Page 102 of Missing Marcus

“How soon until you arrive?”

“Two minutes. Gabby will need to use the restroom,” he reminded Patch.

“Bryanna and Edie brought snacks and drinks for the trip. Kassie brought over pillows and blankets. We’ll leave as soon as Gabby’s ready.”

Marcus glanced at Gabby, who appeared as overwhelmed as he felt.

Gabby greetedBryanna as they entered the facility and Marcus went over their route since Patch and Shadow planned to follow them, per Leo’s orders. Bryanna led them into the kitchen and handed her a to go cup of warm tea and a plate of toast.

“I assumed with the early doctor’s appointment, you might not have eaten. Here’s your premeal and we packed your breakfast in the cooler.”

“I can’t do this. I’m divorcing him. I can’t ride in a van with my soon to be ex for hours,” she rushed.

Bryanna stayed silent while Gabby breathed, trying to collect herself. “Breathe, Gabby,” Bryanna soothed. “Can I ask you something?”

“What?”

“I saw how you and Marcus acted toward one another at the shower. He kissed you and I didn’t see you resisting. My brother’s not perfect. Marcus seemed to take care of your needs and I felt the chemistry between you.”

Gabby licked her lips. “I’ll always care about him. He hurt me.”

“I know.” Bryanna paused. “You’re insisting on going through with this divorce despite caring for the man and carrying his child. Why does it seem as if you’re doing it to prove something to Marcus? I’m not saying you don’t have the right. It seems as if you’re conflicted about it and don’t want to consider any other options.”

“It’s not about me anymore. I must think about what’s best for my child. I don’t want this baby to feel like I did,” she admitted.

“What about Marcus? He says he’s trying to right the wrongs. I’m not condoning his behavior. But haven’t you noticed a difference in him?” Bryanna asked.

“He’s trying for the baby. He agreed not to make waves. If he saw me on the street and I never got pregnant do you think he’d be trying so hard to change things? He refused to even speak to me without his lawyer,” Gabby argued. “I can’t forget what happened between us.”

Bryanna sighed. “No. I imagine it hurts too much to forget. Have you considered forgiving? I’m not saying you should. I’m playing devil’s advocate. If you still have feelings, don’t you owe it to yourself and the child you share to at least postpone any major decisions until you understand how you feel?”

Gabby placed her face in her hands and closed her eyes. “You don’t understand. He ripped out my soul. I thought he loved me and he did all these things…I can’t stay with someone wondering if he misconstrues something else, I’ll get kicked out of the house and I don’t want to ever feel like this again.”

“I can’t tell you what to do. Regardless of your decision, I’m still your friend and won’t freeze you out. My brother made mistakes and I understand they hurt you. If you need to talk, I’m here,” Bryanna assured her.

“Thanks,” Gabby murmured as she rose from her chair and Bryanna gave her a gentle hug. She used the bathroom and carefully washed her hands, avoiding getting her cast wet. In one more week, she got rid of the annoying thing. When she opened the door, Marcus appeared. His face held a rigid expression but he avoided her eyes as he glanced away.

“We’re ready to leave,” he said quietly.

She followed him out of the facility, noticing he didn’t reach for her hand or place his hand at the small of her back. She sighed as she realized she’d never feel his touch again in three days.

Marcus walked into the building,intent on escorting Gabby to the van and getting her settled. As he approached he heard her speaking to Bryanna. He hesitated knocking as he heard the desperation in her tone.

“You don’t understand. He ripped out my soul. I thought he loved me and he did all these things…I can’t stay with someone wondering if he misconstrues something else, I’ll get kicked out of the house and I don’t want to ever feel like this again.”

He inhaled sharply as he realized she spoke about him. The joy seeing his child for the first time and Gabby allowing him to handle their current problem of transportation and her safety blew right out of him at her words. He did those things to her. Marcus hoped she noticed the differences between him from the past and the one standing before her now. He knew he still needed to work on himself and make amends for all the pain he put her through, but what did it matter if she refused to allow him in?

He stepped back to return to the waiting vehicles when she opened the door. He glanced away. “We’re ready to leave,” he barely choked out. She followed him toward the exit and let Patch settle her in as he got into the driver’s seat.

“All right, beautiful. Butthead will drive you. Shadow and I will follow you halfway. Then Wolf’s team will meet us at the first hotel and take you the rest of the way. We’re taking different vehicles and no one knows you’re leaving. There’s nothing to worry about,” Patch assured her. “We’re accompanying you as a precaution.”

Gabby glanced at Marcus, who stared straight ahead. His jaw ticked and he gripped the steering wheel. She turned back to Patch. “Thanks. I’m ready.”

Patch closed her door and patted the vehicle’s roof before sliding into a black truck behind them.

The air seemed to thicken as they drove off the mountain. She placed her purse in the back.

“I put your overnight bag in the backseat. I know your e-reader and other items you might want are in there. If you need to stop, please let me know.”

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