of her sister’s slightly calloused hands.

“You cannot refuse this offer of marriage because of us.” Noah squeezed Mahlah’s cheeks. “I won’t let you.”

“And if someone asks for my hand or Noah’s?” Hoglah swatted their shepherdess. “I will send Tirzah and Milcah into your tent to sleep.”

Mahlah held out her arms for her sisters to gather. She embraced their warmth and breathed in the soft scent of myrtle from their skin. The ache in her side engulfed her whole body.

“You are always welcome in my tent,” Mahlah whispered.

Noah eased away. “We have our land and each other. Nothing will ever change that.”

“No. Nothing will ever change that.” Mahlah gazed into each of her sister’s eyes. “Ever.”

Milcah blew out a shuddered breath. “We will go forth with God.”

Moses had challenged Mahlah with those same words. She smiled through quivering lips.

“And nothing will ever change that.”

“Then what are you waiting for?” Noah flung open the tent flap.

Reuben consumed the entrance to her tent. Her Reuben. His eyes glistened in the moonlight. The boy she had chased over hill upon hill was now chasing her and desiring to be her husband. Her heart soared to the highest star.

“I’ve heard everything through the ramskin. An extra tent can be arranged. And more tents as our family grows, for I will fight for you and your sisters to inherit all your father’s land.” He arched a brow and when his gaze met hers, it could have set a sparrow to sing. “And if it pleases my future sisters-in-law, I would like to enter your tent.” His lips curved, harnessing a grin. “There are some things that need to be done in private.”