I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins

the back, they were off, bouncing and jostling, Augie fighting to keep from landing in Sofia’s lap. He loved her giggle.
    Finally they reached the Siq, where crowds had gathered, and soon the shambling carriage was the only conveyance in sight.
    â€œOh, Augie!” Sofia said, “it’s beautiful!”
    The entire length of the narrow passageway, lit by the sky during the day but pitch black at night, had been lined with candles stuck inside paper bags. The eerie pink glow reflecting off the red-rock walls guidedthem all the way to the end, where they found hundreds more of the lights scattered before the treasury building and throughout the city.
    â€œIt’s called Petra at Night,” Augie said. “And you can see why so many people line up to experience it.”
    â€œI sure can, but I wouldn’t want to do this on foot. Those people must think we’re royalty.”
    â€œAren’t we? I thought you were Helen of Troy. That makes me Brad Pitt. Or something.”
    At the base of the high place Augie told her, “You can go first and I’ll shine the light on the path from behind you. It’s steep and can be treacherous, but just keep moving. When you need a break to catch your breath, let me know.” He pointed the flashlight at their destination high in the distance. “It’ll take a while, but we can do it. Just stay close.”
    When she started up, Augie was impressed by the muscles in her long legs. “I think I’d rather shine the light on you,” he said.
    â€œDr. Knox! We don’t know each other that well.”
    â€œI’ll behave.”
    Sofia stopped occasionally, bending at the waist and resting her palms on her bare thighs, breathing deeply.
    â€œYou okay?” Augie said, offering her a bottle of water.
    â€œJust need to refuel.” She drank deeply and started up again.
    â€œHey,” Augie said, “before you get too far, look down.”
    Sofia turned and gasped, scanning the ancient city lit by all the candles. “That may be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
    â€œAnd you come from one gorgeous country. I promised you wouldn’t regret this.”
    â€œNo matter what, I won’t. Bet you wish you weren’t weighed down by that sweatshirt. I’m sweating.”
    â€œWe’re not at the top yet, girl.”

    Sofia gave him a funny look. “Well, then let’s get going, boy.”
    Augie took the lead. He had always found the last part of the climb the toughest, and he was relieved to finally get to flat ground and reach back to help her up. He led her to an outcropping where she sat on a rock to catch her breath. “When you’re ready, I’ll show you the altars,” he said. “You’ll see where the blood of the animals drained, where they put the coals, everything.”
    Sofia lowered her head and breathed deeply. Finally she stood, hands on her hips. “I’m so glad you talked me into this. You can say, ‘I told you so.’”
    â€œJust happy you’re enjoying it,” he said, shining the light in her face, making her cover her eyes. “You have the best smile.”
    â€œYou make me smile,” she said.
    After he showed her the altars he shone the light down into the valleys.
    â€œI could stay here all night,” she said.
    â€œYou’d be lonely.”
    â€œYou’d leave me here?”
    â€œIt’s been a long week,” he said. “I need my sleep.”
    She laughed, then crossed her arms and rubbed her biceps. “Oh, no! I didn’t want you to be right.”
    â€œAbout?”
    â€œNow that I’m up here, I’m cooling off.”
    Augie set the light down and pulled the sweatshirt off his waist. “No, that’s yours,” she said. “You planned ahead. I didn’t.”
    â€œDon’t be silly,” he said, slipping behind her and draping it around her