A/N: If you're wondering why you haven't heard more about Eric's night at Lafayette's place in this story, then you obviously haven't read my one-shot, The Sleepover yet. I thought it deserved a little attention of its own, and I didn't want it to get lost amidst all the Eric and Sookie gooeyness. Check it out and then come back here. We'll be waiting.
Also, just a brief note on update posting…Life sucks a bag of dicks sometimes, my friends. If I need to explain that any further, you probably shouldn't be reading anything I write in the first place. Stuff happens, and sometimes it pulls me away from what I'd really like to be doing, which is writing for you. So, with that in mind, I thought I'd forewarn you that the next installment won't be posted until early next week. It's my Nona's 80th birthday this coming weekend, and I'm flying in to Chicago to surprise her. So be patient with me, m'kay?
Oh, and wedding music…I'll put a note at the end so you know what you should listen to as soon as you're done reading this!
Chapter Twenty-Five
"C'mon, sugar. We've got a wedding to get you to. Sookie'll kill me if I get you there late." Lafayette was banging on the bathroom door, and frankly, annoying the shit out of me. I was still nursing my hangover from the previous evening's tequila-fest.
"Lafayette, it's your fault I'm moving so slowly today. If she gets pissed at me for being late, it'll be on your head, not mine." I growled through the door.
"Hey, I just supplied the Jesus Juice, baby. I didn't bring it to your lips and force you to drink."
Fuck. He was right. I finished tossing the rest of my stuff in to the garment bags and opened the door. I was greeted by a giant cup of coffee which I eagerly took from Lafayette's outstretched hands. "Christ, I need this. Thanks." I took a large gulp and looked at him.
"Lafayette, what are you wearing?" I asked once I had finally taken a good look at him.
"What? You've never seen a man in a suit before?" He asked. He was wearing a crisp cream-colored linen suit with soft blue button-down shirt and a pair of expensive-looking brown loafers.
"Of course I have, smartass. I just didn't expect to see one on you today."
"Sweetheart, it's your wedding day. Spandex is hardly appropriate. Even I have my limits." He said, giving me a little twirl, allowing me to take in the complete ensemble.
"You look great, L." I complimented.
"You're not looking too shabby yourself. We could almost be Twinkies." Pam had chosen a lightweight summery white suit with notched lapels and flat-front trousers. My shirt was a soft shimmering gray button-down. I finished it off with a black belt and black Italian leather shoes. "You could be on the cover of GQ right now. Go on with your fine-ass self!"
"Thanks." I said, slightly embarrassed. "Ready to get this show on the road, reverend?" I asked.
"Absofuckinlutely and Amen!" Lafayette exclaimed.
We drove back to Sookie's – well, technically, I guess it's "our" house, parking in the front. Everyone was there, but I really only wanted to see Sookie. I had spent far too much time away from her already, and I was getting antsy. "Where is she?" I asked Pam as we walked in the front door.
"She's finishing getting ready. Be patient, you big ox. Go out in back. Everyone else is either out there or will be shortly. I'll tell you when it's time." She snapped at me. "Oh, and don't freak, but I hired a local photographer to take pictures during the ceremony. I'm awesome, but I can't be the Maid of Honor and the head picture taker at the same time."
"Pam, I'm so happy, you could call me a shit head for the rest of the day and it wouldn't even put a dent in my good mood." I replied.
"I'll remember you said that later. Now get on out there, shit head." She shooed me along before turning to Lafayette. "Lafayette, can you help me in here a minute?"
"Sure, darlin'." He replied, and then called after me. "I'll see you at the altar, darlin'!"
I faked a little shiver, and then smiled while giving him a thumbs up. I followed Pam's directions and walked through the kitchen and stepped outside. The backyard was basically set up the same as the previous evening, however today, the walkways that had been illuminated with lanterns were now lined with thousands of flowers on top of beautiful white fabric runners. More flowers were placed in the trees and bushes, and I felt as if I'd stepped in to our very own Garden of Eden. Pam. That woman really knew how to work miracles.
