Samantha sat between Howie's knees, watching the ducks swim on the lake. She leaned back, resting her head on his chest.

"What are you thinking about love?" Howie asked hugging her close to him.

"This weekend went by way too fast! I can't believe I have to go home in like 3 hours!"

"I know. It seems like you just got here." He kissed her cheek and whispered "I don't suppose there is anything I can do to persuade you to stay is there?"

Samantha smiled "You know I would love to but I really can't this time. I have 3 new accounts to begin work on and I already feel like I am behind on them." She scooted up and turned around so her head was resting on Howie's knees. "You...could come home...with me..." she hinted.

Howie leaned down and kissed her. "We have to put the finishing touches on the new CD and get to work selecting clothes for the new tour and staging the show."

"Two weeks it is I guess." Samantha replied dejectedly. "You can still come out then right?"

"I wouldn't miss meeting your family for the world hun. I will be there!"

Samantha's eyes clouded over. She bit her lip.

"Sam?" Howie reached down and pulled her up onto his lap. "Please don't cry Sam. Two weeks will fly by. You'll see." He said smoothing her hair.

Samantha shook her head. "I'm not sad Howie. I know the time will fly." She ran her fingers through his hair.

"Then what is wrong hun? You look like you about to cry."

"I'm just a little apprehensive I guess." She looked at Howie. "Just know that no matter what happens when you meet my parents, I love you. OK?"

"Sam" Howie began "You've been very mysterious all weekend when it comes to your family. What is wrong? You know you can tell me anything. I am not going to love you any less because you don't get along with your parents."

Samantha shook her head. Its just that..." She wrinkled her brow and took a deep breath. "My family isn't like yours." She closed her eyes then continued "Don't get me wrong. We all get along fine. There isn't some huge family feud going on or anything. We're just not like your family."

"Sam, you can't judge your family by comparing them to my family." He smoothed her hair. "No two families are exactly alike hun. You are a great person Sam. I'm sure your family isn't half as bad as you are afraid they are."

Samantha smiled a weak smile. "I love you Howie. After meeting your parents and sisters and John and all of your cousins and nieces..." She took his hands in hers holding them tight. "I want you to like my family as much as I like yours. I don't want you to be disappointed or put off because my family may not be as warm and inviting to you as yours was to me."

Howie looked into Samantha's eyes. 'Why do I think there is so much more going on here then she is letting me know? I have a feeling it has something to do with Taryn. Whoever she was.' He pressed his lips lightly to hers. "Sam." He pushed her out to arm's length & hesitated before finishing his thought aloud. "Tell me about Taryn. What happened? Does she have something to do with why you are afraid of how your family will react to me?"