Liz gets to experience Thanksgiving with the Ressler family.
Thank you to everyone who has read A Ressler Halloween and A Ressler Bowling Party. You all are great! Enjoy :)
A Ressler Thanksgiving
"I swear he did this on purpose Liz. He knows," Ressler complained as he drove down the deserted roadway.
It was the day before Thanksgiving and he was hoping they'd be at his parents by now. But, no. Reddington thought it would be fun to force them to sit through an early Thanksgiving dinner with him and Dembe. He led them to his current residence, a posh estate where the owner was on vacation, with the promise of a new Blacklister. Except, there wasn't. And they were led in to the large formal dining room where the Thanksgiving meal was already set up and ready.
"He's lonely. And it was a nice meal."
"Nice? Liz, he explained the fine art of carving the turkey. But…but he was comparing it to carving human flesh. While staring at me the whole time! If that wasn't some kind of warning I don't know what is." Ressler shuddered at the memory.
"Oh, stop." Liz laughed while slapping him gently on the arm.
The clock on the car radio showed it nearing midnight. He hoped his parents hadn't waited up for him. Ressler planned on waking up and taking the boys out for rides on the four wheelers and he couldn't wait. He grew up on a 5 acre piece of land in rural Maryland and it was every boy's dream to be able to roam the woods like he did. Or sleep out under the stars. And he loved exploring every inch of that land with his nephews.
"I haven't seen a house in miles," Liz commented.
"Yeah it's kind of in the boonies. Private road that only my parents and two other families use. It can get pretty tricky when the snow is bad but thankfully it's nothing heavy right now." He stared ahead as snow slowly floated down. He had pulled on to the private road way and pointed out the Jamison's and Ketchum's properties. It was dark but he knew the way. The house may be off the road and obscured by the trees but the marker his parents put out years ago flagged his way home.
"Red would be impressed with the privacy."
"Mom and Dad like it. The cabin in PG County is pretty much like this in terms of being secluded. Grandpa Ressler willed the land to me under the condition I get married. So, it's mom and dad's until I get hitched. He had this fear I'd be married to my work and thought if he gave me some kind of incentive I'd be more inclined to find someone and settle down." Ressler smiled as the house came in to sight. The two story colonial with the wrap around porch that held so many memories.
"I didn't know you came from money."
"I didn't. Grandpa Ressler had money. He gave mom and dad this land when they got married. Dad busted his hump to build this house. This house is his blood, sweat, and tears. And Dani will inherit when they are ready to downsize." He jumped out of the SUV and ran to the back as Liz did the same to grab their bags. He shut the back hatch and nodded to the door.
Entering the house he could hear the clock in the living room ticking. The squeaky floor board at the bottom of stairs gave him pause. He knew it was late and he didn't want to wake his parents but soon enough he heard voices coming from the back where the kitchen was. Dropping his bag by the stairs then motioning for Liz to follow, he made his way to the kitchen. His mom was wrapped up in her pink robe and his dad in his green robe sipping on what he assumed was hot chocolate. On the stove was a pot.
"Donnie!" His mom set her mug down and wrapped her son in a hug. As she was pulling away his father appeared behind him. "And you came! I'm so glad you came, Elizabeth!"
"I am too," Liz said softly as Lori Ressler held her tightly.
Ressler and his father embraced before Andrew took Liz and hugged her so tightly he lifted her off the ground. Liz giggled as she was put down.
"Dani and the boys will be happy to see you in the morning." Lori grabbed two mugs and put some hot chocolate in them and placed them in front of her son and Liz. "And, Donnie hunny. I know I told you we had the extra room Elizabeth here could use but the boys thought it would be fun to play ball in the house. They broke the window and it's freezing in there."
"She can have my old room. I'll take the couch."
He and Liz chatted with his parents for a while before he noticed she was barely staying awake. So, he bid his parents a good night, grabbed his bag to change in the bathroom and led Liz upstairs to his old room. His parents had given it a makeover years ago so that other guests wouldn't feel awkward sleeping among his childhood things but the room was still very much his. A few trophies sat on a book shelf along with a few of his old books. A baseball glove and ball that he kept there sat on the floor by the closet.
"You can have this room while you are here. I'll take the couch. I'm just going to steal a pillow. The bathroom is down the hall right." He lingered in the doorway as she took sight of the room.
