I had woken early. I wasn't sure what woke me, but after lying in bed for trying to get back to sleep and realizing it was pointless I got up. I dressed and finished packing for the trip. I realized that I didn't have the best jewelry selections for my cocktail and ball gown, but my diamond earrings that Mike had given me for my 30th birthday were going to have to work because I didn't have time today to search for the perfect earrings, or other jewelry. I then made my way to the kitchen and prepped a breakfast casserole and stuck it in the oven. I checked how much milk I had in the fridge for Adele and realized I needed to pump at least two more bottles, I was worried about there being enough for her. She was going through such a growth spurt, maybe I should have Mike try cereal while I was gone. No, I'd just pump now, and then two more times before I left. Push comes to shove I leave Hot Spring a little early. That was settled and I started some laundry. I spent the rest of my early morning time cleaning and picking up downstairs.
Mike woke up and came out to the front porch where I was sitting on the swing having a cup of coffee. He sat down and joined me. After a few minutes he said "Can't sleep." I couldn't tell if he was asking me or telling me. "I just had a lot I wanted to do before I left. I want to make sure I get to spend time with the kids before I leave." I explained. "Are you nervous about this weekend?" He asked between sips of my coffee. "No, I'm not anymore. I know what I need to do for Eric, and all of us. I feel confident we'll come home with good news." I told him confidently. "I've been thinking and its good you're going away, it will give us all a taste as to what it will be like once we're living separately. I realize that it's me who will have the hardest time adjusting. So I need this." He confessed. I just smiled at him not knowing what to say. I felt Adele wake up, and she was hungry. So I got up and handed Mike my coffee cup and headed up stairs. I changed her and spoke to her through my mind only. She responded with calmness. I peaked in on Aidan and he was just starting to stir so I whispered good morning and left his door open and took Adele downstairs to check on breakfast.
After breakfast I took Adele and Aidan outside. We checked on our garden, and played on the horse swing. I put Adele in the sling and we walking in the woods. We looked at the new saplings and wild flowers starting to come into bloom. Aidan spied a nest of baby birds, and I pointed out some baby raccoons. We had a great relaxing morning together. We went inside around 10 and put Adele down for a nap. Aidan and I worked on a puzzle together and then I told Mike I was going to leave for about two hours and I'd be back for lunch. I headed into town to the tanning bed. I wanted to get a nice glow before I put on my white dress tonight. Then I stopped at the hair salon and got cut and color and I had her style it with a little wave. My blonde had come back in full force and this would just make it all blonde. On the way home I called Aidan's preschool. I asked to speak to Michele. When she came to the phone I told her Aidan wouldn't be in today but would be there tomorrow and that Claude would be picking him up. Then I spoke to her regarding Aidan's reading the teachers. She of course tried to defend herself and the other teachers, but I stood my ground. I made it very clear to her that Mike and I were Aidan's parents, and that we were the only people that the teachers needed to concern themselves about and if they couldn't keep their prejudices towards Eric out of the preschool then I not only would be removing Aidan from there but I would use my influence with the other supernatural's to follow suit. That my child should never have to come home upset because a teacher thought poorly of his uncle. She again apologized and said that she would speak to the other teachers, but she hoped I understood that she couldn't control people's thoughts and that Aidan unfortunately will have to learn to not to read everyone. I knew she was right but this just pissed me off. But Aidan loved preschool so I stopped myself.
When I got home Adele was awake already. I nursed her as Mike prepared us a lunch. He was staying home today, but tomorrow and Saturday Claude was watching the kids. Sundays and Mondays would be his usual days off. "Did you ever ask Eric about Bobby?" he asked as he handed me a plate. "Yes, he said that the serum hadn't worn off yet and that Tommy was taking good care of him." I answered while fixing my hamburger with toppings. "Can I see him?" he asked. "I can give you Tommy's number." I told him between bites. "I just want to know he's in good condition, I don't want anyone mistreating him?" Mike told me. I scanned him and knew his sincerity in the statement. "Listen Mike, you have to trust he's in good care. But he had very violent plans and I'm sure right now he considers you a trader. Once Eric can glamour him he can be your friend again." I told him knowing that he'd be bothered by it. "I don't know that I ever can have real friends again after all of this." He mumbled. I ignored it because he was just having a pity party. I'm heading out after lunch I told him. We ate the rest of our lunch with only conversation between Aidan and us.
