2

The thought of leaving Gran's house, my home for so many years, was one that I didn't want to address. I knew that Eric had the best of intentions in mind. At least I hoped he did.

Abirah slept in her bassinette, wrapped tightly in a baby blanket that I had found in the quilt chest. As I rummaged through the house, trying to clean things up in preparation of going to Eric's, it seemed like everything brought back a memory.

I could see Amelia sitting at the kitchen table, sipping tea while reading Entertainment Weekly.

Next to the phone, I caught glimpses of Gran, sitting on her stool and swapping gossip with one of the members of her church. She would doodle on her notepad, scribbling notes that she would pass on to her next caller.

I had a few boxes laying around that I used to pack the few items belonging to Abirah. I hadn't bothered to purchase much yet. I had the required bottles, bibs, and blanket sleepers.

I had never realized how many things for a baby began with the letter "B".

I went through the process of cleaning out my fridge and cupboards. I was fairly confident that I would be staying at Eric's for an extended period of time, no matter how much I protested.

He was great with the baby. I had worried that the "temptation" would be too great for him. I had a visual of Abirah turning into a big mac for vamps. He had sensed my stress one evening.

"Babies do not hold temptation for Vampires. "He had explained. "They are too small to suffice our thirst. Besides, have you seen how cute she is? Who would want to ruin that?"

I knew that Eric was trying to set my mind at ease. I wasn't as worried about Eric, or even Pam. Unfortunately, they weren't the only vampires out in the world.

The first night home with Abirah, when I had met Eric in his downstairs hold up at Fangtasia, I had an inkling that there could be a problem. Eric had said he just didn't want the loud noise to bother her as she slept, that was why we left out of the back door of the bar. I couldn't help but wonder if that was the only reason.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a slam of the front door.'

Hey Sookie!" Jason yelled out. "You here?"

I came around the corner almost as fast as my vampire boyfriend.

"There you are!" Jason said, still with an elevated tone in his voice. "I've got news!"

I was waving my hands to try to get him to turn his volume down when a loud whine echoed from the bassinette.

I rolled my eyes at Jason to show him my frustration.

"Shit!" Jason whispered. "Sorry! I'm not used to you with a kid."

I picked the crying girl up, gently bouncing her in my arms to try to soothe her a bit.

"Could you get her bottle?" I asked my brother, my patience worn paper thin.

"Here," Jason said, "Give her to me."

"Are you kidding?" I asked my brother.

"Come on, Sook," Jason begged. I handed the bundle to my brother and heading to the kitchen for her bottle.

"Now that's enough of that noise, "Jason said softly, tapping the little girl's back. "Uncle Jason's got you and he has big news. "

The little girl's cry became even louder. I had come back with her warm drink.

"Now 'Rah," Jason said to the child, holding her out and looking at her. "If you don't stop that noise, I'm not going to tell you."

I stood in amazement.

Abirah lifted her little fist and crammed it into her mouth, silencing her.

"That is so much better."Jason commented.

"What the hell?" I asked.

"Oh, my news!" Jason said excitedly. "Well, Lois and I have gotten pretty close, you know?"

I knew what was coming…

"Sookie, I think she's the one. I'm gonna marry her!"

I flopped back onto the couch, taking my brother's statement in. The ink on his divorce from Crystal was barely dry and he was moving on.

"I guess I should be happy for him?" I thought to myself.

I remembered back to that little velvet box I had seen in Eric's office when we arrived back from Las Vegas. I never had seen what was inside.

"Sookie?" Jason said, looking at me, still having the smile plastered to his face. "Aren't you gonna say something?"

I wasn't sure what to say. Congratulations? Again?

"She said yes?" Ok, probably not the tone he wanted to hear. The smile evaporated from his mouth.

Nope. Not the tone he wanted.

"I haven't actually asked her yet," Jason explained.

"Oh,"

"I mean, I'm going to, "Jason said. "But,"

"But what, Jason?"

"Sookie," he said. "I wanted to make sure it was ok with you?"

"Why wouldn't I think its ok?"

"Well," he went on, "Lois is Antony's second. She has to stay in New York. I'll be moving up there with her."

This hit me harder than his statement that he wanted to marry the vampire.

"New York?" I questioned. "That's. That's pretty far, Jason."

My brother walked to me, still patting the baby. "I know, sis. But it's not like another continent."

I could see the look in Jason's eyes. For him to be willing to leave Bon Temps and everything he has ever known. He must actually love her.

"If it will make you happy," I answered standing up, "then I'm happy for you."

Jason hugged me tightly, forgetting about Abirah in his arms for a second. She made a little noise to remind us she was there.

"Oops," He said, smiling. "What do you think sugar? You want an Aunt Lois?"

We were not sure if her gas was a yes or no.