She squished his shoulder till he squawked. Not that it hurt him that much, just that he knew she would squish until he did. “I tell you this, Laban. There is never a good reason to lie to someone who loves you and depends on you. Never.”

“I’m with you on that.”

“I will never, never lie to someone who trusts me. That’s what I’ve learned from Father.”

“But people who trust you are the only ones you can lie to,” said Laban.

“So I guess I’ve given up lying forever.”

“Now I can find out the answer to all your deepest secrets.”

She laughed. “Now that I know what a real secret is, I realize I’ve never had one in my life.”

“You’ve had one,” said Laban.

“What?”

“That stupid veil. You’re not going to wear it anymore, are you?”

“Why should I stop?”

“Because, bonehead, Mother’s face is going to be on display everywhere, and since you look just like her—”

“She’s much prettier.”

“Since you look exactly like her, there’s really no point in hiding.”

She gave in with a sigh. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. I’m always right.”

“Ah, there’s the Laban I know and love.”

“It’s the Laban I know and love, too,” said Laban.

“The next few years are going to be interesting,” said Rebekah. “Having a mother and all. I’m looking forward to it, aren’t you?”

“Not as much as I was looking forward to having Ezbaal as a brother-in-law.”

“I’ll try to find you another just as good.”

Laban’s tone turned serious. “I really am looking forward to it. You know the real reason I’m afraid to come out of the tent?”

“Because you’re afraid Mother won’t like you when she gets to know you.”

“Yes.” Then he apparently realized he didn’t want to admit that. “No, that’s not it.”

“Yes it is,” said Rebekah. “And I can promise you—she’ll make allowances for the fact that you’re a boy and stupid, and she’ll like you fine, just as Father and I do.”

“You always know how to buck a fellow up, Rebekah.”

“I spread sunshine wherever I go.”

“Then why is this tent so dark?”

Rebekah didn’t answer, except with a hug and a kiss on his cheek. Then she stood up. “Is it all right if I go out through the door?”

“I insist on it.”

“I love you, Laban. Always and forever.”

“Always and forever. Whatever you need from me, even when we’re both old and feeble, I’ll make sure you have it. That’s a solemn vow.”

“I’ll take you up on it,” she said.