Ressler stirred as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the slightly parted drapes. His body felt strangely heavy but as he fought the fog of sleep, he soon realized that the weight came from Liz's head still nestled against his right shoulder where she'd fallen asleep. He craned his neck as carefully as he could so as not to wake her and glanced at the clock beside him on the bedside table. It was barely 7 a.m. He closed his eyes again as he tried to ignore the daylight and fall back asleep, but he soon realized that further sleep was going to be impossible. He could hear the faint sound of horses in the distance as they were released from their stalls for some early morning exercise.

Ressler slowly opened his eyes and reluctantly gave in to being awake for the day. Liz was still motionless against him. He lowered his face and inhaled the sweet scent of her hair as he lay as still as possible so as not to disturb her sleep. As familiar as she was, the sudden intimacy between them was unexpected and had caught him off guard. Her face was relaxed in slumber, her lips slightly parted. He fought the temptation to stroke her face. As he watched her sleep, he was torn between wanting her to wake and share the day and wanting her to stay asleep so he could enjoy the memory of their evening together without facing what might prove to be an uncomfortable morning after.

Eventually, he realized he could no longer feel his arm that was underneath her, plus he needed to use the bathroom. He held out as long as he could until finally neither issue could be ignored. As gently as possible, he slowly shifted and eased his arm out from under her, grabbed his discarded boxers from the floor, and padded into the adjacent bathroom. After taking care of business and flexing his right arm to restore circulation, he slipped into his boxers and reached for his toothbrush. He hoped a morning kiss was in his future and he wanted to do his part to make it as pleasant as possible.

As he stepped back into the bedroom, he saw that Liz had rolled on to her other side and was now facing away from him. As carefully as he could, he eased himself back into the bed and shifted until he was lightly spooning her. He grazed his fingers along her bare arm until he found her left hand and lightly intertwined his fingers with hers as he drew his arm around her. They lay like that for some time until finally Liz stretched slightly and rolled on to her back to greet him with a sleepy smile.

"Morning," she said softly.

Ressler felt his heartbeat quicken just at the sound of her voice. "Morning," he replied. He scanned her face quickly to gauge her mood before he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her lightly. He was relieved that she responded and kissed him back. A moment later, he shivered slightly as Liz took her thumb and lightly brushed it across his lips. "I'll be right back," she whispered as she slid out from under the covers and disappeared into the bathroom.

While he waited for her to return, Ressler shifted his hips and adjusted the covers in an effort to hide the fact that he clearly wanted her again, badly. Moments later Liz emerged, still naked, and slid back under the covers next to him. Ressler wanted to reach for her but hesitated, curious to see where her head was at by light of day. Liz turned on her side to face him and cupped her palm around the side of his jaw. As he leaned into her touch she ran her fingers lightly over the stubble on his face as the gesture sent small frissons of pleasure down his spine.

"It's so red," she exclaimed. "The hair on your head isn't this red."

Ressler chuckled softly at her unexpected remark. "My head's faded a bit to blonde with age," he admitted. "But the rest of me is still definitely ginger."

"The rest of you, hmm?" Liz asked playfully as she lifted the covers to peek underneath, where the evidence of his interest was unmistakable. Ressler flushed slightly as Liz resurfaced and met his eyes, but was gratified to see her lips slowly turn into a smile. A moment later, she leaned forward and kissed him deeply, as she simultaneously slid her hand down his chest and into the waistline of his boxers.

"I think you might need to show me," Liz murmured. Ressler needed no further invitation as he hastily slid out of his boxers in a fluid motion and wrapped his arms around her again.

Afterwards, they lay tangled in a nest of sheets as they both caught their breath.

"What a way to wake up," Ressler murmured as he kissed the top of her head and drew her closer against him.

"Mmm" Liz agreed as she leaned into his warmth. "I wish we could stay here longer."

"That makes two of us," Ressler replied languidly as he stroked his hand up and down her back in a lazy motion.

"I'm sorry you wasted money on a second room," Liz said softly.

Ressler chuckled. "Nothing about this weekend has been a waste. Besides, I didn't want to presume anything."

Liz smiled as she nestled closer against him and ran her fingers lightly over his chest. After a while, she propped herself up on one arm and gazed at him. "I don't know about you, but right now I'm wondering what took us so long," she said earnestly.

Ressler took his hand and gently brushed Liz's hair away from her face. "I don't know," he admitted. "I was always afraid to —" his voice trailed off.

"Afraid to what?" Liz pressed.

Ressler smiled faintly. "Afraid to make a move, afraid to change things, I guess. It never seemed like the right time." He took her hand and pressed his lips against her fingers.

"Until now?"

"Until now," he agreed.

They lay quietly for a while until Liz glanced at the bedside clock and sat straight up, suddenly agitated. "It's almost 10, we're going to miss brunch with your family if we don't get moving," she exclaimed.