"Eric!" Jacob yelled, leaving Octavia's side to run to me. I bent down, and when he reached me, I scooped him up in my arms and pulled him in to a hug. He pulled out of our embrace a short time later and placed his hands on either side of my face. "Where were you, Eric? You've been gone too long!" He said, and I felt a lump rise in my throat. Hadn't I dreamed of this, or at least something close to it? That's when I knew beyond a shadow of the doubt that everything that had happened over the past week was fate bringing us together. We were supposed to be a family. My heart practically exploded out of my chest with love.
"I'm sorry, Jake. I had to spend the night at Lafayette's house." I said, staring in to his bright, smiling eyes.
"That's the lipstick man, right? Why did you have to stay there instead of with us?" He asked, and my chest shook with laughter.
"Yes, you're right. He is the lipstick man. I had to have a sleepover because it's a tradition. Do you know what that word means?"
He shook his head and stared at me, silently asking me to explain.
"It's something people do to make special occasions even more special. Do you understand that?"
"Like me bringing you a ring to give to Miss Sookie?" I questioned.
"Exactly like that, Jake." God, there was no end to how amazing this child was. "Have you seen Miss Sookie yet this morning?" I asked.
He nodded vigorously. "She made me Mickey Mouse pancakes. I've never had those before. She put lots of whipped cream on them."
I let out a snort, thinking of all the cans of Redi-Whip still in the refrigerator. "Well, that was very nice of her. I'm jealous. She's never made those for me. You must be very special."
"That's what she told me." He said, a large smile still plastered across his face.
"So, are you all set to do your job? It's very important that you help us. We can't get married without you." I asked, trying to figure how much he understood about what was happening today.
"I am. Aunt Pam and Miss Octavia gave me a little pillow to carry, and it's got the rings tied on to them. I'm supposed to walk down the white line and bring them to you."
"Sounds to me like we picked the right guy for the job. We're very lucky to have you." I couldn't believe he was calling my sister Aunt Pam, but I loved the sound of it.
"Eric? What does married mean?"
"It means that Miss Sookie and I love each other, and that we want to live together and start a family." I replied, not sure if I was answering him in a way his 6 year old mind could grasp.
A cloud of sadness crossed his beautiful face, and I knew I'd said something wrong, though I couldn't fathom what that was. "What's wrong, buddy?" I asked.
"I don't have a family." He stated quietly.
Fuck. How could I make this right without getting his hopes up? "Sure you do, Jake." I began. "You will always have us in your life. You're very important to us. You know that, right?"
He nodded, but the look of sadness was still there. Fuck, fuck, fuck, I thought.
"Jake, I'll make you a promise, okay? Miss Sookie and I will do everything we can to spend as much time with you as possible. There are grown up things we have to do that you don't understand before we can make that happen, but I promise you we'll try. Do you believe me?" I was nearly beside myself. I didn't want to give him any indication of our plans, but seeing him so upset nearly killed me.
"Can I have sleepovers at your house?" He asked.
"We'll do our very best to try, okay?" Was all I could say.
"Okay, I believe you." He stated, and then hugged me with as much strength as his little arms could muster. I knew I'd give anything to feel this way for the rest of our lives. He had to be my son. He was born to be mine. I felt it with every fiber of my being, and I would stop at nothing to make it happen.
I carried him to where Jason, Sam, Daphne and Octavia were standing near the makeshift dance floor. I shook Jason and Sam's hands, and kissed both women on the cheek.
"You ready for this, Northman?" Sam asked, smiling from ear to ear. He must have had a good night with Daphne. It was written all over his face.
"More than ready, Sam. I'm so excited, I'm bursting at the seams." I replied.
Just then, Pam called out from the back porch and yelled "Places, everyone!"
I placed Jacob on the ground. "Ok, Jake, it's show time. Go get the pillow from Aunt Pam and make me proud." I kissed his cheek, and pointed him in the direction of the porch. He took off running towards my sister, and I felt a surge of pride like I'd never know before. My son…My son…My son…
Jason walked to the house and went inside, no doubt to claim Sookie for their walk down the aisle. Lafayette came out through the back door and made his way to the center of the dance floor, motioning for me to stand in front of him and to his left. Octavia and Daphne stood further back and to Lafayette's right, and Sam picked up his guitar and sat on a chair directly next to Lafayette. Pam stepped forward and Sam began to play.
