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G abby woke to find Marcus gone. She ran her hand over the pillow beside her and brought it to her nose, inhaling his sandalwood scent. Glancing at the clock, she rose from the bed, went to the bathroom and pulled her clothes from the hotel closet. Scanning her clothing choice for her divorce, she realized she picked Marcus’ favorite color on her. He loved it when she wore pink.

Turning on the hot water, she pulled out what she needed for the morning and packed the rest of her items. She stepped into the shower, squirted the body wash onto a washcloth, and scrubbed off the scent of Marcus still clinging to her. Something in her gut clenched as if warning her, and she shook it away. They said their peace and their goodbyes.

Tears threatened at the memory of last night and his words echoed in her head. An integral part of the puzzle felt missing. Why didn’t he tell her about the black op mission? When did he start changing? It didn’t matter. Knowing she may never know what led Marcus down the path of destruction, she accepted it. The moment she became his wife she agreed to live the same life as other military spouses, not knowing if their loved one stayed safe somewhere in the world or what they did. Marcus sacrificed for his country and so did she. Then why did it feel like she got nothing in return?

“Gabby?”

“I’m finishing up. I’ll be out in a moment,” she called through the shower curtain.

“Caroline and Alabama came to see you before we leave. Do you have a minute to say hello before they leave for work?” Marcus asked as he cracked the bathroom door.

“Sure. Tell them to give me ten minutes. Can they come to my side? I can finish dressing while we chat.”

“I’ll send them over,” his voice sounded strange as he closed the door, giving her privacy.

Shutting off the water, she dried and slipped into her clothes. She added product to her hair and styled it into long waves over her shoulder. She heard the women enter her room and she opened the bathroom door.

Squealing at the sight of her friends, she hugged them simultaneously.

“Oh, Gabrielle, you’re beautiful. We’re planning a trip up to Serenity after the baby arrives. Melody called and told us all about Kassie and the women there,” Caroline gushed. “She mentioned your sister-in-law owned a bakery there, too.”

“Yes. Bryanna runs a successful business. It’s a small town and I’ve fallen in love with it. You’ll love the women. They held a shower for me. I swear this kid won’t need anything until it turns three.” She laughed.

“We brought you presents, too. Knight packed them in his bag.” Alabama informed her. “I’m sorry, Gabby. I hoped the two of you might’ve worked it out by now. He seemed sad when he came to close on the house.”

“You saw him?” she asked as she paused to put on her makeup.

“He spent the night with Wolf and me. They spoke with him in the living room and when he entered the kitchen he appeared lost. He apologized to us,” Caroline admitted.

“Apologized? For what?” Gabby walked to the bathroom’s entrance, waiting for her answer.

“Because he told our husbands you cheated on him. He set the record straight. He even spoke with his old team and made amends with them before leaving,” Alabama said as she sat on the bed’s edge.

“He didn’t tell me.” She rubbed her stomach. “We’ve gotten a bit distracted lately.”

“Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Caroline asked as she smiled at Gabby.

She shook her head. “No. We agreed to let it be a surprise.”

Alabama laughed. “Wow, he has changed. The Knight we saw in the bar after you left seemed angry and appeared as if he carried a chip on his shoulder. I never would’ve guessed he’d agree to wait.”

Gabby smiled. “He left it up to me. We went to an ultrasound before we left for here. He insisted they turn the monitor to keep us from seeing the sex.”

“Awww. I know it must be hard, but I’m happy you two remained amicable for the baby’s sake,” Alabama replied.

Gabby smiled and yet her heart sank.

“We wanted to say hello and warn you of our visit. We need to get to work. Call us if you need anything and let us know when you deliver,” Caroline demanded as she hugged her. Alabama joined in.

“Thank you for coming.” Gabby watched as her friends left. Glancing at her watch, she needed to leave in fifteen minutes.

She returned to the bathroom to check her appearance, sprayed Marcus’ favorite perfume, and stared at her image. Her friends’ information rang in her head. Why did Marcus apologize and set the record straight?

She picked up the phone as someone knocked. Wolf stuck his head inside the door. “Gabrielle, we’ll leave in ten minutes. Come into Knight’s room when you’re ready.”

