"I think it is somewhere around 11 or 12, Mom. I am sure he will probably get another while we are on tour this summer."

"Such a shame to cover up his skin like that!"

Howie laughed "He says he gets bored with his skin."

Paula looked at her youngest son "As long as you don't start getting bored with your skin Howard. I don't think I would be too happy if you started to look like that!"

Howie leaned over and hugged his Mom. "Don't worry Mom! You know how I feel about needles! A tattoo is definitely NOT in my future!"

"Good! I like your skin just the way it is. No art work needed!"

"I couldn't agree more!" Samantha chimed in. "A blank canvas is my choice where this subject is concerned as well!"

"So, a tattoo is not in your future either Samantha?" Paula asked smiling.

Samantha bowed her head and laughed softly. "I will admit I have considered it."

Both Paula and Howie looked at her with stunned expressions on their faces. "You hadn't mentioned you wanted a tattoo Sam!" Howie exclaimed, startled by her announcement.

"I said I had CONSIDERED it." She looked at Howie before continuing. "I didn't say I was going to go through with it! I have also considered getting my navel pierced."

Howie's eyes grew huge at the thought of Samantha with a pierced navel. 'Sounds painful but God that would be sexy on her!' "You want to pierce your navel? Sam there is a side of you I think I need to get to know better!"

Samantha laughed again. "Howard," she said taking his hands in hers. "Having the idea to want to do something and actually having the guts to go through with it, are two VERY DIFFERENT issues!" Howie's face relaxed a little. "I will never get a tattoo or get my navel pierced for the same two reasons."

"And those reasons are...?"

"One. Both procedures involve needles. I tend to pass out when coming in contact with a needle. Especially one large enough to pierce my navel!" Howie laughed. "Two. I am far too practical. What would I tell my grandchildren when I am old and wrinkled and have Scooby Doo tattooed on my shoulder and a navel ring?" She shook her head. "Body art is not in the cards for me!"

"Are you having a good time tonight Samantha?" Paula inquired, changing the subject.

"I am having a fabulous time Mrs.Dor...Paula! You have one of the nicest families I have ever met. I was telling Howie earlier how great I think it is you all get together like this!"

"We are a close knit bunch Sam!" Hoke said. "Are you close to your parents and siblings?"

Samantha bit her lip and looked away from the man briefly before answering. "We...we try to stay close. Unfortunately, we are so spread out we don't have the chance to get together like this very often."

Howie's parents exchanged looks of concern over the sense of sadness in Samantha's voice. "Well, you had better get used to big gatherings because we rarely have small parties!" Hoke teased her.

"Great! I love a good party!" Samantha cringed at her words. "I didn't mean that the way it sounded." she apologized.

Howie pulled Samantha into a hug as his parents laughed. "Don't worry sweetie! We know what you meant!" Howie turned to his parents. "I requested a special song for Samantha and I think the DJ should be about ready to play it. Will you please excuse us?"

"Of course!"

"Go and have a good time! Samantha, once again it was a pleasure talking to you!"

Samantha let go of Howie's hand and embraced his Mom in a hug. "Thank you Paula! I am really enjoying getting to know you as well!"

Howie took Samantha's hand and lead her back toward the dance floor.

"I think our son has fallen in love." Hoke remarked smiling.

"And I don't think I could have ever wished for a better girl for him." Paula added. "Samantha is smart, talented and very sweet. Not to mention how pretty she is. She and Howard make a beautiful couple."

"They really do, don't they Mom?" Pollyanna agreed rejoining her parents. "Samantha is a doll. She really cares about Howard. He really loves her too. I am glad to see him thinking about something other than his career for once."

Her parents nodded in agreement as they watched Howie and Samantha embrace as the music began. "Ah...young love." Paula said softly.

"Would you care to dance?" Hoke asked offering Paula his hand. "Let's show these kids how to cut a rug!" he said as he guided his wife to the dance floor.

Pollyanna smiled to herself. 'I have a great family!' she thought 'and think we have just added a new member.'