They had lunch in a spacious room with a vaulted wood ceiling and a view overlooking the mountains. Liz ordered a salad and a glass of Chardonnay while Ressler ordered a burger and a beer.
"Well, your cousin may be a terrible judge of character but either he or his bride certainly has good taste in wedding venues," Liz remarked as she lifted her glass and clinked it against Ressler's.
"Probably his bride," Ressler chuckled. "Matt's not much of a planner as I recall."
"Is your mom here yet?" Liz asked as she scanned the room. She was both excited and slightly nervous at the thought of seeing Meg and Ed again.
"Not yet. Their flight isn't getting in until later this afternoon. We'll probably just see them at the wedding."
As they finished lunch, Ressler glanced outside and then at Liz. "You up for a walk?"
"Absolutely," Liz replied. She was eager to explore the grounds of the ranch.
They exited out the back of the lodge and found a trail that led down the hill towards a barn. Liz could hear the faint sound of horses in the distance.
"Have you ever ridden a horse?" she asked as they made their way down the path.
"Couple times," Ressler replied. "Not enough to consider myself anything close to an expert. You?"
"A few more than a couple, but I'm no expert either." Liz smiled faintly at the memory of Sam putting her on horseback for the first time. "My dad loved horses. He took me riding a few times when I was small. I never took to it as much as he would have liked. But it's a happy memory."
"Those are the best kind."
They followed the trail past the barn out into an open field. Liz closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The smell of dry grass and wildflowers was intoxicating. She opened her eyes to find Ressler watching her with a bemused expression.
"You look...content," he remarked. He had wanted to say happy but at the last moment he changed his mind.
"I am. I hadn't realized how much I needed to get out of the city until just now. Do you mind if we stop here for a bit and just sit? I want to take it all in."
"Sure," Ressler agreed amiably. He lowered himself down to the ground and rested one hand casually on his knee as he picked at a patch of grass with the other. Liz lay down on her back next to him with her arms behind her head.
"When I was a kid, I used to spend hours outside, lying on my back like this, staring up at the clouds," Liz said quietly. "I'd imagine seeing castles and people and animals. I'd make up whole stories in my head about what was happening as they moved."
Ressler shifted and stretched out on his back next to her on the ground with his arms behind his head just like hers. He was so close that she could smell the lingering scent of his aftershave mixed in with the perfume of the wildflowers. "So what do you see now?" he asked.
"I don't know," Liz murmured. "It's been a long time."
Ressler squinted and pointed a finger in front of him. "I don't know about you, but that one looks kind of like a fedora."
"A fedora?" Liz stared at him and then caught the twinkle in his eye. "You!" she exclaimed as she punched his arm playfully. "You're just teasing me."
"Maybe," Ressler admitted with a chuckle. "But come on, you're the one with the vivid imagination. Tell me what you see."
Liz licked her lips and thought for a second. "That one looks like a rabbit," she said slowly. "See the ears?" Ressler followed her finger with his eyes and nodded slowly.
"Maybe. Ok, what about that one?" he asked as he pointed to another cloud.
"I don't know, that one sort of reminds me of a cat," Liz mused. "See the tail?"
"I'm sensing an animal pattern here, how about that one?" Ressler asked as he pointed to another cloud.
"Definitely a bear," Liz replied and she was pleased to hear the low rumble of his laugh.
They lay for a long while in companionable silence just watching the clouds. The afternoon sun was warm but the gentle breeze kept them from feeling uncomfortable. The only sounds came from the birds in the nearby trees. Liz stole occasional furtive glances at Ressler. Every time he caught her looking, he flashed her a fleeting smile that she found increasingly endearing. Ressler briefly considered, but quickly abandoned, pressing Liz to talk about Reddington and whatever secret she was keeping. He couldn't bring himself to ruin the moment.
Eventually, Liz rolled onto her side and propped herself up on her elbow until she was facing Ressler. "Can I ask you something?" she said as she fingered the worn grass between them.
Ressler flicked his eyes towards her for a moment and then glanced away just as quickly. "Go ahead," he replied warily.
Liz licked her lips. "Why don't you have a girlfriend? Or, at least someone besides me to ask to a wedding? It just makes no sense."
Ressler shrugged. "You're the one who told me not to hire a date," he replied mildly.
"You know that's not what I'm asking. Come on, talk to me," she implored, as she poked him lightly.
Ressler opened his mouth and closed it again as he frowned. "Just haven't met the right person, I guess," he replied quietly, still unwilling to meet her eyes. He hoped Liz would drop it, but at the same time he knew better.
