Part 203
"Did you get everything?" Nick pulled Sarah aside as they headed for the dressing rooms in Dallas' American Airlines Arena.
"I think so," she said. "Where's Bec?"
"Off somewhere with Aaron and mom. They promised to keep her busy while I get cleaned up. Let me grab a quick shower and I'll meet you on the bus. DON'T let Bec get on!"
"Carter, you're dealing with a master here. Go take a shower or the whole evening will be ruined before it even starts." Wrinkling her nose, she pushed him toward the dressing rooms.
"Bet ya don't mind when Howie's all sweaty," he quipped.
"Just GO, or the bus is leaving without you." She laughed, turning for the back entrance where the boy's buses were parked. After waving to the fans that had gathered for one last glimpse, she climbed the steps into Nick and Becca's bus. Despite her claims to Nick, she was still amazed that they'd managed to pull this off without Becca suspecting anything. And what luck that Aaron and Jane had been invited to the Webcast this evening. It had been sheer luck that they had asked her to sit with them up in the box seats. Becca had planned on watching from backstage, but this gave her some quality time with Nick's family, so she jumped at the chance. They were headed back east tonight, and it was more than likely that they wouldn't see each other again until after the baby was born.
"Wow," she breathed, looking around the living quarters of the bus. She'd done good. No, they'd BOTH done good. Sarah had been a little surprised at how well Nick had taken charge of the plans and how much input he'd been able to give her about Becca's favorite foods and music. She'd definitely underestimated him. God, she must be coming down with something if she was suddenly having fond thoughts about the blonde wonder. Shaking off the feeling and laughing, she began lighting the candles Nick had strategically placed around the room, saving the two on the dining table for last.
Only a few minutes left She set the microwave to heat up the dinner she'd ordered and set the chilled bottle of champagne in the ice bucket. Nice touch, she thought. Nick was certainly going to be surprised, she grinned. One last thing she pulled the protective covering off the filmy negligee she'd bought this afternoon and hung it in the bathroom. As an afterthought, she picked up a bottle of Becca's favorite perfume and spritzed it in the air. Excellent. Now all she needed was-
"Sarah? Where are you?"
That's it, Nick was the missing puzzle piece.
"Back here," she called. "Hurry up! She'll be here any time."
"Sorry, I got caught by fans by the doors," he gasped.
"No problem, Billy won't bring her out until we call him anyway. You're not dressed!"
He gave her a blank 'blonde' look. "You think? Sarah, I couldn't change inside, and dressing on this damn bus is gonna be near to impossible."
"Nick, it's not like you've never worn a-"
"No, but I always have help. And DON'T give me grief about not being able to dress myself."
Sarah laughed. "Okay, I won't, this is a special occasion tonight." She watched his indecision and sighed. "Would you like some help?"
"Would you? I mean, that'd be great if you would." He ducked his head, not expecting this from her. She was usually so quick to jump his case for something, but tonight she was actually being civil.
"Sure, I'll help," she whispered. "Get your stuff, we have to be fast." Something about the way he'd shyly accepted her help just about melted her. She really was hard on him, but it was all in fun. He was such an easy target and he knew she was just kidding around. Didn't he?
"Shit." Nick cursed as something metallic rolled down the aisle, and he and Sarah both bent to retrieve it at the same time. Inevitably, they bumped heads, both cursing again.
Sarah stood up, rubbing her head as Nick did the same. A grin broke out on his face and they both began to giggle. "C'mere, Blondie, let me help." She took the wrist he held out and fastened his cuff links as he watched her. She could feel his eyes on her, and it made her slightly nervous. "There," she said. "All done."
Nick stepped back, pivoting for her approval and smirked when she whistled in admiration.
"Damn, Nick, we CAN dress you up and take you out."
"Thanks Sarah."
"You're welcome. Now I need to get my butt off your bus before Becca wonders what we've been doing out here all alone." She reached out one last time, straightening his tie and looking up at him. He really was damn good looking when he tried, but she'd never admit that to anyone.
"Sarah?"
She had turned to go, but she stopped. "Yeah?"
"Umm thanks again."
"Nick, you already said that."
He shrugged. "I know, but I really appreciate everything you've done for us. Becca loves you, you know? She really looks up to you and I Well, I wouldn't be here tonight if it wasn't for you and the times you've helped us. I love you too, Sarah." His voice faded away and his eyes were suspiciously wet.
She stood still, unable to move as she took in what he'd said. Sighing, she finally closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. He hugged her back and she had to fight the emotion that suddenly welled up inside her. Clearing her throat she said softly, "I love you too, Nicky. You're like a little brother to me. I've seen the changes you've gone through since I first met you, Nick. I know I give you grief all the time, but I'm really proud of the man you've become. It's not easy dealing with everything you and Becca have been through, but you've done it. And you make Becca happy, Nick. That's the most important part of all of this. And Nick?" She leaned back to look up into his eyes. "It's all gonna be okay. In a few more weeks this will all be part of the past and you can concentrate on your new family."
He smiled, wiping away a stray tear. "I can't wait. And I just want Bec to be okay."
"Nicky, she will be. We won't let anything happen to her. We're a team, you know? You and me." She held up her pinky to his and they locked fingers, giggling. "Deal?"
"Deal!" he agreed. He hugged her once more until they heard Billy's voice over the walkie talkie.
"Oops, time for me to roll. Wait you go on back to the back, let me meet Becca and send her in."
Nick raised his eyebrow. "Yeah?"
"Yes, goofball, go on back and strike a sexy pose, its almost show time."
Nick kissed her quickly on the lips and ducked away before she could protest. "See you tomorrow some time," he called out with a grin.
"You'd BETTER, Carter! Be good to my sis." All she heard in reply was a laugh as the partition closed.
The door opened with a swoosh letting in the sounds of the fans still screaming outside.
"It's nuts out there!" Becca said. "Sarah, what are you doing here?"
"Just helping out a friend," she replied with a smile.
"Oh. Where's Nick?" She peered past Sarah trying to find him.
"In the back. But Bec-"
"Sarah, come on, I can't get past you, remember?" she laughed patting her belly.
"Just hold on a minute. Anxious much?"
"Well, yes, as a matter of fact."
"You gotta do a couple of things first." Sarah stood blocking the way with her arms folded.
Becca rolled her eyes and sighed. "Saaaarahhhh "
"Just humor me, ok?" She watched Becca roll her eyes once more and stifled a giggle. "First, you have to promise not to peek."
"At what?"
"At anything. Now promise."
"I promise," she mumbled.
"Ok, good. Second, go into the bathroom-"
"What?!"
"God, Bec, just DO IT!"
"Okay, okay! Then what?"
"You'll know what to do. I left you a note."
"Sarah, you're strange." Becca shook her head, not understanding any of it.
"Yes, and your point is?" She laughed. "One last thing."
"Yes, mom?"
"Enjoy yourself tonight. Relax and just go with the flow."
"Sarah, I have NO idea what you're talking about." Becca shook her head.
"You will, now go on." Sarah moved so that Becca could move past her. "Oh, and Bec? I love you too." Without another word she swept past Billy to head over to Howie's bus. As soon as the door closed, the driver moved away from the arena and out into the night.