Many thanks to those of you that read my story, I appreciate is very much! Of course I must also thank CH & HBO for owning all rights to such cool characters that play so well with mine!
The Bon Temps wedding is here and what a night it is!
Sookie sat on the front porch swing with Tara, wrapped in each other's arms, they watched the sun's first light begin to streak across the sky. Everyone else had gone home or to bed, but Sookie sat with her best friend the same as they'd done since they were children… rocking ever so slightly, content and happy to be by each other's sides.
"Remember when you told me you worried you'd never be somebody's wife?" Tara said in a soft whisper.
"Mm-hmm and you told me that it was good news because it meant it would always be just you and me."
"Yeah."
The swing creaked lightly and Tara continued, "Sook, I'm glad that's not how it turned out to be. I wanted you to know that, for real."
"Tara, do you think it might be the real thing with Mike?" Sookie asked, still speaking in whispers, as to not take away from the moment between the two best friends.
"I don't rightly know. I mean, he makes me happy, he makes me laugh. He certainly knows how to push my buttons, good and bad!" Tara gave a little laugh. "It's possible, sure, but you know how I was raised. I'm afraid I'd unconsciously sabotage myself. B'sides… he ain't asked and I ain't pushing for it!"
By now the sky was fully bright as the last moments of the night slipped away, and Tara suddenly drew Sookie into a bear hug and her voice cracked with emotion when she said, "Sook, I've loved you more than life itself for as long as I remember…" she pulled away and the two women sat up straight and looked each other in the eye. "Are you sure this is what you want? This is absolutely what you want?" A tear slid down Tara's cheek.
Sookie smiled and answered, "Tara I want this more, than I ever wanted to not hear people's thoughts."
Tara smiled and gave her head a tiny shake, "Then I'm happy for you baby, I really and truly am. Now that the heavy duty discussion is over, we better get ourselves to bed! You don't want ta' be walking down the aisle looking like you got a pair of black eyes!"
Sookie wiped away a few of her own tears and then stood, pulling Tara to her feet. They hugged in the morning sun and went into the house. Sookie lay down on her bed, worried that she wouldn't be able to sleep, but in a few moments she was out cold. A few hours later, she started to dream and they were happy dreams of her and Tara as children, Gran and Jason moved through her dreams as well, but it was Bill that brought the biggest smile to her face as she slept.
XxXxX
Mr. Garth paced around the conference room, and his mind churned and calculated. The men and women present sat mute, among them were some of Mr. Garth's best people and relatives. Nearly all were three-quarters or more of demon heritage. Among them, Joe and Rose were the most relaxed, they knew the entire plan and had from the start. The others were there to learn when they would be put in action. They were tense and at the ready, they all knew this was the time when failure was not only, 'not an option' but would certainly cost them their very lives.
Mr. Garth's phone rang and he answered in a long dead language and as he talked and paced, he also began to smile. He hung up and made his way to the front of the conference table, he sat and pulled his chair closer, he typed into the laptop on the table before him and within seconds, every person seated received the information he'd just forwarded. They glanced at him and he smiled, "Everything is in place. Leave now and get the job done people, or today will be your last."
They stood, took their computers and filed out, using the private entrance to depart. Most were either unable to mask themselves completely or simply didn't care to, and none were even slightly taken aback by Garth's proclamation. All in all, it was pretty standard within their realm.
Joe and Rose stayed behind and as the last of the others stepped into the portal; Garth sighed and said, "I have concerns, serious concerns, about keeping this from Sookie. I don't want this to affect her in the slightest, Rose, I'll need you to make sure that happens. However, I will also expect you to change the direction if you feel the truth would serve her better. Joe, you'll oversee all at the Compton estate, yes?" Mr. Garth smiled, this was a confirmation of the trust he felt with both of them.
Rose nodded and stood, Garth and Joe got to their feet and both kissed Rose's cheeks. She told them she would see them later and then left the conference room. She would be heading to Sookie's and Joe to Bill's. Garth would follow later after they had Northman in custody. Rose couldn't be happier at the prospect; the entire ordeal would end tonight once and for all. Rose couldn't help but smile wickedly… Eric Northman would wish he'd met the True Death eons ago after tonight!
XxXxX
Sookie woke before the alarm chimed and lay quietly on the bed. She thought about how much had changed since Gran had died. She could 'hear' others within the house but with a slight tightening of her mind, she tuned them out. She thought of her life in this house, the love she'd felt here, the hurts, the loss. She remembered lying propped up on the pillows next to Gran as a little girl, both of them reading their books before sleep. She remembered the first time she'd welcomed Bill into this bed… even now the thought elicited a sweet rush of desire.
