Wendy hoped that her friendship with Suzie would be enough to keep her from giving in to her impulses and all her desires. Living with her grandmother, Wendy was trying to make the most she could of her complicated life. Every week, she wrote letters to Suzie. There were times when Suzie's responses would make her cry.
*~o~*
Dearest Wendy,
Warren and I are doing our best to make our marriage work. Every day, I pray that our son will be born healthy, and Warren and I continue to have the strength to overcome our obstacles. Without you here, it's so hard. I miss my best friend. When are you coming back to Hendersen? I hope you do not miss my baby boy's birth.
All of my love,
Suzie xoxo
*~o~*
With tears in her eyes, Wendy wrote her best friend a response to her letter. How could she tell Suzie that she could not return to Hendersen because she too carried Warren's child? How could she tell Suzie that she had betrayed her friendship by sleeping with Suzie's husband? Wendy didn't have the heart to do it. She was trying to make a life for herself without Warren. She had to do what was best for her baby, even if it meant giving him up. Yes, Wendy Wilkens was having a baby boy. Warren Carter was about to become the father of two sons.
*~o~*
Dear Suzie,
My grandmother still needs me here, so I will be staying a few more months. I am glad that things are going better between you and Warren. Are you taking good care of yourself? How's Cagney? Has he been looking out for you when I can't be there? He loves you very much, you know. Please give my mother my love.
Your best friend, Wendy.
*~o~*
Dearest Wendy,
Warren and I have decided on a name for our little boy. His name is going to be Jonah. Jonah Warren Carter. I can't wait till he's finally here. The doctor put me on bedrest... and it's been hell for me. I had to give up my courses at the university... and I miss it so much. Cagney's here nearly every day, looking out for me. He's been wonderful through all of this. But I really need YOU, Wendy. You are my dearest friend. You're just like a sister to me. Won't you be coming back... even for a visit?
Warren misses you, too. Whenever I mention your name, he gets this sad, faraway look in his eyes. Please come home, Wendy. Your mother dropped by today... and she said she wants you home, too. We all miss you so much.
All of my love,
Suzie xoxo
*~o~*
Tears fell on the letter as Wendy read Suzie's words. Warren missed her, too? Her heart was aching for him. When she felt their baby's movements, she always thought of him, and all they could not have. But Warren was about to have it all with Suzie. It was good that Wendy was now out of the picture. Warren could make his relationship work with his wife. Soon Suzie would have the baby, and all would be well. All would be well for everyone but Wendy, who would have to give her baby up when he was born. She'd have to say goodbye to her infant son before she even had the chance to give him his name.
*Warren Carter Junior,* she said to herself. If she had the chance to have named him, that was what his name would have been. But Warren wasn't her husband- he was Suzie's... and Suzie was Wendy's best friend. Right now, that friendship was the only thing keeping Wendy away from Hendersen and the man whom she loved.
*I'm doing the right thing,* Wendy said as she looked at Suzie's letters. Everyone would be happy... Well, almost everyone... in the end.