He gripped her hips, urging her to increase her pace.
“Say my name,” he whispered.
She gasped as he thrust up inside her.
“Gabriel.”
“Nothing could enflame me the way your voice does when you say my name.”
“Gabriel,” she repeated. “That’s beautiful.”
He pulled her closer, his lips moving across her breasts.
“You inspire me.”
“You’re very intense.”
“Of course I’m intense. I’m with my beautiful wife, having fantastic sex.”
“I feel like we’re the only ones in the world.”
“Good,” he mumbled, watching her as she moved up and down and up and down.
“You make me feel beautiful.”
In response, he licked her breast until she began to groan.
“I love you.”
Gabriel’s eyes grew determined as he urged her to go faster.
“I love you too.”
“I’d be proud to have a baby with you,” she managed, just before lifting her chin and closing her eyes. Her body shook as the pleasure coursed through her.
He continued thrusting, watching as she climaxed. Then he quickened his pace, planting himself with one great thrust before he came.
“I’m glad you joined me in New York.” Gabriel held Julia’s hand as they waited to check in for their flight back to Boston. “I’m sorry we didn’t get to see a show, but at least we saw some of the sights.”
“Gabriel, you braved the crowds to take me Christmas shopping. I don’t have anything to complain about.” She pressed a kiss to his lips. “They’re going to charge us for having overweight bags.”
“I’d like to see them try. It’s Christmas, damn it.”
She laughed. “So it is. Somehow, I can’t imagine you sitting through an entire Broadway show.”
He sniffed. “I’d see Shakespeare.”
“The musical?”
“Very funny. I’d sit through a performance of Les Misérables.” His gaze leveled on hers. “Your interpretation of that novel changed my life.”
Julia looked down at her feet, at the new high-heeled Manolo Blahnik boots Gabriel had insisted on buying her at Barneys.
“I think a lot of things conspired to change your life. I can’t take credit for what happened to you in Assisi.”
“No.” He lifted her hand, stroking his thumb over her knuckles before toying with her wedding band.
“But I wouldn’t have made it to Assisi if you hadn’t helped me first. And I wouldn’t have had the joy of discovering my grandfather if you hadn’t agreed to have a child with me. You’ve given me so much.”
“Tammy said that fatherhood does something special to a good man. I’d like to see what it does to you.”
Gabriel blinked twice, hard. “Thank you, Julianne.”
He captured her smile with his mouth, kissing her until a throat cleared behind them.
Embarrassed, they moved ahead in line, hands woven together.
The Emersons had just cleared security when Julia’s cell phone rang.
“Jules.” Tom’s gruff voice echoed in her ear.
“Dad. Is everything okay?”
The pause on the other end of the line caused Julia to stop walking. Gabriel stood at her side, a questioning look on his face.
Tom cleared his throat. “I’m at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.”
“Oh, no. Are Diane and the baby all right?”
“Diane woke up in the middle of the night feeling funny and so we drove here right away.” Tom paused. “Right now, they have her hooked up to a bunch of monitors but she and the baby are fine. However”—he paused again—“she started going into labor a little while ago.”
“She’s early,” Julia breathed.
“That’s right.” Tom’s voice was tight. “They won’t know how he’s doing until he’s delivered. The doctors say there are lots of things they can’t see on an ultrasound. They might have to work on his heart immediately.”
“Will he need surgery?”
“The corrective surgery is scheduled for three days after delivery, give or take. I suppose he might need surgery before, depending on what they find.”
Julia looked at Gabriel. “We’re at JFK in New York, getting ready to fly back to Boston. Would you like me to come home?”
“Yes. If you can. She’ll probably still be in labor when you arrive, but it would be good to have you here. It’s going to be a long three days and I don’t know if—” He began coughing.
“I’m coming. Okay? I’ll change my flight and head straight to the hospital. I’ll call you when I arrive so you can tell me where to meet you.”
“Okay.” He sounded relieved. “Jules?”
“Yes, Dad?”
“Thanks. See you soon.”
“Bye, Dad. Give my love to Diane.”
Julia disconnected the call and looked up at her husband. His expression was grim.
“I guess I should have spoken to you before I promised I’d go to Philadelphia.” She chewed at the inside of her mouth.
“It’s an emergency. We have to go.”
“We?”
“The baby will be my nephew. And I’m not letting you go by yourself.” He pulled her into his side, leading her through the crowd.
Chapter Sixty-three
Jules?”
Tom’s hand was on her shoulder, trying to awaken her. She was seated in a chair in the Special Delivery Unit waiting room. Gabriel was standing nearby, nursing a very bad coffee.
