"Grandma's picked out a good catch for you, right here from our neck of the woods, they've even built a decent house, he's older but older men treat you better, I squared it away yesterday, you two should start dating."
The men around cheered on, pushing me to make a good first impression later.
This is beyond the pale!
"Totally forgot, where do you ancient relics dig yourselves up from? If you're so fond of the guy, why don't you marry him, Grandma? Might not get a son out of you at your age, but you'd sure spoil him rotten."
Grandpa slammed his fork down, and steely-faced ordered Mom to leave, and he needed to straighten me out.
Dad played peacemaker, nudging Mom to make a quick exit, and told me to bow and apologize to Grandpa.
"It's Thanksgiving, meant to be merry, let's not brawl any longer."
Mom snorted, snatched up the soup and overturned it on Dad's head.
Seaweed and eggs dribbled down his hair.
Mom, amid Grandma's screeching and Grandpa's bellowing, flipped the dinner table.
"This barren woman isn't serving you a bunch of overlords anymore. George Bryan, what makes your family think they can set up my daughter? How about cleaning yourself up and getting hitched instead!"
"You better have a solid explanation today, or I'll see you in court, thinking you're some kind of blueblood."
With that, Mom grabbed her bag, dragging me out in a whirl.
I turned back gleefully, taunting them with a mocking, "Na-na-na-na-na."
This holiday had been a complete circus, Dad had been on his knees for two days without Mom's forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the family business hit a snag, with the Taylor Group circling like sharks. Best strategy now? Team up with the Taylors.
I met the famous CEO, proposing a merger through marriage, spelling out the ups and downs crystal clear.
He agreed without hesitation, puzzled, I asked why.
Sure, marrying me wasn't losing out, but it wasn't his top pick either.
"Heard Miss Colder's got a knack for handling the family bigwigs."
Got it, even the best judge can't untangle family knots.
News of my February wedding got out, and Grandma's folks were on edge, drove over in the dead of night to "persuade" me.
Even brought along my cousin from my uncle's side to convince me.
"Jessie, don't shoot the messenger, but stepping into high society ain't a cakewalk, thought you prided yourself on being a strong, independent woman? Got dazzled by some dollars, huh?"