Read Online Gabe (The Love Family Series Book 7) by Kate Allenton - Free Book Online Page A

there’s a reasonable explanation,” Cole said, throwing a worried glance at Alexis.
    “Probably just a pet emergency.”
    Cole lifted his beer toward his wife as if impressed she’d thought of it. “Alexis, why don’t you call the clinic and see if he’s checked in?”
    Alexis excused herself from the table and left the room.
    Awkwardly, Lucy cleared her throat and rose to her feet. “I appreciate everything you guys have done, and it’s getting kind of late. I think I’m going to go lie down so I can get an early start and get out of your hair in the morning.”
    “What? No,” Alexis said, moving back into the room. She had her phone in her hand. “You can’t leave. Not yet.”
    Lucy swallowed around the lump in her throat. “Did you find him?”  
    Alexis held up her phone. “He wasn’t there, so I sent Declan by his house to see if his car is there and to check on him. Please sit and eat. Gabe wouldn’t want you to leave, and we don’t either.”
    Alexis’ phone rang, and she was quick to answer. “Hello. Sure,” Alexis said hesitantly and handed the phone to Cole. “Declan wants to talk to you.”
    Cole took the phone from Alexis and pressed it against his chest. He kissed her on the head before leaving the room and placing the phone next to his ear. “Yeah?”
    Alexis crossed the room to Lucy, a look of worry in her eyes, and it finally registered with Lucy. “Oh God, you don’t think…”
    Alexis pressed her lips together, and her nostrils flared. “If anything…”
    Cole walked back into the room. The look on his face made Lucy’s stomach drop and her hands tremble.
    “Is he okay?” she asked.
    Cole moved to Alexis and placed his palms on her arms. “Alexis, baby, you need to try not to flood the island, okay?”
    “Oh God,” Lucy whispered.
    “Cole,” Alexis growled. “Where the hell is my brother?”
    “Declan drove by like you asked. Gabe’s car was there so Declan went to the door. It was partly open, so he went in to check the place.”
    “Is he…” Lucy asked, covering her mouth. Her stomach flipped.
    “He wasn’t there,” Cole answered without taking his eyes off his wife. “His keys were there, and it appeared he had a shower and had packed a bag, but the bag was by the front door.” Cole glanced at Lucy. “He wasn’t there, and no one has seen him since.”
    Her legs no longer able to support her, Lucy fell to her knees. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be happening. She shook her head as a coldness engulfed her body. A ringing filled her ears, blocking out what Cole was saying. Her gaze went unfocused as dread filled her veins.
    “No, not Gabe.” Her words were a whisper to her ears. “I should never have come here. It should be me.” She lowered her head and squeezed her eyes closed, releasing the tears that had gathered. “Not Gabe.”
    Alexis slid down in front of her and lifted her chin, her eyes filled with determination. “We’ll find him.”
    Thunder crackled outside. Cole stepped toward Alexis and she held out her hand. “I’m fine. Lucy, look at me.”
    Lucy swallowed.
    “Don’t you dare go into shock on me. Snap out of it. He needs you to be strong. We need you to be strong. We will find him, and when we do, you won’t have to worry about a divorce or the courts. I’ll kill Warren myself.”
    Lucy couldn’t speak so all she did was nod as Alexis pulled her into a hug. “Stay tough.”
    “If anything…”
    “It won’t,” Alexis said, leaning out of the hug. “This island is full of Loves, and my brother is a black belt. If he’s conscious, he’ll stay alive until we get to him.”
    Alexis glanced up at her husband. “Call Reed and have him start tracking the street cams; I’ll call the others.”
    “I’m already on it,” Cole answered and turned to leave the room.
    She glanced back at Lucy. “Are you good? Can we count on you to keep it together?”
    “Yes.” Her voice came out hoarse, the word garbled, so she