In a surprising turn of events, Julia had stood her ground. She even threatened to go to The Washington Post and tell them that Simon had sent his new girlfriend to blackmail her. The senator would not have been pleased.
At the time, Natalie seemed skeptical that Julia would carry through on her threat. But she must have changed her mind. There was no evidence that the video had been shared or posted anywhere. It was as if they’d given up.
Julia wondered occasionally why she hadn’t heard from them. But she decided to count herself lucky and simply accept her good fortune.
Seeing Natalie now, Julia expected her to be rude or aggressive. She expected Natalie to offer veiled threats or innuendo. Instead, she appeared agitated, shifting her weight back and forth and glancing at the door. It was as if she were afraid of something.
Julia didn’t see any intimidating people in the restaurant or outside on the sidewalk. She wondered what was bothering Natalie. And why her smugness and superiority had been magically eliminated.
Deb gestured to her daughter to wait.
“It was good seeing you, Jules. I hear your dad is getting married again.”
“Tomorrow, yes.”
“Never thought he was the marrying kind. I guess old age will do that to you.”
Julia lifted an eyebrow. Deb was at least as old as her father, if not a year or two older. But she had no wish to be drawn into a confrontation.
“Let’s go.” Natalie tugged on her mother’s arm, and the two women walked toward the door.
Julia watched their departing backs with the distinct sense that she was missing something. Something important.
“Aren’t you exhausted?” Rachel leaned over the kitchen island two days later and rested her head on her outstretched arm. “We were out late the night of the rehearsal dinner, and out late last night at the wedding. I need more sleep.”
Julia laughed as she shucked corn for dinner. “I guess it’s a good thing I had a nap this afternoon.”
Rachel rolled her eyes. “Sure you did. Gabriel said he napped this afternoon, too, but he’s never napped a day in his life. I doubt he naps when you’re in bed with him.”
The color rose in Julia’s cheeks, and she focused intently on the corn as she changed the subject. “The wedding was beautiful. I can’t believe I got to dance with my dad at his wedding.”
“I don’t think I have the energy to celebrate your birthday tonight, Jules. I’m sorry I’m a bad friend.” Rachel’s voice was muffled by a yawn.
“Why don’t you go and take a nap?”
“I tried. Like you, my husband followed me. Ergo, no nap but lots of babymaking.”
Julia snickered. “How is that coming along?”
Rachel slumped forward dramatically. “I need a vacation.”
“From babymaking?”
She groaned, eyes shut.
“Yes, damn it. We’re having sex all the time but I’m not getting pregnant. It’s depressing.” She opened her eyes and rested her head on an upturned hand. “I need a break. Let me come and visit for a few days. I won’t be a bother, I promise.”
“I thought you wanted a baby.”
“I do, but at what cost? I never thought I’d say this, but we’re having too much sex. I’m beginning to feel like a machine.”
“Good God, what have I wandered into?” Gabriel’s eyebrows knitted together as he entered the kitchen from the back porch.
“Nothing. Your sister is just worn out. Rachel, skip dinner and go lie down in our room. You can join us for dessert.”
“Really?”
Julia waved a cob of corn in the direction of the stairs. “Go.”
Like a shot, Rachel was off her stool and flying through the door.
Gabriel watched her departing form and shook his head. “Tell me we aren’t going to be like that.”
“We aren’t going to be like that.” Julia pressed a kiss to his temple.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
“You convinced me to pursue a reversal, no matter what. And you’ve almost convinced me that my family history doesn’t matter.”
“It doesn’t, sweetheart. Believe me.”
He took the corn out of her hand and set it aside before clasping her hands in his.
“We can’t get our hopes up. It’s been almost ten years since my vasectomy.”
“I’d be happy adopting. But for your own sake, I want us to try. Eventually. And with less drama than what we’re seeing with Rachel and Aaron.”
Gabriel laughed and pulled her into his arms.
Julia snuggled against him, her mouth opening wide into a sustained yawn.
Gabriel eyed her with concern. “Why don’t you go and take a nap?”
“There’s too much to do.”
“Nonsense. Richard is reading a book on the back porch and Aaron is snoring in front of the television. I think we’ll be having a late dinner.”
“I gave our room to Rachel.”
“Then use the couch in the study.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. “They worked you pretty hard at the rehearsal and the wedding. You could use a nap.” He winked. “Since you didn’t have one this afternoon.”
Julia kissed him and exited the kitchen.