Circle of Friends, Part 2 (10 page)
Read Circle of Friends, Part 2 Online
Authors: Susan Mallery
EPILOGUE
Eighteen months later
T
HE
CAKE
WAS
impossibly large for a one-year-old child, Noelle thought humorously, yet little Mindy was far more interested in impressing everyone with her ability to walk and her ability to speak...sort of.
She was also distracted by the constant bursts of laughter from the teenage contingent across the yard.
“Don't you even think of growing up,” Noelle said, sweeping her daughter up into her arms and raining kisses on her cheeks and forehead. “You're going to be my little girl forever.”
“If only,” her mother said as she carried out a tray of sandwiches. “Enjoy this time. It all goes so fast. I still remember your first birthday.”
Her mother got a little misty which, now that she was a mother herself, Noelle completely understood.
The Sunday afternoon was surprisingly warm for March, which was why they'd been able to hold the celebration outside. Now Mindy squirmed to get down, then walked to her grandmother and held up both her arms.
“Up,” the little girl said. “G'ma up.”
“Did you say Grandma?” Noelle's mother picked up the toddler and swung her in a circle. “Bob,” she called to where the guys were standing around the barbecue and talking. “She said grandma.”
Noelle's father grumbled. “She still likes me best.”
“Of course she does, dear. I think we need to get more pictures. Come on, you sweet little angel. Let's go inside and get the camera. There can never be too many pictures of my very first granddaughter, can there?”
Mindy laughed.
Noelle watched them go into the house. She felt deep contentment and a sense of everything in her world being where it should be.
After three grueling weeks of waiting for the results of the amniocentesis, the time made bearable only by Dev's constant and devoted presence, they'd learned that the baby was perfectly healthy in every way. Mindy had arrived right on time and she'd grown into a bright, happy little girl.
Dev walked over and put his arm around her. “What are you thinking?”
“That we have a very good life.” She nodded at his father. “I'm glad Jackson bought that house down the street. I like having him close.”
“Me, too,” Dev said. “Although what he's going to do with a place that big is beyond me.”
“He might get married again.”
“That would be good. I'd like him to find someone.”
They'd come so far, she thought happily. She had graduated from community college in January, on schedule, and had already started at UC Riverside. Her classload was light enough to let her spend plenty of time with Mindy. When her daughter had to be left with someone, Noelle used the church day care or one of the many volunteers. There was her mother, Dev's father, or her sisters.
Dev had provided all three of her sisters with college scholarships, allowing her mother to go back to the work she loved at the church.
“We're very blessed,” she said.
Dev hugged her close. “Yes, we are.”
She smiled. “I know it's Mindy's birthday, but I have a present for you.”
He raised his eyebrows. “I had my present last night.”
“You can have it again tonight, if you want, but this is something different.” She paused. “Actually, I guess they're related.”
“Are you going to tell me what you're talking about?” he asked teasingly. “Or do I have to guess?”
“I'll tell you.” She took his hand and placed it on her stomach. “I'm thinking September. Maybe this time we'll have a boy.”
Dev swept her up in his arms and swung her around. Then he set her on the ground and kissed her so thoroughly, she felt light-headed. Around them, no one paid attention. Their families were used to this kind of display.
She and Dev would share their happy news later, she thought as her husband kissed her again. Mindy would enjoy being a big sister.
Sometimes, she thought happily, life really was a miracle.
* * * * *
Noelle now has Dev and the family she's always dreamed of, but what about her best friends, Rachel and Crissy? In
Circle of Friends Part 3
, prim and proper kindergarten teacher Rachel finds herself having an unthinkable one-night stand with undercover cop Carter Brockett. Now she's too embarrassed for words. Well, she'd better find the words, because along with his cell number, Carter left Rachel with an extra surprise... Start knitting those baby boots, Rachel!
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A Kiss in the Snow
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Marry Me at Christmas
Yours for Christmas
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Halfway There
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Almost Summer
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Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday
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Sister of the Bride
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