Things started falling into place. Marcus, her knight, defended her honor by accepting the blame. What else did he do?

Gabby stared at Claire’s name and pressed the call button.

“Hi, Gabby. How are you?” she asked, concerned for her new friend.

“Can I ask you questions about Marcus?”

“HIPPA laws forbid me from answering any direct questions concerning his care unless you’re listed on his paperwork.”

“If you have paperwork, then you answered my first question,” Gabby said as she moved to the window. “I don’t need specifics. I have general questions.”

“I’ll answer them if I can,” Claire responded.

“Marcus spoke to me last night. He said he went on missions and saw things. I’ve read a little bit on the topic but don’t know much about it. Does Marcus exhibit signs of PTSD?”

“I’m sorry, Gabby. I can’t speak about his medical record.” Claire paused. “You aren’t listed.”

Frustration nagged at her gut. She wanted to make the right decisions but couldn’t do it if she didn’t know the answers.

She sighed. “Thanks, Claire.”

“Patch went to the team building. He and Knight have hung out.”

“Okaaay,” Gabby said slowly, wondering why Claire mentioned it.

“They’ve become friends. He’s not treating him,” Claire hinted.

Gabby smiled. “I have to go. I’m leaving in eight minutes and I need to call Patch.”

“Goodbye, Gabrielle and good luck.” Her friend disconnected the call.

She dialed Patch’s number and waited for him to answer.

“Hello, Gabrielle. Are you all right?” Patch asked immediately.

“I’m fine. The baby’s great. I need some questions answered and Claire can’t tell me.”

Patch sighed. “Let me guess, she suggested I talk to you?”

“Not exactly. My time’s limited. Will you help me?”

“Ask your questions,” he ordered.

“Does Marcus suffer from PTSD?” she asked hesitantly.

“I’m not a doctor. Knight acts like me sometimes.” Patch slowly informed her.

“Just so I know, we’re on the same page. Are we discussing the PTSD or both of you acting like assholes?”

Patch chuckled. “The first.”

“Does it explain his behavior over the last year and a half?”

“Yes,” Patch admitted. “It can also mean he’s still an asshole.”

“Is he a patient of Claire’s regularly?”

“He’s seen her a few times and joins me for meetings with other military personnel. He’s working on other stuff.”

“Will he get better?” she asked quietly.

“PTSD doesn’t go away and you get a button. It’s finding what works for each individual. Some things you try and it doesn’t help. I’m living, breathing proof he’s in the right spot to receive the help he needs.”

Gabby licked her lips nervously. “Patch. I need your honesty right now. I’m divorcing my husband in less than two hours. Am I making the wrong choice?”

“Only you can decide if you’re making the wrong decision. Knight sought help because he realized he hurt you. It’s not a guarantee life will come out smelling like roses if you call this off. PTSD causes long, hard days. It means communicating on the rough days and sometimes, we can’t. Serenity and the people here, we won’t let him go through it alone. The biggest question for you, Gabby, is, do you love him enough to stay? He admitted what happened between the two of you. You’re the reason he chose to fight. Don’t stay with him if you can’t forgive because I’ll ensure he has a support system. Do what’s right for you and the baby.”

“Thank you, Patch.” Gabby hung up the phone.

Abe opened the door. “It’s time. Knight rode with Wolf and Cookie. Mozart and I will escort you into the courtroom.”

She nodded and handed her bag to Abe. Mozart smiled as he helped her into the car and they drove to the courthouse. Each man flanked her as they walked up the steps. Her heart pounded in her chest and she fought back the tears. Did Marcus go through this alone to protect her? Why didn’t he talk to her about his feelings? She rolled her eyes. Because he didn’t want her to worry. Damn Alpha Male

They rode the elevator to the second floor and Abe motioned for her to sit on a bench along the wall. Her eyes scanned the crowd for her husband. She wanted to see his face.

“Gabby and Marcus Hutchins,” the clerk called.

Abe helped her stand on her quaking legs. In a few minutes, she’d sign away her name and no longer be married, as if they never existed. Abe guided her to the right side of the courthouse, where she caught a glimpse of Marcus. He stared straight ahead, his hands stayed gripped tightly together and his jaw locked in place. He didn’t turn to search for her, yet she knew he felt the exact moment she walked in because she felt him.

