Part 469
Becca watched Sarah make her way back to where Howie was standing with a group of fans. The couple radiated love as she watched Howie put his arm around Sarah and that love was happily shared with all that came in contact with the couple; the fans, their family, and their friends. Even when they’d broken up, there was no denying the feelings. It had been their love that had made her realize how wrong she’d been to deny Nick a chance at the same happiness. From the very first email she’d sent Sarah, her best friend had showered her with love and support.
Nick watched Becca as he played with Garrett and wished he’d never agreed to join Howie and Sarah in Denver. This was going to be agony and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to make it any better.
Howie and Sarah returned to the table laughing.
Nick shook his head. "What drugs are you two on? I need some."
More like you want to give them to me, thought Becca as she cringed. Sarah’s past drug addiction flashed through her mind but Sarah never batted an eye.
"It’s called life, Nicky. My life is perfect." Gazing into Howie’s eyes, she continued, "I have the man of my dreams, a beautiful daughter, amazing friends, my music, my health, and most importantly, MY LIFE. What more could I want?"
Howie kissed her lightly as Nick rolled his eyes. Teasing, he said, "You two are sickening…all mushy and gushy! Love sick, that’s what you two are."
"And your point is?" asked Howie.
The banter continued as Becca sat quietly, lost in her thoughts. If Sarah can put her past behind her, why can’t I? She thought. She’s been knocked down far more times than I have and she keeps bouncing back. Just get me through this trip.
Sarah and Howie were so wrapped up in one another that Becca’s mood seemingly escaped them which was fine with Becca. Breakfast was over before the three of them realized it but to her, it had been one more test.
As Nick was gathering Garrett, he asked, "What are you two gonna do today?"
"Taking my wife shopping and checking out the city," said Howie as he squeezed Sarah’s hand.
"After the doctor’s appointment," reminded Sarah. "You and Becca ARE coming, right?"
Nick looked at Becca who nodded her head ‘yes’. "The Boss says ‘yes’ so I guess so."
Sarah and Howie laughed as Becca rolled her eyes.
"You’ve learned THAT lesson very well, Nicky," teased Sarah.
"So, Howie…I take it you haven’t quite learned that Sarah’s the boss."
Sarah blushed knowing Nick was referring to the matter of the corvette as Howie chuckled. "Oh, we’ve got who’s boss all worked out," said Howie giving Sarah a wink. "Haven’t we, ‘Angel’?"
Meekly, Sarah replied, "Yes dear."
"Oh, this is rich,’ howled Nick.
The two couples moved through the restaurant as Nick continued to torment Sarah. It was harmless fun and Sarah was enjoying every bit of it, as was Nick when Sarah came back at him. It was a comfort to have things back to normal.
Outside the restaurant, the snow had stopped and the sun was trying to break through the clouds. Sarah shivered as a cold breeze blew and Howie pulled her closer.
"Cold, ‘Angel’?"
"A little," whispered Sarah as she snuggled against his chest.
"Why don’t we go get you a heavier coat before we go to the doctor’s office?" suggested Howie as he looked at his watch.
"I hate to spend the money on something I’m not gonna need but this
one time."
"You’ll need it again and I don’t want you getting sick."
"When on earth would I need it again?"
"Christmas…when we go to Virginia. Probably later this month, when we stop in to check on the house too."
"Okay. I need to go back to the bus though and get my medical information."
Howie looked at Becca. "Bec, we need to get Sarah a coat and her medical records."
"Not a problem. The buses are on the way to the doctor’s office and we’re only a couple blocks from the shopping district."
"Cool. You two coming with us?"
Becca shrugged, "I guess. I could use a warmer coat too."
Deciding to walk, Howie instructed the driver on where to meet them and they set off to do some shopping. Nick carried Garrett in one hand and held Becca’s hand in the other as they went. Howie and Sarah were ahead of them looking in the windows of the shops as they went.
It felt so good to be doing something normal and Becca began to yearn for home. Watching Howie and Sarah, she wondered what was wrong with her though. Sarah seemed so content being able to travel with Howie. Why couldn’t she just be happy to have a fantastic husband and a beautiful baby by that man and be content to have a ‘home’ wherever they were? Here she was, she had the fantasy come true for the average Backstreet fan…she got to be with them for EVERY show, travel with five gorgeous men…well, okay, four. She just couldn’t put them ALL into that gorgeous category but still, it was the dream come true. So why was she letting a simple town on the tour make her such a basket case?
They reached the shop in no time at all and they began to look for maternity coats for Sarah.
A good distraction for Becca was Nick’s thoughts but he had no idea how much it reminded her of last year, when she was here and had to find the coat for herself to protect her against the Denver winter on the outside. She hadn’t found anything to protect her on the inside from the empty cold of loneliness and the memories came flooding back as they looked through the numerous coats.
With a new coat for everyone, the four made their way out to the waiting car and headed on their way to Sarah’s doctor’s appointment.