The Cherished Wife

Sean's eyes crinkled with a hint of mischief. "Talk about timing-I just hung up with Charles. Don't tell me you're summoning me to Mooncliff too!" "Yep," came Bob's clipped reply. "Tonight at seven."

"You've got to be kidding! Both you and Charles are on my case... are you meeting up with Noelle?" Sean smacked his forehead. "Man, this isn't cool. I mean, I helped you out once, but this is becoming a habit. What gives?" "So, you're bailing on us? I heard Noelle and Charles tied the knot. If I bail, it's going to be the talk of the town..."

"Fine, I'll go. Happy now?" Sean clenched his jaw. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm paying off a debt from a former life or something."

He passed the phone to his assistant. "Set up the next surgery with another doctor. I've got to step out after this one."

buzzed with Jade's voice on the other end, loaded with pleas and commands to show up and make sure she was dolled

there, waved her over frantically. Yet, her face fell at the sight of Noelle's getup. "I told you to glam up, didn't I? Look at you, all drab and dreary. No wonder men like leaving

It was

She was used to Jade's constant critiques by now, but the jab about being single still made her wince. "Why do men leave me? I thought you,

was taken

look at you, dressing like you're twice your age. Now that you're out of a job, you better start thinking about your future. If you

a job? Where did you get that idea, Mom?" Noelle was genuinely puzzled. "Sure,