Page 79 of A Lesson In Beginning

“I think Ollie might be more excited than the kids are.” I leaned in, whispering to Ruth, who only laughed.

“He usually is.”

“I’m surprised he doesn’t have children of his own.”

“Eh, not our business. He’s happy. Delilah’s happy.” She shrugged my comment off, and I realized for probably the millionth time just how different life was away from Zion.

Suddenly, both Ruth and Talia turned to look at me with looks of sheer glee.

“Hey there, love.”

I turned slowly on my heel to see Joel walking up towards us, his hair in its usual man-bun — as Ruth had dubbed it — and looking as handsome as ever.

“What are you doing here?” I asked quietly as he approached.

“The fam invited me. I hope that’s okay.” He leaned in to whisper to me alone, brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear as he spoke.

“I… um… well…” I stammered lamely, the anxiety I had felt before roaring back to life. My son was here. And Joel was here. And I hadn’t thought about that before.

“Adah, if it’s not okay, I will walk back to my car right now, and things will be just as they were before. No harm, no foul. I promise you. Ruth thought it would make you happy, but I can see you’re not exactly thrilled.” His hands on my shoulders grounded me some. I was thankful Zeke and Levi had taken the boys to the bathroom, so I didn’t have to worry about Samuel overhearing any of this, or seeing just how flustered his mother was.

My thoughts raced through the pros and cons. I hadn’t thought about Joel meeting Samuel, not in any real sense, but here we were. After a moment, I took a deep breath, steadying myself and facing the reality of the situation. Joel was a good man, trusted by both Levi and Ruth, and was a pediatrician. He was good with kids. This didn’t have to be anything more than a family friend joining us on a fun day out.

“I’m alright with it, Joel. I just needed a moment to process. It’s quite the surprise.” His hands slid down my arms, our hands joining for a moment. The squeeze he gave me, along with his signature smile, curbed any lingering doubts.

“Then let’s go have fun!” His eyes widened with excitement.

“Mama!” Samuel’s voice rang out behind me, and I turned to see his happy, smiling face as he ran up to me. Levi released his hand, allowing him to reach me. He tugged on my skirt for a single moment, then noticed Joel standing there.

His entire demeanor changed in an instant, the smiling sliding from his face as he regarded the stranger who had joined us. Crouching down so that I was on his level, I took his little hands in mine.

“Samuel, this is Mama’s friend Joel. He’s going to join us to go see all the fishies today. Can you say hello?” Samuel looked up at Joel. I expected his hesitation. Joel crossed his ankles, sinking clear down to the sidewalk to sit on Samuel’s level.

“Hey there, little man. I’m Joel! What’s your name?” Joel’s face lit up, animated and excited as he spoke to my son. Most people used silly voices or even baby talk when speaking to children, but not Joel.

“Samuel.” Samuel said hesitantly.

“That’s a cool name! Mind if I call you Sammy?” My face scrunched at the nickname, but I let it go as my son giggled, his face lighting up as he nodded excitedly.

“Are you excited to see all the cool stuff inside?” Joel did not try to pull him in, simply sitting there on the concrete of a busy sidewalk as people bustled around us.

“Yeah! I want to see fishies!” Joel matched Samuel’s obvious excitement. I sat there in awe of their interaction, and the ease of it all.

“Fish are so cool! I’m quite fond of the penguins, though.”

“Penguins?! There are penguins?! Mama! Penguins!” Samuel jumped up and down, tugging on my hand.

“Yeah! Penguins and seals and even sharks!”

“No way!”

“Way! So much way, Sammy!” Samuel giggled at Joel’s excitement.

“Hurry, Mama! Let’s go!” Joel and I stood back up, and much to my surprise, Samuel grabbed not only my hand but also Joel’s, tugging us along towards the entrance where my family was now gathered several feet away. I appreciated the moment of pseudo-privacy they had allowed us, but the knowing look on each of their faces only made me roll my eyes. This was not that kind of day.

“Looks like Joel and Samuel are hitting it off.” Ruth’s quiet words were laced with much bigger sentiments than the words themselves let on, and I rolled my eyes harder.

“Cut it out, Ruth. He is just a friend.” I hissed the words out quietly, hoping only she could hear. Her answering snort was decidedly unladylike.

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