"Well, you're looking pretty chipper this afternoon." Josie commented to Anita the following Sunday as she entered her friend's hospital room, a large box of chocolates in her hand. "Meet some cute doctor that asked you to run away with him?"

"No!" Anita exclaimed in mock indignation. "I'm not looking anymore. I'm already taken!" Josie smiled slightly at her best friend's comment. She was still finding it hard to believe that her spunky, outgoing best friend and their gruff, usually caustic sounding boss were actually dating and in love. The two of them seemed so different. But it wasn't hard to see that there was some kind of deep connection there. And it seemed to be growing and strengthening by the day. "The reason I'm so happy is that I get to go home tomorrow."

"That's wonderful!" Josie acknowledged eagerly as she sat down on the edge of Anita's bed. "I'm sure you'll be glad to get out of here."

"You'd better believe it!" The patient replied earnestly. "I swear too many more hospital meals and I was seriously considering becoming an anorexic."

"Not a good idea." Josie commented with a smile. "I don't think Gus would like to see you shrink away to nothing. Besides, if you were anorexic you couldn't enjoy these chocolates." She waved the box she held under her friend's nose temptingly.

"Give me those!" Anita grabbed the box from the other girl's hand and quickly tore off the cellophane. Opening the lid she inhaled deeply and sighed. "This is heaven!" Taking one of the delectable sweets out of the box she offered one to Josie. Josie accepted and bit into the treat.

Closing her eyes she to sighed in delight and said. "This is heaven!"

Anita chuckled and then asked curiously. "So where's that guy of yours today? I thought you two were virtually joined at the hip now."

"We basically have been." Josie admitted with a blush. "But today he's correcting exam papers."

"Oh, lucky him." Her friend grinned slightly. That sounds like such a fun chore! I'm so glad that I'm not a school teacher."

"Normally Sam loves it." Josie told her honestly. "He says he gets a certain sense of satisfaction from seeing how much he's taught them over the semester."

A mischievous smirk tugged at Anita's lips. "Normally he enjoys it? He's not enjoying it this time?"

Josie flushed slightly as she replied. "He said that right now he doesn't enjoy anything that keeps him from spending time with me."

"That boy's got it bad!" Anita commented with a chuckle. Then with a decided nod she added. "I'll bet you fifty bucks that he proposes to you before summer's over."

"I'm not going to take that bet." Josie told her seriously.

"Why not?" Her friend gave her a curious look.

The younger woman smiled widely and admitted. "Because I seriously hope you're right."

"I can almost guarantee it." The older woman assured her confidently. Then remembering something she asked. "Did you get ahold of that guy that responded to your ad?"

"Yes I did." Josie nodded her head in confirmation. "He does have an autographed Gordie Howe helmet, but not the one that I'm looking for."

Anita frowned slightly and prompted. "What one are you looking for?"

"Sam's." Josie told her simply.

Anita looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "How on earth do you expect to find Sam's helmet?"

"Joanna told me that when get first got it he put his name on the inside lining of the helmet so that no one would steal it on him." Josie related. "I know it's a long shot, but I'm hoping it'll still be out there somewhere."

"And if I'm not mistaken, doing something like that greatly diminishes the value of such an item." Anita commented eagerly. "So its entirely possible that whoever bought it could still have it." Then frowning slightly she said. "But I thought you said that his old girlfriend tossed it out."

"That's what she told Sam." Josie acknowledged with a nod as she reached for another chocolate from the box that now rested on Anita's lap. After taking a bite she added. "But the more I find out about her, the more I'm convinced that she sold it and kept the money."

"She's a real winner that one, isn't she?" Anita remarked sarcastically.

"I'm getting that impression." Josie nodded.

"Well, once they release me from this sterile prison I'll be more tan happy to help you search for it." Her friend volunteered. "Especially since Gus has told me I'm not to set foot in the office for at least the rest of the month."

"I'd appreciate the help." Josie gave her best friend a bright smile. Reaching over she gave the other woman's hand a gentle squeeze. "I can't tell you how glad I am that you're okay. I was so scared that I'd lost you when Gus called to tell us you'd been hurt."

Anita gave her a warm smile and squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I'm afraid you're not getting rid of me that easily."

"So, where are you staying after they release you?" The younger woman asked curiously.

"Home." Anita replied, mildly surprised by the question. "Where else would I go?"

"Well, I was just wondering if you should stay by yourself." Josie commented with obvious concern. "I mean, are you sure you'll be okay living on your own?"

"I'll be fine." Anita assured her honestly, though very touched by her friend's concern.

"You know, you're more than welcome to stay with me for a few weeks." The younger woman told her eagerly. "At least until your ribs heal and that cast comes off."

Anita hesitated for a moment, seriously considering the offer. "I don't want to be in the way."

"You won't be in the way." Her best friend assured her honestly. "And you're more than welcome." Seeing her friend's uncertainty she pressed. "Come on, it'll be fun!"

A slow smile spread across the other woman's face. "All right, I accept!"

"Wonderful!" Josie exclaimed in honest delight, looking forward to having her friend nearby for a while. Before either woman could say anything more a nurse came in and interrupted their conversation.

"And how are we today?" The white clad woman asked Anita pleasantly, totally oblivious to the wide eyed stare that Josie was giving her.

"Better." Anita told her eagerly.

"I hear you're getting out of here tomorrow." The nurse commented as she pulled out a thermometer and put it in Anita's mouth.

Anita nodded and managed to say around the object in her mouth. "Finally."

"I bet your husband will be glad to see you get out." The other woman commented a few moments later when she removed the thermometer. "Those chairs are not the most comfortable to sleep in." She indicated the hard backed, wooden armed chair beside her.

Anita flushed slightly which caused Josie to smile in amusement. "He's not my husband."

"At least not yet." Josie teased, giving Anita a mischievous grin.

It was then that the nurse finally focused on the blond woman seated on the edge of her patient's bed. "Josie?" She exclaimed in delighted surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"Visiting Anita." Josie replied simply.

Anita looked from one to the other, a surprised look on her face. "You two know each other?"

Josie nodded. "Sheila and I were best friends in High School."

"Really?" The dark haired woman exclaimed in amazement.

"We kind of lost contact after we graduated though." Sheila remarked. "I went to NYU and Josie went to Northwestern."

"And she became a nurse and I became a copy editor." Josie added with a smile.

"Now you're a columnist." Anita reminded her proudly. "A weekly columnist, or so I hear."

Josie smiled and nodded. "Gus and Rigfort had a meeting with me on Monday and officially confirmed what you told me Friday. I now have a weekly column in Friday's paper."

