Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Norris replied, "I guess I should discuss it with Madge first before..."

"Discuss?" Joie's voice dropped, "Discuss what? You're the man of the house! Are you saying you can't make a simple decision without running it by your wife?" "Mom, it's not about being the man of the house. It's just basic respect to at least mention it to Madge..."

"Spineless! Go ahead and discuss. It's best if she agrees, but it doesn't matter if she doesn't. Your father and I are definitely coming over tomorrow!"

With that, Joie slammed down the phone.

Norris was speechless.

"What's wrong? Who was that?" Madge walked in from the backyard to see her husband scratching his head.

"...Mom."

"What did she say?"

"She wants to come over for a family dinner tomorrow, kind of a housewarming..."

"That sounds lovely," Madge said with a smile. "Let's invite the whole clan then. Jack, Jill, and their families, and don't forget Alva and the rest."

...

bright and early, Madge

in the afternoon, everyone

her heart souring

a mansion, a luxurious one at

the most eloquent and composed guest found

took a nudge from Irving Cole for Abbey to manage a forced, "Congratulations, Norris,

there, turning to Madge, "Auntie, may I

"Of course."

living room

too busy to come,

did she show up, but she also handed Madge a generous envelope, beaming, "This mansion looks fantastic,

"Thank you, Raven."

no

arrived with Raven, taking the prime seats on the couch and began surveying the interior of the mansion. They exchanged glances, both seeing the astonishment

was... Absolutely

outclassed their current

mansion's original decor was already impressive, but Roseanne had