The drive to Hot Spring from Bon Temps took a little over three hours. I entered the cabins address in my GPS navigator in the Lexus before taking off. It gave me good directions but didn't have a detour plan when I ran into construction on I-30 after stopping in Texarkana for gas and a potty break. By the time I arrived at the "cabin" which looked a lot more like a lake house to me it was close to sunset. I found a little woman about 30 waiting in a car outside the cabin. I reached out to her and found her to be the real estate agent who rented the vampire friendly rentals in the area. She had a brother who had been turned two years ago so she was a sympathizer. She smiled and waved at me so I parked next to her and rolled down my window. "You must be Sookie. I'm Trisha and I wanted to give you the key in person. Mr. Northman said for you to come on in. Opening the door won't affect him." She smiled, handed me the key and I thanked her. I gathered my belongings and locked the car and headed towards the front door.
The view was beautiful overlooking Lake Catherine. I unlocked the door and went in. It was pitch black inside even though there were windows all across the back facing the lake. I fumbled for light switch along the wall. I found it and flipped it on. A lamp switched on in the corner. There were no overhead lights anywhere. The furniture was sparse a simple table and chairs next to the bar looking into the kitchen, a couch and two arm chairs, coffee table and TV on the wall in what was the living room. There was a coat closet just inside the door. And a hallway with two closed doors and one open. The open one I found was a bathroom. Pam had obviously set her makeup and hair products on the sink. I reached out to Eric to find out which room he was in. He was in the one at the end of the hall. I took my suitcase and garment bag and opened that door. It too was pitch black like the living room had been. I could see the outline of the bed from the light in the hallway. Eric lied there on top of the bed completely nude. He was gorgeous even in the shadows. I quickly decided to lie with him. I closed the door and stripped down and crawled into bed with my husband. I knew that he'd be awake any moment so I lifted his very heavy arm, cuddled up against his cool hard chest and let his arm drop onto my side.
I hadn't been there more than a few minutes when his mind woke to me. He tightened his arm around me and stroked my side. He moved quickly and was on top of me. His lips moved onto me and I felt his manhood against my leg. His kiss melted me and I was wet and wanting. He moved into me and we began our familiar rhythm. We both came hard together. We were in such unison. "That was a nice wake up my lover." He growled. "I often wondered what it would be like to wake up to you instead of falling asleep with you." I smiled. He turned the bedside lamp on. "Well hopefully we will have many more wake ups like that one." And he kissed me again. "Did you have any trouble finding the place?" He asked. "None thanks to the Lexus. Although it isn't what I was expecting." I told him. "I thought the seclusion would be nice." He told me. "We do have to get ready now. It's about a fifteen minute drive to the hotel where the opening ceremonies are taking place." He said as he stood up in all his glory. "Go ahead and shower. I don't want the steam to ruin my hair." I told him and walked over to my suitcase to pull out my cosmetics bag.
I stood in front of the dresser mirror and pulled my hair back into a low pony tail and then wrapped it into a loose bun at the nape of my neck. It had grown past my shoulders in just three short weeks because of the vampire blood I took almost daily. I'd never seen it healthier. Then I put magnolia scented lotion all over my legs and arms to make the glow of the tanning bed show up. I'd just finished putting on my makeup when Eric came out of the bathroom smelling delicious. If he kept this up we'd never leave this room. He walked over to the closet and began to dress. I watched him in the mirror while I applied my cherry red lipstick. I went into the bathroom to freshen up after our love making and when I returned Eric was in his black suit and tie. He was very 007.
I laid my garment bag across the bed and removed my dress. I could feel Eric's eyes on me. I pulled out the white cocktail dress. It was one shouldered and was nude with white sequins and crystals placed in a floral pattern across the shoulder, and breasts leading to my waist and then down across my pelvic line, but was nude on my hips and then the appliqués went across by back. It was a lot more sexy and revealing than I was used to wearing but Tara insisted I looked awesome in it. I put the dress on and Eric watched not saying a word. I walked over to him and asked him to zip me up. He grinned and said "I hope you brought a coat because I don't know that I can let you wear that tonight." Then he zipped me up leaving his hands to linger on my shoulders. "Why? Is it not appropriate?" I asked concerned. "Sookie, you are practically naked in it, every vampire will know every asset you have and I have enough battles to fight this weekend without hitting someone when I know they are wanting you as badly as I do right now." He said seriously. "Eric, I'm sorry, I thought you'd want me to look sexy and appealing like I fit right in with all the gorgeous vampire women. I don't know what else I could wear, and I only brought a shawl in case it got cool outside." I answered him in all sincerity. "I have just the thing that will keep you covered he said and walked over to the dresser. He pulled out a large blue jewelry box and brought it over to me. When I opened it I gasped. Inside was the most beautiful blood red ruby teardrop necklace surrounded by sparkling diamonds with matching earrings. The ruby was as big as my thumb and my hand shook as I reached out and touched it. He swooped it out of the box and clasped it around my neck before I could react.
