"What makes you think I didn't just want to dance with my little sister?"

"Well, for one thing you hate to dance. For another, if you did want to dance, a faster song would have been more appropriate since you are a good foot and half taller than I am and dancing like this kills your back."

"No secrets ever." Christopher replied with a light laugh. "We have always been able to see right through each other."

"We do share a rare bond of sorts don't we?"

"That we do." Christopher straightened his shoulders in an attempt to loosen up a little. "Samantha, I just wanted to make sure everything is copasetic. I know finding out Lauren is pregnant was a shock to you. Are you going to be OK?"

"I'll be fine Christopher. I am sorry I overreacted." She took his hand and pulled him off of the dance floor, further away from the band. "That is better. You and I were not made to dance together."

"There is no need to worry Peepers. Lauren is going to be fine this time."

Samantha looked at the ground and fidgeted from one foot to the other. "I know. It is just that I didn't expect her to get pregnant again." She pursed her lips. "I THOUGHT Nicholas took precautions so this wouldn't happen."

"I know that is what you thought. You were so traumatized when Lauren miscarried the last time that we decided not to tell you the doctor said it would be OK for them to keep trying."

"I am not a little girl Christopher. I am perfectly capable of handling any situation you are. You cannot protect me forever."

Christopher reached out and tilted his sister's head so their eyes met. "Peepers…" he started. "Samantha. We are your big brothers and you have been through some pretty tough ordeals over the past few years. Perhaps we have been a bit sedulous in our efforts to protect you but we love you and we don't want to see you go through anymore pain."

Samantha broke eye contact and returned her gaze to the ground. "I understand Christopher but you have to let go at sometime and realize I have come a long way from the girl who used to hide out in her tree house."

A tear fell down Christopher's cheek. "Oh Samantha." He whispered. "Of anyone, I can see that now." He brought her eyes back up to his. "You look so beautiful tonight Samantha. You are showing a confidence I am not sure I have ever seen in you before. You are positively radiant."

Samantha bit her lip and fought back her own tears. "Thank you Christopher."

"You know Samantha, when you first spoke of Howard a few weeks ago, I was afraid you had succumbed to the same attraction that…" He trailed off, deciding it best not to finish the sentence. "Now that I have spent some time with Howard, I will gladly take back all of those negative thoughts. He truly is everything you said he was.

"Thank you Christopher. Howard is…" A wistful look came over Samantha's face as she spoke. "When I was younger, I used to fantasize about all of the attributes I wanted in the person I fell in love with. I never thought I would actually meet someone who fulfilled those fantasies so well. Howard has changed my whole outlook on life Christopher. The confidence, the glowing, everything you have said can be ascribed to Howard. I love him Christopher and he loves me."

Christopher lowered his head and placed a soft kiss on his sister's forehead. "I can tell Samantha. Everyone can tell. Cindy and Jill can't stop talking about the two of you. We are all so happy for Peepers."

"Not everyone is happy Christopher." Samantha replied quietly.

"Samantha, you knew father would not approve right away. He'll come around. Trust me."

"I didn't expect him to jump for joy at the first sight of Howard and I together, but I didn't anticipate he would deprecate so vehemently either."

"He will come around Samantha. Give him time." Samantha bit her lip. "If it is any consolation Samantha, mom loves Howard."

Samantha's eyes shot open. "What? Are you serious?" She shook her head. "She sure has a funny way of showing it. She was almost as rude as father was!"

Christopher chortled. "I know. Her stoic response to him gave me the impression she shared father's dour attitude as well but after you left she, Cindy, Jill and Lauren were finishing the dishes and Cindy said she had nothing but praise for Howard and for you as well Samantha."

"Why didn't she tell me?"

"I don't know Samantha but I have a feeling she will very soon. You know it is hard for mom to come out in opposition of father."

Samantha nodded. "Thank you for telling me Christopher." She looked around. "Do you mind if we go back to the table now?"

"Missing Howard already?" Christopher teased.

Samantha smiled "Is there anything wrong with that?"

"No Samantha. There is nothing wrong with that at all."