[FIC] Something To Be Thankful For
Title: Something To Be Thankful For
Rating: T/PG-13
Fandom: Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files (bookverse)
Spoilers: Small Favor
Characters: Molly Carpenter; Carlos Ramirez; Harry Dresden; Michael, Charity, Daniel, Matthew, Alicia, Amanda, Hope, and Harry Carpenter
Pairings: Molly/Carlos, Michael/Charity
Length: approx. 4,000 words
Summary: Carlos is invited over to the Carpenters' for Thanksgiving dinner.
A/N: Meant to have this done for priscellie's birthday. Hopefully she'll forgive me the belatedness.
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Mandatory Disclaimer: I'm only playing with action figures in a sandbox; all characters belong to Jim Butcher. No copyright infringement intended.
==========
If you asked Carlos Ramirez if he was afraid of anything, he would answer in a firm negative. He’d faced down ghouls, warlocks, fae, and vampires-even Harry Dresden in the early morning, before coffee-without flinching. Heck, he usually went in taunting.
But that was before tonight.
He’d walked this path up to the well-kept house before, but there was a different air about it tonight. He wasn’t just picking up the daughter of a retired Knight of the Cross, who was one of the few men Carlos knew who was better at swordplay than himself; this was be the first time he would be spending an extended amount of time around Molly’s family-and her mother. And based on the tales Harry told about Charity Carpenter, she was a force to be reckoned with, and in her home, it seemed her word was second only to God’s.
A corner of Carlos’ mouth turned up in a wry smile at the thought; in that regard, Charity Carpenter sounded much like his own mother. Though he doubted his mother had ever taken a nailgun to a faerie.
Still, despite the similarities between Molly’s family and his own, Carlos was still nervous and, if he was going to be completely honest with himself, a little bit scared of what equated to facing a mother grizzly in her own den. A mother grizzly with a nailgun.
Carlos shuddered slightly, then shook the thought off as he made his way up on to the Carpenters’ porch. Shifting the bag on his shoulder and getting a better grasp on the covered dish in one hand, Carlos steeled himself and rang the doorbell.
He was immediately greeted with considerable noise and shouting as a number of the Carpenter children came racing to the door. From the sound of it, there were three of them, and then a short scuffle ensued as they collided on the other side of the door. After about fifteen seconds, Carlos heard the locks being thrown back and the door opened to reveal a girl about twelve or so, with a younger brother and sister scrambling off the floor behind her. Amanda, then. “Hi, Carlos!” she chirped, pulling the door all the way open. “Come in-dinner’s almost ready!”
Carlos flashed her a smile as he stepped across the threshold, the protective magic parting with the slight jingle of wind chimes in his ears as it allowed him within its bounds. “Hi, Amanda. How’s it-”
He broke off with a small grunt as Harry proceeded to barrel into him with all the force his little body could muster. Carlos felt his balance waver precariously, then had the dish taken out of his hand by Molly’s oldest sister, Alicia, a girl of fourteen or fifteen, by Carlos’ reckoning. He caught her eye and mouthed a quick “Thank you” before grabbing his assailant around the waist and turning him upside down, promptly eliciting a bout of laughter from the small boy. “Hey, squirt. Good to see you, too.”
Laughing, little Harry began trying to weasel his way out of Carlos’ grasp as Carlos carried him further into the house, led by Amanda and the younger girl, Hope. Harry had just managed to right himself when Michael Carpenter came around the corner to the living room, leaning on a cane. The firm basso of his voice rumbled out, amused. “Harry, leave Carlos alone, now. He’s not a jungle gym.”
“No, that’d be the other Harry,” Carlos interjected, a grin stretching across his face as he let the boy down, who promptly jumped at Hope and chased her into another room.
Michael let out a small chuckle as he reached out and grasped Carlos’ hand warmly. “How have you been? The Wardens not running you too hard, I hope? No cloak today, I see.” Michael flicked a questioning glance toward the large bag slung over Carlos’ shoulder. Gripping Michael’s hand, Carlos shook his head. “Nope, things have been relatively quiet recently. But the cloak’s in the bag, among with… other items. Better safe than sorry.”
Michael nodded once in understanding, then took the bag from Carlos and set it in a corner where it wouldn’t be disturbed. “Well, as Amanda said, dinner’s almost ready-why don’t you sit down for a few?” A slight protest formed on the young Warden’s lips, and Michael’s eyes suddenly glinted mischievously. “Or, I do believe Molly is upstairs, if you want to let her know you’re here. Either way, we’ll let you know when dinner’s ready, it shouldn’t be more than a few minutes. Come on, Amanda, let’s go help your mother and Alicia.”
As Carlos watched the two turn and head toward the kitchen, he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Well, so far, so good.
He turned and went up the stairs, and found the door with soft light coming from under it, and knocked softly. The door opened, and Carlos made a mental note to pick his jaw up off the floor.
“Hi,” Molly Carpenter said softly, her blonde hair tinged a deep blue at the tips. The color complemented the dress she was wearing, a classy number that found the balance between “date night” and “family occasion.” It was made of a shimmering fabric that, coupled with Molly’s figure, Carlos found completely alluring.
“Hi,” he returned, a tender smile spreading across his face. “You look stunning. More so than usual, I mean.”
