Daniel stroked Samantha's back as he didn't want her to be agitated over a matter like this. She wasn't supposed to be involved in their mess but because of what Hazel said, Samantha got triggered. He understood her wife so well but he didn't want her to be exasperated.
Samantha calmed down because of Daniel's coaxing. If it hadn't been because of him, she would have surely thrown her other shoe to Hazel's nose. That would have been lovely!
Nancy was also surprised to see Samantha defend her. They had been on bad terms ever since that incident with their friend Mia when they were still teens. She had always been rude to Samantha but at that moment, she was the only one who stood up for her. Nancy felt a prick in her heart. She felt guilty about what she had put her old friend through. She swore to be a better person.
