Chapter 86

Leaning Forward, Riley reached into his back pocket and handed her a handkerchief. Slowly, as though she feared what she'd find, her gaze sought his.

Riley hurt. What man wouldn't? But his concern at the moment was more for Hannah. For the loss she'd suffered, for the pain she experienced being forced to rip open the half-healed wounds of her grief.

By the time the testimonials were finished and the plaque unveiled in Jerry's honor, Riley was ready to weep himself. Weep with frustration and anger. Weep because the comparison of his life and Jerry's was so striking. It was all he could do not to haul Hannah out of the church. And escape himself.

He wanted to make a quick getaway, but as soon as the service was over, several friendly folks crowded around them, looking for an introduction. Their eyes were curious as they noticed Hannah's stomach, but no one said anything.

Hannah amazed him with the warm way in which she handled the potentially disastrous situation. She looped her arm around Riley's, smiled adoringly up at him and introduced him with such pride and devotion that she fooled even him. Anyone listening would have thought their marriage was the love match of the century. It was left to him to complete the picture, and for her sake, he did the best he could.

How well he succeeded remained to be seen.

It seemed to take forever before they could escape. Riley turned his back on his father-in-law who stood in the vestibule, bidding the last well-wishers a joyous Christmas.

"I'm going to kill him," Riley muttered under his breath as they walked out the side door of the church.

"How could he do that to you?" The tracks of her tears had left glistening streaks down her cheek.

"I'm sorry, Riley. So sorry."

"What have you got to apologize for?" he demanded brusquely.

"For Dad. He'd never do anything to intentionally hurt one of us. He simply wasn't thinking. I'm married to you now, and he doesn't realize you even know about Jerry. Dad loved and misses him still. Jerry was as much a son to him as my brother, and he's still grieving."

"He might have warned you."

"Yes. I'm sure he intended to, then simply forgot."

Hannah could offer a hundred excuses, but it did damn little good. Riley claimed a few minutes to himself, making the excuse that he wanted to check the car. He did that, then walked around the block until the sharp tip of his anger had worn off. Then and only then, did he return to the house.