With a smile on her face she swung her legs from beneath the covers and stretched mightily. She made her way to the bathroom and took a shower. By the time she went downstairs there was a steady stream of activity and all present, greeted her enthusiastically. Hanging in various doorways and hinges were her bridesmaid's dresses and at that moment, Annie was curling Arlene's hair at the kitchen table. Sookie was happy to see a fresh pot of coffee and filled a mug trying to answer all the excited chatter at once.
With coffee in one hand and a breakfast burrito (Anna was a goddess when it came to those!) in the other, Sookie was filled in on the day so far. Anna and Tara had inspected every inch of the tents, walkways, flowers, music and the catering pronouncing them all problem free. Rose had arrived and was at Bill's, making a last minute adjustment to Jason's tux. He'd had to have different shoes so she was re-hemming the pants so they wouldn't be too long.
Since Pam and Jess had stayed at Bill's last night, the rest of them would go over there when the time came. They would come after Bill was ready then put the finishing touches on themselves in Jessica's room before the wedding. The forecast was expected to be as perfect as they'd all prayed for and the florist had outdone themselves with both the bouquets and the decorations.
Arlene's daughter Lisa was practicing strewing 'petals' as she walked. The real ones were at Bill's, the practice petals were torn pieces of paper, but they were similar in weight so it was working well. As Sookie watched her strew them up and down the hallway her grin was a mile wide. She was glad she'd asked Lisa, and Arlene had been relieved when Sookie had offered to pay for Lisa's dress and shoes as her treat.
Sookie finished her quasi-breakfast; it was after all, nearly three o' clock, and poured more coffee for herself. She slipped out to the front porch and sat down on the steps. She thought it was odd that she wasn't flipping out, she actually felt amazingly calm. Too calm. She wondered for just a moment if there'd been some sort of sedative in the burrito but dismissed the idea. She was calm because she knew all was right in the world and it was her day to enjoy because nothing could be more right than marrying Bill.
Sookie had a thought and leaving her coffee cup on the steps, she walked to the cemetery, quite aware that her guardians followed. She walked up to Gran's stone and knelt in the grass, brushing off the dust and pulling some of the longer grass around the base out of sheer habit. "Well Gran, tonight's the night I become Sookie Compton. Can you believe it?" She chattered on about the guests and the flowers, the honeymoon and the fact that she'd given Tara the house. It wasn't long before she heard Tara call her name, so she bid Gran good-bye, kissed her fingertips and pressed them to the stone, then got up so she could get ready for her wedding.
XxXxX
The house was on the verge of chaos and it shattered Sookie's calm into a million pieces. Arlene was freaking out because she couldn't find her shoes, Annie was feeling sick to her stomach because Lisa dropped a burrito on the floor then tried to wipe it up with some paper towels until the mess looked like, well, needless to say it hadn't gone over well with Annie.
Tara was upstairs using a flat iron on her hair because she thought the curls had turned out atrociously. Anna was washing her face in order to reapply her makeup after Lisa had accidently sprayed her in the face with hairspray.
Sookie was starting to feel the pressure and as hard as she tried, it was beginning to get to her. Annie finally felt well enough to start her hair and before long there was a discussion on whether or not to do her make up before the hair, or after the hair or maybe doing it after the dress was on.
They finally agreed that makeup would be done first, and hair would be completed at Bill's and then they'd all get dressed there. Sookie sat on the high stool as Beth arrived with her hot rollers and a surprise for Sookie, a dainty gold ankle chain with a tiny pair of interlaced hearts. Sookie just loved it and put it on while they waited for the rollers to heat.
"There," Beth said with a smile, "that's your borrowed!"
Tara walked into the kitchen and she held a small box, "Here's your new," she looked at the others before finishing, "it's from all of us but Pam and Jessica will have to live with not being here when we gave it to you. It's also your blue." She said with a smile, everyone stood waiting for her to open the beautiful white leather box with the silver bow on the top of it.
Sookie smiled, opened it and drew in a surprised breath, "Oh you guys! It's beautiful!" She carefully removed the elegant gold chain that held a heart-shaped pendant, set with three blue and one white topaz stones along with one sapphire.
Arlene said softly, "The blue topazes are for us girls standing up, the white topaz is Lisa and the sapphire is for Tara, your Maid of Honor. Do you want to put it on? We got the chain made long enough so you could wear it with your Gran's pearls at the same time."
Sookie only nodded and handed it to Arlene, they all kissed her cheeks and hugged but no one spoke for fear of triggering happy tears thus causing the need for makeup repairs! The hot rollers were ready and as they started wrapping Sookie's hair around them, the sun slipped below the horizon and night officially fell.
