Page 25 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
“That’s good, right?”
He nodded.
“I’m sure you’ll make it to the hospital in time.” Seeing that there was little she could do to relieve his worry, she did her best to sound positive.
“I appreciate your assurance.” He rubbed his fingers through his already disheveled hair.
“If you need anything, let us know.”
“Thanks, but I doubt there’s much anyone can do at this point. Lilly and I took birthing classes, so we know what to expect. It’s early yet. On our last doctor’s visit, she said the baby should arrive right on time. Now this. From what your friend said, this is early stages, right? So even if the repairs take another couple hours, I should make it to the hospital in plenty of time for the birth.”
“That’s reassuring,” Avery said, although James didn’t sound the least bit confident.
Harrison got up and walked to the cafeteria. He returned in short order and handed James a cup of coffee. “I thought you might need this.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
Harrison accepted James’s gratitude. “You’re going to need the caffeine, as it’s bound to be a long day and night.”
James grinned as he tasted the hot coffee.
“Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl?” Avery asked.
James shook his head. “We decided we wanted to be surprised.”
“Names?” Avery asked next.
“Nicholas for a boy and Noelle for a girl. We wanted to keep it simple and in line with the holiday. Lilly’s due date is January fifth . . . If the baby is born early, we’ll get a tax deduction,” he added.
“Everything is going to be fine,” Harrison said and turned to Avery, seemingly about to ask her something, when Olivia approached, skipping, with a big smile.
“Hello, Olivia,” Avery said cheerfully. It must be difficult for the little girl to be confined for hours on end.
“Hello.” She looked at Harrison. “Is he your boyfriend?”
“Not yet,” Harrison answered before Avery had a chance to. “But I’m working on it.”
Olivia laughed. “You’re silly.”
“Yes, he is,” Avery agreed, and frowned at Harrison.
If she noticed, Olivia didn’t say anything. “I want you to come and meet my daddy. He was on the ferry. Mommy and I didn’t even know it.”
Avery glanced over to where Beth sat. Sure enough, there was a man in the seat beside her. The two sat stiffly, looking straight ahead.
“Can you come?” Olivia asked, and held out her hand to Avery.
“Sure thing.” Avery stood and followed the girl back to where she had first sat before moving to be near Harrison.
“Daddy, Daddy,” Olivia said, tugging Avery closer.
“Yes, pumpkin,” he said, smiling at Olivia.
“I want you to meet my new friend. She has a pretty name. It’s Avery.”
“Logan Sullivan.” Logan stood and exchanged handshakes with Avery.
“I’m so sorry,” Beth interjected. “Is Olivia pestering you again?”
