Howie pulled her into a tight hug. “Too long!” He grinned. “We need to find a faster way to get across country!” He kissed her “When do we leave for your brother’s house? Do we have a little time to relax at your house?” He put his lips close to her ear. “Like say in the hot tub?”

“Well, “ Samantha arched her eyebrows and pursed her lips. “There has been a slight change of plans.”

“What sort of change of plans? I was looking forward to meeting your family this weekend.”

“Oh you are still going to meet them. There has just been a change of venue I guess you would say.” Samantha took Howie’s hand in hers and started to walk away from the gate. She picked up a bag sitting at her feet. “My Mom has some sort of meeting tomorrow morning so she and my father won’t be able to make it to Christopher’s this weekend. Christopher and Peter knew how important this weekend was to me so they suggested we meet at my parents’ house instead.”

“We are going to New Mexico?” Howie interrupted, his eyes growing large.

Samantha nodded as she guided Howie toward another gate. “Christopher and Peter arrived there with their families this morning. Nicholas and Lauren will be there later this evening with their kids.” Samantha stopped at a desk near the gate she had guided Howie to. She spoke to the man standing beside the gate. “I’m Samantha Danner. I believe there is a plane waiting to take me to New Mexico.”

The man nodded. “It is being refueled and should be ready to take off in just a few minutes. Would you like to board now?”

“Yes please.” She turned to Howie while the man unlocked the gate to the field. “I’m sorry to make you fly again so soon. When Christopher suggested we meet at my parents’ house, I was so excited not to have to cancel our plans that I neglected to think about your having to fly more.”

“You chartered a plane to New Mexico?” Howie asked amazed. ‘Where did she get the money to charter a plane?’ he wondered.

Samantha shook her head. “Peter owns a plane and employees a part time pilot. He sent his plane here after it dropped them off this morning.”

“Your brother owns his own plane?” Howie questioned.

“Yes.” Samantha replied climbing the steps into the cabin. “Actually, both Christopher and Peter have their own planes.” She sat down a couch next to a window. “It probably seems pretentious but they considered the idea for a long time before they actually purchased the planes. They both love to travel with their families and when you go to flying 8 or 9 people around the world a couple times a year, well it is just more economical to have a plane and pay a pilot.” She stopped for a moment and looked over at Howie who was standing in front of her. “Don’t you guys have your own plane?”

Howie shook his head. “We charter planes from time to time but mostly we travel from city to city by bus. It is usually just a few hours drive to the next venue so it isn’t too bad and we get to see some the country as we go.”

“I see.” Samantha nodded as the pilot entered the cabin.

“Good afternoon Miss Danner.”

“Good afternoon Mateo.” She turned to Howie. “Mateo, please meet my friend Howard. Howard this is Mateo Martine, Peter’s pilot.”

Howie reached to shake Mateo’s hand. “Nice to meet you Mateo.”

“It is a pleasure meeting you as well. My daughter is a big fan of your group. If she had known who I was flying today, I am sure I would have had a co-pilot!”

Samantha and Howie smiled. “How long will the flight be today?” Samantha inquired.

“We should be in Albuquerque in about 5 hours.” The crew refueling the plane signaled to Mateo the plane was ready for take off. “Looks like we are ready to go.” Mateo looked from Samantha to Howie and back to Samantha. He raised his eyebrows and smiled at Samantha. “Per FAA regulations, I will have the cabin door locked once we get clearance to take off. You know how to reach me if you have any questions or need anything Miss Danner. I will let you know when we are safely in the air and you are free to move about the cabin.” He winked at Samantha. “For now, please get ready for take off.”

“Thank you Mateo.” Samantha replied returning his gaze. She was mildly amused and more than a little embarrassed by what she assumed Mateo was hinting at. Mateo headed back into the pilot’s cabin. Samantha turned to Howie “Would you like something to drink before we take off?”

“I’m fine thanks.” Howie said sitting down beside her. He fastened his seatbelt. “Sam, are you feeling alright?”