(Fortunately, he’d restrained himself and elected not to complain to the hospital administration about the sad state of their vending machines.)
Julia opened her eyes, squinting against the overhead light.
Her father crouched in front of her. “We had the baby.”
“Is he all right?”
“They had to do a procedure right away, but now he’s recovering and Diane is with him.” Tom pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and held it out to her. “He’s a good-looking boy.”
Julia scrolled through a series of pictures of a tired but glowing Diane and a mocha-skinned boy who had black, curly hair.
“He’s beautiful, Dad. I’m so happy for you.” She handed the phone back.
Tom looked at the last picture for a moment, his thumb grazing across the baby’s head.
“Thomas Lamar Mitchell. Seven pounds, ten ounces. Born today, December eleventh.”
“I didn’t know you were naming him after yourself.”
“A boy should have his father’s name,” Tom’s voice was gruff. “Anyway, Diane wants to call him Tommy. For now.”
“Then Tommy it is.” Julia glanced over at her husband, who was frowning into his coffee cup.
“You kids should go back to the hotel. I’ll call if anything changes. You won’t be able to see him today. They’re keeping an eye on him, and hopefully they’ll operate on his heart in a few days.”
“Okay, Dad.” Julia wrapped her arms around her father, hugging him. “Congratulations.”
Chapter Sixty-four
So how’s the baby?” Rachel leaned across the dining room table in her parents’ former house.
It was two nights before Christmas. Julia had just rejoined Gabriel’s extended family at the table, after speaking with her father on the telephone.
“He’s fine. I guess it’s normal practice for the baby to remain in the hospital until a month after surgery. He’ll be able to come home in January.”
“That must be hard on your dad and Diane.”
“It is, but they’re staying with the baby. Dad was going to take a leave of absence from Susquehanna, but they gave him family leave with pay.” Julia smiled. “How’s that for a caring
employer?”
“What about the hospital bills?” Rachel lowered her voice.
“A guardian angel is taking care of what the insurance doesn’t cover.” Julia’s eyes flickered in the direction of her husband, then returned to her friend.
“Some guardian angels are so damn sweet.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Gabriel leaned into their conversation.
Julia grinned. “My new brother. I can’t wait to buy him his first Red Sox cap.”
Gabriel made a face. “Your father will burn it. He’s a Phillies fan.”
“He won’t burn a gift from me. I’m the big sister.”
“Sisters are very important,” said Rachel, solemnly. “Remember that when you go shopping for my Christmas gift.”
“I’ll try to do that.” Gabriel pushed his chair back from the table and stood. He lifted his water glass.
Everyone stopped what they were doing, including Quinn, who sat still in his high chair, staring at his uncle.
“We have a lot to be thankful for.” Gabriel’s eyes met Julianne’s and held them. Then he took his time, making eye contact with his siblings and their spouses, and finally, with his father, who sat at the foot of the table.
“Mom had a habit of forcing everyone to say what they were thankful for, during dinners like this. I thought I’d cut to the chase and announce that I’m thankful for my beautiful wife, my new job, and my new nephew, Tommy.”
The adults lifted their wine glasses in response, drinking to Tommy’s health.
“I know that everyone heard the toast I made to Mom at Rachel and Aaron’s wedding.” Gabriel’s voice suddenly grew hoarse. “But I’d like to repeat part of it.”
As everyone at the table indicated their agreement, Julia saw Gabriel’s hand tremble slightly. She quietly slipped her hand into his and was gratified when he squeezed her softly.
“This evening would be incomplete if we didn’t acknowledge the absence of our mother, Grace. Grace was gracious and beautiful, a loving wife, and a devoted mother. Her capacity for goodness and compassion knew no bounds. She was generous and kind and very, very forgiving. She welcomed me into her home. She mothered me when I had no mother, even when I was difficult. She taught me what it is to love someone selflessly and absolutely, and without her and Dad I’d probably be dead.”
Gabriel paused and looked at Richard and Julia.
“Recently, I had the opportunity to find out more about my biological parents, including my Jewish heritage through my father. When I chose to read a passage from the Hebrew Bible at Rachel and Aaron’s wedding, I didn’t know about my background. Now the Scripture is even more meaningful and I can say, as I said before, that it expresses Grace’s love for her family.”
He freed himself from Julia’s grasp and pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket and began to read.
“‘Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so he shall have no need of spoil.
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.’”
Gabriel’s eyes sought Julia’s, and for a moment the world stopped as he saw amazement and love radiate from her face.