"Because you're dating the wrong people? Or because you're not dating at all?" Liz pressed.
Ressler rolled his eyes as he sat up abruptly. "Come on, Keen. What is this, an interrogation?" he snapped. "I'm not a monk, if that's what you're asking. I date. Just rarely for very long. Which is more than you're doing, I bet," he added pointedly.
Liz flushed slightly. "Fair enough," she conceded, "but come on - surely some lady has fallen prey to your charms since Audrey? Please tell me there's been someone?"
Ressler stared at the sky and shrugged. "Sometimes the lady isn't interested," he replied eventually. "It's not so easy."
"Oh," Liz replied slyly. "So there is someone. But she just hasn't realized how amazing you are yet."
Ressler shifted uncomfortably as he glanced at his watch. "Something like that," he replied curtly. "Listen, we should probably head back if we're going to have enough time to get ready." He stretched and then stood up and extended Liz a hand, which she accepted.
As Liz rose, Ressler quickly scanned the top of her head and frowned. "Hold still," he said as he gently began picking bits of grass and flowers out of her hair. Liz shivered slightly at the surprisingly pleasant sensation of his fingers combing through her hair. "I think that's all of it," he added after a long pause.
"Thank you," Liz whispered as she held his gaze. Ressler took his hand and swept it lightly once more through her hair. "I guess there was just a little bit more," he added gruffly, as he cleared his throat. Liz wasn't about to argue. She found herself suddenly very aware of the pulse beating on the side of his neck.
"Lean over. I think you might have some grass in your hair too," she said softly even though she saw no evidence of any. Ressler bent his head obligingly and she swept her fingers lightly across his head as she pretended to remove grass.
"Did you get it?"
"I think so."
Ressler lifted his head and his face was only inches from hers. His eyes scanned her face, his expression inscrutable. He cleared his throat again. "We should probably go back," he repeated quietly. "It's getting late."
"Lead on," she agreed reluctantly.
You're an idiot, Ressler berated himself as he stood under the hot spray of the shower. He had turned the water up even hotter than usual in the hopes that the scalding sensation would distract him from his thoughts. The very last thing he wanted was for Liz to suspect that he had ever harbored unrequited feelings for her. He'd done his best to bury them long ago — long before Tom's death. But somehow one afternoon alone together, outside of work, and they were bubbling back to the surface. After a few minutes he realized the distraction wasn't working, and he didn't want to look like a scalded lobster at the wedding, so he shoved the handle in the opposite direction and shivered slightly as icy water suddenly replaced the heat. Serves you right, he muttered under his breath as the cold water sluiced across his body. Idiot. You were a fool to bring her here.
The cold water had the desired effect and Ressler felt calmer, and more collected, as he finally stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist. It was her idea, he reminded himself. You just went along with it. He slapped the towel against his legs and then stepped into his underwear and khaki pants. Bare-chested, belt unfastened, he padded across the room and reached for a pale blue button down shirt and his navy blazer. A late summer afternoon wedding in Idaho didn't call for a full blown suit. He stepped back and looked at himself in the mirror as he reached for his tie. Show time.
Liz had just finished her makeup when she heard a light knock on the interconnecting door between their rooms. "Give me two minutes- I'm almost ready," she called.
"No rush. Take your time," Ressler replied.
Liz snapped her compact closed and studied her reflection in the mirror. She was glad Aram had encouraged her to wear the blue dress. She liked the way it brought out the color of her eyes. She'd left her hair down but had curled her normally straight tresses into loose waves. She opened her side of the connecting door and then tapped lightly on Ressler's. "You can come in," she said as she stepped over to the dresser to finish off her outfit with some jewelry.
She felt a warm rush of pleasure at Ressler's sharp intake of breath as he stepped into the room. "Whoah, look at you," he said admiringly. Any doubts she had harbored about her choice - Aram's choice - of dress quickly evaporated as she basked in Ressler's open appreciation.
She turned and flashed him a smile as she held out a necklace. "Can you help me put this on?"
"Of course." Ressler stepped closer, took the necklace and gently placed it around her neck. She could feel his breath tickling the back of her neck as he carefully fastened the clasp.
"Thanks," Liz said as he finished and she turned to face him.
"You look amazing," he said softly. "That color's great on you." Ressler was so accustomed to seeing Liz only in black that he hardly recognized her in the pale blue dress that made her eyes look impossibly beautiful.
"Thanks," Liz replied with a broad smile that made his heart swell. "You look pretty good yourself." The tips of Ressler's ears turned pink as she stepped closer and adjusted his tie with a pat.
