Chapter 26
Amanda lay on the bed listening to her discman when AJ walked into the room. "Hey baby," Amanda said as she took off her headphones.
"Hi," AJ said as he laid on the bed next to her. He let out an exhausted sigh. "I'm beat," AJ said as he slipped off his shoes.
Amanda smiled and set her discman aside. "Aww is my poor baby tired?"
"More than will ever know," AJ said as he shut his eyes.
Amanda lightly caressed his cheek and slid her fingers through his freshly bleached blonde hair. "I suppose we're staying in tonight?"
AJ nodded. "I would love to go out but I'm way too tired. I need sleep."
"That's okay. You've worked hard. You deserve sleep," she said as she kissed him on forehead. "You better get out of your clothes before you fall asleep honey."
AJ grinned. "I'm too tired to take them off."
"Don't even think you're gonna con me into taking your clothes off for you. I'm too big and pregnant for that. If you wanna sleep in your clothes go right ahead. I'll have no sympathy for you."
AJ laughed and sat up. "You're so cute when you're insincere."
"Well you're cute period," Amanda replied then kissed him.
"You sure you don't wanna help me?" AJ asked with puppy dog eyes.
"Well....I'll take off your shirt but don't even think about asking me to undo your pants. Ask me again in three months."
"My god three months?" AJ said in astonishment. Amanda nodded with a smile. "Time flew by so fast," he said as he caressed her stomach. AJ let out a big yawn.
"All right, you're getting into bed. You're about to fall asleep," Amanda said as she pulled AJ's shirt off him and kissed him. AJ took of his pants and slid under the covers with Amanda. She kissed him lightly on the lips. "Sleep well baby," she whispered. AJ smiled and closed his eyes. Amanda admired him as he slowly fell to sleep. She was almost asleep herself when she heard a light tapping on the door. Carefully she crept out of bed and went to answer the door. She looked through the peep hole and saw Sarah standing outside the door. Amanda opened the door to see Sarah standing there with swollen eyes and a tear stained face.
"I'm sorry I didn't wake you did I?"
"No, no not at all. I was just laying in bed with AJ," Amanda said in a hoarse whisper. "What's wrong?"
"I know it's late but I really need someone to talk to. Everyone else is either out or already in bed. Do you think we could talk?"
"Oh yeah of course. Come on in. Let me change my clothes and we can go down to the lobby and talk," she said as she invited Sarah in. Amanda quickly changed out of her night shirt and into regular clothes. After writing AJ a note she grabbed her key and walked toward the door. "Okay let's go," she whispered. The two girls walked down to the lobby and sat down on one of the couches. "All right tell me what's going on," Amanda said gently.
Sarah let out a deep breath and looked Amanda in the eye. "I'm pregnant," she said.
Amanda sat in shock for a moment then spoke. "Are...are you sure?"
Sarah nodded. "Kristin took me to the doctor earlier today to make sure. I'm positive."
"How does Kevin feel about all of this?"
"He doesn't know yet," Sarah mumbled.
"What!?! You haven't told him!?!?! Honey you have to tell him. How far along are you?"
"Barely a month," Sarah said then let out a sob. "Oh god I don't know what to do. I have always wanted a child but I don't wanna lose Kevin. I love him. If I lost him I would be crushed."
"Lose him? Honey what are you talking about?"
"He's gonna hate me when he finds out I'm pregnant with his child. He already has so much going on in his life. This would just add on so much!"
"Oh girl he's not gonna hate you. I promise. Kevin has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known. I've known him for years and he's never been known to give up the ones he loves. I know he loves you with all his heart and there's no way he's gonna let you go. Pregnant or not he's still going to love you."
"You really think so?" Sarah said with a sniffle.
Amanda gave her a sincere smile. "I know so. He's not like that jerk Keith you were with before. This is Kevin. There's no one out there like him. He won't give up on you."
"Thanks I feel a lot better."
"Good," Amanda said. "Now give me a hug." Sarah reached over and hugged Amanda. "I also want you to know that I'm always here if you ever need to talk. You're my friend and I'm always there for my friends. Okay?" Sarah nodded. "Aww honey look at you you're a mess," she said as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Don't cry everything is going to be okay."
"I still don't know how I'm going to tell him."