The judge moved the papers before him and addressed them. “We’re here today for the dissolution of the marriage between Gabrielle Cherise Hutchins and Marcus Andrew Hutchins. I’ve read the filings, and everything appears in order. Does anyone have anything to add?” He peered at the couple.

“No, your Honor,” Knight choked out, keeping his word, while he stared straight ahead. He resembled a man who stood waiting for his execution. Only Gabby held the key to set him free.

“I do, your honor. I’m pregnant with his child and request we delay the proceedings for six months to work out a custodial agreement,” she called.

Knight turned startled eyes toward her.

He didn’t hear what she said. No. He did, but he didn’t believe it. Marcus spent the morning practicing his no contest to the divorce and she threw a wrench in it. He turned, his gaze searching hers.

“We’ll set the court date for six months from today’s date. You can see the clerk to get it scheduled. I encourage you to devise a solution on your own. Good luck.” The judge handed over their paperwork and called his next case.

She walked to the end of the aisle, and Knight took her by the arm and led her out of the courtroom.

“What do you think you’re doing? You wanted this. I’m prepared to let you go,” he stammered.

She walked beside him until they reached a secluded corner as Wolf’s team barred anyone from seeing them.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the PTSD? Why didn’t you seek help when you came home from those missions? Help me understand how you can let me go without fighting for us?”

“Because I let you down. I caused you too much pain. We can’t go back.” He shook his head. “Gabrielle, you should’ve gone through with this.”

“You’re right, Marcus. We can’t go back but can we move forward? Will you fight for me and Tiger? I don’t know what all’s involved, but we have six months to work on it. I know you won’t be magically cured or anything. You’re wrong, Marcus. We need you. I don’t need you to provide for us or give me stuff. We need you by our side because we want you. I want you. More importantly, I love you.”

Knight’s hands held his knees as he bent and sobbed quietly. She swiped away the tears, not allowing anyone to see her knight at his weakest. All along, he fought the battle and drowned for her and she thought he left her alone. Now, it was her turn to save him.

Knight stood and cupped her face. “I love you, Gabrielle.”

She gripped his wrists and smiled through her tears. Her heart soared as if he set it free. “Wolf?”

“Yes, Gabrielle?”

“Can you drive us to meet Knight’s team? We’re ready to go home.” Gabby stared into his eyes and rubbed her hand along his scruff.

“Do you want to set a date with the clerk before we leave?” Knight asked.

She shook her head. “No. I made my vows as a military wife and I plan to honor them as long as you promise to fight. I don’t see a need to waste the court’s time.”

He pulled her close, kissing her cheek, her ear and her hair. “I won’t let you down.” Knight held her hand as the team took them to their vehicle.

Wolf drove them to meet Shadow and Patch at the halfway point. The men shook Knight’s hand before leaving them. They hugged Gabby and smiled. Knight put his arm around her as they walked to their hotel room.

“Do you need to eat?” Knight asked as he opened the door.

“Yes. Please order me whatever you’re having,” she said as she entered the room.

He picked up the phone. “I want to order room service. I need twelve tacos, a carton of milk, and two bottles of water.”

When he finished ordering, Gabby leaned her head on his shoulder. He kissed her hair. “I don’t know what changed your mind. I’m thankful for a second chance.”

“I’m starved. When we finish our meal, can we take a nap?” she asked as she stroked his arm.

He leaned forward in concern. “Did you not sleep?”

She grinned. “I slept longer than I have in the last seven months. I hoped we might need a reason to nap,” she hinted and smiled.

He shook his head and laughed. “I love seeing you smile.”

“I love you.” Gabby stroked his scruff.

“I love you, Gabby.”

The attendant brought two plates and returned with a huge tin full of tacos, making Gabby laugh. “Thank you.”

He picked up a taco and set it on her plate. He grabbed one for himself. He never envisioned coming home like this. His heart felt light and his hopes soared at the thought of their new beginning. Tomorrow, the raid promised to take Wilkinson down. He and Gabby could start their future together.