Page 77 of Missing Marcus

“Thanks. My appointment with Claire starts at 1400. Gabby works until 1700. It’ll give me plenty of time.” Knight felt the boulder on his chest lift a little more.

The men stood, taking the dishes to the dishwasher and José wiped down the table and started scrubbing the pots.

Patch shoulder bumped Knight as he walked by. “Good luck, Asshole. I’ll see you later.”

Knight followed his brother-in-law to his truck and climbed inside. Saint got into the driver’s seat and drove into town.

“Which store did you want to hit first?” Saint asked as he parked the truck in the middle of the shops they visited last night.

He pointed to the shop where he saw Gabby pick up the elephant before sadly placing him back on the shelf. “Let’s start there.”

Walking into the store, the two men grabbed a basket and perused the baby aisles. Knight found the toy elephant and added it to the basket. Then he added a monkey, a tiger, and a lion. They walked over to the next store, and he picked up the Seattle Seahawks outfit and paused. What if Gabby had a girl?

“Whatever you’re thinking, don’t let it deter you. Girls like football, too,” Saint reassured him. “This child is yours, too. What do you want for the baby?”

He chuckled. “Ya know, I’ve stayed guarded. Coming here today, I’m feeling excited.”

“You’re becoming a father. What kind of dad do you want to be? Do you want to stand on the sidelines or be an involved one? I know your father walked away. He made his choice. Now, you make yours. If you want this, regardless of what happens between you and Gabby, show up, be the dad this kid deserves, and do what you wished your dad did for you and Bryanna.”

Knight swallowed. “You’re right. I’m afraid to hope. I’m scared of how all this will turn out.”

“It’s terrifying, man. Parenthood’s not for the weak. But it’s the most rewarding job you’ll ever have,” Saint encouraged him. “Nugget came into my life suddenly and I worried about being a good dad. My family and team supported me.”

“I don’t know anything about babies or how to be a dad. What if I screw up?” he whispered, almost afraid of admitting it out loud.

“We all do. Nobody’s a perfect parent. We do our best and we learn what we don’t know. You can do this.” Saint walked over to a monitor with a screen. “You’ll want one of these for sure.”

After adding it to his basket, he went to the cashier and paid for his items. When he walked out, Knight turned to Saint. “I read a few things online. They said something about getting the mom a push present. What the hell is that?”

Saint chuckled. “You purchase something for Gabby. I’ve seen some folks get items such as designer purses and trips. I’m taking Bryanna on a babymoon in a few weeks, but I already got her a present. She needed an SUV to pick up baking supplies and extra room for the kids. She refused to spend the money. I’m not particularly eager to keep secrets from her, but we get bonuses working for Serenity Securities. I used mine to get her a new SUV. I ordered this made for her.” Saint pulled a keychain from his pocket with Nugget’s and the baby’s birthstones.

“I know I worried when you and my sister broke the news about getting married and having a baby. I’m surprised Bryanna did a one-eighty. You’re good for her and I’m happy for you both.” Knight loaded the bags in the truck. “I’ve no idea what to get Gabby. I doubt she’ll accept anything from me with everything going on.”

Saint slid into the driver’s seat. “Whatever you get, let it come from the heart.”

Knight swallowed. He shattered her heart. It’s why they ended up in this situation. “What do you think about her attending the luncheon?”

Saint glanced at him as he turned on the mountain’s access road. “She’s not going in alone. You’ll be with her, and we’ll be covering you. We won’t let you down.”

The knot in his stomach seemed to loosen at the knowledge the team covered his back. “When we return, I have an hour to search for a crib. Gabby kept a second-hand bassinet at the apartment. It didn’t seem in the best shape. If I purchase a new one, it might feel like I didn’t approve.”

“Since Gabby can’t return to her apartment, the team and I can move her out while you’re in California. I’m afraid the bassinet might’ve suffered a fall down the stairs,” Saint suggested. “Since I’m your brother-in-law, I’ll take the hit and you’ll owe me.”

“What’s it gonna cost me?” he asked.

Saint chuckled evilly. “I’ll let you know, brother.”

Patch pulledinto Kassie and Chase’s driveway, where Claire waited. He chuckled as he watched his woman.

“What’s so funny?”

“Do you see the smile on her face? You’re in for it now. Whatever you do, don’t let them break you. Tears on a man in front of a bunch of women ain’t cool. You cry when you’re in the dark all alone.”

Knight peered fearfully at the enthusiastic blonde. “She doesn’t appear like she’s up to something.”

Patch jerked back and stared crazily at him. “You’ve totally forgotten how to read women. Don’t worry. This group will remind you real fast. Take my word for it. First, you’re at Kassie’s home, the head of chaos. Second, my woman has her biggest grin on, meaning whatever she has planned will traumatize you and then she’s gonna put you back together again. Third, if you walk in there and see an older redhead named Victoria, hold your sack and say you’re sorry.”

“For what?” Knight asked, now panicked.

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