Amanda thought for a moment. "Wait a few days. Wait until after Thanksgiving. The boys have a heavy schedule and this will too big of a distraction right now. But you have to promise me you'll tell him soon."
Sarah nodded. "I promise."
"Good."
"Gosh in just a few short months I'm going to be as big as you," Sarah said, admiring Amanda's stomach. "Can...can I touch it?" Amanda smiled and placed Sarah's hand on her stomach. "Oh wow I can feel it kicking. Does it hurt?"
"Sometimes but not too bad. It's really a good feeling."
"I guess things happen for a reason huh."
Amanda smiled in agreement. "Yeah....come on it's late and we need sleep. Do you feel better now?"
"Yes, thank you."
"Good I'm glad I could help," she said as they walked back to their rooms.
When they arrived Kevin was standing outside his and Sarah's room. His eyes filled with worry when he noticed Sarah's tear stained face. "Sarah you all right?"
"She's fine," Amanda answered for her. "She was feeling a little ill so we went down to the lobby and got her some ginger ale."
"Speaking of feeling ill....exscuse me," Sarah said as she rushed into the room.
Kevin gave Amanda a look of confusion. "You sure she's okay? She's been like this all day."
Amanda smiled. "Don't worry she'll be fine. She just needs some sleep. Go take care of her."
"I will. Good night," Kevin said as he walked into the room.
"Night," Amanda replied and quietly went to her own room. AJ was still soundly asleep. Amanda got into bed with him and cuddled up closely. "Three more months," she whispered then drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 27
Brian awoke from the morning glare on the bus. He looked over at Rachel who was still fast asleep. He grabbed the blanket and draped it over her and quietly got out of the bunk. He stretched his muscles and looked around. Everyone else was still asleep so he rummaged through the cabinets for some cereal. He picked up the box of Cheerios, got out a bowl, a spoon, and the milk from the fridge. Brian took a seat at the table when Nick came in and sat down.
"Mornin," Brian said as he poured the milk into his bowl.
"Mornin," Nick mumbled as he let out a yawn.
"Want some cereal?" Brian asked as he put the sugar on his cereal.
"Yeah hand it over. The sugar too," Nick replied. Brian handed over the sugar and cereal. The two ate in silence and soon everyone woke up and joined them.
Kevin looked out the window and smiled. "Good ole Kentucky. I'm home!"
"Yes, siree bob!" Brian said with a grin. "I can't wait to get home. Are you gonna eat at my house for Thanksgiving dinner?"
Kevin shook his head. "My mom's got a big dinner planned. Sarah and I will come over for a little bit though."
"Cool," Brian said then slurped the last of the milk out of his bowl.
Not long after that the bus pulled into the parking lot of a hotel in Lexington. While everyone piled out Brian went back to his bunk where Rachel was still sleeping. He gently shook her awake. "Rachel," he said softly. "Baby wake up we're in Lexington." Rachel moaned and pulled the blanket over her head. Brian laughed and pulled it off. "Come on get up. You can go back to sleep in the hotel room."
"Okay," Rachel mumbled then sat up. She pulled her hair back in a pony tail and stood up letting out a couple of sneezes.
"Bless you," Brian said.
"Thanks," Rachel said in a stuffy voice and let out another sneeze.
"Goodness I hope you're not coming down with something," Brian said with concern.
"Too late for that," she replied with a cough.
Brian gave her a sympathetic look. "Come on you're going back to bed."
"Good," Rachel said as she took Brian's hand and followed him inside the hotel. They walked over to the elevator where Nick and Kristin were waiting for the doors to open. Rachel rested her head on Brian's shoulder as they waited.
"Rach you all right?" Kristin asked with concern.
"No," Rachel replied between coughs.
"Uh oh I think you caught Nick's flu."
"Joy," Rachel said with sarcasm.
"Boy such a cranky head," Kristin said with grin.
Rachel groaned in irritation as she followed everyone onto the elevator. "I wanna go back to sleep," she whined.
Brian smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "You will just wait a second," he said then kissed her on the top of her head. When they got to their floor Brian opened the door to their room and led Rachel to the bed. "You lay down and get some rest."
"No problem," she replied as she climbed into bed.
Just then there was a knock on the door. Brian answered it and there stood Kristin with a bottle of flu medicine in her hand.