"That's wonderful!" Sheila exclaimed in obvious delight. "Now I'm going to have to make sure I buy every Friday issue of the Chicago Sun-Times."

Josie gave her old friend a pleased smile then remarked. "I didn't know you worked here at Mercy."

"Both Derek and I do." Sheila told her as she checked Anita's blood pressure. "Though he's home with Sarah right now. He's doing 'Daddy duty' today." Then curiously she asked. "Where's Sam?"

"He's doing 'teacher duty'." Josie replied with a laugh. At Sheila's puzzled look she explained. "He's an English teacher at South Glen South High School. He's home correcting exams right now."

Sheila grinned slightly. "It's kind of ironic that you're dating an English teacher. English was always your best subject." Looking at Anita she said. "I swear she knew Shakespeare's As You Like It by heart by the end of our Senior year."

"Which came if very handy when I started attending Sam's class." Josie commented with a smile.

Sheila frowned in puzzlement and asked. "What do you mean?"

Before Josie could reply there was a soft tap on Anita's room door. The three women looked up to see two men standing in the doorway. Josie immediately recognized them as the police officers who had come to speak to Gus the night Anita was injured.

"May I help you?" Anita asked, wondering who these two good-looking men were.

"Ms. Brandt?" The blond haired man asked as he smiled at Anita.

"That would be me." She confirmed and waved them inside. They both did as bidden.

"I'm Detective Ray Kowalski of the Chicago Police Department and this is my partner Constable Benton Fraser of the RCMP." The blond introduced. "We're the officers investigating your hit and run last weekend."

Anita nodded her head. "Yes, Gus mentioned that he'd spoken to you. What can I do for you?"

"Nothing, ma'am." Detective Kowalski told her honestly. "We just wanted to stop by and let you know that we've apprehended the driver responsible for the incident."

"Who was it, Detective?" Josie asked curiously, glancing at Anita out of the corner of her eye.

"I'm afraid we can't release his name as he's a minor." The American officer replied, pulling out his notepad. "But what I can tell you is that he and his buddies were out for a joyride in a stolen car when they ran through the crosswalk. The driver was only fifteen."

"Fifteen?" Anita exclaimed in surprise. "I thought the driving age around here was sixteen."

"Yes, it is ma'am." Constable Fraser confirmed. "He was not a legal driver."

"Don't worry, he'll be dealt with accordingly." Kowalski promised her as he returned his notebook to his jacket pocket. "We just wanted to let you know that the case has been solved."

"I appreciate that Detective." Anita acknowledged with a smile.

The blond detective paused for a second before nodding and saying. "Right then. Let's go, Frase." He turned on his heals and left the room.

The dark haired Constable gave the three women an apologetic smile. "Please excuse Ray." He asked earnestly. "He's not very comfortable in hospitals."

"Fraser!" The impatient voice of his partner drifted back inside. "Before I die of waiting!"

The Canadian pasted a tolerant smile on his face and nodded at the three ladies. "Excuse me. Have a good day." A few moments later he too had disappeared out the door.

The two women listened until the partner's conversation died to silence. "You know I hate these places, Fraser!" The blond was saying in annoyance. "Why do you have to prolong our stay by being polite? I don't care if they think I'm curt. I'm a police officer, they don't have to think I'm nice and loveable like you."

"I'm sure they don't, Ray." The other man assured his part.

"Good." The blond exclaimed. "Now let's get out of here. I have a lead on..."

Anita looked from Josie to Sheila and back again. "Gus told me they were an interesting pair, but that's definitely an understatement."

"What's a Canadian Mountie doing working with a Chicago cop anyway?" Sheila asked curiously.

"Apparently Constable Fraser came from Canada to Chicago on the trail of the killers of his father and then ended up staying here." Josie told her. "He's working at the Canadian Consulate here in Chicago right now and that gives him some connection with the Chicago Police Department."

"You know, there may be an interesting story in those two." Anita commented with a mischievous smile at Josie. "Maybe you should interview them for your column."

"Hey, you never know." Josie smiled back. "Maybe I will."

Just then the telephone on Anita's night stand rang. Gingerly reaching for it Anita warmly greeted her caller. "Good afternoon, Sweetheart." A soft chuckle on the other end caused her to frown slightly. "Gus?"

"Nope, Rob." The person on the other end corrected. "Sorry to disappoint you."

"It's okay." Anita replied, heaving a dramatic sigh. "I'll get over it. Just a sec." Handing the receiver to Josie she said with a smile. "It's yours."

Josie grinned and put the receiver to her ear. Winking at Anita and Sheila she greeted the man on the other end with a warm. "Hello sweetheart."

"Ugh, not you too!" Rob complained with exaggerated disgust. "Let me guess, you thought it was Sam."

"Obviously." Josie rolled her eyes slightly and gave her friend, who was trying desperately to stifle her laughter, a mock annoyed look. "I don't usually go around calling my brother 'sweetheart'. What's up?"

"I need your help." He told her seriously.

"That's nothing new." She commented wickedly. "You always need my help."

"Let's not forget who was helping who these past few months? Huh?" Rob prodded with a bit of a cool tone in his voice.

"Whom." Josie corrected. "Who was helping whom."

"Josie, this is serious." Her brother interrupted, his irritation starting to show.

"What do you need my help with?" His older sister prompted patiently.

"I asked Aldys to got out with me tonight." Rob told her seriously. "Like on a real date."

"Rob, that's wonderful!" Josie exclaimed delightedly. "She's a terrific girl."

"I know." He agreed eagerly. "And I want to take her someplace really nice. Do you have any suggestions?"

"How about Luigi's." Josie replied thoughtfully. "Sam took me there last week for our first date. Everything was wonderful."

"Luigi's?" Rob repeated searching his memory for the place. "Never heard of it. Where is it?"

"It's a little hole-in-the-wall place down by the waterfront." Josie described. "It's only a few blocks from Navy Pier. It's run by a wonderful Italian couple that Sam knows quite well. He use to tutor the husband in English a few years ago."

"And you say this place is good?" Rob pressed cautiously.

"Wonderful!" His sister assured him. "Trust me. Aldys will love it."

"Luigi's." Rob repeated once again. "Thanks, Jos. I'll give it a try."

"Sam'll be able to give you the exact address." Josie told him. "He's at home if you want to call him."

"I know." Her brother admitted. "That how I knew you were at the hospital. By the way, how's Anita doing?"

"Much better." Josie assured him. "They're releasing her tomorrow. She's going to come and stay with me for a few weeks."

