Miriam nodded. “Yes. Our landlady has been teaching me how to cook and bake. She eats Shabbat dinner with us sometimes. Families from Abba’s synagogue have also invited us.”

“We continued celebrating Shabbat at Westerbork, too,” Avi said. “Our simple dinners grew until we filled the entire dining hall on Friday nights.”

“And now you need to go to bed and rest,” Abba said when Avi finished eating. “You look exhausted.” Miriam stroked his bearded cheek. How she loved his broad grin, his beautiful, shining eyes.

“Yes, thank you. I will.” He stood, pulling Miriam to her feet. “But before I sleep, Professor Jacobs, there’s something I must ask you. None of us has any idea what will happen now that the Nazis have occupied this country, and —”

“I know exactly what will happen, Avraham. The same things that happened to us in Germany will happen here. The Nazis will forbid me to teach. We’ll be required to register and to wear yellow stars. They will take our property and our money and our freedom. They will demonize us and persecute us and turn us into their slaves.”

“I know . . . I know,” Avi said sadly. “I fear it as well. Right now, there’s no way out of the Netherlands, no sympathetic border we can cross, no neighbor to offer asylum. The Nazis surround us on every side. That’s why, with your permission, I would like to ask Miriam to marry me. I’m in love with her.”

His words stole Miriam’s breath, but from joy this time. She had yearned to hear him say those words during the long weeks they’d written to each other. She’d dreamed of this moment on the endless nights when she couldn’t sleep. She had never dared to hope it would happen.

“I know we’re young,” Avi continued, “but these are uncertain times, and I would like to bind my life to Miriam’s for as long as our lives may last.”

“Is this what you also want, Miriam?”

“Yes, Abba. With all my heart.”

Tears filled Abba’s eyes. “Of course you have my blessing, my children. Of course you do!”

“I’ll find work to support us, Professor. From now on, the three of us will live every day to the fullest for as long as we’re able. May we make our home here with you?”

His tears brimmed and rolled down his cheeks. “Yes! Our new little family will stay together always.”

Miriam hugged him tightly. “Thank you, Abba!”

“How soon would you like to marry?”

“I would marry her tonight if it was possible!” Avi replied. “No one knows what tomorrow will bring.”

Miriam released her father and took Avi’s hand. “I’ll ask my friend Ans what we’re required to do in this country.”

“And I will talk to the rabbi,” Abba said. “You will be married beneath a chuppah at the synagogue.”