Chapter 7

The family weekend was over in a blur and they all went back to their life's. Got trapped in their routines. And a month later Betty does kind of miss it. The four days of just being with him. And his family, of course. But knowing they don't have to part to go to work or deal with any other obligations. His family was so welcoming and nice. It was so easy to become a part. Daniel keeps saying that it's her sphere of kindness. That no one has a choice but to be nice to her. She's just too loveable. She thinks he's being ridiculous. But whatever it was, Betty takes it and is grateful.

She feels nostalgic walking through MODE again. She works at NYJ four months now. And absolutely loves it. As hard as it is to not see Daniel every time she wants to. She makes sure to make up for it. Yes, they would spend literally all their time together after work. Which is great. But doesn't feel like it's enough. So Betty would bring him lunch or dinner. Whatever his busy time schedule would allow.

'Hey, I heard from Gunnar that you have time for lunch', she stands in the doorway to his office, takeout from their favourite Thai restaurant in tow. His head whips up the second he hears her voice. The brilliant smile absolutely gorgeous.

'Oh my god, you're amazing', he leans back in his chair and watches her every move. God, he's literally staring. And plopping down on the chaise, she smiles at him.

'What?'

'Nothing, it's just..., you look beautiful', sitting down next to her, he slings his arm around her shoulders and pulls her into his side. And burying his nose in her hair, he takes in her fruity sensual scent while his hand draws softly up and down her upper arm. 'I missed you'

'I missed you too', her hand softly combs through his hair. Takes in his tense features and muscles. 'What has you in such a twist?'

'It's just a lot of work right now. I could use a weekend away from everything', his hand softly cups the back of her head, moves her head a few inches away to look at her.

'Yeah, me too', stretching her head up, he softly dips his head down and brushes his lips over hers. A barely touch. Enough to make her lips tingle and blood boiling. Enough to crave more. Cupping his neck, she pulls him further down, kisses him wet and eager.

'They are lovely together, Brad', Claire gushes and melts into her husbands side, a deep happy sigh on the tip of her tongue. 'Will you look at that? You can see the love shine right through them. It's so beautiful. It suits them both so well'

'Yeah, well, maybe we should interrupt them. They seem to get carried away', Bradford says weary. Walking over to their sons office door, they stop in their tracks right in front of it, when they suddenly hear them talking again. Standing behind the door, they're very well hidden from the two lovebirds.

'You know, we should really talk more about the whole moving in thing. You know I'm a very impatient man', Daniel almost whines.

'And you know, that I'm a very reasonable woman, babe. My lease isn't up for another two months and it will cost me a little fortune to get out of it prematurely. You know that. And paying for an apartment that I won't live in seems so wasteful', Betty reasons sweetly.

'You always forget that I'm a Meade', their sons desperate voice gets carried over to the door.

'I don't forget. I simply don't care. There's a difference'

'I know, and you know that I love you for it. But you also know that I would happily pay for your godawful apartment'

'And you know that I don't want you too. I don't want anyone to think I'm only with you, because of your money. Get that into your thick skull', Betty's tiny voice sounds joking, Daniel's little chuckle a lovely confirmation.

'You are the most stubborn woman I ever met in my entire life', he sighs deep.

'Thank you, I'll take it as a compliment'

'You're the only one who would', a muffled sound is heard. Betty must've hit their son on the shoulder. Her little giggle combined with his chuckle so cute, the most wonderful sounds Claire has ever heard.

'Babe, we practically already live together. You know that. But when we're at my place, you complain that you haven't the right dresses. And the only problem with your apartment is..., ...that it sucks', a few muffled sounds and a deep soft chuckle later, 'Ok, ok, I'm sorry. It doesn't suck. But it's too small'

'And you keep complaining, that you're always wearing the same suits. Nowhere is ideal'

'It would be if all of our clothes would be at one place together. Like at my place. You could save money, too'

'Moving in with someone is not about saving money, Daniel'

'Are you being this difficult, because you don't want too? You know you can just say that?'

'No, I want to, boy do I want to, but I also think about the costs. Paying off my lease and rent isn't saving any money'

'What do you mean paying rent?'

'Well, if we move in together, I would pay rent'

'Oh my god, you're incorrigible. You want to pay rent. We would live together in a house I bought eight months ago, when we weren't even dating. You paying rent wouldn't make any sense, babe. Are you feeling well?'

'I'm feeling glorious, thank you very much', these two are really ridiculous. Betty is too proud and wants to prove herself too much. While he simply wants to be with her. No matter the costs. 'Okay, don't look at me like that. That's not fair. We're trying to have a real argument, without ending up in a fight. And so far we're doing great'

'Okay, let me turn this whole moving in idea around for a little bit. You want to move in with me, right?'

'Yes, of course, I would love to', Betty says without a doubt.

'And you would even want to move into my house, right? We wouldn't need to find a completely new place?'

