Howie laughed. “Now I see why Pollyanna said the story reminded her of me!” He shook his head. “I did the same thing to her once. Only, I did it on purpose!” They both laughed aloud.

“Want to know the really ironic part? Well maybe not ironic, just…interesting. The girl was Cindy. Christopher wound up marrying her 6 years later!”

“You’re kidding me? They were high school sweethearts?”

Samantha nodded. “In a way. Cindy finished junior high and went to high school. Christopher finished high school and went to college. He always came home for her special dances and stuff. She would visit him at school when she got a break. I don’t think anyone ever considered they would get married. Christopher proposed to her the day she graduated from high school. They were married 3 months later and Kait was born the following year. They are still as happy as can be.”

“What a romantic story Sam! I can hardly wait to meet your brothers! Peter sounds like a really nice guy.”

“Christopher and Peter are great. I love ‘em to death! I love Nicholas and Rachel too but there is a bond between Christopher, Peter and I, especially Christopher and I, that defies explanation.” She looked out the window to the right of Howie’s head.

Howie reached his hand out and ran his fingers softly along Samantha’s cheek. He kissed her gently. “What’s wrong Sweetie? You seem distracted.”

Sam returned her attention to Howie. “I’m sorry Hun. I am just disappointed.” She sighed audibly. “I was really hoping Rachel and Michael would make it this weekend. I haven’t seen them since Thanksgiving.”

“I thought you said they were at Christopher’s for Christmas?”

“No. Everyone except the two of them managed to make it.” She shrugged. “I probably just lumped us all together without thinking about what I was saying. I went to their house for Thanksgiving but I haven’t seen them since.”

Howie smoothed Samantha’s hair. “Is there a reason they aren’t coming this weekend?”

“Peter said Michael had some sort of emergency at work.”

“But you don’t believe that?”

Samantha shook her head. “I think they are just avoiding a potentially hazardous situation.”

“Sam, please tell me you are having a drama queen moment!” Howie exclaimed, wondering what he was in for this weekend.

‘Why do I say these things out loud instead of just thinking them?’ Samantha bit her lip. She stood up and began pacing in front of Howie. “I am sorry that came out the way it did. Howie, I have a sinking feeling you are going to find out more about me and my family than I am ready for you to know this weekend.” She stopped pacing and sat down beside him, resting her back against the arm of the couch. “I have said it before but I will repeat it. Please remember that no matter what happens this weekend, the fact that I love you, is not going to change.” She glanced at Howie. “I don’t want to ruin the mood we were in before Peter called. Let’s just drop the subject of my family for right now.”

Howie smirked. He put his lips close to Samantha’s ear. “And what mood would that be love?” He nibbled her earlobe.