XxXxX
Bill woke, awash in excitement, nervousness and happiness. As he got off the bed he smiled on his way to shower. He didn't know how much were his feelings and how much of it was Sookie's but it didn't matter. He was pretty sure the split was very likely 50-50. As he shaved, he went over his vows and even though he knew them forward and backwards, he realized he was truly nervous about messing them up! He washed the last of the shaving cream off his face and splashed on a small amount of after shave. Then he dabbed just a little below his belly button, because it drove Sookie wild!
The entry bell chimed and Bill glanced at the monitors as he walked to the bedroom door. Henry stood there, TruBlood in hand. Bill let him in and asked, "How is everything going out there?" he reached for the offered TruBlood.
"I think everything is going fairly well, although I've been told I wouldn't recognize a problem if it bit me in the ass." Henry said dryly. "How are you feeling about all of this?"
Bill chuckled as he dressed and answered, "I think I'm fine, what's the latest on Eric? Anything?" Bill asked as he buttoned his shirt.
Henry had sat in the large leather desk chair and said, "As of a half hour ago, everything was in place. Garth has the full demon, Maka-something and a couple others, ready to go."
Bill was doing his cufflinks and said quietly, "If this doesn't work… if that son of a bitch ruins this for Sookie I'll kill him myself and I'll do it in front of witnesses, I don't want this to go sideways. It means to damn much to both of us!"
Henry only nodded slightly, He agreed completely with Bill but protocol demanded he stay completely away from such an admission by a member of the AVL. Even if they were alone with no chance of being overheard! Henry's phone buzzed and he took it from his suit jacket's inner pocket and read the text. "Well, my friend… the women are on their way so it's my job to make certain you don't see them when they arrive."
Bill smiled widely as Steve and Alex hit the door chime, Bill opened it and the boisterous pair crowded in and said laughingly, "Where does Sookie keep her silk scarves because we need to blindfold you!" chortled Alex. "They must be in here somewhere!"
"Hey! That'll spoil the honeymoon! Why don't we just wrestle him to the floor?" While they were joking around, Henry got up and turned off three of the monitors. He'd turn them back on once the ladies were inside Jessica's suite. Henry noticed how uneven Steve's bowtie was so he made him sit down so he could fix it, Steve grumbled because he thought clip-on bow ties would have worked just as well, which actually made Henry chuckle, 'He's got a lot to learn!' Henry thought as he kept his peripheral vision on the monitor that showed the front porch.
XxXxX
Eric rose the moment the sun had set and was now in a long empty warehouse on the outskirts of Shreveport. It was perfect because there were squatters constantly and it tended to be a major stopover for vamps looking to take a quick sip, or on occasion a full meal before headed one place or another. It had one other magnificent feature… a fully lead lined room that was as tightly sealed to smell as it was light-tight. Eric had had it secretly sealed and had installed a hidden security panel that required a PIN to gain entry.
It had once been a place that housed several x-ray machines and the like to check various manufacturing quality controls, it was perfect. Even Pam would never sense nor smell him here… he grinned in the darkness. His accomplice would be here at any moment to give him the final details and then they would go to Bon Temps. Eric fully intended to kill Bill Compton tonight… and he would do it in front of Sookie. He knew it would cost him his life, but to see the look on her face when her heart's desire turned into nothing but dust?
It was so worth it, he could hardly wait.
XxXxX
Sookie, her hair still rolled up in hot rollers, Tara, in full makeup, with only a t-shirt, panties and flip-flops along with Arlene, Annie, Lisa and Anna rushed into the house with gowns flying as soon as Bill was under wraps in the master suite. With the scent of perfume and hairspray flying in their wake, they made their way quickly into Jessica's room where Jess and Pam already stood looking like perfection itself.
The new arrivals to the suite all stood dead in their tracks. After exchanging glances Tara finally said, "Just so there are no misunderstandings? You vampire bitches totally suck, ya' know that?!"
Pam so perfectly cool, calm and collected, sauntered over to Tara and patted the top of her head, "Poor little human girls… having to be in the presence of such beauty and grace!" she said with a wink and a smile, making them all laugh.
Sookie laughed and said, "Well, we need to get things going because we are pushing the time limit!"
"Oh Sookie," Pam drawled. "We've got plenty of time, there can't be more than twenty or thirty guests here yet, and we've got all the time in the world! They can't have a wedding without a bride now can they? Besides, there's nothing wrong with being fashionably late to your own wedding."
Sookie just groaned and Anna said, "Annie? Let's get this hair unrolled and I'll do the shoes."
"What's wrong with her shoes?" Jessica asked curiously.
