Free Circle of Friends, Part 2 by Susan Mallery Page A

on.”
    â€œI know. I wanted to...” She stared at her lap. “I started to, actually.” She explained about the day she’d come home and found her mother crying over the bills and having to leave the church and that she couldn’t bring a baby into the house.
    â€œWe would have found a way,” her mom said.
    â€œI know. But I thought marrying Dev was an easier option. Only now I’ve fallen in love with him and he doesn’t want me to.”
    â€œTell me about that,” her mother said.
    â€œI was so scared at first, but he made everything wonderful.” She talked about how they got to know each other and how the more they knew, the more there was to like.
    â€œI couldn’t believe it was so easy,” she admitted. “We mesh. He even likes peanut butter cookies better than chocolate chip, just like me. He wants to be there for the baby. He’s kind and responsible and...”
    â€œIncredible in bed.”
    Noelle felt herself blush. “Mo-om.”
    â€œHe must be or it would be a lot easier to leave.”
    â€œThat part of our relationship is fine,” she said primly.
    Her mother laughed. “My daughter, the prude.”
    â€œI’m not a prude. Sex with Dev is amazing, but you’re my mother.”
    â€œOkay, fine. We’ll talk about that later, when you’ve had time to adjust to the fact that I do it, too.”
    Noelle closed her eyes and groaned. “I know. I just don’t want to share details.”
    Her mother laughed. “I won’t do that. I promise.” Her smile faded. “What do you want?”
    â€œI want him to love me back. He says he can’t. I think he won’t. He’s had so much happen in his life. His mother dying, his dad leaving.” She talked a little about Jackson Hunter and his unexpected return. “Dev isn’t really dealing with him, although I’m hoping they’ll reconcile. After Dev’s grandfather died, he was responsible for raising Jimmy and that didn’t go well.”
    She detailed how Dev blamed himself for his brother’s death.
    â€œFrom what you’ve said, it seems to me that everyone Dev has loved has either gone away or rejected him or both,” her mother told her.
    Noelle hadn’t thought of his past like that, but it was true. Everyone always left or died. Was that the problem? Did he think he couldn’t trust anyone who cared to stick around?
    â€œWhat about his romantic relationships?” her mother asked. “Did you know much about them?”
    â€œHe dated a lot of beautiful women. Never for very long, though. Katherine told me once that he’d been engaged a few years ago. Supposedly he was crazy about her, but she wasn’t willing to marry him and deal with Jimmy.”
    â€œWhich means no one has been willing to stick around for Dev,” her mother said slowly. “Maybe that’s your answer.”
    â€œWhat if he won’t give in? What if he won’t love me back?”
    â€œHappiness isn’t a guarantee, Noelle. You have to decide what you most want and then be willing to work for it. You and Dev have only been married a few weeks. Before that, you’d barely met the man. Give it time. Have faith in him and yourself and the life you’re building together.”
    Good advice, Noelle thought, hoping she was able to take it. “I’m sorry I lied about everything.”
    â€œI’m sorry you felt you had to. I’d say next time trust me enough to tell me the truth, but I don’t think there’s going to be a next time.”
    Noelle smiled. “I promise I’ll never get into a situation like this again. Are you going to tell Dad?”
    Her mother nodded. “But not the girls. They don’t need to know the details of your unusual arrangement.”
    â€œThanks. Do you think we have a chance?”
    â€œYes. Don’t give up on him. I like Dev and