THANKSGIVING

Epilogue

Looking at himself in the mirror, Reid was pleased with the casual look he had managed to pull off without the help of his partner, who was always trying to straighten his collar, or give him unnecessary fashion suggestions. He knew it was one of Luke’s versions of a gesture of affection so Reid never complained -- at least not often.

He was actually looking forward to seeing the entire family at the farm, although he wasn’t completely comfortable with Chris yet. His colleague had been demonstrating his value as a gifted pediatrician at the hospital, but his home life was still on the precipice and could go either way. Katie had confided in Reid at one of their more chatty coffee get-togethers that Chris seemed to have built an imaginary wall between himself and Jacob. It was no wonder the little boy never truly thought of him as his father. She sadly confessed it was the reason she didn’t want any more children, never wanting to see favoritism of one child over the other since Chris clearly didn’t completely accept Jacob as his own.

“He’s an ass!”

“Reid, he’s not an ass. To be honest, I think you may have been right.”

“I’m always right. Which instance of my obvious intellectual superiority are you referring to?”

Katie smacked Reid playfully on the arm. “You can be an ass too.”

He nodded, a half-smile on his face.

“I love Chris.”

“Of course you do.”

“But I may have gotten too involved too soon after Brad’s death. I should have given myself more time before getting remarried.”

“I agree.” Katie was about to respond until Reid held up his hand. “However, it’s hard to deny how high everyone’s emotions were running when Chris was near death, his heart on the verge of crapping out on him.”

This time it was Katie’s turn to nod. Reid remembered the shock of Katie’s wedding invitation arriving less than six months after the heart transplant. He knew the entire relationship was put into overdrive due to Chris’ medical scare and Katie’s unwillingness to risk losing someone else in her life. He also suspected they should have waited. Reid still recalled all the nights he heard Katie mourning her late husband. Theirs obviously hadn’t been the type of relationship you could move past in less than a year.

Now Reid would have to face Chris and be as pleasant as possible while hacking away at a squash at the Snyder Thanksgiving celebration. One thing was certain, when the inevitable request by Emma for each member of the dinner table to mention one new thing they were thankful for, Reid wouldn’t be at a loss. Truth be told, since he and Luke had become a couple, he always had something to be thankful for. He just didn’t enjoy revealing such private feelings in a marginally public domain. Luke knew how Reid felt; that was all that mattered. Luke would finally get his chance to reveal his news about his true bloodline. While he knew Luke was looking forward to the moment he could share this with his family, his partner had realized after Ethan’s reaction that the news wouldn’t change anything.

Stepping into the kitchen to grab a bite of breakfast to tide him over until the expected feast of gluttony, he spotted Ethan battling the cap on the orange juice carton. “Damn!”

“Better not let Luke hear you say that?”

“Why? Because twelve year olds stuck in casts, who can’t open their own drink carton, should be happy and content.”

“Hey, you should be in a good mood. Today’s family feast day at the farm. I thought you’d be too excited to stand still.”

“I would be if I could do all the stuff I want when I get there.”

Without saying a word Reid took two glasses out of the cabinet, opened the juice carton, and poured for both of them.

Ethan gratefully accepted his drink.

“So what are you going to miss today? You’ll have plenty of years to defeat the evil squash.”

Luke joined them and chuckled.

“I don’t care about that. It’s the other thing we do every Thanksgiving.” Ethan looked at his brother, his eyes wide.

“You know both Chris and Mark said you can’t yet. I could argue with one of them but not both.”

Approaching his partner and his son, Reid glanced from one to the other. “Why do I suddenly feel like a third wheel? What aren’t you both telling me?”

Luke fussed with Reid’s perfectly aligned collar. It wasn’t just a gesture of affection but an obvious avoidance tactic. “Stop trying to distract me. What is it that the kid wants to do and was told he can’t?”

Pressing a tender kiss to Reid’s lips, Luke brushed his hand down his arm. It sent a chill up Reid’s spine and a message to his cock that would have to wait until much later. “Talk, Mr. Snyder. Now.”

Sighing, Luke took a step back and looked from Ethan to Reid. “Every year since we were little our dad used to take us out for a father and sons ride. Aaron’s not here enough, but I looked forward to it from as far back as I can remember. Starting when he was three years old, we added Ethan. It was a special time and I continued the tradition with Ethan after he came to live with us. We take the horses around the pond and view the late fall together... and talk.”

Hating the thought of getting on a horse, Reid wasn’t insulted that he wasn’t included in this intimate, annual family ritual. He just wished he could do something that would make it safe for Ethan, but it was too soon after the skateboarding accident to risk him falling off a horse.

“Sorry, Ethan. I have to agree with Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Hughes on this one. If you fell, even with your riding helmet on, you could incur a severe brain injury... and then there’s your arm. It could be permanently damaged, especially since it’s still healing.”

