Howie woke up with Deanna in his arms. He held her tightly to him. He loved the way it felt having her in his arms.
"Morning," Deanna said drowsily.
"Morning," Howie responded. He kissed her gently. "You are absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you," Deanna said. "Last night was, well, it was wonderful."
"For me too," Howie said. "Where have you been all my life?"
"Right here in Oklahoma City," she responded.
"Come on tour with me," Howie suddenly blurted out.
"What?" Deanna asked breathlessly.
"Well, we need a physical therapist," Howie said. "Ours just left.
"I don't know Howie," Deanna said.
"Please? I can talk to Lou, our manager," Howie said. "You never know when one of us guys might get hurt. How would you like something like that on your conscience?"
"But Howie, to leave my entire life behind," Deanna said.
"I can't let you go," Howie said. "When you walked into that ER room, I knew you were someone special. It almost felt like we had met before."
Deanna sat and thought for a moment. How can I just leave all I know? She looked at Howie, and saw how excited he was. How can I let him go? "Talk to Lou," Deanna finally said. She kissed him, while she prayed in her heart that she had made the right decision.
"You're the greatest!" Howie said. They got up and made breakfast.
"Do you know how much I'm going to have to do over the next two days?" Deanna asked. "I have to call my boss, stop my mail and newspapers, call my mom. Oh my, what will she say?"
"Just tell her you were offered a great chance to work with a hot young singing group," Howie said, as he fed Deanna a forkful of scrambled eggs.
"Yeah," Deanna said. "It's my life anyway."
"You'll have a great time," Howie said. "It'll be a chance to see the country."
"You don't have to talk me into anything Howie," Deanna smiled.
"Well, I want to stay with you all day," Howie said. "But the guys are probably worried. And I need to call Lou." "Okay," Deanna said. "I'll see you tonight then?"
"Of course," Howie said. He kissed her lightly. "I'm so happy you're coming with me."
"Me too," Deanna said. "I'll see you later."
Chapter 6
My Heart Stays With Howie Index
Backstreet Boys Fan Fiction Index