Massive thank- you to my wonderful beta Lauinia :)
Disclaimer: I don't own, the sourthern vampire mysteries belong to Charlaine Harris
"Eric, I love you." Momentary relief washed over me as I finally admitted the words out loud to the vampire I loved and had loved for quite a while. "Give me a reason to stay."
I stared across at him, holding my breath as I waited for a response. I didn't have any idea what he would do. My heart thudded in my chest and I thought it might break a rib. I bit down on my lower lip. The sharp pain gave me something else to focus on. Just as panic was beginning to take over, Eric's face softened. His hand came up to caress my cheek. A thumb stroked across my bottom lip, pulling it out from between my teeth and wiping away the droplet of blood. Slowly, so that I watched every movement, he leaned forward until his face was centimetres away. His face was all that I could see.
"I love you." He gave me the softest kiss. He even kept his eyes open, staring straight into my soul."Stay."
I wiped away the tears that seeped from my eyes as I remembered that beautiful moment. After he had told me, I hadn't been able to hold my tears in. I had been such a mess of emotions. I was relieved to know how he truly felt, nervous for what would come and there was sadness mixed in as I had to leave. We had spoken a little after that, however, we hadn't been able to keep our hands off of each other. I had simply needed him and it seemed the feeling was mutual.
We had discussed that I still had to leave for a while and he had known that already. However, I now had plans to go back. I just didn't have a date to go back yet. I could now call Eric mine. Even if he was across an ocean from me, he was still my vampire. And I was his telepathic human.
"Hello?" I asked as I picked up my phone. I didn't bother to look at the caller identification as I was too busy staring at my computer screen.
"Hello, Lover." Eric's deep voice greeted me, quickly banishing my tears. His deep voice was exactly what I wanted to hear.
"Hey! How are you?" I pushed back from my little desk so that I wouldn't be tempted to change anything. Tina was curled up on my lap. She opened one beautiful green eye to stare up at me; there was annoyance as my movement had disturbed her.
"I am well. How are you? Is everything ready for this afternoon?" Later there was a small group of us leaving for Amelia's bachelorette long weekend. We were going to Greece to soak up the sun, sea and alcohol. The mixture was likely to be very dangerous for our heads. I had packed lots of Advil and was determined to hit the store as soon as we got there for a lot of bottled water.
"Yeah, everything's packed. I was just going over some final details actually. I think we're all set. What will you be doing for a few nights?" It was Thursday and we wouldn't be returning until Monday evening. I wasn't anticipating having much time or the cash to be able to call Eric. Not to mention there would be an even bigger time difference.
"I will be busying myself with work while you get to have all the fun." He told me in a monotone. If I could see his face I had a feeling he would be pulling puppy eyes so that I would feel sorry for him.
"It's a bachelorette party, Eric. Even if you were here you wouldn't be able to come with me. Besides, you love work and we both know it!" I set Tina on the floor and moved over to my bed so that I could lie down while talking.
"Hm. It seems you know me too well." In the background I heard a soft knock. "Go away, I am not to be disturbed."
"The new vampire still not working out well?" I asked.
"No. Great for their job in business, however they do not seem to understand my personal policies." He actually huffed. Eric had finally replaced the vampires that had been lost during his rescue from the Arkansas vampires. It had taken several months but he was finally back up to full power with the vampires in his Area.
"I'm sure he'll get used to it." I hoped my words were true or Eric would be forced to become even tougher. He might even have to find another replacement.
"Yes, well we will see about that. Now, have you spoken with your landlord?" Pain swept over me. Eric was not going to be happy.
"I'm stuck in my contract until the two years are up." When I had taken my apartment I had signed a two year lease. It had meant that my rent was slightly lower because it guaranteed the landlord an income for an extended time period. The landlord now wasn't allowing me out of my contract early. I understood, as I had signed the documents, and it was early. However, it was only a couple of months early and it put a further delay on my plans to move back home. Over the phone I heard Eric curse in Swedish, something he only did when he was seriously pissed.
"Sookie, just let me pay the remainder of your rent. He can release you from your contract then and he'll be able to lease your apartment too." His voice had dropped a few notes, relaying his anger.
"No, Eric. It'll help that situation, but I'm still stuck with the vampires as well. Me and my stupid contracts!" My anger rose too as I thought about all the arguments I had been having with the local vampires. The contract I had made them sign which protected me also tied me in to working for them. I was stuck in a city I didn't particularly want to be in anymore.