"Nurse Fleming to the rescue," she said with a laugh. Brian laughed along with her. "Give her a dose of that every six to eight hours and she'll start feeling better. If she needs anything let me know."
"Okay I will, thanks," Brian said then shut the door. He poured the medicine into the cup and handed it to Rachel. "Here take this before you go to sleep." Rachel took the medicine and laid back down. Brian closed the lid and settled down next to her. He placed his hand on her forehead. "You don't feel too warm. Get some sleep you'll feel better." Rachel rested her head on his chest and soon fell asleep as Brian gently rubbed his hand on her back. He laid there watching her sleep when there was another knock on the door. Brian rolled his eyes in annoyance and carefully got off the bed to answer it. To his surprise it was his mother. He smiled at the sight of her. "Mom!" he exclaimed then hugged her.
"Ooh it's so good to see you! What are you doing here? I thought you were going to stay with us?"
"We are, but they wanted us to get checked in first. I was gonna stay with you guys tonight, but I don't know if I should now."
"Why not? Don't you want to be with us?" Jackie questioned.
"Oh yeah of course. It's just that Rachel isn't feeling very well and I didn't want to leave her."
"What's wrong with her?"
"She caught the flu. She's sleeping right now."
"Aw poor thing. Well, if you still want to stay with us you can bring her over. We don't mind."
"Really?"
"Yes really. She's a sweet girl. We loved having her with us while she was recovering from her surgery."
"I'm glad you like her." Brian smiled and hugged his mom again. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too. We all did. But call us when you're ready to come over. Let Rachel rest for now. You should probably get some sleep too. You look tired."
"Okay I will," Brian said then kissed his mom on the cheek. "I'll see you tonight." Jackie waved goodbye and left for her way out of the hotel. Brian quietly went back into the room and laid back down with Rachel. She stirred a little and opened her eyes.
"What are you doing?"
"I had to asnwer the door. It was my mom. She wants us to stay with her and my dad while we're in town. Do you want to?"
Rachel nodded. "I'd like that."
"Good, now get some rest. You can sleep all day."
Rachel smiled and snuggled close to Brian. Brian kissed her on the cheek and rested his head on his pillow. The two of them laid in bed together then slowly drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 28
"Howie hurry up everyone's waiting on us," Nikki said as she finished brushing her hair.
"Okay I'm coming. For some reason I can't get my tie to tie up right," Howie said as he came out of the bathroom pulling at the black tie he was wearing. "It's all crooked."
Nikki laughed at him. "Come here let me fix it," she said. Howie came over to her and she began to tie his tie. "The color doesn't go with your suit. Do you have another one?"
"Yeah," Howie said as he looked through his suitcase. "I have this purple one."
"That's perfect. It looks good with your blue shirt," Nikki said as she put it on for him. "Looks good. Come on lets go I'm hungry," she said as she grabbed his hand and led him out of the room to the lobby where Kristin, Nick, Amanda, and AJ were waiting.
"What took you guys so long?" Amanda asked.
"Howie couldn't get his tie on," Nikki replied.
AJ laughed and patted Howie on the shoulder. "D, you need to learn how to tie your own ties."
"Shut up. Come on let's go Brian and Rachel are probably waiting for us."
Everyone piled in the van that was waiting for them and rode to Brian's house. When they got there Nick rang the doorbell and Brian answered the door.
"Hey guys! Come on in. What took you so long? Dinner's almost ready."
"Howie couldn't tie his own tie," Nick teased.
"Does everyone have to know about that? Why don't you just toss me off a cliff? Wouldn't that be easier?" Howie said.
"Howie chill," Nikki said sternly.
Brian laughed. "Give me your coats. I'll put them in the guest room." Everyone handed Brian their coats. "The table's all set go ahead and take a seat in the dining room.
Everyone walked into the dining room where the fresh aroma of home cooked food came from every direction. The table was covered with enough food to feed a small army. There was turkey, corn bread, mashed potatoes, peas, corn, cranberries, sweet potatoes, stuffing, gravy, green beans, cole slaw, and deviled eggs all for the main course. On the counter behind the table were the desserts. There were pumpkin pies, apple pies, cakes, and lots of cookies. Everyone took a seat at the table and waited for everything was set up.
