The day before Thanksgiving, Sarah assigned everyone their duties. Connor mostly paced, nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. He entered the dining room where Jackson stood polishing silver and Elisabeth made up floral arrangements. "What if I need blood in the middle of dinner?"
Jackson grinned, "With a little advanced planning, I think you will avoid that scenario."
"I just know my mother is going to notice how different I look."
"Even if she does, she is not going to think it's because you're a vampire. If anything, she might think you had plastic surgery to be on the same playing field as Sarah." He grinned at the perplexity across Connor's face. "You better calm down, or else your appearance is going to be the least of your worries. She may well think you've gone mad."
"Shit, you're right. I am so screwed." He trudged back into the kitchen.
Elisabeth chuckled, "You think he's going to make it?"
"I don't know, but I'll tell you one thing, this is going to be fun to watch."
Upon hearing a truck pull up, Elisabeth jumped. "It's here. I'll run up and get the box."
Sarah entered the dining room. "A truck just pulled up. What could that be?"
"You need to go back to the kitchen with Skippy until I come and get you."
"Why?"
"Because if you don't, you will ruin your wedding present."
"Oh, how exciting!" She hurried back yelling, "Connor, we have a wedding gift!"
Jackson and Elisabeth led the newlyweds outside as Jackson explained, "This is a little late. We were a bit preoccupied with turning Skippy and all."
A red McLaren Spyder with a huge white bow on top sat in front of the house. "Oh my God!" Exclaimed Sarah. "Connor look!"
Connor stood astonished. Jackson handed him the keys. "Like it?"
"Like it? This is my dream car!" He rushed to the driver's side and slid in. "I can't believe this." Sarah opened the passenger door, and found a beautifully wrapped shoebox on the seat.
Elisabeth said, "The car is more for Connor, so we decided to get you a little something of your own.
"Yeah!" She opened the box, and gasped, "These are gorgeous!"
"They're by an up-and-coming designer from Milan. They're one of a kind."
Sarah threw her arms around her. "I love them!"
Connor had come back around and hugged them both. "Thank you, this is incredible!"
"Take her out for a spin."
The newlyweds climbed into the car, and sped off. Jackson snaked his arm around Elisabeth. "I think the kids are pleased."
***
Connor's parents and sister arrived at 11:30 a.m., and planned to spend the night. Sarah greeted them and made introductions. Connor's 22 year old sister Deborah immediately displayed her attraction to Jackson. She never even glanced at Elisabeth as she shook her hand. It didn't take Connor's mother long to tell him he seemed different.