'Yes, of course, you just bought it. Anything else would be ridiculous'

'So the only thing holding us back right now is your goddamn lease? The one you claim will cost a fortune to get out?'

'Yes, the only thing'

'Otherwise you would move in right away?'

'Yup, you nailed it so far, genius', her mischievous smile is heard through her statement.

'So, If I would tell you, that I feel the same? That I would love nothing more than to have you around 24/7?'

'Then I would say that I love you and that I want that too, babe'

'Ok, listen to me? And don't jump in with your rationality just yet. How about we split the costs of your lease? We both pay one half. That way, you wouldn't bankrupt yourself and it would only be fair. Because you are giving up your own place and freedom...'

'But I would gain so much more', Betty purrs soft.

'...and I happen to know a great way, how you could pay off your rent', Bettys giggle is too adorable. And for a few short seconds nothing was heard, until...

'Stop it, this is not helpful. I can't think straight', a little moan was heard and another muffled sound.

'Sorry, you just smell so nice, babe', Daniel's mischievous voice paper thin.

'Ok, I will agree to the whole splitting the costs for my lease thing...'

'Yesss'

'...but not the rent'

'Betty, honestly, when you move in with someone, in a house that's payed for. Which no one has to pay a single penny for. Would the person who moves in pay rent? I don't think so'

'Daniel, I would feel so bad. I don't want...'

'I know, but no one could ever think about you like that. And I simply don't care. Let them think what they want. I told you before, if they want to assume the worst, let them. I love you and I want to be with you'

'Wow, that was so eloquent, Daniel. Let me lean back and enjoy my fine work for a bit'

'Ha ha, I guess I deserved that one'

'No you didn't, I'm just joking. But be proud of yourself. I know I am. You just found a solution to our problem'

'Really, so your moving in?'

'Yes, I'm moving in with you'

'Like say next weekend?'

'I have to talk to my landlord first'

'Ok, but come Saturday, you could move'

'You won't give up, will you?'

'Never', Daniel sighs longingly.

'Alright then, come Saturday, I move in with you', Betty's soft voice was barely audible. But clear enough for Claire to understand. Their argument is over. And Daniel and Betty are probably going to be in lovey-dovey-cuddling-mood. Maybe they should really interrupt them now. Knocking on the door and giving them a minute to entangle themselves from each other, Claire and Bradford enter their sons office.

'Hello, you two, how are you doing?', Claire greets them, as if nothing was up.

'Hey mom, dad, we knew you were behind the door. We saw you standing outside my office. You're not very discreet. And we're good, thank you', Daniel greets them, smug smile on his face. While Betty picks up his carton and hands it over to him. Places the napkin on his thigh, before leaning forward and grabbing her own noodles.

'Hmm, I liked it better when you two were too oblivious to what I was up to. Your so much better together', Claire says challenging and sits down in one of the chairs in front of them. And Betty can't help but smile at her, despite the noddles hanging out of her mouth.

'Oh, we're so sorry', Daniel says, voice dripping with irony and sticks his tongue out to his mom. And Claire is so amused by it, that she laughs light and airy.

Shaking his head at his son, Bradford sits down in the chair next to his wife. Examines the two. The way Daniel seems to struggle with the chopsticks. How he curses quietly under his breath. And the amused smile Betty throws at him, before handing over the plastic fork.

'You know how bad I suck at this. You could've given me the fork right away', he bumps his shoulder against Betty's and makes her snicker.

'And rob myself of the funny picture of you trying to get any food in your mouth? Never...', she bumps against him too and makes Bradford laugh.

'And on Saturday your moving in with each other. This is getting awfully serious, isn't it?'

'Well, we're not just screwing each other, if that's what you mean, mom', Daniel says without thinking about it. And earns a slap on the back of his head from Betty for that comment. The noodles slip out of his mouth and back into the carton. 'Sorry, I wasn't thinking'

'Obviously, but yeah, Claire? What did you think we are doing?'

'Oh, uhm..., nothing. I wasn't thinking anything. I just thought..., how lovely to see you two moving forward..., and I'm really happy for you..., and uhm..., yeah..., that, that, that..., that was it..., I swear...', Betty never saw Claire so flustered. It is glorious. She could get used to it.

'By the way, is there a reason your both here?', Daniel is so happy. Nothing could ruin this for him. Not even his noisy parents. Because yes, Betty might've moved out of his arms the second they heard the knock. But she will move in with him in two days. And soon..., well he doesn't want to get his hopes up. But they're moving in the right direction. A more life changing and permanent one. Which he can't wait for.

'Yes, we wanted to talk to you both. We plan a special Thanksgiving this year', Claire's sweet smile is honest. She really just wants to be nice. And probably had high hopes to see them together. To see how they be around each other.

'A special thanksgiving? Is someone dying?'

'Daniel', his mom scolds immediately.

'What? Isn't it still like two months away? You're already making plans?'

