“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 emergency 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.”