Part 142
"Hey you two!" In his excitement, Nick practically leaped over the security gate.
Sarah scowled. "How can you be so damn cheery at three in the morning?"
"It's only one."
"Really?" she retorted. "My BODY says it's three. Where's Becca?"
"Back at the hotel sleeping."
"Which is what *I* should be doing. Can we PLEASE get out of here?" She stomped off to baggage claim leaving Nick standing, bewildered, in the main concourse of the airport.
Howie patted him on the back. "Don't sweat it man, it's hormones. She's been like this for days."
"And you haven't lost it yet? Man …"
"Nah," Howie laughed. "You just gotta stay focused on the end result. This time next year we'll have two beautiful babies to show for the hell we're going through now."
"I missed all this with Bec," Nick said sadly.
"You say that like it's a bad thing, " Howie grinned.
"At least Sarah has you to be there for her, you know? Becca went through all of this alone. I'd have been there to hold her and to cheer her up-"
Howie sighed. "I know Nick, I'm sorry. How is she?"
"She says she's fine."
"But you don't believe that?"
"I'm not sure. She's been really tired lately. I mean, more than I think she should be. And her feet have been swelling."
"That's not good. I remember when my sister was pregnant."
"I know. The books say-"
"Books?" Howie smiled. "You've been reading baby books?"
"Well, so?" Nick answered indignantly.
"Nothing Nick, I just think it's great that you're so into this."
"What took you so long?" Sarah was waiting impatiently with their baggage, her hands on her hips.
"Car's here, boss," Billy announced.
"About damn time," Sarah grumbled.
Howie scowled after her. "What time can we get into the venue?"
"Ten o'clock," Nick replied.
"We'll be there, and trust me, Sarah will be in a much better mood." Howie frowned as he followed Sarah to the waiting car.
Nick rode up front as they drove to the hotel and the silence in the back seat was strained.
Sarah stared out the window as Howie sat on his side, his arms folded. Every so often she would steal a glance at him and she knew he was angry with her. Her eyes filled with tears and as she turned to look out the window once more, she sniffled, wiping the tears from her face.
Howie looked over as she turned away and knew that the outburst was over. Without saying a word he reached over, took her hand and squeezed it.
Their room was right next to Nick and Becca's. As Howie swiped the keycard and carried their bags inside, Nick paused. He wrapped Sarah in his arms and held her close. "It's okay," he whispered. "Get some rest and we'll see you at breakfast."
"Thanks Nicky," she whispered. "We'll see you in the morning."
"'Night Howie, " he called, quietly letting himself into his room.
Sarah undressed silently and slipped into bed. By the time Howie joined her she was fast asleep. With a sigh he pulled her close and hoped that the morning would be better, but he had his doubts.