Part 395
Standing in the backstage area waiting for the Boys to come out of their dressing rooms, Sarah and Becca talked quietly about their plans for the night and about the show.
"How about another girls’ night on the bus?" suggested Sarah.
"Sounds wonderful," sighed Becca watching Jesse as she danced merrily around with Lisa, Fiona, and Nikki. "I wish I had her energy."
Sarah laughed, "Tired?"
"Sorta! Last night was the first night Garrett’s slept through."
"It gets better."
"I don’t see how you’re gonna do it with twins. One is killing me!"
"I’ll have Howie to help. He isn’t quite as ‘dead’ when he sleeps."
As the two continued talking the guys started making their way out. As usual, Howie was the last one out but Sarah never saw him.
Quietly, Howie snuck up behind her, putting his finger to his mouth to tell Becca not to give him away. Just as he was about to take her in his arms, Jesse cried out.
"DADDY!"
Howie groaned as laughter echoed through the halls. Sarah turned to see that he was right behind her as Jesse grabbed his hand.
"What are you doing, ‘D’?"
"Trying to surprise you," smiled Howie as he picked Jesse up, "but SOMEONE ruined that."
"I’m sorry, Daddy," apologized Jesse putting her head on his shoulder.
"It’s okay, ‘Princess’. I probably shouldn’t be trying to surprise Mommy anyway," said Howie as he put his arm around Sarah. "Angel, you are gonna watch the show, aren’t you?"
Sarah shook her head, "Not tonight, ‘D’. I’m gonna get Jess to bed and Becca and I were gonna hang out on the buses."
"Let Jess watch the show. I really want you to watch tonight."
Sarah was immediately suspicious. Howie usually agreed with her about getting Jesse to bed at a reasonable hour. "What are you up to, Howie?"
"Woman, I keep telling you…five-six! You’d think after all this time, you’d know that," teased Howie.
Everyone laughed especially seeing Sarah’s look of exasperation.
Nick took Jesse from Howie and he wrapped both arms around her. "Angel, please…I really want you in the audience."
"Okay! Okay!" answered Sarah as she rolled her eyes. "I can’t stand it when you look at me with those puppy dog eyes. Let me get Jesse to bed and I’ll be back in."
Howie kissed her. "Don’t be long!"
"Bec, what ‘cha gonna do?" asked Nick.
"I’m gonna go out to the bus with Garrett and feed him. I want to get some sleep."
"That’s cool. I love you, baby," whispered Nick as he kissed the top of Becca’s head.
Nick had set Jesse down and Sarah took her hand now, "Come on, Jess. Let’s go."
Jesse stomped her foot. "NO!"
Sarah rolled her eyes in aggravation but before she could say anything, Howie spoke up, "Jessica, your temper tantrums are GOING to STOP! I was going to say you could stay up and watch the show but not now. You WILL go to the bus and to bed. From now on, there will be a set bedtime for you."
"A bedtime?" questioned Jesse
Sarah looked at Howie curiously too wondering what had gotten into him.
"Yes, a bedtime. Now I have to go to work so we WILL discuss this in the morning. Go with your mother and I’ll give you a kiss when I get done."
"Yes sir," answered Jesse obediently.
Howie knelt down and gave her a kiss.
"Daddy, do you still love me?" whimpered Jesse.
Cupping the little girl’s face in his hand, Howie smiled, "Of course I still love you, ‘Princess’. I just don’t like your behavior. Now go with your mother and I’ll see you in the morning."
Jesse hugged Howie. "I love you, Daddy."
Howie stood as Kevin tried to rush him, "Come ON, Howie!"
"I’m on my way," Howie waved at him. Giving Sarah a kiss, "Please don’t be too long."
"I won’t, ‘D’. Go on before Kevin’s head starts spinning. We’ve had enough turmoil lately to last us for a while," replied Sarah as she brushed his cheek. She could see in his eyes how much it meant to him to have her in the audience.
Howie rushed to join the others and Sarah headed out the doors with Jesse, Becca, and Garrett. Raoul and Billy who had been waiting on them greeted them as they left the building.
"Sarah, Howie was pretty anxious for you to watch the show," said Becca. "What’s up with that?"
"I don’t know. He’s up to something though."
"Let me get Jess to bed and you go back and watch."
Sarah stopped. "Are you sure?"
"Positive," answered Becca looking back at her. "I’ll hang out on your bus until after the show."
"I really appreciate it, Bec," gushed Sarah as she hugged Becca. "Howie’s really acting strange…insisting I watch the show and then the whole thing with the bedtime."
Becca laughed, "He’s in love and love does strange things to normally rational men. Go on. I’ve got the little diva."
Sarah laughed as she watched Jesse pulling at Billy. "Thanks, sis! I owe you!"
"I’m sure you’ll pay me back. GO!"
"Jess, mind your Aunt Becca," instructed Sarah giving Jesse a hug.