When the time came to marry Rachel, Laban prepared a big feast. When the feast was over, Jacob went back to his tent to wait for Laban, who was going to bring Rachel to him. Seven years was a long time to wait for this beautiful woman and he’d had to take many cold showers, or at least have buckets of coldwater poured over him. Eventually Laban arrived, but before he handed his daughter over, he asked Jacob to blow out all the candles. Jacob thought this was a bit of a gyp  ‘cause he really wanted to see her naked. But he didn’t want to dampen the mood, so he blew out all the candles. Then Laban handed over his daughter.

Jacob said, “Hello my love.  Are you nervous?” But there was no reply.  Jacob was a little puzzled by the lack of response, but he took her hand and guided her to his bed. As they sat down together Jacob said, “My dearest Rachel. I have waited so long for this moment. I love you so much.” But still there was no reply. Jacob was a little taken aback by his new wife's reticence, but he was undeterred and started taking off her clothes.

Something else seemed odd, though. As he ran his hands over her body, he was surprised that he hadn’t noticed how heavy she'd gotten. “Rachel,” he said. “Have you put on weight?” There was silence. This was becoming irritating. But Jacob decided to put it all aside and have a wonderful night of sex with his new wife.

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