"I wish I still knew the King of London." We had been over this before too.
"Yes, but he's changed Eric. There's only so much you can do." He had tried petitioning the King to have me released from the contract. It hadn't worked. Eric just didn't have any jurisdiction over here. He was much more powerful than the King, and had about five hundred years on him too, but it wasn't enough. Even threats weren't working. With an ocean and thousands of miles separating the vampires, they just didn't feel the danger.
"I know. It is just that you are not fucking here, Sookie. You asked me to give you a reason to stay or come back. I gave you one. I give you one every fucking day and yet, you are still in London instead of by my side!" He didn't shout. His voice was low and even. It made the words even icier than if they had been yelled.
"I know. I want to be there, I do. I really do." Fresh tears sprung up. It was nearly six months after my trip home at Christmas and I still wasn't back. It hurt, physically and emotionally, to be so far away. "I wish I was there." My voice choked up.
"Shh. Do not cry." His voice had softened and there was a stronger accent to his words now. "I am not mad with you, Lover. I am mad with the situation."
"I know." I called Tina over to me from where she had been resting at the bottom of the bed. I didn't have my vampire with me to cuddle, so I used my cat as a substitute. As things went she was a poor substitute, but she was the only one I had and I did love her. Tina just wasn't my vampire.
"I hate feeling this way. I am over a thousand years old and yet, my power does nothing to help." I knew where he was coming from. Eric might not have been King of a state, but he was a powerful Sheriff. His power also gave him considerable reign to do as he wished, within reason. He was also used to getting his own way. "How did things go with the book club?" He sighed and I could just imagine him squeezing the bridge of his nose.
"It went well." A small smile actually escaped. One of the few things that had gone well was the book clubs. I had handed in my resignation without any problem. Amelia would take over my position at both places. "I officially have two less jobs now." A string had been cut that was holding me to London. Too bad it wasn't one of the important ones that needed to be severed.
"That is good."
"Yeah. Eric, will you do something for me?" I asked quietly. I glanced at the clock; I still had a good three hours before I had to leave to round up the girls so we would get to the airport on time.
"Anything, Lover." His voice was completely serious and I believed him.
"Talk to me? I need you."
"Of course."
I pulled my phone away from my ear and switched our standard phone call to the Face Time application. If we were just having a quick conversation we didn't usually bother with the video. We never knew for sure if the other would be busy unless we were on a scheduled call. A couple of seconds later, Eric's handsome face sprang into view, filling the screen. His blond hair was swept back. I could see the marks through it from his fingers; it had been pushed back through stress.
"Hello, Lover." I smiled at him, even blowing him a kiss. "När jag var i Grekland under de femton hundra ..."
I fell asleep listening to the soothing sound of his voice. It was a good job that I had set an alarm to to remind me thirty minutes before I needed to set off.
"I hate you, Sookie." Amelia growled at me the following morning. We had been up the majority of the night drinking cocktails in the hotel bar. I had a misty recollection of finishing off the night with a shot of ouzo.
"Urgh." I grumbled back. It was only then that I became aware of a high pitched ringing. Of course, as soon as I heard it, the noise felt like it was splitting my head in two. My hand slowly found my cell phone, which was resting on my bed side table. "What?" I moaned. My other hand was cupping my head against the pain. I had no idea what time it was as the blinds were pulled shut. The air conditioning unit was creting a gentle breeze across the room which helped me keep my nausea in check.
"I take it your first night in Greece went well." Eric's deep voice greeted me, yet I couldn't bring myself to smile. A smile required too much work. Instead I settled on a non commital grunt. "It seems you are taking the brunt of an alcohol fuelled night?"
"Yeah. I don't even remember everything we drank." I don't know how I actually made a whole sentence leave my mouth. It felt as dry as the Sahara and as though something had died inside my throat.
"Sookie, I swear to God, if you don't shut up, I will kill you." I couldn't face the pain of turning around to swat at Amelia; I was barely making any noise. Instead I rolled from the bed and staggered toward the kitchen. I knew I had left Tylenol out and there were fresh bottles of water in the refrigerator and freezer.
"Hold on." I put the phone down on the little table and went about trying to make myself feel somewhat human. I downed a bottle of water, saving enough to take my tablets and grabbed a bottle from the freezer. Holding it against my head eased the pain somewhat. After a few seconds I felt like I could at least think and my mouth wasn't as dry. "I'm back." I sat down and then slumped over the table. I needed some greasy food.
