Part 239

Making their way to the other end of the arena, the guys spotted Jeff and Kevin grabbed him. "Jeff, we need you to take ‘How Did I Fall’ and ‘Drowning’ out of the play list."

"Why?"

"They both are special to Howie and he doesn’t think he can get through them," said Brian.

Jeff was in the middle of getting things set for Sarah but he said, "I’ll handle it. Go get into place."

As the guys sang 'Show Me The Meaning', Carlos handed Brian a note and told him to read it immediately.

Brian opened the note and read:

Brian searched the crowd trying to find her and spotted her standing with Raoul, Eddie, and Tommy. He didn’t want to give her away so he nodded and stuck the note in his pocket.

As the song ended, the other four expected Brian to introduce ‘Time’ but were shocked as the intro to Howie’s song kicked in. Kevin and Alex looked at each other wondering what in the hell to do now and Howie started to lose it. Tears were streaming down his face and a hush fell over the crowd as they watched Howie sink to his knees.

Nick looked at Brian and mouthed, "What the fuck?"

Brian pointed to Sarah and then her voice filled the arena.

"Remember when, we never needed each other…"

Howie knew that voice but how was it possible? What the hell was going on? Kevin had said they’d take it out of the play list and Jeff had agreed. Were they playing a tape?

At the same time, Kevin and Alex spotted her making her way to the small stage, the audience parting for her and security that surrounded her.

Howie couldn’t find her. He was on his knees still and the guys were blocking his view but he sang…"Those days are gone, and I want you so much…The nights are long and I need your touch…"

Sarah reached the stage and with security’s help and Kevin and Alex’s, she climbed up. As Howie sang the words, ‘I need your touch’, she knelt down and reached to run her hands through his hair and he looked at her. Taking her hand in his, they stood together and Sarah put her hand on his chest as he pulled her close to him.

As all six sang the chorus, Sarah reached to wipe Howie’s tears and with her eyes, she told him how much she loved him.

Sarah’s voice faltered as her own tears began. She could see the pain in his eyes that Howie had felt thinking that he’d lost her and she wanted to take it all away.

Howie reached to touch her face, caress it as he ran his fingers through her hair and with his thumb, brushed the tears away.

As the chorus was sung, Sarah put her hand on his, weaving her fingers with his, and he folded their hands in between them. He gave her a quick kiss too.

Staring into pools of chocolate, she sang, "Oh, I want to say this right…And it has to be tonight…Just need you to know…"

Howie sang, "I don’t want to live this life…I don’t want to say goodbye…with you I wanna spend…The rest of my life…"

The vows made once again, both knowing that their love had gotten them through the unimaginable. It was a bond NO ONE or NOTHING could EVER destroy.

Together, they sang the final line, "How Did I Fall…In Love…With You?" and as the crowd erupted, the two kissed. It was a deep, soul-bearing kiss; their arms wrapped around each other, Sarah’s hands tangled in his hair, and his pulling her close, their tears mixing together.

The other four circled them and as the couple broke apart, Sarah saw the tears in each of their eyes as well. She hugged each one, holding on to them, and whispering her love for them.

The next song was ‘Time’ and as Brian started to introduce it, Sarah started to leave. Howie grabbed her hand pulling her to him. He whispered, "Stay with me for this."

"I’ll be in the audience, D."

"I don’t want you in the audience, Angel. I want you by my side…the band introductions are coming up…we can announce our news."

Sarah couldn’t say ‘no’ so together as the guys sang the song, Sarah and Howie made their way across the catwalk. She waved to the fans too, caught the stuffed animals tossed her way, and laughed when Howie caught a lacy black bra. She gave him a hard time and the fans as well as the guys loved it.

The next song was ‘Shape of My Heart’ and Howie wouldn’t let go of Sarah’s hand. He sang to her and showed her off to the fans. Then after the song, he led her down to the ‘underworld’ while Kevin started the introductions.

Taking her in his arms, Howie held Sarah close and she felt his tears in her hair. She whispered softly as she played with his hair, "It’s okay, baby. I’m safe now and back where I belong."

Howie pulled away and took her face in his hands. "I thought I’d lost you forever, Sarah."

"I know, D," she whispered. "I’m here though and our babies are safe."

"Why didn’t you get on the plane?"

Sarah laughed, "What USUALLY makes me late?"

Howie had to laugh through the tears. "Morning sickness?"

"With a vengeance."

Dropping to his knees, Howie put his hands on Sarah’s stomach and placed two kisses. "Thank you, little ones," he whispered.

Sarah wound her fingers in his hair as she said, "I never thought I’d be grateful for morning sickness."

Howie stood taking her in his arms again as Alex called, "D…come on…you need to get changed."

Howie kissed her. "Don’t go anywhere."

"Never! I’ll be right here."

Kevin came down and Brian went up. As he passed Sarah, he gave her a hug. "I want to introduce you, baby….last, after the band and the dancers."

"That’s fine. Howie and I want to announce about the twins."

"I figured as much. I want to talk but…"

"Go change and tell Howie what you’re planning. If you don’t, he’s gonna drag me back up with him."

Laughing, Kevin said, "I’m surprised he doesn’t have you helping him change."

Sarah swatted him on the butt laughing as he grinned at her. "GIT! You goof!"

Kevin gave Sarah another kiss on the cheek before going to change clothes. She smiled as she listened to them laugh and joke. It was a heartwarming sound and even though she hadn’t been gone that long, she’d missed it. Overnight, Sarah had had time to realize exactly what she’d have lost if she’d been on that plane and she had been and still was scared.

Part 240        The Dance Index(3)