Page 96 of Missing Marcus

“Not so fast. You’ll continue seeing Claire or the other doctors, meet here for PT, attend meetings, and then we’ll vote. Patch joined us while still attending therapy. It’s an option if I get a green light from Doc.”

“I won’t let you down this time. This is important to me,” Knight stressed.

Leo nodded. “Then I’ll see you at 0500.”

Knight rose at the dismissal, put his cup in the dishwasher, and walked down the hallway and exited the building. When he returned to the cabin, Patch barely glanced up as he walked in.

“She’s asleep. I suggest you get some,” his friend ordered.

“Got it, thanks, asshole,” Knight said as he walked toward his bedroom. Brushing his teeth, he shed his clothes except his boxers and took his meds. For once, he didn’t hesitate to open the bottle. Patch guarded them and promised to wake him if she showed any signs of distress. Thinking about the house and working with the team, his body relaxed. As he fell asleep, he smiled. The mountain brought him something he never knew he needed to heal and for once, he let the peace fill him.

41

Gabby yawned as she stretched and yanked the covers off. She needed to pee. Recalling her actions last night, she wanted to bury her head under the covers and hide from Marcus. Shame filled her. She asked for a booty call from the man she planned to divorce in mere days.

The arrangements to leave on Wednesday morning confirmed their commitment to the divorce. Then why did her heart feel heavy with dread at signing the papers and finalizing what she insisted she wanted?

Opening the bathroom door, she padded into the bedroom closet, pulling out the clothes she picked for Bryanna’s shower.

Returning to the bathroom, she turned the water on and climbed into the shower, allowing it to refresh her. She suffered no ill side effects from Wilkinson’s attempted drugging. Yet she hoped karma bit him in the ass.

A knock sounded on the door and it opened a crack. “Gabby? Kassie and the women asked if you might bring Bryanna to her shower. Saint plans to drop her off and we’ll go to Kassie’s house together. She thinks they plan to have lunch,” Marcus informed her.

“Sure. I’m surprised they asked. They said they planned everything for months.”

“Samantha volunteered to drive Bryanna, but Whiskey said she didn’t sleep well last night and he’s letting her rest to ensure she’s up for the activities today. It’s a couple’s lunch and they included me. I can make an excuse if you don’t want me to attend.”

Gabby halted. They were having a baby together and avoiding him only promised to make things worse. “No. It’s fine. I’ll get dressed and be ready to go.”

“Uh, huh. You need to eat. You can’t go without Tiger eating.”

“It’s a luncheon. Plus, I’m not hungry,” she informed him as she washed off.

“Are you sick?” he asked hesitantly.

She put her head against the shower wall. “No. Maybe I’ll have a little something. Let me dress first.”

He closed the door and left.

Gabby turned off the shower and dried off. Wrapping the towel around her enlarged boobs, she laughed as her belly stuck out of the towel, playing peek a boo.

“Tiger, your mama made a jackass out of herself and now she’s chicken and doesn’t want to face your father. What do you suggest I do?” She rubbed her stomach, smiling as the baby moved and a little foot-shaped print showed on her belly.

Excitement filled her as she reached for her robe. “Marcus!”

She heard him running down the hall. “What’s wrong?” He scanned the room for danger as he crossed the distance between them.

“Watch,” she demanded as she pulled the material away, showing him the tiny foot.

He knelt, smiling at the evidence of their love. “Hey Tiger. I’m your dad. Did you appear because mom decided she didn’t want to eat? Don’t worry, Dad’s on it. I’m making her breakfast as we speak. Now, be good and listen to your mom. She’s attending her friend’s shower today, and I’ll expect you to stay on your best behavior.”

Gabby giggled as the baby moved vigorously. “He or she must like your voice.”

“Does it hurt when it moves?” he asked as he stared at her stomach, stretching and moving.

“Nope. It feels funny yet reassuring. Tiger sometimes presses on my back and it gets uncomfortable. As long as the baby comes out healthy, I’ll endure it.”

“We’ve got a doctor’s appointment coming up. Maybe we can talk Mom into finding out your sex and we can name you properly,” he teased hopefully.

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