"You sound better now." I found the smile that had evaded me earlier.
"Good morning, Eric. Yeah, water, ice and Tylenol. How are you?"
"I am fine. You are not drinking the tap water are you? I hear that it is not safe to drink." I broke into another smile at his words. Hearing how much he cared made my heart ache for him.
"I'm being careful. The water here is actually okay to drink, in the hotel, but we're drinking bottled anyway."
"Be careful with the ice in your drinks too." I laughed before realising I wasn't ready for that much movement or noise.
"I will be. Don't worry. I love you, Eric. You know that, right?"
"Yes, Lover, I do and I love you." My heart melted when I heard the words, every single time. "Is Amelia having a good time? Is everything ready for the wedding?" I didn't know why he was so interested in the wedding, or Amelia since he hardly knew her, but in that moment I didn't question his motives.
"Yeah, she hates me at the moment, but last night she loved me. She will again once I've fed her a fry up. Everything is set for he wedding. When we get back, I have to call everyone to double check things and I'll be heading to the venue to help set everything up. Nothing I can do yet." I thought about the to-do list as long as my arm waiting for me when I got home. It was best not to dwell on it.
"I am sure she will love you again, how could she not? That is good about the wedding. What are you doing with your day?" I could imagine him reclining in his office chair, or lounging on the sofa at his appartment. Either way, I wouldn't mind being with him for some comfort.
"We're going to spend the day at the beach when everyone gets up and can function. What are you doing with your night?" The thought of the beach pushed some of my longing away. I loved the sun and heat and the beach. Perhaps if Eric could wait back at the hotel for me and I could greet him when he awoke after I'd spent the day in the sun? That would be a perfect day.
"My night is almost over."
"What? Really? What time is it?" The light in the kitchen was, thankfully, muted by the blinds.
"It is almost sunrise here and late morning there. How long were you asleep?"
"Not long enough with the time we got in. So, what did you do with your night?" So he wouldn't be behind his desk, perhaps he would even be lounging naked in his massive bed.
"I spent the night at Fangtasia, going over paperwork. Now, I am in bed." My guess had been right. "And wishing that I was not alone."
"I'll join you soon enough." I really didn't have a clue when, but I hoped it wouldn't be too long.
"I will hold you to that, Sookie Stackhouse." I could hear a mischevious edge to his voice.
"You better, Mister."
"I will leave you to your sunshine, I know how you enjoy it. Goodnight, Lover."
"Goodnight, Eric. I love you." I squeezed the phone tighter to my ear.
"I love you too."
That was how the batchelorette long weekend went. We stayed up late each night having fun and got up late in the morning to repeat the process. Our days were filled with beach trips, water sports and a spa day. There is little that is more relaxing than sipping a cocktail while sitting on a sun lounger, watching the sunset over the ocean. The days flew by and before I knew it, we were on the plane heading back to London. It was during the wait at the airport, when the other girls started talking about what was waiting for them at home, that I realised I no longer thought of London as home. Apparently the old addage about 'home is where the heart is' is very true.
"What are you thinking about?" Amelia asked softly so as not to wake the people around us.
"Home." I replied. She grinned at me. "What?"
"Just that you hold your necklace a lot these days, Sook." I glanced down and found that I was grasping the anchor necklace tightly. I hadn't even realised. "What's really on your mind?"
"No. You are getting married in three or four days, depending on which day we're on. You don't get to think about anything but yourself for a while." I wasn't going to bring down Amelia's mood and wedding excitement by pouring my complexities all over her. She'd already heard enough of my problems anyway.
"You may be my maid of honour, but I am the bride. I'm the boss. I say, until we touch down back in London, you can spill your guts!" Her tone was one that I recognised very well. It was the one that reminded me most of Pam. I couldn't say or do anything to change her mind and I knew she wouldn't accept my silence.
"Fine. But not a moment after that." She nodded. "I really was thinking about home. It just struck me that I don't think of London as home anymore. Which lead me to start thinking about Eric."
"Everything always does. Not that is necessarily a bad thing. I just don't want you to lose who you are just because you're in love." She laid her hand down gently on my tanned forearm.