"We, uh, we should probably head down," Ressler managed as he watched Liz slip into a pair of light grey, almost silvery heels.
"I'm ready - let's go," she agreed as she stepped towards the door.
As they stepped off the elevator and crossed the lobby to the back lawn of the lodge where the ceremony would be held, Liz slipped her arm through Ressler's. "Remember, we're supposed to be a couple tonight, not colleagues," she whispered.
"I haven't forgotten," Ressler murmured as they made their way towards the stairs. "But thanks for the reminder," he replied with a rakish wink. As they reached the bottom, Ressler placed his hand lightly on Liz's bare back as he steered her towards a row of chairs. His touch sent a small frisson of pleasure down her spine and she couldn't help but notice some whispers and approving nods among the assembled guests as they took their seats.
They stood for the bride and groom's arrival. Ressler's cousin, Matt, came down the aisle first with his best man. Liz could see a definitely family resemblance, though Matt's hair was slightly more red than Ressler's. The bridesmaids followed in simple dark blue dresses. Finally, the bride, Melissa, came down the aisle on her father's arm. She had long blonde hair that had been curled into gentle waves and had chosen a simple plain silk dress with spaghetti straps.
As the ceremony began, Liz caught a few of the women glancing at her curiously. After a few minutes, she rested her hand casually, but possessively, on Ressler's knee. He startled at the touch and cocked his eyebrows as his eyes met hers. Liz smiled mischievously and after a moment, he dropped his hand to cover hers. After a beat, Liz slowly turned her hand beneath his so they were intertwined. Liz fought a chuckle as a muscle twitched in Ressler's jaw at her unexpected move.
When the ceremony ended, Ressler let go of her hand as they rose to leave with the other guests to follow the bride and groom to their reception.
"Elizabeth," Liz turned at the sound of the voice behind her to see the familiar face of Ressler's mother, Meg, beside her. "It's so wonderful to see you. You look lovely," Meg stepped back and smiled warmly as she admired Liz's dress before enveloping her in a hug.
"Thank you - it's so nice to see you too," Liz replied as she squeezed Meg's hands.
"It's good to see you up and about," Ressler's stepfather, Ed, agreed gruffly from behind Meg.
"She's back in fighting shape," Ressler said lightly as Liz stifled a grin at the double meaning. Ed had been skeptical of her at their first meeting after her time on the run.
"I was so happy when Don said he was bringing you," Meg continued as they made their way back to the lodge for the reception. "I want you to know you've been on my mind ever since - " Meg's voice trailed off as she squeezed Liz's arm and Liz knew exactly what she meant.
"I appreciate that," Liz replies sincerely. She glanced up and met Ressler's eyes. "It's nice to be in this beautiful place with all of you."
"Well, we need to find some time to catch up later on," Meg replied. "So let's be sure to find each other, ok?"
"We will," Liz promised.
"Donnie," a voice boomed as they made their way across the lobby. Liz turned and saw a man striding towards them with a broad grin on his face. Based on his red hair and facial features she realized he had to be another relative of Ressler's.
"Jake, good to see you," Ressler said as he shook the man's hand and clapped him on the back. "This is Liz. Liz - this is my cousin Jake."
"Pleased to meet you," Jake replied as Liz extended her hand. His eyes swept over her appreciatively. "I was beginning to think old Donnie here does nothing but work but I see he's finally finding some time for a social life too. Good job man," Jake added as he continued on into the reception.
"I take it your family is familiar with your dedication your job?" Liz whispered.
Ressler shrugged. "Yes and no. Sometimes work is just a good excuse for getting out of family functions."
Just as Ressler said that, they stepped into the reception room and were immediately surrounded by a throng of men who Liz quickly deduced were Ressler's other cousins. "Well, if it isn't our favorite fed!" one of the men exclaimed as he stepped forward to shake Ressler's hand. "They finally let you out, Donnie, and with a pretty lady too!" The man winked at Liz. Liz felt a rush of sympathy for Ressler as the tips of his ears turned pink. He was clearly uncomfortable being the center of attention.
"Don't pay them any mind," a thin, blonde-haired woman whispered into Liz's ear. "I'm Andie, Jake's wife. And you are…?"
"I'm Liz - nice to meet you," Liz replied.
"We're so happy Don came and brought a date! Let me introduce you to the other ladies," Andie said eagerly. Liz shot Ressler a look and gestured helplessly as Andie took her arm and led her over to a circle of women, nearly all of whom were blonde. Liz was beginning to wonder if there were any brunettes in Ressler's family. Introductions were a blur and Liz couldn't begin to figure out who was related to who. After a few minutes of listening to breathless conversation about horses and parties and babies, Liz's attention began to wander. She glanced over at Ressler, who was looking increasingly uncomfortable so she gradually slipped away from the women and edged herself back over to his side.