"Nuthin' Momma just said they needed to be scratched up otherwise Sookie would end up on her ass!"
"Lisa!" Arlene screeched as everyone else began laughing hysterically.
"This is bad you guys," Tara said as she stepped into her dress, "Stop laughing!" Which she herself could not help doing. "Man, were gonna be in a world a' hurt trying to keep a straight face if we don't stop…" then she nearly doubled over in laughter when Anna said, "Shit, where's the damn sandpaper?"
XxXxX
Eric heard the whirr of the hidden door as the access code was triggered and the passageway opened. Eric stood with his back to the hall, drinking a glass of some donor blood he'd managed to get. The other vampire walked into the open space and Eric took a sip as the other said nothing. After a few moments of silence, Eric turned and smiled at his visitor, then said, "It's good to see you! It really has been too long." Eric put his glass on the edge of a beat-up desk then said, "I trust you have all the information I asked for?"
"Yes," his voice shook slightly. He cleared his throat and answered more precisely, "yes, I have everything you've asked for."
"Excellent, excellent… tell me, what will you do once the smoke clears, so to speak?"
A voice barely above a whisper replied, "I will pray to meet the sun."
Eric said nothing, if it was what Gustav wanted, he would do nothing to discourage him.
XxXxX
As wedding guests arrived, valets took their cars and Lafayette and Terry directed the guests to the walkway constructed to the back of the house. Sookie had had the idea of needing it after she'd been wearing her high heels as she dashed to her car. She had been on her way to have lunch with Rose, when one of her first steps onto the grass was an eye opener! Her heel had sunk into the soil nearly snapping the heel clean off. She was glad it had happened in time for her to deal with it so their guests wouldn't have to.
The guests were coming sporadically, largely in part because the wedding was still two hours away, and the drive to Bill's from Bon Temps took on the outside ten minutes tops. As the guests arrived and were sent to the walkway, Arlene's son Coby was handing out wedding programs. When there weren't guests present, he was doing his level best to get into any mischief he could find. It was a boy thing.
Unbeknownst to Terry, Lafayette and the arriving wedding guests, the area immediately around the house and grounds were teaming with shifters, Weres and high-borns. There were birds in the trees, with a few on the roof of the house. Largely in part because of Eric's ability to fly. The high-borns were amazingly adept at being large in number yet, completely and totally concealed. Although, Joe and Frank were keeping them all under a cautious and preemptory eye, Jason's woman was with child, and Joe had just realized one of the guests was also expecting.
Joe and Frank were truly proud of them. Thus far they had kept to their assigned areas. Frank was also intelligent enough to know that it had less to do with his management and more to do with Mr. Garth's unvarnished edicts as to the punishment that would be meted out should they disobey. Frank smiled a little wryly to himself, with each circuit he made, he himself, fought the urge to be closer to the house!
As Frank and Joe walked the perimeter, Joe walked up to a high born sitting unseen and utterly silent about fifteen feet above him in a large magnolia tree. In a flash and with a stealth even Joe could not hear, the high-born stood beside him. "How are you doing brother?" Joe asked quietly.
The high born shrugged then said in a very non-human sounding voice. "This not bad, with children will be bad."
Joe nodded in agreement. Sookie had forewarned them that there could possibly be a few children, though she didn't think there would be any younger than Arlene's but it wasn't a given and a couple of guests had infants and toddlers. Sookie wouldn't have thought bringing small children to an evening wedding would be appropriate, but it was after all, Bon Temps! Joe clapped the high born on the back saying, "I know you'll do just fine."
The high-born sighed and said, "I wish I could be next to them. They feel so lovely." Joe agreed and then continued on his way. He wasn't concerned; he understood the high-borns desire but also knew he would not violate Mr. Garth's orders.
XxXxX
Henry was on the phone and Bill watched him curiously. Henry had seemed quieter than usual. Bill thought it was because of Eric and that had Bill interested in Henry's demeanor. Why would Henry have more than just a slightly more vigilant eye with regards to the situation?
Bill also felt Sookie's full gamut of whirlwind emotions, she was excited, happy, sad, nervous, overwhelmed and Bill chuckled suddenly, shook his head as his friends looked at him oddly.
"Gentlemen," he said as he got to his feet, "it is time to head downstairs. I need to be a little farther away from my emotional bride-to-be!" They too chuckled knowingly and followed Bill downstairs and into the den.
XxXxX
Sookie stood in front of a standing fan that had been brought in. She was dressed in lovely and slightly erotic underclothes, her makeup was perfect and her loose, curled, gorgeous hair was perfect. She held her arms straight out so her armpits would stay dry. She was a little too tense to be certain her antiperspirant would really do its job. Still she stood with her eyes closed, swaying slightly in the breeze created by the oscillating fan. The others were in the sitting room portion of Jessica's suite. Pam stood behind her, her cool hands at the nape of Sookie's neck.
