Page 99 of Missing Marcus

Knight climbed the stairs and peered inside two of the rooms. When he came to the third bedroom, he decided to purchase the home. The last room caught his eye. It appeared spacious, and French doors led out to a small balcony…big enough for a couple to enjoy their coffee on a lazy Sunday or relax while they waited for a baby to wake from a nap while they enjoyed the mountain view.

“What’s the asking price?” Knight asked as he pictured Gabby tearing down walls, bringing more of the mountain view and light into the space.

“Make an offer. She’s anxious to sell. There’s not a housing market here unless Kassie wants it. If she wants to sell, it’ll be you or Kassie. Knowing you want it, I can assure you the former will refuse to bid.”

“I do. How can I make an offer?” he asked as excitement went through him.

“Kassie’s godfather has lawyers at his disposal. We’ll make a call, and they’ll propose the offer to her, prepare the contract, and have her sign by tomorrow.”

“I appreciate it.” Knight checked out the garage and walked the backyard. He noticed the pink house included a screened in porch. He envisioned Patch walking out while enjoying his morning coffee, scratching his balls, and glancing over to yell, “hello asshole.”

It made him chuckle as he entered the vehicle and they joined the men at the facility.

Patch punched in the code and entered.

Nugget ran toward him when she saw him enter the pool area.

“Nugget,” one of the men called. “No running,” they reminded her sternly. The child slowed and walked to him.

“Hi, Uncle Knight. Did you come to play with us?” Nugget gazed at him with hopeful eyes.

“When he’s done babysitting, we’re calling first dibs,” Saint called to his daughter.

Noticing the men dressed in swimming trunks, he approached the table.

“You’re on baby duty with Taco and Ragu. Claire ordered it.” Saint directed. “They’re your back up. You’re supposed to follow the same rules they gave you.”

Knight nodded. “Go have fun.”

The men dove into the pool, making the kids squeal in delight. Knight picked up Grace, noticing her wet diaper. He changed her expertly. Tori slept peacefully despite the ruckus around them. He sat and held Grace in his lap while he watched them play. Unlike the first time, Knight found the group entertaining, watching the bond the men formed with their kids, hoping he’d know how to do the same when his arrived. Somehow the task didn’t feel as daunting as before, because for once, he felt like he belonged here, too.

42

Wednesday morning arrived too soon. Gabby wheeled her suitcase into the living room. Her appointment with Dr. Beecham was scheduled for eight o’clock. After the shower, she agreed to allow Marcus to attend the appointment. They stacked the baby toys and presents in their temporary living room the last few days. Matthew called Marcus to tell him about a meeting between a buyer and Mr. Wilkinson. If all went as planned, they’d soon get back to their real lives.

What did a normal life resemble for her? She never planned to stay with Marcus this long. They shared kisses, yet he always pulled away, making her feel dejected. Yet she insisted on the divorce. Trying to make sense of it all, she met with Dr. Hill. She left still feeling more confused than ever.

“Wolf and Abe will meet us at the hotel I booked near the courthouse. We can leave right after your appointment,” Marcus informed her as he set his go bag beside hers.

“Good,” she answered, glancing at him, wondering if he held as many regrets as she did.

“I’m glad you changed your mind about me attending. Do you think she’ll do an ultrasound, and what do they use to hear the heartbeat?” he asked her eagerly. “Do you mind if I ask questions? I made a list last night. I took notes as I read the baby book. Did you decide on an epidural or against it? I don’t blame you for getting one. Leo made me watch a video on child birth…er never mind.”

“A doppler. Sometimes, they do an ultrasound, and sometimes they don’t. Don’t get your hopes up,” she warned as she sat on the couch. “Why don’t we wait until we hear what she has to say. Can I see your list? I might know some of the answers to your questions.”

He pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and her eyes widened at the length of the list and thoroughness of his notes.

“Did you reconsider if you want to know about the baby?” He sat beside her and took her hand.

“No.”

“Can I ask why?” he prodded gently. “When I ask, you turn sad. I want you to feel happy about the baby.”

“I’m thrilled. Really.” She sighed. “At first, I didn’t want to know because I needed something to get through this on my own. I asked the doctor about the chances of the same thing happening to me as my mom. She died before even knowing my gender. My dad named me after her. The doctor assured me about the many medical advances since my birth. When I try to imagine myself holding the baby, I can’t tell if it’s a boy or a girl. I don’t see myself with the baby at all. Dr. Hill says once I get through the birth, I’ll feel better and it’s normal” She shrugged. “They say moms know things. I feel like I won’t get a chance to hold it. It sounds stupid, but it’s my reason to fight with all my might. I want to see my child.”

“Gabby,” he whispered, shocked at her revelation. “I promise you. This baby will be perfectly healthy and you’ll go through labor and delivery like a champ,” he reassured her.

“I don’t mean to scare you. My hormones seem to run wild and give me crazy thoughts. I’ll feel better once I know Wilkinson sits in a jail cell.”

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