"I know. I won't. You won't lose me, Ames. Even if I am across an ocean. You mean too much to me." I squeezed her hand with mine. "Anyway, I realised Louisiana is my home and probably always will be. I will never regret moving away for a while, the experiences I've had and the people I've met I would never change. I wouldn't be the same person if I'd just stayed in my home town all of my life. I need something more from my life than just being a waitress in the bar where I had my first legal and illegal drink.
Then there's Eric. I love him. I really do. I want to be with him, far more than email, texting and skype can offer me. I have to get back to Louisiana. It's taken me long enough as it is. It's just so frustrating how slow everything is." I growled out the last sentence. Going back to London meant that I could no longer ignore everything that I still had left to do.
"Well, at least after next weekend you won't have wedding stuff to sort out." She grinned at me, showing she was joking.
"There'll still be thank-you cards to send out. It's not that, I've really enjoyed helping you plan the wedding you deserve. I think it might actually be harder once the planning has stopped; there won't be anything to keep me busy, so I'll just be thinking about everything more. It's been over six months since I saw Eric and I know he is more infuriated by this than me. I'm beginnig to worry that he's going to get fed up with waiting. And I feel guilty, like all the time that this is taking is my own fault." Tears began to well up in my eyes.
"Don't be ridiculous. That vampire loves you, that is easy to see. He might be getting angry but I don't think he'd get fed up of waiting. Well, not in the sense that you think. He might come over here and kidnap you, or something and forcefully take you back to Louisiana. Simply letting go, that really isn't his style." I had to giggle at that image. Eric flying over to London to kidnap me was actually a possibility, knowing how annoyed Eric could get when he wanted something that wasn't easily obtainable. "Besides, he's immortal. What's a little time to him."
"He has a lot of time, but I don't." I still had a lot of time left, and I knew there would be some big decisions in my future. Far into my future hopefully. I was still young.
"You still have plenty. The main point stands; he loves you. If at any point you doubt that, just grab that necklace or think about your Christmas gift."
"Okay, Tina, calm down. We're nearly there." I struggled along the corridor, trying desperately to not let Tina's crate scrape along the wall, again. Why I hadn't taken Amelia's offer to help me with my stuff was a highly stupid mistake. My fogged head had assumed that I would be able to manage my large suitcase, backpack, purse and Tina's create without any difficulties. "One more minute." I told my meowing cat as I placed her as gently as I could manage on the floor beside my door. There was a stack of envelopes outside the door. As I stooped down to pick them up, so that I would actually be able to walk through the door once I had it unlocked, I realised they weren't just envelopes.
"Jeez Louise," I mumbled as I let go of my suitcase handle. It thudded against the wall as it tumbled over. I ripped open the rectangular cardboard box with shaking hands and saw the edge of the photo album it contained. I didn't look any further.
I don't actually remember getting into my apartment. However, I must have unlocked the door and brought everything inside. The next thing I actually knew after opening that box was sitting on my sofa next to a disgruntled cat, whom I ignored completely. My hands were still shaking as I took out the album from the box. A sheet of crisp white paper fluttered down onto my lap.
Sookie,
Since we cannot be together for the holidays, I thought we could be together in memories.
Merry Christmas, Lover.
Love,
Eric.
It was Eric's elegant scrawl and I found my fingers tracing the letters as I read. This had been resting outside of my front door for the better part of two weeks and it contained the answer to the question that had been burning through my mind. He loved me. I already knew he did without reading it, he had professed it to me not twenty-four hours ago. If I had actually gotten this letter when I was supposed to have, there would have been no need for me to ask him to give me a reason. Eric never signed anything 'love'. It could only mean one thing.
I finally placed the letter aside, carefully on my coffee table and picked up the photo album for closer inspection. The cover was white with snowflakes colored in gloss silver decorating the cover. There was one word etched in the same silver elegantly written across the front – Memories. I didn't need to open up the book to know which photos it held.
Tears fell down my cheeks as I opened the first page to find that it was an old fashioned album. Little tags held the pictures in by their corners. The first photograph was me and Eric kissing, on the ice at Winter Wonderland all those weeks ago. My hands were resting on his chest while his gently held my face, his thumb stroking my cheek.
I picked up my phone and dialled without even glancing away from the photograph. As soon as I heard the phone connect, without waiting for his voice to say anything I blurted out what I couldn't hold in any longer. "I love you!" More tears slipped from my eyes and splashed down onto my jeans. I couldn't be bothered wiping them away.
