The morning light cast out it's rays, finding a direct path to my face through the partially open curtains. Before even opening my eyes I smiled, remembering the euphoria of last night. Pulling myself from the dream realm into reality and knowing that everything that I had experienced and felt was real, filled me to the brim with jubilation.

I sat up, walked over to the window and tugged the drapes open further to take in the beauty of the day. A clear blanket of sky blue fading into a white, decorated by small patches of cirrus clouds, allowed the golden rays to shine unrestricted. 'What a beautiful day to be outdoors,' I thought. I walked to the closet and decided on the pale yellow checkered sundress with one inch band straps and a pair of white flats. I let the smell of country cookin' - like my grandmother always says - lead me to the kitchen where Gran sat habitually every morning reading her stories in her Reader's Digest.

As expected, Gran was relentless. Her interrogation skills were phenomenal, and on occasion had me actually freely giving out information. However, the intimate details of the dances Eric and I shared were mine alone to keep. I blushed when I thought about our last dance, and Gran gave me a knowing smirk. I knew I had to be over-animated while talking about my new found friends, a jovial business owner, a new work proposition, and dancing to the live beats coming from the band. Soon I was sharing the peculiar conversation that Pam and I had in the ladies room. Gran was just as intrigued as I was about the mystery behind a death that affected Eric.

My bold grandmother was not hindered in her blatant attempts to get me to admit my growing affections towards Eric. I knew that I was becoming quite smitten with him, but didn't want to fuel the fire of gossip with Gran. I already knew that I would be the main dish served up at the next luncheon with her friends, or the so-called gossip group. 'Oh well,' I thought. The poor old things must get tritely bored passing secrets of neighbors and griping about daily life and their newest aliments.

After eating my fill of sausage gravy over biscuits and fifteen minutes worth of her questioning, I told her I was heading out to bask in the sun. I grabbed my romance novel and made my way to the back of the house to find the lounge chair. Knowing that it was only the two of us girls here at the house, I pulled my sundress up to the top of my thighs, pulled my hair up behind my head and let it splay out over the top of the chair. After reading for a spell, I closed my eyes, listening to the birds chirp and felt the warm sun comfort me into a soft lull of a mid-morning nap.

GPOV

I love Sookie more than heartfelt words could ever explain. However, my naive, proud granddaughter was starting to wear me out. For the past year and a half I have watched her free spirit cease to fly and enjoy the pleasures of her youth. What I wouldn't have given to bear the brunt of her pain over the loss of Sam. Pushing her to grieve out loud was one of the riskiest things I had ever done to her delicate emotional state. Sookie was not one to be forced to do anything, and I felt desperate times called for desperate measures. She was finally being handed a golden opportunity to embrace a new path in her journey and I was not about to step aside and let her past hold her back.

She would never be able to fool me into thinking that this new handsome driver and co-worker, Eric, were not enamored with one another. The dance of life behind her bright blue eyes every time he came up in conversation was something she could not hide. I was even beginning to figure out the moments that she thought about him based on the way she blushed, bit the side of her bottom lip with a small smile, and looked down - which was beginning to be all the time. As any grandmother would be, I was apprehensive for her falling so fast for this young man in her life. But, based on all the details that Sookie would divulge me with, he seemed quite the companion one would hope for, for their dearest.

One thing I admired most about Sookie was her determination to not be a kept woman. That was a role that would never suit her and, more than likely, suffocate the life right from her. From random conversations that Sookie would talk about, it seemed as though both Eric and this Mr. Brigant admired strong women and were not afraid to let them take the reigns so to speak. So if she was this enamored with Eric, I trusted her judgment and was happy for her. It was not only time for her to move on with her life, but I also needed to know that she would be well taken care of after I was gone.

The dull pain in my left arm and chest was beginning to become more frequent. At first I chalked it up as heartburn, but frequency combined with shortness of breath, I knew that the good Lord was warning and preparing me for my new home. In a way, I couldn't help but wonder if Sookie getting a job at Willow Run was not Fate herself bringing us to this moment in time. I have tried to subtly prepare Sookie with the eventual inevitable outcome of my passing, but obviously, she would have nothing to do with it. Stubborn I tell you.

