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“Probably” Gabriel began caressing her lower back “But I have it written into ive me a sabbatical the year after next It was part of their job offer”

“I’d hate to see you waste your sabbatical,” she said quietly

His hand rested in the hollow of her lower back

“What part of spending time with the baby would be wasted?”

“You won’t be able to finish your book”

“I’m sure I’ll have time to write Even if I didn’t, it would be worth it Talk to Cecilia and see what she says But whatever you do, don’t worry I made promises to you, and I intend to keep them”

Julia s out”

He gazed at her intensely “Good”

Chapter Seventy-four

April 2012

So, Julianne, what can I do for you?” Cecilia Marinelli ushered her graduate student into her office, gesturing to a coe desk

Cecilia was just under five feet tall, with bobbed dark hair and blue eyes She was frolish with an accent

“I ca her hands

“Ask” Cecilia gave Julia an encouraging look

“Uood news, yes?” Cecilia switched to Italian, sood news Uh, but I’ of the seed “Then you take maternity leave and return the next year”

“I don’t want to fall behind into take a maternity leave”

Professor Marinelli shook her head “This is not the best idea Normally, in your third year, you would teach in the fall and take your linguistics course plus another class Then you would write your general exams in the winter Since your baby co and courseould have to be delayed until January Then you will be studying for your exams at the same time This is too much” Cecilia’s tone was not unkind

“I didn’t realize that” Julia’s voice sounded shaky and small

“You do what you like, but certainly, I would take maternity leave”

“Really?”

Cecilia sat back in her chair for a s in one see of you in their general exas fair, you take maternity leave for one year Then, you teach and take your classes the following September, and take your exams in the winter Yes, you will be behind a year But you are a good student I think you will catch up when you are writing your dissertation It will be better to be behind a year than to realize ”

Julia’s heart sank as all her plans fell to pieces Frantically, she searched for another solution

“Aren’t some of the courses offered in the summer?”

Cecilia noted her student’s reaction and switched to English “No, I’m sorry”