Page 25 of Missing Marcus

Knight shrugged. “She says the baby’s mine. If she’s telling the truth, Gabrielle will be the mother of my child. I hold a duty to protect her.”

Saint regarded him before speaking. “Your sister and I made our share of mistakes and went through some misunderstandings initially. According to Bryanna, you spun up more than usual. A friend of Matthew’s says you didn’t stay with your team. You shipped out separately from them. Which tells us you worked on a special assignment. We’ve seen a fair share of those ourselves. It can wreak havoc in a marriage. Between secrets you can’t talk about, missing important dates, and the length of your separation, these take a toll on a rock-solid marriage. Did you ever consider Gabrielle’s point of view?”

No, because I didn’t do the job I signed up for.“I provided Gabby with everything she needed, a beautiful home, a nice car, and access to money. She didn’t want for anything.”

Saint rubbed the back of his neck and let out a shrill whistle. “The Serenity women will have a field day with you, including your sister.” He clapped his hand to Knight’s shoulder. “Buddy, you’ve got a lot to learn about women.”

He scowled. “It doesn’t matter. Gabby cheated on me. After everything, she did the one thing I’d never let slide. I’m not the one in the wrong here.”

Saint leaned back against the desk. “It takes two in a marriage. Sometimes people make mistakes. Did you talk to her about it? Maybe ask her why. I’m aware of the damage your father caused. Believe me, Bryanna suffered because of his choices in life, even if he played no real part in hers. It makes me wonder if you might carry a few hang-ups. Gabrielle will be welcome in our home because you asked for a favor from your sister, and she has a soft spot for you. Maybe this will give you a second chance to salvage your marriage before it’s too late. I suggest you go home and decide how to proceed. I’ll care for Gabby.”

“I want to make sure she’s all right. She doesn’t know you,” he argued.

“Our friend Kassie will ensure she’s comfortable and already requested nursing care for her at our home. No one will get to her there,” Saint reassured him. “It’s best if you go home and sort your shit out.”

Knight stood. Leaving Gabrielle in the hands of another felt wrong. Yet, in a few months, he planned to divorce her. He could forgive her for anything except infidelity.

“Yeah. Can I get a ride back to my vehicle?” he asked.

“It’s best if you leave it there. We’ll have it towed to a garage and put it inside. Leo said you could take one of our cars. I suggest you not piss him off.” Saint moved toward the door.

“Hey. Will you tell her I’ll come by in the morning to check on her?” Knight asked. “She mentioned a few things. I need to find out what she’s hiding. Gabby’s supposed to stay calm and I don’t want to question her tonight. She’s been through enough.”

“I agree.” Saint nodded.

“Thank you. I know it doesn’t appear like it, but I appreciate it.” Knight extended his hand.

Saint shook it. “Figure your shit out.”

He opened the door and Knight followed him into the kitchen. When he approached the team, he swiped his hand down his face.

“I’m heading out. Thanks for dropping everything. I appreciate you helping.”

The men nodded, yet Knight felt the judgment radiate offthem. Unease filled him as he walked to the exit. He glanced down the hall where Gabrielle rested. He struggled between leaving or barging inside the room and comforting her after the day from hell. In the end, he left. After all, what could he possibly offer her that he hadn’t given her already? She crushed his heart beyond repair and he refused to give her another chance.

15

Feeling slightly better after her two-hour nap, she watched the scenery fly by as Saint drove her to his and Bryanna’s home.

Knight left her with strangers to care for her and the lump in her throat refused to go down.

Saint smiled as he pulled into the driveway. A little girl stood on the Victorian-style home’s porch, jumping up and down. A minute later, a pregnant Bryanna walked outside to join her. Misery hit her as she gazed at the woman she considered one of her best friends. They always talked about having kids. She and her best friend wanted them close in age. Bryanna appeared slightly further along than her, yet she’d never get to enjoy the experience of their children bonding together.

Saint opened her side of the truck and gently helped her out. As if attending an execution, Gabby slowly walked the steps to her former best friend.

Bryanna smiled slightly and nodded, tension radiated from her.

The little girl, who Marcus called Nugget tugged on her pants. “Hi. I’m Miya. Sometimes, my friends call me Nugget cause it’s my favorite food.”

Gabrielle smiled. “I’m Gabrielle, but my friends call me Gabby. Probably because I like to talk too much. Thank you for letting me visit you.”

“Oh, my mama said you can’t be alone. She says you’re gonna have a baby like her. Do you know what you’re getting? I’m getting a brother,” Miya replied dejectedly. “Mama says it doesn’t matter. We’ll love him anyway but I wanted a sister to play with like my friend Melody.”

“Oh. Boys can be fun, too. Did you know your dad took me on a helicopter ride today? I’ve never ridden in one before,” Gabby explained.

Nugget twisted her little mouth as she gave Gabby’s suggestion some consideration. “I got to ride in the helo. After Emma rode in it twice, Aunt Kassie asked Uncle Leo to give us one. LJ’s crazy about helos,” Miya took her hand and led her inside. “He hooted the entire time. I hope my brother doesn’t act like him.”

Gabby smothered a chuckle. “Each person likes different things and it makes them excited. What’s your favorite thing to do?”

---