Part 185
It was dark except for the soft glow of the monitor. She felt the weight of his hand on her stomach and the warmth of his body next to hers. The only sounds in the room were those that he was making as he snored softly. She smiled as she listened to him. She’d always hated the fact that Russell snored and had frequently slept on the couch because of it but with Howie, it was different. It was a comforting sound that made her feel safe. She snuggled closer to him pulling his arms tighter around her.
Sarah whispered softly, "D…wake up."
Slowly he woke, trying to clear the cobwebs from his sleepy mind. Yawning, he asked, "How do you feel?"
"Better. How long have I been asleep?"
Looking at his watch, he answered, "Several hours."
Sarah sighed, "Before I forget this again…Alex asked me to be his sponsor last night."
"Did you tell him about what happened?"
"Yeah. We’d already talked about it when we were dating. He asked me one
night why I never did any with him and I just told him that I’d done my
experimenting."
"I’m so glad he didn’t pressure you into doing them again."
Sarah ran her hands along Howie’s arms. "Alex was never like that, D. He respected me."
"Just not himself. I’m glad you agreed to do it. It’ll be good for both of you."
"It’s gonna mean spending time with him."
"I’m fine with it, Angel. What are you going to tell the others?"
"That we’re working on music, I guess. I’ve never told Becca exactly what went on as far as the drugs. Not sure I really want to tell the others either. I mean, they all think my secrets are out."
"What about when the twins are born? What then?"
"I don’t know…. Guess I’ll…"
"We’ll," corrected Howie.
"We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. God…I feel gross…like
I haven’t had a shower in days."
Howie laughed softly, "You were sweating pretty bad when the fever was up.
There’s a shower in the bathroom if you want to get cleaned up."
"I don’t have any clothes with me to change into."
"I’ve got some extra clothes with me that you can wear or you can
check with wardrobe. I’m sure they’ve got something you could have."
"I’ll just wear what you brought."
"Are you hungry?"
"Mmmm….sorta. I don’t want much though."
Starting to get up, Howie said, "I’ll go find you something to eat while
you get a shower."
Taking his hand, Sarah whined, "Don’t go…please."
Howie laughed and settled back down with her. "Angel…you’ll be in the shower."
"So?" she pouted as she took his hand and began playing with his wedding band. "You could join me."
"Not this time, Angel. They might need me to do some retakes but I’ll stick around and we can go together to find something to eat…if you’re up to it."
Sarah turned her head enough to kiss him. "I’m up to it. I want to get up and move other than to go throw up."
"Then go get your shower, Angel. I’ll wait right here."
*************
Showered and dressed in Howie’s sweats, Sarah felt much better than when she’d arrived earlier. Standing at the mirror, she combed out her wet hair and put it into a ponytail.
Howie moved to stand behind her putting his hands on her waist. "You look SO MUCH better."
"I still feel tired and weak but other than that, I feel better. Are you and the guys done yet?"
"Nope," grinned Howie. "Brian’s doing his part now and then Nick."
"Oh cool! I haven’t missed Becca’s reaction."
"No, you haven’t. Do you really feel like going out and watching?"
"Yeah, I do. I also want to see your tape…I saw part of it."
"Let’s go get something to eat first. Kevin just came in before you got out of the shower and said dinner was here."
Together, holding hands, the couple headed out to where the studio crew had set up the buffet for everyone. The others were excited to see Sarah up and looking better and greeted her happily.
Jesse came bounding through the studio followed closely by Nick. "MOMMIE!" she squealed.
Knowing that Sarah was still weak, Howie caught her in his arms tossing her in the air and catching her. The little girl squealed with delight wrapping her arms around his neck.
Sarah leaned in to give Jesse a kiss. "Hey, baby. Have you been behaving?"
"Yes ma’am. Bribear said I’ve been a little angel."
"Have you had dinner?" asked Howie.
"No sir," said Jesse as she squirmed in Howie’s arms unable to stay still. "I’m not hungry."
Nick cracked, "I guess NOT…you’ve had three pieces of cake and a Pepsi."
Sarah asked, "Is that all?"
Becca said, "I gave her an apple."
"Thank god someone had SOME sense. What other snacks has she had?" asked Sarah looking around at the group who were now trying to avoid Sarah’s stare.
"A bag of M & M’s with another Pepsi," said Alex.
"A bag of gummy bears," piped up Kevin.
"Two doughnuts," interjected Alison.
"Make it four doughnuts," corrected Vanessa.
Raoul smirked, "Six doughnuts total and another Pepsi."
Sarah glared at them, "What the hell were you guys thinking letting her have ALL that sugar? No damn wonder she can’t stand still and isn’t hungry."
"Your daughter has the gift of persuasion down pat," smirked Alex. "She bats those baby blues and it’s impossible to say ‘no’….a LOT like her mother."
Howie quipped, "Yeah, I know the feeling."
"Oh shut up," smirked Sarah as she playfully smacked Howie. Exasperated, she said, "Guys, she’s five. You HAVE got to say ‘no’ to her! And Nick, your day is coming and I’m gonna laugh my butt off when it gets here."
Howie had let go of Jesse because she was squirming so much and she was now running around the eating area as they continued to get their dinner. The conversation changed to the video and past videos as well.
With the exception of Sarah, all the girls had been fans since the beginning when the Boys had come back to the United States and made it big. The guys were quick to ask their opinion wanting to make sure they gave the fans what they wanted.
Throughout dinner, Howie was extremely attentive to Sarah’s needs never leaving her side. Sitting beside her, he held her hand in his, his fingers entwined with hers, his thumb stroking the back. His eyes rarely left her, only when necessary, like when answering a question. To anyone who didn’t know them, there would have been no doubt that they were in love.