Page 37

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G abby sat on the bed and debated if shopping with her soon-to-be ex seemed a good idea. Rising, she went to the outside deck. The wind blew, causing her to wrap her arms around her stomach. She tilted her chin into the cold breeze, letting the fresh air clear her thoughts.

“Gabby?” Knight called from the hallway. She heard the panic in his voice as she turned from the railing to reenter the cabin. The patio door flew open and a wild-eyed Knight scanned the area. “What are you doing out here? It’s cold.” He shrugged out of his jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. It served as a warm blanket, covering her belly. It smelled like sandalwood and him. Inhaling deeply, she leaned into him, wishing things worked out differently.

“I wanted some fresh air. The view makes me feel at peace,” she explained as he led her back inside.

“I called out for you and I was worried when you didn’t answer.” Knight walked into her bedroom, opened the closet and pulled out a pink sweater, matching her outfit. “You might need this. Do you still want to shop?”

“Yes. I’ll be right out.” She walked into the bathroom, dismissing him. When she freshened up, Gabby entered the living room. Knight sat on the couch furiously texting on his phone. “I’m ready.”

“Does Tiger still want pizza? I noticed the missing tacos,” he teased.

“Tiger deemed pizza as the pick for tonight. Do you know if they make a stuffed crust?”

He shook his head. Pulling out his phone, he checked the website. “They have cheese stuffed crust. How about we drive into town, order the food, and then do the grocery shopping? It’ll keep you from tiring out, and I don’t want those feet to swell again. Did you know it’s an indicator to preeclampsia? Has your doctor mentioned it?” he asked as she sat beside him to slip into her shoes.

“No. Dr. Beecham said I’m doing good. The visit will be mostly routine.”

Kneeling, he helped her tie the laces. “Do you mind if I tag along? I have some questions for the doctor. I want to ensure I’m doing everything to make this a safe delivery.”

“I’m doing everything correctly.” Gabby stiffened at his words. “I’ve taken care of myself from the beginning and if you believe I need managing, you’re sorely mistaken.”

Knight sat beside her and took her hand. “Hey. You’ve done a great job. We’re in this together. I want to make sure I’m doing my job right.”

“What do you consider your job? I’m the one carrying the baby, stopping to pee every twenty minutes, and waddling like a duck. Do you want to volunteer for any of those things?” she asked sarcastically.

“Ummm, no. I do, however, want to support you,” Knight explained as his gut clenched at her expression.

“We’ll divide the bills in half. I don’t want the courts to decide anything concerning my child. We can provide receipts when necessary.”

Shaking his head, Knight turned to face her. “I’ve missed all the other appointments. You no longer have to do this alone, I’m here.”

“I managed fine until the car accident. A woman no longer needs a man to support her. I’d still be caring for myself if I never stumbled across those files. What do you plan on doing? Leave me notes on the fridge of all the things Gabby didn’t complete or can’t handle, to remind me of my incompetence?”

Knight jerked his head back in surprise. He left a list on the fridge of items he left undone because he struggled to keep his chaotic thoughts straight enough to remember what he needed to do for her before his next sudden spin up. “Whoa, wait a minute. You believed I left it to remind you of things you didn’t accomplish? I made it to ensure I didn’t forget to do anything when I returned.”

Gabby shot off the sofa and turned at the hallway’s edge. Tears spilled down her cheeks and she clenched her fists tightly. “You used it to pick fights with me. When I asked if you wanted to spend time with me, you reminded me of everything on your precious list. The one you used to remind me of all my failings in taking care of our home.”

Realizing the gravity of the miscommunication, he slowly stood, afraid she’d dart from the room. “Gabby. I promise you. It’s not what you think. The notes kept me in check. The last year, I spun up more than usual…I didn’t want you going without.” He slowly approached her.

“I went without you. Did you ever stop and wonder how I managed when you spun up? Guess what? I paid off the house and truck, made budgets, painted rooms, landscaped and attended school. When you granted me your precious time, you ensured it came at a price. You stuck that stupid list where I saw it every day until you returned, letting me know I’d always be a waitress in your eyes,” she bit out angrily.