"Make sure you warn her to stay away from those turtles." Rob remarked. "Those two are nasty."

"Only to you." His sister commented. "To me they're as sweet as kittens."

"Uh, huh." The young man acknowledged. "Listen, before I go put Anita back on, will ya?"

"Okay, I'll talk to you later." Handing the receiver back to Anita she said. "Rob wants to talk to you again."

Taking the receiver Anita greeted warmly. "Hello, Rob."

A loud kissing noise greeted her ear. "Love you, sweetheart." He told her with a sly laugh.

"You nut!" Anita exclaimed, laughing in amusement. "You'd better behave or I'm going to tell Gus on you."

"Just as long as you don't tell Aldys." Rob told her, then quickly he added. "Speaking of her, I gotta go. Talk to you later." Before Anita could respond he was gone.

"What was that all about?" She asked as she stared at the receiver momentarily before replacing it in its cradle.

"It think he has a big date tonight." Josie remarked with a smile.

"Who has a big date tonight?" A male voice inquired curiously.

Josie looked up at the curly-haired man standing in the doorway of Anita's room, a bouquet of flowers in his hand. "Rob." She told him as she approached Anita's bed. "He has a date with Aldys."

"Aldys?" Anita repeated in surprise. "Really?"

At Josie's confirming nod she smiled and said. "I think they'll be good for each other. Just like you and Sam are good for each other."

"And you and Gus." Josie added, giving the couple a warm smile.

Anita smiled up at Gus and reached out to touch his arm. "Yes we are good for each other."

Gus gave her a tender look and leaned down to kiss her softly. As Gus pulled away he whispered gently. "I love you."

"I love you too." She returned, caressing his cheek with her hand.

"Well, if you'll excuse me." Sheila suddenly said. "It's time for my lunch break."

"Just a minute, Sheila." Josie exclaimed as she jumped off the edge of the bed. "I'll come with you." Looking at Anita she asked. "Do you need me to pick you up tomorrow?"

Anita looked at Gus for a moment then shook her head. "Gus is going to take me out for a proper lunch tomorrow after they release me."

"Well, I guess I won't stand in the way of that." Josie teased, shooting the couple a teasing look. Reaching into her purse she pulled out her spare key. "Here's the key. Just make yourself at home whenever you get there. The spare room is all yours."

At Gus' curious look Anita told him. "Josie's invited me to stay with her for a few weeks until I've healed a bit more."

"Good." Gus commented with a grateful look at his newest columnist. "I was worried about you staying at home by yourself."

"So, I guess I'll see you after work." Josie commented to her best friend.

Anita gave her a warm smile. "Thanks for everything, Josie. I really appreciate it."

"What are friends for?" Josie told her humbly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye, Josie." Gus and Anita both called after her.

As the door closed behind her Anita looked at Gus and said. "Alone at last."

"Finally." He whispered before kissing her again.

"So, tell me about this boyfriend of yours." Sheila prodded eagerly as she and Josie sat together in the hospital cafeteria.

"What's there to tell?" Josie asked evasively as she took a sip of her apple juice. "His name is Sam Coulson and he's an English teacher at South Glen South."

"Oh, come on!" Sheila protested seriously. "You have to give me more than that! Where did you two meet? How did you meet? When did you start dating? Do you think the two of you will ever get married?"

Josie laughed at the barrage of questions tumbling out of her friend's mouth. "Slow down there, girl. One question at a time." When Sheila opened her mouth again Josie held up her hand and said. "I get the picture. You want to know everything!" When her old friend nodded eagerly Josie began her tale. She began with her job as a Copy Editor at the Sun-Times, telling her how she longed to be a reporter so she could write her own stuff and not just edit the work of others. She continued on to describe her experience at South Glen South and how she'd been haunted by the same fears and insecurities she'd been plagued with her first time through school.

"Things changed quite a bit after Rob decided to enroll and give me a hand." Josie told Sheila truthfully. "You remember what he was like in High School. Always 'Mr. Popular'."

"I remember." Her friend acknowledged with a smile. "I even remember how he gained his popularity. I can't believe he lived after eating a whole bucket of that awful school-issue coleslaw!"

"Hey don't knock that trick." Josie commented with a laugh. "That's what made him popular at South Glen South too."

"You're kidding?" Sheila laughed in amazement. "I always thought your brother was a little on the crazy side."

"Oh, he is." Rob's sister quickly confirmed. "But that's part of his charm."

"So, what was it like to be popular in High School?" The other woman asked curiously. "Was it everything you'd hoped?"

Josie gave her friend a wry smile and admitted honestly. "Not really. It wasn't what I expected it to be like actually. I don't know if its just that my expectations were too great, or if I had just out grown the need to be popular. I don't know. All I know is that it was a bit of a let down."

"I found the same thing in college." Sheila confessed as she took a drink from her Diet Coke. "When Derek and I started going out I was officially initiated into the 'popular' crowd. At first I was thrilled to be so accepted, but after a while I realized that it wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. As the years past and our friends graduated we soon found that our little group was down to just Derek and I. But that suited us just fine actually. We were newlyweds and we just wanted to spend any spare moment we could alone." Looking at Josie she flashed her a bright smile and asked. "Speaking of marriage, do you think you and Sam will get married?"

Josie blushed slightly as she admitted. "We have talked about it. Anita figures he'll propose before the end of summer."

"Well, after seeing the two of you the other night at the carnival I think I can safely say that I agree." Sheila told her seriously. "It's perfectly clear to anyone who sees you two together that he's absolutely head over heels for you!"

"I love him too." Josie admitted honestly. "I love him very much."

"Then if I were you I would tell him everything that happened in High School our Senior year." Her friend told her gravely. "It would be good for you to get it out in the open. It'll help the rest of your scars to heal." Putting a gentle hand on Josie's arm she pleaded softly. "Please don't let Billy Prince ruin your life."

It was about six o'clock by the time Josie got back to Sam's apartment. Opening the door with the key he'd given her, her nose was hit by the smell of roasting chicken. It wasn't until then that she realized just how hungry she was. Stepping quietly into the living room Josie silently shut the door behind herself, knowing that any noise she made would be completely drowned out by the music that was playing on the stereo. Setting her purse and her keys on the coffee table she made her way to the kitchen, careful not to alert Sam to her presence. She couldn't help but smile as she watched him putter around the small room stirring pots and lifting lids to check on what he was cooking.

"Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket. Never let it fade away!" Josie had to bite her lips and cover her mouth with her hands to keep from laughing as Sam continued to sing along with the stereo, totally oblivious to her watching him. Josie was enjoying the show immensely, though her lips were getting sore from having to bite them so hard to keep control on her amusement. She finally lost her battle when Sam picked up an unpeeled carrot that was sitting on the counter and started using it as a microphone, singing the chorus of the song in various tones and octaves in imitation of the original recording.

When he heard Josie's hearty laughter Sam whipped around and looked at her in embarrassment, a slight blush staining his cheeks. But after a moment's hesitation he threw himself into his rendition causing Josie to start laughing even harder. As the last few notes of the song died away Sam bowed dramatically before her causing her to let out another boisterous laugh.

"You're a nut, you know that." Josie exclaimed as she threw her arms around his neck and looked into his twinkling eyes. "I'm in love with a complete nutcase."

"As long as you love me, baby." He commented and gave her a welcoming kiss. Pulling away slightly he started singing along with the ballad that was currently playing. "Baby I believe in you. And every little thing you do."

"Oh, my goodness." Josie exclaimed in disbelief. "I haven't heard that song since Junior High school." Giving him a surprised look she asked. "Don't tell me you were a New Kids on the Block fan too?"

"You were a New Kids on the Block fan?" Sam asked with a smile.

"I was in love with Joey-Joe MacIntyre!" She told him with a laugh. "Sheila loved Jordan Knight."

"Well, I didn't love them." He told her with a chuckle. "But I did like some of their songs. Not that I ever told anybody. I think Jon's the only one that knew I was a closet New Kids fan."

"Well, I guess we all have some skeletons in our closet." Josie teased lightly as she started swaying slightly to the music.

Easing his grip on her he lifted his left hand to take her right off his shoulder. "Dance with me." He softly urged.

Josie chuckled and looked at the carrot that he still held in his left hand. "What about your microphone?" Sam looked at it, took a big bite off the end and then tossed it over his shoulder and into the sink. She couldn't help but laugh as he pulled her closer to him, capturing her right hand in his left.

"Baby, I do believe in you." He told her sincerely. "You can do anything you put your mind to."

Josie gave him a warm smile. "My, you certainly are in a good mood this evening."

"Why shouldn't I be?" He remarked as he slowly danced them around the small kitchen. "I'm happy, I'm healthy and I am holding the woman of my dreams in my arms. The woman that I am head over heels in love with and who is the most amazing person I have ever met. And what makes me especially joyful is that she's in love with me too." Leaning down to kiss her softly he whispered. "I couldn't be happier." He captured her lips with his, pulling her tighter to him. Josie responded eagerly to his kisses, relishing the feeling of being in his arms. She loved nothing more than being held by him, being loved by him. She couldn't help but hope that this feeling would last forever.

Sam pulled back slightly and whispered mischievously. "I wonder if Rob and Aldys are having this much fun."

"I hope they don't have too much fun." Josie commented. "Aldys isn't eighteen yet."

"Don't worry." He told her confidently. "Rob promised to be a perfect gentleman." His eyes twinkled slightly as he added. "And I'm sure Maria and Luigi will be keeping a special eye on them tonight."

"You called them?" Josie exclaimed with a laugh. Then with a knowing smirk she stated. "You called Maria and told her that it was their first date." When Sam nodded slightly she shook her head and chuckled. "Well, I'm sure Rob and Aldys will get special attention then."

"Hey, they deserve it." He commented seriously. "They make a cute couple."

"They do." She agreed eagerly. "Hey, I'd love to have Aldys as a sister-in-law."

"So would I." Sam remarked, giving her a look of deep love. Josie smiled and leaned up to kiss him again, slipping her arms around his neck to pull him closer. Sam eagerly responded by pulling her closer to him, wrapping his fingers in her blond curls. The sound of the phone ringing interrupted their kiss.

Sam groaned in annoyance against her lips. "Whoever that is has a lousy sense of timing." Sam complained as he ended the kiss and released her to answer the phone. "Hello?" He greeted as he picked up the phone beside his recliner.

"Hi sweetheart!" A female voice exclaimed warmly on the other end of the line.

"Hi Mom." Sam grinned happily as he settled into his favorite chair. Josie stayed in the kitchen and checked the boiling pots on the stove.

"How's everything going with you?" His mother asked curiously.

"Good." Her oldest son assured her sincerely. "Keeping busy. It was the first week of exams this week."

"Ah, so that's why you couldn't return your mother's phone call and let her know that you were still alive." Sarah Coulson teased her son lightly, laughing when he stumbled to explain.

"I was busy with exams and then Josie and I were at the hospital every night..."

"The hospital?" His mother exclaimed in alarm. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, we're fine." He quickly assured her. "It was Josie's best friend, Anita. She was the victim of a hit and run last Friday night."

"Poor girl." Sarah said sympathetically. "Is she all right?"

"Yeah, she's doing fine." He replied, glancing at Josie who was now standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "I didn't see her today, but Josie did." Addressing his girlfriend he asked. "How's Anita doing today?"

"She doing fine." Josie told him. "They're releasing her tomorrow. She's going to be staying with me for the next couple weeks."

"Really?" He gave her a surprised look then returned to his caller. "Josie says that Anita's doing fine and the hospital's releasing her tomorrow."

"Was she injured very badly?" Sarah asked curiously.

"She had three broken ribs and a badly fractured leg." Sam listed. "She was lucky it wasn't a lot worse. I guess she's going to be staying with Josie for a few weeks until she gets back on her feet again."

"Josie, eh?" His mother repeated with a broad smile. "I take it that she's the new girlfriend that your sister called me all excited about a couple of weeks ago."

"Must be." Sam acknowledged with a chuckle. Giving Josie a sly wink he added. "I only have one."

"What's she like?" The older woman pressed eagerly, curious about this new woman in Sam's life. "What does she do? Where's she from?"

Sam laughed and held out his hand towards the girl in question. Josie stepped towards him and accepted the hand he held out. Pulling her onto his knee he wrapped his arm around her as he started describing her to his mother. "Let me see now." He ran his eyes slowly over her face. "She has beautiful blue eyes, silky blond hair, satiny peaches and cream skin, rosy red lips and cute little ears."

"Sam!" Josie laughed and flushed as he traced a finger over each feature as he listed it. When she tried to move he held her tightly in place.

Removing the phone from where he'd tucked it between his ear and his shoulder he continued his description of the woman in his arms. "She's also very sweet and modest and funny and smart. She is basically the most amazing woman I have ever met."

"Nice adjectives." His mother commented with a chuckle. "It's not hard to tell what you do for a living."