"Well, I love you too. Although, I have to say Sookie, this is a rather odd way for you to express your feelings for me." Pam's voice greeted me and I could hear the grin in every word.
"Pam! What are you doing?"
"Annoying Eric. He left his phone on his desk while he heated us both some bottles of blood."
"Pam, give me the fucking phone." Eric's deep voice growled in the back-ground.
"It seems somebody's knickers are in a twist. Here's your lover boy." There was a brief second of near silence and then one of the most beautiful sounds in the world.
"Sookie." I couldn't help but grin.
"Hi. I got your Christmas gift. I just wanted to say, I love you." I could barely see anything through the tears anymore. Tina crawled onto my lap, her tiny paws kneading into my stomach and chest. I hugged her close with one arm.
"I love you, too."
Before I knew it, the weekend of the wedding arrived. The interim week had been filled with last minute plans, early morning phone calls to Eric and essentially annoying the local vampires. It was childish, yet I couldn't figure out much else to do while there was so much happening. I was hoping to annoy them so much they would finally just relent and let me go. Knowing how stubborn vampires were, it was an unlikely outcome.
Friday night saw me asleep in one of the most comfortable beds I had ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The bridal party were all staying in a hotel nearby to the majestic house where the wedding would take place. Amelia had taken up Eric's offer of providing the funds for wedding transport, so she was planning on arriving in style. Apparently, for us to arrive in style we couldn't just do a lap around the grounds in the car and pull up to where the wedding would be held. I couldn't complain as I'd had one of the best night's sleep in weeks. Sadly, I hadn't been able to get in touch with Eric. I couldn't tell whether it was because of him, or because my cell phone kept cutting off due to the poor reception.
"Sookie! Snap the fuck out of it and help me!" Amelia was a little stressed. The mimosas we'd started the day off with had helped, however that had been hours ago and as the clock ticked ever closer, she became worse. She refused another drink, wanting a clear head for the wedding.
"Okay." I carefully repositioned the laces on the back of her sleek, strapless gown. She was absolutely stunning and I couldn't wait to see Tray's face when he spotted her. Once he'd taken his eyes away from the car. "You sure you're okay?" I asked again, quietly.
Amelia turned around and snaked her arms around my waist. Her head rested very carefully on my shoulder so that she wouldn't smudge her make-up or muss up her hair.
"Yes. I know I've been Bridezilla this morning. I'm sorry, I'll apologise properly later because it's probably going to happen again. As I've already said, I'm not nervous for my marriage, I can't wait for that. I'm nervous for the wedding; I want everything to go perfectly and I'm only just realising quite how big this wedding is. I don't want to fall flat on my face while I walk toward my man." She grinned at me and I squeezed her around her tiny waist.
"Okay. Well, we better get going then. Miss Broadway, your carriage awaits." The other members of the bridal party walked ahead. I offered my arm out to Amelia and we walked together down the hallway and through the lobby of the hotel to the waiting vehicles.
The others were going to be arriving in Bentleys ahead of us in our Aston Martin soft top. Amelia hadn't really known much about the cars, neither had I honestly. She had known Tray's favourite make which is why we were arriving in an Aston. After a quick phone call to Eric for some pointers, we had settled on the cars.
It took a few minutes, with both me and the driver assisting to get Amelia and her dress safely in the car. Luckily, we also arranged her dress for a smooth exit at the wedding. I would get out first from my side and then there would be two people to make sure it all went without a problem. The beautiful Hertfordshire countryside went by slowly, so that we wouldn't mess up our hair.
"So I have my Gran's old earrings," she gently rubbed the small pearls that went impeccably with the small beads on the bodice of her dress. "They're old. My bracelet is brand spanking new. My garter, in a very cliché way is blue. And I borrowed your hair slide to help with my veil. Does that cover everything?" Her fingers were beginning to mess with the bouquet in her hand. I gently stilled them with my own before there were any floral fatalities.
"Yes. You're ready." We were already on the drive way and to our right, the small parking lot, mainly obscured by trees, held the cars of all the guests. I even managed to spy Tray's truck. "I'm so proud of you!" I gave my friend one last, careful, hug. Her strong arms returned the gesture yet she couldn't tear her eyes away from the wedding as it came into view.
