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F eeling slightly better after her two-hour nap, she watched the scenery fly by as Saint drove her to his and Bryanna’s home.

Knight left her with strangers to care for her and the lump in her throat refused to go down.

Saint smiled as he pulled into the driveway. A little girl stood on the Victorian-style home’s porch, jumping up and down. A minute later, a pregnant Bryanna walked outside to join her. Misery hit her as she gazed at the woman she considered one of her best friends. They always talked about having kids. She and her best friend wanted them close in age. Bryanna appeared slightly further along than her, yet she’d never get to enjoy the experience of their children bonding together.

Saint opened her side of the truck and gently helped her out. As if attending an execution, Gabby slowly walked the steps to her former best friend.

Bryanna smiled slightly and nodded, tension radiated from her.

The little girl, who Marcus called Nugget tugged on her pants. “Hi. I’m Miya. Sometimes, my friends call me Nugget cause it’s my favorite food.”

Gabrielle smiled. “I’m Gabrielle, but my friends call me Gabby. Probably because I like to talk too much. Thank you for letting me visit you.”

“Oh, my mama said you can’t be alone. She says you’re gonna have a baby like her. Do you know what you’re getting? I’m getting a brother,” Miya replied dejectedly. “Mama says it doesn’t matter. We’ll love him anyway but I wanted a sister to play with like my friend Melody.”

“Oh. Boys can be fun, too. Did you know your dad took me on a helicopter ride today? I’ve never ridden in one before,” Gabby explained.

Nugget twisted her little mouth as she gave Gabby’s suggestion some consideration. “I got to ride in the helo. After Emma rode in it twice, Aunt Kassie asked Uncle Leo to give us one. LJ’s crazy about helos,” Miya took her hand and led her inside. “He hooted the entire time. I hope my brother doesn’t act like him.”

Gabby smothered a chuckle. “Each person likes different things and it makes them excited. What’s your favorite thing to do?”

Miya’s chin went up and she smiled. “I like to bake with mama. She’s the best baker in the whole world.”

“Yes, she is. What do you like the best?” Gabby asked. “I love her apple pie with crumbles.”

“She makes special cookies for me and my friends. Mama puts purple on mine. What’s your favorite color?” Miya asked.

“Nugget, Miss Gabby needs her rest. And you need a bath. Why don’t you pick out your books and I’ll be up in a minute,” Bryanna suggested.

“We finished dinner, but I left yours in the stove to keep warm.” Bryanna walked up the stairs and turned to the first room on the right. “You can sleep in here. The bathroom’s right across the hall. I set out towels for you. Samantha brought you a few outfits since Marcus mentioned you didn’t bring anything. I need to help my daughter. It sounds like you’ve had a rough day and need your rest. I’ll see you in the morning when I return from the bakery.”

“Thank you,” Gabby responded. Bryanna refused to meet her eyes. This felt like a mistake and she didn’t know what to do.

Saint frowned at his wife as he led Gabby down the stairs. “Let’s see what my wife cooked for us. Tomorrow, I’m sure you’ll meet Mama. She’s known as Miss Edie around here. Even Bryanna will admit she makes a mean pecan pie. She’ll show up tomorrow with one in her hand and a tub of homemade vanilla ice cream to welcome you.”

“She sounds lovely,” she murmured as Saint gestured for her to sit at the kitchen table.

“It appears we’re in for a treat. Bryanna baked chicken pot pie, a salad, and we have double chocolate brownies for dessert,” Saint informed her as he pulled out plates and silverware. “Do you want milk, tea, or water?”

“I’ll take milk, please. I didn’t get a chance to thank all your men. Can you give them my thanks?” she asked as he set the plate in front of her with a glass of milk.

“No worries. Knight mentioned he planned to stop by in the morning. Doc and Kassie said not to stress you, but we’re concerned about someone wanting to hurt you.” Saint sat across from her with a large helping of the chicken dish and a huge salad. “I take it you didn’t know Knight lived here,” he said gently.

She shook her head. “I didn’t follow him. My firm offered me a position here. I fell in love with Seattle since we first visited Bryanna,” she explained.