Molly slapped his arm lightly. “Flatterer.”
He grabbed Molly’s hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it. “Nonsense. I speak only truths,” he said, nodding to emphasize the point.
She blushed, ducking her head slightly so her hair fell across her eyes briefly before looking back up and glancing at his eyes. Carlos suddenly felt about ten degrees warmer as she moved her hand along his jawline and brought her mouth to his in a soft kiss, her other arm coming up to wrap around his neck.
One arm wrapped around Molly’s waist, pulling her closer to him as he slowly deepened the kiss-until a slight shriek sounded from the kitchen, causing the two to jerk apart. Molly hissed in frustration.
“Crap. Dad must have told Mom that you were up here.” Molly pushed Carlos towards the stairs and headed for the bathroom to straighten up her makeup. “Remember, nothing happened.”
Carlos grinned, and wiped a hand across his mouth, checking for any remainder lipstick that might have rubbed off onto him. As he started down the stairs, Daniel Carpenter appeared at the bottom, staring at Carlos coldly. “You two are so busted. If you get my sister in trouble, I swear-”
He broke off as Alicia stepped up next to him and slapped him in the gut. “Shut up, Daniel. Molly’s happier than I’ve seen her in a long time, and you’re not going to ruin it for her.” Daniel grunted noncommittally, then moved back toward the kitchen. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Carlos smiled appreciatively at the young girl.
“Thanks for the backup.”
Alicia responded in kind, saying, “You’d better be worth it.” She started toward the dining room, then stopped and turned back. “By the way, you still have some lipstick, just there,” she said, pointing to the corner of her mouth. “Just in case, you know, you don’t feel like becoming Mom’s next subject for target practice with Dad’s nailgun.”
Carlos’ mouth went dry even as he wiped at his lips. Glancing at the blue left on his hands, he grimaced, then swallowed and moved toward the kitchen.
As soon as he entered, Carlos got the feeling that he was in mortal peril-a feeling augmented by the fact that Charity Carpenter paused completely and was eyeing him coldly.
“Evening, Missus Carpenter,” Carlos said, attempting to break the ice.
“Warden Ramirez.” Charity’s voice held little emotion.
“So… uh… Anything I can do to help?” Carlos began awkwardly.
Charity eyed him a moment longer, then turned to the counter and began passing him plates simply piled with food. If Carlos hadn’t had practice from his family’s restaurant, he might have been in trouble-as it was, he had a difficult enough time balancing everything, but he managed to get it all to the dining room in one piece.
Molly slipped into the dining room as he was placing the dishes on the table. Sliding behind him, she wrapped her arms about his waist, whispering, “Hi again.”
Carlos felt a smile make its way onto his face. “Hi, yourself,” he said, then froze for a second as Molly’s fingers started moving in small circles over his stomach, leaving small trails of fire. “Molly…” he began, but was overpowered by a voice from the kitchen.
“Margaret Katherine Amanda Carpenter, you get yourself in here this minute.” Her mother’s voice brooked no dissent, and Carlos felt Molly’s face twist into a grimace against his back before she released him and made her way to the kitchen. Carlos bit his lip in worry-it seemed that some of Harry’s stories about Charity Carpenter weren’t exaggerated-and then proceeded to arrange the platters on the table.
As Molly entered her mother’s place of power, Charity grabbed her firmly by the elbow and dragged her over to the corner near the back door. “Margaret Katherine Amanda Carpenter,” she repeated, eyes flashing furiously, “Have you lost complete and utter control of your senses?” Molly opened her mouth to speak, but was silenced as her mother continued. “Not only must you have chosen to continue with your magic, but you’re training with Dresden-who is a Warden himself-” A small sound of protest escaped from Molly, but Charity ignored it. “Now you seem to think it’s a good idea to bring one of the White Council’s lapdogs here? As a date? Merciful Lord, have you no sense at all?” Charity looked Molly up and down and took in what she was wearing. “And what is that?”
Molly’s eyes flashed dangerously and she yanked her arm from her mother’s grip. “First off, this what is called a dress. And, I’m going to wear it-that is, unless you’d prefer me to come to dinner naked.” Her mother’s face contorted with anger, but Molly was her mother’s daughter and pressed on. “Secondly, you know Harry-you know his quality. Carlos is much the same-but with fewer fire hazards.” Molly paused and her tone began bordering on sarcastic. “Thirdly, yes. He is my date. So, thank you for making him unwelcome.” Carlos had done his best to hide it, but she could tell it was bothering him.
With a glare at her mother, Molly turned on her heel and walked out of the kitchen, her anger visible in her step. She passed her father in the hall and quickly looked aside, dashing away the tears threatening to leak from her eyes. Michael quietly took hold of her, gently. Looking from his daughter to the kitchen, he let out a soft “Ah,” of understanding. Molly pulled away from her father, and Michael let her; he knew that he wasn’t the one she needed at that moment, and so he proceeded to the kitchen.
Molly retreated to the dining room, where Carlos was finishing setting the table. The scene was so different from the atmosphere she usually saw him in-when they weren’t alone, at any rate. She was so used to seeing him with the grey cloak, sword by his side and a cocky grin on his face, defiant to the world. He was the reason she didn’t fear the grey cloak any longer. Well, one of them. Harry diluted that fear, but Carlos… Carlos managed to make that fear disappear completely. And then some; she almost welcomed the sight of a grey cloak now.
