Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno)

by Sylvain Reynard

Rebecca continued. “A quick trip to the hospital will put everyone’s minds at ease, including yours.”

  Julia chewed at the inside of her mouth, watching her husband with their baby.

  “First, you need to eat.” Rebecca pointed toward the kitchen table. “Have a good breakfast, take some snacks with you. But you should go to the emergency room.”

  “Agreed.” Rachel approached the women from the other side of the room.

  “Okay.” Julia rubbed her eyes, suddenly very, very tired.

  Rebecca patted Julia’s arm and returned to the oven, where she’d been warming a breakfast casserole.

  “Holy cow! What’s that?” Rachel grabbed Julia’s hand.

  “Gabriel gave it to me.”

  “Look at the size of it!” Rachel cursed under her breath. “It’s beautiful. Wow.”

  Julia grinned at her friend and the pair walked over to the table.

  “So?” Gabriel’s gaze fixed on his wife as she sat next to him. “What’s the verdict on the hospital?”

  “We’ll go after breakfast.” Julia extended her arms in order to take Clare.

  “You eat, I’ll hold her.” Gabriel rearranged Clare in his arms and the baby opened her blue eyes.

  “Why, hello there.” He smiled, bringing his face closer to hers. “Good morning, Principessa.”

  The infant closed her eyes and yawned. And then she looked at her father.

  Julia felt something warm and solid in her middle as she examined her husband. He wore a look of complete devotion as he stared down as his little girl. He was already wrapped around her finger.

  Rachel cleared her throat. “That’s a beautiful ring Jules is sporting.”

  Gabriel beamed with pride as his wife held up her hand for Richard to see it.

  Rachel continued. “Apart from the trip to the hospital, what else is on the agenda for today?”

  Gabriel answered without taking his eyes off Clare. “I’m hoping someone will address the flamingo infestation on my front lawn. The neighbors have been duly notified of Clare’s birth. In fact, I think the Russians can see the infestation from space.”

  Julia snickered into her orange juice.

  “We paid for a week. The infestation isn’t going anywhere.” Rachel gestured with her orange juice. “Next?”

  Gabriel muttered something under his breath, but the edge of his lips turned up.

  “Katherine is supposed to be coming over for lunch, but we’ll be at the hospital.” Julia retrieved a pile of napkins from the sideboard and passed them around. “Should I call and cancel?”

  “No,” said Rachel. “She can have lunch with us. I think she’s hilarious.”

  “She’s remarkable,” Richard agreed, arranging his napkin.

  “Breakfast is served.” Rebecca approached the table, carrying a large, hot dish with oven mitts.

  Richard suddenly thrust back his chair and stood. “That’s heavy. Let me help you.”

  Rebecca seemed surprised by his actions. She blushed a little as he took the oven mitts and the dish from her hands and placed it on a heatproof trivet on the table.

  Rachel blinked her gray eyes, slowly. And then she stared. The air around her seemed to turn to water, muting sound and causing all physical movement to slow down.

  Richard resumed his seat while Rebecca served breakfast.

  When she served Richard, he leaned over and said something to her and she laughed.

  Rachel blinked again and turned her head in order to examine Gabriel and Julia. They were oblivious.

  Rachel’s eyes narrowed on her father.

  A minute later, everyone at the table turned to look at her.

  She bristled. “What?”

  Gabriel cleared his throat. “I just said that we’re having Clare baptized this week, before you go home and Katherine returns to Oxford.”

  “Great.” Rachel’s shoulders straightened.

  “I hope Aaron will come.” Julia shifted closer to Rachel, a wide smile on her face. “We want you to be Clare’s godmother.”

  Rachel nodded, but her expression grew clouded.

  “Please eat while it’s hot,” Rebecca admonished with a smile. She turned to Richard. “I’ll make a fresh pot of coffee for you.” She took his mug and returned to the kitchen.

  “Thanks, Rebecca.” Julia lifted a bite of casserole to her mouth and began eating.

  “Rachel?” Gabriel interrupted her thoughts.