I heard the all too familiar rumble of a car engine pull into the the driveway, shortly followed by the slam of a car door. I glanced up from rinsing out my drinking glass to glance out the small window over the sink. 'Huh. Well isn't this interesting?' I thought to myself while outwardly smiling. Quickly, I grabbed the dish towel and made my way to the front door.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Northman," I said as I opened the door, "I must say that I find myself surprised seeing you here on a Saturday." Yes, I was surprised and curious, but I think the emotion of giddiness was winning out. I took a moment to give this young man a once over. Instantly I was curious to find out more about the ancestry of this fine gentleman. His black short-sleeve polo shirt accented his broad shoulders while his black belt slung through the loops of his khaki pants accented his narrow waist. He had a strong jawline, defined features, and stood well over six feet leading to me to infer that this man was a descendent of some ancient warrior line. I couldn't help but smile and think that no matter what Sookie could ever tell me about this man, I approve. She definitely caught the finest fish in the sea.

"Good afternoon to you too, Ms. Stackhouse. Sorry to have not rung you earlier about my arrival, but I realized that Sookie never gave me her number. Forgive my intrusion, and please call me Eric." His response was calm and steady, but I noticed a faint trace of nervousness with the small crease of his brows. The older a woman was, the more trained she became in catching the subtle detections of the bodies ability to display truthfulness from the mouths falsehoods.

"Well, Eric there is no need to apologize. Your presence is always welcome, and please call me Adele." I hoped that was a clear enough response for him.

Finally, he seemed to relax and smile before he responded, "Thank you. Adele, I was wondering if I might have the pleasure of borrowing Sookie for this fine afternoon?"

'Thank you Jesus', I thought. "Well, of course it is up to Sookie to answer that question, but by all means, please do." If that stubborn child refused him, I would personally find out his address and drop her off there myself. Manners, looks, smarts, and money? If I was only forty some years younger, my dear grandchild would be competition. I told him that she was out back and could just go on out, before again telling him how happy I was to see him. As I watched him bounce down the front steps and round the corner to the back yard, I couldn't help myself but wonder if there would be a fall wedding in the future. I chuckled to myself. If only Sookie knew what went on in a grandmother's mind!

EPOV

Before I had even registered the vision before me, my mind had ordered my body to come to a complete stand still. I was totally taken aback with the sight of Sookie laying stock still, eyes closed, and exposing more of her body to me than my own debauched mind had ever granted me the concession of creating. Her heels were tucked in between the plastic straps of the chair causing her knees to be bent slightly upward. I followed the sacred path of tanned curvature from her ankles to the highest peak of her upper thighs.

Noticing how dry my mouth had become, I swallowed and cautiously approached the angel before me. She still had not noticed my presence despite the shadow that had been cast upon her from my wide frame. 'She must be sleeping,' I deviously thought, knowing that I would take advantage of this moment. Her golden hair flared above her head and despite the tan coloration on her face, a streak of pink colored her- like someone had taken a paintbrush and colored the area from one apple of her cheek up over her nose to the other. The sundress she wore was square cut, outlining the rise and fall of her chest which had me momentarily mesmerized. The taut fabric hugged her rib cage and accentuated her small waist. When I finally could look down upon her exposed thighs, I felt a stirring in my boxers. My daydreams of last night still haunted me and here before me stood the ultimate test to just how far I would go to feel the reality of her muscular quadriceps. However deep the temptation ran, I refused to give in. Only cowards and those who knew they could never have something as glorious as this woman before me would take advantage of a sleeping girl. Little did they know that getting a woman to yield to you was half the challenge. A challenge I welcomed with exhilaration. Reluctantly, I sought to wake my sleeping beauty.