She smiled softly, remembering the nights where they would sit together, wrapped in his cloak. Yes, he was definitely to blame for banishing her fears.
Carlos turned and saw her standing there, his eyes lighting up as he moved to her and took her in his arms. Words weren’t needed as he took in her mood, and tightened his arms about her, pressing a small kiss to her hair. Molly tilted her head up slightly, gazing toward his eyes, and running a few fingers through his hair, pushing it out of his face.
And then the moment was broken as Hope and Harry came running into the room, screaming “Dinnertime!” and taking their spots at the table. Carlos laughed, and even Molly smiled at her siblings’ antics. As the rest of the family filed in, Carlos helped Molly to the table, pulling out her chair for her, an act that gained him a small, knowing smile from Michael.
Charity’s eyes softened slightly, but still held animosity. However, she didn’t say anything, only pursed her lips tightly, and looked around the table at its occupants. Michael reached over and grasped her hand firmly. “Shall I say the grace?”
The ten sitting at the table joined hands, and with a mixture of bowed heads and closed eyes, sat attentively as Michael began to speak. “Merciful and Heavenly Father, we come to you this night with a prayer of thanksgiving. We thank you for delivering each of us safely-”
A squeal of tires sounded from out in front of the house, followed by the sound of metal screeching. Carlos and Molly were the first up from the table, followed closely by Michael and Daniel. “Charity, Matthew, take the children upstairs,” Michael said, “Quickly.” Charity, nodded, and ushered the younger members of the family out of the dining room.
Carlos rushed to the living room, grabbing his sword out of his bag and buckling it around his waist. He glanced at Molly, her face drawn and tight. Carlos opened his mouth to speak when something pounded on the door. Hard. Moving toward it, Carlos kept his left hand on the hilt of his sword, and his right became wreathed in green energy.
A voice outside shouted, “Dammit, Michael! Open up and let me in!”
Michael shook his head and smiled, muttering, “Harry.” Grasping the door handle, he glanced at Carlos, who nodded once then disappeared under a veil.
The pounding on the door resumed. “Come on, Michael. Let me in alr-”
The voice broke off as Michael opened the door and Harry Dresden stumbled into the Carpenter’s foyer. “Harry,” Michael rumbled. “Welcome.” Carlos slipped out the door and into the yard to face whatever Harry was running from.
The tall, lanky wizard grimaced and looked out the door. “Uh… thanks. And, uh… seeing as you and Molly are already right here… uh… help?”
Michael smiled. “Of course. What is it this time?”
“Why does everyone assume it’s always something chasing me?” Harry groused.
“Because it’s usually true, Boss,” Molly chirped, grinning.
“Bah. And touché, Grasshopper,” Harry said, turning to her for the first time. “And… uh... Looking good, Molly. Thanksgiving a special date night?”
Molly arched a delicate eyebrow. “And that’s none of your business, Boss.” She bit her lip. “But… yeah.”
Michael watched the exchange, amused, keeping one ear focused on the events outside.
“Ah,” Harry said, a quizzical expression coming over his face. “But I thought it was tradition for you to spend Thanksgiving with your family.”
“It is. I do,” Molly said. “I mean, I am.”
Finally, it clicked. “Oh… boy’s coming over here, got it.” Harry caught sight of Carlos’ bag in the corner. “I’m assuming that’s his stuff, so where is he?” A grin appeared over his face. “I might need to mess with him a little.”
Carlos chose that moment to enter, sans veil. “‘Boy’ was outside cleaning up your mess, Dresden. Again.”
Harry twitched, and spun around. “Jes-err… Geez, Carlos,” he said, catching himself before uttering blasphemies under Michael’s roof. “Give a guy some warning next time.”
Carlos shut the door then put his sword back in his bag. Moving next to Molly, he eyed Harry and said, “A turkey demon? Really?”
Michael laughed, and directed them back towards the dining room, calling up to Charity to let her know it was safe to come downstairs. He then motioned to Daniel, and the young man went to the kitchen to fetch another plate and set of cutlery for Harry. He hadn’t asked, but Michael knew his friend.
“Why do you sound not-surprised, Carlos? I mean, it’s not like…Uh… Hi, Charity.” Harry changed subjects when he saw Charity enter the room, children behind her.
Charity stopped and pursed her lips. “Mister Dresden,” she said, teeth clenched. “To what do we owe this unexpected surprise?”
“Oh, you know,” Harry shrugged. “I was in the area, just thought I’d pop in and say hi for a bit.”
“Is that so.” Her voice had a bitter chill to it.
Michael moved over to her and wrapped an arm about her shoulders. “Honey.” She subsided. “You’ll stay for supper, won’t you, Harry?”
Harry grinned. “Twist my arm, Michael.”
Carlos and Molly laughed, sitting down as Daniel brought an extra chair out for Harry.
When everyone had found their places for the second time that evening, Harry leaned forward and said, “You know Charity, it’s a testament to you and your family that you allow me to keep coming back. It’s also a testament to your cooking that I keep coming back for more. Thank you.”