"Eric this is too much. I can't wear this I'll be afraid someone will try to steal it from my neck all night." I whispered to him. "Nonsense, I've had this for over two hundred years and no one has taken it from me yet. Look in the mirror. It was made for you. Now one more thing and you'll be ready for the night." I fumbled with putting the earring in and realized there was a tennis bracelet too. I had just clasped it when I turned around to find Eric down on one knee. "I believe it is tradition to go down on one knee when presenting a woman with a ring Yes." He said as he took my left had and slipped and ancient gold ruby and diamond ring onto my ring finger. "Now we are official." He said and stood up to kiss me. The tears just streamed down my eyes. "Eric it is beautiful, and I am touched that you have gone through all of this trouble for me. It wasn't necessary." I told him as I ran my hand along his profile. "It is necessary. You are mine and you are to be Queen, and we will show everyone that you are ready for that position." He grinned and kissed me once more.
Pam walked in and said "Are you done with all the sappy romance stuff because we are going to be late even for a grand entrance." She said in a bored voice but I could tell by the smirk on her face that she had really enjoyed listening in to us. "Pam, wow you look wonderful. Tres chic." I told her as she was wearing a blue satin jumpsuit with a sequined strapless top and satin fitted pants and blue sequined pumps. Her hair was super curly and bouncy. I'd never seen her wear it like that. "Thanks I thought I'd have a little fun tonight, but we really do need to go. Rasul has pulled the car around." She said and stalked out of the room. I grabbed my evening purse and wrap and headed out the door with Eric right behind me. Eric and I sat in the backseat holding hands like two kids being driven to the prom by her parents. When we pulled up to the valet service at the Crooked Hotel a vampire on security detail opened the door. All four of us had to show our security passes and give our code words before they'd even let us out of the car. Eric took me by the elbow and led me into the lobby. Viola greeted us and handed us a program for the night's festivities and directed us to party room where opening ceremonies were being held.
When we reached the closed double door we once again had to show our security passes and give our pass code. I took a deep breath and let it our real slow. Eric feeling my anxiety squeezed my hand reassuringly. The door opened, and I heard an announcer say "Mr. & Mrs. Eric Northman." We both put on our best smiles and walked through the doors with Pam and Rasul following us in flank. Several people I recognized turned and greeted us. I was taken back by all the brains I heard. There were a lot more humans and were's in this room than at the last Summit I'd attended. It was a swirl of chatter. I soon had my defenses in place and was ready to focus on Joseph Velasquez who was now King of Texas since at the last Summit Stan had been injured so badly that he could not keep his office. Joseph was just making small talk so I nodded where appropriate and allowed my eyes and mind wonder around the room. I saw the King of Kentucky, the Queen of Alabama, and the Queen of Iowa speaking to one another. Then I saw Bart & Russell and their entourages in a far corner. I saw Bill talking to the Minnesota and Wisconsin Kings. Eric's voice brought me back to our current conversation he had just asked me if I wanted a drink. "Yes, I'd love some water." I answered him.
"Water, no, no my dear, it is my understanding that tonight is a night of celebrating." I heard Russell say from behind me. "Waiter get this lady a glass of champagne we must celebrate her coming home to us." He continued. "Russell, it's lovely to see you again." I said as I kissed him on the cheek. "It seems that my dear Bart took excellent care of you for Eric." He stated. "Yes, Bart was an excellent host; I can't tell you how much I appreciate you and him extending me the favor of sanctuary please let me know if I can ever repay you." I said smiling and sipping the champagne I'd just been handed. "Well my dear I have a very big interest in debate regarding the new gaming plans, I'd love it if you could fill me in on anything you "hear". Russell stated always having an ulterior motive. "Russell, my wife is hear as a guest, she's not on anyone's payroll, I'm sure if she were to hear anything that would concern you she would be happy to let you in on it." Eric smiled and then took me by the arm to steer me further into the room. "His interests are on making more money not necessarily good for us." He told me with his minds.
A loud bell rang and everyone turned to the front of the room. "Ladies and Gentlemen please give a round of applause for our keynote speaker who I believe needs no introductions other than Queen Phoebe Goldwyn. The Queen of Iowa made her way to the podium and the crowd applauded. She gave a speech about how this was the biggest turn out in almost a decade and that now was even more important that everyone work together to continue good human/vampire relations. That now that the were's have been out for over five years that its time to take a permanent place in human society. When she was down she was met with a loud round of applause. But I was more interested in a few of the were's in the room who were not pleased to hear Phoebe's ideas.