  “You’re having Clare baptized Catholic, but I’m Protestant.”

  “So?” Julia exchanged a look with Gabriel, who shrugged.

  “We’ll make an appointment with the priest.” Gabriel sipped his coffee cheerfully. “And we’ll tell him not to bring up the Council of Trent.”

  “Whatever that means.” Rachel rearranged the food on her plate, but not a morsel entered her mouth.

  * * *

  “My assistant sent over a copy of your chart and we rushed your blood work, so I have those results as well.” Dr. Rubio, Julia’s obstetrician, bustled into the examining room.

  “I’m glad you were the obstetrician on call.” Julia sat nervously on the examination table, dressed in a hospital gown, while Gabriel cradled a placid Clare in his arms.

  Dr. Rubio was an accomplished obstetrician of short stature who had dark hair that was striped with gray and dark, lively eyes. She was originally from Puerto Rico and was much tougher than her small frame made her appear. In fact, she had often clashed with Professor Emerson during Julia’s pregnancy, particularly over the medical directive that he not perform oral sex on his wife. (He had accused her of going to an anti-oral-sex college. She had cursed him in Spanish.)

  “So, what’s happening?” Gabriel’s tone was grim.

  Dr. Rubio sat in an available chair and faced Julia, holding her chart. “Your stitches are healing nicely and the lochia discharge is normal. I know you tend to faint at the sight of blood, and that may have played a role this morning.

  “You have fibroids, as you know, and one of them was cut during your cesarean section. Because we had to give you a transfusion, I rushed your blood work just now in case you had a reaction. But your blood work looks fine.”

  Julia breathed deeply. “What about the fibroids?”

  “We’ll continue to monitor them, but as I told you, we aren’t inclined to remove them unless they become a problem. However, I’m concerned about your weight.”

  Julia touched her slightly rounded abdomen. “My weight?”

  Dr. Rubio leafed through the chart. “I reviewed your weight gain during your pregnancy. You’ve lost quite a bit of weight since the delivery, much more than normal. Breastfeeding uses up an extraordinary number of calories. Are you eating well?”

  “She’s hungry all the time,” Gabriel interjected. “She seemed extra hungry this morning after she fainted.”

  The doctor ignored Gabriel and focused on Julia. “Are you trying to lose weight?”

  Julia shook her head. “When I was in the hospital, I ate what they gave me. And I’ve been eating at home. I tried my jeans on yesterday and they fit, so I’m back to my normal size.”

  “Some women are like that, but it’s rare.” Dr. Rubio withdrew a pen from her lab coat and began writing on a prescription pad. “I’m going to refer you to the hospital dietitian. I think you aren’t eating enough or you aren’t eating the right kinds of food, and so breastfeeding is playing havoc with your blood sugar.”

  She signed the referral with a flourish and handed it to Julia. “If the dietitian can’t fit you in today, she’ll schedule an appointment. In the meantime, be sure to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Don’t skip meals. Don’t skimp on the protein or carbohydrates, but don’t eat a lot of sugary foods or drinks. Try to snack regularly so that your blood sugar doesn’t crash. If you pass out again, come to the emerg
ency room immediately.”

  “Okay.” Julia sighed with relief.

  Dr. Rubio studied her patient for a moment. “How are you feeling emotionally?”

  Julia picked at the paper that covered the examination table. “I’ve felt a little overwhelmed.”

  The doctor nodded. “That can happen. But remember to check in with yourself and if you are sad or anxious for a couple of days, come back. If you’re having thoughts that scare you, come to the emergency room immediately.”

  The doctor gave Gabriel a significant look.

  A muscle tightened in his jaw. He gazed at Julianne protectively.

  “It was good to see you again.” Dr. Rubio smiled and closed Julia’s chart. “I’ll have my secretary schedule a follow-up with you in a couple of weeks. I’m so pleased to see that your baby is doing well. Have you scheduled a checkup with your pediatrician?”

  “Yes,” said Julia. “At the one-month mark.”

