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G abby glanced at Samantha and Bryanna as they dressed her up for a shopping trip and dinner. “I thought this place didn’t have many stores. I appear like I’m dressed for an evening out.”

“You’re having dinner at Ty’s. You’ll want to look nice. It’s not fancy, but the food’s quite good.” Bryanna tucked a curl around Gabby’s shoulder as Samantha produced a pretty shawl to cover her if she felt cold in the restaurant.

“What time do I need to arrive at the party on Saturday?” she asked as the women continued to fuss over her. Kassie sat on the couch rubbing her hand over her stomach and smiling as if all felt right in her world. She envied the woman whose husband doted on her every move and the women in the room seemed genuinely excited for the mom to be.

As she peered at Kassie, she felt almost jealous. The woman acted extremely kind to her and it made her feel guilty. Gabby wanted to experience her pregnancy around her friends and with an attentive husband. Instead, she lost Jackie, regained Bryanna, and Marcus and her returned to California next week to finalize their divorce. She turned away from staring and saw her friend, Bryanna, smiling and caressing her stomach, another punch in the gut for her. She felt happy for her friend, but it became another reminder of all she lost. Samantha waddled over with a pair of sensible shoes.

“These will feel comfortable for walking and still give you some style.” The pretty blonde bent and smiled at her as her arm rested on the top of her protruding belly. It seemed as if the entire town grew its population from the women on the mountain alone. “You’re beautiful, Gabby. I’d love to use you as a model for some of my salon products. Of course, Whiskey refuses to allow me to fly anywhere after Leo discussed how he watched a video of a woman who went into labor early and she gave birth in the middle of the aisle with the entire plane watching. I think since Catherine decided to procreate with him, we reserve the right to staple his mouth shut for the next nine months. The man loses his marbles as her stomach grows,” she giggled.

“Isn’t he the leader of the team?” Gabby asked as she slid the shoes on and sighed at the memory foam inside them.

“Yes. He’s a fantastic boss for our men but gets a bit psycho about Catherine’s pregnancies,” Kassie informed her. “He’s like an older brother to me and I love him. I don’t live with him, and he drives me insane.”

Bryanna turned to Kassie. “Did Chase talk to you about the rental car situation?”

Kassie glanced at Gabby’s belly. “The team offered a minivan for them to use. It’ll be the most comfortable for Gabby since she’s too far along to fly. Chase assured me they worked out the details.”

“Marcus mentioned it,” Gabby said.

Someone knocked on the door, and Bryanna rushed to answer it, waving Kassie back into her seat. The older redheaded woman, Victoria, appeared. She pointed her finger at Kassie and wagged it. “Maddie and I left you home to rest, not to galivant all over the mountain. Tori went down for a nap and Emma asked if Melody and Nugget might come over to play. Of course, we assumed you rested at home and said yes. Imagine my surprise at not finding you in bed.”

Kassie rolled her eyes, making Samantha and Bryanna giggle. “Sorry ladies, the warden found me. I’m not sure Leo’s the worst after all.”

“Oh, Luv, don’t compare me to the insane porpoise. I can always call Chase or let Joe and Ivan know you didn’t rest this afternoon…”

“Okay, okay.” Kassie wiggled her way up, hugged her friends and Gabby, and turned toward the sofa to pick up her purse when the older woman beat her to it. Kassie rolled her eyes at the ceiling as if counting to ten as Victoria led her out.

“Who’s an insane porpoise? Why does she need to rest so much? Almost everyone seems to hover around her.” Gabby asked as Bryanna sat on the couch.

“Victoria calls the team porpoises instead of SEALs. Kassie and Chase struggled with getting pregnant. They all but gave up when she discovered herself expecting at Christmas. We’re happy for them. She’s experienced several miscarriages and expecting twins is high risk. Her husband’s worried about her carrying them to full-term because of her history,” Bryanna explained.

“How heartbreaking. My mom died giving birth to me. I asked my doctor about it when I moved here. I can’t imagine it’s not worrying Kassie about carrying them full term.” Gabby sat in the oversized chair as Samantha went into the kitchen to bring them a snack of tacos from Tess and Lizzy sent a tray of homemade granola bars.

“Ohhh,” Gabby moaned as she bit into the taco. “Tell Tess I love her. I think this baby will come out holding a taco in his hand. She keeps sending a tin pan of these daily. Yesterday, I finished off the entire thing before Marcus got two down.”

