Riley couldn't be more pleased at this turn of events. His own father-in-law had inadvertently laid the groundwork Riley had been impatiently waiting weeks to arrange. Hannah and he would be sharing a bed for the first time since their marriage nearly three months past. It was all Riley could do not to wear a silly grin.
"Will you be joining us for the candlelight service?" George Raymond asked Riley once he was back downstairs.
Personally, Riley hadn't given the matter much thought. He'd been attending services with Hannah for the past few Sundays and was surprised to find church wasn't nearly as bad as he'd assumed. The sermons had practical applications to everyday life. He listened carefully, hoping to gain insight into Hannah's personality. And into his own.
"Hannah told me you'd been going to church with her lately," George added, wearing a proud look, as though he'd always known his daughter would turn Riley's life around. "I'm pleased to hear it."
Riley nodded, swallowing down a sarcastic reply; but one good turn deserved another, and his father-in-law had gotten Hannah into his bed – a feat Riley had been attempting for weeks. Christmas Eve candlelight service, however, seemed above and beyond the call of duty.
It wasn't until they walked the short distance from the parsonage to the white steepled church that Riley understood why George had made an issue of inviting him to the service. It would be the first time Hannah had been home since their wedding. With them married short of three months and her pregnancy apparent, there was sure to be stares and a few harsh questions.
Riley's arm tightened around Hannah's shoulders; he wanted to shield her from gossip and candid looks. He was grateful when they sat toward the front of the church, away from discerning eyes.