First Prince of Israel - Chapter 27

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“How is baby Reuben?” Zilpah asked when Jacob ducked his head in the door of their offices. He had just left the hospital after thirteen hours of labor and six hours gazing at his wife and baby, feeding a first bottle, and changing a little diaper. Jacob was completely in love but completely exhausted.
 
“He is the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen in my life,” Jacob said through a yawn. “Seven pounds, thirteen ounces, twenty-one inches long, and a full head of hair.”
 
“You look like you’re about ready to fall over.” Zilpah rose from her chair and came around her desk.
 
“Yeah, they sent me home to get a nap, and then Leah might be able to come home later today. I’ll head back up to the hospital in a few hours.”
 
“Can I walk with you up the stairs so I can talk with you about some business?” Zilpah asked in a professional voice as they walked into the lobby. “I won’t take much of your time.”
 
“As long as you’ll let me take the elevator rather than the stairs, I’m fine with that. I’m about ready to fall asleep standing up.” Jacob chuckled as he hit the button to the elevator, knowing she didn’t have any hotel business to discuss and probably wanted to talk about that kiss from the day before. He knew the time had come for them to take the next step in their relationship and had already discussed the topic with Rachel.
 
As soon as they were in the elevator, Zilpah’s tone changed, and her professional persona disappeared. “We need to get married.”
 
“Yeah, I know.”
 
“Oh, good. I thought I was going to have to…persuade you.” Zilpah ran a finger up his arm, causing shivers to run up his spine. “You know, women are encouraged to wait at least six weeks after having a baby before, you know…”
 
“Having sex?” Jacob prompted with a chuckle. “Yeah, I’m aware.”
 
“Now would be the perfect time for you and me to get married,” Zilpah pointed out. “You’ll be off on paternity leave, Rachel can help with her new little nephew, and Leah can get some rest. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
 
“I plan to spend a good deal of time with my new baby while I’m off on paternity leave, you know. That’s kind of the point.”
 
“And I have to spend all day at my office trying to do two people’s jobs since my boss will be upstairs taking care of her new baby,” Zilpah said. “Then you and I can spend every night… together.” She stepped closer and looked up at him with bedroom eyes.
 
Jacob was very tempted to lean down for a kiss but felt the elevator slow to a stop and didn’t want to run into any guests or employees when the doors opened. “Give me a couple of days, okay?” His voice was husky and low, and he was completely on board with her plan. “Let me get Leah and the baby settled first.”
 
“I’ve been patient for almost a year,” Zilpah said. “I think I can wait a few more days.”
 
“Thank you,” he whispered before they stepped out of the elevator. As they walked down the hall toward their suites, Zilpah continued their conversation in a hushed voice.
 
“You seemed startled yesterday when I mentioned prayer, but I want you to know that I’m almost as spiritual as you and Rachel—well maybe not quite that much, but a million times more so than Bilhah, and probably even more so than Leah. Just because I’m a flirt doesn’t mean I don’t love God and want to follow his plan for my life.”
 
“I’m glad to know that,” Jacob said, wishing he could reach out to her. “I was a bit concerned.”
 
“The first time you shook my hand, I knew you were a prophet of God, and I knew I was going to marry you.”
 
“You did?” Jacob knew he’d felt that same warmth and connection as he did with the other girls, but he hadn’t realized she’d felt quite that strongly about him.
 
“Yeah, and you know, um… a woman who has a strong relationship with God can still be… how should I say this politely?”
 
“You don’t have to say anything out loud,” Jacob said. “I totally get it.”
 
“Good, I’m glad we had this conversation.” Zilpah sounded as if she was resigned to head back down to her office, but Jacob wasn’t done with their little discussion.
 
He glanced down the hall and saw there were no people anywhere, then unlocked the door to Leah’s suite and pulled Zilpah inside briefly. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to do for quite a while and that requires a tiny bit of privacy.”
 
“Yeah? And what’s that?” Zilpah slipped her hand into his and laced their fingers together as Jacob pushed her gently against the closed door.
 
“I’d rather show you.” He dipped his head lower and pressed his lips to hers with a little more heat than he ever would in front of the other girls. He didn’t usually kiss any of them with this much passion.
 
When he finally pulled away, Zilpah whispered, “Dang, I can’t wait to marry you.”
 
“I promised I’d make it worth the wait,” he whispered.
 
“Are you sure you want to wait any longer than right now?” she asked. “Leah won’t be needing that bed in there, you know, since she’s in the hospital.”
 
“I’m positive, you little minx.” Jacob stepped away from her and reached for the doorknob. “I am going to marry you first. Now go back to work before you get in trouble with your boss.”
 
“Did I not just mention my boss is in the hospital?” Zilpah asked playfully. Then she placed her hand on Jacob’s cheek and kissed him one more time before slipping out the door.
 
Jacob locked himself in, then fell onto Leah’s bed with a frustrated smile on his face, wishing he was already married to that temptress but too tired to do anything regardless. He was asleep before he could even climb under the covers.
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