'No, no one is dying, we just thought, that maybe we could invite your family Betty. And you of course', Bradford explains, looking hopeful at Betty. Big eyes and small smile absolutely endearing.

'Oh my god, really?', clutching her hand to her heart she feels so honoured. 'I would love that'

'If your family is comfortable with that', Claire adds fast.

'What? Of course. I know they will love it'

'Wonderful', Claire says happy. The little glint in Daniel's eyes doesn't go unnoticed. He has a plan. Claire's sure of it.

How she ended up there. Sitting on their couch and crying over a stupid stick? She has no idea. The last thing she remembers is going home early. She felt sick at work. Had to run to the toilet. But when Gina gave her a piece of the brownies she brought, she couldn't stop eating. Even got a second serving. And the small bag of chips she tends to keep in one of her drawers? Gone in a matter of minutes.

And then it just popped back into her mind. The pregnancy scare with Matt. But what would be the odds? For sure it would be just that. A scam. She's not pregnant.

Though convincing herself was a lot harder then she thought. Every few minutes her thoughts would drift off. What if she is pregnant? Would she be happy? Of course, she loves Daniel. She wants to have a family with him one day. Though she didn't think that it would happen so soon. But what about Daniel? Would he even want a baby right now? Yes, everyone knows that Daniel wants kids. But right now? What if he doesn't? What would happen if he doesn't want it? Would they split up? No, no she refused to think about it. She truly believes that they're at a place in their relationship, where they can recover from something like this. Though that doesn't answer her most pressing question.

Is she even pregnant?

Realizing that she won't get any work done, til she solved her own problems. She talked to her boss and went home a little early.

Ever since Matt she tends to keep a test at home. Just to make sure. And on her way home she was really contemplating to take that damn test.

And she did.

And that's why she's sitting there, crying over the thought what might've been. But isn't. It's not that they were trying. They never even spoke about it. And yes, it is possible that Daniel has no idea how she feels about this part of their relationship. But at least Betty knows that she wants that. With him. So not being pregnant, planned or not - it hurts.

The only thing she could think of doing is to throw that damn stick in the bin, curl up on their couch, hide under the blankets and cry a little more.

'Hey, how are you feeling', Daniel's home. A soothing hand gently brushing her hair out of her face. Betty must've fallen asleep sometime during her hideaway.

'Oh, hey, yeah, a little better', she says yawning a bit while sitting up.

'That's good. I was really worried that you would get sick. But since your not, how about I change real quick and then we can talk about dinner, ok?', he says, already walking over to his office.

He's calling something over, but Betty couldn't concentrate. All she could think about was that damn stick. And that she's not pregnant. The only warning is the slight prickle beneath her eyes, before the dams brake. And she cries silently into her hands. Again.

'Hey, did you hear what I said?', he asks, walking over to the stairs. 'God, babe, what is wrong. Are you in pain? Do you need anything?' He's immediately at Bettys side, pries her hands from her face. Takes her chin gently into his hand to make Betty look up into his eyes - full of mind-twisting love and worry. 'Come on, baby, talk to me. What is going on?'

'I..., I'm..., I'm not pregnant', Betty presses out through uncontrollable sobs. And he doesn't know what to say. Of course not, because he has no idea what she's been through today.

'I had no idea we were trying', he says carefully.

'We..., we weren't. But when I had to throw up at work this morning and was picking out on junk food a few hours later. I thought I might be. But I'm not', Betty explains through more controllable sobs by now.

'Oh..., and that is bad, I guess?', he's still careful. Takes in her slumped down frame, while she rubs over her eyes. Hears the soft curse about being to emotional. And can only adore her in this moment. The small smile forms on its own.

'No..., I mean yes..., I mean..., huh, I don't know what I mean. We never talked about it. But I know that you want kids one day. And thinking about eventually having a little blob of cells in me, that has a little bit of me and whole lot of you? The thought was nice', she says small, hands fidgeting in her lap, eyes cast down. Once in a while her eyes would drift up and take a fleeting look at him. Afraid of what he might say.

'That does sound amazing', and folding her into his arms, he rests their backs against the couch. 'Though I thought I should make an honourable woman out of you first', he jokes.

'Oh, I get it', Betty says under her breath. The disappointment simmering low.

'And knowing that you're nowhere near ready for that. I think we...', he comes that far before she cuts him off.

'Huh? What makes you say that?', now it's boiling up. Makes itself heard throughout her question. And moving out of his arms, she looks at him.

'I know you Betty. You need time and think things through', he says gently, takes her back into his arms. 'I can wait as long as you need me too'

And with that they just sit there. Betty still wrapped up in the soft blanket, while Daniel soothingly rubs her upper arm. Now and then places a soft kiss against her temple. Both of them hang onto their own thoughts. And Betty can't help but think that this is ridiculous. She just doesn't get where he gets the idea from. Is she behaving different than usual? Because when she knows that she's ready and he still thinks she's not? Then will they ever get married? How the hell does he even want to know that she's ready? Is he a mind reader or what? She doesn't think so. Or her life would be a lot easier. This is infuriating. Does she has to hold up a sign? Again?

