Page 105 of Missing Marcus

“Hmmm,” Patch mulled over her statement. “Remind me again why I’m driving you to get a divorce?”

Gabby’s smile disappeared.

“Marcus admitted his mistakes to us. It makes me wonder how a man who seemed overprotective and concerned for your safety became irrational and angry.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t say irrational.”

“Does it seem normal to you that a husband flips out because of a few shrubs and a tree in his front yard?”

Gabby stared out the window. No. It didn’t seem normal. But what did it mean?

Marcus staredat the minivan ahead of them. He took the calming breaths as Claire taught him and stared out the window.

“Do you feel better now?” Shadow asked. “What happened up there?”

He frowned. “I overheard Gabby talking to Bryanna. She said she’ll never forget what I did. It made me realize I did this all for naught.”

“No. You did it to become a better man for your child and to seek the help you needed,” Shadow reminded him.

“I know. It seemed like we started making progress, and then I heard her say she can’t get past it.” He sighed. “It’s best we get divorced, focus on the baby and I’ll continue therapy with Claire.”

“Last I checked, divorce doesn’t mean never. Did you ever consider she might change her mind once she sees you stepping up?”

“No. Don’t get me wrong. I deserve this. When we went to the mediator, my brain set out on one mission, to destroy her. I didn’t even consider talking to her or giving her a chance to explain. I know the truth and I regret it. She has every reason to leave me.”

Shadow frowned. “You’re giving up? Did you talk to her about the changes you’ve made in your life to ensure you don’t do this again? Did you explain why you’re in therapy?”

“Why? It doesn’t change anything. I hurt her.” Marcus sat back and closed his eyes. Confusion plagued his mind. He recalled his last session with Claire after watching the babies all day.

“You did a great job today, Knight. Even when Grace continued to cry, you stayed patient. You’re a natural,” Claire complimented him. “Patch tells me we’ll soon be neighbors. I can’t tell you how relieved Patch feels. The neighbor watched him suspiciously after I screamed twice when he startled me. She never liked him.”

Knight grunted, “Go figure.”

Claire laughed. “Tell me about you and Gabby. How are things going?”

He shook his head. “I’m confused most of the time. We kiss. The day the bastard gave her the drug, she asked me to stay with her when she went to bed. One thing led to another. I stopped it. She believes I do everything for the baby.” He ran his hand across the back of his neck.

“Have you told her you love her?”

He shook his head again. “Gabby won’t believe me. I hurt her when I did love her. How can she forgive me?”

“Love has the capacity for many things. I can’t promise she’ll forgive you. If you consistently show up for her, she’ll feel more secure and possibly let down her guard. She’s expecting. Right now, her focus remains on the baby. Her body’s changing, she’s probably as confused as you are, and with the criminal investigation, she’s worried. I suggest you keep things light until after the baby arrives. Give her time to settle, help her, and when the time feels right, then approach her.”

“Patch told me you two didn’t get along before getting together. Trust me, I didn’t doubt him. I almost think you need a head shrink. How did you do it?” he asked.

“We did struggle. Ultimately, you find a way when you have a love worth fighting for.”

The love was still there. He felt it stir inside him whenever she walked into a room, laughed, or gazed into his eyes. They seemed to hold back what they wanted to say, afraid it might lead to another fight like countless times before. Then, sometimes, he wanted to blurt out, “I love you. Will you please forgive me?” Fear held him in check. What if she said no? Anything felt better than hearing her say she no longer loved him.

They stopped four times. He allowed one of the other men to escort her to the restroom each time. Patch frowned in his direction and Shadow mumbled under his breath. Gabby shot him a hurt expression but didn’t attempt to speak with him.

Shadow turned into the hotel and shut off the truck. “Wolf has fake ID’s for the next hotel. We used our names for this one. You and Gabby have a room with two beds. They only have one other room with a king-size on the floor we requested beside each other. You’ll have to suck it up.”

Marcus sighed. They must face each other at some point. The time apart gave him a moment to consider how to approach her and control his emotions.

When he got out, he walked toward the minivan and opened the door to help her. Dark circles appeared under her eyes and she seemed on the verge of tears.

“The hotel has a restaurant. I already called ahead and they have tacos. As soon as we settle into the room, I’ll call down and order them.”

---