She sat on the edge of the bed. He read her like an open book. Its what Rachel said about her and Uri. I dont want that to happen to us.
His eyes grew serious, and he reached out to stroke her cheek. It wont. Im here with you. Im not going anywhere.
But what if we get in trouble for doing this premarital sex stuff? I dont want to take any chances.
Naomi, thats not going to happen.
Itll make me feel better if we make it official. She leaned over and kissed him gently.
He looked at her and shook his head, laughing. If it will really make you feel better...
Yes, it well. She beamed. Tell me what the ceremony is like.
Well, its not too different from the way youre probably used to seeing. Michael performs a binding ceremony, and the couple makes vows of commitment to each other in front of witnesses.
Have you been to one before?
Uri and Rachel had their ceremony a while back. It was 1987 or 88. Im not sure. It was definitely the 80s, though. He had this weird Flock of Seagulls hair thing going on back then.
She laughed at the vision of Uri with his hair styled like a pair of wings to match the wings on his back. The style was all the rage back in the 80s. Her fathers love for alternative music and new wave bands introduced her to a wide range of strange looking hair and fashion. Yeah, I can definitely see him doing that.
Naomis laughter quieted, and she became somber again as she thought about the ceremony. Shed never seen herself being married or committed to anyone, not until she met Lash. She knew it was something Welita would have loved to see. And her father, he wouldve loved to walk her down the aisle with her arm in his. Tears pricked her eyes at the thought that her family wouldnt be there to see it.
I thought you were happy about this? His voice was soft.
She looked up at him and forced a smile on her face. I am. Im committing myself to you. She kissed his lips gently.
Be honest. We dont want to start our forever with secrets, do we?
She sighed. Its just that I miss my family sometimes. They wont be here to see this. And my dad, Ill never get to experience this with him.
Her eyes widened with surprise as his face paled. Without a word, he quickly got out of bed, went to the kitchen, and poured himself a glass of water.
She watched his back muscles tense as he faced away from her, silent. Lash?
He downed his drink before turning his attention back to her. His lips were wet as he spoke. I wish there was something I could do to fix that for you.
Oh, Lash. It isnt your fault my father is gone or that Im here. I just need to keep reminding myself that by being here, I can take care of my family better.
Uh, Naomi. He brushed the moisture off his lips with the back of his hand. Theres something I need to tell you about that.
What is it?
He licked his lips nervously and opened his mouth, about to say something, then closed it.
Lash? She felt panic set in. Something was wrong. Why was he acting so strange?
He shook his head and then looked at her with a smile that didnt quite reach his eyes. Youre absolutely right. Together, we can watch over Welita and the others. Tell you what: lets take a peek at them in the morning.
Id love that! She beamed and then suddenly frowned. No, wait. I dont think we should. Gabrielle was pretty firm about me staying away from the bridge for a while.
Ah, dont mind her. Well be real quick about it.
She struggled between wanting to follow Gabrielles orders and seeing Welita. She wanted so badly to tell her about her binding ceremony to Lash. It was the closest thing she had next to Welita being there. Maybe I should go alone.
I want to go with you.
I dont want you to get in trouble. You just got back!
Will you stop worrying? Ill be fine. Besides, I wasnt told to stay away from the bridge. He grinned. Id love to see them. Theyll be my family too real soon.
She threw her arms around him. Lash, youve made me the happiest woman in the world. I love you.
He pulled back, searching her eyes. No matter what?
She blinked with surprise. Of course. Why would you ask a silly question like
She jumped at the sudden pounding on the door. Who could that be? The only people who come over are Uri and Rachel. Naomi cinched her robe tighter as she padded toward the door.
He grabbed her hand. Dont.
She laughed. Whats wrong with you today? Youre so jumpy.
Ill get it, he said.
She shook her head as he frantically threw on a pair of jeans. You act like we live in the middle of the most dangerous neighborhood in Houston.
He ran to the front door and swung it open. His jaw tensed and his hands curled into fists.
Bro! Jeremy cried as he stepped inside, slapping him on the back as he passed him. Am I too late for bingo?
4
A tumult of emotions ran through Lash as he watched Jeremy step into the room. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that this was his brother, his longtime best friend. He tried his best to shake the vision, no, the memory he had of Jeremy and Naomi.
It was a memory that kept replaying in his head, even after Jeremy left on his so-called break and Lash moved Naomi up to their mountain home. It was of Jeremy handing a wedding band to Naomis father, a symbol of the old days, when the first-born of the household made his intentions for marriage directly to the womans father. Raphael hadnt denied it was a memory.
And Jeremy? He didnt have to say anythingthe look on his face said it all. Lash remembered the expression on his face when he first laid his eyes on Naomi. Lash couldnt shake that look from his mind. Now there he was, acting as if nothing had changed.
Even though Naomi was adamant that all her memories were of him, he couldnt help but wonder if in the past, a past she couldnt remember, she had loved Jeremy. Would that change now that Jeremy was back and she got to know him better? It seemed like everyone loved him, even Gabrielle.
No. He had to believe Naomi would stay true to him, no matter what.
Just as he was about to speak, Raphael floated through the door, his smile disappearing when he took in the expression on Lashs face.
Have we come at a bad time?
You could say that, Lash thought. His eyes followed Jeremy as the golden-haired angel walked toward the one person he wanted to keep all to himself. When Naomi smiled up at him, he fought the instinct to grab her and take her as far away from his brother as possible.
Of course not, Naomi said to him and then turned to Jeremy. So, spill it.
Jeremy paled, and an odd expression flashed across his face. Uh, spill what?
The boots. Rachel said you got a pair, she said, looking down expectantly at his feet.