'Betty, I can hear you think. Tell me what's going on in that pretty head of yours', he says all of a sudden. Maybe he is a mind reader.

'It's just..., I don't understand why you think that I'm not ready, when I know very clear that I am', she asks small. This is not the time to freak. And definitely not the time for a fight. And when she shyly looks up into his eyes, she meets a storm of emotions. Bewilderment, understanding, relief, excitement and so much love.

'Ok so, hypothetically, If I would ask?', he says carefully and slow.

'Then I would answer', Betty says just as careful, looks into his cerulean eyes.

'Wait, is that a yes?', he says sitting up, trying to contain his excitement.

'When you're asking?', Betty replies. And in an instant is engulfed in a bone crushing hug and a toe curling kiss.

'God, I love you. I love you so much. You have no idea how happy you just made me', he says, nose buried in her hair, placing sensual kisses along her hairline.

'I love you too', her smile absolutely glorious, the little tears glistening in the corner of her eyes betraying her happiness. And the feeling of being whole in the best way possible absolutely priceless.

'Tell me again why you thought it was a good idea to cook the meal ourselves?', not that she doesn't like the idea. No that's not it at all. And they both became pretty decent cooks over the last six months. It was one thing they decided to do when they started dating.

It was meant as something outside of work that they would do together. Well, except for the most obvious thing. And as a nice side effect they could finally prepare some easy meals and not live of takeout only.

'I thought it would be a nice thing to do. Mom said that she wanted to do it. And when dad said she was feeling under the weather and maybe isn't up for it, I thought we could jump in. This is our first combined Thanksgiving, babe', finding all the groceries is the easy part. Well, when Betty pays enough attention and manages to lead him into the right isles. And makes sure he doesn't pick out the biggest turkey in town.

'Ok, I get that. And I love that you're so invested. Really, I do. I just thought that with the News we have to share we might be a little to absentminded to pay attention to the food prepping', looking down on her right hand, she smiles at the brightly shining, soft champagne coloured ring.

'Maybe that's why I want to make sure everything's perfect', Betty plucks at the back of his jacket and makes him turn around and forget the nerve-wrecking task for a fleeting minute.

'It doesn't have to be perfect, you know? It doesn't matter if the foods home-cooked or ordered in. It's not important if the turkey is on point or a tad too dry. Today family matters most. Spending time together. Being reminded of how lucky we are. It's the thought that counts, babe. And I know for a fact that you have the best intentions at heart', slinging her arms around his waist, she sees him visibly relaxe in her embrace. 'We're going to be with family. Yours, mine, ours. Nothing could get wrong. But if this is so important to you, then we're going to cook this meal as best as we know too'

His hands rub up and down her upper arms, before slinging around her shoulders and crushing her to him. And bending down he softly kisses her for a few heady seconds.

'Mmmh, what was that for?', she almost purrs, smiling up at him.

'You just reminded me why I wanna marry you', another heated kiss and he gently entangles himself out of her embrace.

'I know, I'm amazing', her arm thrown around his waist she turns around and looks onto the grocery list. 'What do we still need?'

'Uuhm..., bread, cranberries and a pumpkin'

'What's the pumpkin for? Soup or pie?'

'Pie', looking down, he sees her concentrating on the groceries in their cart. 'What? You don't like pumpkin pie?'

'Huh? Oh no, I love pumpkin pie. But I'm kind of craving apple pie. So I was just thinking. Maybe we could make apple pie as dessert instead. I know an easy recipe I could make. And if you want to, we could still get the pumpkin and make soup', looking up she sees the softest most loving smile on his face. 'What?'

'I love you, you know?'

'Thank you', her mischievous smile the last thing he sees before she turns around and grabs all the ingredients she needs for the changed dessert.

'Hey, your suppose to say it back, babe', chasing after her with the cart, he nearly bumps into a pyramid off cans. Could only stop in the last possible moment. The old woman in the next isle shakes her head scoldingly at him. Excusing himself he rushes off in the other direction. 'Did you hear me, Betty?'

'Sure I did, babe', she's in the isle next to him. So speeding up he tries to catch up to her before she can escape again. And turning around the corner and into the next isle he sees it's empty. Huffing out he's contemplating of waiting for her at the cash out. 'Hey, Daniel, I could use your manpower over here'

Aaah, there's his chance of getting to her. She's probably at the pumpkins. And when he makes his way over he sees a little pile of grocery's next to them with a little note. Pack it up, will you, handsome? P.s. Don't forget the pumpkin xxx

'Come on, where the hell did she get the note and pencil from?', and that's when he sees the packages in the little pile. She grabbed them in the store. She can be so infuriating sometimes. Why exactly does he want to marry her again?

