Elisabeth suggested they go out to dinner.
Jackson asked, "How long are you here, Mrs. Sidwell?"
"Please, call me Miriam, and I leave the day after tomorrow."
"Why don't I leave you two alone so you can catch up? Perhaps you'd like to come to Fairhaven tomorrow for dinner?"
"I don't think so."
"Please, Mother? You have to meet Sarah and Connor."
Miriam pursed her lips then threw her hands up. "I guess if you can hang around a home full of vampires, I can."
Jackson laughed, "Great, I'll see you tomorrow."
Elisabeth walked him to his car as Miriam watched from the window. They seemed so easy with each other and she had never seen Elisabeth this happy. Joy seemed to emanate from her. They had a tough road ahead, yet after talking with Jackson and seeing them together, she felt hopeful they would overcome the many obstacles they would encounter.
Jackson brushed the back of his hand down Elisabeth's cheek. "This isn't exactly how I planned my proposal, but I think your mother is pleased."
She wrapped her arms around his waist. "What was your original plan?"
"Coronet Park, after the first Snow."
"Oh, Jackson, that's perfect!"
"You're perfect. You better get back to your mum."
She held him tighter. "I don't want you to leave."
"As much as it pains me, you should give your mother this time, we have forever."
***
Sarah and Connor were discussing whether or not to cancel Thanksgiving with his family when Jackson returned. Sarah met him at the door. "I'm glad you're home. We need your opinion. Do you think Connor's ready to be around his family?"
"Well, we don't have to worry about him losing it and feeding on mom."
Connor grimaced. "That's not it. I'm afraid they will know something is different about me and ask a lot of questions. I look so much… um… better." Connor now belonged in the same league physically as the other three. "I plan to tell them someday, but I'm not ready yet."
"Just tell them the love of a good women has made you a better man all around."
Sarah kissed Jackson. "You're so smart." She turned to Connor. "You are going to have to see them sometime. I say we get it over with."
Jackson added, "Worst case scenario is you end up having to influence them."
"I hadn't thought of that. Kind of an insurance policy. All right, let's do it."
Sarah beamed. "I better start planning my menu, only four days left."
Jackson touched her arm. "Before you start that, I have invited a dinner guest tomorrow."
"Really? Who?"