Chapter 94

Sunday, May 9, 2004

1800 EST

That evening, they dropped Angela off at Bud and Harriett's. They were told not to worry-that
everything would be all right, and Harriett had AJ's cell phone number. Sarah, despite being a little nervous, laughed and decided to enjoy her night out with AJ. The restaurant was packed, it being Mother's Day, but since AJ had thought to make reservations, they were seated immediately.

"Have we eaten here before, AJ?" asked Sarah, looking around.

"No, not together we haven't, anyway. I used to eat here a lot before we were married. I had no place to go but home, so I came here and watched the people as I ate," he explained. "

"Why didn't you bring me here, if it was one of your favorite places to eat?" Sarah asked, confused.

"You quickly became pregnant with Angel, and the smell of something cooking in the restaurant made you sick," he quickly covered. Another lie. 'When will it end? And will she ever forgive me?' he wondered.

After the delicious meal and a lot of handholding. AJ smiled across the candlelight table at his beautiful wife. "Sarah, my love, since Angel's a little young to go out and pick up a present for you, I decided I'd help her," grinned AJ, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a small box, beautifully wrapped, with a bow on top.

"Oh, AJ, I can't believe I'm lucky enough to be your wife and the mother of our daughter. I feel so truly blessed. Our love for each other is gift enough," cried Sarah, reaching across the table to caress his cheek.

"So, I can return the gift and get my money back?" he asked starting to put the present back in his jacket pocket.

"My first Mother's Day present? No way, buster! Give it to me!" she demanded reaching for the gift.

Opening the little package, tears slid down her cheeks. "Oh, AJ, such a thoughtful gift. One I will treasure for years to come. I also see you're expecting more children. Well, sweetheart, that's fine with me. I'd love to have a little boy who looked just like his daddy," Sarah said, looking at the ring on her finger as she spoke.

"Heaven forbid! He should look like his mother, that way he'd have hair," smiled AJ, taking her hand and placing a kiss on her palm. "Are you ready to leave, Darlin'?"

"Yes, we need to pick up Angela and then get home. After all, it's bedtime for the both of us, isn't it,
my love?" she smiled shyly as he helped her from the chair and with his arm around her led her from the restaurant.

"That it is, Darlin', that it is," he grinned, buckling her seat belt. Once behind the wheel of the Escalade, he reached under the seat and handed her another package. "This is more for Angela, but I thought you might like to open it and put it on her," he grinned, quite pleased with himself.

Sarah opened the package to find the tiny T-shirt. "AJ, it's perfect. You have made tonight the perfect Mother's Day for me! Thank you, sweetheart," she replied, more thrilled than he would ever know.

"Darlin', the night's not over yet. Give me a little more time to see what I can come up with," he winked.

Blushing, but looking forward to the rest of the evening, Sarah was mentally planning what she would wear to please him.

Picking up Angela, AJ thanked Bud and Harriett. He told them Sarah had decided to wait in the car, and that he hoped the night hadn't been too much for her. Placing Angela inside the Escalade in her car seat, Sarah waved at Bud and Harriett as AJ drove away. Angela cooed until they were almost home and then she fell sound asleep. Unloading all her things, AJ carried her diaper bag and Angela into the house. As Sarah was changing, he changed Angela's diaper, and settled her in for the night. He then removed his clothes and climbed into bed to await his beautiful wife.

To be continued….