I could probably go a different route and meet you in Buffalo, which is half way between Dallas and Houston. Looks like I can go I-20 to Shreveport and cut down through Carthage and Henderson. I don't mind trying a new route, as I have driven to Houston I-55/I-12/I-10 so many times and can do it in my sleep. Looks to only add about two hours to my trip. That should reduce your drive to about 2 hours each way.
Nyles, my house is just off I-55 on the other side of the freeway from the Cherokee Inn (Fondren) Northside Drive/Meadowbrook exit. I can come up to Free Run, you can drop off, or we can meet somewhere in the middle.
Just let me know what y'all work out. I'm heading to Houston next week, but figure my next trip will be early June; could be earlier depending on some ongoing projects.