"Sorry mom." Samantha said grabbing Kara's hand and guiding her to the bathroom. "We didn't realize it had gotten so late." She turned to the group. "Let's get going. We don't want to hold dinner up any longer than we already have."

The group spread out to different rooms and met back in the dining room in less than 5 minutes. Samantha's father stood at the head of a long oval table. Her mother stood at the opposite end with her brothers and their wives positioned on both sides of the table in between the two. Samantha felt her stomach rise to her throat when she realized the two seats closest to her father had obviously been saved for she and Howie. She took a deep breath as she went to stand beside Christopher. Howie stood opposite her next to Peter. He caught her eye and gave her a quick wink, silently telling her not to worry.

Samantha's father called his grandchildren into the dining room. They filled in spaces between the adults around the table. "Now that Samantha and the children have finally decided to join us," her father stated looking directly at Samantha "let us join hands and give thanks." Everyone joined hands quickly as Keir began. "Heavenly Father, we thank you for the safe arrival of our family members and for this feast you have put before us. We ask you for your blessing as we begin this weekend of getting to know Howard better. Please guide us to our future so we do not repeat our past. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen."

"Amen". The group echoed. The younger members of the family returned to their dining room as the adults took their seats. Howie went around the table and helped Samantha get seated before taking his own place at the table. Jill and Cindy exchanged smiles at the gesture.

"Christopher, why don't you pull chairs out for me like Howie does for Samantha?" Cindy teased.

Christopher laughed "For one thing you would be far too suspicious if I suddenly started pulling chairs out for you and for another," he took a sip of his water "I know you are perfectly capable of seating yourself and would probably deck me if I tried it!"

Everyone around the table laughed in agreement. "It is nice to see chivalry is still alive in today's society." Jill added.

Samantha smiled across the table at Howie. "I think the fact Howie was raised in house full of women was very beneficial. He is always opening doors for me and seating me."

"Ah, I see." Interjected Peter. "You had the inside track on how to impress the ladies. I keep telling the kids they are lucky to belong to a large family."

"I feel very fortunate to have grown up in the environment I did. My parents did an excellent job of raising us to be individuals who respected each other. I love the fact I came from a larger family."

"How large is your family Howard?" Keir inquired.

"I was raised with 3 older sisters and 1 older brother. I am the youngest by 10 years."

Keir raised his eyebrows but did not comment.

"Are your siblings married Howard? Do you have nieces and nephews?" Lisette asked passing a dish of salad to Lauren.

"My older sister Angie is married and the mother of 2 daughters. Her eldest daughter has a daughter of her own so I am actually a great uncle!" Howie exclaimed with pride. "My sister Caroline passed away almost a year ago. She was married with a daughter and a son." He took a sip of his water before continuing.

"I am sorry to hear about your loss Howie." Jill commented. "Was she involved in an accident?"

Howie shook his head. "No. She passed away due to complications from Lupus."

"I am sorry Howie." Christopher stated. "There isn't a lot of current information on the disease so I am not very aware of the causes and effects. Hopefully there will be more research and a cure in the near future."

"I started a foundation in Orlando to raise funds for research and to hopefully raise awareness of the disease. We have held a couple of fund raisers and have a few more in the works."

"It is obvious you cared a great deal for your sister." Christopher noted. "I would like to know more about your foundation Howie. We can talk later." He took a bite of the main course. "Great Spanish Chicken mom!"

Howie smiled. "Thank you Christopher."

"You have another sister and a brother as well?" Lisette pursued.

"Yes ma'am." Howie replied. "Pollyanna and John. John has a daughter about Kara's age. Pollyanna got me started in show business and now I am returning the favor by helping her to start a singing career of her own."

"That's wonderful Howie!" Lauren contributed to the conversation.

"I owe it to her. If not for Pollyanna, I wouldn't be where I am today and I wouldn't have met Samantha." Howie said smiling at Sam.