Chapter 37
Sarah’s burst of energy led to a very productive morning for her. After Jesse and Becca left, she finished in the kitchen after starting a load of laundry. With that done, she got on the computer to check email and then looked over the websites to see what needed updating. Kryss called to ask her about the youth center and they talked for a while and then it was on to the paperwork for Howie’s businesses. Finally, she got to the files on the prospective nannies and lined up several interviews for that afternoon.
As soon as she hung up the phone, Howie wandered out from the bedroom. Sarah felt her heart flutter as her eyes fell on her husband. The unruly curls were everywhere and he wore only his favorite pair of boxers, the ones she had once kept under her pillow when he was on tour.
Leaning over, he placed one hand on her stomach as he gave her a quick kiss on the forehead. “Mornin’, Angel.”
“Morning, ‘D’. How do you feel?”
“I’m okay. How long have you been up?”
“I woke up when you came home,” answered Sarah as Howie sat on the coffee table in front of her.
Taking her hands in his, he apologized, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“You didn’t. The twins did and I got up at four to go the bathroom.”
“Have you slept any?” asked Howie with concern.
“I dozed for a little while on the couch.”
“Where’s Jess?”
“At school. It’s almost eleven, sweetheart.”
“Damn! Why didn’t
you wake me? So you’ve been to town and back?”
“I didn’t wake you because you were tired and you need your rest. No, I haven’t
been to town. Becca came to get her and took her to school for me.” Sarah was
playing with Howie’s fingers as she gazed into his eyes. “How would you feel if
all I gave you for Valentine’s Day were the twins?”
“I don’t mind waiting ‘til the end of the month for my gift,” shrugged Howie. Seeing Sarah’s eyes twinkling with delight, he started putting things together. “Sarah, the twins…you mean….are you?”
Sarah laughed as Howie’s eyes widened with excitement. “I’m not in labor yet but everything’s telling me it won’t be long.”
“Not long? How long is ‘not long’?”
Sarah shrugged,
“Within the next 24 to 48 hours.”
Howie practically jumped out of his skin with excitement but then realized,
“We’ve gotta find a nanny and cancel the dinner tonight and let Mami know Jesse
will be staying with her and…”
Sarah put her finger on his lips to stop him. “Slow down, ‘D’. First off, I’m not in labor yet so I’m not changing our plans for tonight. Jesse was spending the night your mom anyway so if I go into labor, we’ll just call to tell them and she took her suitcase. As for the nanny, we have three interviews this afternoon at the youth center after my doctor’s appointment. All of the paperwork you gave me to do for you is done through the end of the month, the kitchen is clean, the laundry is done, and I’ve taken care of our email.”
Howie kissed her hand. “You’ve been busy.”
“Very. Now, you need to get ready while I fix you something to eat. We need to leave by noon.”
Howie leaned in cradling her face as he kissed her. His lips caressed hers ever so tenderly and coerced them apart so that his tongue could taste the sweetness. “I love you more than words can express and I know you’re scared about the delivery, but I promise, with all that I am, I will be there for you every step of the way. I won’t leave your side for anything!”
A single tear escaped down her cheek that he wiped away with his thumb as she whispered, “I’m not as scared as I could be because I know you’re gonna be with me. You’re my rock, Howie, and I can’t thank you enough for always being by my side.”
“You don’t have to, Angel. Till death do us part. Now, we need to get moving so I can get you to the doctor. Maybe he can tell us for sure when these little bundles are gonna make their debut. I’ll get your stuff for tonight together and your bag for the hospital.”
Stealing another kiss, Howie helped Sarah up and they headed in their separate directions to get ready for the day. Sarah stopped at the doorway to the kitchen to look back at her husband and caught him giving a triumphant cheer as he was about to go into the bedroom.
“You’re daddy is anxious to meet you two,” smiled Sarah as she placed her hand on her stomach.