Gabriel's Promise (Gabriel's Inferno 4)

“What about my maternity leave? I contacted Greg Matthews and Cecilia yesterday, telling them I wasn’t coming back this year. Won’t they be upset I’m missing classes next semester, but going to the workshop?”

Gabriel snorted. “I’m sure Cecilia supported your invitation. Greg Matthews will send out an announcement to your department, bragging about you.”

“I hope so.” Julia pushed her shoulder-length hair behind her ears.

Gabriel took her hand. At six feet, two inches, he was much taller than she. His large hand toyed with her wedding rings. “I’ve been worried about the aftermath of Toronto and how it would affect our careers.”

“Sweetheart,” Julia whispered. “I didn’t know you were still worrying.”

“You had enough on your mind. But Wodehouse’s invitation shows you are already making a name for yourself, even as a graduate student.” Gabriel’s blue eyes glittered. “That’s my girl.”

Julia beamed. “Thank you.”

Gabriel twirled her in a circle and dipped her, her laughter ringing out. “I had an interesting email this week, as well.”

“What?”

Gabriel retrieved his cell phone from his nightstand. “You may want to sit down.”

“Why?” Julia sounded alarmed. “What happened?”

Wordlessly, Gabriel scrolled through his email and handed the phone to Julia.

She read the screen.

And then she brought the phone closer to her eyes and read it again. And again.

“Holy shit.” She lift

ed her head, her mouth hanging open. “Is this—is this what I think it is?”

Chapter Fourteen

Gabriel took the phone from Julia and quickly put on his glasses. He read aloud,

“The University Court of the University of Edinburgh is pleased to invite you to deliver the annual Sage Lectures in Literature in 2013. The Sage Lectures were founded in 1836 at the bequest of Lord Alfred Sage. The Lectures take place annually, usually in the second term.

It is customary for the Sage Lecturer to arrive on campus in the first term of the academic year and then remain in residence while delivering the Lectures in the second term. We invite you to be our Sage Lecturer in residence during the 2013–2014 academic year.”

He scrolled down. “Compensation, accommodation, airfare, publication, media, et cetera.”

Julia sat on the edge of the bed, stunned.

Gabriel peered over the rim of his glasses. “Darling?”

“The Sage Lectures,” she whispered. “I can’t believe it.”

“I can barely believe it myself. I must be one of the youngest lecturers they’ve ever invited.”

“When did they email you?”

“The day we left the hospital.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Gabriel frowned. “You were upset that day. I was going to tell you the following morning, but then we were at the hospital.”

“You could have told me last night.” Her tone was reproving.