Knight ran his hand across his face. “I never once…You’re capable of running the world. I swear on the life of this child, which we hold dear, I didn’t do it for the reasons you believe.” Gently cupping her cheek, he swiped away the tears. “It never crossed my mind how you felt about it.”

“You’re only doing this for the baby. You never contacted me. Everything came from your lawyer. You’re only here now because the hospital called you.” She hiccupped as her gaze found the floor.

The sadness in her voice cut his heart to shreds. “Regardless of what you believe, I missed you. My damn pride kept me from reaching out. If I saw you or heard your voice again, I didn’t have the strength to walk away. You strolled into the attorney’s office, appearing like a model from a magazine. After my assumption and I ordered you to leave, it took every bit of my willpower to get into my truck. I felt betrayed and hurt. If I only listened…I know I hurt you.”

“I’m afraid I’m not up for pizza. I’ll call and ask Bryanna to pick me up and stay the night there,” she whispered.

Throwing his head back, he breathed through his nose and out his mouth as Claire instructed. “Please accompany me into town. You’re right. I lost sight of what mattered the most. Not because I stopped loving you. The baby will be here before we know it. That’s why I want to spend time with you now. Please stay,” he pleaded.

“We can’t go back, Marcus. I won’t allow you to hurt us again,” she vowed.

“It’s the last thing I want to do. Let’s start this evening over. I know Tiger can’t survive on two leftover tacos. He or she wanted pizza with veggies and pineapple with cheese stuffed crust. You asked me to speak with the team about the luncheon. They agreed to cover us while you attend,” he informed her gently. “If you prefer I not attend your appointments, I’ll respect your decision.”

She swallowed and swiped at her cheeks in indecision.

“I might even know the code to the bakery and asked Bryanna for a freshly baked apple pie with those little crumbles. Come on, are you really gonna deprive Tiger of your favorite dessert,” he gently coaxed.

Silence filled the room for what seemed like forever.

“Does Bryanna keep any of Miss Edie’s homemade vanilla ice cream in the freezer?” Her sad gaze met his.

Determined to remove the pain, he swept her hair back from her face. “Didn’t you know? Whatever you want, I acquire. It’s my job.”

“I’ll need to freshen up.”

“Take your time,” he assured her.

When she went to her room, he dug out his phone and texted Saint.

I need Miss Edie’s ice cream. Do you have any?

Did Gabby get a craving? We’re out. There’s some at the team facility. Patch switched shifts with Taco.

Saint replied.

I’ll figure it out.

He responded.

He hesitated over Patch’s number before finally tapping out the text.

I need a favor.

Hello to you, too, Asshole.

Patch replied.

Gabby asked for vanilla ice cream. It’s at the facility. Can you bring it to the cabin? I’m taking her grocery shopping, picking up pizza and a pie at the bakery.

Knight texted.

Did you run this by Leo? Never mind. You’re operating on one brain cell. Don’t go into town without backup. We don’t risk Gabby’s safety.

Patch answered.

Shit. He forgot to ask for backup. He swiped his hand against his brow.

Gabby asked to go and I got excited and forgot. Then we argued. I’m in deep shit.

He admitted.

Ha! You’re only now realizing it? Give us ten minutes. We got you covered.

Marcus sighed. Relief flooded him with the knowledge Patch refused to let him go alone. Gabby entered the room, appearing nervous, yet collected.

He hastily texted Patch.

Thanks.

They walked outside, each gauging how the other felt. Knight took his time, helped her into the truck and slid into the driver’s seat.

“Did you want anything specific from the grocery store?” he asked trying to break the tension.

“Crackers, ginger ale, and items to make baked spaghetti. Bryanna said I didn’t need to bring anything for the shower, yet I feel like I’m arriving empty-handed. All her friends planned everything. It’s the least I can do.”

“Leo and Doc discussed how the older women volunteered to make the food. With half the team expecting babies, the grans, as they call them, dote on them,” Marcus explained.

“It feels weird not helping with her shower. The ladies seem very nice. Did you know Lizzy’s husband is a pediatrician? Bryanna says they all use him. Since I don’t know how long I’ll be here, Kassie suggested I might want to make a newborn appointment with Dr. Harris. He likes to get the parents’ history, send you home with pamphlets, and give you an immunization schedule.”

