Page 111 of A Lesson In Beginning

“He’s not wrong.” I muttered under my breath. Ruth was placing the last of the curls in my hair, but my stomach twisted with nerves.

“I rarely am!” He shouted from the living room. Ruth rolled her eyes and made a face in the mirror.

“There. Now, just a few pins to pull it back from your face, and it’ll be finished.” She pulled and twisted a few strands, and when she was done, I had to admit she had arranged it quite beautifully. My makeup had already been applied, also by her steady hand, of course. “Look how beautiful you are!”

“You did an amazing job, Ruth. Thank you.”

“It was easy when the canvas was already so beautiful, sis.” She hugged me from behind, then left, leaving me alone in the bathroom for a moment. My eyes roved over my form, from the styled hair and makeup to the beautiful, fitted black dress I wore. It was short, hugging my curves in all the right places, falling down to just above my knee. It was easily the most immodest thing I’d ever worn, and yet I felt more beautiful than I ever had before. I touched the gold collar at my neck; the simple necklace suited the dress perfectly. Not that I would have ever changed it for anything else. I hadn’t taken it off since Joel had placed it around my neck over a month ago.

“Well, how do I look?” I stepped out into the living room, giving Levi and Ruth a twirl in my dress. How I managed to not fall flat on my face in the black heels I wore, I didn’t know.

“You look fantastic, Adah. Absolutely gorgeous!” Ruth’s raving review of my appearance made me blush, but it was the look on Levi’s face that caught me off guard.

“What’s wrong? Do I have something in my teeth?” I worriedly brushed my finger across my front teeth, thinking I had lipstick smeared over them or something.

“I’m just in awe of you.” Levi, never one for many words, shocked me with his vulnerability. “You’ve come a long way, Adah, and I’m just honored to know you. You didn’t have the knowledge or the support that we all did when leaving Zion, but look at what you’ve done. Look at the life you’ve made, not only for yourself, but for your son. You should be proud of yourself. I know that I’m beyond proud of you. And proud to call you my sister.” Walking the short distance across the room, he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me to him. I’d never had a brother, but the love and support he gave me in that moment, and in the last several months since I had arrived on their front porch, was a gift I did not take for granted.

“Thank you for giving me a chance,” I said, whispering against his shoulder.

“You deserve it all, Adah, and more.”

“Levi’s right. Look at all that you’ve done! This apartment is beautiful, and perfect for you and Samuel.” Ruth vibrated with excitement, her eyes glancing over the modestly decorated space.

“It wouldn’t have been possible if the two of you hadn’t given me the chance to work with you.”

“You’ve come far. How does it feel working from home now, by the way?” Levi asked, sitting back down on the couch.

“It feels a little strange to just be at home working, but I like that I can work from here, or the offices at the club, if I wish. That’s been nice as well. Thank you again for finding space for me there.” A few weeks ago, I had finally said goodbye to working in the kitchen, having formally accepted the job of marketing manager for the club. Graphic design had taken a little while to learn, but once I had the basics of working on a computer down, it had come surprisingly naturally to me. Levi said that I had a natural-born talent for it. Of course, the online courses had helped, as well.

“Of course.”

A knock sounded on the door of the apartment, and nerves flooded my stomach like a swarm of butterflies once more.

“Looks like Joel is here.” Levi smirked, standing to answer the door. I immediately ran back into my bedroom to check my appearance one last time in the full-length mirror that sat against the wall, Ruth hot on my heels. She smoothed my dress in a few places, tucking and plucking at a few errant curls before deciding her handiwork was officially complete.

“Why am I so nervous?” I whispered softly, as though Joel could hear me clear from the front door. “I’ve done plenty with Joel, spent days — and nights — with him. Why is this making me feel like I’m going to throw up?”

“Because this isn’t a scene, or a day at work. This is a date. Your first official date. And not just with Joel, but ever. It’s going to be fantastic. Just breathe, and remember how much you like that man out there. Now hurry up! Can’t leave the good doctor waiting.” She threw me a wink, rushing back to the living room, giving me a moment alone to steady myself.

She was right. I did like Joel. I more than liked him. I had fallen in love with him. And while it may have been our first date that night, I was finally ready to tell him just how I felt. Completely and honestly.

I walked out of the bedroom, steading myself on the modest heels to greet my date.

“Adah. Wow.” Joel gave a low whistle, his eyes running down my body and back up again, taking in the sight of me. Walking over to him, I gave him a small spin, praying to God that I would not fall over in a pile of awkward embarrassment. Of course, most prayers go unanswered, and this was one of those times. My heel immediately slid against the hardwood floor, my foot slipping out from under me.

Joel’s powerful arms caught me, pulling me to his chest.

“I’ve got you, wildfire.” He whispered so that only I could hear.

And I knew, without a doubt, that he truly did.

* * *

Two and a half years later

Ruth and Levi’s house was sheer chaos; children running around underfoot, babies crying, and adults chattering away as dinner was being prepared. Suddenly, I heard the doorbell ring.

“Who else is coming?” I asked, licking the frosting off of my fingertip. The cupcakes had finally cooled, and I had just finished frosting them. Now they were sitting on a rack for us to enjoy after dinner.

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