Page 75 of Missing Marcus

“Let me help you. You’ve tuckered yourself out. It’s dark and I promise not to peek.” She lifted her arms while he removed her top and she covered herself while he slipped the nightgown over her broken arm and over her head. He unhooked her bra, sliding the straps down her arms and falling to the floor. Taking her other arm, he guided it into the sleeve and lifted her legs onto the bed. Leaning down, he covered her and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Goodnight Gabrielle,” he whispered before backing out of the room and closing the door.

Taking out his phone, he texted Saint.

I need help. I want to get a crib, a comfortable chair for Gabby, and some baby stuff. How do I start? What do I need to know?

Three dots appeared.

We’ll handle it at PT.

Knight paced the room. Gabby deserved this, not because he wanted her back, but because she liked it, more than she cared to admit. Most importantly, her happiness meant everything.

Knight rosefrom the bed and tip-toed into Gabby’s room to check on her before he left to meet the guys at PT. He hastily sent her a text.

Gabby, I’m with Saint and the team. Have a great day today. Thank you for joining me for dinner last night. I forgot how much I love spending time with you. I have my phone if you need me. Marcus

Closing the cabin door quietly, he hopped into his truck and drove to the facility. He waited for one of the team members to answer when he pushed the button. A minute later, Patch held open the door for him.

“Good morning, Asshole, you ready to get your ass kicked?”

Knight grunted. “You wish.”

“I’ll take you down to the gym. Claire says to meet her at Doc’s house. I’ll run you over there about 1350.” Patch walked beside him, steering him toward the workout area.

“Here they come. You’re five minutes early,” Leo greeted. “Hey, Squid. You lost the bet; ten more laps around the gym.”

A young man groaned and rose from doing push-ups and immediately started jogging around the track.

“The squid’s José. He’s working with us until he ships off to the Navy. He’s quite fun to play with. Wanna make a bet Leo finds his quarters not up to snuff?” Patch stretched before falling in behind the young man.

“We didn’t bring you here to observe, warm up on the track and then start with Patch,” Leo ordered.

Doc sparred on the mat with Taco, Shadow and Ragu lifted weights, Whiskey pulled his shirt off to show a badly scarred chest, and Knight warmed up.

When they finished, Patch led him to the locker room. “There’s extra shirts over there,” Patch pointed to a locker. “Sweats too.”

“Thanks. I brought an extra set in my bag.”

Patch threw his clothes in a basket and showered. “So how’s it going on the home front?”

Knight glanced at the man. “It’s not perfect but I’m working on it.”

“Did Claire prescribe you meds?” Patch asked.

Knight stayed quiet. Pain shot through his arm as Patch punched him.

“Hey, Asshole. You said you wanted to change. I used to think exactly like you. You’re not the only one who’s endured shit. If Claire gives you prescriptions, you fill them. They’ll help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. If I can suck it up, your pansy ass can do it, too.”

“I’m worried if I take the stuff at night I won’t hear Gabby if she needs me,” Knight made the excuse.

Patch growled. “You don’t get it. You want to save your marriage? Then you have to save yourself first. Claire doesn’t hand out happy pills. She only gives you what you need and weans you off as soon as you start making progress. If you can’t or won’t help yourself, you can’t be there for your wife.”

Knight punched the locker. “You think I don’t know that? I’m worried if I take my eyes off her, she’ll disappear. I’m worried about the stress she’s under while carrying the baby, her blood pressure, and who wants her dead. If I start the meds, I’ll lose my focus.”

“You’re a damn idiot.” Patch walked to the showers and washed off. “Do you think we don’t have someone watching her right now? Plus, I spoke with Tex and he plans to call her this morning. If you want to feel like you’re not alone anymore, dipshit, stop acting like it.”

“I’m sorry. I appreciate the team watching our backs last night. It seems like I’m apologizing all time cause I can’t get it together.” Knight stepped into the shower stall.

“Because your brain’s fucked up. Take the prescriptions. We’ll take turns keeping watch until the meds kick in and you start feeling like yourself. Call Wolf and read him in before you leave for California. Trust me. Claire knows what she’s doing and why. It’s not always forever. What happens here, stays here. Gabby will go to bed. You’ll do your perimeter check, and we’ll come in through the patio door. Flip on the front light when you’re headed to bed. She won’t know we’re there. If she has an issue, we’ll wake you to handle it. You can’t help her if you don’t have your head screwed on straight.”

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