Charity opened her mouth then closed it, and, exchanging a glance with her husband, said, “Thank you, Harry.” Michael murmured his approval, and looked around at everyone seated with him.
“And now, let us give thanks for what we have received. Blessed and Almighty Father, we come to you in this time of fellowship with great thanksgivings. We thank you for this wonderful bounty spread before us, taken from you glorious world. We thank you for delivering each of us here in relative safety. But most of all, we thank you for the love and friendship which binds all of us here tonight. In your most glorious name, Lord, we offer our thanks. Amen.”
A soft chorus of “Amen” echoed Michael, and then things got noisy as everyone dug in to the feast Charity had prepared for the evening.
When they had gorged themselves, Harry helped Matthew and Daniel clear the table and rinse the dishes, while Carlos and Molly headed toward the living room with the rest of the family. They allowed Michael and Charity the loveseat, grabbing a spot on the floor instead. Carlos pulled his bag over to him and reached into it. “And now it’s my turn,” he said, pulling out a guitar. “Thank you for that wonderful meal, Missus Carpenter.” Sliding a pick out of his pocket, Carlos began strumming a familiar melody, and soon, the family was signing along to “We Gather Together.”
And then Harry came into the room, doing his best to hold the tune, and utterly failing, causing great amusement amongst the smaller children. Harry glared at Carlos. “Come on, man. Give me something more upbeat to work with.”
“Upbeat, eh?” Carlos grinned, and then dove into a Spanish guitar lick that caused Molly to lean her head against his shoulder. “I love this song,” she murmured. Carlos grinned as the intro led into the Eagles’ “Tequila Sunrise,” a song that Harry had no problems with. Charity looked as if she was about to protest, but her husband silenced her by rumbling out the first vocals, causing her to crack a smile and laugh softly.
They continued in this manner until little Harry and Hope were fast asleep on the sofa. Molly looked at her younger siblings fondly, and smiled when Alicia and Matthew carried them upstairs to bed, followed by Amanda. Carlos rose to his feet, then helped Molly up, slinging the guitar across his back, and whispered in her ear. She giggled, and they moved toward the back door, pausing to grab a sweatshirt for Molly as they exited.
Charity and Harry both made motions to go after them, but Michael held onto their wrists. “Let them be,” he said. “They’re good for each other.”
This last drew a small glare from his wife, but her face softened as she considered her husband’s words. Gently releasing her arm from Michael’s grip, Charity and Daniel moved to the kitchen, finishing the cleanup process from the meal.
“Thank you for having me, Michael,” Harry started softly as they made their way out of the living room. “I know it frustrates Charity when I drop by unannounced.”
“It is nothing, Harry,” Michael said. “And it frustrates Charity less than you know. You’ve become an honorary part of this family over the years, you know that.” He glanced out of the window, where he could see Molly and Carlos walking slowly together. “And I suspect you won’t be the only honorary wizard in this family, soon enough.”
Harry looked through the window over his friend’s shoulder. “You might be right, at that.”
Outside, Molly and Carlos had found a spot underneath the tree house and were sitting together.
“Thank you,” she said, “for coming tonight.”
He smiled and kissed her hair. “Thank you for having me.”
She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. Moving softly so as not to disturb her, Carlos picked up his guitar. “I have one more song, just for you.”
Molly glanced up at him, a sparkle in her eye that had nothing to do with the starlight and a blush that had nothing to do with the cool November air. “Yeah.”
He smiled down at her. “Yeah,” he said, and began strumming and singing softly to the Beatles’ “In My Life.”
She watched him through the song, and when he was finished, she pulled his mouth down to hers for a fierce kiss that caused the chill to leave their bodies. She squeaked softly when Carlos set aside his guitar and pulled her onto his lap. Breaking the kiss for a moment, Molly grinned at him mischievously, then pushed him down into the small pile of leaves by the tree. He laughed, pulling her with him, and found her lips again.
Molly moaned appreciatively, moving her body against his, fingers tangling in his hair. His hands found the small of her back, pulling her tight against him. When they came up for air, Carlos grinned and flipped her on her back, pressing against her body with his, and proceeded to nibble on her earlobe, which elicited a small gasp from Molly.
The sound of a car door slamming brought them to their senses and jerked them apart. The distinctive put-put of the Blue Beetle sounded as Harry left the Carpenters’, likely to go home and feed his roommates with whatever leftovers Michael had loaded him down with.
Glancing around, Carlos and Molly got to their feet. Seeing the lights flicking off in the house, she pressed close against him and murmured, “Let’s take this inside. Mom and Dad won’t mind if you crash on the sofa tonight.” He smiled and kissed her softly. Then, grabbing his guitar, he followed her inside, locking the door behind him.
Making their way to the sofa, they took up where they had left off outside, albeit quieter, so as to not alert the slumbering members of the household.
Later, as they were falling asleep, wrapped in his cloak, Carlos whispered in Molly’s ear. “You know what I’m most thankful for?”
She shifted in his arms, “Mmm. What’s that?”
“You.”
She smiled and pressed her mouth against his in a quick kiss. “You, too,” she murmured.
As they drifted off to sleep, Carlos reflected on the day. He would brave a mama grizzly with a nailgun in her den any day if it meant he could end a day like this. He smiled and tightened his arms around Molly.
