An Engagement in Seattle - Debbie Macomber [73]
“It’s true.”
“You might have told me. I played an important role in this event.”
“Yes, I know, it’s just that…” She realized she’d left him standing in the hallway outside the condo. Opening the door wider, she said, “Come inside, please.”
“You weren’t going to tell me about the baby?” He was frowning.
“Of course I intended to tell you!”
“When?”
“Would you care to sit down?”
“No, just answer the question.”
Julia ignored the demand in his voice. “Would you like something to drink?”
“Just answer the question!”
“There’s no reason to yell. I was going to tell you, how could I not? This baby is as much a part of you as of me. How could I keep something this important from you?” She hoped that would appease him.
“That’s my question exactly.” Alek’s hands were knotted into fists at his sides. Julia wanted to think that meant he was restraining himself from holding her—not simply expressing his frustration.
She started to walk into the kitchen. He hesitated, then followed her. She poured a glass of water for him and then one for herself and set them down on the kitchen table.
“Anna knew?”
“No. I couldn’t tell her. I was afraid she’d say something to you.” Her explanation didn’t satisfy him; if anything, his scowl darkened.
Julia pulled out a chair and sat. Alek did, too. Avoiding his probing eyes, she lowered her gaze to her water glass. “I’m drinking two quarts of water every day now. Eight full glasses… I’m keeping track of my intake on that sheet on the fridge.”
“The baby needs water?”
“In a manner of speaking, I guess, but actually it’s me the doctor’s concerned about.”
“Why is the doctor concerned?”
She hadn’t said this to alarm Alek. It was just conversation, a way to ease the tension between them. “I’m perfectly healthy, Alek. Don’t look so worried.”
“Then why is your doctor concerned?”
“That’s her job. She keeps a close eye on my health and the baby’s. So far I’m having a perfectly normal pregnancy. That’s what my doctor says. So does the book.” She reached across the table for the manual she’d read from cover to cover three times over. “Junior’s doing just great.”
“Junior?”
“That’s what I call him…or her.”
The anger had faded and in its place Julia saw a love and devotion so deep it wounded her. To think she’d abused that love and mistrusted his word. Her throat grew thick. Tears filled her eyes.
“Julia.”
She looked away. “Don’t worry, it’s all part of this pregnancy thing. I’m very emotional. The other night I started crying over a TV ad.” She didn’t tell him it was the one for Phoenix Paints. The tears had come because she’d realized how much she missed her husband.
Alek passed her his handkerchief.
“Thanks.” She dabbed her eyes. “Look on page fifty-three. It explains why a woman’s more likely to cry when she’s pregnant.”
Alek flipped through the pages until he found the one she’d mentioned. He scanned the text and nodded.
“How have you been feeling?”
She shrugged. “All right, I guess. I don’t get sick in the mornings the way most women do. I usually get nauseous around three-thirty in the afternoon. I don’t know why I bother with lunch since it comes right back up again.”
“Have you had any other problems?”
“No,” she was quick to assure him. “Actually, I’ve been feeling great. And the nausea should be over soon.” She smiled. “You’ll be proud of me. I’ve been eating well, with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.” She stopped when she noticed the way he was staring at her. “Is something wrong?”
Alek’s eyes left hers and he shook his head. “Never mind.”
“No, tell me, please.”
He hesitated and Julia felt a jolt of fear. She’d read about this, in the very book that rested on the table between her and Alek. Some men were turned off by their wives during pregnancy.
“You are more beautiful than ever,” Alek whispered.
Julia bit her lower lip and a sigh trembled through her.
“That disappoints you?”
“I’m not beautiful, Alek. Judging by the way Jerry and my assistant