“I’ve met him. Michael sounds like a good idea. I watched him when one of the kids got an earache after swimming. He’s good with them,” he advised.

“You’ll need to come with me. Lately, you’ve left by the time I get up and don’t return until dinner. I don’t know when to schedule it,” she admitted as she stared out the window.

“Call the office and set up the appointment. I’ll work around it. I’m working out with Saint and the team. Taco and Matthew provide updates on what’s happening with the case. It sounds like they’re making progress since you cracked the code.” Knight reached for her hand and placed it on his lap as he drove into town.

“All right. I already worked out a budget for the hospital and set aside money for what the insurance doesn’t cover. I hope this baby arrives before I lose my job.” Gabby unconsciously rubbed her stomach, appearing stressed.

“We’ll figure it out.” He pulled into the grocery store parking lot and shut off the engine. “Wait for me,” he reminded her before getting out. Scanning the parking lot, he noticed Leo’s truck parked and Matthew’s vehicle pulling into the parking stall.

Helping her down, he kept her on his left side as Matthew fell in beside her.

“Hi, Matthew,” Gabby greeted.

“Hello, Gabrielle. He nodded at Knight. “Did you make a craving run?” Matthew asked as if he’d merely run into them, and Gabby never noticed.

She laughed and held a hand to her baby bump. “Tiger filled up on tacos and now wants pizza.”

“Tiger?” Matthew asked, confused.

“Marcus gave the baby a nickname since we don’t know the sex,” she explained as Knight pulled out a cart and let her push. She placed her purse inside.

“I used up all of Tess’ creamer and came to pick some up. I hope you two enjoy your evening.” Matthew nodded before strolling down the aisles, scanning them.

Gabby picked out a few veggies and a couple of fruits before walking to the deli aisle. “May I get a quarter pound of the baby Swiss?” she asked the employee.

“They have the cheese with cranberries.” Knight pointed at her favorite.

“I don’t want to purchase too much before we leave,” she informed him as she stared at the selections.

“Can we have a pound of the cranberry cheese?” he insisted. “You’re not going without. Tiger may get a hankering at midnight and they close up early in this town.”

Gabby smiled widely, and his heart soared as Patch came up from behind him.

“Hey, Asshole,” he muttered as he walked by him. “Hi, beautiful. What made you come into town with this big lug?”

“He’s buying me pizza and apple pie,” she replied as she noticed Patch’s girlfriend. “Hi, Claire.”

“How are you, Gabby? Patch didn’t finish the grocery run for the team, and I decided to join him. When you come to Bryanna’s shower, bring a few bags. The grans made meals for us to take home and freeze.”

“How nice. Can I pay them for the food?” she asked as Patch motioned Knight to the side and Claire responded, occupying Gabby.

“I put the freezer bag in the back of your truck. Leo’s covering the back of the store. Saint’s sitting in the parking lot. Don’t go out until I signal the all clear.”

He nodded before approaching Gabby. “Why don’t we get what you’re craving since the grans made stuff for us? I can always make a trip down if we need anything.”

“It sounds like a plan,” she agreed as he led her away from the group after they said their goodbyes.

“Claire seems nice. Why does Patch call you Asshole?” Gabby asked as she picked up a package of spaghetti noodles.

“Do you disagree?” he asked teasingly.

“Nope.” She proceeded down the aisle with a slight smirk, making him scowl.

She stopped at the store’s floral aisle. “I want to take flowers to the service tomorrow. I wonder if her sister plans on having one in Ohio. I want to send flowers there, too. Knowing they didn’t get along, I’m unsure what she might do.”

“We can’t control what she does. I’m not thrilled you want to attend tomorrow, but I understand why. I’ll forever be grateful to her for caring for you when I didn’t.” He waited patiently as she picked a vase of multicolored flowers and added it to the cart.

“After we pick up the cheese for the pasta dish, I’m ready to go,” she told him as she searched in her purse for a tissue. Her eyes turned watery as she gazed at the bouquet.

