Chapter 92
Outside, Howie led Sarah to the corvette where he opened the door for her.
“Howie, I’m…..”
“Shhh,” whispered Howie as he kissed her. “We’re late.”
“I’m sorry, ‘D’.”
“It’s okay, ‘Angel’.” Howie’s cell phone began to ring and seeing who it was, he answered it as Sarah got in. “Hey, what’s up?”
“You’re late,” said Kevin.
“Hold on a minute,” and Howie closed the door and moved to the back of the car. “I know but we’re on our way now. Is everyone there?”
“Yes!”
“She’s gonna see the cars.”
“Already covered. We parked in the lot across the way from the restaurant. Relax, bro,” soothed Kevin knowing Howie was having doubts about the surprise party. “Sarah always loves your surprises.”
“Yeah, I know. I just feel guilty as hell lying to her about it. We’ll be there in about ten minutes.”
”We’ll see you when you get here.”
“Who was that on the phone?” asked Sarah as Howie got in the car.
“Kevin.”
“What did he want?”
"Business!” Howie leaned over to give Sarah a kiss as he reached behind her seat. Sitting back, he pulled out a single white rose. “For my beautiful angel.”
“I love you so much,” sighed Sarah taking the rose.
“Are you ready for your evening?”
“I guess so…as long as I’m with you.”
“Forever, Angel.”
As Howie pulled onto the highway, Sarah asked, “Where is the event, ‘D’?”
“Just up the road,” said Howie vaguely.
“Who’s coming?”
“I don’t know, Angel. Angie and Chelsea put this together.”
“Is your whole family coming?”
“I guess so.”
Sarah looked at him sideways and after a couple of minutes, said, “You’re up to something.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re being EXTREMELY vague about ALL of this and normally you tell me every thing. NO ONE has mentioned this to me.”
“I told you they probably just forgot or thought I’d tell you. You’ve been busy with the twins and trying to get the youth center back on track.”
“That’s just it! Your mom, Chelsea, Danielle, Angie, Pollyanna, AND John have all been to the apartment in the last couple of weeks,” argued Sarah as they pulled into the parking lot. Looking around and realizing where they were, she got a confused look on her face. “Red Lobster. The event is HERE?”
Howie was smiling as he said, “Yes, the event is here so STOP obsessing and let’s go inside.”
“Who’s obsessing? I’m stating a fact. You are up to something,” replied Sarah as Howie got out of the car.
Circling the car quickly, Howie opened her door and offered his hand to help her out. As she stood in front of him, he said with a smirk, “Okay, I am up to something.”
“AH HA! I knew it! What have you got up your sleeves?”
“My arms that I want to wrap around you and hold you tight.”
Sarah rolled her eyes.
”Okay! Okay!” laughed Howie. “I am up to something.”
“WHAT?” demanded Sarah pinning him with a glare.
“Five foot six!”
“Smartalic!” snapped Sarah and she tried to step around him.
Grabbing her by the waist, Howie laughed, “But I love you.”
“Uh huh! Sure,” snarled Sarah turning her nose up at him.
Still laughing, Howie gave her a kiss and led her inside where they were greeted by the hostess. Giving his name, the hostess led them through the restaurant to the dining room in the back.
As the waitress pushed the door back, the entire room erupted, “SURPRISE!”
Sarah took a startled step back into Howie’s arms.
“Happy Birthday, ‘Angel’.”
Sarah looked back at him and tears began to fall as she asked, “Is THIS the event?”
“Yeah, it is. I’m sorry, Angel.”
“It’s okay! You always manage to surprise me in a good way.” Excited to have all her friends and family together, Sarah hugged him, “Thank you, ‘D’.”