Part 580
Seeing Nick and Becca finally reach the security checkpoint, Howie and Kevin led Sarah and Lynne to get the gate to board the plane where they caught up with the other two couples. All four couples were given the go ahead to board the plane but Sarah froze.
“’Angel’, come on,” coaxed Howie putting his hand on her lower back.
Thinking Sarah was holding back because of Nick and Becca, Brian said, “They’ll be here in a minute, Sarah.”
“Who?” asked Sarah, her eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights.
“Nick and Becca. Isn’t that who you’re waiting for?”
Realizing that Sarah was about to have a panic attack and worried what it was going to do to her blood pressure, Howie said, “Go on and we’ll catch up.”
“Are you sure?” questioned AJ.
Howie nodded as he rubbed her back in circles, trying to calm her. “Yeah, I’ve got it.”
Reluctantly, all three couples headed down the walkway to board the plane.
Turning to face Sarah, Howie cupped her chin in his hand. “Angel, look at me.”
Like a small child, Sarah obeyed.
“You saw how thorough they were being back there. They aren’t going to let ANYONE on the plane that doesn’t belong there.”
“What if someone slips through?” she questioned in a small voice.
“Sweetheart, no one is going to get on that plane that doesn’t belong,” soothed Howie running his fingers through her hair. “Sarah, I’m not going to let anything or anyone hurt you, me, Jesse, or these little ones EVER! I promise.”
Sarah tucked her head. “I’m being stupid, aren’t I?”
“No, ‘Angel’. It’s a very real fear for you and I respect that but you have to trust me.” Howie brushed her cheek and tipped her chin up to look at him. “Take my hand, Sarah, and when you need to squeeze, you can. I’ll be with you, by your side, the whole way.”
“Like always,” whispered Sarah as she gave him a kiss. “Thank you.”
Howie smiled, “Ready?”
“I guess.”
Howie held his hand for her to take and she did. Fingers laced together, the two headed in the same direction as the others only to be greeted halfway by AJ.
“Alex, what are you doing out here and not on the plane with Ali?” asked Sarah.
“Wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Howie squeezed her hand as he said, “She’s gonna be fine.”
“Thanks, Alex,” and Sarah gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Having her wrap her arm in his, AJ started to lead both of them towards the plane as he took Nick’s place and said, “This is the plane. We love the plane. We’re getting on the plane.”
Sarah looked at Howie who winked and she shook her head. “God!! One Nick is enough. Don’t try to imitate him.”
AJ laughed, “You love us and you know it.”
Howie smirked, “She just doesn’t want to admit it. She’s under that Carter Charm spell.”
“Both of you stop it!” insisted Sarah.
“Ah, come on, ‘Tig’. The truth will set you free,” teased AJ as Howie handed their boarding passes to the flight attendant. “You’re hooked on his boyish charm. You can‘t help yourself. Just fess up and you’ll feel SOOO much better.”
“Would you STOP it? I love him like a little brother…THAT’S IT! He’s my best friend’s husband and even if I WERE hooked on his boyish charm, I’m addicted to Howie’s sex appeal.”
Howie and AJ had distracted Sarah enough to get her on the plane and they were now standing at Howie and Sarah’s seats. AJ gave her a kiss and took his seat behind them with Ali while Howie put their bags overhead.
Settling into the huge, oversized seats, Sarah leaned against Howie and sighed. “You two are the best.”
“How about a glass of champagne?” asked Howie as he spotted the attendant.
“I probably shouldn’t,” said Sarah as she rubbed her stomach.
“One glass won’t hurt and it’ll help you relax.”
Giving in, “Okay…one glass.”
Howie got the attendant’s attention and ordered them both a glass of champagne then the couple settled back to prepare for the flight.