JACOB and Rachael

Well, why did I marry Leah?

I remember that after I talked with Laban, I was anxious to see Rachael. It was our plan. I can feel even now her hot breath and mine as I rushed to tell her that Laban had agreed. Of course, we knew he would. Her sisters knew that he would. Even before I talked to Laban Rachael's mother couldn't stop hugging me a little too tight and a little too close. She was also fond of taking my face in her hands to talk to me, which habit I quickly discouraged. Laban's wife was a large woman, nearly six foot, I'd say and heavy. She was nothing athletic but her mind was especially keen as was her heart keen of love for her family. I guess if we were all animalls, she might have been a grand red hen or a big brown mama bear. Huggy but toothy, too. When she smiled though, she mostly hid her teeth.

I wanted to surprise Rachael with a gold ring I'd gotten from merchants I'd visited earlier. I was sorry it was so small. I did not have much money. I left home with nothing. But really I left with everything because, I stole all the good there was to have. Truthfully, I just was selfish ahd cruel towards my brother Eseau and I managed to steal his dreams. How? By making sure I achieved them first. I had all his strength and mine. It left him very little else. It left him angry. I left home rich but, broke.

I asked Rachael to stroll with me to a place that I knew was special to her. A place called they called Meado. We held hands as we pushed up the steep hills that led us to an open spot between two tall forests of trees. From the height we could see the many tents and the people busily moving across the land. At our distance it was quiet and we were alone. In my hand was the ring I had hidden from her until then and now I showed it to her.
"Rachael, this is for you." I was on my left knee. When she took it, I fell to both knees and worshipped her with my body.