Page 73 of Missing Marcus

“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 waiteduntil 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.

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