"How comfortable is the couch?"
"I'll be fine."
"This is silly, Ress. This is a king sized bed. No reason we can't share." Liz reached out to grab his bag from him and met resistance. "Are you worried about what they will think?"
"No. I'm worried about you brushing your cold girly feet on my leg while I'm sleeping. That creeps out," he joked.
"I'll wear socks."
Liz grabbed some things out of her bag and brushed by him saying she was the using the restroom. Ressler wasn't sure if he should take her up on her offer to share the bed. It was big enough that they wouldn't be crowded. And the couch really was not his favorite location to sleep. His bed here was actually more comfortable than the one at his apartment. So, after all the mental debating he decided what the hell.
"Do you mind if I take the right side? I have a thing about being near the door," Ressler asked once Liz came back in.
"Go ahead. It's your bed after all." She walked around the side of it and pulled the covers back and slipped in. He watched as Liz snuggled in and sighed. "This bed is amazing."
"I know." He smiled. "I'll be back."
He took his time in the bathroom as he thought about how he got to this place in his life. How he was here, at his parents, on Thanksgiving Eve with his partner. Well, more than partner. She was his friend. And had feelings for her and he was pretty sure she had some for him as well. So, walking back to his room, knowing she was in his bed was enough to make his stomach flop. He felt like he was a teenager again.
She didn't stir when he entered the room or when he gently slid in to bed. He whispered goodnight and shortly after he was asleep.
IIIIIIII
"Uncle Donnie! Uncle Donnie!"
"Mason, no! He's not in there!" Dani screamed at her youngest.
The voices were pulling Ressler from his sleep. It didn't take long before the door was flung open and a little body came running in and flinging himself on the body on the bed.
"Mace," Ressler moaned. "I'm up buddy, I'm up."
"Mommy! He's here! And so is Liz!"
On hearing her name, he turned his head to see Liz on her side smiling sheepishly at him and Mason. Dani came in with a huge grin on her face and he just knew she was going to give him big ones about this. Liz quietly excused herself and left the room at the same time Dani was shooing Mason away.
"Mom said you were taking the couch and Liz was taking the room. Is there more to the two of you than you let on, little brother?"
"I hear Dean calling for you." Ressler lied. "DEAN! She's in here."
"Funny, Donnie. Funny." She pointed her finger at him then gave him a serious look. "You know mom and dad never took to Audrey like they took to Liz. Just keep that in mind."
And with that she was gone. Leaving him to now think about his ex-fiance. The woman who offered him the world just to take it away. The woman who left him a shell of who he used to be because he refused to open up to anyone and let them in for fear they'd pull the rug out from under him. Shaking the thoughts of Audrey, he grabbed his hooded sweatshirt and slipped it on. He passed Liz in the hall and told her he'd meet her downstairs.
IIIIIIII
He sat back and watched with interest as Liz and Mason made donut towers with their breakfast. Usually, his mother would make a nice breakfast on a holiday with the exception of Thanksgiving because she was using all available space to prepare dinner. So, his dad bought a bunch of bags of mini donuts. The boys loved them and apparently Liz found it amusing to see who could make the highest tower.
"I win!" Mason yelled as Liz's pile of powdered donuts came toppling down.
"You are too good at this," Liz teased as she caught Ressler's stare.
IIIIIIII
Ressler rolled his eyes when he walked by the living room only to see what Dani had Liz watching with her on the TV. Since as long as he could remember this was her Thanksgiving ritual. Help mom with the little things then sit down and watch her two movies. It killed him because it wasn't like it was ever meant to be a tradition but one year when he was younger his mother came home from the video store with the only two movies she could find. And every year after that Dani had to have them. Now, she had Liz watching them.
"Don't worry, he doesn't die," Ressler said as he entered the room just as the train came blowing by on the screen. He saw Liz jump then when the scene switched to a funeral she frowned. "Wait for it." He was leaning against the wall as he watched Liz when the reveal took place. "See. Told you. Now, why are you watching this garbage?"
"Fried Green Tomatoes is not garbage, Donnie!" Dani threw a pretzel at him. "Up next is Gone with the Wind. You sticking around for that?"
"I'm going to pass. Again. For the 15th year. No means no Danielle!" He walked up to the bowl where the pretzels were and grabbed one. "There's another TV in the den, Liz if you want to watch something other than this crap."