“I’m sorry, Gabby,” he whispered as he placed his arm around her and gave her a gentle squeeze. Knight kissed the top of her head without thinking, the action felt natural and he missed her terribly. The scent of vanilla hit his nose as she straightened and nodded as if recalling they weren’t together anymore.

They stood in line to pay for the items. Patch stayed off to the side and signaled an all-clear as the grocery clerk finished checking them out. Gabby pushed the cart while he walked on her right and Saint covered her left. Intent on the pizza, she never noticed, which bothered him more than he cared to admit. After seeing the damage men inflicted on women, her na?ve view of the world bothered on him. Why didn’t she scan the parking lot? If a stranger approached her asking for a dollar, she’d gladly open her purse and fork over the money, unaware of the risk around her.

He helped her inside the truck before loading the groceries and entering the driver’s side.

“Are you and Tiger ready for your cheese-stuffed pizza?” he asked as he drove out of the parking lot.

“Why don’t we pick up the pie and the grab the pizza? I’m a bit more tired than I thought. I’ll stay inside the vehicle while you get it. It’ll take less time,” she suggested quietly.

He turned onto the bakery’s street and parked in the back. Taking out his phone he texted Patch.

Gabby’s tired and wants me to run in and grab the pie and pizza. Did anyone follow us?

Hey Asshole. I’m behind you. Are you sure you were a SEAL?

Knight frowned. His focus strayed as he determined if she felt tired or if something else caused the silence.

Gabby went quiet.

I don’t know what’s wrong.

Gee. Let me think…Did you open your mouth?

Patch responded.

Rubbing his forehead, he replayed their last interactions and nothing popped up as a red flag.

No.

He replied.

I know it’s a stretch. Why don’t you ask her?

Patch texted.

“Do you want to see Bryanna’s bakery? You haven’t seen the inside yet other than the bathroom.” Knight watched as she shook her head. “Why do I feel like something happened and I missed it? You seemed fine in the grocery store, but now you barely speak.”

“You did it again. It’s like you’re here with me, then you’re not. I don’t want to fight. Can we get the food and return to the cabin?”

“Yes. I’m not angry. I want you to tell me if I said or did something.”

She sighed. “Please, I don’t want to start an argument.”

He turned her chin to meet him in the interior’s dim light. “We’re not disagreeing. We’re communicating. Tell me, please.”

Gabby hesitated. “Your jaw clenched and you appeared angry. If I question you about it, you blame me and we fight. I’m not up to a heated discussion.”

Knight did his best to hide his surprise at her observation. “Hey. I’m not mad. I’m working on some things, but I didn’t realize it had become a pattern. I can’t tell you details about my missions. But I want to communicate with you better to avoid misunderstandings like the list. Sometimes, you have such a big, trusting heart. I encountered women like you and people hurt them because they don’t see the bad in people. It’s one of the things I love about you. When I spun up so much and saw innocent women…it worried me about you. Since you’re uncomfortable discussing it right now, maybe we can talk tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry, Marcus. I wish you didn’t see those things. When you left I remembered everything you taught me. I park under lights when I went out at night. I hold the keys in my hand. I take note of my surroundings. When you returned, I didn’t need to do it because you watched over me. I’ve seen the news and with you spinning up often, I’m aware of the evil in this world. I’ve chosen to focus on putting good into it.”

“You do a great job of it and I hope you never change,” Marcus said as he almost high-fived himself for opening up to how he felt instead of feeling enraged. She rewarded by him by giving a different prospective he never considered.

Gabby sighed. “I’m not looking forward to tomorrow. Mr. Wilkinson will be there. Knowing he’s involved sickens me to the core. I don’t know how to manage a straight face when he speaks with me.”

“You won’t be there alone. I’ll stay by your side the entire time and the team will have our backs,” he reassured her.

“Do you trust this one? It didn’t seem like you got along with your last team.”

He didn’t know she noticed. “This group’s different. Bryanna married a good man. He has solid friends. We’re in great hands.” Knight exited the vehicle and watched as Patch parked on the street behind him and Doc’s truck pulled up to the curb. Using the key his sister loaned him, he unlocked the bakery, went to the fridge and pulled out the apple pie he requested. The scent of cinnamon wafted from the box, and he smiled. He thought of the ravenous expression on Gabby’s face when she saw the tacos. Imagining it appearing when he brought out the dessert, he hurried to lock up the store and returned to his truck.

