Page 106 of A Lesson In Beginning

“I’d make this my office. I could put a desk here on this wall, just under the window. It has such wonderful light.” There was a long window that stretched nearly from wall to wall against the back of the room. There was a tiny closet that could be for linens or cleaning supplies, but it was perfect. “Are you sure this place is in my budget?”

“It is. Lower than the last several places, actually. And it’s in a great location, right in the same school district Theo will be in some day. Trust me, it’s a good school. I did some digging on it.” Ruth ran her hand over the wall as she moved back out into the hallway. “Oh, Adah, look!”

I followed her back out, seeing that there at the end of the hallway was a discreet door that opened up into a hall linen closet.

“It’s perfect, Ruth. But am I ready for this? Really?” Insecurity washed over me.

“You are more than ready for it, sis. You have a good-paying job now, and Levi and I will cosign for you to give you the boost you need. You can do this. You’re ready.”

I tried to ground myself in the faith I knew Ruth and Levi had in me. As I touched the open circle of my collar, I realized they were not the only ones. Sir had faith in me as well.

It felt strange to be renting a place on my own without a husband guiding me or telling me what to do. But I didn’t need a man. Ruth was right. I was strong enough to do this. I was already doing this. I had been handling life on my own for far longer than I realized.

“Okay, let’s do it. I’m ready to sign the lease.”

* * *

“I can’t wait to see it, love. It sounds perfect.” Joel kissed the side of my head as we sat on the couch. I had just finished regaling him with all the details of my new apartment.

Mine.

My very own.

“It’s scary to think about living on my own, but, as Ruth reminded me, I’ve basically been doing that for far longer than I realized. It will be a little scary to handle bills and all of that, but I’m pretty well organized, and quite frugal with money. I think I can really do this.” I couldn’t withhold my excitement as I cuddled up next to him, his arm wrapped protectively around me, a warmth and comfort I was grateful for on that frigid January night.

“I’d love to see it. And you know you have my help with moving. You don’t even need to ask.” He kissed the top of my head again, but as much as I wanted to cuddle in closer, I sat up.

“I appreciate that, Joel. I really do. But I need to do this on my own.”

“Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness, love.”

“I know it’s not. I may not have known that before, but I do now. But this… this I need to do for me, and I need to do it on my own. My entire life has been orchestrated by men. I finally feel strong enough to stand on my own two feet. So, while I’ve been grateful for the help so many have shown me, I’m ready to do this thing on my own.”

“I think that’s incredible, Adah. And I support you fully.” His smile was full of pride as he looked at me. This time, I did not blush, and I did not make myself small. I didn’t need to. I was proud of myself; truly proud. “You’re pretty amazing, Adah Price. I’m in awe of you.”

I shot him a confused look, pressing the back of my hand against his forehead.

“What are you doing?” He asked curiously.

“Checking you for a fever. You’ve obviously lost your mind.”

“Oh, so you’re the doctor now?”

“Nah. I just play one on TV.” His laughter rang out as I snuggled back into his chest, warm and cozy and feeling like right where I belonged.

“What do you say we take this upstairs? I have a surprise for you.” I nodded against his chest. He stood, taking my hand and helping me to my feet before leading me up the stairs. When he opened his bedroom door; however, I gasped.

“Joel.” I looked around in wonder at his room. Candles filled the space, flickering softly and casting a warm glow over the room.

“Do you like it?”

“I mean, other than the obvious fire hazard, yes. You know you shouldn’t leave candles lit unattended, right? I thought you were smart. A doctor or something like that.”

“Nah. I just play one on TV.” He tugged me to him. Colliding with his chest, he stole my breath with a kiss, sweet and slow. “I thought we could do things a little different tonight.”

His arms wrapped tightly around me, still pressing slow kisses against my lips.

“What did you have in mind?” I muttered against his lips, our breath mingling.

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