Read Online On This Foundation by Lynn Austin - Free Book Online Page A

know from experience that sometimes it helps to talk about the loved ones we’ve lost. If everyone tiptoes around, afraid to mention their names, it can sometimes seem like they never existed or like they no longer matter. But of course they do.”
    Chana nodded, respecting him for his insight. “You’re right. That’s very true. And sometimes it does seem as if everyone is afraid to talk about him. . . . I understand that you lost your wife, as well.”
    â€œYes. Rebecca died of a fever more than five years ago.” Chana thought she heard a catch in his voice.
    â€œI’m so sorry,” she said.
    â€œOurs was a love match, not an arranged marriage. She was my best friend, my companion. I understand that you loved Yitzhak the same way.”
    â€œYes. But we never had a chance to marry.”
    â€œI wonder sometimes if we only experience that kind of love once in a lifetime. Or if the Holy One can surprise us and bless us with a loving companion a second time. I don’t know. But I do know that I miss sharing my thoughts and disappointments with my wife. I miss seeing her warm smile at the end of the day and holding her in my arms at night. The reason I decided to marry again is because I don’t think I’ll ever find the happiness I once felt unless I do. And because Rebecca would want me to remarry and be happy.”
    Chana couldn’t reply, moved by his touching words. She knew in her heart that Yitzhak also would want her to be happy.
    â€œI’ve had inquiries from plenty of hopeful fathers,” Malkijah continued. “And I’ve met many of their daughters. But I’m a wealthy man, and to be honest, it’s difficult to tell if they’re seeing me as a real person or as a wealthy husband with servants and a lavish home. I’m sure you must wonder the same thing since you’re such a lovely woman. I’m sure I’m not the only suitor who has approached your father.”
    Was it true? Had other suitors asked Abba about her?
    â€œAnyway,” Malkijah said with a sigh, “as much as I hate to leave, it’s late, and I must head home now. Thank you for such a wonderful evening, Chana. I enjoyed every minute and every bite of food.”
    â€œYou’re returning to Beth Hakkerem now? In the dark?”
    â€œNo,” he said, laughing. “The trip takes nearly an hour in daylight when my donkey can see where she’s going. She’d never manage all those stony hills in the dark. Besides, it really isn’t safe to be out at night. I have a home here in Jerusalem. I use it during the holidays or when the council meetings last until very late.”
    â€œThank you for coming tonight, Malkijah. I know we all enjoyed having you.”
    He acknowledged her words with a slight bow and said, “Let me step inside for a moment and say good night to your father and sisters.” She followed him back to the courtyard, where her sisters had cleared the table and stacked the dishes. Abba still sat in his place at the head of the table, sipping the last of his wine, but he looked up at them as they walked inside together, a hopeful smile spreading across his face.
    â€œShallum, my friend, thank you for a most enjoyable evening,” Malkijah said. “Next time you must all come to my home in Beth Hakkerem and share a meal with my sons and me. I’ll show you my vineyards and winery.”
    â€œYour vineyards?” Chana asked. “What about the drought? Hasn’t it affected your crops?”
    â€œOf course. Everyone is feeling the effects. We must continue to pray for rain.”
    â€œWe would be very happy to come,” Abba said, rising from his seat to clap Malkijah on the shoulder. “Thank you, my friend.”
    â€œExcellent. I will talk to my servants and make the arrangements, then send you the details.”
    When he was gone, everyone turned to Chana, waiting for her reaction