Pam was surprised when Sookie said quietly, "Pam, will they get him before he gets to me?"
Pam stood stock still before she said, "I have no doubt. Your wedding will be everything you are dreaming it will be. None of us Sookie… none of us will allow your ceremony to be disrupted."
"Do you feel him?"
"Barely." Pam wasn't about to lie to Sookie, not about this.
Sookie reached up and covered one of Pam's fine-boned hands and said, "Thank you Pam, for being honest."
"Sookie, I pledge to you… Eric Northman will be nowhere near this house tonight or ever again in the future."
Sookie just silently wished that Pam was right.
XxXxX
Mr. Garth, Mekahoomblek and two other full demons stood at the ready, all three vibrating with tension and anticipation. Surrounding them were countless others, then they heard the lock disengaging.
Before Eric could react, he felt the burn of heavy silver and arms encircling him like a vise. He recognized immediately that he was being held by a full-blooded demon and when the second lifted him by his legs Eric knew he had no chance. Faster than he could track with his own eyes, he was shackled, ankles, wrists, all connected to a four inch wide, tight-fitting band around his waist to which all chains were being heat fused onto. The chains and belt were of the purest silver, and were in some places nearly a half inch thick. He was being held but the silver sapped his strength so quickly he dropped to his knees unbidden.
What he never expected to see was a pair of black Jimmy Choo shoes. With great effort he looked upwards to see Nan Flannigan looking down at him. "Seriously Northman, did you really think we didn't know how to find you?"
Mr. Garth gave a tilt of his head to the full bloods and they held Eric supported between the two of them. "Eric, I truly had hoped that you wouldn't be stupid enough to carry out your ridiculous vendetta. Alas, it seems as if you were."
Eric was in pain but managed to say, "Gustav?"
"Yes." Nan said, "He told me after you first sent him to Bon Temps. About the only ones that haven't known where you've been is The Authority." She gave Eric the smile of a viper. "We've worked hard to keep it that way, so don't expect the ease of a True Death to save you anytime soon."
"If I may?" Garth said, Nan smiled a much more accommodating smile and stepped aside. "Thank you Ms. Flannigan. Northman, I find it hard to believe you truly thought that you skated just out of our reach at the last minute time and again. You really do think too much of yourself and your abilities." Mr. Garth laughed a bark of a laugh before adding, his voice ominous, "But we'll have plenty of time to speak of these things later… at length."
For the first time in centuries Eric felt true unabashed fear. "But, The Authority…" he gasped.
"May find what's left of you in a century or two, you'll likely want the True Death by that time anyway and I would imagine I'll be tired of my games."
Eric stared at the demon opened-mouth as he spoke to all around him in a language Eric didn't know and just before the door opened to the demon realm, he saw Mr. Garth offer his crooked arm to Nan as he said, "May I escort you to your car, Ms. Flannigan?"
Eric screamed as the other realm swallowed him up.
XxXxX
Tara stuck her head through the door and said, "Hey Sook, it's almost time."
Sookie took a deep breath in through her nose and blew it out very slowly through pursed lips. She opened her eyes, gave Tara the biggest smile Tara was pretty sure she'd ever seen and said, "Really? Oh my stars!"
Once they got Sookie into her dress, and were fussing over her, Jason knocked tentatively on the door, Jessica let him in and Jason froze in place when Sookie turned toward him. "Uh… wow Sook, you look… wow." Then he sort of shook himself a bit and looked at Pam and said, "Um… oh yeah Pam Gus wants to talk to you." But his eyes were still on Sookie.
As Pam walked to the door Arlene piped up and said with fervor, "All right ladies! What are y'all waiting for! We've got flowers to get handed out and get in the right order. Anna could you make sure the guys boutonnieres are on right? Okay, let's go, let's go!" She said with a big wink to the others. A moment later Sookie and Jason stood alone each taking the other in.
"You look a vision Sis." Jason walked toward her slowly. He very carefully pulled her to him in a gentle hug, and whispered, "Are you really happy Sookie?" She knew if she spoke she would cry, so she just nodded to hold the tears at bay. They let go and each took a step back. Jason glanced at his wristwatch and said, "Well then, we need to get this show on the road, don't want to make Bill think ya' changed yer' mind or somethin."
That made Sookie giggle, albeit nervously and they walked through the light lock and made their way downstairs. Sookie was unaware of the thrilling news the vampires, demons of all mixtures, shifters and Weres had been celebrating quietly for the last twenty minutes or so. The one and only thought Sookie had was one of sheer delight that Bill was about to become her husband.