“God damn it!” Ethan kicked the side of a kitchen chair, stomping out of the room.

“Ethan!” Luke began to follow him, but Reid grabbed his arm.

“Let him have his anger. He’s been a good sport about all of this until now. It’s about time he got really pissed off about something. I just wish it was something I could fix.”

Knotting his fingers in Reid’s hair, Luke crashed their lips together. The kiss quickly heated as Reid pressed his tongue into Luke’s mouth, relishing the taste belonging only to him.

When they separated Reid smirked. “Not that I’m complaining, but what the hell was that for?”

“For caring enough about Ethan, and me, to worry about a tradition we share without you.”

“If I cared to get on a horse, I might be a bit resentful, but we both know that while I’ve grown to be more comfortable in their offensively aromatic presence, I’ll never be a rider.”

“I love you.” Luke gave Reid another peck on the cheek.

“Right back at you, Mr. Snyder.”

Luke laughed. “Come on, Dr. Oliver. Let’s get to the farm. Hopefully Jacob, Natalie, Faith, or Parker can distract Ethan.”

“We’ll see.” Having a photographic memory was beginning to pay off in a whole new way. “I’ll catch up with you at the car. Why don’t you get Ethan out there and I’ll be right behind you.”

As soon as Luke left the room, Reid pulled out his cell phone to make a hasty call or two.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Walking onto the porch at Snyder Farm, Luke, Ethan, and Reid were greeted by Katie. She was standing alone and wore a content smile. Luke and Reid both followed her gaze, spotting Chris and Jacob at the far end of the driveway.

Giving Luke a quick kiss on the cheek, Reid squeezed his shoulder. “I think I’ll stay out here for a few more minutes and get a little fresh air. Besides, I’m sure my mother, Lucinda, and Emma are waiting to pounce on Ethan and shower him with more attention and spoiling than I can handle witnessing.”

Leaning in and nipping Reid’s lobe, Luke whispered, “You’re a good man, Reid Oliver.”

“I can be.”

Luke and Ethan disappeared into a chorus of “Look who’s here. You had us so worried. I’m so glad you could be with us today. How’s your arm feel?”

Glancing at his dear friend, Reid could see her eyes shining. “You know, Faith has shown me some of the best locations for maximum eavesdropping capability with the least chance of being spotted.”

“Why, Dr. Oliver, isn’t that unethical?”

“My high level ethical focus only holds out at Memorial Hospital. At the Snyder Farm, it’s every man or woman for his or herself.”

Nodding, Katie followed Reid to a lovely old pine tree with a bench to one side. The two sat side by side on the bench and observed the pair at the end of the driveway.

“Come on.” Jacob held up his arms dramatically. “Do I really have to wear all this stuff?”

“We talked about this Jacob. If you want to rollerblade, you have to wear all the safety equipment.”

“But it weighs a ton.”

“I doubt that. Remember, I’ll be wearing just as much as you. Elbow pads in place, wrist guards, leather gloves, knee pads, and helmets. I think it’s safe for us to try these skates out.”

“Why are you doing this with me? I know you don’t normally rollerblade or anything like this.”

“Because you’re my son, and it’s my job to keep you safe.”

“Huh?”

“While you’re learning how to do this, I want to be there if you fall.”

“You do?”

“Of course I do.”

“What if you fall? You’re a lot bigger than me. You have more to break.”

Reid covered his mouth so he wouldn’t laugh out loud. Katie nudged his shoulder.

“I’m willing to take the risk. I love you.”

“Oh.” Jacob paused for a moment and then continued. “Are you sure I need to wear all this? None of the other kids do. It would be so cool to just wear the helmet and gloves.”

“No dice, buddy. When I adopted you, I promised to take care of you. This is one of those times I have to veto your pleas.”

“I’m not sure I get what you mean, but I think the answer is I have to keep all this stuff on.”

“If you want to rollerblade, you do.”

“Okay, if you say so, Dad.”

Closing his eyes, Reid accepted the realization that his advice had sunk in -- maybe Chris wasn’t a hopeless case after all. Looking at the smile on Katie’s face, he was convinced he’d done the right thing.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Thanksgiving at the Snyder Farm was crazy as always, tempered with the typical family displays of emotion. There were no surprises, but Reid was amused to see how well his mother was getting along with Lucinda and John. He nearly choked when Lucinda mentioned a friend in Amsterdam she wanted to introduce Miriam to so they could double date on the continent. Of course the trip would be courtesy of Madam Walsh.

As the family patriarch, Jack made the annual toast. “To health and happiness to all our family, here and elsewhere, and a special tribute to our dear Emma. Besides having the genius and culinary skills to create this incredible feast, she has become Mom, Grandma, and Great-grandma to all of us. I think of you as my surrogate mother, and all of us adore you in the same loving way. So Happy Thanksgiving to all the Snyders and our amazing extended family.”