Bryanna bit into a granola bar and smiled. “You snooze, you lose is my favorite motto right now. I finished my plate and ate part of Saint’s. I’ve never eaten this much in my life and now I feel like one of those zombies on that TV show. If I get a whiff of something, stay out of my way.”

Samantha laughed. “I’m not feeling hungry, but I crave the weirdest things. I woke Whiskey while I plundered the fridge for stuffed olives and pineapple. I hate olives.”

Gabby didn’t reply. No one worried about her cravings or if she needed naps. She kept Marcus at a distance, not knowing what to expect after the last year. He ensured her favorite juice stayed in the fridge, and today, her favorite fruit and veggies. She wondered if things turned out different, what he might be like. She shut the thought inside a box and filed it away. Her focus must remain on how she planned to work after the baby was born and how to support the two of them. As soon as the team and the authorities arrested her boss, Gabby’s job ended.

The door opened and admitted Saint, Whiskey and Knight.

“It appears we arrived in time. Tess brought tacos,” Whiskey announced, practically drooling from the smell. The three pregnant women glanced at him, making him retreat. “I dunna think I’m hungry after all.”

Samantha smiled serenely. “Can you take me back home? I want to check on the spa before it closes for the day, and Lizzy asked us to watch Caleb and Tyler while she goes to her check-up. We’ll feed them dinner and give them baths.”

Bryanna glanced at her husband. “Victoria stopped by and mentioned Nugget asked to play with Melody and Em. Did you give her permission?”

“Yes. Since you visited Gabby and I stayed later at work, it worked out,” he replied as he gathered his wife’s things. “Mama put a roast on and invited us for dinner.”

Bryanna turned to Gabby. “I’ll introduce you to her at the shower on Saturday. Miss Edie makes the pecan pies and since we’re blessing her with another grandchild, she makes dinner for us at least twice a week and always has some healthy snack she put together for me,” Bryanna gushed, the love for her mother-in-law evident in the way she spoke about her.

“Are you ready to go to town?” Knight asked as his gaze took her in and heat rose to her cheeks.

“Yes. I’ll see you on Saturday,” she said as she rose and hugged her friend and Samantha. “I’ll grab my purse and be ready in a minute.”

“Take your time,” he assured her. “We aren’t in a hurry.”

The truck eased out of the subdivision and down the mountain road. Gabby watched out her window, entranced by the view.

“Do you know where you want to stop first?” he asked.

“I saw a couple of boutique shops at the end of the street. Maybe we start there,” she suggested as she fiddled with the shawl’s ends to keep her hands busy. Somehow going out felt different than staying at the cabin. She didn’t have a place to retreat when he attempted to talk to her.

“Did you turn in all your work today? If I haven’t mentioned it, I’m proud of you, Gabby. You’ve done really well for yourself,” he complimented her.

“Thanks. I’m a complete success. Kicked out of my home, moved to Seattle for a fresh start with a top accounting firm trafficking humans, got my only friend killed and forced to stay in a cabin with my soon-to-be ex, whose baby I carry.”

Knight glanced at her and cocked his head, “When you put it that way…” He struggled to keep from chuckling at her cheeky response. “I meant you worked hard for your degrees and you made it to manager status within months of moving here. You always worked magic with our budget. I’m not surprised.”

She turned toward him. Tears threatened, but she held them back. “Listen. You volunteered to take me shopping and feed me. Let’s not ruin it with a walk down memory lane.”

He frowned as he saw the glistening in her eyes. “I’m sorry. Let’s find a present for my sister. Maybe you can help me find something for her, too? I don’t know what she needs.”

“Neither do I. Do you think I automatically know because I’m a woman? In the time you’ve known me, how many babies have you seen me with?” she asked, her voice grew higher.

“No. I hoped Bryanna mentioned what she needed,” he defended himself.

“We’ve spoken a few times. I’m certain we can find something.”

Knight pulled into the parking spot and helped her out of the truck. He scanned the area and noticed Patch on one corner, Leo standing in front of his sister’s bakery, Doc Winters sitting on a bench two stores down, and Taco, Shadow, and Ragu congregating at the coffee shop. The men didn’t let him go alone. They covered his back.

Gabby walked around the first boutique, searching for something for her friend. Knight followed her. He picked up a machine with two bottles attached and stared at it. Shaking his head, he put it down and came across a matching mother-and-daughter outfit. He smiled as he pictured Gabby holding a little girl’s hand, wearing cute matching outfits. Excitement grew as he marveled at a tiny Seahawks outfit with a miniature football. Glancing at Gabby, he caught her watching him and grinned at the outfit.

