I took the rest of the week off after the catastrophic conversation between Edward and myself. This means I was able to ambush him as soon as he got home.

My tirade went something like this: “Edward! I’m so sorry! I should’ve talked stuff out with you instead of shooting you down! You know how much I love you-”

He interrupted me around that point, which was a blessing because I was about to start blubbering and begging. “Halley, stop. I’m sorry for springing it on you like that to begin with.”

We hugged. “So, we’re still going to your brother’s tomorrow?”

He nodded and I winced. This meant I had to cook a casserole to take there. Thankfully, I had printed out this great looking recipe for a Broccoli casserole. Edward and I took a trip to the little mom-and-pop market near our apartment, grabbing some Chinese on the way back through.

My casserole was a big hit. (thanks Bella for the advice) However, the day at Father Brother’s (that’s what I call Edward’s brother behind his back- sshh- ) house was as awkward and uncomfortable as family holidays come. They dragged us to the early-morning mass at their church? I don’t know what to call it- Because I’M NOT CATHOLIC! I just sat in the back, gripping Edward’s hand tightly, feeling very uncomfortable. We snuck out the back as it ended, waiting by the car until the rest of the holy rollers came out. I’m not an atheist, and have nothing against anybody’s religion, just don’t force it on me. The rest of the day was filled with football, off-handed comments about how me and Edward were “living in sin,” and me drinking a whole lotta wine and any other alcohol I could get my hands on.

This next bit I am quite ashamed about. We had just finished dinner, and Edward’s adopted dad had made a remark about my clothes. I was wearing a black, knee-length, pencil skirt, a shawl wrap from Burberry over a white turtle-neck, and a pair of Gucci pumps that could be seen as racy I guess. I was dressed to the nines togive a good impression, but he said it made me look like I was showing them all up.

I stood, or rather stumbled, to my feet. “Don’t piss on me just because your son, who isn’t even your son, decided he wasn’t Catholic. I am a good, respectful person (slight giggle there) and love Edward with everything I have.” I stopped to ponder my glass of wine. “It’s not hard to show up you folks anyway, treatin’ us like the trash that the wind blew in. My boss treats me better, and that’s sayin’ something!”

I stormed out, hailing one of the few cabs driving around that evening. Edward ran out behind me and pinned me against the cab. “I love you, babe. Thank you for saying what I should have. Marry me, please.”

I looked into his enormous, blue, puppy-dog eyes and said yes. Hey, I can’t resist the eyes. (plus, I was full of the drink )

We made up, I got a breath-taking ring, and I left my only casserole dish at Father Brother’s house. What a Thanksgiving.

-Halley (future wife of Teddie)