Part 278
Boarding Howie’s bus, Nick was ‘attacked’ by a little peanut with big blue eyes. As he entered the living area, Jesse squealed, "UNCLE NICKY!" and launched herself from the couch.
Fortunately, Nick’s hands were empty and he caught her in mid-air. "Hey, Peanut!" laughed Nick.
"Where’s the BABY?" she asked looking around him expecting Becca and Garrett.
"Baby, Aunt Becca and Garrett can’t travel just yet," answered Sarah as she and Howie followed behind Nick.
"Why, Mommy? I thought you were going to get them."
Howie explained as he tousled her hair, "The doctor wanted to keep an eye on Becca for a little longer, Princess….to make sure she’s okay. She was pretty sick right before she had Garrett."
"She’s gonna stay at the hospital?" asked Jesse tearfully.
Knowing Jesse’s fear of hospitals, Nick hugged her and said, "No, Peanut…she’s staying with friends. You remember Julie and Lynne?"
"Yeah, they were at the show last night…acting STUPID," said Jesse rolling her eyes.
Nick laughed, "No, they weren’t acting stupid…they were just excited. Well, Bec and Garrett are gonna stay with Julie until the doctor says it’s okay."
Sarah disappeared to the back to change clothes as the three settled down for the ride.
Jesse cuddled next to Nick and said, "So…you’re all alone?"
"Not really. I’ve got your mom and dad…and YOU, Peanut…you have my COMPLETE and UNDIVIDED attention for at least a week," said Nick as he hugged her tight. "You know, Howie. We could do like in the old days…you know, arrange a marriage."
Howie’s eyes twinkled with amusement as he asked, "Between who, Nick?"
"GT and Jesse…of course."
"She’s four years older than GT, Nick," said Howie knowing full well that Sarah would NEVER go for it.
"So? Bec’s four years older than me…. It’s PERFECT!"
From the back of the bus, Sarah called out, "NO!"
Howie laughed, "That answers THAT."
Sarah came out and Nick asked, "Oh, come on, Sarah! Why not?"
"I refuse to have MY child involved with a Carter…especially if he’s ANYTHING like you."
"What’s THAT suppose to mean?"
"Give me a break, blonde boy! You get excited when a pretty woman stands…or lays…next to you."
Nick blushed. "That’s NOT fair! I couldn’t help that."
"My point exactly. I was SLEEPING, Nick…and you couldn’t control yourself. And what was up with kissing me on the neck?"
"Howie said that’s how he wakes you up," said Nick innocently.
"No…I never said that. What I said was…It’s time to wake her up, kiss her on the neck’."
Nick realized Howie had set him up and he mumbled, "You guys suck!"
Howie and Sarah laughed at Nick as Sarah said, "Yep! And quite well if I do say so myself."
Jesse came to Nick’s rescue, "Uncle Nicky, would you play a game with me?"
"Sure, Jess…what ‘cha wanna play?"
Jesse climbed down and went searching through the cabinets. While she looked for a game, Sarah sat down with Howie and put her head on his shoulder.
"Are you okay, Angel?" whispered Howie.
"Ummm…just tired and I kinda miss Becca too."
Howie smiled as he brushed her hair off her shoulder. "You’re gonna be too busy to miss Bec…between keeping Nick occupied, keeping up with Jesse, and singing."
"And keeping you satisfied," teased Sarah.
"Daddy, are you and Mommy gonna play?" asked Jesse from the floor.
"I’ll play, Princess, but your mother is gonna TRY to take a nap," replied Howie looking sternly at Sarah.
Sarah laughed, "Yes dear."
"Hey, Sarah…mind if I use your laptop later?" asked Nick as Sarah kissed Howie.
"Go ahead but use YOUR cell if you’re going on line."