"God, Alfred, I really don't know what I'd do without you!" Thomas gave Alfred a firm hug, then said, "This really is a wonderful place. It perfectly recreates Wayne Manor shortly after Bruce was born. But it's only an empty shell, and there's far too much to do."
Martha came downstairs as well and said, "There are no servants here, so we have to do everything ourselves. I just picked out my outfit for the banquet, then remembered the flowers on the table haven't been arranged yet. I hope the moisture doesn't wrinkle my silk blouse."
"Leave it to me, ma'am," Alfred said with a smile.
"We contacted a few people and asked them to come early to help. But those little brats are nowhere to be seen yet..."
"I'm here, Dad!" Bruce walked in through the manor's front doors and said, "And I brought huge news!"
Thomas and Martha both looked at him. Bruce proudly held out his hand and waved it around. "Look at this!"
Martha's eyes were dazzled by his waving, and she couldn't see what had changed about his hand. She had no choice but to step forward and grab Bruce's arm, only then noticing the silver band on his middle finger.
"Jesus, no way?" Martha dragged out the words somewhat dramatically. "If you dare tell me this is a Christmas joke, I'll plant you in the Christmas tree pot!"
"Of course not, Mom. Selene accepted my proposal! We're engaged! Do you know where I just came from? Our vacation house in Canada! We spent most of the day in our own two-person world, and it was amazing!"
Thomas leaned closer with considerable interest. "Where did you propose? Wayne Manor?"
"I'm not that old-fashioned. I specifically went to the theater where she works and bribed her