Handing the box over, he climbed inside and headed toward the pizza place.

“Oh, this smells like sin in a box.” She inhaled.

“It does.” He parked in the parking stall and again left her to retrieve the pizza. Patch pulled two vehicles down and Saint sat on the street. The feeling of belonging flooded him as he watched the men maneuver around Gabby to protect his wife. Entering the building, he gave his name and paid for the food. He placed the box behind his seat. The apple pie took up Gabby’s lap.

“I don’t know about you, but between the pizza and the pie, I can’t decide which one I want first,” he said as he turned onto the mountain’s access road.

“Why choose? I say we eat both simultaneously,” she exclaimed, making him chuckle.

“Why not?” He took her hand and played with her fingers as he drove to the cabin. “If you put in the alarm code, I’ll carry the stuff in. Then I’ll put away everything from the grocery store away while you get plates. It’ll make it go faster, and we can eat it while it’s warm.

“We forgot ice cream,” she pouted prettily.

“Oh, ye have little faith. What do I get if I produce a container of Miss Edie’s specialty?”

Gabby cocked her head. “What do you want? It’s not fair of you to take advantage of a pregnant woman dealing with cravings.”

“No. It’s not. How about I throw in a foot rub after dinner? Your feet probably grew skintight after your adventure in the grocery store.”

“They don’t feel too bad. Although, I’d be crazy to turn down a foot massage.”

“Uh-huh.” He grinned as she playfully bantered with him. He missed this side of them. “If you’re not too tired, we can watch a movie and picnic in the living room. Then, I’ll rub your feet after you eat.”

“As hungry as I feel, it won’t take me long. Prepare your hands.” Gabby laughed.

He pulled in front of the cabin and helped her down, handing her the pie. “If I let you take this in, do you promise there will be at least one slice left by the time I bring everything inside?” he leaned down and whispered.

“I’m sorry,” she said balefully. “I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”

“Oh really.” He rubbed his scruff along her neck, making her giggle echo in the air as she pushed him away playfully. His arm enclosed around her to keep her from losing her footing.

“Stop. Okay. Okay.” She laughed louder. “Let me go. I’ll leave you a slice.”

Reluctantly, he released her and watched her climb the small step to the cabin. She punched in the code and turned to face him, saucily calling before closing the door, “I never said how big.”

Shaking his head, he removed the groceries and brought in the pizza. Setting it out on the counter, he returned to carry in the flowers and placed them in the kitchen, far from the living room’s view.

Gabby already set out plates and served him out a larger portion of the pizza. He picked them up and carried them into the living room while she followed with placemats. She turned to fetch the other items when his hand stopped her.

“Sit and put those feet up. Find us a movie while I get the apple pie. We can keep the ice cream in the freezer bag and I’ll put it away when we’re done.”

Gabby sat on the couch, attempting to take off her shoes. Entering the living room, he smiled as she teetered to the side to remove the footwear.

“You try taking off your shoes when you have a basketball inside your stomach,” she challenged.

Kneeling, he placed the items on the table and removed her shoes. Knight moved the coffee table closer for Gabby to reach as she searched the channels. Finding a comedy, Gabby settled the plate on her stomach and became completely absorbed in the show. He handed her a piece of pie with ice cream as soon as she finished.

“Bryanna bakes the most amazing pie I’ve ever tasted,” she said between mouthfuls. “She needs to sell these in grocery stores in Seattle. She’d make a killing. I might offer to run the numbers for her.”

Not wanting to upset her, he wiped his hands, rose, picked up her feet, and sat down, placing her legs in his lap.

“Hmmm,” she moaned with her spoon flipped upside down in her mouth. “Your hands feel warm.”

“I’m reading up on pregnancy. They claim you’re in the hardest trimester as the baby gets bigger. I thought the first few months might’ve seemed harder with morning sickness. They said some women have it the whole time. How bad did you have it?” Knight asked as he massaged her calves.