Best Thanksgiving ever.
Rating: T/PG-13
Fandom: Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files (bookverse)
Spoilers: Small Favor
Characters: Molly Carpenter; Carlos Ramirez; Harry Dresden; Michael, Charity, Daniel, Matthew, Alicia, Amanda, Hope, and Harry Carpenter
Pairings: Molly/Carlos, Michael/Charity
Length: approx. 4,000 words
Summary: Carlos is invited over to the Carpenters' for Thanksgiving dinner.
A/N: Meant to have this done for priscellie's birthday. Hopefully she'll forgive me the belatedness.
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Mandatory Disclaimer: I'm only playing with action figures in a sandbox; all characters belong to Jim Butcher. No copyright infringement intended.
==========
If you asked Carlos Ramirez if he was afraid of anything, he would answer in a firm negative. He’d faced down ghouls, warlocks, fae, and vampires-even Harry Dresden in the early morning, before coffee-without flinching. Heck, he usually went in taunting.
But that was before tonight.
He’d walked this path up to the well-kept house before, but there was a different air about it tonight. He wasn’t just picking up the daughter of a retired Knight of the Cross, who was one of the few men Carlos knew who was better at swordplay than himself; this was be the first time he would be spending an extended amount of time around Molly’s family-and her mother. And based on the tales Harry told about Charity Carpenter, she was a force to be reckoned with, and in her home, it seemed her word was second only to God’s.
A corner of Carlos’ mouth turned up in a wry smile at the thought; in that regard, Charity Carpenter sounded much like his own mother. Though he doubted his mother had ever taken a nailgun to a faerie.
Still, despite the similarities between Molly’s family and his own, Carlos was still nervous and, if he was going to be completely honest with himself, a little bit scared of what equated to facing a mother grizzly in her own den. A mother grizzly with a nailgun.
Carlos shuddered slightly, then shook the thought off as he made his way up on to the Carpenters’ porch. Shifting the bag on his shoulder and getting a better grasp on the covered dish in one hand, Carlos steeled himself and rang the doorbell.
He was immediately greeted with considerable noise and shouting as a number of the Carpenter children came racing to the door. From the sound of it, there were three of them, and then a short scuffle ensued as they collided on the other side of the door. After about fifteen seconds, Carlos heard the locks being thrown back and the door opened to reveal a girl about twelve or so, with a younger brother and sister scrambling off the floor behind her. Amanda, then. “Hi, Carlos!” she chirped, pulling the door all the way open. “Come in-dinner’s almost ready!”
Carlos flashed her a smile as he stepped across the threshold, the protective magic parting with the slight jingle of wind chimes in his ears as it allowed him within its bounds. “Hi, Amanda. How’s it-”
He broke off with a small grunt as Harry proceeded to barrel into him with all the force his little body could muster. Carlos felt his balance waver precariously, then had the dish taken out of his hand by Molly’s oldest sister, Alicia, a girl of fourteen or fifteen, by Carlos’ reckoning. He caught her eye and mouthed a quick “Thank you” before grabbing his assailant around the waist and turning him upside down, promptly eliciting a bout of laughter from the small boy. “Hey, squirt. Good to see you, too.”
Laughing, little Harry began trying to weasel his way out of Carlos’ grasp as Carlos carried him further into the house, led by Amanda and the younger girl, Hope. Harry had just managed to right himself when Michael Carpenter came around the corner to the living room, leaning on a cane. The firm basso of his voice rumbled out, amused. “Harry, leave Carlos alone, now. He’s not a jungle gym.”
“No, that’d be the other Harry,” Carlos interjected, a grin stretching across his face as he let the boy down, who promptly jumped at Hope and chased her into another room.
Michael let out a small chuckle as he reached out and grasped Carlos’ hand warmly. “How have you been? The Wardens not running you too hard, I hope? No cloak today, I see.” Michael flicked a questioning glance toward the large bag slung over Carlos’ shoulder. Gripping Michael’s hand, Carlos shook his head. “Nope, things have been relatively quiet recently. But the cloak’s in the bag, among with… other items. Better safe than sorry.”
Michael nodded once in understanding, then took the bag from Carlos and set it in a corner where it wouldn’t be disturbed. “Well, as Amanda said, dinner’s almost ready-why don’t you sit down for a few?” A slight protest formed on the young Warden’s lips, and Michael’s eyes suddenly glinted mischievously. “Or, I do believe Molly is upstairs, if you want to let her know you’re here. Either way, we’ll let you know when dinner’s ready, it shouldn’t be more than a few minutes. Come on, Amanda, let’s go help your mother and Alicia.”
As Carlos watched the two turn and head toward the kitchen, he let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding. Well, so far, so good.
He turned and went up the stairs, and found the door with soft light coming from under it, and knocked softly. The door opened, and Carlos made a mental note to pick his jaw up off the floor.
“Hi,” Molly Carpenter said softly, her blonde hair tinged a deep blue at the tips. The color complemented the dress she was wearing, a classy number that found the balance between “date night” and “family occasion.” It was made of a shimmering fabric that, coupled with Molly’s figure, Carlos found completely alluring.
“Hi,” he returned, a tender smile spreading across his face. “You look stunning. More so than usual, I mean.”
