Chapter 42

Kevin and Lynne, Brian and Sonja, and Nick and Becca had arrived shortly after Howie and Sarah and while the guys headed to the bar, the girls got comfortable at the table. 

“Is AJ coming tonight?” asked Becca. 

“He said he would but I don’t know.  He’s really upset about the wedding being called off,” replied Sarah as she took a sip of water. 

“Have you heard from Ali today?”  

“Nope.” 

Looking around the VIP Section in awe, Lynne commented, “Howie really has out down himself in making tonight special….the rose petals on the steps and all these arrangements.” 

Sarah smiled as she and Howie made eye contact, “That’s not all he has planned either.  He said he’s got a lot of surprises in store for me tonight.” 

“What in the world MORE could he possibly do?” asked Sonja. 

Becca laughed, “There’s plenty.  If Sarah even MENTIONED in passing something she wanted or liked, Howie would get it for her.” 

Sarah snorted, “I don’t have to mention it.” 

“Least ways, not when you’re awake,” teased Becca. 

“Ha Ha!” shot Sarah sarcastically. 

Still marveling at the hundreds of white roses in all types of arrangements, Lynne asked, “So what are you giving Howie for Valentine’s Day?” 

Sarah looked to Becca again who pulled out a gift.  “Besides this ID bracelet, I’m gonna make him a daddy.” 

Becca cocked an eyebrow.  “Are you…..” 

Grinning happily, Sarah motioned the other three closer and whispered, “The contractions are about 10 minutes apart now and my back is killing me.” 

“OH MY GOD!” squealed Sonja earning a look from the guys at the bar. 

“SHHHH!” hissed Sarah seeing them look over.  “I do NOT want Kevin to know.” 

“Why not?” asked Lynne. 

“Because he’ll try to take charge and order me to the hospital and I just don’t need his over-reacting right now.” 

“Howie knows, right?” asked Becca. 

“Of course he knows, you goof!”  

“Just making sure.” 

“So what’s up with your back?” asked Sonja. 

“Along with the normal labor, I’m also having what they call back labor because of the second baby.  Dr. Johnson said that once I deliver the first one, it should ease.”  Seeing AJ at the top of the steps, Sarah smiled, “Alex is here.  I’m gonna go dance with him.” 

“Should you be….”started Becca but stopped when Sarah frowned.  “Okay! Okay! Go!” 

Lynne moved out of Sarah’s way and they watched her waddle over to AJ. 

Meeting Sarah half-way, AJ gave her a kiss.  “’Tigger’, you look absolutely radiant….the sexiest pregnant lady around.” 

Sarah could smell the alcohol on AJ’s breath when he kissed her but chose to wait until they could talk without the other’s overhearing them.  Taking his hand, “Come dance with me?” 

“Let me get a drink first.” 

“Nope!  Dance….NOW,” insisted Sarah as she reached up to take his dark glasses off.  His eyes were bloodshot and puffy but not from being drunk.  No, it was from crying and Sarah knew something was wrong. 

AJ knew Sarah wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer so he allowed her to lead him onto the dance floor.  “How are we gonna do this?” 

“From behind,” answered Sarah not thinking about how it sounded. 

“Mmm, baby, you KNOW that’s my third favorite position,” leered AJ wagging his eyebrows. 

Rolling her eyes, Sarah said, “You’re incorrigible.” 

From behind, AJ wrapped his arms around Sarah and nuzzled her neck as they began to sway slowly to the music.  Sarah placed one hand on his; lacing her fingers with his as his other hand rubbed her stomach.  To an outsider, the two would have easily passed for lovers but to the group gathered, save Lynne and Sonja, they understood the special bond the two shared.

Chapter 43                Index