Yoseph drew a hand down his beard. Tugging at its length. “You say this knowing that she is a pagan who curses the Lord.”

Mari nodded. “She is most knowledgeable in the ways of childbirth. That is all that concerns me.”

Anna returned and set down the flatbread. She could tell by the way her parents were leaning back that they were going to have a difficult conversation. Retaking her seat, she used the opportunity to pour herself an extra cup of milk.

Yoseph’s eyes narrowed. Several months ago, he had spoken in private with the priest who visited their village. The youthful holy man thought it unwise for Zahra to play a role in the birth of Yoseph’s child. He had said he suspected, though could not prove, that Zahra was involved in a wicked and dangerous sect. One that adhered to the old ways—the ancient and barbaric practices followed by those who did not embrace the one true God.

“Unholy and vulgar factions such as these continue to sprout up across the land,” the priest had told Yoseph. “Some are led by women. Some by madmen. Some worship false gods, while others refuse to accept the Lord’s existence entirely! Thus refuting Him and distorting His plan for us, they stand among His enemies.” He then added with a whisper, “I shudder to think of such evil hands upon your child.”

Recalling the priest’s warning, Yoseph glared toward the ceiling. “Women such as Zahra wish only to desecrate the Lord and pervert His plan! If she could, she would teach our son to slander the name of God and bow before his wife!” he said, stabbing a finger skyward, his cheeks reddening.

Yoseph’s resistance to Zahra and her wisdom infuriated Mari. But she could not show this. Instead, in a desperate attempt to calm him, she leaned forward and rested a hand on his arm. “But it is we who will raise our child, not the midwife,” she said. She then took his hands into her own, knowing how that pleased him. “And I should think you would want the most experienced one to attend the birth of our son. Just as she successfully attended the birth of our daughter.”

Yoseph’s shoulders shuddered with emotion. He took several breaths. Then, with effort, surrendered to his wife’s touch. He did not think it wise to upset her with the hour of birth drawing near.

“You trusted Zahra when she told you that the child I carry is a son,” Mari continued. “So why will you not trust her with—?”