Petals decorated the ground around the expanse of chairs that seated all of Amelia's friends and family. The chairs themselves were ornately designed white painted wood that I had helped her pick out. The aisle which she was about to walk down was also white. Everyone, at once, turned to look at us as the sound of the car's purring engine reached their ears. Smiles adorned every face as they got their first glimpse of the bride.
I kept my eyes on Tray, standing at the front of the small aisle beside his best man. His face was the epitome of happiness and pride as he gazed adoringly at his bride. I couldn't help but giggle softly as his jaw dropped when he finally realised what we were arriving in. His eyes cast an appreciative glance at the vehicle before returning quickly to his soon to be wife. His eyes were all for her.
In a moment of selfishness, darkness clouded my mind. I wanted my man here, to look at me like that. I wanted to join him down the aisle. Perhaps not quite yet to say the 'I Dos' , but at least for him to be here with me. I wanted to show him my dress. I wanted to see his reaction when he saw me all dolled up. I wanted to dance with him and smile at him.
It was the driver that broke me out of my spiralling thoughts as he opened my door to help me out. I quickly exited the vehicle and smoothly walked around to help Amelia out. As soon as she was standing safely at the start of the aisle I arranged her long train behind her.
"Thank- you," I whispered to the driver as he left us standing there. It was time. I turned to face my friend. "I love you." I kissed her cheek lightly, so as not to mark her skin with my lipstick.
"I love you, too." She grinned at me, for a second as she took in the scene before her.
Finally, I turned my back and walked down the aisle to join the other two bridesmaids standing at the front. A few people turned to watch me as I passed, but thankfully most stayed turned toward the bride. I grinned at Tray when I finally reached the front. He didn't see me. Once I was in my place, the music softly changed, to the song that Amelia had picked out. She wasn't a traditionalist, so it wasn't the wedding march. It was a piece by Einaudi. It suited her perfectly.
Pride welled in my heart as I took my best friend in. She seemed so wonderfully happy. When she reached the end, unaccompanied, she actually gave Tray a small kiss on his cheek. With clasped hands they turned to face the man leading the proceedings. He wasn't a man of the church, which was appropriate since Amelia always refused to class herself as one particular religion. I giggled to myself as Amelia turned, with blushing cheeks to hand me her bouquet.
The wedding itself was short and sweet. Yet, by half way through, I had tears in my eyes and by the time it came for their first kiss as a married couple, the tears were streaming down my cheeks. Mr and Mrs Dawson made their way back down the aisle, arm in arm with laughter bubbling from them both. The rest of the wedding party quickly followed.
Photographs shaped the next hour of my life, if not more. Every possibly combination of important people you could imagine. Repeats of the same but with a slightly different background, or a different order of people. It even got to the point where Amelia yelled at the photographer to knock it off so that she could go and make out with her new husband before she had to go mingle.
"Go!" I told them as the photographer continued to flap around. "I'll hold down the thought. Just don't let me catch you in a compromising position." I shooed them away, toward the main building of the stately house where the wedding guests were congregating. We had taken over the entire place, including the few rooms which could be used as hotel rooms for guests. "You have ten minutes!" I called after them, knowing that my previous warning wouldn't do any good. It had never stopped them before. "Guys, let's just walk away. There's cameras everywhere inside, they'll have plenty." So, with cheeky grins plastered across all of the wedding party, we simply sauntered away from the photographer.
The light snacks had been served by the time I got into the main room. A bank of windows made up one side of the room, letting the late afternoon sun light up the interior in beautiful hues. I grabbed a scone; the food being served was all very English indeed, and let the delicious flavours delight my taste buds.
"Would you like another?" Tray's best man, Alcide asked. He was already brandishing half a scone at me on a small china plate. His other hand was holding his own.
"Oh, no thank- you," I replied sweetly while trying to discreetly make sure there were no crumbs left on my lips. The dress I was wearing, with its tightly laced bodice didn't lend itself well for bloating. If I was going to be able to eat any of the meal later, I couldn't afford to eat much now.
"Suit yourself then." He combined the two plates which looked impossibly tiny his giant hands. "Did you enjoy the wedding?" We stood surveying the scene before us as all the guests mingled. The air was filled with gentle laughter and chattering.
"It was truly beautiful," I replied. Tears actually brimmed in my eyes again at the memory. "They deserve happiness."