SPOV

The black backdrop of the night sky made the colorless stars 'pop' out. I was laying on a wool plaid blanket in front of a lake. I could hear the calming laps of the water as it beat against what I would assume where rocks. I felt, for the first time in years, at peace. A light brush of something against my hand pulled me from my stare at the nighttime sky and I rolled my head to the side to take in the new gorgeous and peaceful picture before me. Eric rolled himself to his side facing me as he placed a hand on my shoulder and rolled me towards him. Slowly, he leaned in while keeping his eyes locked on mine. I first felt the light brush of his lips against my own before he traced the contour of my bottom lip with his tongue. I willingly parted my lips for him which he took as a sign to deepen the kiss into a heated moment. His eyes closed, then mine, so that I could focus on the feeling of his hand as it gripped my body tighter, then began its trail down my side, over my hips, and to my thigh. I let out a deep moan at the sensation of his hand moving back up my thigh and under my skirt; stopping at my garter. "Eric," I breathlessly exclaimed. "Yes, Sookie?" he responded in my mouth.

"Sookie?" His voice was distant like he was fading away into the night. "Sookie?" Still farther away. Slowly, I felt a pull on my own mind as if I was being drug backwards out of a hole. "Sookie?" The voice sounded like it was being shouted in my ear startling me into opening my eyes.

The light that assaulted my eyes was blinding. It was then that I realized that it was no longer the solitude of night. Now I was very aware of the plastic straps of the lounge chair digging into my back and bottom. I must have fallen asleep. After blinking a couple of times to adjust my eyes, I heard my name again, only this time I knew that it was not Gran and it was definitely close.

I placed my arm diagonally in front of my eyes trying to block out the sun while attempting to see the person calling my name. "Eric!' I exclaimed, "what are you doing here?"

"It's a beautiful day is it not?" he asked, not looking me in the eyes. I glanced to where he was staring and about died. My dress was still hiked up practically around my waist. Quickly, I tried to cover myself.

"Obviously," I retorted with little kindness. I was irritated with his gawking, embarrassed with my situation, and shocked at his presence. I made my way to stand up, but apparently my legs had fallen asleep and were stiff from having been in the same position for I didn't know how long. My legs gave under my weight and again I found myself in Eric's arms. "You still haven't answered my question, Eric," I pointed out with less frustration and a little more breathlessness.

Without letting go of me, he smiled and asked if I was hungry. I nodded that I was. His smile grew even bigger then he released me from his embrace. "Good. So am I," he stated while making a grab for my hand and leading me back to the front of the farmhouse. I excused myself momentarily to go in and freshen up. When I returned, Gran and Eric were laughing and acting so casual with one another. I watched Gran playfully swat at his arm while giggling. Was Gran flirting with Eric? "This looks dangerous," I joked actually happy that the two were getting along. The twinkle in Gran's eye when I kissed her cheek goodbye made me roll my eyes. I knew that look and I could only imagine just how many grandchildren she was visualizing this time.

Eric held the car door open for me. I grinned while sliding onto the bench seat, excited that he decided to put the top down again. I had been wondering where he was planning on taking me, but I decided that I really didn't care. He had come for me on our day off. I sat back and let the wind whip through my hair, enjoying the mystery of this man.

I was so caught up in the delight of the scenery of historic Depot Town that I barely noticed the car slow and turn onto the gravel drive that lead to one of my favorite spots- Frog Island Park. I was torn with elation and hurt?...guilt? I knew that Eric had caught the change in my sudden expression which caused me to silently berate myself. He sat staring at me momentarily before deciding to turn off the engine. "Is this alright, Sookie? Do you not want to be here?" He looked nervous and worried.

"No! No, Eric. This is perfect," I gave him my most sincere smile that I could. I really was fine with being here...I hoped. It was just that once again, reality knew how to smack me right in the face when I least expected it. He still didn't look convinced. "I just thought you said you were hungry that's all." Finally, he believed me, or at least it looked like he did from the change in his own countenance.

"Yes, I did," he stated with a smile and a wink. Before I knew it, he was standing on my side of the car with the door open and arm extended, waiting to help me out.