"Wow this is a lot of food," Nick said, eyeing the table hungrily.
Jackie laughed. "Hold on a minute Nick. You'll get plenty of food in a minute. We have to wait for Rachel and Brian to get in here and we'll say the prayer," she said as she took a seat. Just then Brian walked in and took a seat next to Kristin. "Is Rachel coming?" Jackie asked.
Brian shook his head. "She said she wasn't hungry," he said sadly.
"Well, I guess we'll have to eat without her. Brian do you want to say the prayer?"
Everyone joined hands as Brian said the prayer. "Dear Lord, we thank you for this food we're about to eat. We thank you for this beautiful day and that we are all here together to share it. You have given us so much and we thank you for giving us the breath of life in which we will cherish until the end of time. In Jesus' name I pray amen."
Everyone opened their eyes and passed around the food. More than half the food was gone when everyone was full.
"Man I'm stuffed," Howie said as he rubbed his stomach. "That was delicious Mrs. Littrell."
"Thank you Howie. I'm glad you liked it."
"Hey guys the game is on. Anyone wanna watch it?" Nick asked.
"Yeah let's go," AJ said as he got up.
Everyone congregated in the living room to watch the game. Howie and Nikki sat on the far end on the couch cuddling close together. He loosened his tie and untucked his shirt.
"I'm really full," he said with a sigh.
Nikki laughed and rubbed her hand on his stomach. "You should be. I've never seen you eat so much."
"What can I say? I love home cooking."
"And I love you," Nikki said with a smile.
Howie smiled back and kissed her. "I love you too," he said as he fiddled with the curls in her hair. "Did I mention you look really beautiful today?"
Nikki smirked and cocked up her right eyebrow. "Are you implying I don't always look beautiful?"
Howie smiled and shook his head. "No...you're always beautiful. But I don't think I've seen you this happy in a long time."
"That's only because I'm with you. You make me happy."
Howie kissed her again. "You make me happy too."
Chapter 29
"Kevin I'm really nervous," Sarah said as they walked up to the door to his house.
"Don't be. My family's gonna love you I promise. Just be yourself," he said then knocked on the door.
Kevin's mother answered it. She smiled when she saw him. "Kevin you're home!" she exclaimed as she hugged him.
"Good to see you too Mom," he said as he hugged her tightly.
"And this must be Sarah."
"Yup that's me," Sarah replied nervously.
"Kevin's told me so much about you. Come on in. Everyone's here."
Sarah and Kevin walked in to see the whole family. Sarah looked around nervously as everyone came over to talk to Kevin. She jumped when she felt Kevin grab her hand. He smiled at her and squeezed her hand for reassurance. Soon everyone gathered together for dinner. Sarah wasn't very hungry so she picked at her food. She knew it was a combination of her anxiety and recent attacks of morning sickness. She looked up when she felt Kevin put his hand on her leg.
"You okay? You're not eating," he said, concerned.
"I'm fine. I'm just not very hungry for some reason My stomach feels a little off."
"I hope you're not catching that flu that's been going around. Are you done eating because I was gonna put my plate in the sink. If you're done I can take yours with me."
"Yeah go ahead," Sarah said as she pushed the plate away.
Kevin put their plates away and came back over to Sarah. "Come on let's go in the living room and sit on the couch," Kevin said as he offered her his hand.
Sarah took his hand and followed him to the living room. She sat on the couch with Kevin and rested her head on his shoulder while he watched the game and talked to his brothers. The night went on then Brian had come over to see everyone. She smiled and waved at him when he came in. Sarah looked over to the other side of the room and noticed Tim's little girl Tabitha sitting all by herself away from the other children. When Tabitha looked over at Sarah, Sarah gestured for her to come over. Tabitha got up and sat down on Sarah's lap.
"Why aren't you playing with the other kids?" Sarah asked.
"They say I'm too little so they won't let me play," Tabitha pouted.
"Oh I see. They think you're too young to play big kid games right?"
"Yeah," Tabitha said while nodding.
"How old are you Tabitha?"
"I'm four," she said while holding up four fingers.
"Wow four years old?! You're a big girl!" Tabitha giggled. "Would you be happy if you had another little cousin to play with?"
"Yeah!" Tabitha beamed.
"Well, I promise you'll get a new cousin to play with real soon."