  “Excellent. I’ll see you in a couple weeks, but don’t hesitate to reach out immediately if something doesn’t feel right. Until then, take care.” The doctor took her leave and exited the room.

  “She doesn’t like me.” Gabriel practically growled.

  “How can anyone not like the handsome and famous Professor Emerson?” Julia teased, smiling.

  “You’d be surprised,” he muttered. He transferred Clare to her baby carrier, carefully adjusting her hat. “I didn’t know about the baby’s checkup.”

  “It’s in the calendar on my phone.” Julia began dressing.

  Gabriel reached out and placed his hand against her cheek.

  She lifted her face.

  “Copy me on all the appointments—both yours and the baby’s.” His blue eyes were intense.

  “Of course.” She brushed the edge of his palm with her lips. “I just hadn’t gotten around to it. I haven’t even checked my email this week.”

  Gabriel started, for this remark reminded him of something. Something contained in an email.

  He cleared his throat. “Julianne, I need to tell you that—”

  A loud wail interrupted him.

  Julia bent over the crying baby. She placed her hand on the baby carrier and began rocking it back and forth.

  Clare opened her eyes.

  “Let me do that.” Gabriel rocked the baby carrier as Julia dressed.

  She checked her phone. “It’s time for me to feed her again. Maybe we can find a quiet corner somewhere.”

  “Of course.” Gabriel lifted the baby carrier and escorted his wife into the hall.

  This time, he didn’t forget about the important thing he needed to tell her. This time, he simply chose to tell her later.

  Chapter Ten

  Can I bring the rocking chair in here?” Rachel asked Julia. “Or are you going to bed?”

  “Bring the chair. I haven’t had a chance to catch up with you, since we spent most of the day at the hospital.” Julia was holding Clare in her arms. Rachel had just changed the baby and placed her in a clean sleeper before returning her to her mother.

  Rachel set the rocking chair near the bed and retrieved her niece. As she rocked slowly, the child stared up at her in silent fascination.

  Rachel smiled and gently stroked the baby’s cheek.

  Julia paused in front of her dresser, admiring the large wedding portrait of her and Gabriel in Assisi. The picture was positioned next to an older photo of them dancing at Lobby, a club in Toronto. She touched Gabriel’s face, his intense expression. No other man had ever looked at her like that. Gabriel’s attention was fixated and razor sharp. And that had only been the beginning. . . .

  With a secret smile, she opened her jewelry box and retrieved her wedding ring and engagement ring. She compared the pair with the ring Gabriel had given her the night before. It was uncanny how the three somehow matched.

  “You took your other rings off?” Rachel sounded incredulous.

  Julia slid the rings onto her left hand. “My fingers swelled. I was worried they’d get stuck.”

  “Really weird things happen to pregnant women.”

  “Tell me about it.” Julia plucked at the hem of her blue dress. “Sundresses and yoga pants are so comfortable, I may never wear jeans again.”

  “I think Gabriel might have something to say about that.”

  Julia flicked her hair over her shoulder. “I do what I want.”

  “Sure you do,” Rachel teased. She took a closer look at her friend as she stood by the bed. “Turn sideways.”

  “Why?” Julia turned, looking down at her dress. “Is something wrong?”

  “Your bump is gone.”

  Julia pulled the material taut over her stomach. There was a roundedness to her abdomen, but it was slight. “I’m wearing a band. It covers the incision and helps with the stitches.”

  “You’re basically the same size again.”

  Julia frowned. “That’s why my obstetrician sent me to the dietitian this afternoon. Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories, apparently.”

  “And gives you spectacular cleavage!”

  Julia laughed and entered the closet. “Which won’t last forever. But I’ll enjoy it while I can.”

  She changed into silk pajamas and a robe and reentered the bedroom. She plumped the pillows on her bed and reclined, facing her daughter and her friend. “How was your day?”

  Rachel touched the baby’s head. “Fine. I catalogued all the gifts and flower arrangements for you.”

  “Thank you. Gabriel ordered birth announcements with a photo of the three of us. I was going to send them out with thank-you notes.”

