*Charlaine's world. I'm just visiting for a while*

Chapter 13

I slept late. In fact, well into the afternoon. When my eyes finally creaked open around three, I felt horrible. My head was pounding and I immediately noticed Eric was on the far side of the bed. Apparently, my breath could knock over a dead man, har har, and I tried to remember if I'd puked on him. For a vampire who'd seen his fair share of gore, he sure was squeamish about my current state. "Pussy!" I cracked as I stumbled into the bathroom and proceeded to take one of the longest and best showers of my entire life.

As I sat under the spray, foggy memories of the previous evening flooded my consciousness. Between Arlene's "Pearl Harbor" and a very hot private dance, my friends had given me a fantastic evening. I smiled and licked my lips remembering just how sexy Eric had looked stripping and made a mental note to hold him to that encore performance.

After a thorough mouth scrubbing, I slipped on my old, comfy sweats and went upstairs for my much needed coffee. Sure enough, Eric had left another note against the coffeemaker.

Min Skon Alskaren,

I'm glad you enjoyed my performance last night. Yours was a bit eye opening for me too. I do hope my bushes haven't suffered any permanent damage. As you refused my blood, I'm sure you are in a great deal of pain. I hope one of these will help.

Until Tonight,

E

Eric's note touched and tickled me. There on the counter sat sample packets of Tylenol, Advil, Excedrin and Alka Seltzer. I was just about to down option 1 when the doorbell rang. That really startled me. Who would visit a vampire's house in broad daylight, particularly a sheriff ? Despite my horrible state, my protective instincts kicked in. I crept to the fireplace, retrieved one of Eric's swords and tip-toed to the door just as the bell rang again.

"Who is it?" I called and lifted the sword ready to strike.

"Sookie, it's me. Open up," Amelia replied. I breathed a sigh of relief and let my friend in. "I called you several times but went strait to voicemail," she explained as we headed to the living room and I placed Eric's sword back on display. "I can see why too. You look like Hell."

"Thanks Mary Sunshine," I snapped even though her observation was spot on. "Why are you so chipper anyway? I seem to recall you matched me shot for shot." Amelia's thoughts immediately betrayed her and I caught a flash of her sucking on Pam's finger. "On second thought, I don't want to know but you should remember, eatin's still cheatin."

My friend blushed and smiled slyly. "Not if your boyfriend doesn't object." Graphic thoughts flew out of Amelia's brain and I threw up my shields and shook my head.

"Lord, I need my caffeine." As I reached for the coffee pot, a familiar dainty hand appeared and pulled me away.

"That won't help today Cousin," Claudine smiled while Amelia gasped. Claudine's popping must have unnerved her too.

"Listen Claudine," I said annoyed. "I love you and I'm glad you're here but I feel like crap and without my coffee, I'm dangerously close to going into full on bitch mode."

Claudine's smile never left her face. She reached into that wondrous bag of hers and pulled out a tea pot and a satchel filled with what looked like a bunch of sticks and grass. She filled the pot with water , placed the satchel inside then wrapped her delicate fingers around the handle. "Heat and seep," she spoke softly and gave me a sideways wink. Not two minutes later, she handed me a cup filled with her brew. "Sip slowly," she instructed.

Tentatively, I took a sip. The tea was a soothing blend of peppermint, honey and something else I couldn't quite figure out. I kept sipping and when my cup was empty, I felt a million times better. All my aches and pains were gone and I was completely refreshed. "Wow Claudine!" I exclaimed. "You should patent and market this stuff. You'd give the drug companies a run for their money."

My cousin smiled even brighter. "I don't do it for the money Sookie. You had a need, I fulfilled it and now that you are up to par, what's on today's agenda?"

That was a conundrum. I'd slept most of the day and didn't know where to start. "Well, I was supposed to bake the cake, I need to set up outside and I still haven't gone grocery shopping." I looked over at Amelia and continued. "I plan on spending the night in Bon Temps, you know, for luck so I don't know how we'll manage this."

Amelia was way more optimistic. "Why don't you stop at the store on the way into town. We'll prep cook tonight and transport everything here in the morning. We can set up then and you'll still have time to go back and get ready. Plus, there is no way you'll bump into Eric." She did have a good point but that still left the cake dilemma. I'd never have it finished in time.

