Page 65 of Missing Marcus

“Something else.”

“What?” Claire cocked her head and waited for his answer.

Knight’s hand clenched the arms of his chair, trying to maintain his calm. “I’m worried about what’ll happen if we go through with this divorce. After the way things have gone, I’m stressed she’ll shut me out.”

“You think she’ll keep you from seeing the baby?” Claire reiterated.

He shook his head. “No. She doesn’t possess a mean bone in her body. She’ll allow me access to our child. I overheard her ask Bryanna if we can use her as a drop off point. It’s not the relationship I want to have with her.”

“Have you discussed parenting with her? When a woman gives birth, her needs change. Most of their priorities focus on their newborn. Do you feel it’s a good time to discuss your relationship with her?”

Marcus swiped his hand over his face, appearing frustrated. “Then how do I repair this?

“Even now, she must consider the changes in her life. Her body, for example, changes constantly. Her feet may swell, her back aches, or her emotions swing from happy to sad in seconds. Did you pick up some books on parenting or pregnancy?”

“Saint loaned me a couple. He advised me to ignore anything Leo recommends about childbirth. It surprised me. He runs the team with precision. They move as one, think as one and defend as one.”

“You sound as if you admire the trait. Didn’t you feel the same with your other team? Leo’s a great leader and will do anything to protect his family. He even saved me. He goes over the top for his family. It’s done out of love.”

“No. We started out close. Toward the end, I pulled away. When I accepted the assignment, we rarely spoke. They covered my absences with Gabby, making excuses for when I didn’t return with them or stayed later at the base. It doesn’t matter if I liked the trait or not. I ruined my chance to join the team. Knowing Gabrielle moved here makes me wish I hadn’t fuck up the first meeting.”

“Did you speak to them after the first meeting? You’re staying on the same mountain. I’m positive you must’ve run into them at some point.” Claire scribbled on her pad.

“Yeah. I’ve seen Saint the most and Patch brought me here. It’s not like they extended an invitation after my first impression.”

“You seem stuck on a specific moment. I’ve known Leo for a while now. His moniker fits him. He lies in wait and watches his prey. He never jumps to one conclusion. If you want to change his mind, I advise you to show him. Let’s get back to you. Please tell me what you do before you go to bed. Step by step.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. Relenting, he finally said, “I stop drinking caffeine by 1900. I start checking the windows and doors to ensure they’re locked. Then, I walk to the back of the deck and scan the area for anything out of place before I secure the door. I check on Gabrielle and then lights out.”

“Do you know the mountain’s secured? As Patch says, a deer can’t shit in the woods without Matthew knowing.” Claire giggled.

He smiled. Patch’s woman came as a surprise, and she made it easy to talk to. “Yeah, Saint mentioned it.”

“Then why do you feel the need to secure the cabin?”

He grunted. “Who doesn’t? Gabby’s in danger.”

“Did you do it before you discovered her in Seattle?” Claire slid her shoes off and put her legs on the couch. He smiled.

“Does it bother you? My legs cramp and go numb. When I’m at work, I take advantage of the PT room. When I return home, Patch will massage them for me,” she explained.

“What happened?” he asked, leaning forward in curiosity. She seemed the very picture of health.

“A former patient used an experimental drug on me. I still suffer side effects. They’re slowly disappearing.” Claire placed a blanket over her legs.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

Claire grinned. “In case you don’t realize it, we live in a small town. Everyone knows the story. I’m not telling you anything you can’t find out by walking down the hall.”

Knight shook his head. “How do you get over something like that?”

“Even doctors suffer setbacks. Patch helps. He’s seen me at my worst and loved me through it. We both learned love is worth fighting for and work together on the hard days.”

He sat back in his chair. His mind reeled as he recalled returning home from the mission on Gabby’s birthday.

He parked the truck in the driveway and stared at the house. This time, she planted a tree in the front yard. Didn’t she know it blocked the view of the street? The shrubs she planted along the sidewalk invited intruders to lurk in the dark, waiting for her. Slamming the door shut, he locked it and entered the house.

The vanilla scent of a candle filled the air. Cards sat on the kitchen table and a bunch of balloons dangled above one of the chairs. He cursed under his breath. How did he forget her birthday?

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