Page 117 of Missing Marcus

“Only you can decide if you’re making the wrong decision. Knight sought help because he realized he hurt you. It’s not a guarantee life will come out smelling like roses if you call this off. PTSD causes long, hard days. It means communicating on the rough days and sometimes, we can’t. Serenity and the people here, we won’t let him go through it alone. The biggest question for you, Gabby, is, do you love him enough to stay? He admitted what happened between the two of you. You’re the reason he chose to fight. Don’t stay with him if you can’t forgive because I’ll ensure he has a support system. Do what’s right for you and the baby.”

“Thank you, Patch.” Gabby hung up the phone.

Abe opened the door. “It’s time. Knight rode with Wolf and Cookie. Mozart and I will escort you into the courtroom.”

She nodded and handed her bag to Abe. Mozart smiled as he helped her into the car and they drove to the courthouse. Each man flanked her as they walked up the steps. Her heart pounded in her chest and she fought back the tears. Did Marcus go through this alone to protect her? Why didn’t he talk to her about his feelings? She rolled her eyes. Because he didn’t want her to worry.Damn Alpha Male

They rode the elevator to the second floor and Abe motioned for her to sit on a bench along the wall. Her eyes scanned the crowd for her husband. She wanted to see his face.

“Gabby and Marcus Hutchins,” the clerk called.

Abe helped her stand on her quaking legs. In a few minutes, she’d sign away her name and no longer be married, as if they never existed. Abe guided her to the right side of the courthouse, where she caught a glimpse of Marcus. He stared straight ahead, his hands stayed gripped tightly together and his jaw locked in place. He didn’t turn to search for her, yet she knew he felt the exact moment she walked in because she felt him.

The judge moved the papers before him and addressed them. “We’re here today for the dissolution of the marriage between Gabrielle Cherise Hutchins and Marcus Andrew Hutchins. I’ve read the filings, and everything appears in order. Does anyone have anything to add?” He peered at the couple.

“No, your Honor,” Knight choked out, keeping his word, while he stared straight ahead. He resembled a man who stood waiting for his execution. Only Gabby held the key to set him free.

“I do, your honor. I’m pregnant with his child and request we delay the proceedings for six months to work out a custodial agreement,” she called.

Knight turned startled eyes toward her.

He didn’t hearwhat she said. No. He did, but he didn’t believe it. Marcus spent the morning practicing his no contest to the divorce and she threw a wrench in it. He turned, his gaze searching hers.

“We’ll set the court date for six months from today’s date. You can see the clerk to get it scheduled. I encourage you to devise a solution on your own. Good luck.” The judge handed over their paperwork and called his next case.

She walked to the end of the aisle, and Knight took her by the arm and led her out of the courtroom.

“What do you think you’re doing? You wanted this. I’m prepared to let you go,” he stammered.

She walked beside him until they reached a secluded corner as Wolf’s team barred anyone from seeing them.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the PTSD? Why didn’t you seek help when you came home from those missions? Help me understand how you can let me go without fighting for us?”

“Because I let you down. I caused you too much pain. We can’t go back.” He shook his head. “Gabrielle, you should’ve gone through with this.”

“You’re right, Marcus. We can’t go back but can we move forward? Will you fight for me and Tiger? I don’t know what all’s involved, but we have six months to work on it. I know you won’t be magically cured or anything. You’re wrong, Marcus. We need you. I don’t need you to provide for us or give me stuff. We need you by our side because we want you. I want you. More importantly, I love you.”

Knight’s hands held his knees as he bent and sobbed quietly. She swiped away the tears, not allowing anyone to see her knight at his weakest. All along, he fought the battle and drowned for her and she thought he left her alone. Now, it was her turn to save him.

Knight stood and cupped her face. “I love you, Gabrielle.”

She gripped his wrists and smiled through her tears. Her heart soared as if he set it free. “Wolf?”

“Yes, Gabrielle?”

“Can you drive us to meet Knight’s team? We’re ready to go home.” Gabby stared into his eyes and rubbed her hand along his scruff.

“Do you want to set a date with the clerk before we leave?” Knight asked.

She shook her head. “No. I made my vows as a military wife and I plan to honor them as long as you promise to fight. I don’t see a need to waste the court’s time.”

He pulled her close, kissing her cheek, her ear and her hair. “I won’t let you down.” Knight held her hand as the team took them to their vehicle.

Wolf drove them to meet Shadow and Patch at the halfway point. The men shook Knight’s hand before leaving them. They hugged Gabby and smiled. Knight put his arm around her as they walked to their hotel room.

“Do you need to eat?” Knight asked as he opened the door.

“Yes. Please order me whatever you’re having,” she said as she entered the room.

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