"Josie's good with adjectives too." Sam remarked, giving his girlfriend a mischievous wink.

"And what does she do for a living?" Sarah pressed inquisitively. "She's the newest columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times." Sam told her proudly. "And she is a fantastic writer."

"So when do I get to meet this goddess?" His mother teased eagerly.

Sam looked at Josie again and grinned. "Well, I think I have her convinced to come to Wisconsin with me next month for the long weekend."

"That's wonderful!" Sarah exclaimed delightedly. "Abby, Bill and Emma are flying in too. We'll have a real family reunion."

"We're looking forward to it." Sam assured her earnestly. Then a trifle regretfully he said. "I should go. Josie's here right now and I'm attempting to show off my culinary skills."

"Oh?" Sarah's eyebrows raised slightly. "What are you making."

"Roast chicken with all the trimming." He told her proudly.

"Well then I'll let you go." She told him eagerly. "I wouldn't want to see all that food spoiled because I kept you on the phone."

"That's okay." Her son told her earnestly. "Now I have an excuse if something doesn't turn out. I can just say that my mother distracted me."

Sarah grinned knowingly. "I bet I'm not the only thing distracting you tonight."

Sam looked at Josie and smiled. "Nope, but you have to admit that she's the best of all possible distractions."

"I'll have to wait until I meet her to let you know." His mother commented with a laugh. "See you in a few weeks."

"See you then." He promised sincerely.

"Love you, honey." She told him warmly. "And Sam."

"Yes, mom?" He asked curiously.

"It's so nice to hear you laughing and happy again." She commented. "If it's because of Josie then I'd say she's the one for you."

Sam looked lovingly at Josie and once again tucked the phone into his shoulder so he could reach out and touch her face. Josie closed her eyes and pressed her cheek into his palm. "She is, Mom. She's just perfect for me."

"I'm happy to hear that, honey." Sarah acknowledged with a warm feeling in her heart already for this Josie girl. "Take care."

"We will." He assured her. "Love you."

"Love you too." She repeated. "Say 'hi' to that amazing girl of yours."

"I will." He promised. "And you say 'hi' to Dad and Russ."

"Will do." She acknowledged. "I'll talk to you soon."

As Sam hung up the phone Josie asked curiously. "So how are your folks?"

"They're fine." He told her. "Eager to meet you."

"Really?" Her eyes widened nervously as she asked. "Do you think they'll like me?"

"They are going to love you." He confirmed truthfully as he looked deep into her eyes. "They are going to love you if for no other reason because you make me very, very happy."

Josie felt her heart melt slightly at the intense look of love in his eyes. "I love you, Sam." She whispered gently.

"I love you too." He returned before leaning forward and capturing her lips with his. Josie wrapped her arms around him and pulled him closer. The couple were soon lost in their kiss, their supper temporarily forgotten.

Sam glanced over at the sleeping figure slumped in the passenger seat beside him and smiled softly to himself. He still found it hard to believe that he and Josie were really a couple. It seemed like it wasn't all that long ago that he was wishing that there was someway that he could tell Josie how he felt about her, yet in other ways it felt as if he and Josie had been together forever. They complimented each other so well that it was hard for him to imagine a time when she wasn't an important part of his life. It had been five weeks since Josie had first told him the truth about herself. Five glorious weeks of being her boyfriend. The experience had been everything that Sam had hoped for and so much more.
The day after their first date they had spent the afternoon on the ballfield practicing with the Sun-Times team. He had been very impressed by Josie's skill as a catcher. She certainly was very determined and aggressive when it came to fulfilling her assigned position. Anita had been right though when she said that Josie needed help with her batting. But Sam had soon done what he could to rectify that taking time to give Josie some personal batting lessons. Though he's still not sure just how much tutoring was actually done. He had the suspicious feeling that Josie was holding back a bit on purpose, evening releasing the bat 'accidentally' and sending it flying into the air. Not that he really minded the charade. In fact he welcomed any excuse he could get to put his arms around her. Not that he needed any excuses. She was always quite willing to receive a hug or a kiss from him when he felt like giving her one. Which was pretty much all the time that he was with her.
Smiling again he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket to make sure that the blue velvet box that he'd put in there earlier was still there. He'd picked it up that afternoon while he was killing time waiting for Josie to finish up at work. Now that school was out for the summer, his days were pretty much his own. Patting the box against his chest he silently hoped that Josie liked what he picked out. He didn't have much experience picking out jewlery. When he was dating Lara she would always tell Sam exactly what she wanted and insist that he buy it for her. Willing to do pretty much anything to keep the peace and make her happy, Sam usually went along with whatever request she made. Even when it meant scrimping and saving for six months or more to pay off whatever it was she'd chosen. Not only did such purchases put a strain on his pocketbook, they also created a level of resentment within him. But no matter how much he made up his mind not to let it happen again, it invariably did and usually a month or two after he'd paid off Lara's previous purchase he found himself paying for something else.
Once he'd tried to stand up to her and suggested that she chose something else less expensive, but that only resulted in another one of her many lectures on how he should move to New York and get a professor position at a University there. That way he wouldn't have to worry about the cost of things. This lecture had occurred right in the middle of the jewelry store and Sam, mortified beyond words, had walked right out of the shop vowing to himself never to shop there again not to ever open his mouth about any of Lara's future purchases.
Glancing over a Josie's sleeping form he smiled softly to himself. He knew for a certainty that Josie would never do that to him. He was confident that she would be content with whatever little thing that he got her, even if it didn't cost a small fortune.
"After all, it's the thought that counts." He commented softly to himself as he turned his attention back to the road. "Not how much something costs."
"Did you say something?" Josie's sleepy voice interrupted his thoughts.
Sam looked at he again and smiled at her drowsy look. Reaching over he found her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Nothing, just talking to myself."
"Better be careful." She warned teasingly. "You do that too much and somebody might lock you up in a padded cell."
Sam chuckled slightly and gave her hand another squeeze before releasing it. "I'll try to remember that."
Stretching her arms over her head Josie let out a wide yawn. "Are we almost there yet?"
Sam grinned at her in amusement. "Almost." He assured her. "We've got about another half hour."
"What time is it?" She asked, rubbing her eyes as she tried to get them to focus.
"A little after eleven." He told her, returning his eyes to the road. "You need anything?"
"No, I'm alright." She assured him, sinking her head deeper into the pillow she had resting against her side window and brought the blanket that covered her tighter around her shoulders.
Her companion smiled as she drifted back to sleep. "I love you, Josie Geller." A muffled murmur came from his semi-conscious girlfriend that he was sure was suppose to be an 'I love you too'.