'You know, you should really hurry up. We will need as much time to prepare the meal as we can get. And right now your dilly-dallying around', leaning against the wall and looking disinterested down on her nails, he jumps at the sight of her. How does she do that? She's small sure, but she's not invisible. And how the hell is she so quiet? He hasn't even noticed her sneaking up on him.

'How did you get there?', pushing the cart and walking over to her, he shakes his head, tries the hardest to not laugh at himself.

'Oh honey, you haven't seen anything yet', it's a mock-challenge. He knows it. He can hear it in her voice and see it on her face. And boy does he love it. The teasing and flirting? It's so hot. She's so hot like this. Always keeps him on his toes. 'Oh, and by the way, I love you too'

Her smile turns soft and loving, almost dreamy. So when he steps into her body and claims her lips in a hot and eager kiss, it's simply out of his control. And when his hands make their way under her jacket and knitted sweater to touch her silky skin at her hips and waist, it's their decision and not his. And when he takes a step closer and traps her effectively between the wall and his body to feel her glorious curves pressed up against him, that's not his decision either. But keeping her pinned there and letting one hand wander down her body and sensually grab her butt throughout her tight jeans, that's definitely on him. Cause he just made the decision to order in for Thanksgiving and be occupied with her til they have to make their way over to his parents mansion.

'Excuse me, but you are in a grocery store. If you could find yourselves a hotel room?', flying apart from each other, they both look sheepishly at the clerk.

'We're so sorry. But we just found out that I'm pregnant. We are so happy, I guess we got carried away. Now we have even more reason to celebrate Thanksgiving properly, don't we, honey?', and with a swing of her arm around his waist, Betty really sells this.

'Yes, babe, you're right. We're just so thankful', he slings his arm around her shoulders and pulls her into his side.

'So thankful', smiling up at him, her hand softly travels down his back and into the back pocket of his jeans.

'And again, we're really sorry', he smiles apologetic at the clerk and tries to look as guilty as possible. Talk about ruining the mood.

'No, no, I'm sorry. I had no idea. I'm not going to mention it. Just promise to get that room and celebrate in private'

'Oh we will, definitely', Betty almost purrs.

'And congratulations', with that the clerk is gone and the two are alone again.

'What just happened?'

'I saved our asses before the clerk could run to his boss and get us thrown out without our groceries. We don't have time to go find everything again. So come on, let's check out and go to your parents'

Arriving at his parents mansion was the easy part. Getting in without them noticing the ring on Betty's hand almost impossible. Because nowadays his mother is checking out Betty's hands in excruciating detail. She's expecting something for sure. But that doesn't mean that they have to make it easy for her. And they do want to tell their families together. So Betty slips the ring off of her hand and into her jeans pocket. Getting all the groceries in the kitchen was a struggle. Though Bradford did help. Thank goodness. But for some reason Daniel shoes him away the second he placed down the turkey.

Preparing herself with an apron, Betty gets the turkey and places it in front of Daniel.

'Okay first you have to get the entrails out', they both stand there, let their heads fall to the right side and watch it disgusted.

'You mean, I have to...', looking at her, he sees her little dry-gag.

'Yup, you know what to do', another dry-gag behind her hand, an encouraging clap on the back and she turns away to the side and grabs the pumpkin.

'Why do I have to do it?'

'Isn't that obvious?'

'If you say, because I'm the man...'

'It's a quick in and out. That's definitely more your expertise', his mouth is gaping. Eyes huge. He never would've expected a comment like that. From her of all people.

'You did not just say that?', a wicked smile stretching slowly over his face.

'Yes, I did. Come on, you can even wear gloves, babe', holding the gloves up in the air, they are dangling in front of her face and in the limited space between them.

'But didn't you tell me that you've done this nearly a dozen times? With your dad? Wouldn't it be more efficient to let you do the getting out and prepping part? And you can better manoeuvre inside that turkey with your slim dainty hands'

'First of all, my dad always did this part. I've never had to do it myself. And second? This is not the time for compliments', but huffing out she rolls up her sleeve and bumps him away with a twist of her hips. 'Get out of my way and grab a bowl'

Getting everything out was the hard part. But she managed. And while Daniel prepared the bread stuffing, she rubs off the insides with hands full of salt, sugar, pepper and rum. Easy. Stuffing it up, even easier. Now it was time for the outside seasoning and that big bird can fly into the oven. Done.

'I'm impressed. If that turkey tastes as good as you looked preparing it, no one will ever forget this years Thanksgiving', leaning against the counter, he looks at her appreciative. Lets his eyes wander over her figure, while she's washing her hands.

'Your so silly sometimes', shaking her head at him, she throws a quick look over to him. 'Hey, watch the soup or we can scratch that from the menu'

They managed to prepare the other side dishes together without any incidents. And when the apple pie is finally in the oven, Betty takes a last look at the turkey. And it looks absolutely delicious. Now she just hopes that she always paid enough attention to what her father was doing all those years and that it will taste just as good.