I don't know you, but I want you all the more for that…
Pam made her way down the aisle, stopping half way to turn and motion for Jacob to follow her. She reached me and hugged me tightly before moving to her place.
Words fall through me and always fool me and I can't react…
Jacob walked forward, beaming, holding the pillow in his hands. Pride swelled in me once again, and my heart ached to have him near me. He came to stand at my side, and I gave him a wink, telling him silently that he'd done his job well.
And games that never amount to more than they're meant will play themselves out…
I looked up from Jacob to the porch, where Sookie was now standing, anchored to her brother. All the air escaped my chest, and a sob rose in my throat. She stood next to Jason, her arm locked in his, in a long, strapless white satin dress, and she looked like my own personal angel. I couldn't hold back the tears as she began walking toward me. The sight of her was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
Take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time…
She was smiling through what I could tell were happy tears. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her face. My home, my everything was coming to me.
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice, you'll make it now…
She was no more than a few feet away from me, her eyes locked on mine. I would remember this moment forever.
Falling slowly, eyes that know me and I can't go back…
Time slowed to a near stop. All I could focus on was her. In my mind, I could clearly see our future. I pictured every day, every moment we would spend together.
Moods that take me and erase me, and I'm painted black…
Suddenly, she was standing before me and then Jason kissed her cheek before turning to shake my hand.
You have suffered enough and warred with yourself, it's time that you won…
Jason took her hand and placed it in mine, then went to stand next to Octavia and Daphne. We turned together to face Sam as he finished the song.
Take this sinking boat and point it home, we've still got time.
Raise your hopeful voice, you had a choice,
You've made it now.
Falling slowly, sing your melody.
I'll sing along.
When he was done, Sam rose from his chair and placed his guitar on the seat. He walked over to us, kissed Sookie on the cheek and then shook my hand before standing next to me. We all turned to face Lafayette, who was smiling broadly at us.
"Friends, we're here today to celebrate the joining of Eric and Susannah in marriage. I speak for all of us when I say we have all been blessed to have you in our lives, and that this wedding brings us more joy than we can possibly explain. The love you found in one another has created this wonderful family, and we will be here to care for and support you all the days of your life. So, what do you say we make this official? Please face each other and join hands."
Sookie handed her bouquet to Pam and then we turned to face one another. When she placed her other hand in mine, a small sob rose up from her chest. I winked at her and mouthed "I love you."
"Eric," Lafayette began, "Will you promise to take care of this crazy girl, to love her and give her the family she has always wanted? Will you support her with your strength, and share her dreams with her? Will you respect her, and honor her for as long as you both live?"
"I will." I gripped her hands tightly so that when I replied, she could feel how much I meant those words.
"And Sookie, will you promise to take care of this fine-ass man, to love him and give him a family? Will you support him with your strength, and share his dreams with him? Will you respect him, and honor him for as long as you both live?"
She never took her eyes off of me when she responded. "I will." She said.
"Little man," Lafayette said as he turned his attention to Jacob. "Time for you to bring me the rings."
Jacob puffed out his chest, proudly walked to Lafayette and raised the pillow to his hands. Sookie and I shared a giggle as Lafayette removed the rings from the ribbons and handed one of the rings to Jacob. "Now, give this one to Eric."
He turned and reached up to hand Sookie's ring to me. I bent forward and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, Jake. I'm very proud of you." He beamed back at me, looking very pleased with himself.
"Eric, please place the ring on Sookie's finger." Lafayette directed.
I smiled at her as I held her hand and slid the platinum band on her finger. "Sookie, my whole world changed the moment you came crashing in to my life. I was broken, and your love brought me back to life. There aren't enough words to tell you how much I love you. I could tell you a thousand times a day for the rest of our lives and it still would never be enough. I promise you that I will do everything in my power to make you feel cherished and loved for as long as my heart is beating, because in the end, it belongs to you. It always has, and it always will."
Lafayette winked at me and said, "Damn, boy, that was good!"
