The Stonecutter: A Herod Chronicles Novella Read Online Free PDF

harvest celebration. The normal busyness of the farm was multiplied many times, with neighboring families arriving to share in the festivities.
    Ten women had joined them, with more to come. Conversation flowed. The men were gathered around the new press, talking and gesturing with vigor. Children raced to and from the orchard, playing and laughing.
    Her nephews were extra-boisterous, pestering their mother to take them for another walk in the orchard. “Mother, please,” four-year-old Achan begged.
    Two-year-old Raziel toddled over and threw his chubby arms around Alexandra's neck. “Raziel eat.”
    Alexandra sighed and hugged Raziel. “I'm sorry my darlings, but your mother is more tired than usual.”
    Mary hopped to her feet. Alexandra hadn't slowed down a bit when she carried Achan and Raziel, but this babe was wearing on her. It was difficult not to worry. “I'll watch the boys. You should go inside and rest.”
    Alexandra smiled. “Thank you, dear. A small nap sounds wonderful.” She patted Achan and Raziel on the head. “Be good for Aunt Mary.”
    Mary held out her hands and the boys rushed to her side. She laughed, her heart soaring at the feel of their chubby, sticky fingers clamped around her hands.
    Two of the neighbor women helped Alexandra to her feet. She swayed and put a hand to her forehead. “I feel a bit dizzy.”
    Mary's mother, who always seemed to be everywhere at once, swooped in, putting a steadying arm under Alexandra's elbow.
    Mary tightened her grip on the boys’ fingers. “Is the baby coming?”
    Alexandra rubbed her distended belly. “Not yet. But the babe is sitting lower. I don't think it will be long.”
    Mary's mother frowned. “When did your ankles and hands swell like melons?”
    Alexandra held out her hands. “They were fine this morning. Of course, I haven't been able to see my feet in months, so I can't say for sure. I hope you are not going to fret over me, Rhoda.”
    “I'll fret if I want to,” Mary's mother scolded, leading Alexandra inside.
    Mary didn't hear Alexandra's reply, but was relieved when she heard her mother chuckle. Her mother wouldn't be laughing if she believed Alexandra was in danger.
    Achan tugged on her arm. “I want to go play in the orchard with the other boys.”
    “Eat, eat,” Raziel chimed in, pleased with the newest word he'd mastered.
    Mary led the boys to a wooden table spread with bowls of fruits and breads and olives and roasted nuts and much more.
    She helped Achan find the fattest, reddest apple.
    Small hands stuffed with food, Raziel grinned and held his arms aloft. “Up, up...” the rest of his words were garbled.
    “What did he say?” a laughing voice asked.
    Mary scooped Raziel off his feet, and smiled back at Cephas. “I don't know.”
    Achan made a face. “He wants an apple. Raziel always does what I do.”
    Mary tousled Achan's curly hair. “That's because you are the best brother in the world.”
    Achan exhaled a long sigh. “I try my hardest.”
    Cephas plucked three shiny apples from a basket and held one out. “I'll join you on your walk.”
    She bit her lip. “There's been no good time to speak to Nathan, Alexandra, and my mother. Between the labors for the harvest celebration and the—”
    “There's no need to apologize,” Cephas said softly.
    “But you said your patience had limits.”
    “Your smiles tell me I have reason to hope. Do I?”
    Her mouth went dry. She nodded.
    Achan hopped in place impatiently. “Running in the orchard is fun,” he announced to Cephas.
    Cephas wagged his brows at her. “Your aunt got very irritated with me the last time I ran through the orchard.”
    “Did she cry like this?” Achan threw himself on the ground and kicked his hands and legs.
    Cephas grinned. “Not quite, but...”
    She laughed and had a hard time remembering why, just a short time ago, she'd found his interest in her so alarming.
    Raziel wiggled to get down. She set him on his feet and he raced off.
    Cephas's