“‘She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. . . .
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. . . .
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. . . .
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. . . .
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. . . .’
“I ask you all to drink to the memory of our mother, Grace.”
By the time everyone drained their glasses, there was barely a dry eye among them.
Chapter Sixty-five
December 2011
Near Essex Junction, Vermont
Two nights before Christmas, Paul was working in the barn, deep in thought.
(Parenthetically, it should be noted that he was also deep in something else. Something organic.)
“Hey.”
His sister Heather had wandered almost silently into the barn and was now staring at him, arms folded across her chest.
“Hey yourself.” He continued working, speaking to her over his shoulder. “What are you doing?”
“Chris had to look at one of the Andersons’ horses. They think it has colic. He’ll be out most of the night, so I asked him to drop me off. How are you?”
“Fine.”
“You don’t sound fine.” She stared at him until he met her gaze.
“I’m just preoccupied with my upcoming interviews. I’m meeting with six different colleges at the Modern Language Association convention in January. That’s a lot of pressure.”
“Right.” Heather gazed at her big brother skeptically.
“I have an interview with St. Mike’s. If they hire me, I could help Dad out on the weekends.”
“That’s great news. I’ll put in a good word with St. Michael, himself, asking that he see to it that you get the job.”
Heather cocked her head to one side and listened to the music that was playing in the background. It was a cover of “In the Sun” and Paul was listening to it on repeat, over and over again.
“If you’re excited about your job prospects, then why the hell are you listening to this? I’m ready to slit my wrists already and I just got here.”
He glared at her and began walking in the opposite direction.
She followed.
“I ran into Ali the other day at Hannaford’s.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“Why don’t you ask her out?”
“We go out once in a while.”
“I mean on a date, not as friends.”
“We broke up.” He laid emphasis on the words. “A couple of years ago.”
“Chris wants to go snowboarding in Stowe for New Year’s. He’s going to rent a place so we don’t have to drive back and forth. Invite Ali and come with us.”
“That’s not a good idea.”
Heather reached out and caught her brother’s arm, stopping him midmotion. “Yes, it is. It will be like old times. Ask her.”
“We can’t leave Mom here by herself.”
“That’s why you hired extra help. Virgil.” Heather gave him a toothy grin.
“I’m not Virgil. I’m Dante,” he mumbled.
“What?”
“Nothing.” He turned away.
“Look, big guy, you need to blow off some steam. You’re letting things fester. I can see it.” She grinned at him impishly and tried to tickle him. “Fester, fester, fester.”
Paul swatted her hands away. “If I say yes, will you bug off?”
“Absolutely.”
“Fine. Now get lost.”
“Fine. I’ll make coffee. And when you come to the house, I’ll expect you to call her.”
Heather disappeared from the barn and Paul stood still for a moment, wondering what he had just agreed to.
Chapter Sixty-six
December 27,
2011
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Richard, his children, and their spouses were gathered around the dining room table enjoying dessert and coffee. Rachel was updating everyone on her fertility treatments.
“Yeah, I’m on hormones. But I feel better than I did on the pill. It made me emotional.”
Aaron lifted his eyebrows behind Rachel’s back, and everyone laughed at his incredulous expression. Everyone, save Rachel and Julianne.
Gabriel’s eyes drifted to his wife, noticing that her eyes had narrowed. She began staring so hard at the table that he wouldn’t have been surprised if the wood started to blacken and burn under her gaze.
Suddenly, she pushed herself back from the table and bolted, her chair toppling over. Gabriel righted the chair and excused himself, climbing the stairs two at a time in an effort to catch up with her.
When he reached their bedroom, Julia was pawing through the contents of her nightstand. She pulled the drawer out and dumped the contents on the bed, spreading the items out into a single layer.
“Damn it!” She cursed.
“What’s the matter?” His hand caught only air as she brushed past him.
He followed her into the en-suite, watching her empty her makeup case onto the counter. She tossed items aside frantically, an expression of distress breaching her lips.
“Julianne, what’s the matter?”
“I can’t find them.”
“Find what?”
When she didn’t answer, he grasped her arm. “Julianne, find what?”
“My birth control pills.”
For an instant her panic traveled through him, but only for an instant.
“I’m sure they’re here somewhere. When’s the last time you saw them?”
She blinked, her eyes flickering to the side.
“In Cambridge,” she whispered.
Now his eyes widened.
“Not in New York? Not here?”
“I was on my period just before you left for New York, remember? I should have started a new pack of pills that Wednesday.”