Molly slapped his arm lightly. “Flatterer.”
He grabbed Molly’s hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it. “Nonsense. I speak only truths,” he said, nodding to emphasize the point.
She blushed, ducking her head slightly so her hair fell across her eyes briefly before looking back up and glancing at his eyes. Carlos suddenly felt about ten degrees warmer as she moved her hand along his jawline and brought her mouth to his in a soft kiss, her other arm coming up to wrap around his neck.
One arm wrapped around Molly’s waist, pulling her closer to him as he slowly deepened the kiss-until a slight shriek sounded from the kitchen, causing the two to jerk apart. Molly hissed in frustration.
“Crap. Dad must have told Mom that you were up here.” Molly pushed Carlos towards the stairs and headed for the bathroom to straighten up her makeup. “Remember, nothing happened.”
Carlos grinned, and wiped a hand across his mouth, checking for any remainder lipstick that might have rubbed off onto him. As he started down the stairs, Daniel Carpenter appeared at the bottom, staring at Carlos coldly. “You two are so busted. If you get my sister in trouble, I swear-”
He broke off as Alicia stepped up next to him and slapped him in the gut. “Shut up, Daniel. Molly’s happier than I’ve seen her in a long time, and you’re not going to ruin it for her.” Daniel grunted noncommittally, then moved back toward the kitchen. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Carlos smiled appreciatively at the young girl.
“Thanks for the backup.”
Alicia responded in kind, saying, “You’d better be worth it.” She started toward the dining room, then stopped and turned back. “By the way, you still have some lipstick, just there,” she said, pointing to the corner of her mouth. “Just in case, you know, you don’t feel like becoming Mom’s next subject for target practice with Dad’s nailgun.”
Carlos’ mouth went dry even as he wiped at his lips. Glancing at the blue left on his hands, he grimaced, then swallowed and moved toward the kitchen.
As soon as he entered, Carlos got the feeling that he was in mortal peril-a feeling augmented by the fact that Charity Carpenter paused completely and was eyeing him coldly.
“Evening, Missus Carpenter,” Carlos said, attempting to break the ice.
“Warden Ramirez.” Charity’s voice held little emotion.
“So… uh… Anything I can do to help?” Carlos began awkwardly.
Charity eyed him a moment longer, then turned to the counter and began passing him plates simply piled with food. If Carlos hadn’t had practice from his family’s restaurant, he might have been in trouble-as it was, he had a difficult enough time balancing everything, but he managed to get it all to the dining room in one piece.
Molly slipped into the dining room as he was placing the dishes on the table. Sliding behind him, she wrapped her arms about his waist, whispering, “Hi again.”
Carlos felt a smile make its way onto his face. “Hi, yourself,” he said, then froze for a second as Molly’s fingers started moving in small circles over his stomach, leaving small trails of fire. “Molly…” he began, but was overpowered by a voice from the kitchen.
“Margaret Katherine Amanda Carpenter, you get yourself in here this minute.” Her mother’s voice brooked no dissent, and Carlos felt Molly’s face twist into a grimace against his back before she released him and made her way to the kitchen. Carlos bit his lip in worry-it seemed that some of Harry’s stories about Charity Carpenter weren’t exaggerated-and then proceeded to arrange the platters on the table.
As Molly entered her mother’s place of power, Charity grabbed her firmly by the elbow and dragged her over to the corner near the back door. “Margaret Katherine Amanda Carpenter,” she repeated, eyes flashing furiously, “Have you lost complete and utter control of your senses?” Molly opened her mouth to speak, but was silenced as her mother continued. “Not only must you have chosen to continue with your magic, but you’re training with Dresden-who is a Warden himself-” A small sound of protest escaped from Molly, but Charity ignored it. “Now you seem to think it’s a good idea to bring one of the White Council’s lapdogs here? As a date? Merciful Lord, have you no sense at all?” Charity looked Molly up and down and took in what she was wearing. “And what is that?”
Molly’s eyes flashed dangerously and she yanked her arm from her mother’s grip. “First off, this what is called a dress. And, I’m going to wear it-that is, unless you’d prefer me to come to dinner naked.” Her mother’s face contorted with anger, but Molly was her mother’s daughter and pressed on. “Secondly, you know Harry-you know his quality. Carlos is much the same-but with fewer fire hazards.” Molly paused and her tone began bordering on sarcastic. “Thirdly, yes. He is my date. So, thank you for making him unwelcome.” Carlos had done his best to hide it, but she could tell it was bothering him.
With a glare at her mother, Molly turned on her heel and walked out of the kitchen, her anger visible in her step. She passed her father in the hall and quickly looked aside, dashing away the tears threatening to leak from her eyes. Michael quietly took hold of her, gently. Looking from his daughter to the kitchen, he let out a soft “Ah,” of understanding. Molly pulled away from her father, and Michael let her; he knew that he wasn’t the one she needed at that moment, and so he proceeded to the kitchen.
Molly retreated to the dining room, where Carlos was finishing setting the table. The scene was so different from the atmosphere she usually saw him in-when they weren’t alone, at any rate. She was so used to seeing him with the grey cloak, sword by his side and a cocky grin on his face, defiant to the world. He was the reason she didn’t fear the grey cloak any longer. Well, one of them. Harry diluted that fear, but Carlos… Carlos managed to make that fear disappear completely. And then some; she almost welcomed the sight of a grey cloak now.
