Page 82 of Missing Marcus

“I wanted some fresh air. The view makes me feel at peace,” she explained as he led her back inside.

“I called out for you and I was worried when you didn’t answer.” Knight walked into her bedroom, opened the closet and pulled out a pink sweater, matching her outfit. “You might need this. Do you still want to shop?”

“Yes. I’ll be right out.” She walked into the bathroom, dismissing him. When she freshened up, Gabby entered the living room. Knight sat on the couch furiously texting on his phone. “I’m ready.”

“Does Tiger still want pizza? I noticed the missing tacos,” he teased.

“Tiger deemed pizza as the pick for tonight. Do you know if they make a stuffed crust?”

He shook his head. Pulling out his phone, he checked the website. “They have cheese stuffed crust. How about we drive into town, order the food, and then do the grocery shopping? It’ll keep you from tiring out, and I don’t want those feet to swell again. Did you know it’s an indicator to preeclampsia? Has your doctor mentioned it?” he asked as she sat beside him to slip into her shoes.

“No. Dr. Beecham said I’m doing good. The visit will be mostly routine.”

Kneeling, he helped her tie the laces. “Do you mind if I tag along? I have some questions for the doctor. I want to ensure I’m doing everything to make this a safe delivery.”

“I’m doing everything correctly.” Gabby stiffened at his words. “I’ve taken care of myself from the beginning and if you believe I need managing, you’re sorely mistaken.”

Knight sat beside her and took her hand. “Hey. You’ve done a great job. We’re in this together. I want to make sure I’m doingmyjob right.”

“What do you consider your job? I’m the one carrying the baby, stopping to pee every twenty minutes, and waddling like a duck. Do you want to volunteer for any of those things?” she asked sarcastically.

“Ummm, no. I do, however, want to support you,” Knight explained as his gut clenched at her expression.

“We’ll divide the bills in half. I don’t want the courts to decide anything concerning my child. We can provide receipts when necessary.”

Shaking his head, Knight turned to face her. “I’ve missed all the other appointments. You no longer have to do this alone, I’m here.”

“I managed fine until the car accident. A woman no longer needs a man to support her. I’d still be caring for myself if I never stumbled across those files. What do you plan on doing? Leave me notes on the fridge of all the things Gabby didn’t complete or can’t handle, to remind me of my incompetence?”

Knight jerked his head back in surprise. He left a list on the fridge of items he left undone because he struggled to keep his chaotic thoughts straight enough to remember what he needed to do for her before his next sudden spin up. “Whoa, wait a minute. You believed I left it to remind you of things you didn’t accomplish? I made it to ensure I didn’t forget to do anything when I returned.”

Gabby shot off the sofa and turned at the hallway’s edge. Tears spilled down her cheeks and she clenched her fists tightly. “You used it to pick fights with me. When I asked if you wanted to spend time with me, you reminded me of everything on your precious list. The one you used to remind me of all my failings in taking care of our home.”

Realizing the gravity of the miscommunication, he slowly stood, afraid she’d dart from the room. “Gabby. I promise you. It’s not what you think. The notes kept me in check. The last year, I spun up more than usual…I didn’t want you going without.” He slowly approached her.

“I went without you. Did you ever stop and wonder how I managed when you spun up? Guess what? I paid off the house and truck, made budgets, painted rooms, landscaped and attended school. When you granted me your precious time, you ensured it came at a price. You stuck that stupid list where I saw it every day until you returned, letting me know I’d always be a waitress in your eyes,” she bit out angrily.

Knight ran his hand across his face. “I never once…You’re capable of running the world. I swear on the life of this child, which we hold dear, I didn’t do it for the reasons you believe.” Gently cupping her cheek, he swiped away the tears. “It never crossed my mind how you felt about it.”

“You’re only doing this for the baby. You never contacted me. Everything came from your lawyer. You’re only here now because the hospital called you.” She hiccupped as her gaze found the floor.

The sadness in her voice cut his heart to shreds. “Regardless of what you believe, I missed you. My damn pride kept me from reaching out. If I saw you or heard your voice again, I didn’t have the strength to walk away. You strolled into the attorney’s office, appearing like a model from a magazine. After my assumption and I ordered you to leave, it took every bit of my willpower to get into my truck. I felt betrayed and hurt. If I only listened…I know I hurt you.”

“I’m afraid I’m not up for pizza. I’ll call and ask Bryanna to pick me up and stay the night there,” she whispered.

Throwing his head back, he breathed through his nose and out his mouth as Claire instructed. “Please accompany me into town. You’re right. I lost sight of what mattered the most. Not because I stopped loving you. The baby will be here before we know it. That’s why I want to spend time with you now. Please stay,” he pleaded.

“We can’t go back, Marcus. I won’t allow you to hurt us again,” she vowed.

“It’s the last thing I want to do. Let’s start this evening over. I know Tiger can’t survive on two leftover tacos. He or she wanted pizza with veggies and pineapple with cheese stuffed crust. You asked me to speak with the team about the luncheon. They agreed to cover us while you attend,” he informed her gently. “If you prefer I not attend your appointments, I’ll respect your decision.”

She swallowed and swiped at her cheeks in indecision.

“I might even know the code to the bakery and asked Bryanna for a freshly baked apple pie with those little crumbles. Come on, are you really gonna deprive Tiger of your favorite dessert,” he gently coaxed.

Silence filled the room for what seemed like forever.

“Does Bryanna keep any of Miss Edie’s homemade vanilla ice cream in the freezer?” Her sad gaze met his.

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