“Bryanna might like it,” she suggested.

He liked it. “It’s still early, I want something special.”

She glanced longingly at the tiny jersey before walking away. He made a mental note to pick it up later. Gabby browsed the baby books and picked up three. Two of them contained the same title and she paused and put one back. A pair of tiny tennis shoes caught her eye and she smiled as she admired them.

Damn, she was beautiful. Knight walked behind her and held out a shopping basket for her to add them. Wistfully, she put them inside. They circled the toy section and she picked up a stuffed giraffe with a teething toy attached. Then the elephant caught her eye. Grinning, she picked it up and caressed the furry ears. A sad expression crossed her face as she set it down and added the giraffe. When she finished, she headed to the cashier.

Knight pulled out his wallet to use his card.

“No. It’s my stuff. I’ll pay for it,” she insisted.

“If you’ll excuse us for a moment.” Knight addressed the older woman behind the counter. He gently pulled Gabby away to keep from getting overheard.

“I’ll pay. We don’t want you using your credit cards. They may try to track you,” he explained. “I’ll take care of it. I know you’ll keep all the receipts, Miss Accountant.”

“It won’t come from me then,” she argued as she pulled out her purse. “Maybe I still have some cash…”

Knight took a deep breath. He knew she tried to distance herself from him. “How about a compromise? Since I don’t have a freaking clue what half the stuff is and what that torture machine does over there, you pick the gift and put my name on it. I promise to let you pay your share when we finish this,” he coaxed.

Gabby giggled. “It’s a breast pump. All right. I’ll keep the receipts. We can divide it up later.”

He returned to the cashier and paid for their items. When they left the store, the men changed positions. They entered the second store. Gabby circled the offerings and shook her head. He opened the door and walked to the third.

“I’m sorry, Marcus. I need to use the bathroom,” she whispered.

A sign leading to the employee’s back entrance said, ‘Employees only.’ He frowned. Bryanna’s bakery stood across the street. He took her by the arm and led her across the street. He didn’t stop to speak to the employees as he ushered her to the back, where he knew the location of the bathroom. She went in and emerged a few minutes later.

“Sorry. I can’t help it,” she said as she glanced at the floor.

“Hey.” Knight tilted her chin to meet her gaze. “You’re pregnant. I’ve noticed your frequency at the cabin.”

“Oh.” She moved through the bakery and opened the door with him right behind her.

They returned to the third store. Feeling much more relieved, Gabby caught her second wind. A neutral layette set, two sleepers, and something called a swaddle filled the basket. Teething rings, a stuffed animal, and a book for Nugget came next. Then she walked over to the women’s section and picked out two nursing gowns and a robe for Bryanna.

“I didn’t know we needed to purchase anything for Nugget or my sister. I thought you only brought a gift for the baby,” he said as he took out his wallet again and swiped his card.

“The baby gets a gift, of course. I don’t want Nugget to feel left out. After all, she’s gonna be a big sister. As for your sister, everyone fawns over the baby. The mama does all the work and deserves some credit. The gift will make her comfortable for all those long nights ahead.”

Knight took her comment to heart. “Are you getting hungry?”

“Do you even have to ask?” She tried to take the bags, but he waved her away.

He led her to the truck and placed the items behind the seat. She stood on the sidewalk and waited. He opened her door, and she shook her head. “It’s such a nice evening. Can we walk? After I eat, it helps me to walk or I feel stuffed,” she explained softly.

Knight scanned the area and spied the men, keeping watch. “Of course.”

They walked side by side. “I wonder if they have tacos?” she asked as they approached.

He chuckled. “Didn’t you get your fill before I came home?”

“Don’t mess with me and my tacos. I don’t even know why I crave them. I barely ate them before…” her voice drifted off as if the pain of their past engulfed her.

He held the restaurant’s door open and silently thanked Bryanna for recommending it. The ambiance appeared precisely what he wanted for the evening. The hostess settled them into a booth where Knight’s back stayed against the wall, and he got a clear view of anyone coming in and out.

Scanning the menu, he picked the fresh salmon, asparagus and a side salad. Gabby seemed engrossed in the selections. “What sounds good to you?” he asked when she hid her face behind the menu.

“They only have fish tacos,” she said dejectedly. “I’m leaning toward the parmesan-crusted chicken, asparagus and soup.”