Octavia snickered, but looked to him and said, "Lafayette…" in mock admonishment.
"Ok, ok, moving on. Jake," He said, looking down to him. "You're up again. Please give this ring to Sookie."
Jacob turned to Sookie and lifted the ring to her hand. She bent down and took him in her arms. "I love you, Jacob. Thank you." She kissed him and then stood up to face me again.
"Sookie, please place the ring on Eric's finger." He said.
Her hands were trembling as she placed the band on my finger, and her tears were falling freely as she spoke. "Eric, I am the happiest I have ever been in my life, and I owe all of it to you. The love you've shown me gives me so much hope for a future I never even knew was possible until you came along. My heart is full of joy, so much so that I feel that it may burst at any moment. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being you. I'm yours, for now and always."
"Okay, that was pretty damned good, too!" Lafayette exclaimed, smiling at Sookie. Jason gave him a little swat on the shoulder. "Ouch! What? Well, it was!"
"Lafayette," I began, stifling the laughter that was building. "Do you think you could get to the part where I kiss her? I haven't seen her all day, and I really, REALLY want to kiss her." I said. Sookie grinned widely at me, and I could tell she was thinking the same thing.
"Alright, alright. I see what y'all are getting at. Okay, by the power vested in me by the World Wide Web and the great state of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. No go on and lay one on her, sugar."
I took Sookie in my arms, pressed my lips against hers and kissed her with all the strength I had in my body. I don't know how long we stood there. The world around us melted away, and in that moment, there was only the two of us, silently promising our love and devotion to one another in the single most important kiss of our lives. It wasn't until I felt a tug at my pant leg that I remembered that we weren't alone.
I looked down to find Jacob standing in front of me, and I picked him up, thrilled that my family, though not yet complete, was together on the happiest day of my life.
"Lafayette told me I had to say something." He said to me and Sookie, looking ten different kinds of serious.
"Fire away, Jake. Everyone's listening." I stated, laughter rumbling through my chest at his eagerness.
He raised his arms over his head and screamed "Everybody…Eric and Sookie are married!"
Everyone burst in to laughter, but for me, that moment was the most precious event to happen that day. To hear those words, the ones that meant everything to me, spoken from his lips…I almost couldn't bear the happiness that coursed through my body. Sookie and I were married. It was real, and Jacob was here with us. Tears spilled out of my eyes, and my chest began to heave.
"Don't cry, Eric." Jacob said, looking more concerned than any 6 year old should ever have to be.
I hugged him tightly to my chest, and said "These are happy tears, Jake. Some day, when you find a girl you love, you'll understand. I promise." He didn't look convinced, but a smile returned to his face. "No way, girls are gross." He said.
Everyone began clapping and whistling, and we hugged and kissed them all, thanking them for being with us on the most special day of our lives.
I placed Jake on the ground asked everyone if I could have a moment alone with Sookie, and then took my wife's...My wife's!...hand and led her inside through the kitchen where Daphne's staff was working and in to the living room. I pulled her to me and kissed her for all I was worth.
"Why, I do believe you missed me, Mr. Northman." Sookie giggled.
"Mrs. Northman, you have no idea how much." I replied.
"Say it again," she said.
"Mrs. Northman."
"Oh, god, I love the way that sounds." She said against my lips as she melted in to me.
"Well, I'd hope so, since you're stuck with it for the rest of your life." I grinned. "We're going to the DMV first thing Monday morning to get your license changed."
"I'm so happy, Eric. I didn't know I could be this happy. I love you so much."
I picked her up and swung her around. "I've told you before and I'll say it again…this is only the beginning. I'm going to give you everything, Sookie. You mean the world to me. Now tell me something. Where did you get this amazing dress?" I held her hand out and spun her around to get a closer look. I put my hand on her hip, the satin of the dress soft on my fingertips.
"It was my mother's. Gran kept it all these years for me."
"You've never looked more beautiful, Sookie. My eyes hurt just looking at you."
She put her head against my chest and a wave of contentment passed between us. This was good. This was right. This was everything.
