Samantha noticed the look in Howie's eyes right away. 'He has that adorable little boy with a secret look on his face.' she mused. "What are you thinking about love?" she whispered.

"Oh nothing."

"You don't fool me Howard! I know that look. You are thinking of something." she kissed him. "Something you find mildly amusing and are dying to share with me."

"Let's just say I had a sudden revelation."

"Oh and what would that be?"

Howie smiled at her and spun the two of them in a quick circle.

"It is exactly the way I feel about you Samantha." He pressed his body tightly to hers and kissed her deeply. He pressed his forehead to hers and looked straight into her eyes. "I'm madly in love, so madly in love with you, It feels like heaven above, so madly in love, You're making me feel brand new, I'm madly in love with you." he sang the final chorus to her.

Samantha blinked back the tears forming in her eyes. "Oh, Howard..." was all she could manage to squeak out. She held him tight to her, never wanting the moment in time to end.

"I love Samantha. You're a nerd...but, I am madly in love with you!"

"So, you did hear me earlier..." Howie nodded and smiled. Samantha gave up holding back her tears and left them fall down her cheeks. "No one has ever done something like that for me Howard. You make me feel so special." She smiled at him. "I'm madly in love with you too!"

"You are special Sam. Don't ever forget that." Howie placed his lips close to Samantha's ear. "Do you still want to know what my revelation was?" Samantha nodded. Howie whispered softly. "After being with you all night, holding you close, it suddenly occurred to me that since you are wearing a backless dress, that means you aren't wearing a bra and I can't tell you how much that thought turns me on."

Samantha blushed and giggled softly. "You don't have to tell me Howard" she whispered "We are dancing very close here. I can tell."

Howie lowered his head to hide the fact he too was now blushing. "Kinda obvious huh?"

Samantha kissed his neck, then brought her eyes level with his. "Can we leave here soon?"

"Let's go say a few good-byes and we can be on our way."

"OK" Samantha released Howie from their embrace.

Howie walked Samantha over to where his Mom and Dad were seated having joined John and Pollyanna. "We are going to go ahead and go back the house." he said bowing down and giving his Mom a hug and a kiss. "We will see you at church in the morning OK?"

Samantha stepped out from Howie and went over to his Dad. "It was a pleasure meeting you!" she said reaching down and hugging him.

"Now I know why Howie loves you so much." Hoke said embracing her as well. "You are a wonderful person Sam. I look forward to getting to know you better."

"Thank you." Samantha said as she and Howie switched places. "Paula, you are every bit as sweet as Howie said you were! I really enjoyed talking with you tonight!" she said as she gave Howie's Mom a hug.

"Sam." Paula shook her head. "Most mother's hate to give up a part of their sons' love to another woman. For me it is a pleasure. It is easy to see why Howard loves you."

Samantha felt tears stinging her eyes again. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Howie looked around the room. "Did the fellas leave already?"

"They said their good-byes while you and Sam were on the dance floor mak..." John decided to change his words midsentence "dancing. A.J. and Kevin said something about lunch or dinner tomorrow before Sam leaves. They'll call you."

"Thanks John. Sorry we missed them."

"You two were in your own little world out there Howie." John teased.

Howie took Samantha's hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "Good night John Boy." he mocked laughing.

"See you in the morning!" Pollyanna said from her seat.

"Bright and early!" Howie laughed. "Night." He and Samantha started towards the door.

"Wait a minute!" Howie and Sam turned to see Kassidy running towards them. "I want a hug good-bye too Uncle Howie!"

Howie bent down and picked up his niece. "Good night Kass." he said kissing her on the cheek. "We will see you tomorrow OK?"

The little girl nodded then turned to Samantha. She reached her arms out. "Can I have a hug from you too Sam?"

Samantha felt her heart melt. "Of course you can Kassidy!" Howie slid his niece over to Samantha, who hugged her tight. "See you in the morning?" The little girl nodded. Samantha sat her down and she ran back over to her Dad and climbed onto his lap.

Howie took Samantha's hand in his and they left the restaurant.