XxXxX
Sookie and Jason stood under the beautiful canopy that covered the back deck. It sparkled with soft lighting and thick pillar candles in deep glass towers that kept the breeze from snuffing them out. The carpeted white walkway curved at a slight, yet gentle arc across the backyard, it had been done for the most important reason to Sookie, so Bill wouldn't see her as soon as she stepped off the deck.
Sookie inhaled the sweet scent of the roses, lavender and Lily of the Valley; the flowers had been expertly woven into garlands that wrapped around each white support rod. A specially designed system had flameless candles in delicate sconces paired with each cluster of flowers all along the aisle. The entire look was simple and elegant, with just enough greenery and trailing ribbons to keep the scent light and not overpowering.
Jason took her hand in his and said, "Almost time sis. Ya' ready?" he gave her a smile full of pride and just a hint of nerves. Rose, Abby and Annie got everyone set to go and they all gave Sookie a peck on the cheek and they left the deck, went through the house and around the side to take their seats, Rose nodded to the string quartet that had been playing light random pieces and they transitioned into a lovely melody, that for the life of her, Sookie couldn't remember choosing.
Arlene gently pushed Lisa forward and said, "Okay baby, here you go! Now make sure they're nice and even!" After Lisa got to the curve Arlene moved toward the steps, giving Sookie's hand a squeeze and whispered, "I love you honey." She walked down the steps and began her trip down the aisle, she was followed by Pam, Jessica and then it was Tara's turn.
Tara looked at Sookie and neither said a word. Both knew if they did, they would unleash a torrent of loving tears. Tara got to the front end of the aisle, the music changed and the young woman soloist began to sing, the only song that was meant for her and Bill alone. Christina Aguilera's "We're a Miracle".
Jason whispered, "I love ya' Sook" and with her hand tucked in the crook of his arm, they went down the steps.
"Here we are, safe at last, we can breathe a sigh, the storm has passed…"
The guests rose from their seats and Sookie found herself recalling exactly that moment… the moment her eyes met Bill's in what seemed a lifetime ago, his eyes as deep and as blue as a stormy sea…
"You and me, we're a miracle, meant to be and nothing can change it, mountains move and oceans part, when they are standing in our way…"
Sookie and Jason were almost halfway and Sookie was smiling as her eyes briefly touched the eyes of their friends, working hard not to be overwhelmed by their thoughts… she wanted her entire focus to be on Bill and Bill alone and the quiet and peace that was he.
"Every time I felt near defeat, you were there for me, at my side complete…"
She saw him then, as the curve straightened and her heart soared higher than it had walking toward him that long ago night in Merlotte's.
"You give me strength you set me free, because of you I'm more than I can be; when I'm with you, the world is ours to reach for. You and me, we're a miracle, meant to be …"
Jason and Sookie reached Bill, his smile as radiant as hers; Jason gently kissed Sookie's cheek.
"The chance was so unlikely, that we would ever be, two stars among the heavens, destiny brought you to me… We are a miracle, you and me."
Jason placed Sookie's hand in Bill's.
The Honorable Judge Ray Andrews asked, "Who gives this woman?"
"I do." Jason said with just a hint of emotion evident in his words.
Then he stepped back and the Judge motioned for the guests to sit. Then said, "Sookie, Bill, please take each other's right hands and face one another."
They did and for just a moment Sookie was certain she would cry like a baby if she looked into Bill's eyes. But as her eyes met his, nothing else crossed her mind other than how much she loved this man. His tender, sapphire eyes told her the same thing.
"Family and friends, we are here tonight to celebrate the happiest of occasions, the marriage between two people deeply in love."
The Judge performed the most basic requirements of the wedding ceremony with Bill and Sookie answering the proper responses. Then the Judge asked for the rings, Tara and Steve dutifully moved forward placing the rings in the Judge's hand, smiling out at the guests he said, "Bill and Sookie have chosen to pledge their devotion with loving thoughts they have written themselves, Bill…"
"Sookie, love of my life, I remember the first time I breathed in the scent of the sun on your skin, and foolishly, and perhaps some would say arrogantly, told you I would bring you to life."
The guests chuckled lightly and Bill's smile turned just a hint of a grin, before he took a bit more serious stance and continued.
"I see so clearly now that it was the other way around. It is all that you are and all that you give that makes my life perfection."
"You have unequivocally drawn my heart, my soul, and my very existence, flawlessly into a world I never expected to find."
"A world of love and laughter, of discovery and joy, of magic, miracles and dreams fulfilled."