It was about quarter to twelve when Sam pulled his black Jetta to a stop in front of his parents ranch-style Wisconsin home. The outside light and almost every inside light were on as his family eagerly awaited their late night arrival. Turning off the ignition Sam reached over and gently shook his girlfriend's shoulder. "Josie, we're here. It's time to wake up." When Josie didn't stir he shook her a little harder. "Honey, come on, please wake up. We're here. My family's waiting to meet you." Josie, despite his efforts, showed no sign of moving. Sam couldn't help but smile slightly and shake his head. Rob had once told him that when Josie was in a sound sleep, nothing short of a nuclear explosion could wake her up until she was good and ready to wake up. Sam had figured that the younger man had been exaggerating, thinking that no one could sleep so deeply that they wouldn't wake up with a little prompting, but he was beginning to see what the other man had been talking about.
"Ever hear about the guy that slept through the sinking of the Titanic?" Rob had asked him seriously.
Sam had shaken his head and replied. "No."
"I forget his name. Charles something, I think." Rob had said thoughtfully. "But it doesn't matter. The point is, he was known for being a sound sleeper. He was a first class passenger and nobody that survived could remember seeing him on deck the night of the sinking. They figured afterwards that he must have slept right through it. And I can tell you that if Josie was on that ship, she would have gone down with it too."
Sam had shuddered at the thought, suddenly realizing what danger she'd be in if a fire or some other emergency situation broke out in her apartment while she was sleeping. The realization made Sam even more impatient to marry her. That way he'd be able to carry her to safety if something did ever happen during the night.
After trying one more time to rouse her Sam decided to unload the car and give Josie a chance to wake up on her own. Getting out of the car he bounded up the walkway that led to the front door of his parent's home. His knock was answered less than a minute later by a very pretty young woman with shoulder length blond hair and sparkling blue eyes.
Upon seeing who was at the door she immediately threw her arms excitedly around Sam's neck and hugged him tightly. "Sammy! You're here!" She exclaimed eagerly. "Oh, we've been waiting for you for hours!" Tugging on his arms she pulled him inside encouraging. "Come in out of the cool air. How was your trip?"
"The trip was fine." Sam replied with an amused look on his face as his parents came into the foyer. "We weren't able to get out of the city until almost six, then we stopped for a quick bit about eight."
"It's good to see you, sweetheart!" Sarah Coulson exclaimed with obvious delight as she hugged her middle child to her.
"It's good to see you too, Mom." Sam returned her hug warmly.
Pulling back slightly so she could see her son's face she added eagerly. "You look wonderful, Sam!"
"Thanks, Mom." Sam smiled at her before turning his attention to his father.
As the two men hugged his father said affectionately. "We've missed you, son." Then scolding slightly he added. "It's been quite a while since you've been up for a visit."
"I know." Sam acknowledged a little sadly. "I'm really sorry about that. Things have been kind of crazy for the last little while, but they seem to be leveling out now." Then looking around curiously he asked. "Where's the others?"
Abby grinned slightly and replied. "The three of them fell asleep watching Lady and the Tramp in the TV room. You should see them. Out like a light, the bunch of them."
"Speaking of being out like a light." Sam commented, remembering his slumbering girlfriend who was still out in the car. "Josie's out in the car sound asleep."
"Well, why don't you wake her and bring her in." His mother encouraged eagerly. "We've been dying to meet this new girlfriend of yours."
"I'm eager for you to meet her too." He assured them all. "Problem is that she is a really sound sleeper and I can't seem to get her to wake up."
"Is she okay?" Sarah asked her son with obvious concern.
"Oh, she's fine." Sam hastened to reply. "Her brother told me that she's just a really sound sleeper. He said that when they were younger he use to go into her room and beat a wooden spoon on a pot a few inches away from her head and she wouldn't even flinch."
"I hope there's never a fire in her apartment at night." Tim Coulson remarked seriously to his son. "She's probably sleep right through it."
Sam grimaced slightly. "I know. That thought has already crossed my mind and scares me to death." Then reaching for the door he said in a lighter tone. "I'm going to go and get our bags. Hopefully Josie'll wake up by the time I'm finished."
Unfortunately Sam's wish didn't come true, even though he'd been as noisy as he could about taking their bags out of the back of the Jetta. So, and about fifteen minutes later he entered his parents' house with a limp Josie in his arms.
"Why don't you take her upstairs to the guest room." Sarah told her son softly as she took a quick peek at his sleeping charge, immediately noting how pretty the young woman was. Secretly her heart hoped that her beauty wasn't like Lara's, only skin deep. "Abby and Bill are in her old room and you can bunk with Russ in his room."
"Sounds fine." Sam acknowledged as he started up the stairs, careful not to bump Josie's head or feet on the walls. Soon he had her lying down on the bed that his mother had already turned down. After removing her shoes and her jacket Sam pulled the covers up and tucked them around her. Leaning down he dropped a soft kiss on her lips. "Goodnight, my Sleeping Beauty." He watched her for another moment before shutting off the lamp beside her bed and leaving the room.
"'night, Sam." Josie mumbled in her sleep as she turned on her side and settled into an even deeper sleep.