"They certainly do. So, where's the beau of yours that I've heard about?" He asked and I got a flash from his mind. I'd always known that Alcide appreciated the way I looked and the few times we'd met before, we honestly had gotten along. It didn't take a telepath to know he had a bit of a thing for me. It did however, take my telepathic side to know that right now, it wasn't just idle curiosity that made him ask.
"He couldn't make it." I replied noncommittally, determined to not let my mind slip down the spiral into selfishness again.
"Ah, the sun, right." Surprisingly he didn't say it like it was anything bad, not to be able to stand the sun. It was more along the lines that he actually forgot. "He coming along later?"
"Nope, he couldn't make any of it. He's from Louisiana and still lives there." I knew I shouldn't have given away that little titbit of information as soon as the words left my mouth. When a brief wave of hope wafted from his mind, it was confirmed. "Anyway, I have to go get the happy couple. It's time for speeches and then actual food."
By the time I had managed to round up the happy couple, and convince them that they did indeed have to attend the rest of their wedding, an hour had passed. At least Alcide hadn't been lazy and had actually started corralling everyone into the dining area and to their assigned seats. The food was amazing in its simplicity, although I couldn't help having a craving for some good ol' Southern cooking. What helped the meal go by pleasantly was that I was seated next to Amelia, with another Bridesmaid on my other side. It was hard to feel anything but happy when Amelia's ecstatic emotion was wafting across to me. I did have to keep my shields locked down; knowing that she wanted to go off with her man and knowing what she wanted to do with him were completely different.
"Sookie?" I had been smiling down at my slice of vanilla cheesecake, like an idiot.
"Yeah?" I glanced up to find Amelia giggling at me. "Sorry, I was a million miles away." I placed the first fork full of the sweet desert into my mouth. It was almost as good as it looked.
"We were just saying, perhaps we should go to dinner when we get back from our honeymoon."
"That sounds great," I replied.
"It'd be our treat." Before I could say anything to that, she continued on. "We want to say thank- you for all you guys for helping us get the perfect wedding and by then, the photos should be available. You can help us chose the ones for in the wedding pack." A light blush tinged her cheeks.
"That still sounds great. Plus, we'll be able to help you go through all the blurs and people pulling moonies you're bound to get later." The little cameras on the tables would be both good and bad. At least they were pretty much guaranteed to be funny.
"Thanks." Amelia turned back to Tray and I turned back to my food. It was then that it hit me. All I could think to describe it was a weird feeling, almost as though I was forgetting something important. I had no idea what I could be forgetting so suddenly. I scanned the room, looking for anything that might trigger my memory to get into gear. Nothing was out of place, everyone was gathered around enjoying the food and company. A door at the back of the room, in the corner, softly shut.
"Speeches!" Alcide yelled out, actually making my heart leap in my chest. The brawny man was already standing, holding his beer bottle and tapping a spoon against its neck, just in case someone hadn't heard his yell.
"Quieten down!" Amelia hushed, already shaking her head.
"Not a chance." He said to just her before turning slightly to address the entire room. "I'll keep this pretty short. I've known Tray here a long ass time and we've definitely had our fair share of adventures." It was Tray's turn to blush, wondering what dirt Alcide was going to tell the room. Thankfully, I had actually seen a copy of his speech and knew it wasn't too bad. Actually, Amelia had made me sneak into his room and find it, so she could stop him if it was too much. My telepathy had definitely come in handy for that; all I'd needed to do was get him talking about the speeches and then go straight to where he had it written down.
"It's now time for me to pass on the gauntlet to the fair Amelia. No more single men painting the town red. Amelia will know how to keep him in check and get him to loosen up a little too. I just hope the lead is long enough for him to be allowed down to the pub a few times.
I wish the couple good luck for the future and a very happy honeymoon. Just don't forget the rule we had in uni; if the beds a rock- in', use a stockin'. We'll know not to bother you if there's under wear on the door!
To the happy couple, congratulations." He raised his bottle in the air. The room filled with the sound of 'cheers' and glasses clinking together.
Amelia's mortified face turned to me. "I thought you said it was clean!" Her words were angry, but I could see her lip quivering with the effort not to laugh. Whether it was from actual humour or embarrassment, I wasn't sure.
"Well, that was open to interpretation. It was clean for him and what's a Best Man's speech without a little bit of debauchery? I couldn't let you get off free after everything I've had to put up with around you two recently." I slipped my arm behind her shoulders and gave her a squeeze. "If it's any consolation, I don't have anything like that in my speech." With that I stood up, carefully pushing my chair back so that I could move my dress.