Doors opened on west side of the room and there was a "buffet" for both humans and vampires. We all made our way into the next room. Eric took a glass of True Blood from a waiter and I filled my little plate with fruit and cheese. There was an all vampire band playing. I glanced Bill walking towards me. "Sookie you look breathtaking tonight." He said as he took my hand and kissed it. "Thank you Bill. How are you?" I asked not really wanting the answer. "I'm a little sad today. It's my understanding that there will be an announcement tonight that you and Eric will be renewing your vows. I had hoped that you were going to reconsider, but it seems that if you make that statement that I truly will never win you back." He stated still holding on to my hand. "Bill your inability to move on is not healthy. You must stop this and find some joy in life." I told him trying to pull my hand out of his. "Bill, let go of her hand now before I remove it for you, I'm sure you know how painful it is to regrow a limb." Eric said as he came up beside me. Bill scowled and dropped my hand then turned and walked away. "I don't know why he doesn't leave my area. He is such a pain in my ass." Eric stated and then turned to me. "Pam is getting ready to approach the podium regarding our announcement if you want to prepare anything." He told me. I could feel the anxiousness and love coming through him. He had so much riding on this announcement.
"Excuse me friends if I could have your attention for just a brief moment. For those of you who don't know my name is Pam. I am the child of the Sheriff of Area 5 in Louisiana Eric Northman. I have come before you to make a little announcement. You see three years ago Louisiana's legislature finally voted to allow vampire human marriages. This caused quite a stir and now that some of the outrage has died down I'd like to invite you all to the reception for the human recognized legal marriage of Eric Northman and his wife Sookie. They have been married for almost 7 years in our world, but have decided to make a big production and legalize it in theirs. I couldn't be happier and am throwing a wedding shower for Sookie tomorrow evening after the trials for all you who want to give the bride your congratulations. Thank you." Pam finished and stepped down. I felt so many emotions thrown at me it was almost as if I couldn't control it.
There was the envy from the vampire pets that wished there lovers would marry them. There was envy for those who would love to have a chance to take Eric to bed. There was anger from some of the staff who was disgusted that any human would marry a vampire. But the anguish I felt coming from the center of the room was a lot more familiar and close to it was hatred. I smiled graciously and thanked everyone who congratulated me as I made my way closer to the emotions and then I heard it clear as a bell. She's a stupid bitch. She could have had a good life with Quinn but no, she'd rather be sucked and fucked by a vampire. I don't know why we agreed to come to this fucking Summit. Quinn had been put through enough to have to testify at the damn trial is ridiculous. I swear if I get that little bitch in a room by herself I'm going to kick her ass. Vampire blood or no vampire blood. She is in need of a serious ass kicking by me.
"Frannie, it's nice to see you haven't changed in 7 years." I told her as I came up to them. Her attitude might not have changed but her looks sure had. Gone was that tough teenager and now she reminded me of Jan Boathouse. Haggard and road hard by the life she'd been leading. I felt sorry for her and Quinn. They were just trying to protect one another. It wasn't Quinn's fault that his family had him in Felipe's debt. I remembered when I first met him how totally in control of every situation he was, how revered he was by other weres. Now they laughed about his enslavement. "Quinn I'm sorry you've got dragged into this again. Hopefully once Felipe is found guilty you'll be free and able to go back to a peaceful life." I told him sadly. "Babe, I'm real sorry about any pain I caused you. But I'm even sorrier that the things I've done drove you closer to Northman. I gotta tell you Babe I was surprised you came back. Mike seemed like a nice enough fellow." Quinn said to me reaching out and brushing a hair away from my face that had come loose.
"I never really left Quinn. I have always been tied to Eric and our bond kept us in constant contact. Pam and I spoke regularly. Only Felipe did not know what I was up too. Eric did it to protect me and to let me have the only thing he never could give me." I told him defending Eric. "I hope you don't end up disappointed Babe, I really do." Quinn said. "Lucky for her Quinn that I make it my number one priority never to disappoint Sookie." Eric said and draped his arm around my waist. "My lover there are many other people who want to congratulate us, we don't want to spend too much time with the riff raff." Eric said pointedly. "Of course lead the way, Quinn it was good to see you under better circumstances. You too Frannie." I said and I followed Eric through the room.