"Sookie, my darling, I will love you, adore you, and treasure you for all eternity."
"You may place the ring on her finger."
Bill took the ring from the Judge's palm and Sookie gasped a tiny, "Oh!" The engagement ring Bill had taken from her a week before to have soldered to the wedding band also sported a third band with what had to be at least ten additional diamonds. When she looked at his face it held a smile as wide as Texas and he whispered, "Surprise." And slipped it onto her ring finger, then he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it tenderly. There was a collective sigh among the female guests as he did so.
"Sookie?" the Judge asked gently.
Sookie reached over and held both of Bill's in hers. She began to speak, stopped and cleared her throat quietly, this time however, her emotions were clearly visible and a tear slipped from her eye as she said.
"Bill, I have lived most of my life believing I would never have what is standing before me."
"A man, who loves me, protects me and makes certain my heart longs for nothing more than what I have."
"I will love and cherish you for the rest of my life, even more than I do at this very moment."
"I promise you this Bill, you are my beloved, my bearer of dreams, of happiness, and I vow to make our life together, happy, rich and full."
"I will be all you desire from now until my last breath."
Bill reached up and tenderly cupped her face and wiped the tear away with his thumb.
"Please, place the ring on his finger." The Judge said gently. After she did, he said, "With the power vested in me by the great state of Louisiana, I now proclaim you husband and wife, Mr. Compton you may kiss your bride!"
"Bill took Sookie's face in his hand and said, "Hello Mrs. Compton." Then kissed her to a swell of clapping and well wishes. As they pulled apart the joy of those present washed over her and she took her husband's hand and turned to face their guests, now standing as they clapped and cheered.
Sookie her hand clasped in Bill's; walked down the steps and off to the side where the receiving line would form. Without a word as the rest of the wedding party paired up and excited the raised dais, Bill swept her up and at vampire speed zipped her to the woods at the edge of the back yard and kissed her deeply, drinking her in as if they were alone in the world.
"Happy?" he asked when he let her to come up for air.
"Delirious!" she replied.
"Oh, I need to tell you something and I didn't want to do it in front of the others."
Sookie's brow furrowed and she felt a tiny stab of concern. He put his lips to her ear and whispered, "Eric is in custody my love."
Sookie swayed, weak-kneed and stunned, "It's over?"
"Yes, we'd best get back to our guests." In the blink of an eye they were standing in place when the first of their guests reached them. Giving them congratulations, love and hugs. At one point, Bill thought to himself that if not for Sookie's influence it would have been uncomfortable for him to shake so many hands and hug so many people but it came quite naturally now.
The next few hours went by in seconds or so it seemed. Sookie marveled that no matter where she was, or where Bill was, their eyes met time and again. Of course the women guests marveled over the gorgeous ring and her dress, the food was set up and the music played.
After her first dance with Bill to the song, "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You." There was one person she searched for and when her eyes caught his they made their way to each other. Sookie practically launched herself into Mr. Garth's waiting arms and she whispered what seemed like a thousand thank you's before he gently placed her feet on the dance floor and asked her formally if he could have the next dance.
She danced a waltz with Mr. Garth, as well as dances with Jason, Sam, and Joe before finally being in Bill's arms again. She couldn't help the rush of heat that flooded through her as he drew her near. Bill felt it too; she tucked her head under his chin but not before giving the side of his throat with a kiss. Bill inhaled the soft, delicate aroma of the Lily of the Valley and lavender sprigs pinned into her hair, beneath that, the best perfume of all, the sweet scent of his Sookie.
The vampire guests were extremely impressed with the vampire food and the others agreed the catered food was some of the best they'd had. Tara gave a hilarious toast and Sookie was greatly relieved that she hadn't embarrassed her too much! Jason's toast was surprisingly heartfelt and Steve's had the guests laughing and Bill was properly sorry he'd allowed Steve to speak but he took it in stride and was able to laugh about it.
Between the dancing, the food, the laughter and the visiting with the guests, the hours flew by and Sookie was taken aback when Rose told her it was time for the happy couple to head out. They would be spending the night at the penthouse before heading to New Zealand on one of Mr. Garth's jets.
With the limo loaded with their bags and their friends pelting them with bird seed and blowing bubbles, they got into the limo. John handed Sookie an envelope as she got in and a moment later, they were on their way to Shreveport. Sitting next to Bill on the luxurious padded leather seats, Sookie realized how completely exhausted she was. She snuggled closer to Bill and he drew her in.
They arrived at the penthouse and Sookie was half asleep so Bill carried her out of the limo and stood before the elevator. John congratulated them one last time and informed them that the entire penthouse was theirs alone. Mr. Garth was staying elsewhere.
