Circle of Friends, Part 2 Read online

  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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  SUSAN MALLERY

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  About the Author

  Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women’s lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny and always uplifting, Susan’s books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA TODAY bestseller list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

  Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats and a tattletale toy poodle. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they’re an integral component to a happy life.

  ISBN-13: 9781488024603

  Circle of Friends: Part 2 of 6

  First published as Having Her Boss’s Baby

  This edition published 2016

  Copyright © 2006 by Susan Macias Redmond

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental. This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

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