The Perfect Wife

When he disappeared, Carly said, “He’s sweet. Marti’s a lucky woman.”

“I agree.” Molly reached into the breadbasket, pulled out a baguette slice and dipped it into a saucer of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Out of habit, Carly took the basket and peered at a mouthwatering variety of oven-fresh breads. Needless to say, it was all beyond tempting, but she quickly rewrapped the linen and set the basket back on the table, opting to skip the additional calories and carbs.

“You know,” she admitted, “I’m not sure why I let you talk me into celebrating. I’m not looking forward to dating. Most of the good men are already taken, and with my luck, I’ll be looking for Mr. Right only to find Mr. All That’s Left.”

“You don’t have to date the first man who asks you out,” Rebecca said. “Be particular. Some women are so desperate that they jump at the chance to have a lover.”

Been there, done that, Carly realized.

In high school, she’d never been popular with the boys—or the girls, either, for that matter. She’d always blamed it on being overweight and geeky.

Without the distraction of friends and extracurricular activities, she’d concentrated on her studies. And thanks to good grades, she’d received a full scholarship to North Carolina University at Chapel Hill.

When a nasty bout of intestinal flu hit the dorms during that first winter, Carly couldn’t seem to kick the bug, and had lost more than twenty pounds—enough to fit into her stylish roommate’s clothes. And almost immediately men began to notice her—something that made losing that last ten pounds easy.

On a whim, she’d visited a salon near campus, where she’d lightened her dishwater-blond hair and received tips on makeup application. And suddenly she found herself in a brand-new world, the Mars-Venus world of dating.

“Marry money,” her mother used to tell her and Shelby. “It’s just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is to fall for a poor one.”

Carly hadn’t been too sure about that.

She’d made the mistake of going out with a couple of jerks at first, but learned to be more particular about the men she dated.

Before long, she’d met Greg at a party. The handsome, bright and personable grad student was pursuing a master’s degree in business administration. And he also had a wealthy family.

Miraculously, they hit it off immediately.

Landing Greg Banning had been an incredible stroke of luck for a poor girl from Nowhere, Texas, and Carly was soon the envy of all the girls in her dorm.

But now her luck had run out.

And she was alone again.

The entire singles scene seemed to be one big crap-shoot, so she wasn’t sure why Molly and Rebecca had insisted she celebrate.

“You know,” Molly said, turning her attention to Rebecca, “while we’re on the subject of men and dating, are you going out with anyone yet?”

“No. Not yet. I’m still settling into the neighborhood.”

“Then maybe we ought to organize another block party,” Molly said. “That way we can be sure you get to meet everyone.”

“I’d like that.” Rebecca took a sip of her water. “But just out of curiosity, what do you two know about Jack Lever?”

Jack was an attorney who lived on Danbury Way. He was also a handsome, thirtysomething widower with blond hair and brown eyes.

“He’s a nice guy,” Molly said. “But I think he’s still grieving for his wife.”

Carly agreed. “Patricia Lever died in a car accident right after their second child, a boy, was born. I’m sure losing his wife and being left with two small children has been tough on him, especially since he’s with a busy firm. But he has a nanny to help.”

“He’s had several,” Molly said. “I heard he can be pretty demanding.”

“But if you’re interested,” Carly added, “why not take a chance?”

If Rebecca had any thoughts about the suggestion, she kept them to herself. But Carly suspected the cogs and wheels were turning.

“Speaking of giving guys a chance…” Molly’s gaze scored a direct hit on Carly. “Why don’t you pursue something with Bo? He’d make a nice transitional relationship.”

“The whole dating thing is pretty overwhelming,” Carly admitted. But she wasn’t about to let on that she actually found Bo interesting—to say the least.

Rebecca reached into the breadbasket and took a slice of pumpernickel. “Maybe, if you decide to have that block party, you should invite Bo, too. There aren’t that many good men out there, and he seems like a decent sort. He’s also nice looking if you’re into the rugged, outdoorsy type.”

Before either of her friends could push the issue, Ed returned with a bottle of champagne, an ice bucket and three crystal flutes. After popping the cork, he poured a bit for Rebecca to taste.

“It’s fine. Thank you.”

Molly placed her hand over the top of her glass. “No, thanks. I’m having water this evening.”

Ed complied, then returned to the kitchen, leaving the women alone.

“You’re passing on champagne?” Rebecca asked.

Carly was going to ask the same question. Not that she was in the mood to celebrate anything, but Molly’s lack of participation was odd.

“I, uh…” Molly cleared her throat, and a sheepish expression crossed her pretty face. “I’m pregnant.”

Rebecca nearly choked on her bite of bread. “Are you serious? I didn’t even know you were dating.”

“I’m not.”

Carly wasn’t sure what to say, other than ask who the father was. Would it be rude of her to do so?

Of course, if Molly wasn’t dating… “You don’t have to answer this if you don’t want to,” she said. After all, she valued her own privacy and owed her friend the same respect. “But did you go to a sperm bank?”

Molly’s cheeks flushed, but she apparently took Carly at her word and didn’t respond.

So Carly let it drop and offered her neighbor her full support. “You’re braver than I am to go it alone. But congratulations, Molly. You’ll make a wonderful mother.”

“A fabulous one,” Rebecca added. “How far along are you?”

“About four months.”

That was a long time to keep a secret like that, especially from friends. Carly leaned forward. “Why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

Molly fingered the stem of her empty glass, then blessed Carly with a sympathetic gaze. “I knew how badly you’d wanted a baby. And…” She shrugged.

Carly had wanted a baby, but not until she realized her marriage was in trouble and she’d been desperate to do whatever she could to hold things together.