Part 167
Rachel had called Kevin as Howie had instructed and he had in turn called the ‘gang’ and Howie’s family. He remembered what today was and figured Howie was trying to keep Sarah busy so she wouldn’t think about it so he wanted to help in any way possible. He called Vanessa back and she agreed to go with him.
Together, Vanessa and Kevin went to the center to see what Rachel needed help with and then went shopping. Together, they bought everything imaginable that a five-year old could possibly want.
Arriving at the center, Kevin and Vanessa were met by the others in the parking lot. Kevin started piling the gifts into Nick and Brian’s arms as Brian asked, "What are you doing with all these presents?"
"Howie told Rachel to go get whatever a five-year old girl could possibly want."
"What’s Howie doing?" asked Nick as Kevin handed him a stack of gifts in his arms.
"I’m not sure but I have a pretty good idea. Today would have been Jesse’s fifth birthday and I expect Howie is just trying to get Sarah through today," said Kevin.
"By having a birthday party for her dead child?" questioned Nick.
Kevin shook his head, "Damn…sometimes your are too fucking blonde. Bec, explain it to him."
As they walked into the center, Becca said, "It would be like BOTH of them to find an orphan or a kid in one of the children’s units at the hospital who’s birthday is today and they’re gonna be five and give them a birthday party."
They all agreed and went to put the gifts down where Rachel instructed. They looked around at what the staff of the youth center had done. There were balloons and streamers everywhere, a clown getting ready to perform, and out back, a pony for pony rides; everything a little girl could possible want. On the table were hand-made gifts from the children at the center along with a Barbie cake, ice cream, and drinks.
"Rach…Howie’s gonna be impressed," said Becca. "This is awesome."
"I hope so! I asked the kids what they would want. I just hope he doesn’t think I’ve spent too much."
"I doubt it," said Kevin. "So, when is Howie due here?"
"He just called a few minutes ago and he said they would be here shortly."
"Did he give ANY hint as to what the surprise was?" asked Kevin.
"None," said Rachel as Mr. And Mrs. Dorough and Denise made their way across the gym floor.
Each of the guys greeted them with hugs as Rachel went to gather the children. They all stood around talking and speculating what Howie was up to as they waited.
The wait wasn’t long. Within ten minutes, Howie and Sarah arrived at the center. Howie took Sarah’s hand in his, "Ready, Angel?"
"Yeah. Looks like everyone is here," said Sarah looking around the parking lot. "Jesse, you ready?"
"Is it time for my party?" asked Jesse excitedly.
"Yeah, it is," laughed Howie.
Together, the three made their way into the center. Jesse walked between Howie and Sarah holding their hands and dancing around. Both were laughing as they watched her oblivious to their friends who stood in shocked silence.
As the three walked through the doors, everyone looked up. Ali and Vanessa clutched each other’s hands as Becca put a hand over her mouth to stifle the gasp. There was no mistaking who the little girl was as the three laughed. The look on Howie and Sarah’s faces told the story.
Jesse spotted the table of presents and started pulling at Howie. "Are those presents for ME?"
"They sure are," beamed Howie.
"Can I open them now, Daddy?" she asked looking up at him with complete adoration in her eyes.
"Princess, why don’t we wait a little while? It looks like there’s A LOT to do outside first with the other children," said Howie.
"Okay," and without hesitation, Jesse ran off to join the other children.
Sarah moved over to put her arms around Howie’s waist resting her head on his shoulder as she watched Jesse. She saw no one else but her daughter and the happiness in her eyes was amazing.
The adults were watching, unable to speak but Kevin managed to ask what everyone was thinking. "Howie, what’s going on?"
"It’s kind of a long story and I can’t answer all your questions…or Sarah’s. I’ve promised Sarah that after the party and dinner, they’ll all be answered. You’re welcome to join us at home."
"But…we all thought she was dead," whispered Becca. "Even Sarah thought so."
"And Russell," added Vanessa quietly.
