Page 74 of Missing Marcus

“Stop trying to make it up. Show her who you are. Let her know she can count on you to have her best interests at heart. Be the man she needs. If she only wants a friend, give him to her. If she requires a helpmate, be the person to lend a hand. You can’t change the past, Marcus, you can only move toward a future. Whether you and Gabby resolve things between you or not, a child will arrive soon and depend on both of you.”

“Thanks, sis. You might be right. I’ve made decisions with my ass for too long.”

“Let’s go see my nursery. The ladies and I put it together. I didn’t invite Gabby because she didn’t feel good the day we did it.” Bryanna wiped her hands on a towel and led the way upstairs. They neared the room and Marcus overheard Saint and Gabby speaking.

Gabby paused. “I wanted a jungle animal theme, complete with elephants, giraffes, and tigers. The room painted sky blue with clouds, and tropical trees with animals on the wall. And a reading nook with a comfortable chair to rock and read to the baby.”

“It sounds nice. I’m sure you’ll get to make your dream come true soon.”

“While I have you alone, I want to ask you something. Friday, they plan to have a luncheon for?—”

“Gabrielle. We need to head back. Bryanna’s tired.” Knight walked into the room, taking in the perfect nursery for their future son. Anger simmered in his gut when he realized she confided in Saint rather than tell him of her dreams for a nursery. He said he’d talk to the team and she went behind his back because she didn’t trust him to speak to the men. His hands clenched as he reminded himself, he caused this mess, and fixing it was up to him.

35

Gabby entered the cabin and plopped onto the couch. She bent to slip off her shoes as Knight closed the door. He watched as she struggled to reach her feet. He went to her side and knelt, removing the offending footwear.

She sighed and lay back against the sofa.

“Gabby, your feet swelled,” he exclaimed in panic as he held a foot up in his hand. She glanced down and giggled.

“It’s fine. They get like this when I stay on them too long. I hate it. My skin feels tight and makes them ache. It’s one of the lovely things of pregnancy they forget to tell you about.”

Knight sat beside her and took out the pair of earrings. “I want to give you something.”

She stiffened. “I don’t want anything. We’re not celebrating our anniversary. We only went to dinner.”

He frowned. “If I thought you’d accept anything from me, I would’ve gotten something for you.” Holding the earrings, he waited for her to take them. “These have trackers. A man by the name of Tex will monitor you at all times. He’s ex-military and monitors people who I trust. It’s for your safety.”

Gabby visibly trembled as she took the jewelry from him.

“I don’t want to scare you. Until we figure out the people involved in this, I’m asking you to wear these for peace of mind.”

“Will you know where I’m at?” she asked.

“No. At least not all the time. Only in case of an emergency,” he rushed.

She slowly removed the hoops from her ears, a present he had given her on their first anniversary. “What exactly do they do?”

“They’ll transmit your location. Tex may call you and ensure you know his number. If you have any questions, you may ask Alabama and Caroline.”

Her eyes widened at his news.

“Don’t remove them under any circumstances,” he stressed.

“Thank you.” Gabby winced as she moved her legs.

He rose, taking her coat and returned to stand before her.

“Lie down with your head on the pillow,” he commanded.

She turned and he helped lift her legs and sat, placing her feet in his lap. He gently kneaded them with his thumb, making her moan.

“Hmmm, you can do this forever,” she exhaled as her eyes drooped. They finally closed, and she snored softly, making him smile.

“I plan to,” he murmured, rubbing her swollen toes. “I’m not letting you go without a fight, Gabby Hutchins.” He stood and gently placed her feet on the couch. Entering her bedroom, he pulled down the blankets, sought her gown, and turned on the bathroom light. Reentering the living room, he picked her up and carried her down the hall. He sat her upright on the bed.

“Stop,” she murmured sleepily. “I can do it.”

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