Thanksgiving Dinner
The Lehman house was full of people by 1:00. Emily's brother Daniel, his wife Rachel and their daughter Hannah had arrived around noon and Matt immediately found a friend in the younger Lehman. Grandma and Grandpa Lehman were the next to arrive, noting their disapproval of Emily's choice in boyfriends. They actually brought a young man, about 8 years younger than Emily, who works for her grandfather's law firm with them in hopes of setting them up. Her Aunt May and Uncle Glenn were the next ones to get there followed by three of her cousins and their families. Matt was overwhelmed, but happy to have one ally in the group.
They gathered in the large dining room for dinner where they all found a seat, Emily between the lawyer and Matt. As was tradition, they all went around the table saying what they were thankful for. Someone said something about Emily finally bringing a man home, something else was said about her losing the thirty or so pounds she put on in before Phoenix, and another comment was made about her gracing them with her presence since her life was obviously too busy for her family. Emily was on the verge of tears when Matt spoke up.
"I know I'm not exactly welcome here by everyone, and that I'm not officially part of this family, but I hope to be one day. I'd like to say what I'm thankful for before anyone else goes on belittling Emily. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time to be grateful for what we have, not to rip apart our relatives and make jokes at their expense." Matt was more than angry now.
"Matt, sit down." Emily pleaded to no avail.
"No, I'm not going to sit here and listen to them put you down and I'm surprised you are. That's not like you." Matt said before continuing, I am thankful for Emily. She is the most wonderful woman I have ever known. She's beautiful, intelligent, generous, caring, strong, and independent, one of the best at what she does, and I love her. She does not deserve to be treated like this and I will not allow it to go on anymore. Oh yeah, there's one more thing." Matt nervously looked to Emily who was crying now.
He got down on one knee and pulled a ring from his pocket. He took her hand in his and spoke as the Lehman family gasped in shock.
"Emily Rose Lehman, I love you and am thankful for you everyday of my life. I know that I can't give you the things you grew up with but I can give you me. I can't wait to wake up in the morning and spend the day with you. I am so happy you have chosen me to be the one you're with. Your family is as crazy and messed up as mine, but I want to spend everyday being your family and taking care of you. I know what you're going to say, you can take care of yourself, but let me do it with you. So what do you say Em? Will you marry me?"
Emily wiped the tears from her eyes and sighed. This man was truly wonderful. Not only did he defend her to her family, he proposed to her during a time when she really needed to know she was loved. He knew her better than she knew herself sometimes. She shook her head yes before wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply. Matt stood, lifting her with him as they continued to kiss.
Mr. Lehman cleared his throat causing the couple to separate, but this time Matt kept his arms around Emily's waist holding her close. "Don't think this changes my rules."
"Don't worry Mr. Lehman. I think it's time Emily and I left." Matt replied taking Emily by the hand and leading her to the door. He quickly got their suitcase and bag and met Emily outside. Daniel drove them around until they found a hotel with a room. He reluctantly said good-bye and apologized with a promise to visit them in L.A. soon.
Matt and Emily solidified their new commitment with sex late into the night. The couple enjoyed the freedom to hold each other and to show their love without restrictions. They fell asleep on the plane ride home ready to make plans for their future together knowing that they were their own family. They were thankful this year just to be together and to have survived a New York Christmas.