"Always the gentleman," I half stated, half asked as I slid my hand into his and stepped out of the car. He reached behind the passenger seat and removed a rather large wooden picnic basket and a blanket. I couldn't help but stare at the pattern on the soft item. It looked so familiar. 'Could it be? No. There's no way that could be the same blanket from my earlier dream.' I shook the thoughts from my head and let him guide me to a flat, open space near the Huron River. A large oak tree stood erect off the bank, its canopy of leaves extending outward, creating the perfect combination of light and shade.

I sat down on the wool blanket careful to tuck my legs to the side. Even though Eric had seen more than I ever thought he would of my legs, I was still a lady. While Eric began unloading the basket, I leaned back and took in my surroundings. It really was the perfect summer day. The gentle roll of the Huron River beckoned a couple of young boys to strategically place themselves along the bank to release and catch a small wooden boat. One of the boys would laugh when he would purposefully turn the boat to cause it to drift further away from shore and his cohort would have to quickly step in to try to catch it. Soon I found myself laughing right along with them.

"I like you like this." Eric's deep voice stated from the left of me.

"Like what?" I asked still laughing from watching the scene at the river.

"Like this," he lifted and lowered his hand while pointing at me, "you're relaxed and happy. I like to hear you laugh." Both the look on his face and sincerity in his voice told me that he meant what he said.

"Thank you Eric," I responded with just as much genuineness. "It seems as though you already know how to keep me relaxed though, don't you?" I really didn't mean it as a question, but it did not surprise me when he gave me that sexy smirk and trademark wink. Keeping my attention on his actions, I watched him lift the lids off of containers that held assortments of fruits and cheeses, slices of bread, what looked like strips of chicken breast, and some ambrosia salad. My mouth began watering at the selection of foods he chose to pack. There were items that I would have gathered if it was me planning this picnic.

Next he pulled out a couple of thermoses. He unscrewed the cap off of one of them and poured some of the coffee-colored liquid into a small plastic tumbler and handed it to me. "You take me for a sweet tea kid of girl. Am I correct?"

"Careful, Eric. I might begin to think that you have been spying on me. You seem to know me quite well already." Of course my comment would make that smug look reappear on him. I just giggled realizing that I was beginning to grow quite fond of that look.

Lunch was just as good as it looked. Our conversation was casual, mainly about the park and some of the infamous local hangouts, and we made tentative plans to stop at the Malt Shop in Depot Town some day after work this upcoming week. After the remaining lunch items were returned to the basket, we happened to move closer together towards the middle of the blanket, legs outstretched in front of us, and leaned back on our arms basking in the afternoon sun. "Sookie?" Eric paused as if wondering if he should continue. "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course." I turned my head to look at him.

"When we first arrived at the park, I noticed, what I can only assume as a pained look, cross your face. Would you care to share with me what brought that about?"

He could have asked me what color under garments I had on and I would have been less surprised than by the question he just asked me. It was a true 'get-to-know-you' question. A question that leads to an answer that you either accept the person next to you for what and who they are, or you pack up your shit and move on. I paused and looked back out towards the river. I wondered what type of person Eric would be. He seemed like a combination of both which left me even more unsure of how to respond. I knew in my heart that I didn't want Eric to leave and I didn't want to scare him off with my baggage. However, I was not so naive as to assume that I could keep running from things that I did not want to deal with. I steeled myself, drew in a breath, and exhaled before I quietly responded. "This is where Sam brought me to propose. It was two days before they shipped him off to Pearl Harbor, so technically, it is the last significant remembrance I have of him."

I didn't even realize how much it pained me to say that simple answer out loud until I felt the soft touch of a finger sweep away a tear that had streamed down my face. I turned to look at Eric wondering what his response would be . The look that I saw on his face made a couple more tears come streaming out and soon I found myself in the safe embrace of his arms crying earnestly. His hand continued to rub soothing circles on my back and he gently rocked me back and forth whispering 'shh' into my hair. When the tears would no longer fall, I brushed the remaining moisture away and blew my nose into the handkerchief that he had handed me. I pulled away looking at his shirt and noticed that I had created circles of darker black where my tears had soaked into the fabric. "I'm sorry I leaked on you," I said between my remaining sniffles. He chuckled softly before responding, "You may leak on me whenever you need too. But, if it will be often can you let me know so that I can bring more handkerchiefs next time?" I had to laugh at that and I nodded. Again, he knew just what was appropriate enough to say to lighten the mood.

