sides of the low, stone wall around the modest property, Sarah opened the front door to greet them.
“Here, let me take that, Pekah,” she said.
Pekah didn’t argue. He helped Sarah to shoulder the basket. She then scurried into the house. Abigail turned and handed the two bags of almonds to him. As she did, he caught the faint scent of lavender on her hands.
“Thank you,” she said.
“It was my pleasure. Besides, it’s not every day I get the chance to walk with a beautiful lady of Gideon.” As soon as the words slipped out of his mouth, he regretted them. She’s going to be offended by my forwardness, he thought. He could still smell the perfume.
Her reaction surprised him. She smiled, kindness in her eyes. He gulped, quite uncomfortable. “Oh, I almost forgot! These are for you.” Pekah extended his arm, the small bag of almonds in his hand.
“Thank you, Pekah.” She took the bag and held it close to her chest. She held his eyes for a moment, her expression far more pleasant than the feeling in Pekah’s stomach-as though he had just been kicked by his horse. He felt a sudden urge to be on his way.
Abigail turned as if to head into the house, but paused and looked back over her shoulder. “Jasher was right to have liked you.” She then hurried in and shut the door.
Pekah stood there for a moment, amazed. Why did she say that? Replaying the words in his mind, hearing again the tone of her voice, and visualizing the friendly expression on her face-he realized her statement was a hint that she liked him too.
Leaving, Pekah’s step was light, his body full of energy. As he walked, he whistled.
Cool morning breezes fluttered down upon the broad canopy that had been erected next to the garden fount, ready to be the focal point of the marriage celebration. The fountain jumped and gurgled, and some of the spray drifted into the orchids that were lined up behind it, giving them an occasional wind-blown sip. Jonathan’s gaze lifted to just behind the beautiful flowers, and he saw the courtyard wall of the Temple of Sacrifice: tall, white, and brilliant in the morning suns-light.
Rachel placed her hand on Jonathan’s arm affectionately as they sat together on a bench enjoying the fresh air together. Jonathan held her hand tight.
“Look!” Rachel said, pointing to a songbird that settled into an almond tree nearby. Moving to a higher perch, it started to sing.
Utter contentment radiated from Rachel’s face, drawing Jonathan in. His gaze remained affixed to the lines of her face and her soft, brown eyes, rendering him almost breathless at her beauty. Feeling peaceful, he kissed her softly on the forehead and put an arm around her shoulder, watching the orchids sway in the breeze.
His mind drifted for a moment to dwell on the taxing and unsuccessful excursions to find Rezon and his men. They had spent days in the mountains of Hara. His troops had gone not once, but three times in the last month. Signs of the fugitives had been sparse, and Rezon’s followers-most of them from Gideon-were well acquainted with mountaineering. Jonathan wondered if they would ever be found. Catching himself, he put thoughts of disappointment away. He just had to believe that Rezon would eventually be found and brought to justice.
Thinking of more positive things, he mentally reviewed reports from Amon and Mehida, who just had returned to Ramathaim from the mountains of Gideon, bearing tidings of the successful creation of their new council. They had brought with them an old man, a goatherd named Eder. When Jonathan was introduced to him at the home of Uzziel, all four of them, including Pekah, were in complete agreement. Eder was undoubtedly the right man to fill the final council seat being offered to Gideon-unpretentious, never in a hurry to speak his mind, and rarely eloquent when he did so, but full of proper respect for all the tribes. Prejudice did not exist in any fiber of his makeup.
Instantly drawn to the man, Jonathan marveled at Eder’s optimism. Eder was blind, and yet, he had immense vision. It only took five minutes of conversation for Jonathan to see there was no guile in this simple goatherd.
When Jonathan found out that Eder was a widower, his invitation became more than just a seat around the council table of Hasor. Eder had no living children to care for, and his meager existence was hardly sufficient to allow him to travel to and from Hasor as needs would arise, especially since an escort would be needed each time.
Therefore, Jonathan offered the old man a room in his own home, the palace of Hasor, and complete freedom to come and go as he pleased. Eder graciously accepted. The best part of Jonathan’s kind offer was Rachel’s reaction-she was thrilled with the arrangement.
Jonathan smiled at the memory. Her compassion for others had always warmed his heart, and this part of her personality was one of the many reasons he looked forward to spending a lifetime with her at his side. No man would ever have a brighter jewel for his treasure than this woman would be for him. Everything felt so perfect. Peace. Friends. Rachel.
“Where are you?” Rachel asked.
“I’m sorry. Just thinking about things.”
“Our marriage tomorrow?” Rachel asked, teasing.
“Yes,” Jonathan said with a smile. “Of course. And reflecting on everything that has been accomplished in such a short time. I’m pleased that Amon and Mehida have returned to share our joyful occasion. And the Council Hall of Hasor will, for the first time, be honored by the presence of Gideon within its walls. All these things give me peace-I think they will allow me to truly enjoy our day to its fullest.”
Rachel laid her head on Jonathan’s shoulder. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The sound of sandals upon the cobbled garden path caught their attention. Rachel ran to greet Abigail as she approached.
“Abigail! Good morning!” The two women embraced warmly.
Now standing next to Rachel, Jonathan dipped his head toward Abigail. “Peace to you, daughter of Gideon.”
“And to you, Jonathan.” Abigail hesitated. “I’m looking for Pekah. Have you seen him?”
“Not this morning. Have you checked with the guards of the gatehouse? He has spent a lot of time out in the hills lately.”
“I have…” Abigail replied in a distracted manner. She glanced over her shoulder as if expecting Pekah to be there.
Rachel’s brow furrowed. “Is something wrong?”
Abigail looked away again. Jonathan sensed she wished he wasn’t there. “No. I just need to talk to him. I’ll keep looking, thank you.”
“If we see him, where can he find you?” Jonathan asked.
“Sarah’s home. Or at Miriam’s home.” Abigail then wandered off, staring up into the sky.
Jonathan touched Rachel’s arm. “Abigail had more to say, but didn’t because I was here. Right?”
Rachel’s smile confirmed Jonathan’s suspicion. “You are quite observant. Last night, Abigail and I talked for quite a while. She told me that Pekah has spent some time with her during the last few weeks. Each time you boys have come down out of the mountains, he has sought her out so they could talk. But he has never mentioned what happened on the night Jasher died. Abigail’s concerned. What if he feels duty bound to honor Jasher’s request, and yet doesn’t want to fulfill it?”
“How does Abigail feel about it?”
Rachel turned to face him, looking up into his eyes. “I believe Abigail is going to tell Pekah she doesn’t expect him to honor Jasher’s dying wish. Did you know Pekah talked a lot about your journey together?”
Jonathan shook his head.
“Abigail was very touched by his tale. She told me of her desire to obtain the same peace Pekah told her about-the peace he found standing in the river.”
“Really?”
“Yes. And by the look on her face a minute ago, I think I know what else she decided to do.”
Rachel was teasing him. He crossed his arms, pretending to be frustrated. Rachel laughed.
“She will tell him that if he so desires, she wants him to fulfill Jasher’s wish.”
Jonathan leaned forward. “That’s wonderful!”
Rachel stepped back, as if surprised by the revelation borne in his excitement. “You mean, Pekah desires this?”