Getting ready upstairs, they even manage to sneak in a quick shower, before changing into their festive outfits.

'Babe, I'm going downstairs and look after the pie and turkey, alright?'

'Sure, I shouldn't take long'

Taking one last look into the mirror, she adjusts the fit of her burgundy dress and pins a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. And that's when it hit her. Her ring. Picking up her jeans she searches in the pockets. Finds absolutely nothing. But she did take it off when they first arrived. Because of Claire.

Searching the pockets of her jeans again, she gets frantic. Where is that ring? She could've sworn she put it in one of them.

But she put it back on, once they were in the kitchen. Already a habit. A bad one as it seems. She wished it wouldn't feel so right to have it on. Because the next thing she did was clearing out the turkey.

Without gloves.

So, it could either got thrown out with the intestines or is currently stuck in the turkey and will reappear on one of their family members plates. Just her damn luck. Oh shoot, Daniel. He has to know.

Rushing downstairs, she flies past their families, shouts out a quick 'Hello' in their direction, ignores their confused looks and bursts into the kitchen. Crashing the door close behind her and leaning against it, she sees Daniel turning around on his heel. Her shocked face alarming him immediately.

'What? What's going on?', he places the pie down and is in a matter of seconds at her side.

'Daniel, my ring'

'What's with your ring?', he takes her hand in his and looks at her empty finger.

'Did you forget it upstairs? It's ok, you can still get it. Everyone just arrived. They won't even notice', he turns around again, and keeps looking after the side dishes.

'Nope, not upstairs', her weary voice makes him stop in his tracks.

'What do you mean?', throwing a questioning look over his shoulder he sees her apologetic face. 'Betty?'

'Ok, don't get mad. But I stupidly wore it when we were preparing everything earlier. And I think there are two possible scenarios?'

'Which are?', he slowly walks back to her. Looks almost dangerous. Like a wild animal hunting down it's prey. Especially combined with his low raspy voice. She could really enjoy this. His looming figure, the voice and the look? It's so hot. Really. If only their family's wouldn't be behind the next door and her ring back on her hand.

'It could be in the trash'

'Or?', she squirms against the door and dodges his gaze. His looming proximity almost too much.

'Or it could be in the turkey, baking at 320 F', hanging her head low, she waits for his lecture. But what she gets is a booming laugh. Looking bewildered up at him, she thinks he just went crazy. 'Are you Ok? Did you hear what I just said?'

'Sure I did, babe', the mischief twinkles in his eyes. 'Alright, let's get the bin and look through it, before anyone comes in'

Jacket disregarded on one of the barstools, he rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt and gets the bin to sort through it.

'How does this always happen to you, babe? Can you tell me that?', he's in an incredible mood. Looks to her with the most amused smile she's ever seen on him.

'I don't know. That's what I'm asking myself. There's like this cloud of clumsiness and bad luck looming over me. Constantly. If something could go wrong, it definitely will. At least when I'm involved', sighing deep, she leans her head against his shoulder and watches his hands work diligently.

'Don't worry. If it's not in here, then it's in the turkey. And that will mean that you have it back in maybe an hour?'

'Just imagine it, Daniel. 'Oh great, thank you, Brad, you found my ring. I accidentally lost it while prepping the turkey. And sorry for chipping your tooth with it'. Not really how we wanted to tell them', laughing loud, he puts the trash back into the bin and cleans up his hands. It's definitely in the turkey. So they can't do anything about it. 'But to be honest, I'm glad it's in the turkey. I would feel so bad if it gotten thrown out'

'Come on, cheer up. So it's not how we planned it. What was it you said earlier? It doesn't have to be perfect? It's about spending time with our family?', he slings his arms around her shoulders and pulls her into his body.

'I hate when you use my own words against me'

'I know, come on, let's get the most expensive turkey ready', his low chuckle and soft kiss against her temple soothe her nerves and she helps him with the rest.

Sitting around the table, Betty gets again increasingly nervous. The pumpkin soup was absolutely delicious. Everyone is as comfortable and relaxed as they could be. Happily chatting away while Bradford stands at the end of the table to carve the turkey. The knives huge and incredibly sharp. Hopefully just cutting through meat and not metal.

'Betty, relax. I'm sure it will taste incredible. It certainly already smells delicious', Elena is a sweet soul. She really is. If only she would know what's going on.

'Thank you, Elena', grabbing Daniel's hand, she prays that the ring will magically appear while Bradford is still carving. Though she doubts it. Cause that's not her luck.

'She put so much effort and work into this. That alone is worth so much to me. That turkey over there is almost priceless', she quickly jabs Daniel in the ribs and throws a warning look at him. Ignores her dad proud and praising look back and forth between them easily. Daniels low chuckle never fades. 'Relax, it's gonna be okay'

'I can't relax until I have it back and on my finger', she snaps back low under her breath.