"No. I'm good." Liz smiled up at him.
And he was passed over for his sister and Fried Green Tomatoes. He shook his head as he went in search of the little monsters. Maybe Liz would see the error of her ways.
IIIIIIII
Ressler had hoped that his mother would skip her "what are you grateful" routine this year but no. She was determined to give Liz a Ressler Thanksgiving she wouldn't forget. They all sat around the large dinning room table with a full Thanksgiving spread in front of them. Dean and Mason already said what they were thankful for. His father and Dani followed. Then his mother.
"I am so thankful that we are able to share our home and this wonderful weekend ahead with you, Elizabeth. I can't thank you enough for putting up with our Donnie here. If I had another daughter I'd want her to be just like you."
"That was so sweet. Thank you." Liz took a deep as she realized it was her turn to go. "I'm thankful for all of you. I haven't felt part of something in so long."
He watched as his mother wiped her eye. She was an emotional sap sometimes but even Ressler felt a little tug at Liz's confession. He was getting lost looking at her when she elbowed him explaining it was his turn.
"I'm thankful for this bird who gave his life so we could enjoy this wonderful meal prepared by two of my favorite ladies in the world."
And he was also thankful for Liz. He wasn't ready to tell her this yet though. That kiss they shared outside her hotel after Dean's birthday party had gone unspoken of. Maybe she regretted it? There was no awkwardness together so that was a good sign.
IIIIIIII
"I'm so glad you guys don't get in to that crazy Black Friday shopping thing," Liz said as she sipped her coffee.
Ressler chuckled. Oh, but they used to. Until 6 years ago when Dani almost got in to all out brawl at the local Walmart over a video game system her ex wanted. She was lucky her brother was there to pull her off that girl or else they would have been on the news and in jail. That wouldn't have gone over so well, with him being FBI and all. He looked over to Dani who was eating her eggs and toast and smirked.
"Yeah, we aren't Black Friday shoppers at all," Dani said as she gave her brother a smile.
"But, we are going to put up the tree. Get ready kids, we are going to the tree farm," Lori said as she cleaned up the table.
And Liz was going to get to experience yet another Ressler tradition. The picking out of the tree. He didn't really find it necessary that the whole family go and the past few years he stayed at his parents pulling out boxes of decorations out of storage for his mother but this year he would go. For Liz. He had a feeling she liked things like that. So, he pulled his coat and helped Liz in to hers, something he'd never done before and it surprised him.
IIIIIIII
The sounds of Dean Martin singing Christmas carols filled the house as the whole family plus Liz gathered in the living room. Ressler and his father had dragged the large tree in and it was now set up and ready for decorations. Liz was sitting on the couch watching as everyone worked together to put the decorations on one by one. He could see she was lost in some thought or moment but she was smiling and he didn't want to interrupt her.
"Uncle Donnie," Dean called once they were out of decorations. He was holding the angel for the top of the tree. "Grandma says it's your turn this year. But, I thought maybe…," he trailed off looking at Liz.
"I think that's a great idea, buddy." He watched as Dean walked up to Liz and handed her the angel.
"What's this?" she asked.
"We take turns with the angel. Dean wants you to this year," Dani offered with a proud smile on her face.
He leaned in a whispered in her. "Think of it as an initiation. You're kind of part of this clan now. Sorry," he said as he shrugged. Audrey was never offered the honor of putting the angel on the tree but here was his family wanting this to be part of the tradition.
With a big grin and watery eyes, Liz grabbed the angel from Dean and walked over to the tree. Ressler pulled the step stool over to her so she could reach the top. Once the angel was up in her place, Andrew plugged in the lights and the boys cheered while his mom and Dani clapped. As if it was second nature, he pulled Liz close to him with his one arm and kissed the top of her head. He wasn't sure what came over him but he just wanted her close.
IIIIIIII
"How are you still eating? And how is there still food to eat?" Liz asked incredulously as Ressler pulled left over apple pie out of the fridge.
"This is the best pie in the world, Keen. I can't not eat it." He put a slice on a plate for himself. "What do you say? A late night snack? I think the TV is free."
"Yeah, I'll take some. Can you pour me a glass of milk too?"
"Pie and milk coming up. Why don't you go find us something to watch and I'll be in."
