Page 80 of Missing Marcus

Kassie interrupted his thoughts. “This seems overwhelming. If it makes you feel better, I brought Tori home without any warning. My friends helped us get the things we needed. It’s fun to pick stuff out together. When in doubt, ask Gabby. We’re here, too.”

The knot in his throat grew as he glanced at the tiny human in his arms. She peered at him as if he held her entire world in his hands. He wanted to experience picking out things with Gabby, to feel the excitement as they decided on a crib, or discuss how she wanted to handle feedings. Knight purchased items in town and now he wished he had asked Gabby to pick out stuff with him. Deciding to broach the topic tonight, he listened as Tori burped and he gave her the rest of her bottle. He vowed to catch up on his learning curve and encourage his wife to feel excited about this baby.

Gabby read Marcus’note and set it to the side while she finished the accounts on her planner for the day. Calling the temporary assistant, she wrote down the time for the luncheon. Mr. Wilkinson asked if she planned to attend and if she might say a few words in honor of her assistant. After three failed attempts at writing what she wanted to say about her only friend in Seattle, she sighed and put away her computer.

Her stomach growled and she searched the fridge for something to appease her hunger. Tacos circled in her brain, causing her to chuckle. At this rate, her child would come out wearing a burrito around him or her.

Finally pulling a cheese stick from the drawer, she poured herself a glass of milk and returned to the living room. Gabby stared at her empty hand, wondering how fast she inhaled the cheese. Frowning, she rubbed her stomach. “We need to get a few things straight. I’m the boss and we’ve eaten tacos for days. As your mother, I’m insisting you pick a different food.”

Gabby’s phone rang. The number flashed as unknown. She remembered her discussion with Marcus about a man named Tex who planned to call her.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Gabrielle. I’m Tex. Knight informed me he gave you the earrings. I’m assuming he reminded you to wear them at all times.”

“Yes,” she replied. “Can I ask you questions? I mean, it feels kinda weird knowing someone knows my every move.”

“I understand. If it makes you feel better, I monitor Alabama and Caroline, too. It’s only a safety precaution after they found themselves in a pickle. Did Knight explain how it works?” Tex asked.

“Yes. He mentioned you might want me to memorize your phone number.”

“Yes. At some point, I’ll quiz you until you know it forward and backward. Matthew, one of the team members on the mountain, said you’re staying in cabin four. I recently visited and stayed there. The view’s spectacular.”

“Yes, it’s stunning. I like to drink my tea outside and enjoy the view and fresh air,” she confessed.

“I don’t blame you. To make this clear, we use this as a safety precaution. I’m under the impression you and Knight plan to arrive in California next week for a divorce. I won’t share your whereabouts with him for the purpose of him tracking you. I want you to feel secure in knowing your information remains confidential.”

“Marcus won’t ask for my whereabouts. Plus, in less than two months, we’ll be parenting together. Once the danger has passed, do I return these to you?”

“No. I assigned these to you. Anytime you feel you need them, I’ll watch over you. Now, memorize my number and be ready next time I call. I want you to repeat it back to me.”

She giggled. “Forward and backward.”

Tex chuckled across the other line. “You got it. If you feel something’s off or want me to know anything, call me. If I don’t answer, leave a message.”

“Thank you, Tex.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Gabrielle.”

The line disconnected. She put her phone beside her as tacos crept into her head.

Gabby laughed. “So, you plan on acting stubborn like your dad?”

“Hey, now. I’m not even here to defend myself,” Knight claimed as he walked in the door holding a metal pan.

Her eyes stayed glued to the item in his hands as he set it on the counter. Shaking his head, he pulled a plate from the cabinet and placed two tacos on it and brought it to her.

“Thank you,” she breathed, reaching for the coveted food. She bit into it and closed her eyes. “How did you know?”

Knight let out a full belly laugh. “You’ve eaten tacos every day. It seemed an easy guess. It seems like you get hungry around five. Then you eat again at seven.”

She felt the heat infuse her cheeks as she giggled along with him. “Ugh, this child has a mind of its own. IsayI’m the boss, but he or she’s ruling from the womb.”

Sitting beside her, he placed a hand on her belly and put on his sternest voice, “Hey, it’s your father. Listen to your mother, little tiger.”

“Little Tiger?” She gazed at him, feeling the heat of his hand on her stomach. The baby started moving. “Oh.”

“What’s the matter? Did I do something?” he asked panicked and jerked his hand away.

---