We stood there holding each other for several minutes before Pam stuck her head though the doorframe from the kitchen. "Hey shit head! Get yourself and your lovely bride outside right now. There's a party out here, and if you haven't already noticed, it's in your honor."
"Why is she calling you a shit head?" Sookie asked, giggling.
"I told her I was so happy that she could call me that all day and it wouldn't even faze me. You know her. She's not one to back down from a challenge."
"So, I suppose we should get back out there, huh?"
"I suppose so. But can I have another kiss from my wife first?" I begged.
"You keep calling me your wife and you'll get a lot more than kisses." She said, moving in to my arms and kissing me deeply. When we finally came up to take a breath, she took my hand and began to lead me towards the kitchen.
I noticed Sam was sitting on a chair at the dance floor, and he waved us over to him. "I have a little wedding gift for the two of you. I was hoping I could play you a song for your first dance."
Sookie stepped forward and snaked her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Sam, I would love nothing more. Thank you."
I gave him a "why didn't I know about this?" look, but he simply grinned and mouthed "Don't worry."
Everyone stood on the edges of the dance floor, watching as I took Sookie in my arms as Sam began to play. I recognized the first few notes, and one of her hands flew to her mouth as the realization hit her. "Eric, it's the song from the park. How did he know?" Tears spilled from her eyes at the memory of our dance together the very first night we'd met.
"I must have told him about it. I'll remember every word of that song for the rest of my life." I said, pulling her even tighter in to my embrace. I looked over to Sam and mouthed a "thank you" to him. He nodded and gave me a wink. While we moved in time to the music, I looked around us to our family and caught sight of Jacob. As amazing as it felt to hold Sookie in my arms, I knew it wouldn't be complete, not nearly complete without Jacob.
"Now it overflows like a river through my soul…"
"Sookie," I said.
"Shhh…she replied. I understand. Go get him." She kissed me, and could feel her watching me as I went to Jacob. I took him in my arms and brought him back to Sookie. We wrapped our arms around him and finished our dance as a family.
God gave me you to show me what's real.
There's more to life than just how I feel.
And all that I'm worth is right before my eyes.
And all that I live for though I didn't know why.
Now I do, 'cause God gave me you.
As Sam finished the final notes of the song, I took Sookie's hand and walked her off the dance floor with Jacob in my arms. The world was perfect in that moment. I saw and felt nothing but love flowing all around me, and I was complete…whole.
The rest of the day was spent with our family, eating, hugging, laughing and enjoying each other. The requisite toasts were made by our loved ones telling one horribly embarrassing story after another about us. We cut the cake and shoved the first piece in Jacob's face. We danced and drank champagne, and before we knew it, the sun was setting. Candles and lanterns were lit, and the magic of the previous evening in our back yard returned.
I needed to give Sookie her final present, and decided to I wanted her to have it before we opened another bottle of champagne. I stood from the table and cleared my throat. "Everyone, can I have your attention, please?" Conversations hushed as they all turned to look at me.
"Thanks. I just wanted to give Sookie her last wedding present." I took a box and an envelope out of my jacket pocket and placed in front of her on the table.
"Eric, you've given me so much already. I don't know how much more happiness I can take." She looked up at me, and I saw tears beginning to well up in her eyes.
"Shhh...Sookie. I promise, you're going to like this, okay?" I rubbed her shoulder before handing her the box. "Here. Open this one first."
She lifted the top off the box and pulled out a set of keys from inside, then looked at me, confused about what they were for. "Eric?"
"Well, seeing as how you are now my wife, and I have absolutely no intention of allowing you to drive that deathtrap we've dubbed 'The Beast'…"
"I'll drink to that!" Pam said, chugging her champagne. I looked at her, and she said, "Sorry, I'll shut up now."
"As I was saying, I thought the best thing to do was get the center a new vehicle. That key is for a fifteen passenger van that now belongs to you."
She looked at me with disbelief, then looked at the box again, realizing there were another set of keys still in it. "Eric? What…?"
I grabbed the second set and handed them to Octavia. "These are yours. I got you one too. Well, technically, they both belong to Adele's House, but I figured that with two vans at your disposal, you could do a heck of a lot more for the kids now."
