Samantha lowered her head. "I'm fine Howie." she assured him. "I am just a little lost in thought after meeting so many members of your family tonight."

Howie kissed her softly and guided her through the door and into the kitchen. He draped his arms around her waist, holding her close. "I hope they didn't overwhelm you too badly!" he chuckled. "Maybe I should have spaced them out more instead of throwing them all at you at once!"

"No Howie. Tonight was great!" She encircled his neck with her arms in a loose hug. "You are fortunate to have such a close family. I hope realize how lucky you are." she added wistfully, teasing a curl around her finger.

"I thank God everyday for my family Sam. They are the most important people in my life." He kissed her forehead. "Next to you of course" he grinned, eliciting a smile from Samantha. Howie released Samantha and headed toward the refrigerator. He pulled out a bottle of water and reached for a glass from the cupboard. "Thirsty?" he asked reaching for another glass.

Samantha shook her head. "No thanks hun. I think I had enough to eat and drink tonight to last me for a week!" She reached up and began removing the hair pins holding her hair in place. She glanced at her watch "If it is OK with you, I need to make a phone call and then I desperately need to wash all of this hairspray out of my hair. I think my follicles are suffocating!"

Howie's mind flew to the idea of Samantha washing her hair. 'Perhaps I could help her out with that...' he mused trying not to grin in Samantha's presence. "Sounds like a great plan Sam." he said attempting to run his fingers through her now cascading, yet incredibly stiff curls. "Definitely need to get all of that hairspray out!" he laughed when his fingers got tangled in her hair.

Samantha laughed. "I loved what Pollyanna did with my hair and make-up, but I am not used to being so made up and my entire body feels like it needs to be scrubbed so it can breathe!"

Howie ran his hand down the side of her face, cupping her cheek in his palm. "You looked so beautiful tonight Samantha. I couldn't take my eyes off of you sweetie."

Samantha blushed. "Thank you Howard." She looked at the ground. "I am not used to looking like this. To the attention I received. It felt almost surreal. Like I was watching myself tonight, not actually participating in the evening." She looked into Howie's eyes and smiled shyly "You won't be too disappointed if I only drag out this look for special occasions will you?"

Howie laughed softly. "I will never be disappointed in anything you do Sam!" He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her softly. "You can drag out this look anytime you feel like it but you are just as pretty in my eyes when your hair is loose and you are wearing no make-up at all."

Samantha felt tears stinging her eyes. 'What did I do to deserve this man?' she wondered. 'He is almost too good to be true, but I am not going to waste time wondering how I got so lucky.' She gave a silent thanks to God for bringing Howard into her life. She closed her eyes to prevent the tears from falling and leaned in, engaging Howie in a deep kiss. When she felt more in control of her emotions, she broke the kiss and separated from Howie. "I had better make my phone call before it gets too late." she said grabbing her purse and pulling out her cell phone.

"Sam you can use my phone." Howie laughed. "You don't have to use your cell phone to make calls when you are here."

"Are you sure?" Samantha asked scrunching up her eyebrows. Howie smiled a bemused smile and nodded. "I don't want to run up your phone bill or anything. Just tell me how much my calls are and I will pay for them OK?"

Howie busted out laughing as he pulled her back into his arms. "Samantha I love you! You are such a quirky little nerd sometimes!" He kissed her. "I don't care if you run up my phone bill! It is close to the national debt as it is. Trust me, your calls are not going to make a difference!"

Samantha smiled and lowered her head. "Thanks Howie. I'll still promise to keep my calls to a minimum."

"Whatever makes you happy sweetie." Howie said kissing the top of her head. He raised her head so her eyes met his. "My house is your house Samantha. What's mine is yours. Got it?" he smiled at her.

Samantha nodded. "I am going to go make my call."

Howie kissed her before releasing her. He pressed his forehead to hers. "Meet me in my room when you are done?"

Samantha smiled and nodded.