  “I can help. Gabriel’s sister Kelly sent a silver frame and a piggy bank from Tiffany. I’ve never seen one before.”

  “She’s very generous,” Julia mused. “She helped Gabriel connect with other members of his family. Their grandfather was an important professor at Columbia. Every fall they have a special lecture in his memory. We missed it because of Clare’s arrival. But I think Kelly and her husband are coming to Clare’s baptism.”

  Rachel’s grin faded.

  Her reaction did not go unnoticed. “We wanted to ask you to be Clare’s godmother privately. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot during breakfast.”

  Rachel lowered her head, allowing her long blond hair to partially shield her face. “Do you think Dad has been acting weird lately?”

  “No, what do you mean?”

  “He practically knocked over a chair this morning trying to help Rebecca with the casserole.” Rachel was indignant.

  “Richard is chivalrous. You know that.”

  Rachel tossed her hair, exposing her face. “I don’t like how she was looking at him.”

  “I didn’t see anything inappropriate,” Julia said slowly. “Richard probably enjoys having someone his own age to talk to. But he’s still grieving your mother.”

  “I thought Rebecca lived in Norwood.”

  “She did. She rented out her house to move in with us. It’s only temporary.”

  Rachel made a derisive noise but didn’t reply. She continued rocking, looking down at her sleeping niece.

  Julia took time to choose her words, fearing she was going where angels refused to tread. “If I saw something romantic in the way Richard looked at Rebecca, I would tell you. But I haven’t. Were they acting weird while we were at the hospital?”

  “No.” Rachel continued rocking and her shoulders softened. “Maybe I’m just seeing things.”

  “Richard spends a lot of time by himself. I know my dad and Diane have socialized with him, but they have their hands full with Tommy.”

  “Dad moved to Philadelphia to be closer to Aaron and me, but we didn’t see him much. So he quit his job at Temple and went back to Selinsgrove. He’s been teaching a class here and there at Susquehanna, b
ut other than that . . .” Rachel’s voice trailed off. “You’re right. He probably needs to get out more. I’ll speak to Aaron about going home more often.”

  Rachel gazed down at the baby and lightly kissed the top of her head. “I love you, little Clare. But I don’t think I can be your godmother.”

  Julia’s eyebrows lifted. “Wait. What?”

  Chapter Eleven

  If anything were to happen to you or Gabriel, I would raise Clare as my own. I hope you will appoint me and Aaron as guardians.” Rachel’s expression was determined.

  “Of course. We’ve already discussed it.” Julia’s mind spun.

  “But I did some reading online. At a Catholic baptism, one of the sponsors has to be Catholic. I can be a witness as an Episcopal, but you need a Catholic to be the sponsor. Since I’m a woman, the Church would require the sponsor to be a Catholic male.”

  “I didn’t know that.” Julia’s voice grew small. “I thought all they’d care about was that you agreed to raise Clare in the Church.”

  “I would, but I can’t be the official godmother. I could be a witness if you appointed a Catholic godfather.”

  Julia groaned. “There isn’t anyone. Just my dad, but—”

  “I get it,” Rachel interrupted. “I’m glad you and your dad are getting along better, but I can see why he isn’t the best choice. My dad is Episcopal, and so are Aaron and Scott.”

  Julia covered her face with her hands. “I’m an idiot. I didn’t know this. I thought we could pick who we wanted.”

  “Here’s the thing: I’m honored you asked me. I can be Clare’s unofficial godmother and her zany aunt Rachel. But you’re going to have to choose a Catholic for the ceremony.”

  Julia dropped her hands. “Our priest is cool. I could ask him to make an exception.”

  Rachel began rocking more vigorously. “No. Honestly, Jules, I’m kind of upset with God at the moment. So I’m not comfortable taking on the responsibility of Clare’s spiritual guidance, anyway.”

  Julia studied her sister-in-law. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I still believe, but I feel I’ve been treated unjustly. My mother died unexpectedly. I want to have a baby, but can’t.” She heaved a great sigh. “It would be hypocritical for me to stand up as a godmother when I have so many doubts.”