Hiram clinked his crystal wine glass with a silver spoon. All the adults at the table sampled the various treasures from the wine cellar, while those under twenty-one drank sparkling grape juice.
"Nobody eats until I give the Thanksgiving toast," Hiram said over the din of voices. The mention of food sent all eyes to the front of the table, where Hiram smirked at his newfound power. "First, I'd like to toast our little graduates: Rachel, Finn, and Kurt. In three years, we can dig into the wine cellar together." Hiram's remark brought out a cheer from Kurt, who had been disappointed to see that drinking laws were not bent on Thanksgivings at the Berry House. "Then there's the union of our two families," Hiram continued. "Six months ago if you had told me and Leroy that we'd be breaking bread together – or even celebrating an engagement, we would have laughed out loud."
Leroy shouted his agreement, clinking his glass to signal his toast. "To the beginning of many holiday meals together." Everyone at the table raised their glass in unison.
Carole stood up. "Before we begin eating, I thought we could do a Thanksgiving tradition that's always been done at the Hudson household, and go around saying what we are thankful for." Everyone nodded in agreement, and Carole took the lead. "I am thankful for my son Finn, who's doing a great service for our country and keeping everyone safe."
Rachel shifted slightly in her chair as Burt took a turn. "I'm thankful for my son Kurt making it big in New York – and for my tire shop, which is doing great business and practically running itself when I'm in D.C."
Kurt took his turn next. "I am thankful for my job at Vogue, where I can do something that I love everyday, and make a little bit of money out of it."
"Hopefully more money next year," Burt joked.
Finn held Rachel's hand as he stood up. "I'm thankful for a lot this year: my family, my country, the ability to stand up for what's right. But I am most thankful for Rachel – she believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and I hope to be able to return the favor by always believing in her."
Rachel looked at Finn with wide eyes; she could feel the tears slowly forming. What's the point of eye makeup if I'm going to mess it up, she thought, kissing Finn on the cheek. In one graceful motion, Rachel stood up. "I am thankful for NYADA and even more thankful for my fiancé Finn, who always does what's best."
Hiram and Leroy applauded, not even objecting to the term 'fiancé'. They both knew that it would be a long time before their only daughter walked down the aisle, and Finn seemed to be the ideal candidate.
Leroy smiled as he said what he was most thankful for. "For gay marriage, and equality for all; someday, it'll be in all 50 states."
"Here here," everyone shouted as Hiram took his turn. "I am thankful for everyone at this table and for this wonderful dinner that we are about to eat."
"Whoo," Burt shouted, lifting his fork. He quickly looked at Hiram. "It's okay to eat now, right?" he asked.
Hiram couldn't contain his laughter as he told Burt that it was indeed okay to eat. Everyone dug into the food, reveling in one of America's finest traditions.