Page 78 of A Lesson In Beginning

“I want to know those things, too, but for now, just something you’ve never experienced or tried before. Something you’ve always wanted to do.”

“I’ve never been to a zoo. I’ve always wanted to see the animals, but I didn’t have the opportunity to go as a child growing up in Zion. And since moving here, I haven’t had the chance either.”

“Tell me another one.”

“I’ve never been to a carnival or a circus. I’d like to take Samuel some day. And a movie theater.”

“A movie theater? You’ve never seen a movie in theaters before?”

“I grew up in a cult, remember? Of course not. Actually, if I’m being honest, I’ve never seen a movie before.” He moved, sitting up so that he could look at me, eyes wide in shock.

“You’ve never seen a movie? At all? What about tv?” I sat up, giggling lightly as I wrapped the blanket around me.

“I mean, I’ve seen television before. I’ve caught about ten minutes of possibly every episode of Bluey. Samuel watches it religiously these days.”

“That isn’t the same as watching a show or a movie for yourself.”

“Well, that’s the truth of it, regardless.” I shrugged his comment off, not bothered by it in the slightest. “Honestly, when would I have had time?”

“Hmm. Interesting.”

“I’ve never eaten in a restaurant either. I’d like to do that someday.”

“Noted.”

“Why does that have me worried?” I regarded him cautiously. Something told me he was tucking this information away.

“Nothing at all to be worried about, love. Now come cuddle me a little more while we debrief a bit before I take you home. Is it alright if I play with your hair?”

“I would love that. I can’t remember the last time someone played with my hair. Well, unless you count Samuel.” He laid back down, tugging me with him, his hands immediately finding my long hair and playing with it so softly I almost fell asleep right there, to the sounds of his heart beating.

CHAPTER 22

“Are you going to tell me where we are going?” I nervously glanced out the window at the rolling hills and vibrantly colored leaves of the autumn-kissed trees as we drove. We’d been driving for over two hours already, and I had no idea where we were going.

“I told you, it’s a surprise, Adah. I promise you will love it. So will Samuel.” Ruth teased me from the front seat where she and Levi sat. I sat in the middle row of the van they had rented for our little excursion, Theo asleep in his car seat beside me, while Samuel sat in his car seat in the back.

He was happily watching yet another episode of Bluey on a tablet Levi and Ruth had purchased. I had immediately tried to pay them back for it when they had presented it to my son, but they assured me it was a long overdue birthday present for Samuel, who had just turned three not two days ago.

I had, of course, told them it was far too extravagant a gift for a three-year-old, but they assured me it was more than acceptable, as they had missed the last two birthdays with him already. I had to admit; it made these longer trips much more enjoyable to have a toddler who wasn’t screaming and clinging to me through the entire ordeal.

“Just relax and enjoy the ride.” Levi chuckled from the driver’s seat, turning up the radio. I tried to calm my nerves, but not knowing our destination had me more than a little anxious.

Soon, we were pulling into the city of Newport, and then into a parking lot. The signs as we neared our destination gave it away. They had taken us to the aquarium. Samuel would be tickled — and honestly, so was I.

“Samuel, look!” I pointed out the big sign, and he finally looked up from his tablet, gasping and bouncing in his seat. “See? It’s the aquarium! We can see all the fishies!”

“Yay!!” His shriek of excitement woke little Theo, who was decidedly not as excited about this little excursion. Luckily, by the time we had parked, he was once again asleep in his carrier.

We parked and unloaded the car, my hand wrapped tightly around Samuel’s. The crowd was far more than I was used to. Other than the airport, I had not been around so many people ever before in my life. Moments later, however, I saw we were not alone.

“The whole Temple clan is out for this, I see.” I shot Ruth a rueful look as all four of the other Temple brothers, along with their wives and various offspring, walked towards us from their own parked vehicles.

“It’s a family outing. So, yeah.” Ruth just shrugged, grabbing the backpack that they used as Theo’s diaper bag from the car and handing me a similar one I used for Samuel. I slung it over my shoulders as Zeke ran over, picking up Samuel and flinging him over his shoulder as any good uncle was wont to do.

We walked to the front entrance, Levi and Ollie handling the tickets as we all waited patiently.

“Fishes and seals and penguins and all the things! Are you ready, kids?!” Ollie shouted with a little dance.

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