Part 1
The twins were now three and into everything like most three-year olds. Jesse was a very precocious eight, in second grade, and the spitting image of Sarah.
And Sarah! Sarah’s career had taken off with the release of her first CD and she was a star in her own right now. She’d opted to tour with him rather than headlining her own shows in order to keep the family together. She still handled his business along with being a full-time mom and singing. To top it all, she was pregnant with their fourth child. To him, she was more amazing with every passing day and he loved her so completely.
Himself…the group was on top of the world of music. Their last two CDs had broken all sales records and their current tour was a sell-out at every venue. His businesses were complete successes and the foundation had done a lot of good for people.
Three beautiful children, another one on the way, an amazing wife who loved him unconditionally, and a successful career…His world was perfect but it was all about to come crashing down.
They were into the last set of their show and things were going smoothly. Howie had spent most of the night teasing and flirting with Sarah and was now headed across the stage when things began to dim. A sharp pain shot through his head and his knees began to buckle. 70,000 fans, his wife, the dancers, stage crew, security, band and the other four guys watched in horror as Howie collapsed on stage.
The show came to a screeching halt as Kevin, AJ, Brian, and Nick rushed to Howie’s side. Sarah tried desperately to climb up on stage but Becca and Sonja both stopped her.
"Damnit, LET GO OF ME!" screamed Sarah as a deathly silence fell over the stadium.
Calmly, Becca pulled Sarah back, wrapped her in her arms, and said, "Let the guys take care of him, Sarah."
Medical attendants were ushered quickly onstage and immediately went to work on Howie. Everyone looked on, tears streaming, silent prayers being said, and hands held. The entire stadium held their breath, as one of their beloved guys lay unconscious on the stage.
Sarah clutched Becca’s hand as she watched her husband lying motionless. Fear gripped her soul and she knew something was drastically wrong.
Kevin looked over to see Sarah and he motioned Carlos to come over. "Get Sarah and make arrangements for security at the hospital."
"Sure, boss."
As Howie was loaded onto a stretcher, Carlos, Tommy, and Billy went to get Sarah. As she, Becca, and Sonja were escorted through the throngs of fans, she heard the well wishes and prayers. She tried to be brave thanking them all and stopping to hug a few of the more frightened fans but it was all an act. She was as terrified as they were.
Backstage, Kevin, AJ, Brian, and Nick met them and Kevin put his arms around her. "We’ll follow the ambulance to the hospital, Sarah."
Sarah was in a daze but she heard Kevin and said, "No…Finish the show."
"But…"
"Please, Kevin. Howie wouldn’t want you to disappoint the fans. There are a lot of scared girls out there and if you finish the show, it might reassure them."
"If that’s what you want."
"It’s what Howie and I both want. Besides, someone needs to stay with the kids."
Brian spoke up, "Sonja and I will stay with the kids."
"Thanks, Brian," answered Sarah as her voice began to break.
"We’ll be there as soon as possible," said Kevin hugging her tight. He felt her tears through his shirt and he whispered, "Hang tight, baby. He’s strong and he’s going to be okay."
Sarah looked up at him and kissed him gently. "Thank you, Boo."
She pulled away from him and followed the attendants to the waiting ambulance.
