Page 78 of Embracing Trust

“She wasn’t feeling well, and it turned out her blood pressure was a little high, but she’s doing better now. Everything looks good with the baby too.”

I rub the back of my neck. “That’s good.”

“She’s been resting. And they want her staying plenty hydrated.”

“It’s been hot. She needs to drink water.”

“And since we have all the extra room…you know, no kids at home. Your dad and I put Aubree in the spare bedroom.”

“Put Aubreein?” I can hear the blood pounding in my red-hot ears as I picture Aubree cozying up with my parents in my childhood home. My jaw clenches as I grind my teeth.

“Of course, Ryan. You didn’t think we were going to send her back to North Carolina with a health condition while she’s pregnant with our grandchild, did you?”

“Mom, listen. I’ve got stuff to take care of. I’m not gonna be able to make it over there.”

The other end of the line is quiet.

“Mom?”

She lets out a huff. “Okay.”

We end the call and I flop backward onto my bed. I stare at the ceiling fan as it whirls and wonder how my life can keep getting worse by the minute. Now my nightmares not only invade my sleep, but my life is a nightmare in itself.

Chapter Thirty-three

Julia

This feels like the week from hell—especially the past few days. Although Ryan called and apologized for his reaction when I mentioned I’d done some research about soldiers returning from combat, his words still sting. I’m certainly not the kind of person who holds a grudge, but Ryan has put a small wedge of distrust in my heart. It hurts. I want to be understanding because he’s been through a lot—more than he’s telling me. I hope he will trust me enough to open up about his time in combat.

I worked on some invoices this morning and made a trip to the grocery store. Just as I’m putting away the last few items into my cupboards, my cell phone rings. I don’t recognize the number.

“Hello?” I close the cupboard as the phone rests on my shoulder.

“Is this Julia Crandall?” the woman’s voice asks.

“Speaking.” This is odd. I don’t recognize this number, but they know me. I hold onto the phone and lean against the counter.

“This is Ingrid Spencer-Gillman from the Superior Master Gallery in Denver.”

My heart pounds and my mouth immediately goes dry. “Yes?” I manage to squeak out.

“Congratulations. Your photos will appear in the gallery for our annual Friends of David M. Harvey Photo Contest.”

“Oh my gosh!” I grab onto the collar of my shirt with my free hand. “I’m…I’m…Wow! I don’t know what to say.”

There’s laughing on the other end of the phone. “Wonderful. Wonderful. Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I finally manage to spit out. “I’m thrilled.”

“We chose six photographers to feature in the gallery this year although we had nearly a thousand entries. We would like to invite you and your guests to the official unveiling ceremony in Denver.”

“Oh my. That’s so exciting.” I turn and search the counter for a pen and paper. I take off at a quick pace to my office and sit down at the desk.

“I’ll put an official invitation in the mail today with all the details including date, time, accommodations, etc.”

After Ingrid shares more of the specifics with me and I have a chance to jot everything down, we end our call.

I leap out of my desk chair. “Woo hoo,” I call out to my empty house. “Yes!”

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