Page 57 of Missing Marcus

He walkeddown the hall to find Gabby locked her door, keeping him from entering. He pressed his forehead to the wood and whispered, “I’m sorry, Gabby. Sorrier than you’ll ever know.” He turned and exited the cabin, waiting outside for his sister to arrive. His stomach twisted in knots when he thought of how he let her down. How can he possibly win back her trust and remind her of the love they once shared? He didn’t know, but he vowed to do everything he could to win her back.

30

Asoft tapping at her door alerted her of her friend’s arrival. “Gabby? It’s Bryanna and my friends. We wanted to check on you. Can you come out, sweetie?”

Gabby rose and let her friend in. Bryanna wrapped her arms around her, as much as their bellies allowed, while she cried out her grief. When she stopped, Bryanna went into the bathroom, wet a cool cloth, and placed it on her friend’s face as Gabby sat on the edge of the bed.

“Come on. Let’s go into the living room. Kassie wants to check your blood pressure,” Bryanna coaxed as she tugged her friend to stand.

“Oh, I didn’t know you brought all the ladies,” she exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell Marcus you made other plans?”

“Because you’re my friend and I’m not abandoning you in your time of need. It’s time you met everyone outside of a medical setting.”

Gabby followed her down the hall. Kassie stood in the kitchen, making tea while an older woman helped her. Samantha sat in the armchair. A woman with long black hair sat in a wheelchair speaking with a pretty blonde.

When they entered, the blonde woman rose and extended her hand. “Hello, Gabrielle. I’m Claire. I’m one of the psychiatrists at the hospital and a friend of these crazy ladies. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

The other woman in the wheelchair smiled. “I’m Tess. I work in the community kitchen.”

“Oh, you’re the one who made those lovely tacos,” she gushed as she sat.

The woman laughed. “I brought you more. Claire placed them in your fridge.”

“Thank you,” Gabby said as she rose to raid the fridge. Kassie entered with four on a plate, already heated.

“Sit and eat.” She placed the food on the coffee table and the older woman brought a large glass of milk.

“I’m Victoria.” The older woman smiled. “If you want more, let me know. Kassie, take a seat before you drive me insane.”

The pretty redhead rolled her eyes and complied, making the others grin.

“They treat me like I’m five,” she complained to Gabby. “In case you didn’t notice, we must have something in the water because almost all of us are expecting, yet I’m the only one she hounds.”

“Didn’t you all work today?” Gabby asked as she bit into the taco, moaned and closed her eyes in appreciation.

“I scaled back my hours since I’m carrying twins. Samantha has hired a couple of master stylists, and they handle her appointments. As you can guess, Tess made the tacos, and Bryanna gave directions to her employees before we left,” Kassie informed her as Victoria handed her a cup of tea. “Victoria acts as my jailer.”

Victoria smiled. “Again, Luv, I prefer to say I’m acting as your conscience.”

“You tattle on me. There’s a difference.”

“If you didn’t do things you shouldn’t, I wouldn’t have to tell your husband. Again, doing what your conscience tells you.” The older woman lovingly smiled toward her.

“Thank you for coming. I’m upset, but I’m trying to remain calm about Jackie. She must’ve been terrified,” she confessed to the group. “I know how scared I felt when the car tried to run me off the ramp. Marcus said he’d ask Saint if someone can track down her sister in Ohio. I hate thinking of her with no family to say goodbye.”

“I’m sure Matthew will locate her sister,” Kassie responded. “This must feel frightening for you. We want to assure you of your safety. Leo’s team won’t allow anyone on the mountain.”

“The team saved me not too long ago. I can attest they don’t give up. If they say they’ll get to the bottom of this, they will.” Tess chimed in. “They recently returned from rescuing Avie and her son, Deni.”

“Shadow even cared for me when I fell in my spa. You’re in good hands,” Samantha agreed as she accepted Victoria’s cup of tea and passed it to Bryanna.

Gabby shrugged her shoulders. “It feels weird. You’re all part of Bryanna’s group of friends. I’ll soon carry the title of ex-sister-in-law.”

“I know my brother acted like a bonehead. Isn’t there any way you can work this out?” Bryanna squeezed her friend’s hand as she sat on the couch, closer to Gabby.

She shook her head. “It’s not that simple.”

The women chuckled together as one before Bryanna spoke up. “Relationships aren’t easy. We’ve all experienced ups and downs. I know I’ve acted like a terrible friend to you and I want to make up for it. It’s why I brought these women here. Maybe if we put our heads together, we can help you.”

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