Josie stretched and yawned, carefully releasing all the kinks her body had acquired throughout the night. When she opened her eyes she immediately noticed that the sun was already beaming in her window, but it wasn't until a few moments later that her brain finally registered that she was in a strange room. Sitting up in her bed she curiously scanned the room for several moments, taking in every inch of her new quarters. The last thing she remembered about last night was falling asleep in Sam's car on the way to his parent's house in Wisconsin. She had no recollection of arriving there or of meeting any of Sam's family. She couldn't have slept through it all, could she? She knew that she had the reputation of being a sound sleeper. Rob often teased her that she'd have slept through the Titanic sinking if she'd been on board, but she couldn't have fell that fast asleep on the last leg of their trip, could she? The last thing she remembered was asking Sam how much longer to his parents' house and he'd said about a half hour. Surely she hadn't slipped into one of her coma sleeps in that short a time! Especially after she'd been fighting it all the way there. The last thing she'd wanted to do was fall asleep and miss meeting Sam's family. But from what she could tell, that was exactly what she had done. What they must think of her! They probably think she was high or drugged out on something. What a wonderful first impression that probably made. And poor Sam having to try to explain her unconscious presence. He must have been mortified. She racked her brain to try to remember if she'd even told Sam about her tendency to become comatose at night. She'd better make sure he knew that was why she hadn't woken up, not for any other reason.
Glancing at her watch she was surprised to find that it was only six o'clock. From the quietness of the house she suppose that nobody else was up yet. Deciding that it would be a good opportunity to check out the house and the grounds Josie quickly got out of bed and dressed. After making her bed and verifying that everything else was in its proper place she picked up her shoes and padded quietly out her door and down the stairs to the outside porch. She couldn't help but smile at the beautiful sight that greeted her eyes. Trees, large wide opened spaces, a crystal clear pond and a variety of barns and sheds littered the property. She smiled when she spotted the coral at the far end of the yard. It contained three beautiful Quarter horses. Josie loved horseback riding. When she was in Northwestern one of her girlfriend's parents ran a stable, so she got to go riding whenever she wanted. It was something that she really enjoyed doing and even missed on occasion. She and her friend would go almost every weekend and sometimes during the week if they had a chance.
"Well, good morning, sleepy head." A voice said lightly bringing Josie's attention to the young man who was sitting on the porch swing at the far end of the verandah. He was dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt, his feet bare and his hair slightly tousled. With the coffee cup clutched in his left hand he looked the very picture of relaxation. "I was wondering when you were going to rejoin the land of the living."
"I hardly slept that long that you would be worrying about that." Josie laughed as she came and sat down beside him. "It's only six-thirty."
"Yeah, but you were sure flaked out when we got here." He teased with an amused smile. "I was beginning to wonder if you'd been drugged or something."
Seeing the mischievous twinkle in his eye she couldn't help but tease back. "Not unless you slipped something in my supper when I wasn't looking."
Sam kissed the side of her head and slipped an arm around her shoulders. "I'm not in the habit of drugging my girlfriends. I don't really think its very good for the relationship. Besides, it takes all the fun out of doing things like this." Leaning forward he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. Josie responded by sliding her arms around his neck and pulling him closer. The two were so engrossed in each other that they didn't realize that they were being watched by two sets of spying eyes.
"So, what's this Josie like?" Sarah Coulson asked her daughter curiously as she continued to watch the kissing couple carefully.
"I don't really know a lot about her." Abby admitted as she moved away from the window and poured herself a cup of coffee. "I've only talked to her once briefly, one time when I was trying to get a hold of Sam after he'd moved. He'd given me Josie's cell number to contact him if I needed to. She seemed very nice and friendly and I've made it a point to read her column each week. She seems to be a very talented writer. I know that Sam praises her talent to the skies."
Sarah gave her daughter a wry smile. "Sam never said anything bad about Lara either. Not even when she had that big temper tantrum about him playing hockey and threw out his Gordie Howe helmet! You know how much trouble your father went to to get that helmet for your brother! And that .just tosses it like it was a piece of everyday junk!"
"Well, I don't think that Josie's anything like that." Abby assured her angry mother seriously. "In face she and Sam are both playing baseball this summer with the Chicago Sun-Times team."
"Really?" Her mother gave the other woman a surprised look. "Josie actually plays baseball?"
"Apparently." Her daughter nodded. "And Sam says that she's pretty good. Apparently Josie's brother is a real baseball nut and he and Josie use to toss the ball around all the time when they were kids."
Sarah was visibly impressed by this piece of news. "Maybe she's not another Lara." She commented thoughtfully to herself, her heart hoping beyond hope that that was the case. She was so sick of seeing her oldest son miserable and alone in a loveless relationship. She knew that Lara was no good for him from the very moment he'd brought her home to meet the family. She was too demanding, too controlling. But Sam was too easy going to stand up to her. Not that he didn't try, but Lara was forceful enough that she would 'put him in his place' without a moment's hesitation. She was obviously the one that called the shots in their relationship, and Sarah didn't think that was right. She was brought up believing that the man was the head of the family and that the woman should offer him the respect that headship demanded. Not that the man and the woman weren't equal partners. But just like anything else, if you have two captains or two leaders, nothing gets done right and you only have chaos. And from what she could tell, Sam and Lara's relationship was nothing but chaos with a capital 'C'.
A high-pitched squeal from outside quickly caught her attention. Turning back to the window she couldn't help but laugh as she watched Sam running towards the pond with Josie flung unceremoniously over his left shoulder. Josie was hitting her fists against his back, pleading and screaming as he ran. Her protests, however, were hampered by her laughter. "What does that boy think he's doing?" As if replying to her question Sam suddenly tossed Josie into the pond before diving in after her. Josie came up spitting and sputtering as she wiped the pond water from her eyes. Sam came up behind her and suddenly she jumped. "Oh, oh." Sarah found herself holding her breath as she waited for Josie's reaction to Sam's little stunt. All Josie did was turn around to face Sam, before throwing herself at him, successfully pushing him under the water. She then proceeded to laugh heartily as he came up sputtering and spitting and wiping the water from his eyes.
Abby chuckled as she watched the pair as they started splashing and carrying on in the water. "It's been a long time since I've seen Sam so happy and relaxed."
"They do seem to interact well together, don't they?" Her mother commented as she watched them kiss each other again while still in the water.
"I would say she's definitely not another Lara." Abby commented as the couple pulled away from each other. They watched curiously as Sam suddenly turned his back on Josie. "What.?" She didn't get to finish her question before Josie suddenly jumped on Sam's back, throwing her arms around his neck. Reaching his arms back Sam hoisted her up so she was perched piggy-back style on his back. He then waded out of the pond and back towards the house.
"You know, Mom, I don't think we have to worry." Abby remarked seriously as she watched the laughing pair trudging back towards the house. "I would bet you anything that Josie is absolutely nothing like Lara!"

