The night before, she'd trifled with the idea of putting it on for Riley. She hadn't, caving in to her insecurities instead, convinced her pregnancy was too advanced to be sexy.
Sexy. She smiled to herself. Women who were nearly six months pregnant weren't seductive looking no matter what they wore to entice their husbands. No, the peach gown wouldn't work at this late date. She needed something else – something that would convince her husband she wanted him. Only she wasn't sure what.
"Hannah?" Riley knocked politely at her door. "Are you up?"
"Not yet," she answered, surprised that he was.
"You'd best hurry or you'll be late for church."
He was right, although she hated to crawl out of a toasty bed. She didn't have time to dally this Sunday. After Riley had gone to sea, she'd joined the church choir and had been asked to sing a solo for the first service.
With a limited wardrobe to choose from, Hannah shed her nightclothes and slipped the olive-green street-length dress over her head and adjusted the waistband. In another couple of weeks, she wouldn't be able to wear this one, either. Sighing, she ambled out to the kitchen, pleasantly surprised to find the coffee brewed and waiting for her.
"You're up bright and early," she said to her husband, bringing down a mug.
He nodded, more interested in reading the Sunday paper than conversing with her. Hannah watered down her coffee with a generous portion of milk, then carried it into the bathroom with her while she worked her hair into a French plait.
When she'd finished, she went back into her bedroom for her coat. Normally she fixed herself something small to eat – a piece of toast with a piece of fruit – but she didn't want anything to coat her vocal cords before she sang.
Buttoning up her coat, she reached for her purse, prepared to leave the house. As she walked through the living room, Riley set aside the morning paper and stood. He was dressed in slacks and a sweater.
"You ready?" he asked.
"Yes." Hannah wasn't sure she understood. It wasn't until they were in the car that it dawned on her that Riley meant to attend the church service with her.