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B ryanna hugged them as they entered her home.

“I hope you don’t mind us stopping by,” Gabby said as she returned her friend’s embrace and bent to squeeze Nugget.

“Hi, Aunt Gabby. Can I show you my brother’s room? It’s gonna be right across the hall from mine. Melody says her sister sleeps next door and always wakes her up. Mama still says we gotta love him even if he screams his head off.”

“Not all babies cry all the time, and it only lasts for a little while. Then they grow up and become something special. Your mama and Uncle Marcus are best friends,” Gabby assured her as Knight took her coat.

Nugget’s nose squished up. “He can’t be my best friend. I already got Emma and Melody. We even play with LJ, Caleb and Tyler. No babies allowed.”

“Remember, you’ll be a great big sister and teach him everything. He’ll look up to you like your mama does Uncle Marcus,” Gabby reminded her.

“I don’t know,” Nugget sighed loudly. “She keeps going around the house saying her brother’s a butthead. It doesn’t sound like he’s a lot of fun,” she responded doubtfully.

Knight’s brow went up as he studied his sister. “I’ll show you how much fun I can be.” Knight began to tickle the little girl and threw her up in the air, making her squeal with laughter. “Brothers are the best. I’ll have to remind your mama who taught her how to ride a bike and how to make pancakes.”

Nugget’s eyes grew wide. “You taught Mama how to ride a bike? She said you didn’t know where your brain was even if you sat on it.”

Gabby glanced at Bryanna, who started to shake with laughter. Knight strolled to his sister with a twinkle in his eye as he embraced her. Whispering in her ear, making her laugh even harder.

“Come on, Nugget. We’ll show Gabby the nursery while Mama apologizes to Uncle Marcus,” Saint chuckled.

Nugget took her hand and led her up the stairs, with Saint following behind. They stopped at a closed door with a sign attached, ‘Baby Boy Carter arriving soon.’ Nugget opened the door to show a completed nursery. Done in navy blue and white, the sailor theme spread throughout the room. Gabby walked in and her breath hitched on what she missed out on. Nugget went about the room, showing off the stuffed animals and books.

“All right, you showed Aunt Gabby the nursery. Why don’t you grab your PJ’s, pick out your book, and brush your teeth? I’ll start the shower for you in a minute,” Saint instructed his daughter.

“Awww, can I stay up a little bit longer? I didn’t get to play with Uncle Marcus,” Nugget complained as she clung to her daddy’s leg.

“Light’s out by eight, makes the morning great,” Saint repeated.

Nugget stuck out her lip as she skipped across the hall.

“Regardless of what she says, she’s excited about becoming a big sister. She wakes Bryanna every morning and asks if it’s the day.” He shook his head at his daughter.

“She’s afraid of the unknown. Nugget will feel better when he arrives and she can see him,” Gabby reassured him.

“Is that what you’re afraid of? The unknown?” he asked softly.

Gabby didn’t respond as she ran her hand across the crib, smiling at the crib sheets decorated with teddy bear sailors and sailboats. “Bryanna did a great job decorating.”

“She and the women took over the house and finished it in one day. The painter plans to start Samantha’s room on Monday. Then they’ll tackle it. Do you have any ideas for yours?”

Gabby picked up a teddy bear and fixed his sailor costume before setting it down. “I’m kinda in between places right now. It’s not a priority.”

“Tell me about the nursery you wanted. We’re working on the leads, and you’ll be able to decorate yours soon. I promise,” he coaxed.

Gabby paused. “I wanted a jungle animal theme, complete with elephants, giraffes, and tigers. The room painted sky blue with clouds, tropical trees with animals on the wall. A reading nook with a comfortable chair to rock and read to the baby.”

“It sounds nice. I’m sure you’ll get to make your dream come true soon.”

“While I have you alone, I want to ask you something. Friday, they plan to have a luncheon for?—”

“Gabrielle. We need to head back. Bryanna’s tired.” Knight walked into the room, scanning every detail. His jaw clenched and his eyes sparked with anger or was it hurt?

“Oh. I’ll see you soon,” Gabby hugged Saint. “The room’s beautiful. He’s a lucky little boy.”

Knight waited until Gabby disappeared with Nugget and Saint up the stairs. “So I apparently have my head up my ass?” He laughed at his sister.

She grinned and motioned toward the kitchen. She placed an entire pie in box and put it inside a bag.

“I’m assuming you didn’t come over for dessert. How’s Gabby doing?” Bryanna added a few of her toffee cookies and placed her hands on the counter.

“I need to speak with you. Do you know if Gabby talked about a nursery or getting prepared for the baby? When I went back to the crappy apartment, I only found a bassinet and a couple packs of diapers. She doesn’t want to know the gender. You know how she’s prepared for everything? She dismisses any discussion of the baby. I’m worried about her,” Knight blurted.

Bryanna frowned. “I didn’t plan on telling you, but the shower on Saturday isn’t mine. We planned an impromptu one for Gabby. She doesn’t initiate any conversations about the baby. She confessed she didn’t want to know the sex because it gave her something to feel excited about. With you two divorcing, I imagine this pregnancy didn’t start the way she envisioned.”

Knight sat on the stool and cradled his head in his hands. “I’m screwing this up for her, too.”

Bryanna took his hand. “I’m not sugarcoating it, brother. She’s hurt and scared. Gabby seems intent on getting a divorce. If you plan to win her back, I suggest you start showing her whatever she missed over the last year. You didn’t help the situation with accusing her of sleeping with someone. She doesn’t trust you. It’s only the beginning of the issues. You have a baby arriving soon and the mother of your child seems depressed.”

“I know. I’m trying to make up for it,” Knight groaned.

“Stop trying to make it up. Show her who you are. Let her know she can count on you to have her best interests at heart. Be the man she needs. If she only wants a friend, give him to her. If she requires a helpmate, be the person to lend a hand. You can’t change the past, Marcus, you can only move toward a future. Whether you and Gabby resolve things between you or not, a child will arrive soon and depend on both of you.”

“Thanks, sis. You might be right. I’ve made decisions with my ass for too long.”

“Let’s go see my nursery. The ladies and I put it together. I didn’t invite Gabby because she didn’t feel good the day we did it.” Bryanna wiped her hands on a towel and led the way upstairs. They neared the room and Marcus overheard Saint and Gabby speaking.

Gabby paused. “I wanted a jungle animal theme, complete with elephants, giraffes, and tigers. The room painted sky blue with clouds, and tropical trees with animals on the wall. And a reading nook with a comfortable chair to rock and read to the baby.”

“It sounds nice. I’m sure you’ll get to make your dream come true soon.”

“While I have you alone, I want to ask you something. Friday, they plan to have a luncheon for?—”

“Gabrielle. We need to head back. Bryanna’s tired.” Knight walked into the room, taking in the perfect nursery for their future son. Anger simmered in his gut when he realized she confided in Saint rather than tell him of her dreams for a nursery. He said he’d talk to the team and she went behind his back because she didn’t trust him to speak to the men. His hands clenched as he reminded himself, he caused this mess, and fixing it was up to him.