Page 61 of Missing Marcus

Leo rubbed the scruff along his chin. “No one can guarantee that she’ll be able to forgive you for your mistakes. If it gives you some sense of comfort, you’re sitting among a few men who have done some stupid shit and their wives or significant others managed to see the good in us. You might have a chance if Gabby sees you consistently showing up and doing the work.”

“I don’t even know what she needs anymore. Gabby’s become self-sufficient,” he admitted. “She refused to even accept comfort from me.”

“Dude, she has a baby on the way. Get some books on what a mom goes through. Do not take any advice from Leo. Don’t tell her youplanto show up, show her,” Patch encouraged him.

“I tried to show her today by giving her half the money from the sale of the house. She refused to take it and made me agree not to halt this divorce.” He sheepishly peered at the men. “I made her life hell and only wanted her to feel secure. She doesn’t need to give birth and return to work because she’s worried about the money.”

Saint huffed. “I bet it went over like a lead balloon. From what Bryanna mentioned, you handled all of her physical needs. Gabby doesn’t want your money. She’s spent months stressed out about raising a child on her own because you refused to give her your time. It seems like you missed out on some important occasions. They didn’t cost money. She only wanted you.”

Knight’s mind raced as he saw his past actions through Gabby’s eyes. The times when he returned, she asked him to watch a movie or try to keep certain dates open. Now, he knew he missed her graduation, her birthday, and their anniversary, the last of which occurred in two days. He let the hurt and pain she must’ve felt flow through him, taking it all in, and noticing his mistakes.

“Gabby and this baby represent the most important things in my life and I can’t let them go without a fight. We have a wedding anniversary in two days. We’re supposed to appear at the courthouse next Friday for the divorce. How can I convince her to hold off? I need help.”

Leo nodded. “First, you need to work on yourself. If she wants the divorce, there’s nothing you can do. It’s not a death sentence. It may be what you need to start over with a clean slate. Talk to Claire. I’ll call Kit Kat, my wife, and see if the women can meet with you. They can provide some insight on how to show Gabby you plan on sticking around. Whatever you do, don’t remind them about their out-of-control hormones or how much they're eating. It gets you into a shit ton of trouble. Take my advice.” He stood, dismissing the men and headed to his office.

Whiskey picked up all the dishes and took them to the dishwasher. “It may seem daunting at first. Facing your own demons has a way of sucking the life out of you. Come to the meetings for support. Patch and I will attend with you if you want company. When you feel the rage building, conjure Gabby in your mind to remind you of what you’re fighting for. It’s a lot of work and self-reflection, but the prize waiting on the other side makes it worth the journey.”

Knight nodded. “Thanks. How do I reach Claire?”

Patch stood. “Come on, brother. Follow me over to the hospital and I’ll introduce you.”

Knight rose and glanced at Saint, who gave him a wink of encouragement. He swallowed down the fear of discussing what haunted him. If he must face it to earn Gabby’s trust, he’d face the beast and slay it. He only hoped his actions didn’t come too late.

Claire smiledas Patch knocked and went in when she told him to enter. She rose, walked around her desk, greeting Patch. Knight lingered by the door, feeling the anxiety rise higher as Patch turned to introduce him.

The pretty woman smiled and warmly took his hand. “Hello, Knight. It’s nice to finally meet you. Feel free to take a seat anywhere and I’ll be right with you. Let me put my things away.”

He stood frozen to his spot. Scanning the furniture felt like a test, as if sitting in a specific one determined the course of his visit.

“Hey, asshole. She said sit down and you can at least say hello,” Patch growled out.

“Patch,” the blonde’s tone held a warning.

The man rolled his eyes heavenward. “Claire,” he mimicked. “He’s acting rude.”

Claire’s eyes shot fire as she smiled sweetly and took Patch by the arm. “Or maybe he’s a bit nervous and you’re not helping. I’ll see you at home,” she ordered as she held open the door for him to leave.

Patch narrowed his eyes, promising her retribution, but the spunky doctor refused to back down. When he walked through the opening, he turned to say something, and she promptly shut the door in his face and locked it.

“Now, where were we? Oh, please take a seat. It’s not a test. I want you to feel comfortable.” She waved him down as she grabbed a small notebook. Seeing him still standing, she took a seat on the couch. Knight’s eyebrow raised as he regarded her selection of places to sit. Didn’t she expect him to lie down or something?

She chuckled as he lowered himself to the cushy armchair.

“I’m Knight. Saint’s my sister’s husband. He suggested I come talk to you. You’re with Patch?” he asked incredulously. “He has some serious issues.”

Claire giggled. “It’s a good thing he’s engaged to me. He needs a twenty-four hour shrink.”

Knight laughed. “He’s an…”

“Asshole. It’s the word you’re searching for. Don’t worry, you haven’t offended me. In Patch’s case, I think I hear it on a daily basis.”

He had to give it to her, she knew how to make someone feel comfortable.

“Let’s get down to why you’re here. I’m working in the blind. Patch asked me to fit you in. Can you tell me why he thinks you need my help?”

“I…uh…met with the guys earlier. They thought I might suffer from PTSD or something,” he replied uncomfortably.

“What do you think?” Claire asked as she dug into a fridge, pulled out two water bottles, and handed him one.

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