Everyone, as was expected, raised their glasses to Emma. The food did look incredible and Reid was going to start literally drooling if they didn’t get down to the eating portion of the day soon.

After Emma led the family in saying grace, Reid was about to reach for a roll when Mark stood up. Reid’s eyes narrowed. He was getting hungrier by the minute and regretted his discipline in not sneaking some tidbits before the meal was served.

“I’d like to make a special toast of my own, if you’ll all permit me.”

“Oh my dear, that would be so lovely from the newest addition to our family.” Emma beamed. Maybe Mark opening his mouth wasn’t a bad thing. Reid liked seeing Luke’s grandmother happy.

“I’d like to thank all of you for making me feel welcome to Oakdale and accepting me into your family. Coming to a strange community and knowing no one can be a lonely experience.” Luke laced his fingers with Reid’s under the table.

“Thanks to Reid and Luke, my lonely days ended much earlier than expected when they introduced me to Noah.” Mark raised his glass a bit higher. “In gratitude to our family and closest friends, Noah and I would like you to be the first to know we plan to get as married as we can in the State of Illinois. We want you all there on our special day.”

“Yes!” His fingers curled into a fist, Ethan hoisted his good arm in the air. “I knew Noah would make sure Dr. Mark never left us. Good going, Noah. Now you and my brother both snagged cool doctors.”

In a surprising display of shyness, Noah lowered his head and very quietly thanked everyone. When the congratulations died down, Mark gave Noah a peck on the cheek. “I think that went well.”

Smiling, Noah dished some green beans onto his plate as they were passed around the table.

“Are you happy?”

“Yeah, I am. Finding the right partner is the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Noah’s journey had been much longer than Luke’s, but Reid was glad to see them all come out of it as friends at the other end.

Now if his calls from earlier had worked, the day would be a complete success, and Dr. Reid Oliver doesn’t like to accept anything but complete success.

 

*~*~*~*~*
 

Jack, Reid, and Mark walked outside after the meal, under the guise of needing to burn off some calories in the brisk fall air.

Less than thirty minutes later, Reid returned to the house. “Luke, Ethan, follow me.”

“Reid, don’t be so rude. I’m playing with my nephew.” Luke stood up to whisper in Reid’s ear. “Besides, I was going to let my family know about the blood work soon.”

“I’m always rude, and I promise Faith’s nephew will be here to stack blocks and knock them down again when we get back.” That kid sure wasn’t an instant brain trust. “As far as the DNA results, that’ll wait until later when we’re all seated in front of the fireplace with coffee and cocoa.”

Luke nodded his agreement and he and Ethan accompanied Reid out the back door.

Although they weren’t invited, Chris, Katie, Noah, and Jacob followed the three at a respectful distance.

When they approached the barn, Ethan’s eyes widened. “Holy shit! Luke, do you see that.” The kid pointed toward the largest horse from the Snyder barn hitched to a hackney wagon, with a driver on the upper seat. “That’s the guy who Faith got to take her and Parker away after they finally got married.”

“Reid?” Luke turned to him, his eyes moist.

“Don’t get all emotional on me, especially in front of our impromptu audience.”

“You did this for us?”

“I did this for the two people in the world who mean the most to me, and deserve their family traditions no matter what happens.” Looking over his shoulder at Jack and Mark, Reid continued. “I had a little help from a couple of others who also thought you deserved your time together. That guy and his cart cost a friggin’ fortune, especially because it’s Thanksgiving. We only have him for an hour.”

Luke wrapped his arms around Reid and crashed their lips together. The hungry, passionate kiss was brief, but the message of love and gratitude was received loud and clear. “You are so getting lucky tonight.”

“I’m counting on it.” Reid rolled his lips inward. “I owe you a lot... and Holden. Consider this a fraction of the payback.”

Nodding, Luke took Ethan’s good arm and helped him onto the back seat of the wagon. As they rode off, Reid watched as Luke pointed at trees around the pond, and then began telling Ethan about some small tidbits of Snyder history.

Watching them ride away, Noah came to stand between Mark and Reid. “That was a nice thing you did for them. I know how much that annual ride means to Luke and Ethan.”

Jack patted Reid’s back. “Holden knew who he was trusting his boys to, both before and after he died.”

Reid wanted to say something but the words wouldn’t come, so he kept his mouth shut for fear his voice would crack.

Taking Noah’s hand, Mark started to walk away. “It’s okay, Dr. Oliver. Healing your own loneliness and becoming a part of a family will only make you a better doctor and Chief of Staff.”

“Thank you, Dr. Jenkins, for that profound prognosis. Did you learn that in medical school?”

“No, Reid. I learned it from you. Happy Thanksgiving.”

“Same to you.” Reid walked back to the house with his family, awaiting the return of his husband and son.

[The End -- for now]

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