Ressler exhaled as he increased the pressure of his hand across her back. "I'm not sure I care," he replied, lazily. "I'm fine with just staying here. All day if you want to," he added with a rakish wink. Liz closed her eyes at the touch and gave herself over to his touch.

Finally, she forced herself to pull away from him. "We have to get ready to check out and get to the airport regardless of whether we go to the brunch. I'm going to go shower. You should do the same," she added pointedly as swung her legs over the edge of the bed.

Ressler groaned, "if you say so," he agreed reluctantly.

"I do," Liz replied with a wink as she leaned in to kiss him again.

"You showering alone?" Ressler asked as he arched an eyebrow. He was hopeful the answer would be no.

Liz's smile broadened as she held his gaze."Yes, but only so that we have some hope of making it to brunch," she replied reluctantly. "Ask me again when we're back home and I'll probably give you a different answer."

"Count on it," Ressler replied with a wink. His heart swelled at the idea that Liz was already thinking about continuing things at home.

Liz slipped back into her discarded pajamas and then sat back down on the edge of the bed as her expression turned more serious. "About this — about us —" she began.

"I don't need to resolve us or the future right now unless you do," Ressler interjected quickly. "We can just — see what happens," he added softly.

Liz processed that for a moment and then nodded slowly. "I don't think I'm ready for a new full-on relationship right now with everything else going on in my life. But this — this," Liz squeezed his hand, "— was amazing, I'm not gonna lie. So I can't promise I'm not going to come knocking on your door some more after we're home. If you'll let me, that is."

Ressler chuckled softly. "Let you? My door's always open, Liz. And maybe I can knock on yours once in a while too."

"I'd like that," Liz replied as she leaned in to kiss him again.

Thirty minutes later, they were both showered and ready to head downstairs to the lobby to catch what they could of the post-wedding brunch with Ressler's relatives.

"You sure you want to do this?" Ressler asked as he helped Liz zip her dress. "We can just tell them we overslept and needed to make our flight. I'm more than okay with that. We're late anyway."

"No," Liz replied as she playfully punched him in the arm. "It's not a true wedding weekend unless you show up for the post-wedding brunch. And besides, don't you think we owe your mom and Ed some sort of goodbye?"

Ressler rolled his eyes. "Maybe," he conceded. "I think we scandalized them enough by kissing on the verandah though," he added with a wink. "I'm perfectly okay with just staying here and explaining afterwards…." his voice trailed off as Liz wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I know," she whispered as she pressed her forehead against his. "I do. But I really do think we should go down there and make a good showing, okay?"

"If you say so," Ressler agreed, resigned.

"Will you feel better if I promise we'll make up for it later?" Liz replied playfully.

Ressler grinned slowly. "Maybe."

As they made their way into the room that the lodge had reserved for the post-wedding brunch, Liz was conscious of two things: the fact that Ressler's hand suddenly felt completely natural resting against against her back in a way it hadn't the day before, and the fact that she no longer cared how Ressler's relatives perceived the gesture. He was hers both by night and by day and the optics no longer mattered. Nevertheless, it didn't take long for Meg to register their entrance or to gesture with her hand that they should come and sit with her and Ed at their table.

"It's a lovely morning, isn't it," Meg murmured as they took their seats.

"It is," Liz beamed with a smile that both Meg and Ed couldn't help return while Ressler flushed beside her as he reached for the mimosa in front of him.

Meg darted a glance towards Ressler and then back at Liz as her smile broadened. "It's amazing how restorative a weekend away from routine is, isn't it?" she said in a low voice. "Sometimes you just need to get away from it all to figure out how it all works together."

Liz reached for her champagne as Ressler flushed a deeper red than she had ever seen him. "I couldn't agree more," she replied as she clinked her glass against Meg's.

Ressler looked visibly relieved as a waiter appeared to direct them towards their serving stations for the brunch. "What are you doing?" he hissed as he passed Liz a plate. "I thought you wanted to keep our relationship under the radar?"

"From Reddington and the Task Force, absolutely," Liz agreed as she cooly passed him a plate. "From your mom? Not so much."

"You realize I won't hear the end of this for months?" Ressler replied through gritted teeth.

"Yes, I do," Liz replied easily as she slipped some bacon on to his plate. "Go with it, ok?" she whispered into his ear.

"Whatever you say," Ressler replied as he speared a sausage. Liz did her best to charm both Meg and Ed for the remainder of brunch. She asked questions about Ressler's childhood, flattered Meg's cooking which she still remembered fondly, and generally did her level best to ingratiate herself. Liz could feel Ressler's eyes on the back of her neck the whole time but she did her best to ignore him.

Finally, Meg stood up from the table. "I'm afraid it's time for us to hit the road," she apologized as she looked from Ressler to Liz. "I'm so happy we got to see you again, Elizabeth," she continued as Ed followed her lead and stood beside her. "I hope you know my door is always open to you," she added as Liz clasped her hand and nodded. "I do, thank you," Liz whispered as she tightened her grip on Meg's hands and leaned forward to kiss her cheek. "Maybe you'll come to D.C. and see us?" Liz added. Meg nodded as she flashed Liz a broad smile. "It's been a few years. Maybe I will," she replied.