Ever the fabulous fairy godmother, Claudine chimed in. "I'll come back in the morning to help you and I'll take care of the cake." I had a brief flashback of the old Sleeping Beauty cartoon where the fairies were trying to bake a cake with no magic and the mess that followed. All I could picture was cake batter dripping down a broom handle and I had to suppress a giggle. However, Claudine had yet to give me any reason to doubt her skills so I happily accepted her offer. She then wisely suggested we head outside so we could get an idea of what needed to be done.

"What happened to the table?" Amelia asked, pointing to the now bare dining room.

I felt my cheeks redden and stammered. "Um, there was an….accident." My two companions exchanged knowing glances and I hurried outside.

"This is a little slice of heaven Cousin," Claudine complimented. "Your Viking has excellent taste."

I thanked her and we discussed what I wanted and what would work. Claudine assured me she had a little more magic up her sleeve but not to worry. She also asked various questions regarding the ceremony.

"Two things I'm absolutely sure of," I said directly. "One, I would like you to read one of Gran's favorite Bible passages and two, I will not vow to obey Eric. I'll be his wife, not his child, underling or pet."

"Good call," Amelia agreed. "I've always found that particular vow very anti-woman."

Claudine nodded in approval but suggested I speak to Eric tonight so I could relay anything special he might want. I appreciated that even though he could drain her dry, she still considered his feelings. My cousin was well on her way to becoming an angel.

Our pow-wow ended and Claudine popped back to wherever. I escorted Amelia out front and we exchanged goodbyes. "I'll have my apron ready Sook," she called as the car pulled away and I waved again before heading inside.

There was still one more thing I hadn't done. I needed to call Sam. Although I wanted him to come, I didn't know how he would handle the situation. I knew he'd carried a torch for me for a long time and I didn't want to hurt him. However, if I excluded him, that might hurt him more. I had wanted to do this in person but it was physically impossible to make an impromptu visit so I took a deep breath and called my boss.

"Merlotte's. Sam speaking."

"Hey Sam. It's Sookie." The line was silent. "Sam?"

"I'm here," he replied, "and I think I know why you're calling. Tara came in for lunch today."

I should have known. Big news travels fast in a small town. "Well then I won't beat around the bush. I'm marrying Eric tomorrow night and I'd like you to come but I'll understand if you can't."

"Sookie, this is your life. I may not agree with who you chose to spend it with but I've never seen you happier. You found love. Why shouldn't you celebrate it? Just tell me where to go and I'll be there."

I gave Sam the details and when he found out Jason was coming too, he cheered up even more. "I'll bring the beer," he said as we ended the call and I exhaled. That had gone way more smoothly than I'd expected.

The sun was setting and Eric would be up soon so I quickly went downstairs and climbed into bed. He was still out cold, wink wink, but I managed to roll him onto his back. I pulled the covers away and began worshipping the Gracious Plenty. At first, there was no response but after a few moments, I had it's full attention. Familiar cool fingers glided through my hair and I heard Eric moan. I looked up into his eyes and smiled seductively as I continued to pleasure him. Between my mouth and hands, it didn't take long and before I knew it, I was swept into my Viking's arms.

"Min Skon Alskaren, how you spoil me. Thank you," he said planting small kisses here and there.

"Oh no," I corrected. "I'm the one whose thankful. First, for your phenomenal floor show and second, for the way you took care of me last night and the medicines you left me this morning. Not every guy will hold your hair while you puke let alone bathe you and put you to bed…Well, that's what I hear anyway."

Eric smiled mischievously. "You were quite out of it Lover. I do hope AA is not in your future."

I laughed and smacked him playfully. "After this morning's hangover, I don't think I'll ever drink again. If it wasn't for Claudine's magic tea, I'd probably be laid out with a big bag of ice on my head."

"I'd like to lay you out right now," Eric retorted and raised his eyebrow while those oh so talented fingers lightly caressed my breasts.

"I'll just bet you would," I replied flirtatiously. "However, I have to pack up and go back to Bon Temps."

"You're leaving me already?" he teased. "Shouldn't we wait for the seven year itch?"

I couldn't help but giggle. "No Honey. I have to get home because it's bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding. Technically, we have til midnight but I'm willing to bet you'd have us in some sort of pornographic pretzel position by then so I'm removing your temptation. Plus, Amelia and I have to prep cook the food but I'll be back in the morning to set up."

"And I'll be conveniently dead," he added with a wink.

"Yes, that too," I teased then wiggled out of his grasp and began packing. "Claudine also wanted me to ask if you had any requests for the ceremony. Is there something special you'd like to incorporate or would you prefer the generic I Dos?"