Sarah spoke up. "Yes, we all did but Howie did tell me that it was to protect Jesse…from Russell. Right now, the most important thing is Jesse is alive and well and today is her birthday. Thanks to my AMAZING husband, I have my daughter back."
"When did you find out?" asked Ali.
"Today," said Sarah.
Howie spoke gently, "Angel, why don’t you go out with Jesse and the kids?"
Sarah kissed Howie and he watched as she and the other girls went to watch the children play.
When Sarah was gone, Mrs. Dorough asked, "Son, what CAN you tell us?"
"I’ve known since shortly after we got back from Virginia because of the letter Sarah’s mother wrote me. I chose not to tell anyone until I could find Jesse. This was something I felt Sarah should hear first from me. So, I hired a private detective to find her. While I waited for the detective to find her, I had Steve get everything in order for me to adopt Jesse. All we have to do is have Sarah sign the papers agreeing to the adoption."
Kevin asked, "You mean there was more to that letter than just about her father?"
"Yeah…I’m sorry, Kevin, but this was something…"
"Don’t explain! I understand."
"Where has she been all this time?" asked Brian. "And if Sarah’s mother knew, why did they keep it from her?"
"That’s what I can’t answer, Brian. I do know that Russell’s uncle and his wife have had Jesse all this time taking care of her. Jesse doesn’t remember the accident but they have made sure that she knew that Sarah IS her mother."
"And you her father?" questioned Mr. Dorough.
Howie looked at his parents. "We’ll tell her the truth when she’s old enough to understand but until that time comes, I intend to be her father…to take care of her, love her, spoil her…as if she were my own. She’s a part of Sarah, making her a part of me now, and I’m not gonna treat her any differently than the two that Sarah is carrying now."
"What about the tour and Sarah’s singing?" asked Brian.
"Jesse’s going with us. We’re a family and I’m going to have my wife and children with me. I’m gonna hire someone to take care of Jesse when we both have to be together for an event."
Nick was watching Jesse. "She’s a miniature Sarah. Did you see the way she just joined in with the other children as if she’d known them all her life? She’s not afraid of anything."
Howie smiled, "It was the same way when Jim handed her to me at the cemetery. She came straight to me, no fear, no questions…just complete trust…like Sarah."
"And those eyes," said Kevin. "Man, she’s gonna have the world at her feet."
Howie laughed, "It’s hard enough telling Sarah ‘no’…I don’t know HOW I’m gonna handle Jesse."
Mrs. Dorough spoke up, "You do it, son. As a parent, you have to say ‘no’ but I have NO doubt that you and Sarah are going to be wonderful parents."
"Mama, I love both of them so completely."
"I know, son," said Mrs. Dorough as she hugged Howie. "And I’m happy for you. Jesse is a wonderful addition to OUR family."
"Thank you, Mama. Why don’t you and Daddy go out and watch your newest granddaughter?"
"We’re gonna do JUST that, son," said Mr. Dorough.
When it was just Nick, Brian, Kevin, and Howie, Howie said, "God, it’s the most incredible feeling, guys. She looks at me with no doubt that I’m her father…and the way she calls me ‘daddy’. Sarah never had to prompt her. She did it on her own. It’s…its…god, its indescribable."
"The look on your face tells the story," said Brian. "Congratulations, D."
"And Sarah’s! God, she’s practically floating," said Kevin as he looked out at Sarah watching Jesse.
"I bet the sex for the next week is gonna be awesome," cracked Nick.
"Its NOT about the sex, Nick," said Howie taking his eyes off Sarah.
"Then what is it about?"
"Its about making the woman I love happy…making her world perfect again. It’s about family and giving a little girl what she deserves."
"But the pay-off…making Mama happy," said Kevin nudging Howie gently. "You can not stand there and tell me it didn’t cross your mind what Sarah was gonna do to show you how happy you’ve made her."
Howie grinned, "Yeah, I’ve thought about it."