Saint’s head jerked back in surprise. “I thought Knight said you waitressed for a living. You must be a darn good one if they transferred you here.” He chuckled.

Gabby hung her head as she picked at her food. “Marcus doesn’t know much of anything,” she admitted. “He deployed most of last year. I finished college and my master’s degree. I never got a chance to tell him.”

“Your secret’s safe with me if you promise you’ll let me be there when you tell him. I can’t wait to see the shock on his face.” Saint grinned between bites.

“I promise to get out of your hair as soon as possible,” Gabby offered.

“Take your time. We’re happy to have you,” he assured her.

Gabby smiled at him, knowing darn tooting her former best friend couldn’t wait for the door to hit her on her ass on the way out. “I appreciate it. Thank you for the meal. Where can I put the dishes? I’m a bit more tired than I thought. Did you, by chance, bring my computer?”

“Yes, I set it in your room by the clothes Samantha brought you. Leave the plates and I’ll take care of them.” His hand came across the table and he gently rubbed the outline of her swollen fingers of her broken hand. “I left water and your medications by the bed.” He paused before adding, “Things will appear better in the morning. Don’t overthink it, Gabby.”

Gabby nodded before retreating to her bedroom and shutting the door. She stared at the clothes on the chest, her computer and her phone.

Picking up the phone, she dialed Jackie’s cell.

“It’s the weekend. You’re not supposed to work,” she scolded.

“I’m not working. A car ran me off the road. I’m fine but won’t be in the office on Monday. Can you grab the files from my desk? I’ll work from home,” Gabby explained. She hoped Jackie grabbed the ledgers she left in the drawer with her files. She didn’t want to ask her to bring them specifically in case someone got suspicious.

“Oh, my goodness. Did you see a doctor?” Jackie asked her in a motherly tone, making her smile.

“Yes, they ran all kinds of tests and we’re all right. I promise,” she insisted.

“I’ll grab everything and will bring it to you tomorrow evening. Where did you say you were staying?” she asked.

Gabby hesitated. She didn’t want to give away her location and put Jackie or anyone in Serenity at risk.

“I’m with a friend. I’m sure I’ll be home by Monday. Why don’t we meet near your apartment atthe diner around six thirty tomorrow evening?” Gabby asked. “We can grab a piece of pie for the road.”

Jackie laughed. “Okay. You better let this friend spoil you over the weekend and rest.”

“I’m in great hands,” she replied. “Thank you.”

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call,” Jackie admonished.

“I won’t. Good night.” She disconnected the call.

She went down her contacts, searched for her boss’ number, andthen hit dial.

“Why hello, Gabrielle. I didn’t expect to hear from you on the weekend. I hope you aren’t working too hard,” Mr. Wilkinson answered.

“No, sir. I’m calling because I have some bad news. I’m afraid the car’s totaled. Someone ran me off the road.”

“Oh, no, Gabby. How are you, my dear?” he asked.

“I’m fine. I have a doctor’s note, but I hope to continue to work from home if you don’t mind. I’ll need the number to contact the insurance company. If you can let me know what I owe for a deductible, I can arrange to pay you,” she rushed.

“Don’t even consider it. It’s registered to the business, and that’s what I pay insurance for. I’m relieved to hear you and the baby didn’t get hurt,” he replied, concerned.

“We’re fine. I’m sure by the end of the weekend, I’ll be right as rain,” she assured the older man.

“Glad to hear it. I don’t like you staying by yourself after such an incident,” he said earnestly. “Do you want me to send someone over to help you?”

“I’m staying with a friend and in good hands. Thank you for understanding.” She sat on the bed.

“You’re part of our family, Gabrielle. We take care of each other, even when things go wrong.”

Gabby barely contained the shudder at his tone. “Good night.” She disconnected the call.

Her hands shook as she laid her phone beside the bed, noticing someone charged it for her. She pondered if Marcus did it. He constantly plugged her device in at night when he returned from deployment and admonished her for letting the battery drain. What if something happened? He wanted her always to reach him if she needed him. Yet he handed her off to strangers as if she meant nothing. Like all the other times, he disappeared when she needed him the most.