Gabby placed the spoon on her plate and placed it on the coffee table. “When I contacted you about the baby, it seemed at its worst. When I left for Seattle, I handled it with saltines and water before getting out of bed. When I started work, Jackie discovered me in the bathroom the first week.” She smiled. “She went into mom mode. She stocked a minifridge with fresh fruit, water, yogurt, and also kept extra packs of crackers on hand. I wished I’d told her how much I appreciated her.”

“I’m sure she knew. Once the baby arrives, we can fly to Ohio and pay our respects.”

Gabby considered it before replying, “Thank you. Then every year I can send flowers.”

“I’ll ask Matthew if he can locate her sister. Maybe someone at the office tomorrow might know,” he suggested as she scooted lower on the couch, resting her head on the arm.

“I’ll ask. She didn’t say much about them. I saw a picture on her desk and asked about it.” Gabby’s voice drifted as his hands massaged her legs. “Thank you for doing this. I try to ignore the back pain and the cramps in my legs seem to happen late at night when I’m finally falling asleep.”

“Why didn’t you wake me? I’m here to help you,” he admonished.

“Because you grow restless at night. Sometimes, I hear you pacing. It’s bad enough one of us doesn’t sleep. There’s no reason for both of us to walk around like zombies.” She chuckled. “When Tiger arrives, we’ll experience enough sleep deprivation.”

“Does your back hurt now?” Knight asked as his strokes grew longer.

She sighed. “It’s constant. I get into a comfortable position and Tiger decides he or she doesn’t like it. I can only sleep on my left side for a couple of hours before I wake up to pee or can’t sleep.”

“Why don’t you take a warm shower? I’ll rub your back with some of the vanilla lotion Samantha left for you.”

Gabby shook her head. “No. It’s fine. I’ll probably head to bed shortly. My belly’s full and your foot massage made me sleepy.”

“Go,” he prodded. “You need a good night’s rest. You’ve carried the burden by yourself long enough. Let me be there for you.”

Placing her feet on the floor, he held her arm and helped her to stand. “Call when you’re done.”

Gabby bit her lip in indecision before nodding and heading to her room.

Knight ran to his, pulling out the weird-shaped pregnancy pillow from the store the clerk recommended. When he heard the shower running, he went into her room and placed it on her bed. Disgusted he hadn’t remembered it sooner, he hurried to set a couple of candles on the opposite side of the bed and grabbed the lotion from the bedside table. Returning to the living room, he cleaned the remaining dishes and put the ice cream away.

The door opened and Gabby called, “Marcus?”

Drying his hands, he came around the corner. She wore his oversized jersey and a pair of leggings. Smiling, he approached her, “I wondered where I misplaced my shirt .”

She blushed and glanced down. “I’m sorry. I should’ve asked. I wore it often when you spun up to keep a part of you with me. I must’ve gotten used to it.”

“It looks better on you than it ever did on me. Keep it.” He led her to the bed, noticing her confusion. “The clerk at the store mentioned this helped expectant mothers get comfortable. If I knew you suffered from back pain earlier, I’d given it to you sooner. Do you wear leggings to bed?”

Biting her lip, she stared at him. “Underwear doesn’t feel good right now. I don’t want us to feel uncomfortable.”

“How about we get you situated on the pillow? We’ll remove the leggings, and I’ll cover you with the blanket. Will that work?” When she nodded, he slid his thumbs under the waist of the leggings, sliding them down. Gabby gripped his shoulders as he knelt and removed them.

He climbed onto the bed and helped her adjust the pillow around her stomach. Knight brushed her hair back.

“Marcus?”

He bent beside the bed to see her face. “Yeah?”

“I know you’re doing this for the baby, but I appreciate it.”

“I’m doing it for us. One day, I hope you can forgive me. Until then, I’ll spend every day proving my commitment to you.”

Moving to the opposite side, he picked up the lotion, tucked the blanket at her butt bone, poured a healthy portion of lotion into his hands, and rubbed it into her skin. Her breathy sighs and moans let him know when he found a tender area and soon her body relaxed. He lay gently beside her, relishing the feel of her beside him. Knight took a deep breath. If he wanted Gabby, he must face his demons. Patch mentioned he did it because of Claire. He didn’t intend to walk away. He wanted to win the battle for his family even if he must fight himself.