Part 127

When it was time to leave, Sarah gave Mrs. Dorough a hug. "Thank you so much, Mama."

"For what, sweetheart?"

"For today…for allowing me into your family…and for all that you’ve done for me. You made being away from my own mother so much easier. I’ve always felt at home here."

"It’s my pleasure, Sarah. You have brought so much to our family that it was easy to love you. You gave your heart to Howard…and to us through your work with the foundation. It was very obvious from the minute you walked through our door that you were special."

Howie joined the two women and put his arms around Sarah from behind. "She’s one of a kind, Mama. MY angel."

Mrs. Dorough smiled at the way Howie looked as he said this. "You two have fun in Hawaii…and LEAVE YOUR WORK HERE."

The couple both laughed and said together, "Yes, ma’am."

Together, they gave Mama D a kiss on each cheek and headed out to the truck holding hands. As Sarah started to get into the truck, Howie stopped her and she put her arms around his neck. "Thank you, D. I needed today."

"So did I, Angel…so did I."

********************

Becca closed the door wearily, turning off the front light. "Nick, can we stay here tonight? I'm too tired to make the drive back to Orlando."

"Sure, Bec, " he said, following her to the living room. "You wanta clue me in?"

Becca giggled. "To what?"

"Don't tease, I'm not in the mood. SOMETHING happened between you and my mother, I just haven't figured out 'what'."

"We talked,"

"So? About what? Come on, Becca, don't make me beg."

"But Nicky, you're so cute when you beg. Sometimes you even enjoy it," she replied saucily.

"Don’t. Just DON'T. No nooky until you 'fess up," he threatened.

"You're too cute," she laughed. "How much do you owe Aaron?"

"Twenty bucks. Wait a minute, how did you know about that?"

"Your mother. She said you'd probably lose out to Aaron."

"Great," he sighed, "my mother and my wife are in cahoots."

"Love me?" she grinned.

"Maybe," he pouted. "What did you really talk about?"

"Everything. You, me, the baby, you as my labor coach-"

"What?! Nuh-uh, no way."

"Baby, I need you there. We'll be who-knows-where when the baby is born and I don't want some stranger holding my hand, I need YOU."

"Aw, Bec, I can't," he groaned.

"What if I asked Sarah to help? I just want you with me Nick. You don't have to watch, just be there," she whispered.

"I don't have to watch?" he asked warily.

"I promise. Cross my heart."

"Will Sarah do it?"

"Probably, I'll ask her when she and Howie return from Hawaii."

Nick sighed, pulling her onto the sofa bedside him. "You know I'd do anything for you, Bec."

"I love you, Nick."

"I know, baby."

They snuggled together till well after midnight, watching the boats out on the bay until Becca began to fall asleep on his shoulder. Climbing the stairs hand in hand, they pulled down the covers and slipped into bed. Nick spooned up behind her, gently stroking her belly as the baby rolled from side to side.

"Mmm, that feels good," she murmured, scooting closer. "Nick?"

"What, baby?"

"Sing to me?"

Nick smiled against her neck, pressing his nose into her hair. "Sure, sweetheart." He reached back to turn off the light and settled back into place. Softly he began to sing.

As his voice trailed away, he felt Becca relax in his arms. Gently he kissed her shoulder, closed his eyes and followed her into a dreamless sleep.

Part 128        The Dance Index