Chapter forty-four

They arrived the next day during the afternoon, while, thanks to time difference, it was already evening for them.

It was almost dinner time, local time but they unpacked a bit first.

Joan's house was just big enough for everyone, Richie and Ava both had their own room there but Ava gave hers up and traded it for the den. Her room had two beds and would be easier to share for Caleb and Noah then the den which had a pull-out couch with which she was happy enough for a few days. The den also had a big tv and a bunch of dvd's which Ava minded even less.

Sarah followed Richie to his room after they had shown the boys to Ava's. Inside the room, Richie put down their bags and Sarah went to lay down on the bed and looked around. The room was simple enough, bright colors and dark brown furniture, she liked it a lot, it had a fresh and clean feeling to it.

"We can't sleep now." Richie said, it wasn't late enough yet.
"I'm just laying down." Sarah told him a little tired.
"We'll go to bed early tonight." He promised, understanding she was tired already.

Even though he was determined not to go sleep just yet, Richie got on the bed next to Sarah anyway and took her hand. Looking down at her fingers, thinking about what was to come now, he started fingering her ring, he was sure he had made the right choice with it.

"I really love it." Sarah told him.
"I'm glad you do."
"It's beautiful." She went on.
"Perfect for you then."

Richie reached in to kiss her softly and laid back down next to her again.

A few minutes later they were both sound asleep.



The next day, in the evening Richie took Sarah to the Boardwalk where he had spend lots of time when he still lived in New Jersey.

"Did you spend a lot of time here when you grew up then?" Sarah asked while they walked through all the entertainment stalls that were still opened late.
"Oh yeah, started playing gigs at Asbury Park." Richie explained.
"Where's that?"
"It's a bit of a walk that way." Richie pointed. "It's quite far to walk from here."
"I don't mind, I'd like to see it." Sarah said a little excited to see where Richie's music career had started all those years ago.
"Alright, we can get a car to get home later." He suggested, knowing it was a long walk and the walk back would be even further.

While walking Sarah asked questions about places and Richie told her as much as he knew about them. It had been years ago that he really spend time on any of the boardwalks, things had changed a lot but he still wanted Sarah to see it.

Also there were a lot of stands that sold food, during their walk Richie bought Sarah Disco Fries.

Sarah chuckled after the first fry she had. "This is like poutine."
Richie nodded. "It is, but Jersey style."
"And I thought we were the only ones that liked that."
"Guess not. I'm getting you a Ripper too, you have to try that. Have you tried salt water taffy?" He went on excited about everything the boardwalk offered.

They passed a lot of the places Richie used to play when he was younger, before Bon Jovi, it had been a while since he actually visited it and it was nice to see the sights again.

Soon enough they were stuffed with all the food Richie insisted Sarah had to try while being in New Jersey, determined they didn't have it good enough anywhere else in the world. Sarah assumed he was right and tried everything he bought her, most of it she liked a lot too.

After their long walk they finally arrived at Asbury Park and Richie took Sarah to The Stone Pony, a place she needed to see and experience.

It was quite busy but they found themselves a space to watch the band that was playing on the stage. Again Richie asked Sarah to dance, even though the music wasn't slow at all, they slow danced anyway. He liked having Sarah close against him and Sarah liked being there. His strong arms around her always made her feel very safe, nothing could scare her anymore.



The boardwalk had given Richie and Sarah such a lovely time the night before they decided to go again in the afternoon with the whole family. Richie's mom loved spending time with her granddaughter and was eager to get to know her soon to be 'step'grandchildren.

There were loads of games the children could play, keeping them entertained the whole afternoon.

At one moment Sarah and Richie stood on the side, watching the ocean.

"Do you still want a wedding at the beach?" Richie asked while they watched the waves rolling on the beach below them.
"Yeah, I think it would be really nice."
"We should arrange that then." Richie said.
"Now?" Sarah asked a little surprised.
Richie shrugged. "When do you want to get married."
"I'm not sure yet." Sarah answered honestly not knowing yet. "Doesn't really matter to me."
"It's got to be warm so we can actually do it on the beach." He reminded her.
"It's always warm in California."
"Yeah, that's true."

Again they bought a lot of food even though they knew Joan would want to make dinner for them all later but since Sarah had tried everything, her sons had to try them too. Even Ava was delighted to try the New Jersey Cuisine again.



Every evening they had a family dinner that Joan insisted on preparing for everyone. It was nice to spend the time together, talking. Soon they felt like had known each other for ages and it was easy talk randomly about subjects that just popped up and everybody could be themselves.



During their next day, Richie wanted to show Sarah the town he grew up and took her to Woodbridge, showing her around town, all the places he used to go, including the house he grew up in and his old high school.

"Do they know you're a big, famous rock star now?" Sarah asked interested.
"They do," Richie answered, "I've donated money a few times."
"That's nice of you."
"Gotta give back." Richie agreed.

He always tried to give back whenever and wherever he could, donating to his school, they had been able to build a gym for the athletes which he was very pleased with since he had played so many sports during his time there too. Not only that but helping out homeless people, people that really needed a break and some help. If he could, he would help out.



"I think you should move in after we go on vacation." Richie said on their way back to his mother's house while he held Sarah's hand.
"Yeah?"
"Think it would be easier, cause Caleb and Noah would have to transfer schools."
"I didn't think of that, I guess you're right. I have to find them a new school then." Sarah started thinking of how she was going to do that.
"No, no, if press and stuff finds out about us they'd be better off at Ava's school."
"I can't afford a private school for them."
"Don't be crazy, we're getting married, we share all that."
"But that's so expensive." Sarah argued.
"Really doesn't matter and it would be easier."
"I guess you're right." Sarah sighed. "So you want me to move in at the end of the summer?"