"Thanks, Alcide. Now, if I could have y'alls attention now too. As you all know, I'm the maid of Honour. I'm happy to say that I've known the blushing bride for about eighteen months now. Through this quite short time, we have become best friends. Amelia, and Tray, have become my surrogate family on this side of the ocean and we're as thick as thieves.
The first time that I stayed at their house, after mine and Amelia's first girl date, we all shared quite the traumatic experience. I was supposed to be staying in the guest room but turned left instead of right. Cutting the story short, I walked into their bedroom where Tray just happened to be waiting for Amelia, in his birthday suit. Since that night, we have never kept anything from the other. I can also attest to the fact that Amelia is one lucky lady!" I glanced at my friend to see the blush colouring her cheeks. Her eyes glared at me, while she smiled. I grinned back, knowing she couldn't decide whether to be mortified, or find it hilarious.
"All joking aside, these two make the most beautiful couple I have ever had the pleasure to meet. They are selfless, and would do anything for their friends at the drop of a hat. They get each other like you wouldn't believe, something that comes not just from years together but from a deep, loving connection. I want to end my short toast with a massive congratulations. I hope you get many wonderful years together, doing what you both love and enjoying every minute of your future together. To life, happiness, love and the gorgeous couple!" I raised my glass as everyone gathered did the same. I gave Amelia's shoulder a squeeze.
"And now, it is time for their first dance as Mr and Mrs Dawson," I continued, before I lost everyone's attention. Music softly began to fill the room as the couple made their way to the dance floor. Everyone got to their feet to shuffle closer, eager to watch.
The nagging feeling that I'd had through dinner resurfaced as I watched Tray take Amelia's hand. Her gorgeous dress swirled around slightly as she turned. There was a sensation of something almost tugging at me. I ignored it as best as I could, paying more attention to my friends. The unique sound of Aerosmith filled the air as they began to move slowly to the beat, holding each other close. Against my will, my eyes began to tear up. I couldn't help it, they simply appeared so happy and in love. I couldn't help it that my mind was whisked across an ocean to think about my vampire.
"May I have this dance?" A deep voice whispered in my ear, just as a hand grazed across my waist. My answer was already on my lips as everything clicked into place. "Hello, Lover." The tears that had been welling up came tumbling down my cheeks as I spun around. I pulled my vampire closer, with my arms around his shoulders.
"Hi," was all I could muster. Questions were tearing through my mind, yet I couldn't figure out what to ask first. Instead I chose to just breathe him in. "Eric," I sighed as I relaxed into his arms. After a couple of seconds just basking in his presence, I pulled my head from his chest so that I could see his face. "You're really here." A hand went up to push his blond hair back, away from his eyes as I kissed his plump lips. The kiss was soft, gentle and not nearly enough.
"Yes, I am. Do you think you're going to believe me this time?" A small smile flickered across his lips as he teased me.
"Maybe," I replied with a quiet laugh, just before I leaned in for another soft kiss. The heels I was wearing meant that I didn't have to reach up too much. My fingers refused to let go of their grip on him. Around us, I became aware of a few people watching, their questioning minds filling mine. Immediately, I clamped my shields down tighter, using Eric's blankness for extra strength. Amelia and Tray had finished their first dance together and were now being joined on the dance floor.
"I was serious, Sookie. May I have this dance?" His dazzling blue eyes sparkled.
"Of course," I replied. My hands left their place at the nape of his neck so that I could hold his cool hand. He led me forward a few feet to where the dance floor started. Then, I was back in his arms as we swayed.
"You look beautiful," he whispered, so close that his cool breath tickled my ear.
"Thank- you." I placed a kiss on his chest. His skin was so striking against the black cotton of his shirt. "I have to ask."
"I was wondering when you would." I glanced up in time to see his cheeky smile.
"I am so very happy that you are here. I love you."
"I love you," he replied and my heart still melted even though I had heard those words from him regularly since New Year's. Having him here and saying them to me was something completely different.
"Why are you here?"
"I have come to bring you back home."
So what did you think? Was that how you expected it to play out? Thanks for reading and thanks for the reviews, especially the guests since I can't respond to you.
There won't be an update for a few weeks as I'm going away to work at a rescue centre in Greece. Have a great weekend and hope nobody had any unfortunate Friday 13th mishaps.
LF91