Both Sookie and Octavia looked back and forth between one another, utter disbelief passing across their faces.
"There's more." I said.
"More?!?" They said in unison.
"Open the envelope, Sookie." I said, smiling at my wife's confused yet beautiful face.
She opened the envelope with trembling hands and pulled out the piece of paper that was inside it. Her mouth opened, but no sound came out as her hand flew up to it. After several moments, she had collected herself and said, "Eric…this is a check for two-hundred and fifty thousand dollars made out to Adele's House. Are you serious?"
"Completely serious, love, and there's more where that came from. Everything that's mine is yours. You're my wife, my family, and therefore by extension, so is everyone at Adele's House. Whenever you need it, I will be there to support you in whatever way I can."
Sookie pushed her chair back from the table and threw herself in to my arms. "I don't know what to say…I can't believe…"
"Just tell me you love me. That's all I'll ever need to hear." I kissed the top of her head as she continued to hug me.
"I love you, Eric. You, this…it's more than I ever dared to dream of."
We heard the tinkling of flatware against glass and knew that we had to oblige our guests. I took her face in my hands and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
"Jacob. Earmuffs!" Jake complied as Pam shouted, "Quit being such a pussy and lay one on her!"
I chuckled and gave Sookie a "Should we give them a show?" look, and she nodded. I crashed my mouth against hers and knotted my fingers through her hair. Our tongues danced, and we exaggeratedly moaned aloud through our giggles. If it was a show they wanted, a show they would get.
"Eew, gross!" Jacob shouted, and dove under the table.
"I feel the same way about kissing girls, little man." Lafayette said.
"Oh, I don't know, kissing girls seems pretty nice to me." Sam said before planting one on Daphne's lips.
"I'm with you, Sam. Kissing girls is nice!" Pam exclaimed.
Sookie was doubled over with laughter. "Need I remind you all there's a six year old here? Can we hold off on the inappropriate conversations until he's gone to bed?"
"Sugar, he's one of us now. He's gonna have to get used to it sooner or later. Ain't nothin' normal about this family."
"I suppose you're right, Lafayette." I agreed. "But how about we indoctrinate him in to the madness slowly?"
As our night was coming to an end, we said our thank yous and goodbyes and made plans to get to the airport late the following afternoon. At some point during the evening, Sam had made arrangements to stay at Daphne's house, and Octavia decided that she would be staying with Lafayette. That left just me, Sookie and Jacob to spend our first night together as a family. I was overjoyed, to say the least.
With the last of our guests and Daphne's staff now gone, I picked Jacob up from where he'd fallen asleep under the table, grabbed Sookie by the hand and led them in to the house. We brought Jake in to the spare bedroom across the hall from ours, changed him in to his pajamas and tucked him in. As we walked out, we stopped in the doorway for a moment, watching him sleep while we held each other.
"I can't wait until we can do this every night with him." Sookie said, wrapping her arms tighter around my waist.
"Me either. Look at him. He's perfect." I said. My emotions were overwhelmed, and I could no longer contain them. "This has been the best day of my life, Sookie. I love you so much, and I promise you, I'll do whatever it takes to make him ours."
"I know you will, baby." She said, and rose up on the tips of her toes to kiss me. "C'mon." She said, grabbing my hand and closing the door to Jacob's room. "Let's let him sleep. We have him all day tomorrow. Right now, I want to go in to our room and make love to my husband."
I picked her up and carried her across the hall and over the threshold of the bedroom door, closing it behind us with my foot. "I hope that boy sleeps like the dead, Mrs. Northman, because I have every intention of making love to my wife all night."
"I told you what would happen if you kept calling me that." Sookie teased as I put her down and she inched backwards towards the bed.
"Oh, yes, I remember. Wife, wife, wife, wife, wife, wife, wife…"
A/N #2: So, the song Sam played while Sookie walked down the aisle is called Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard. If you haven't seen the movie Once, I suggest you stop reading and go watch it. Now.
The song that Sookie, Eric and Jacob danced to is God Gave Me You by Bryan White. It was their first dance when they met, so I thought it was important that it be their first dance as a married couple.