“You don’t want fish?” He set his menu on the table and waited for her to respond.”

“The smell sometimes makes me sick. Plus, I can only eat it in small quantities,” she confessed. “What about you?”

Knowing she sacrificed for their child’s good, he responded, “I think I’ll order a steak. Saint mentioned the owner raises his own cattle and the food served here comes from there.”

“I like steak but can’t eat a ton of it. I’m debating on the chicken pasta dish or the first one.” Gabby watched as the waiter brought water and a loaf of warm bread with oil.

“How about you order the chicken dish, I’ll order the steak and we can share,” he suggested.

“Sure.” She put down her menu and watched him cut the loaf, handing her the end piece, which she preferred.

When the server returned, he placed their orders and smiled as she bit into the bread and closed her eyes.

Slicing another section for himself and the other end for her, he placed it on her plate. She licked the oil from her lips and didn’t hesitate to pick up the second slice and devour it.

“I swear if I keep eating like this, I’ll be a whale before I deliver. I’m starved and I ate two tacos before we left.” Gabby pushed the appetizer plate to the side and sipped her water.

“You’re eating for two. When do you have your next doctor’s appointment? I want to accompany you. Can we discover if it’s a boy or a girl?” he asked as he wiped his fingers with his napkin.

“My appointment’s next week on Wednesday,” she informed him as she kept her head down. “I’ve decided not to find out the gender.”

“Why not? You’re the most prepared person I know. I’m surprised I didn’t see many baby items at the apartment already. If you need me to go get anything, let me know and I’ll ask Saint to come with me.”

She shook her head. “No. Babies don’t need much at the beginning. I’ll make do with what I have when the time comes. Hopefully, I’ll find a new place by then. It’ll depend on where I find a job.”

“Did you decide on a nursery theme?” he asked as he bit his tongue. He didn’t want her to worry about purchasing things the baby needed or for herself.

She shrugged, “It’s not as if the baby will remember how I decorated a room. I’ll wait until the baby grows older and then can make a room to their liking.”

Something seemed off. His wife didn’t seem interested in the things he overheard Bryanna discussing with her friends. When he saw the expectant mothers together, they chattered about different brands of bottles, backup formulas, and eco-friendly diapers. Did Gabby not feel excited at the prospect of having the baby?

“Saint asked if we wanted to stop by the house when we finished. His mama made dinner and brought a pecan pie with homemade ice cream. Do you feel up to visiting? I don’t want to tire you out.”

“I feel fine. We can stop for a few. Miss Edie’s pie sounds legendary, and ice cream always hits the spot.” The server brought their meal, and he picked up his phone and texted Saint.

Do you mind if we stop by? I mentioned Miss Edie brought a pie and ice cream. I need to speak with Bryanna.

Saint replied instantly.

Mama always makes enough. We’ll see you soon. How’s dinner going?

Knight frowned.

All right. Can you occupy Gabby while I speak with my sister?

Will do.

Saint agreed.

“Is something wrong?” she asked as she cut her chicken and slid his smaller plate over to give him some.

“No, not at all. I needed to take care of some business.” Knight cut her off a wedge of his steak. She sliced off a small section and pierced it with her fork. He watched her move it to her mouth and her lips close over the fork. Her eyes closed as she tasted the explosions of flavors. He smiled as he chewed his piece, enjoying it thoroughly.

“This might be the best tasting steak I’ve ever experienced,” she moaned as she took another bite.

“I agree,” he said softly. Mesmerized by her reaction to his meal and how relaxed she became as long as he didn’t discuss their marraige or their child.

“Do you know if Saint can take me to the luncheon? If I can stay long enough to download the files from the floor below, it might help save those people,” she asked him with pleading eyes.

“We discussed this. It’s dangerous. What if something happens to you or the baby?”

Her gaze met his. “My friend died because of them. They almost succeeded in killing my child and me. I know the risks involved. They need to pay. We aren’t the only ones these people hurt.”

“Fine,” he reassured her as he witnessed the tears pooling in her eyes. “How about I speak with the team? Then we’ll revisit your attendance. I don’t want you or the baby put in harm’s way.”

She nodded. He knew by her expression, she only agreed to appease him. They silently finished dinner. Feeling at a loss, he paid the bill and waited for her to slide across the booth. He helped her stand and led the way outside. Once again, he scanned the area and noticed the men loitering in different spots. His wife seemed oblivious to them, yet their presence reassured him. For once, he felt the security of having a team watching his back and it felt damn good.