As she reached the circle of men, she slipped her arm casually around Ressler's waist. Ressler hesitated only a moment before he draped an arm casually around her shoulders. Liz could see he was flushed — from the heat or discomfort at whatever had been said she wasn't sure, so she leaned in and said in a low voice. "It's warm in here. Do you think we could go get a drink?" Ressler shot her a grateful look and nodded.
"Go get your lady a drink, Donnie!" one of his cousins chuckled. "Don't keep the lady waiting!"
"Wouldn't dream of it," Ressler murmured as he steered Liz towards the bar.
"Thank you," he said in a low voice as they made their way across the room.
"What were they talking about?" Liz asked as they approached the bar.
Ressler shrugged. "The usual. Blaming people like me for the things that the White House and Congress does that they don't like. What would you like to drink?"
Liz thought for a moment. "Whatever you're having, make it two."
"I'm ordering whiskey on the rocks, Liz - you sure that's what you want?"
"Sure, why not?" Liz replied. Ressler arched an eyebrow and chuckled. "My kind of woman," he murmured.
Ressler handed her a glass and then clinked his lightly against hers as they surveilled the room which was gradually filling with guests.
"Can I ask you something?" Liz asked as she sipped her whiskey. It burned pleasantly as it went down and left a warm glow in her belly.
"As long as it has nothing to do with why I don't have a date besides you," Ressler replied pointedly as he sipped his own whiskey.
Liz bit her lip and fought a smile. "I promise I won't ask about that again. My question is far more serious - are there any brunettes in your family? I feel like everyone here is blonde or ginger."
Ressler almost choked on his whiskey as he struggled not to laugh. After a few moments he set his glass down on the bar to collect himself.
"You're killing me, Keen," he wheezed.
"What? It was a serious question. Look at them all!" Liz gestured at the crowd.
"I know - I know - I'm laughing because years ago, the first family function I took Audrey to, she asked me the same thing. I guess I never noticed it. Funny thing is, I almost always only date brunettes. Maybe it's my silent rebellion." Ressler managed another long sip of his whiskey.
Liz smiled and shook her head. "I wish I'd met her. I'd probably have liked her."
Ressler held her gaze for a moment. "I know you would have."
As he finished, the swell of the music announced the arrival of the bride and groom.
"I'm afraid I have another question," Liz asked as they sipped their drinks and watched Matt and Melissa and the bridal party make their way to the center of the room, to the applause of the assembled guests.
Ressler glanced at her. "You're full of questions today. What is it?"
"Do you dance?" Liz asked as the first bars of Rascal Flatt's "God Bless the Broken Road" filled the room together with the DJ's voice inviting the guests to join Matt and Melissa on the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple. "I love this song."
Ressler took a long sip of whiskey and then set it down on the bar. "As a matter of fact, I do — shall we?" He extended his hand.
Liz set her glass down on the bar and took his hand for the second time that evening. "Why not?" she replied casually though her heart was starting to pound.
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to you
The dance floor was dotted with dozens of small lights dangling from the wooden beams overhead. Ressler rested one hand lightly on Liz's back and held her hand with the other as he drew her close against him.
That every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yes it did
They fell into an easy rhythm. Ressler bent his head slightly until his nose just brushed her hair. He inhaled the sweet scent, as the strands lightly tickled the side of his neck. Barely thinking, he grazed her back lightly with his hand as they moved. They were so close that he could feel her slight intake of breath as she tightened her fingers ever so slightly around his.
I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true
Liz closed her eyes and gave herself over to the music as she leaned in closer against him. In that moment, it felt as if they were alone on the dance floor instead of surrounded by a hundred wedding guests. She grazed her fingers across his back and felt him shiver slightly. She could feel the heat radiating off his body as they moved.
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
And others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know it's true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
Yeah
And now I'm just rolling home
into my lover's arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
As the music ended, Liz opened her eyes and held Ressler's gaze. His face was flushed and his blue-green eyes were burning. Her eyes dipped lower to his lips, which parted slightly as she stared at them. Fleetingly, she wondered if he might kiss her and, to her surprise, the idea was not unwelcome. Just as she leaned in a little closer, the music shifted to a more upbeat number with a beat. Ressler let go of her hand and stepped back and cleared his throat. "We better go find our table," he murmured.