She smiled softly, remembering the nights where they would sit together, wrapped in his cloak. Yes, he was definitely to blame for banishing her fears.
Carlos turned and saw her standing there, his eyes lighting up as he moved to her and took her in his arms. Words weren’t needed as he took in her mood, and tightened his arms about her, pressing a small kiss to her hair. Molly tilted her head up slightly, gazing toward his eyes, and running a few fingers through his hair, pushing it out of his face.
And then the moment was broken as Hope and Harry came running into the room, screaming “Dinnertime!” and taking their spots at the table. Carlos laughed, and even Molly smiled at her siblings’ antics. As the rest of the family filed in, Carlos helped Molly to the table, pulling out her chair for her, an act that gained him a small, knowing smile from Michael.
Charity’s eyes softened slightly, but still held animosity. However, she didn’t say anything, only pursed her lips tightly, and looked around the table at its occupants. Michael reached over and grasped her hand firmly. “Shall I say the grace?”
The ten sitting at the table joined hands, and with a mixture of bowed heads and closed eyes, sat attentively as Michael began to speak. “Merciful and Heavenly Father, we come to you this night with a prayer of thanksgiving. We thank you for delivering each of us safely-”
A squeal of tires sounded from out in front of the house, followed by the sound of metal screeching. Carlos and Molly were the first up from the table, followed closely by Michael and Daniel. “Charity, Matthew, take the children upstairs,” Michael said, “Quickly.” Charity, nodded, and ushered the younger members of the family out of the dining room.
Carlos rushed to the living room, grabbing his sword out of his bag and buckling it around his waist. He glanced at Molly, her face drawn and tight. Carlos opened his mouth to speak when something pounded on the door. Hard. Moving toward it, Carlos kept his left hand on the hilt of his sword, and his right became wreathed in green energy.
A voice outside shouted, “Dammit, Michael! Open up and let me in!”
Michael shook his head and smiled, muttering, “Harry.” Grasping the door handle, he glanced at Carlos, who nodded once then disappeared under a veil.
The pounding on the door resumed. “Come on, Michael. Let me in alr-”
The voice broke off as Michael opened the door and Harry Dresden stumbled into the Carpenter’s foyer. “Harry,” Michael rumbled. “Welcome.” Carlos slipped out the door and into the yard to face whatever Harry was running from.
The tall, lanky wizard grimaced and looked out the door. “Uh… thanks. And, uh… seeing as you and Molly are already right here… uh… help?”
Michael smiled. “Of course. What is it this time?”
“Why does everyone assume it’s always something chasing me?” Harry groused.
“Because it’s usually true, Boss,” Molly chirped, grinning.
“Bah. And touché, Grasshopper,” Harry said, turning to her for the first time. “And… uh... Looking good, Molly. Thanksgiving a special date night?”
Molly arched a delicate eyebrow. “And that’s none of your business, Boss.” She bit her lip. “But… yeah.”
Michael watched the exchange, amused, keeping one ear focused on the events outside.
“Ah,” Harry said, a quizzical expression coming over his face. “But I thought it was tradition for you to spend Thanksgiving with your family.”
“It is. I do,” Molly said. “I mean, I am.”
Finally, it clicked. “Oh… boy’s coming over here, got it.” Harry caught sight of Carlos’ bag in the corner. “I’m assuming that’s his stuff, so where is he?” A grin appeared over his face. “I might need to mess with him a little.”
Carlos chose that moment to enter, sans veil. “‘Boy’ was outside cleaning up your mess, Dresden. Again.”
Harry twitched, and spun around. “Jes-err… Geez, Carlos,” he said, catching himself before uttering blasphemies under Michael’s roof. “Give a guy some warning next time.”
Carlos shut the door then put his sword back in his bag. Moving next to Molly, he eyed Harry and said, “A turkey demon? Really?”
Michael laughed, and directed them back towards the dining room, calling up to Charity to let her know it was safe to come downstairs. He then motioned to Daniel, and the young man went to the kitchen to fetch another plate and set of cutlery for Harry. He hadn’t asked, but Michael knew his friend.
“Why do you sound not-surprised, Carlos? I mean, it’s not like…Uh… Hi, Charity.” Harry changed subjects when he saw Charity enter the room, children behind her.
Charity stopped and pursed her lips. “Mister Dresden,” she said, teeth clenched. “To what do we owe this unexpected surprise?”
“Oh, you know,” Harry shrugged. “I was in the area, just thought I’d pop in and say hi for a bit.”
“Is that so.” Her voice had a bitter chill to it.
Michael moved over to her and wrapped an arm about her shoulders. “Honey.” She subsided. “You’ll stay for supper, won’t you, Harry?”
Harry grinned. “Twist my arm, Michael.”
Carlos and Molly laughed, sitting down as Daniel brought an extra chair out for Harry.
When everyone had found their places for the second time that evening, Harry leaned forward and said, “You know Charity, it’s a testament to you and your family that you allow me to keep coming back. It’s also a testament to your cooking that I keep coming back for more. Thank you.”