Tabitha smiled and hugged Sarah. She climbed down off Sarah's lap and sat down on Kevin's. "Uncle Kevy guess what!"
"Chicken butt," Kevin teased.
Tabitha giggled. "No!"
"Okay I give up. What?"
"I'm gonna get a new cousin to play with!" she exclaimed.
Kevin looked over at his brother Jerald and his wife. "You guys gonna have another baby?"
"No," Jerald said in confusion.
"No Uncle Kevy! Sarah told me I was going to have another cousin to play with."
Sarah froze when she heard those words come out of Tabitha's mouth. She slowly looked over at Kevin, afraid to see his the look on his face. Too scared to look at him she shifted her glance over to Brian who was smiling. He stood up and walked over to Kevin.
"Congratulations cuz," he said as he patted him on the back.
"How?" Kevin said with a cracking voice. "I mean we only did it...."
"Kev I'm--"Sarah began but was cut off by Kevin's lips on top of hers. When he let go she looked at him in shock.
"I'm gonna be a daddy!" Kevin shouted.
Everyone gathered around Kevin and Sarah to congratulate them. Everyone was happy...except one person.
"Kevin can I speak with you for a moment," his mother said.
"Sure Mom," Kevin said as he got up and followed his mom to the kitchen.
"You should be ashamed of yourself! Having premarital sex! You know better than that! What were you thinking?!"
"Mom I--"
"I'm very disappointed in you. I thought I raised you better than that," she said as she crossed her arms.
"Mom...I love Sarah with all my heart. Doesn't that at least count for something?"
"You said the same thing when you went and got engaged at nineteen!"
"This is different," Kevin defended.
"How is it different?"
"I was young and stupid."
Kevin's mom sighed and took a seat next to him. "Kevin I'm too old to fight anymore. I just want what's best for you. I see girls throw themselves at you all the time. And it worries me."
Kevin placed his hand over his mother's. "You don't have to fight anymore. I'm happy and Sarah is what makes me happy. I haven't been this happy for a long time. Probably not since dad died."
"How do you know she's just not after your money?"
"She's not. Trust me on this one mom. She's not. You seemed to like her before you found out about this. Why does it change anything?"
"It doesn't. I'm just trying to look after you."
"Mom you don't have to anymore. I'm all grown up."
"I know baby, I know. It's just a mother's instincts to want what's best for her children. But if you're happy being with her....then I'm happy too," she said with tears in her eyes.
Kevin smiled and hugged his mother. "I promise everything will be just fine."
Kevin's mom looked up at him and smiled. "You've grown up to be just like your father. He always was an optimistic person. Used to drive me nuts."
Kevin laughed at the memory. "Yeah he was always happy."
Just then Sarah came into the kitchen. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything but Kev we gotta get going. You have rehearsal in the morning. I already called the Taxi it's waiting on us outside."
Kevin looked at his watch. "Yeah you're right. I'll see you at the show tomorrow mom."
Kevin's mom nodded with a smile as the two left the room. They said good bye to everyone and walked out of the house to the taxi. When they got in Kevin placed his arms around Sarah's shoulders and kissed her. They rode to the hotel in silence and didn't speak a word until they had gotten into bed.
"Kevin I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner."
Kevin smiled and kissed Sarah on the forehead. "Don't worry about it. All that matters is that we're happy. You are happy right?"
Sarah nodded. "I couldn't he happier."
"Me neither," Kevin said as he caressed her stomach.
Chapter 30
"Man am I tired," Kristin said as she unlocked the door to the hotel room.
"Yeah me too," Nick mumbled.
"What's with you tonight? You're so cranky."
"Nothing I'm just tired and stressed," Nick said, running his fingers through his hair.
"Well, why don't you just take a shower and go on to bed. You'll probably feel better."
"I guess," he replied.
Kristin walked over and turned on the lamp beside the bed. She took a look around the room. Nick's clothes were laying everywhere. The floor was barely visible. "Nick honey can you do me a favor and pick up these clothes? It's a mess in here."
"Now?" Nick whined.
"Yes, now."
"Why do I have to do it?"
"They're your clothes not mine."
Nick groaned in irritation. "Fine," he said then started picking up his clothes and throwing them into his suitcase. He glanced over at Kristin who was rearranging his wrinkled clothes and folding them into his suitcase. "What are you doing?"