"You like horseback riding?" Sam asked curiously as he carried Josie up towards the house.
"Is that what this is called?" She commented with a mischievous smirk. "I always thought it was 'piggy-back riding'."
"You think you're cleaver do you?" He retorted as he jumped up and down a couple of times to jolt her. Josie squealed and laughed, clinging tighter to him. Sam's smile broadened at the sound of her laughter. It was a sound that he absolutely loved to hear and that he tried to encourage every chance he got. Lara wasn't a laugher. At least she didn't laugh at the same things that he did. And even when she did find something funny her laugh always sounded a bit forced. She never threw back her head and let out a boisterous, heartfelt laugh like Josie had just done. Sam hadn't realized before how much hearing someone else laugh could make you feel so good.
When they reached the front porch Sam gently set her down on the wooden deck and then turned to face her. Tucking a wet strand of hair behind her ear he said softly. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"
Josie slid her arms around his neck and smiled warmly at him. "Not in the last half hour."
Sam slid his arms around her waist and pulled her closer as he whispered. "I love you, Josie Geller."
"I love you too." She told him sincerely before submitting to his kiss.
As the couple pulled apart they heard the screen door open. "Are you two at it again?" A male voice asked with mock disgust. When the couple looked at him he added wickedly. "Every time I look outside this morning all I see is you two playing tonsil hockey!" Josie's face flushed beet red with embarrassment as she hid her face against Sam's chest as he glared angrily at the other man. The younger man just continued to give Sam a cheeky look, totally unconcerned about the death look he was getting. "I mean get a room or something, guys."
"I heard that Russell Thomas Coulson!" A female voice called warningly from inside the house. A moment later the owner of the voice pushed open the screen door and stepped out onto the verandah. "You'd better watch that mouth of yours, young man or I'll be washing it out with soap. Your father and I didn't raise you without manners!" After giving Russell a light whack on the back of the head the woman turned her attention to Josie who was now watching the pair curiously, her head pressed comfortingly against Sam's chest as he held her securely in his arms. "Please excuse my son, Josie." The older woman told her kindly. "He tends to speak first and then think later."
Josie giggled slightly when she caught the look Russ Coulson gave his mother behind her back. It was a look very similar to the one she'd seen her brother give their mother in similar situations. It was obviously a 'guy thing' to do. Turning her attention back to the older woman Josie gave her a warm smile and pushed herself slightly away from Sam. "It's okay, Mrs. Coulson. I have one at home just like him." At the woman's slightly puzzled look she hastened to explain. "My brother Rob's about the same age as Russ - and just as outspoken." She gave the young man a knowing look.
"Yeah, but I don't think even Rob is as outspoken as Russ is." Sam teased, giving his brother a few good-natured jabs in the ribs. Russ smirked slightly and jabbed him back. Josie giggled again as she watched a sudden light-hearted free-for-all break out between the two men. They reminded her a lot of herself and Rob.
"Will you two knock it off!" A younger woman exclaimed in mock exasperation as she joined them on the porch. "You two are like a couple of overgrown teenagers." Sam and Russ exchanged mischievous looks before wordlessly turning their assault on her. "Stop! Okay, stop! Please stop!" She pleaded as she laughed hard at their pokes and tickles.
Sarah Coulson rolled her eyes in exaggerated amusement and commented to Josie. "You get those three together and all hell breaks loose!"
Josie smiled and chuckled. "They do seem to be very adapt at this."
Sarah nodded and smiled. "Oh, yeah. They've had lots of experience at this! They're always horsing around one way or another."
"That's nice." Josie remarked as she continued to watch the laughing trio. Sam was now pulling a laughing Abby into a big bear hug, effectively soaking her with his wet clothes. His sister squealed and squirmed, trying hard to get out of her brother's tight grasp. After a few moments Sam let her go. Abby continued to laugh as she ran a hand futilely over her wet clothes.
"I'll get you for this Samuel James Coulson!" She exclaimed, but the twinkle in her eyes belied her crisp words.
Sam, breathless and laughing, returned to Josie's side and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her gently to him. "Honey, I'd like you to meet my illustrious family. This is Abby and Russ and our wonderful mother, Sarah. Everyone, this is my lovely and extremely talented girlfriend, Josie Geller."
Running a hand through her damp and messy hair Josie commented. "I don't feel very lovely at the moment." Then realizing that she'd said the words out loud she blushed red with embarrassment.
Sarah smiled slightly and assured her. "You look just fine, dear. And I'm glad we finally get to meet the woman that we've heard so much about over the last few weeks. Sam has told us so much about you that we feel like we've known you forever."
"He's told me a lot about all of you too." She commented a little nervously. "Thank you for allowing me to come up for a visit. I've been looking forward to meeting you for weeks now."
"We're happy to have you." Sarah assured her, liking the young woman more and more with every word out of her mouth. She did seem like a very sweet, kind-hearted girl and she could see why Sam was attracted to her. "Now, why don't you and Sam go upstairs and get cleaned up while Abby and I get breakfast ready?"
"Waffles with real maple syrup?" Sam quizzed hopefully. "And sausages?"
Sarah laughed knowingly. "I think we can arrange that."
"I have first dibs on the shower!" Sam announced as he pulled away from Josie and headed for the front door.
It only took Josie a moment to recover from her surprise before she was on his heels calling at his retreating form. "Whatever happened to 'ladies first', Coulson?"
"Doesn't count when it comes to waffles and maple syrup." He told her cheekily as he began running up the stairs with her hot on his heels.
"Don't you get that dirty pond water all over my clean house, Samuel Coulson!" His mother called after him.
Sam paused on the stairs and grinned back at his mom who was peering at them through the screen door. "Yes, mother!"
The older woman smirked slightly and admonished. "And you let that young lady of yours use the shower first or you won't be getting any waffles."
"Yes, mom!" Sam acknowledged letting out a martyr's sigh. "The things I do for love." He grumbled with mock disgruntlement as he marched dejectedly up the rest of the stairs.
"For the love of me or the love of waffles?" Josie asked him mischievously as she matched his speed.
"Both." He complained as he gained the landing.
"Rob always warned me never to get between a guy and his food. Especially if there's baseball involved." Josie commented teasingly to his back.
"Rob's a wise man." Sam remarked as he paused on the landing and turned back to look at her.
"Only when it comes to food and baseball." She replied with a laugh as she came to a stop on the last step before the landing.
"His two greatest loves." Sam chuckled as he reached out and touched her cheek affectionately.
"Three actually." She corrected and then explained when he gave her a quizzical look. "It goes baseball, food and baseball. In that order. Though maybe that'll change now that he and Aldys are an item."
"It usually does." Sam told her, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "Especially when the girl you find is the one you fall head over heels for." When Josie gave him a tender smile he added softly. "There's nothing in this world that means more to me than you."
Josie gave him a warm look as he leaned down to punctuate his words with a kiss. When he pulled away she gave him a mischievous smile and asked. "So does this mean that I get to use the shower first?"
Sam smirked at her and sighed. "I don't really have a choice do I? If I don't let you, I don't get any waffles. And I don't love anything more than I love you, I still love my waffles!" Josie laughed as he put his arm around her shoulder and prompted her to join him on the landing. Kissing the side of her head he asked curiously. "How long do you usually take to shower?" Josie's amused laugh echoed through the house as she slipped an arm around his waist and let him lead her down the hall towards their rooms.
As the chuckling pair disappeared down the hallway Sarah Coulson turned away from the screen door and commented to her two other children, a broad smile on her delighted face. "You know, I think I'm really going to like her!"