"Lover, we are anything but ordinary. I'd prefer we speak from our hearts." I noticed Eric's eyes never left me and the love he was sending vibrated the bond. He left the bed and proceeded to dress in his jeans and t-shirt combo very slowly. My mouth began to water and I had to remind myself to get a move on. I threw the last of my toiletries into my small overnight bag and Eric walked me to the car.

"Go enthrall the masses Viking," I said as he leaned in for a final kiss goodbye.

"I will only think of you Dear One," he responded and landed those lips against mine. It took every ounce of strength I had to get in my car and drive away.

I stopped at the Super Save-A-Bunch and bought everything I'd need. It was busy and the thoughts I picked up were not friendly. It seemed everyone knew my personal business and everyone had elected themselves my judge. I did my best to ignore them and reminded myself that soon, I'd be shopping in Shreveport. It was a relief when I bumped into Hoyt Thortonberry. He was genuinely happy for me and even helped me load my car. Hoyt had been dating Holly and from what I "heard", he was seriously contemplating marriage. I gave him a big hug goodbye and he promised he'd make sure Jason wasn't late.

I turned off the main Parish road and headed down Hummingbird Lane. As I pulled around the back of my well aged farmhouse, I thought about how much my life had changed in such a short period of time, yet everything felt right. Amelia came bounding down the porch steps and helped me carry the groceries inside. She had Father of The Bride playing on the TV and announced it was the beginning of a wedding movie marathon.

We got to work pre-baking the potatoes, boiling a big batch of sweet tea, frying up bacon for bits and got the green beans in the crock pot. I tried to stay up but pooped out around 9:30 after making it halfway through The Wedding Singer. Amelia was an early riser so I asked her to wake me by 8 if I happened to oversleep. Between the crazy hours at Merlotte's and a certain vampire, my internal clock was all over the place.

"Don't worry Sook," she teased. "I'll get you to the church on time." We laughed, said our goodnights and I shuffled inside my old bedroom .

Looking around, I felt a mixture of emotions. This room was once Gran's and in this bed, I had given up my virginity. Now I was spending my last hours as a single woman here. I was happy and excited to be marrying Eric yet melancholy my Gran wouldn't be here to share this huge life milestone. I changed into my flannel nightgown, snuggled under the covers and said a small prayer of thanks for the family I still had and the one I was about to form. I closed my eyes and in no time, I was dreaming.

Visions of Eric in his jeans, those tight leggings and best of all, wearing absolutely nothing filled my subconscious. My Viking laid me on a feathered bed and devoured my core. Sweet sensations filled my mind and I writhed and moaned. "Take me Eric," I whispered aloud as I teetered between the real and imaginary worlds. It felt incredible and I flexed my pelvis over and over. Slowly, I began to realize someone really was between my legs.

My eyes flew open to find Eric licking my juices as if he were a member of the clean plate club. He smiled possessively, his eyes meeting mine as he turned and bit. I disappeared into the waves of euphoria and time stood still. At some point, I felt Eric enter me and begin pumping my body full of long, hard, deep strokes. He whispered beautiful ancients words before taking my tongue into his mouth. Slowly we moved, building an orgasm to end all orgasms. His mouth left mine and latched onto my breast. I felt the sting of his fangs and the Gracious Plenty swell and lost myself again in a bolt of lightning as we came together.

"I love you," I whispered over and over, holding him tightly.

"And I love you," he responded and kissed me gently. We lay entwined for a while before Eric slid to the side and faced me. "You left me in a fairy scented house," he said, lazily stroking my hair. "I had to have you but do not be alarmed Lover. It is only 11:45."

I smiled and ran my fingertips up his well chiseled arm. "I'm glad you came. I needed you too." I paused and yawned. "But, it's time for you to go. I need my beauty sleep."

"Then I will see you tomorrow Miss Stackhouse," he said and respectfully bowed before me.

"It's a date Mr. Northman," I replied and walked him to the window. He leaned in for one more kiss before taking flight and I watched him until he was a tiny speck in the night sky. Completely relaxed, I climbed back into bed and fell into a blissful sleep.

-I'm so thankful for everyone enjoying my little romp through Northern Louisiana. Your comments make me laugh and smile and help me to press on when it seems I can't write anymore. Now grab the Kleenex, we've got a wedding to go to. Peace & Love, Hippychik