"Folding your clothes. Didn't your mother ever teach you how to pack a suitcase? Honestly I don't know how you managed to do this for six years."
Nick picked up the last shirt from off the floor and set it on the bed. "I'm gonna take a shower."
"Okay," Kristin said, not looking up from what she was doing. She left out a shirt and a pair of boxers for Nick and closed his suitcase. Ten minutes later Nick came out in towel. His hair was slicked back from being wet. Kristin smiled at his appearance. "This is tempting," she said as she got up and put her hands on his chest.
Nick closed his eyes and shook his head. "Not tonight. I'm not in the mood. I've got too much on my mind."
"Anything you wanna talk about?" Kristin asked as she pushed a strand of hair of his forehead.
"No, I just wanna go to bed," he said as he picked up his shirt and boxers.
"Okay if you're sure. I'm gonna take a shower now. If you're not awake when I come out good night."
"Yeah," Nick said as he put on his clothes.
Kristin gave him a startled look. He seemed cold and distant to her. She shook it off and walked into the bathroom. When she had already gotten into the shower, she had realized she'd forgotten her shampoo. Hesitant to talk to Nick she poked her head out of the bathroom door and looked around. He was sitting on the bed watching TV. "Nick can you reach in my suitcase real quick and get my shampoo for me?"
"In a second I'm watching the game."
"Please it'll only take two seconds."
Nick groaned and got the shampoo out of her suitcase and tossed it over to her. Timidly she picked the bottle from off the floor and went back to her shower. What is with him tonight? She thought to herself. I don't understand what's going on. What did I do? When she finished her shower she came out of the bathroom and got her toothbrush and toothpaste. She had just finished brushing her teeth when Nick walked in.
"Are you done in here? I gotta pee."
"Yeah," Kristin said as she walked toward the door. "It's all yours." Nick pushed passed her and nearly shoved her out of the bathroom.
Startled, Kristin put her things away and straightened up her suitcase. Tears came to her eyes as she thought about Nick's hostility. When he came out of the bathroom she glared over at him. "All right what's up with you? You've had the personality of a wet mop all damn night."
"Nothing! Absolutely nothing!" Nick yelled.
"Don't yell at me! I asked you a simple question there's no need to yell!"
"You wanna know what my problem is?" he said.
"Yeah I'd really like to know. You've been mean to me all night and I wanna know why."
"My problem is you!"
Kristin was taken aback by his words. She blinked back her tears and stared at him. "Me!?! What the hell did I ever do to you? Besides love you and care for you?"
"You're always telling me what to do. I can't do a simple thing without you telling me the best way to do it. God it's like I'm dating my mother!"
"Well, excuse me for caring for you! Well, since I'm such a pain in the ass why don't I fix that problem for you. I'll just leave!" she shouted, tears were streaming down her face.
"Fine!" Nick yelled.
"Fine!" Kristin yelled back and went for her suitcase. She grabbed her things and walked over to the door. "I never thought I'd see the day that the love of my life would break my heart. Obviously I was wrong," she said then walked out the door, slamming it behind her. The tears spilled down her cheeks as she walked over to Rachel and Brian's room. She frantically knocked on the door. Finally Rachel opened it.
"Oh my god Kris what's wrong?"
"Nick and I got into a huge fight. I don't know what all is going through his head, but I'm going back to Orlando. I'll see you in a few days," she said in between sniffles and hiccups.
"Going back to Orlando? But why?"
"I can't bear to see him right now. I have to get away."
"Aww it couldn't have been that bad."
"Believe me it was," Kristin sobbed.
Rachel hugged her best friend. "Well, if there's anything I can do please let me know."
"Thanks, but I'm gonna take the first flight back to Orlando. I'll see you in a few days."
"Do you want me to come with you? Brian won't mind."
"No, you stay here. I just need to be alone for a few days. I'll see you when you get back to Orlando."
"Do you want me to have Brian talk to Nick? Maybe we can work something out."
"You do whatever you want, but I don't think there's anything you can do. I think it's over."
"I'm sure whatever is going on Nick didn't mean it. But if going back to Orlando is what you want I'm behind you. Call me when you get there okay?"
"Okay," Kristin sniffled and turned to leave the hotel.