Chapter 80

"If it's all right with you, I thought we'd leave for Seattle about two o'clock Christmas Eve," Hannah said, interrupting his thoughts.

"Sure," Riley answered, cutting a fat link sausage with the side of his fork. "That'll be fine."

"Dad's anxious to see us both. I've missed him."

Riley nodded, preoccupied. "It might be a good idea if we go shopping soon for a crib and whatever else we're going to need."

"Already?"

"I'd like to have everything set up for the baby before the middle of January."

"Why?" She stopped eating, setting her fork down as she studied him.

The apprehension in her eyes ate at him like battery acid. "I'll be away again. This time until April."

She swallowed tightly. "The baby's due the middle of March."

"I know. I won't be here, Hannah. I'd give anything to be with you, but I can't."

"I…know," she admitted reluctantly. "But don't worry, I'll be fine. Cheryl volunteered to be my birthing partner… but I wish it could be you."

"I wish it could be, too." More than she'd ever know, but it wouldn't do any good to stew about it. Several of his peers had become first-time fathers while out at sea. He'd do it, too, although it didn't sit right with him to have Hannah go through the delivery and birth without him there.

"Would you like to do some Christmas shopping this afternoon?" Riley asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Her nod was eager. "I love Christmas. I guess I'm just a little kid at heart."

"We all are when it comes to receiving presents," Riley murmured. Until recently he hadn't a clue what he should buy for Hannah, but he'd inadvertently stumbled upon the perfect gift for his wife. Now, all he had to do was keep it a secret for the next three weeks.