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 headed out to

four in the

her heart souring more with each

Norris had moved into a mansion, a luxurious one at

most eloquent and composed guest

Cole for Abbey to manage a forced, "Congratulations,

also there, turning to Madge, "Auntie,

"Of course."

room

was too busy to come, but

but she also handed Madge a generous envelope, beaming, "This mansion looks fantastic, congratulations!" Madge tried to refuse but eventually accepted

"Thank you, Raven."

family, no need

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

was...

their current townhouse by

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