Charity opened her mouth then closed it, and, exchanging a glance with her husband, said, “Thank you, Harry.” Michael murmured his approval, and looked around at everyone seated with him.
“And now, let us give thanks for what we have received. Blessed and Almighty Father, we come to you in this time of fellowship with great thanksgivings. We thank you for this wonderful bounty spread before us, taken from you glorious world. We thank you for delivering each of us here in relative safety. But most of all, we thank you for the love and friendship which binds all of us here tonight. In your most glorious name, Lord, we offer our thanks. Amen.”
A soft chorus of “Amen” echoed Michael, and then things got noisy as everyone dug in to the feast Charity had prepared for the evening.
When they had gorged themselves, Harry helped Matthew and Daniel clear the table and rinse the dishes, while Carlos and Molly headed toward the living room with the rest of the family. They allowed Michael and Charity the loveseat, grabbing a spot on the floor instead. Carlos pulled his bag over to him and reached into it. “And now it’s my turn,” he said, pulling out a guitar. “Thank you for that wonderful meal, Missus Carpenter.” Sliding a pick out of his pocket, Carlos began strumming a familiar melody, and soon, the family was signing along to “We Gather Together.”
And then Harry came into the room, doing his best to hold the tune, and utterly failing, causing great amusement amongst the smaller children. Harry glared at Carlos. “Come on, man. Give me something more upbeat to work with.”
“Upbeat, eh?” Carlos grinned, and then dove into a Spanish guitar lick that caused Molly to lean her head against his shoulder. “I love this song,” she murmured. Carlos grinned as the intro led into the Eagles’ “Tequila Sunrise,” a song that Harry had no problems with. Charity looked as if she was about to protest, but her husband silenced her by rumbling out the first vocals, causing her to crack a smile and laugh softly.
They continued in this manner until little Harry and Hope were fast asleep on the sofa. Molly looked at her younger siblings fondly, and smiled when Alicia and Matthew carried them upstairs to bed, followed by Amanda. Carlos rose to his feet, then helped Molly up, slinging the guitar across his back, and whispered in her ear. She giggled, and they moved toward the back door, pausing to grab a sweatshirt for Molly as they exited.
Charity and Harry both made motions to go after them, but Michael held onto their wrists. “Let them be,” he said. “They’re good for each other.”
This last drew a small glare from his wife, but her face softened as she considered her husband’s words. Gently releasing her arm from Michael’s grip, Charity and Daniel moved to the kitchen, finishing the cleanup process from the meal.
“Thank you for having me, Michael,” Harry started softly as they made their way out of the living room. “I know it frustrates Charity when I drop by unannounced.”
“It is nothing, Harry,” Michael said. “And it frustrates Charity less than you know. You’ve become an honorary part of this family over the years, you know that.” He glanced out of the window, where he could see Molly and Carlos walking slowly together. “And I suspect you won’t be the only honorary wizard in this family, soon enough.”
Harry looked through the window over his friend’s shoulder. “You might be right, at that.”
Outside, Molly and Carlos had found a spot underneath the tree house and were sitting together.
“Thank you,” she said, “for coming tonight.”
He smiled and kissed her hair. “Thank you for having me.”
She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. Moving softly so as not to disturb her, Carlos picked up his guitar. “I have one more song, just for you.”
Molly glanced up at him, a sparkle in her eye that had nothing to do with the starlight and a blush that had nothing to do with the cool November air. “Yeah.”
He smiled down at her. “Yeah,” he said, and began strumming and singing softly to the Beatles’ “In My Life.”
She watched him through the song, and when he was finished, she pulled his mouth down to hers for a fierce kiss that caused the chill to leave their bodies. She squeaked softly when Carlos set aside his guitar and pulled her onto his lap. Breaking the kiss for a moment, Molly grinned at him mischievously, then pushed him down into the small pile of leaves by the tree. He laughed, pulling her with him, and found her lips again.
Molly moaned appreciatively, moving her body against his, fingers tangling in his hair. His hands found the small of her back, pulling her tight against him. When they came up for air, Carlos grinned and flipped her on her back, pressing against her body with his, and proceeded to nibble on her earlobe, which elicited a small gasp from Molly.
The sound of a car door slamming brought them to their senses and jerked them apart. The distinctive put-put of the Blue Beetle sounded as Harry left the Carpenters’, likely to go home and feed his roommates with whatever leftovers Michael had loaded him down with.
Glancing around, Carlos and Molly got to their feet. Seeing the lights flicking off in the house, she pressed close against him and murmured, “Let’s take this inside. Mom and Dad won’t mind if you crash on the sofa tonight.” He smiled and kissed her softly. Then, grabbing his guitar, he followed her inside, locking the door behind him.
Making their way to the sofa, they took up where they had left off outside, albeit quieter, so as to not alert the slumbering members of the household.
Later, as they were falling asleep, wrapped in his cloak, Carlos whispered in Molly’s ear. “You know what I’m most thankful for?”
She shifted in his arms, “Mmm. What’s that?”
“You.”
She smiled and pressed her mouth against his in a quick kiss. “You, too,” she murmured.
As they drifted off to sleep, Carlos reflected on the day. He would brave a mama grizzly with a nailgun in her den any day if it meant he could end a day like this. He smiled and tightened his arms around Molly.
Best Thanksgiving ever.