Page 59 of Missing Marcus

“I can’t do it,” Gabby admitted honestly. “We can’t even discuss the custody situation without arguing.”

Noticing the agonized expression on Gabby’s face, Kassie struggled to rise from the couch. Victoria stood and held out her hands to pull her up while Bryanna pushed her to a standing position.

She took out the blood pressure cuff from her bag and placed it on Gabby’s arm. Pumping the valve, she listened intently before smiling. “Good job. I’ll send over the readings to Dr. Beecham.”

Victoria glided over and took the equipment from Kassie, making her smile gratefully as she headed toward the bathroom.

“I swear she’s like a male dog. She’s marked her territory within a twenty-mile radius.” Victoria shook her head. “At this rate. We may have to install porta potties around the town.”

“I heard you, ya know. I can’t help it. When one of them moves, the other flip-flops on my bladder,” she complained, smiling and smoothing down her shirt over her belly.

The women smiled at Kassie as she beamed at her stomach.

“Rest and keep hydrated. If you want fresh air, we have beautiful trails. Getting out of the cabin might do you a bit of good. Did you plan on driving with Knight next week? Please don’t think me insensitive, I’m a planner. If not, we’ll need to assign someone to you. Leo will want to know. Maybe Patch can go with you,” Kassie thought out loud.

“I originally planned on driving down to save some money. Now, I don’t have a car,” she admitted. “I’ll make arrangements today. You won’t need to send anyone with me.”

The women turned toward her as if she lost her mind. “I’ll ask Saint to accompany her,” Bryanna informed the group. “You can’t go alone, Gabby. Someone tried to kill you.”

“They don’t know I’m here, much less driving out of state,” she argued. “I’ve already taken advantage of free lodging, food and medical care. The team needs to stay here and focus on figuring all this out. I don’t want to worry about putting my child’s life in danger.”

Kassie sighed as she glanced at Bryanna, sending a silent communication. The women all exchanged hugs before leaving.

“You made a nice set of friends. I can see why you love living here. Everyone feels like family,” Gabby complimented her.

“You’re part of my family, too. I’m worried about you. I’m sorry about not answering your calls. I don’t understand how a man I never met can greatly affect my life.”

“What do you mean?” Gabby rose, went to the fridge and pulled out two more tacos.

“When I met Saint, he visited my bakery daily. We shared tons of chemistry until he finally asked me out. Then I freaked and told him I didn’t date military men. Based on what Marcus told me, I blamed my father and you for my decision. Saint didn’t appreciate my way of thinking. I guess I felt betrayed by my father letting us down and then you supposedly did the same thing. Marcus seemed in such pain when he admitted what happened. Now, I don’t understand how he came to all these conclusions. For my part, I didn’t act like a good friend. I’m deeply sorry for doubting you, Gabby.”

“Please don’t apologize anymore. I’ve forgiven you. This whole thing feels weird. Marcus kicked me out and now I’m living in a cabin on a mountain with him. Poor Jackie. I’m sitting here safe and secure, protected by a team. She didn’t have anyone to fight for her.”

“You can’t hold yourself responsible for what happened. You’re a victim, too. To think they may have succeeded…” Tears welled up in Bryanna’s eyes.

“Please don’t go there. Soon, you’ll have a niece or nephew to fawn over while I spoil your son.”

“Can you believe it? We’re pregnant together, exactly how we dreamed,” Bryanna exclaimed.

“Yeah.” Gabby finished off the second taco, not caring about heating them. “Why don’t you return home? I’m beyond exhausted. I’ll nap until Marcus returns and I figure out how to rent a car. If someone must come with me, I’ll at least have the information ready.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll ask Kassie if you can borrow one of the team’s. You don’t want to put a rental in your name and probably not Marcus’ either.”

“You’ve done enough. I feel like I no longer have control over my life as it is,” Gabby pleaded.

“Fine. I promised Marcus I’d stay until he returned. Go take a nap,” Bryanna gently prodded.

“I’m fine. I feel awful about Jackie. Honestly, I need to spend some time alone. Since the accident, someone’s always here. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I only want a moment to breathe.”

Bryanna sighed and gave her a motherly once over. “Will you call me if you need anything?”

“Yes. What more can I want? I have a bedroom with a stunning view, and tacos. Go home. I’ll be fine. You heard Kassie say my blood pressure went down.”

Bryanna rose and grabbed her purse. She hugged her friend. “Think about what Claire said. Does any of it ring true? If so, don’t you owe it to both of you to put off such a drastic move as divorce?”

“I’ll mull it over. Don’t get your hopes up, Bryanna. I admit I made mistakes. It still doesn’t excuse Marcus’ behavior and how he treated me. I’m not sure if I can forgive him.”

“I understand. Get some rest.” Bryanna nodded as she opened the door and left.

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