As they watched Meg and Ed retreat to collect their luggage, Liz felt Ressler's hand tighten around her back. "You ready to head out?" he asked quietly. "We really should hit the road."

Liz turned and smiled faintly. "No, but I guess we have to."

Liz spent the early part of their drive to the airport just gazing out at the mountains and the scenery all while trying to avoid the one topic she knew she needed to address. Ressler didn't question her silence or press her to break it, for which she was grateful. Eventually, she cleared her throat. "There are things I need to tell you," she began.

Ressler glanced at her as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel and he shook his head. "You don't have to, Liz. Not now, anyway, and not at all unless you want to. I'll listen to whatever you want to say, of course. But you don't owe me any explanations. Last night didn't change anything."

Liz smiled faintly. "Thank you for saying that," she began, "But, there are some things I really do need to tell you. And not just because of last night."

Ressler glanced at Liz before turning his attention back to the road. "Ok," he replied slowly, as he digested her request. "You're sure you want to talk about this now?" For his part, Ressler was content just to enjoy her company and he wasn't sure he was entirely ready to hear whatever it was that she had to say.

Liz hesitated briefly, tempted to take the out he had offered, but just as quickly realized it would be worse if she waited. "Yes," she whispered in a low voice. "I know it's weird and awkward and probably the last thing you need to hear right now but — I should've been honest with you already and I haven't been and now— I think if I don't tell you now, after everything that's happened, you'll never forgive me."

Ressler inhaled sharply as he felt a pit in his stomach. "Okay. Tell me."

Liz slowly began to tell him the story of the bones and how she had come to learn their true identity. Ressler listened quietly, all the while keeping his eyes fixed on the road. She could see his hands tighten on the wheel as she reached the most difficult parts, including her decision to have Reddington arrested. When she was finished she folded her hands in her lap and absently rubbed her scar.

"It's a lot to take in, I know," Liz apologized. "I'm sorry to dump all this on you like this. And I was going to tell you soon, I just — I just hadn't gotten to the point that —"

Ressler shook his head slightly. "Don't apologize," he murmured. His face was otherwise impassive and Liz realized she was holding her breath as she waited for him to truly absorb and react to what she'd told him. She tentatively placed a hand on his leg as he drove and was relieved when he took one hand off the wheel and squeezed hers tightly.

After a few minutes, Ressler suddenly pulled over on the side of the highway and turned off the engine. He let go of Liz's hand and folded his arms across his chest. They sat in silence for a while before he cleared his throat. "I'm glad you told me," he began gruffly. "I'm just still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that the Reddington I chased for all those years isn't actually Raymond Reddington. And that you got our Raymond Reddington arrested," he added.

Liz felt her inner tension ease slightly as she realized he seemed more thoughtful than angry. "Tell me about it. I thought this man was my father and now I know he's not." she replied.

Ressler shook his head and chuckled slightly. "I'm not gonna lie, the fact he's not your father is actually sort of a relief. Especially after last night."

"I can see why," Liz replied as she fought a laugh. "Seriously though," she continued as she scanned his face anxiously, "I know it's a lot to process and I'm sorry I kept it from you this long. I've been wanting to tell you, but I was afraid if I did, it would put you at risk too. And we can't tell the others. Not yet, anyway. Not until I find out who he is."

Ressler held her gaze for a long moment. "You have my word," he replied solemnly. "I won't say anything. And whatever you need, whatever I can do, I'm ready to help."

"Thank you," Liz replied softly. "I can't tell you how much it means to have someone on my side in all this. Jennifer tries but she's in over her head."

"I've always been on your side, Liz," Ressler replied evenly. "Last night didn't change that one way or the other. I hope you know that."

Liz's breath caught in her throat. "I do," she whispered as she blinked rapidly to fight the sudden swell of emotion. Ressler leaned over and pulled her close against him and kissed the top of her head. "We'll find out who he really is," he murmured. "I promise."

It was very late by the time their flight landed in D.C. When they got to Liz's apartment building, Ressler parked on the street and carried her bag upstairs. Liz unlocked the door and he followed her into the apartment.

"Thanks for a great weekend, Liz," he began slowly. "I know it's late so I'll get out of your way and let you get some sleep."

Liz nodded slowly as she stepped closer, folded herself against his chest, and wrapped her arms around him. "I don't really want you to go," she admitted softly.

She felt the rumble of his laugh as he pressed his lips against the top of her head. "I don't really want to go either but it's gonna be a rough morning for both of us if I don't."

"Back to reality," Liz replied with a sigh.

"Ok, when you put it that way, I really really don't want to go," Ressler murmured as he rested his chin on her head.

"So don't," she whispered as she reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and pulled him in for a kiss.

"Liz…" he protested.

"Shh," she whispered as she took his hand and led him into her bedroom.