After brushing a stray hair behind my ear, he observed, "You never really had any closure did you, Sookie?"

"No. I guess I didn't. I had a lot of support from Gran and even his family assuring me that he loved me and would have wanted me to move on; however, it's just not the same, you know? I wanted to hear it from him, just one last time, but I know that was just wishful thinking. Gran has been my greatest support and if I was completely honest," I paused searching for the right words, "it wasn't until last week when I met you, Niall, Pam, and Amelia, that I actually started to let go and try to move on. So in a way, I guess you could say that you've contributed to that closure as well." I wasn't sure if I really wanted to let that last piece of information out-of-the-bag yet, but this was Eric I was talking to- as if my mouth and brain communicate when he's around. His eyes blazed with an intensity that I had never seen in them before. There was an emotion there that almost brought me to tears once again. Before he could even ask me anymore questions, I decided to turn the tables on him. "Do you understand what I mean, Eric?"

It was his turn to look like a dear caught in headlights. He went completely still in our embrace and I wondered why it was that he seemed...fearful?...of answering my question. When he still hadn't responded after at least a minute, I quietly called out to him, "Eric?" He literally shook when I said his name, like I had pulled him out of a trance. He continued to stare out towards the river, not moving at all. It actually made me nervous, so I pulled myself to my knees, positioned myself directly in front of him, and took his hands into my own. "Eric?" I asked again. This time he shifted his eyes to look into mine, but still remained silent.

Finally, he broke the silence. "Yes, Sookie. I suppose I know what you mean."

"Do you trust me enough to tell me about it?" I asked. I knew that I was probably asking not only a lot from him, but that I was probably opening up some deep dark past that I better be ready to deal with. I could hear Pam's conversation in the back of my head telling me that Eric had to deal with a painful loss. I hadn't purposefully set out to open this door when I asked him my question, but it didn't take me long to figure out what made him withdraw from me after I did. Now I felt that if any time was perfect for having this conversation, it would be right here at this moment. I had opened up and shared with him, essentially telling him that he was helping me to deal with my past. I wondered if maybe I could do the same for him. So I waited patiently and rubbed the back of his hands with my thumb, letting him know that I was here.

"Have you ever heard of the Winter War, Sookie?" he finally asked barely above a whisper. I shook my head telling him that I hadn't. "I figured as much." I could tell at the shift in his body that he was mentally preparing himself. "Do you mind if I hold you while I tell you this story?" Vulnerable would not even cut it to describe what I felt rolling off of him at this moment. I really wanted to jump in his lap and hug with such force that I knew I would smother him based on the look he was giving me combined with the trembling in his voice.

"Of course Eric," I responded with a nod. He shifted me so that I was sitting with my back against his chest and in between his opened, out stretched legs. He wrapped his arms around my waist and placed his chin on my shoulder. It was such an intimate embrace that under any other circumstance I would have found myself completely turned on. But, given the situation, that was put on the back burner.

I felt his chest rise and fall and knew that he was getting ready to share his past with me. "I grew up in a small town outside of Stockholm in Sweden. My parents died when I was very young in a boating accident, so I was sent to live with my uncle, Niall, and my cousin, Pamela. Before my eleventh birthday, Niall moved us here to Michigan where he had already been traveling back and forth to and from because of his job with Ford Motor Company. In fact, he was gone so often, that we would only see him a few times a year for the last couple of years before we moved. It was a very hard adjustment for me. So much had happened to me in my childhood." I nodded to let him know that I was still listening and continued to rub the tops of his hands and arms that remained securely around me.

