“I’ll look into registering for the fall and if I can’t go back after the baby is born, I’ll drop the classes. Then I’ll go on maternity leave for the winter semester and start studying for my general exams.”
“That sounds like a good plan. Katherine will be here by the following September.”
“We can have the baby at Mount Auburn Hospital, and decide from there where we want to go. I’m not sure about taking a newborn on a transatlantic flight.”
“Hmm. I hadn’t thought about that.”
Julia wrapped her arms around his waist. “We haven’t thought of a lot of things.”
“Ah, but I have a book.” Gabriel reached over to pick up a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting that was sitting nearby.
“Make sure to mark the place where it talks about transatlantic flights and the likelihood of writing a book on Dante’s concept of Hell while caring for a baby. I’d be interested in reading those sections.”
He tossed the book aside. “Very funny, Mrs. Emerson.”
She pressed herself against him. “If we go to Europe, we’ll be able to visit some museums.”
“That we will.”
“We’ll be able to tango against the wall.”
“We’ll have to bring Rebecca with us if we ever want to have a tango in a museum again.” He pressed an openmouthed kiss to her neck.
“Museums aren’t as accommodating as they used to be.”
His eyes shone.
“Except for our last visit to the Uffizi.”
Now she was blushing.
“That’s what I want for our next anniversary.”
“What? A museum?” He smirked.
“No. Another tango against a wall.”
“Shall we try the Louvre next time?”
Julia felt her insides flame. “That sounds promising.”
He kissed her neck, fluttering his lips against her skin. “We have a lot of good things to look forward to, Mrs. Emerson. But I think we both need to read that book.”
Chapter Seventy-five
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
You’re what?”
A pile of silverware slid from Rachel’s fingers, clattering onto the kitchen island. She stared openmouthed at her best friend.
Gabriel had his arm around Julia as they stood in the kitchen of the Clark family home. Scott, Tammy, and Quinn sat on stools nearby, while Richard and Aaron were deep in conversation near the stove.
“I’m pregnant,” Julia repeated, her eyes searching Rachel’s face.
The room fell silent.
“But, but, I didn’t know you were trying. I thought you were going to wait,” Rachel sputtered.
“The news was unexpected but not unwelcome.” Gabriel pressed his lips to Julia’s temple.
“That’s great news, Julia. When are you due?” Tammy interjected.
“September.” Julia’s hand curved over her slightly protruding abdomen. “We told Dad, Diane, and my uncle Jack last night.”
“I think this calls for cigars. I’m very proud of you both.” Richard shook Gabriel’s hand and clapped him on the back before kissing Julia’s cheek. “It will be nice to have another baby around. Quinn and Tommy will have a new playmate.”
“Exactly.” Tammy followed, hugging Julia, and so did Scott.
Julia looked over at her best friend apprehensively. “Rach?”
“I—” Rachel suddenly closed her mouth. She looked as if she were about to burst into tears.
Aaron wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He murmured something in her ear.
“I’m happy for you,” Rachel managed. After a moment, she embraced Julia and Gabriel together. “I am. I’m happy for you both.”
Julia’s eyes began to water.
“I think we should give the girls a minute. Isn’t there a game on?” Aaron jerked his thumb toward the living room, where the wide-screen television was located.
Tammy, Quinn, and the men quickly retreated, leaving the best friends alone.
“This is a surprise.” Rachel sat on one of the bar stools. “Was it an accident?”
Julia chewed at the inside of her mouth. “Gabriel doesn’t want us using the word accident. He doesn’t want the baby growing up thinking he wasn’t wanted.”
“Of course not!” Rachel appeared horrified. “I didn’t think of it that way. I’m sorry.”
“But, uh, clearly this was unexpected, because we were planning on waiting.”
Rachel’s eyes trained on her friend’s.
“It must have been a shock for you. Are you all right?”
“I was upset at the beginning, but Gabriel has been great. He’s really excited and his enthusiasm is infectious. Rebecca moved in with us, so she’ll help with the baby. I’ve decided to take a maternity leave, and Gabriel is going to do the same.”
Rachel snorted, resting her forearm on the top of the island. “Gabriel is taking a maternity leave? I’ll believe that when I see it.”
“Well, it’s a paternity leave. It’s available to him and so he’s going to take it. They owe him a sabbatical anyway, but he’s deferring it.” Julia sat on the stool to Rachel’s left. “We’re even talking about moving here for part of the year, after the baby is born.”