Part 262
Breakfast was in Howie’s suite but he’d opted to let Sarah sleep. Nick was also missing as well but everyone else gathered; AJ, Kevin, Brian, the bodyguards, Jesse, Chelsea, Mr. Taylor, and Dusty.
The strain of the last few days was evident in Howie’s face and eyes and his ‘brothers’ saw it. They’d hoped having Sarah back and safe would make things better.
As they sat eating breakfast, Jesse tugged on Howie’s arm. "Daddy,
what was wrong with Mommy this morning?"
All eyes fell on Howie who was looking at his daughter trying to figure out how
to tell her. He could see the fear in her eyes, the same fear he saw in Sarah’s
eyes. "Princess, it wasn’t anything you need to worry about."
"But she was screaming!"
Knowing that Sarah suffered from nightmares, Mr. Taylor asked, "Howard, is everything okay?"
Howie looked around the table at the group gathered and saw their concern. He knew he couldn’t hide it from his family so he tried to laugh it off. "Sarah had a nightmare, that’s all."
His attempt to laugh it off failed and Kevin asked, "What was it about?"
Howie shook his head, "It’s nothing, Kevin. Really! You know Sarah….she’s always having dreams. It was probably about Nick if she was screaming. I really didn’t want to talk about it at the time."
At the same time, Sarah stumbled into the room where everyone was and sought out Howie. He pushed his chair back to make room for her in his lap and as she sat, he wrapped his arms around her.
"Mornin’, Angel," whispered Howie giving her a kiss.
"Mornin’, D."
Dusty looked at his sister and saw how she was dressed as well as the way Kevin and AJ were looking at her. "Sarah, it looks like you’d at least wear a bathrobe!"
Sarah wasn’t in the mood to put up with her brother and she glared, "Why don’t you leave me alone?"
"Because you’re walking around here showing everything you’ve got like a common …."
Mr. Taylor cut him off, "Dustin that’s enough. It’s not your place
to speak to your sister like that."
Sarah stuck her tongue out at her brother and Howie scolded, "Sarah!!
Behave!"
As she took a bite of Howie’s eggs, Sarah effectively changed the subject,
"So, Daddy, I thought you liked the nurse Howie and I hired to help you
out.
Dusty shot Sarah a nasty look but she smiled smugly knowing she’d gotten the upper hand on him as their father asked, "Who told you I couldn’t get along with her?"
"Dustin told Howie that they fired her because you couldn’t get along with her."
"So THAT’S the story he’s using."
"Yes, sir," answered Howie relieved that Sarah had brought it up.
"Hmpf…more like HE didn’t like her," answered Mr. Taylor casting a glance at his son. "See, in my declining mental condition, your brother seems to think that Stephanie will coerce me into changing my will leaving her everything."
"God, Dustin! You see the worst in everyone," snapped Sarah.
"You should have learned to do the same thing. It might have spared you some heartache."
AJ mumbled, "I sure am glad I’m an only child."
Sarah heard him and said, "Believe me, there are times I wish I were."
"Dad, why don’t you tell Sarah and Howie the WHOLE story?"
Mr. Taylor looked at Jesse and said, "Not with Jesse here."
Sarah said, "Chelsea, take Jess to get a bath and get dressed. We’re going to the hospital after breakfast."
"But Mommy!! I wanna stay here…with you and Daddy," whined Jesse.
"Do you want to see Aunt Becca and her new baby?" asked Brian.
Jesse perked up, "YES!"
"Then you need to go get ready," said Howie.
With that, Jesse bounded away excitedly and AJ cracked, "A baby ‘Tigger’!"
With Jesse gone, Mr. Taylor said, "Dustin and your brothers are concerned that I have developed a relationship with Stephanie."
"Dad! She’s half your age, for Christ sakes. She’s Sarah’s age!"
"So? If they get along, isn’t that the important thing?" asked Sarah.
"We caught him in bed with her…SEVERAL times!"
The four guys fought hard not to laugh or make a smartass remark and Sarah glared at her brother, "Jeez, Dustin! Grow up!! Daddy is a grown man. What is your problem?"
"Sarah, he’s SLEEPING with someone that is young enough to be his daughter!"
"So what? Ever think Dad has needs and desires? He’s not DEAD, you know."
"But…"
"But nothing! Dad deserves to be happy. Sure, it’s a little weird to think that Daddy is with a girl who’s MY age but you know, I’m happy to see him living! Just because YOU chose NOT to remarry after Tammy died doesn’t mean the rest of the world feels the same way! And if you’re afraid Stephanie is after Dad’s money, then you’d better redirect your fears! Dad gave Howie power of attorney. He’s handling all of Daddy’s business and financial dealings…well, his accountant is anyway."
That floored Dusty and Mr. Taylor said, "Dustin, I’ve known for a while about my condition and your mother and I agreed to keep it from the five of you but then she died unexpectedly. I had already spoken to Howard at the time of your mother’s death about handling my finances because he’s got good business sense. He’s taken my retirement fund and your mother’s nest-egg and invested it for me so that our grandchildren, your children, will be well-provided for in the future."
Sarah had watched her brother the whole time and realized there was another issue that was bothering Dusty. She spoke softly now, "Dusty, NO ONE will EVER replace Mama…in Daddy’s heart or ours, but Daddy needs to be happy."
Kevin spoke up, "I know it’s none of my business….
"Speak freely, Kevin," said Mr. Taylor. "You and the rest of the
boys are very much a part of this family too."
"Thank you, Mr. Taylor. In light of what just happened, I think we ALL should live life to the fullest. Howie almost lost Sarah and the twins and we DID lose one of our crew. We can’t take for granted that there will be a tomorrow."
As Kevin continued, Howie hugged Sarah to him with a hand on her stomach and the two gazed into each other’s eyes. Neither had to say it…they knew just how strong their bond was now and that they’d never take their love for granted.
Speeches over, Sarah looked at her father. "Daddy, Howie and I would like for you to spend some time with us."
Mr. Taylor shook his head, "No, baby girl. I’ve heard all of you say how hard it is on the road. You don’t need me tagging along. I’ll head back to Virginia with Dustin."
"What about Stephanie?"
Apologetically, Dusty said, "I’ll let her know we were wrong."
Chelsea and Jesse rejoined the group and Howie said, "Dusty, I have a favor to ask."
"Name it."
"Can you get my niece home for me?"
"Uncle Howie?"
"Chels, Sarah and I’ve talked about this and she was right from the beginning. WE should be looking out for our little princess. We appreciate what you’ve done for us and I’ll pay you for the entire time."
Mr. Taylor asked, "How are you going to take care of her when you’re both busy?"
"We’ll work something out. There are enough people with our entourage that can lend a hand and they all know Jesse."
"Sure, Howie. I’d be glad to help get her home," smiled Dusty.
"Daddy, before you leave, I KNOW Becca would adore a visit from you. How about going with us to see her?"
"I’d LOVE to do that!"
"Cool…let me go change and we’ll head over."
"I’ll call Nick and see if he wants to go with us," said Howie. "That’s if he hasn’t already gone."