Part 448
Taking a seat in front of her, Howie looked into her eyes. There was calmness about her that he’d never seen before. Her eyes sparkled and she smiled softly.
"Angel, what’s going on?"
"Nothing’s going on. I just need something to wear."
"Then pick something out."
"You do it."
Howie sighed. "Sarah, I love the fact that you need me but I don’t want to start making decisions for you. You’re a strong lady, independent, and I love that about you. Why all of a sudden the need for me to pick your clothes?"
Sarah dropped her eyes from his penetrating gaze. "I’ve made so many mistakes in our relationship and I’ve hurt you."
"Everyone makes mistakes, ‘Angel’, even me. Look at the huge mistake I made that cost us so much."
"That was my fault, ‘D’."
"I’m not going to argue about that now. My point is, everyone makes mistakes in a relationship but a person doesn’t have to change their whole personality just because of the mistakes they’ve made."
"But I owe you this for all the hurt I’ve caused you and the crap I’ve put you through with my mood swings."
"How have you hurt me?"
"Kevin…having feelings for him."
Howie smiled, "Angel, you didn’t hurt me with that. Every time you look at me, I know exactly how you feel. There’s NO mistaking the depth of your love. And as for the mood swings…it’s all a part of being pregnant. It’ll get better when the twins are born."
Sarah looked at her hand in his…a perfect fit…two hearts, one love and a bond that grew stronger with each passing day. "Howie, I love you with all that I am. You possess my thoughts, my heart…my soul. I want to be the perfect wife for you."
Howie reached to cup her face in his hand. "Angel, you ARE the perfect wife for me, that’s why we’re together. You know I believe that God brought us together and He’s what has held us together. He has a reason for giving us the strength to get through all the tough times, for bringing us together."
"Yeah, I agree with you but…"
Placing a finger on her lips, "No buts, Angel. Now get your cute little butt up and get dressed."
"Pick something for me."
Howie got up and found a dress that he loved seeing Sarah wear. It was a cute little maternity dress that hung to mid-way her thigh and with her hair in a ponytail, she looked like a baby doll. He handed it to her and sat down to watch her get ready.
Sarah quickly changed and started getting her make-up and hair done. In no time at all, she was ready.
Turning to face Howie, she asked, "Well?"
"Beautiful as always. Ready to go inside?"
"I guess so."
Sarah started to turn pale and Howie said, "DON’T! Take a deep breath, Angel. Focus on me."
Sarah did as he instructed.
"That’s it. Now come with me. You’ve got a crowd to impress."
Sarah took his hand and followed him into the venue where their friends were waiting for them. Each one wished Sarah well before heading out to take their seats.
Becca and Nick were the last two with the exception of Howie and Kevin and as Becca gave Sarah a tentative hug, she asked, "Are you okay?"
"I will be once the music starts," smiled Sarah. "You know…you’ve really changed in the last few months. You’ve become…more…I don’t know…mature. Before, you would have gone ape shit at me for holding back and being jealous."
"Thank you."
"So, where’s the ‘Crown Prince’?"
"Uncle Billy is babysitting," smiled Becca.
Sarah laughed, "Oh, that has GOT to be a riot."
"Angel…it’s almost time."
"I’ll see you after the show."
"Knock ‘em dead, sis," smiled Nick as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Kevin took Sarah’s hand. "Baby, I’m gonna be at the sound board. You’re gonna be awesome."
"Thanks, ‘Boo’," sighed Sarah.
Taking Howie’s hand, she followed him to where the dancers and ‘Mook’ and the band were waiting for her. She and ‘Mook’ did their little pre-show ritual and went over the playlist one last time. Then the band went out to take their places.
Howie took her hands in his. "You are the BEST performer I know and everyone is going to love you. The others are in the audience. I’m gonna be right here. Kevin is at the soundboard. And you have ‘Mook’ backing you up. Take a deep breath and focus."
"I love you, ‘D’."
"I love you too, ‘Angel’" whispered Howie as he gave her a quick kiss.