Ressler watched as Liz left the kitchen. He pulled out a tray and set the two plates on it, a napkin and then poured them each a glass of milk. Tomorrow was their last full day here and he was dreading the idea of going back to the real world. He was enjoying this far too much. The house was quiet besides the soft sounds of the TV where Liz was and he knew everyone else had gone to bed. He was finally getting some alone time with her.
"Ress," she started as he set the tray down. "Can we talk?"
"Yeah, of course we can." He grabbed his plate and went to take a bite when Liz grabbed it from him and set it back down.
"I can't lose this." She was turned to face him.
"Lose what?"
"This. Your family. The feeling I get when I'm here," she admitted. "I didn't know how badly I needed this. Sam, was...he was a great dad and I will never forget him but there was always something missing."
"They love you, Liz. I swear they have never…Audrey was accepted. They liked her. But, I've never seen my mom bring someone in our circle so quickly. You won't lose this."
"I can't lose you."
And his heart stopped. He swore it stopped. The way she said it and the look in her eyes told him there was a lot behind those words. Ressler knew Liz had been having a rough time with things and was finally getting back to a normal after the fall out with her ex. Holidays were always emotional for people but this seemed to be more.
"You won't. I promise." He took her hands in his. "What is this about?"
"I don't want this to be the only holiday I spend with you and your family. I don't want to go home and fall asleep in an empty bed anymore. I want more, Ress. I know now I want more and I want it with you."
"Ok," he said softly.
"Ok?" She pulled back a bit. "What does that mean?"
"It means I want that too." Ressler reached for her hand again. He was beyond happy at that moment. "When we get back we need to find you a new place to live. I'm fine dealing with your cold feet, that you swore you didn't have, but I'm not sure I can deal with sleepovers at a hotel."
"I actually found a place. It's a house. I kind of want your opinion."
"First chance we get we'll go see it." Ressler leaned in closer. "So, can I kiss you now?"
"If you don't I might get upset. I think you better."
He took his time wanting to savor this moment. Liz wrapped her hand around his neck at the same time their lips connected. It was soft and gentle at first but soon turned heated and desperate. Liz pulled Ressler on top of her and their hands were roaming. He lost track of time as they kissed and touched. His mind was on wanting to go further and it was obvious by the way she was tugging at his pants she did too. But, not like this. Not on his parent's couch.
"Liz," he said as he caught his breath.
"I know. I know," she giggled. "I don't want to scar Dean and Mason."
"Or Dani. I would never live that down." He kissed her lips one more time before sitting up and helping her. "So, we are going to give this a go? And you'll protect me from Red?"
"If you hand me my piece of pie I will."
Ressler just laughed. He handed Liz her plate and took his. They watched a Christmas movie that was playing while they ate. Once finished, they walked hand in hand to his room and fell asleep in each other arms. He didn't mind the cold feet this time.
IIIIIIII
Sunday morning came far too quickly. The day before Ressler took the boys out for rides on the ATV and took Liz for a walk in the woods to show her his old fort. It didn't take his family long to realize something was different. His mom caught on first thing in the morning. Dani around lunch and finally at dinner his father asked the question everyone wanted to know. Mason was bummed because he thought he had a chance with Liz.
His mother made them waffles with fresh cream for breakfast. She doted on Liz, going so far as to send her home with a care package of cookies that they made together the day before. Ressler was positive his mother was going to cry as she was saying good bye.
"Next time you kids come out here, bring that dog of yours, sweetie," Lori said to Liz as they were loading the car. "Donnie said you had a coworker watch him. Bring him. The boys would love it."
"Ok. I will. Thank you!" Liz beamed.
"And I'll call you next week and we will do lunch." Lori gave Liz one last hug. "Thank you for putting up with my son. You two are perfect together."
"Ma!" Ressler called as he slammed the trunk. "Can you not ruin this for me?"
"Oh, you shut it." She wrapped her son in a tight embrace. "Don't let this one get away. You hear me?"
"Yes, mother." He turned to his father and shook his hand. "I'll see you later, dad."
Ressler walked to Liz's door and opened it for her. This would go down as the best Thanksgiving ever for him. He had the girl. His family loved her. Nothing was going to bring him down. Nothing, except the eventual conversation with Reddington. He was not looking forward to that. But, for now he was going to enjoy this. He reached over for Liz's hand once they reached the main road and kissed the back of it. He was a lucky man and he knew it.