Jeremy let out a rush of air, and the ever-present grin returned. You bet! He stuck out his foot. Tell me these boots dont rock it.
She laughed. You definitely made some changes while you were gone. I miss your suits, though I love the leather jacket. Is that why you disappeared for so long? Shopping?
Why? Miss me? Jeremy winked.
Lash took a step forward. He didnt like where this was goingnot at all.
Raphael immediately stepped in front of Lash, blocking his way. We all missed you, Jeremiel, he said.
You left so quickly the day after you and Lash... Naomi bit her lip and glanced nervously at Lash. Well, I was hoping you two would talk it out.
That is why we are here, Raphael said. I was given permission to divulge some information to you about our past. Shall we have a seat?
As they gathered in the living room, Lash firmly placed Naomis hand in his. He eyed Jeremy, who sat across from them with Raphael. There was something off about Jeremy. Although he was smiling, he didnt seem happy. The special spark that drew everyone to him was gone. In all the years hed known him, Jeremy had never looked like he did now. It had always been the other way around, where he was the brooding one and Jeremy was by his side, distracting him from whatever troubled him. He struggled between his desire to console his old friend and wanting to stay angry with him.
He watched Jeremys eyes zoom in on Naomis hand as it held on to his, and then quickly look away when Lash caught him staring.
Its easier to stay mad, he thought.
Before Jeremiel left on hisRaphael glanced at Jeremy and cleared his throatextended assignment, I shared with him the information that I had shared with you, Lahash.
Hermano! Jeremy held out a fist toward him, grinning. Dont leave me hanging, Bro.
Lash felt Naomi jabbing him in the ribs. How did she get such a pointy elbow?
He sighed and reached out to fist-bump him.
Naomi beamed. That would explain why you two were such great friends all those years.
Were, Lash mumbled under his breath.
Jeremy frowned slightly as he sat back in his seat. You know I wouldve told you about my assignment if I were allowed.
Yeah, sure. Whatever.
Lash, Naomi reprimanded.
He let go of her hand, scowling. I thought you didnt trust him, and now youre all lets be one happy family. I dont know. Maybe Im better off not remembering the past.
How can not having a memory of your own family be better? Its a part of who you are, she said.
Those are wise words, Naomi, Raphael said, his voice low and with authority. He turned to Lash and looked him straight in the eye. The person you are today is made from who you were yesterday. Your past influences the present, and it is family that shapes your growth.
See, thats exactly what I mean. We all know Im a screw-up. Lash stood up and paced the floor. I only had a few memories shown to me, but they were enough for me to know, to realize that even back then, I was second bestto you. He directed at Jeremy.
Lahash, Raphael stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. Lucifer showed you only what serves to benefit him.
Lash pulled away. No, Raphael. It was more than that. Even before the memories, I felt it. I know you were disappointed with me staying a seraph and getting disciplined after almost every assignment. Jeremy and I both started as seraphs, and within the year he was assigned the position of archangel. And me, well...
Be fair, Lash, Jeremy said. You antagonized Gabrielle even from the beginning.
Lash spun around. You, shut up!
Naomi gasped. Lash!
No, Naomi. You werent there, and you dont know. He breathed hard. He was tired of everyone taking Jeremys side. At the time, I didnt see it. But now I do. I was questioned every step of the way. And Jeremy? Never. We did the same things, but Jeremy was always let off, and me? Im the one who got in trouble. It was as if he could do no wrong.
Thats not true! Jeremy jumped to his feet.
You may be right, Raphael said softly.
Jeremy froze, and Lashs jaw dropped.
The room was a tense silence for a moment before Raphael continued. Please sit down and let me explain.
Naomi tugged Lashs arm. He took one look at the tears glistening in her eyes, and he melted. He hadnt meant to get mad at her. Im sorry. Forgive me?
She nodded.
Sitting by her side, he placed an arm around her and turned his attention back to Raphael.
As you know, Jeremiel is your older brother. As was the custom at the time, the first-born was given rights above all others in the family. He was the heir to what our family owned. With his right as first born, he was to marry before Lahash, and that is where your family came into play, he said looking to Naomi.
She pressed a hand to her chest. My family?
Naomi, Raphael reached over and placed her hand in his. Your first family is from the City of Ai. Your father owned an inn and was a very successful businessman. He was considered to be an esteemed leader of the city. He released her hand and looked to Jeremy and Lash. You two were born of a human mother and an angelic father.
Rebecca, Lash said.
Raphael nodded, and his face grew sad at the sound of the name.
So, were Nephilim, Jeremy said, sitting back down.
What? Naomi gasped. Arent the Nephilim evil giants?
Some of the stories that have been told over the years are not entirely accurate, Raphael said. Just as there are evil people, there were Nephilim who took advantage of their heritage. As for my sons, I taught them humility and respect for all those around them. And, at the time, they did not know they were born half-angels.
I thought all the Nephilim were wiped out? Naomi asked.
Raphael smiled. You know your scripture very well.
Catechism classes every Wednesday. I skipped once, but Chuy ratted me out to Welita. I couldnt sit down for a week. Naomi sighed with a smile on her face, as if remembering.
Raphael took a deep breath as if what he was going to say next was difficult. Among the humans, the Nephilim stood out for their beauty and strength. Many people in the city worshipped them as if they were gods. Jeremielhe threw a wary glance at Lashwas favored above all, both human and Nephilim, for his skill and strength. There were many families who desired to betroth their daughters to him, including your family, Naomi.
That figures, Lash mumbled.
Naomi patted his leg. Its all in the past. Im here with you now.
Looking up at her, Lash brushed his finger across her cheek. Yes, you are. He turned back to Raphael and saw a strange expression on Jeremys face again. He ignored it, not wanting to upset Naomi again.