"When I was twenty, I met Anja, who lived in Ann Arbor, but who was originally from Finland. She made me feel like I finally had a piece of home with me because of her heritage. I could talk to her about our Scandinavian homeland which was a connection that I missed more than anything." He paused for a few seconds and drew in another breath. "Long before the United States even began talking of entering World War II, the Soviet Union and Germany were already making a play for their surrounding neighbors. Finland and the Soviet Union had ongoing disagreements which only intensified with the onset of World War II. Anja was fearful for her family who was still living close to the border between Finland and the Soviet Union in the fall of 1939 when reports of heated arguments between the countries were made known to her through letters sent by her family. I knew it was a dangerous decision to send her there that late November, but she insisted on seeing her family prior to Christmas. I was unable to leave with her at the time because I was in the middle of a major crisis at the River Rouge Plant. I knew from the radio that the Soviet Union had invaded Finland on the second to last day of November and it just about made me mad not knowing how Anja was doing. About two weeks later, I received a letter from Anja's brother saying that she had been killed during one of the attacks on a border village."

I gasped at what Eric had just told me. I shook my head from side to side and began crying for him and Anja. Eric's grip on my waist held me even tighter to his chest. He turned his mouth into my ear and coldly responded to my actions, "That's not even the worst of the story, Sookie." His tone sent shivers down my spine. I had never heard Eric use such a harsh, cold tone before. I tried to quiet my sniffles to let him continue. "Her brother resented me for letting her go to Finland on her own, so in his letter letting me know of her death, he dealt the final blow. He disclosed that Anja was found in a man's home that she had been seen leaving a pub with the previous night."

I didn't even know how to respond to what Eric had just told me. All I could do was cry and say his name over and over. When he finally loosened his grip on my waist enough for me to break free, I turned and threw my arms around his neck, pulling him as close to my body as I could get him. I didn't even bother looking in to his eyes before embracing him, knowing that I wouldn't be able to handle all the hurt I would see in them. I told him that I was sorry so many times that I was beginning to annoy myself. How could anyone stand to deal with death and infidelity at the same time? How could anyone treat this amazing, gorgeous man with such carelessness? At least I knew that I was loved. I was completely surprised to find myself thinking that I could love this man. That I wanted to love this man.

We stayed in our secure embrace for many minutes just comforting one another. Without breaking contact, I asked, "Eric, do you believe in fate?"

He gripped my shoulders and pulled me away from his body. I noticed that there was a sense of peace in his gaze that I had never seen there before. Quietly he replied, "If me losing Anja, you loosing Sam, you coming to work at Willow Run and having you placed in my car is fate, then yes, Sookie….I do." He moved his hands from my arms and placed one on each side of my face. He leaned in and began strategically placing gentle kisses on my forehead, eyelids, nose, and the corners of my mouth, before placing the most heartfelt kiss on my lips. Tears continue to leak out in droplets as I moved my hands to the back of his neck. Accidentally, my fingers got tangled in his hair and I pulled trying to free them. At this, Eric moaned into my mouth and deepened the kiss which I eagerly responded to. It wasn't until I heard, "Tsk, tsk, young lady," from a little old lady that was walking along the river, that I pulled away. Embarrassed, I looked down, not wanting to make eye contact with either her, nor Eric.

"She's quite phenomenal, I assure you. To bad you will never know of such a feeling," Eric responded to the woman.

"Eric!" I quietly scolded. I knew that he was just trying to be protective of me, but still that was inappropriate.

He just chuckled and kissed me lightly on the forehead. "Sookie, this may be a little late to ask you this, but would you give me the pleasure of formally allowing me to court you?"

I had to laugh at that. There was nothing formal about what I felt nor already experienced with Eric. We were definitely way outside the normal parameters of courting and I only imagined that now things would really begin heating up between the two of us. At the thought of being physical with Eric, I felt a overwhelming surge of heat spread through my body. I smiled and gave him a light kiss on the lips before responding, "I thought you would never ask."


I have to first thank everyone for all the reviews, PMs, alerts, and favorites! *hugs* I'm sorry that I have slacked recently on responding - I'm just super busy right now. But, please know that I read and save them all!

I have to give an extra tight hug to Sunkisz who helps fix all my craziness and keeps me on track! And by the way - have you read her newest story "Grasping at Impossible"? If not, you seriously have to! I think I'm falling for that badass Northman!

Please let me know what you thought about this chapter and thoughts on future 'physicalness' between the two - I'm curious!