No Woman So Fair by Gilbert Morris

asked, “Do you think it does any good to pray, Abram?”
    He was silent for a time as they walked slowly down the street, then said, “I have come to believe that this stone goddess cannot hear our prayers. I know somewhere there’s a true God who is not made of stone and who does hear us…and I’m going to find Him no matter how long it takes.”
    When they reached the house, Sarai said, “Let’s not go in right away. It’s too early.”
    He followed her into the garden, where they talked on into the night, Abram keeping his usual safe distance from her. Finally Sarai turned her uplifted face to his. “Don’t you like me at all, Abram?”
    And then Abram, the son of Terah, put his hands on her shoulders and said what was on his heart. “Sarai, you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I think you’re the most beautiful woman in the world.”
    Sarai had heard many compliments from men, but never before had she felt a man speak to her with such simple honesty. She saw a light in his eyes that he had kept hidden from her, then felt his arms go around her. His kiss made her knees go weak as he drew her close. She had always had power over men, yet for the first time she felt helpless in a man’s embrace. Her heart was lifted to a height she had never before experienced, and deep inside she knew this was the one man she could love for the rest of her life.
    Abram lifted his lips from hers and watched her beautifully fashioned face in the moonlight, then put his hand on her cheek and whispered, “I love you, Sarai.”
    â€œI didn’t think you even liked me,” Sarai whispered. “I’ve got such a terrible temper, and I behaved awfully.”
    â€œI think I loved you from the first time I saw you.”
    She laughed suddenly and put her hand over his as he held it on her cheek. “When I was all covered with mud?”
    â€œYes, even then.”
    Sarai waited for his proposal of marriage, but he was silent. “What’s wrong?” she asked quietly.
    â€œI don’t think I’d make a good husband.”
    â€œWhat do you mean? Of course you would.”
    â€œPeople say I worry too much about religion. My family’s afraid I’ll wind up like my crazy grandfather.”
    â€œDon’t worry about what other people think. I think you’re good, Abram, and you’re honest.”
    â€œWould you have me, then, as your husband? I know you could do better.”
    She reached up and kissed him again, then leaned back, a sparkle in her eye. “You know, I’ve often threatened to buy a handsome slave and make him into the kind of husband I want, but now I won’t have to do that. I can just make you into what I want.”
    â€œI believe you could.” He ran his hand over her black hair, sweet smelling and soft. “I’ll always love you, Sarai.”
    â€œEven when I’m old and skinny with gray hair?”
    â€œEven then.”
    She smiled, feeling full and complete in his embrace. Finally she drew back and laughed joyously. “Let’s go tell everyone, and let me handle the dowry, Abram. I’ll gouge Garai until he squeals!”

Part Two
The Marriage
    [Abram] said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon.
    Genesis 12:11 KJV

Chapter 5
    Abram had yielded to Sarai’s plea to have the wedding at her home. He had not found it hard to persuade his parents and brothers to attend the wedding. They gladly traveled to Uruk and were staying in the guest quarters at Garai’s home.
    â€œThis will be a good time to settle some business matters.” Terah nodded with a satisfied expression as he and Metura dressed for the ceremony.
    â€œNo, it will not,” Metura said firmly. “It’s the time to celebrate the joy of our son in finding a good wife.”
    Terah stared at Metura, who very rarely stood against