Page 10 of Missing Marcus

“Fine. I’ll let you take me out. Kassie set Tess up with a work table in the kitchen. Before you leave, we’ll see what she’s created for meals. We can send you with a few take-home ones. They’re delicious and already prepared; you pop them into the oven.”

“Sounds great. I’m still learning. Gabby always loved cooking. I can make a few things, but not enough to say I’m competent. I guess I’ll have some free time now.” Knight gazed at the floor.

“Let me cajole Nugget away from her new toy and get her shoes on and we can leave,” Bryanna changed the subject.

He nodded as the lump grew in his throat. Every time he imagined he came to terms with his soon-to-be ex-wife, some innocent thought, like coming home and finding her in the kitchenpreparing him dinner, sent him stumbling, and his heart stopped beating for a full minute before it recalled its job.

“Uncle Knight, we’re ready,” Nugget called as she ran into the room, carrying her backpack and a pillow.

Bryanna drove to Samantha’s house and he watched as the two women exchanged hugs before his sister returned to her vehicle. Happiness for Bryanna filled him as he realized she found a secondary family in Serenity. The women seemed to embrace her into their inner circle and it appeared as if Samantha and she bonded over their pregnancies.

“Let’s eat. I’m starved,” she exclaimed when she slid into the driver’s side.

Knight glanced out the window, watching the scenery pass by. A short time later, Bryanna pulled into a parking spot in front of the restaurant.

As they entered, Ty greeted his sister and shook Knight’s hand as she introduced them. He led them to a table and a few minutes later, a waitress returned with a healthy snack for Bryanna while they waited on their meals.

As he watched his sister devour everything in sight, amusement filled him as her eyes lit up as the waitress set a dessert menu on the table.

“How can you get excited over a dessert menu when you’re a baker?” he teased.

Bryanna shook her head. “Pregnancy defies all logic. For the first few months, I couldn’t bake in the bakery because the smell made me nauseous. When the second trimester hit, I fixated on anything with carbs and sugar. I woke Saint at 0400 in the morning for orange sherbert and ginger snaps. When we didn’t have them, I made enough for the entire town.”

“I’m happy for you,” Knight whispered. “I always believed they say things to glorify pregnancy, but you truly have taken on a soft glow. You and Nugget appear close, too.”

“Thank you. Let’s address the elephant in the room. How’s things with you?” Her forehead wrinkled in concern.

“It’s tough. But I’m adjusting. Living life alone feels a hell of a lot better than living with a cheater.” Knight wiped his mouth with a napkin and set it on the table. The mention of his marriage suddenly spoiled his appetite.

“When do you finalize the divorce?” she asked softly.

“The end of July. It feels as if it can’t get here fast enough,” he breathed out. “I want it finished. Then, I can get on with my life.”

“Have you heard from Gabby? She stopped calling me.” Bryanna searched the menu.

“No. I imagine I won’t see her until we finalize the divorce,” he admitted.

“What happened? You could’ve knocked me down with a feather when you told me about the divorce and that she cheated.” Bryanna gazed at him. “Gabby never gave me an inkling of her being capable of doing such a thing. I’m honestly disgusted at her after knowing how our father cheated on our mom and lived a double life.”

“I returned from my deployment. Things grew tense between us every time I spun up. I planned to return home and confront her about it. I found her in our bedroom with another man when I walked in.” Knight glanced around the restaurant, refusing to meet his sister’s expression. If he showed his feelings to Bryanna. She’d hunt Gabby down and demand answers, but he didn’t know how to feel if he discovered her responses.

“What did she say?” she asked surprised.

“Nothing. I asked how long she cheated and she said since I knew everything, I should know,” he lowered his voice.

“What the heck does that even mean? How can you know anything when you served your country halfway around the world,” she bit out angrily.

“We don’t need your blood pressure skyrocketing. I’m doing fine. It’s an adjustment, but I survived and I’m ready to move on,” he assured her.

“Knight, you’re not even divorced. Don’t you want to sort out your feelings before getting involved with anyone else?” she asked.

“I guess my feelings for her aren’t as deep as I believed. She barely crosses my mind these days. Gabrielle and I turned into nothing but a huge mistake. We enjoyed a few good times together, I admit. But the moment she slept with someone else, it outweighed even my best moments with her,” Knight murmured. “How about we check out the community kitchen and stop by your bakery? I’ve got a craving for almond cookies, and I know my sister didn’t let me drive all this way without sending me home with her famous cookies.”

Bryanna grinned. “Come on. I believe I might find some already boxed up in my kitchen. You’re lucky I love you,” she teased.

Knight sent her a grin as he helped her scoot out of the booth with her expanding belly. He didn’t feel lucky, because it reminded him his sister remained the only person who felt anything for him.

7

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