When the elevator doors opened, Sookie had been nuzzling Bill's neck, nipping the skin of his throat slightly, kissing and teasing his earlobe with her tongue. The next thing she knew, he carefully put her on her feet before the big bed. She clearly had no interest in sleeping. Yet. "Help me?" she said as she turned her back to him, glancing over her shoulder with a smoldering look.
There was a large part of Bill that wanted to tear the dress away from her body and ravish her instantly, but even if she wouldn't have minded, he wanted this to be as special as the first time they'd made love. He walked over to where she stood and very delicately gathered her thick blond hair and carefully lifted it aside and laid it gently to one side of her neck.
As he did, he leaned in and gave the nape of her neck a tiny, soft kiss and her entire body shuddered at his touch. He very carefully began undoing the row of pear buttons, tenderly pushing aside the material and placing kisses on her skin after each was undone. Sookie's breathing picked up and when he reached the zipper, and slowly let it down, he heard her heart speed up and he smiled, as he licked his way up her spine until she gasped.
Bill delicately hooked the lace cap sleeves, and taking great care, slid them down her arms before sliding the dress to the floor and giving her his hand so she could step out of the gown. He swallowed hard when he saw the white lace panties, bustier and garter belt with thigh high stockings, made even more tempting by the white pumps she wore. But being a gentleman, he took the time to pick the gown up and laid it across the wing-backed chair in the sitting area before turning back to his bride.
She smiled almost shyly in a way and said, "May I?" When he nodded in agreement, she began by slipping his tux jacket from his shoulders, followed quickly by the vest. Much as he had done, as she undid a shirt button, she placed a kiss on the planes of his chest, before pulling the shirt from the waist band of his trousers. His readiness was obvious when his fangs snicked into place and as she used one hand to toss his shirt in the general direction of the jacket, she slowly drew her hand across the front of him… caressing the hardness enough to elicit a moan but not cause discomfort. She undid the button and carefully slid her hand between him and the zipper, then she slipped her hand inside, encircling him gently, while using her other to stroke his sculpted flank.
Bill could stand no more and in the blink of an eye he was naked before her and her eyes were large and sultry with desire, he reached for her and drew her to him. They kissed, slowly; tenderly… she very sensuously licked up one of his fangs tip to root and down the other. Pressing her lace covered self against his hardness, she deftly slipped him between her thighs and he moaned as she did. "Sookie?" he whispered against her throat as he kissed his way down to the hollow of her throat.
"Mm-hmm?" She grasped his backside as she slid slightly forward with him still trapped between her legs.
"How partial are you to these?" he tugged on the edge of the panties slightly.
"Don't care about them at all."
There was a slight tearing sound and he was inside her, she sucked in a lungful of air and jumped upward, he wrapped her legs around him before moving to the wall beside the bed. With her back against it, he surged forward and he plunged deeper into the slick velvet of her most central, sexual self. She cried out and the need in her voice spurred him onward. Again and again he thrust forward and Sookie moaned his name, drove her fingers into his hair, bit his earlobe and pushed back against him with all her strength. "Babe, oh… oh!" She dropped her head to one side, grasped his body as tightly as she could with her legs and dug her fingers into the back of his shoulders as she reached her pinnacle, crying out his name.
He drove into her harder, he fought the urge to go faster and in doing so, had her peaking yet again and it was then that he could not hold back, "Now Bill!" She moaned and he drove himself into her as he sank his fangs into her throat, wanting nothing more but to drink. But because of his restraint, he felt his orgasm tear through him in a way he would have never thought possible. He held her there pinned against the wall, pulsating, his legs shaking as her soft, slick walls vibrated around him.
He felt her tears, hot on his shoulders, and he finally moved with her clinging to him, and lay down in the welcoming bed. She shifted her legs, her tears still falling lightly; he gathered her closer to him and whispered, "Sookie, my sweet, sweet Sookie…"
She sniffled a bit and wiped at her damp cheeks, her eyes meeting his, her smile huge. "I think I should have married you sooner!" she said with a light and airy laugh.
"I concur, Mrs. Compton." He said with a grin. He was shocked when her body suddenly shuddered. "Are you cold sweetheart?" he said quickly, pulling the covers over them.
Sookie placed her hand alongside his face and drew closer to him, kissing him sweetly. She pulled back and looked deeply into the sapphire blue eyes that were hers now forever and whispered, "Say it again."
He kissed her just as tenderly and whispered, "I love you Sookie Compton."
She sighed and said, "I love you too, Bill Compton."
And as the sun had been up for hours… they quickly fell asleep in each other's arms.
To be continued...