'So possessive', he whispers hoarsely directly into her ear. The goosebumps very delicately move down her spine and make her shiver right next to him.

'Daniel...', she threatens a little too loud.

Everyone looks at them. Well, at Betty. And she blushes ferociously.

'Is everything ok, mami?', Hilda's the first to say something. Of course, cause she's the one person next to Daniel, who can look right through her.

'Yes, everything is fine. I just lost something very important to me, that's all', she explains vague.

'Oh, you lost it here, dear? What was it? Maybe we all can help you to look for it?', Claire suggests innocently.

'You know that is a wonderful idea, but I don't want the turkey to get cold. Let's eat first it can wait'

'Besides they already kind of do, you know? Helping you out to find what you've lost?'

'Daniel, I swear to god, if you don't stop it...', Betty whispers over, is only more annoyed by his quite snicker.

'You sneaky little minx. You know that could've been your chance to get to the turkey?'

'What?'

Snickering delighted in her ear, Daniel places a soft kiss against her temple. 'That is a huge turkey, babe. Maybe we won't find it and you can go through the leftovers in the kitchen without anyone noticing'

'Oh my god, that's brilliant. Why haven't I thought of that? That turkey is huge. What are the odds that we actually...'

'Uhm..., Daniel, Betty...?'

Turns out the odds are very likely. And when Betty slowly turns her head around she sees it. Her ring. Sitting on the sharp point of the carving knife. And the look on Bradfords face full of confusion and wonder. It would be priceless and enormously funny. If it wouldn't be so embarrassing.

Claire and Hilda gasp out, clutching their hands to their hearts. Probably expecting a proposal now.

'That's the weirdest hiding place I've ever seen for an engagement ring', Mike whispers loudly to Alexis, who simply claps her hand over his mouth and shakes her head at him.

'Well, that's definitely the best case scenario we could've asked for', Daniel stands up and picks the ring carefully up from the knife. 'Thanks, dad'

Daniel makes a quick detour into the kitchen, before coming back and giving it back to Betty.

'I'm not sure if this is really the best case scenario. But thank you', she smiles coyly at him, while slipping the ring onto its rightful place.

'You're welcome', taking her hand in his, he looks at the ring on her finger before placing a soft kiss right under it.

'Wait, is that the proposal? That was shitty', Justin calls out.

'Ai...', Betty says shocked. 'You little mean-pea, stay out of my business. And no, that wasn't the proposal. That was a simple lost'n'found thing'

'How can you loose a ring in a turkey?', her Papi finally finds his voice again.

'By being stupid and letting said ring on while stuffing the big bird', Betty sighs deep.

'But you didn't wear a ring when you two came over this morning. I checked', Claire investigates further.

'Can we please rewind a few minutes and acknowledge the fact that they are engaged?', Hilda says, while Bradford still stands there, knife pointing sharp in the air. Look never wavering from his son and his now fiancée.

'Oh my, Hilda you are right. Congratulations. We're so happy for you, aren't we Brad?', Claire bursts out and is in a whirlwind over at Betty's side. Embraces her in the biggest hug, before kissing Daniel on the cheek. Taking a step back, she smiles lovingly at them. Clutching her hands against her heart she sighs deeply, as if it's a dream coming true for her. She embraces her husbands waist with one arm and lays her head against his shoulder. And he, he still stands there motionless, the knife in his hand still pointing high in the air. 'Bradford, put the knife down'

'Oh, yeah, sorry. This was just the weirdest thing that ever happened to me. When I saw something brilliant in the turkey, I was sure I must be hallucinating. But then there was the ring, and I couldn't believe it. And then I just thought 'Why does he do something so... weird?'. I mean, that's a goddamn turkey we're talking about'

'Oh my god, this wasn't the proposal. I proposed to her three weeks ago. And we thought we could wait and tell you all today on Thanksgiving. We thought it was a great idea. Well, who knew that Betty's cloud of bad luck was following her around again?', pinning a few strands of hair behind her ear, he gently brushes with the back of his hand over her cheek. The rosé blush that appears, the soft smile and downcast look too adorable.

'Mija...', her Papi shakes his head and smiles at them. Laughs at himself. 'Guess I should've known better'

'Yes, you should've. And thank you for the twenty bugs. They will feel gloriously happy with me', Hilda says pleased. They both come over and embrace Betty in a tight swinging hug. It's a family hug her mother once invented. And ever since she died they stopped doing it. The memory too painful.

But Ignacio thinks that it's only right. Betty is so much like her mother. And she lived for these kind of hugs when she was a little girl. Every time she would brighten up and laugh like crazy. She would giggle and her small hands would try to hold on to her mothers blouse or her fathers sweater. It was the most beautiful sight. Though this right now? The happiness she's portraying in this moment? Or more like ever since she and Daniel got together. She's truly loved. And what else could he wish for his daughter?

'Te amo, Mija', cupping her cheeks he sees the little tears in her eyes. The unexpected, but familiar gesture overwhelming her in the cutest way. Her little nod telling him that just like always, she understands him. Wordless. 'It's time'

'Yes, it is and I love you too, dad', embracing him one last time, she smiles lovingly at him before turning around and getting embraced in a row of celebratory hugs by her new extended family.

Bradford finally puts the knife down and congratulates them. Very delicately engulfs Betty in a hug, before Claire claps him on the back to make some space. She wants a turn at the bride-to-be again.

And when Betty feels the arms of said woman wrap around her again, she couldn't feel more loved.

'Have you already made plans?'

'As if, mom. They're probably too occupied celebrating', Alexis quips in.

'Alexis, they're going to plan they're wedding. It's going to be an exciting time for them. You will understand, when you get engaged as well', shrugging her shoulder she sits back down and motions for everyone to do the same. Alexis and Mikes panicked looks get ignored easily.

'Uhm..., maybe we should tell them now', Betty's hand plops down on Daniel's knee on autopilot. Gets his attention easily.

'Don't you think we should leave that to another day? We already announced enough', he almost whines. Comes really close to it.

'Daniel...', her raised eyebrow always gets to him. It always makes him do what's right. If he wants to or not.

'Alright...', huffing his breath out, he lets his head hang low. Cherishes the little proud clap on his thigh.

'What more could you announce?', everyone is already caught up in the food.

'We may or may not have made some wedding plans', Betty says carefully.

'Plans you may not like or approve of', Daniel continues just as vague.

'Oh spill it out. You know how much I hate this cryptic nonsense', Claire always keeps it real, just like she once said. And Betty already takes in a breath and wants to say something. Cause that just doesn't sound right.

'So not the time, babe', looking expectantly at her, he grabs her hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.

'Sorry', her sheepish smile is cute and she makes it up with a quick kiss against his cheek. 'Keep going'

'We may have a nice little wedding in mind. Just family and friends. No business partners, no investors and most importantly no paparazzi'

'That sounds lovely, doesn't it?', Elena says quick with a frantic nod in Claire's direction.

'And not big at all', Hilda adds with a careful look at Claire. They all can see the elephant in the room just taking its rightful place at the head of the table and getting a big serving for itself. Right next to Bradford Meade. Publishing Mogul of Manhattan.

'What exactly do you have in mind when you say little', Bradford manages to ask very casually between bites.

'We haven't planned every little detail, but we know that no matter what we're going to do, we only want to celebrate with about twenty to twenty-five of our closest friends and families', Daniel spills out fast under his breath. Better to just spill it out and let the information sink in and work its magic.

'And maybe Wilhelmina and Marc. To show good will', Betty adds playfully. 'We're taking Daniel's responsibility to MODE into consideration. But not the whole company'

'Ok, that does sound a lot smaller then we thought it would ever be'

'Dad...', Alexis says carefully. Warning him to not fly off the handles and ruin this for the couple.

'What? I'm not saying that I don't like it. I do. And I understand where you're coming from. And if you invite Wilhelmina I'm going to shut up about anything else. You know, June would be perfect. Just in time for the MODE wedding issue'

Boy, they haven't even talked about that yet. Wedding pictures. They would have to get at least one out afterwards. And it sort of makes sense doing it through MODE. Why does she never think about that? She literally always forgets his status. He was right. They both were. She doesn't care about it. But that makes her forget about it completely.

'It's alright, we don't have to talk about it right away', Daniel softly whispers to her. Sees her huge eyes and assumes the worst.

'Huh? Oh no, I just..., you were right. I always forget that you're a Meade', laying her hand on his thigh, she softly smiles at him. Sees the trademark lopsided grin slowly making its way on his handsome face. It's her favourite smile of his.

'This must be a first'

'And last. But yeah, your dads right. Doing it through MODE makes sense. And...', leaning over she quietly whispers to him, '...we could think about inviting Byron. He did a wonderful announcement. Maybe he could break the news to the media, you know?'

'That's a great idea'

'I know, I'm full of them. Just you wait, I'm gonna blow your mind once the wedding planning is in full swing'

'I have absolutely no doubt', grabbing her hand under the table, he leans down and places a row of soft kisses against her temple.

'A wedding, wonderful. I always wondered. When one of our children will finally settle down. I never assumed it would be Daniel though. Well, I lost hope that he would ever settle down'

'Mooom...', Daniels huge eyes look at Claire shocked.

'Excuse me, darling. But you have to agree. It was a huge shock, when we found out that DJ is Alexis son and not yours. We were all so sure. We thought that we don't need a paternity test'

'Wow, you sure you want this? Cause this is how it's going to be from now on', Betty embraces him in a one-sided hug and gives him a reassuring kiss.

'Don't worry, they're going to eat they're own words'

And how right Betty was with that statement is incredible.