Chapter 25 - Let's go fly a kite.
***0***
SPOV
Eric and I have been up for an hour. That doesn't mean that we have made it very far.
I was awakened in the most delicious way possible. I have always been a morning person but with Eric, mornings really couldn't get here fast enough.
After another round (or two) of love making, we headed to the shower and went for a third. Who knew that men had this kind of stamina? Oh I know that the books and movies make it look and seem like they can go on forever. However, in my own limited experience they are one and done. Or in my case, one and leave. Well I guess I can't base my opinion on one man. Then again, I'm not sure that there is any man in the whole world like my Eric.
And he is mine, from the top of his head to the tip of his toes. He is all mine and I dare any of those skanks to try and rub up on him, ever again. As far as I'm concerned, Eric Northman is not only off the market, but his species is extinct.
I am in the middle of looking through my bag for a sun dress to go over my new suit when I feel him behind me, wrapping his arms around my middle. Even if I wasn't still naked, I'd feel how happy he was to be close to me.
"Eric," I laugh as he begins to kiss my neck. "Haven't you had enough?"
"Mmmm," he moans behind my ear. I'm not sure if it's the vibration from his tone or his body that is sending shock waves through me. "I will never get enough of you."
Turning my head, he kisses me to the point that I can't remember what I was doing.
Oh hell, well four is now my new lucky number.
***0***
RJ's POV
I moan as I roll to my side to check the time.
Last night was pure hell. I mean, I've always hated the way my father works a room. Okay, maybe hate is too harsh a word. Perhaps detest is a better one. I know what he really thinks of all the people he smiles and shakes hands with. It amazes me how well he can keep his composure when deep down he despises the lot of them. Yes, I detest how two faced, judgmental and self-absorbed he has been my entire life. Everything I've ever done or ever accomplished was not allowed without explicit analysis on how it would make him look.
I smile. Well everything except my Sookie. She was the only thing I did that didn't go through his people to accomplish. She was mine and mine alone and if I have my way, she will be mine again soon.
Sitting up, I take stock of my head and mental state. Yes, I drank much too much last night. But I know how to hold my liquor. I had to with Russell playing the good political machine boy with his new love on his arm. Shaking hands with everyone and anyone and keeping her close to his side.
The two things that got me through the night was the good scotch and the fact that I knew that my father's lovely fiancée wasn't wearing anything under that short sequined dress. I know because I caressed said undergarments in my pocket all night.
Hell if I know why she bothered coming to my bed but I'm sure as hell not going to complain. Father dear may have her hand, but there are other parts of her that I like a bit more. So he can keep his new trophy and I'll find my bride and son. Once everything is in place, if she wants to come sneak in for a romp, who am I to say no? The satisfaction will be if I can manage to get both Gianna and Sookie pregnant at the same time. Yeah, that would be something to brag to dear old dad about.
Leaning up, I search the room. I don't remember making it back to bed last night but hey, the night was boring as hell. Once out of bed and clothed in last night's slacks and nothing else, I make my way to the door. Opening it, I hear the faint sound of the television coming from the small sitting room.
Yes, dear old dad gave me an upgrade. Probably so that Calvin will have some place to sit while babysitting his wayward son. Growling, I walk closer to the couch I see that it isn't Calvin, but Gianna surfing through the channels.
"You are back again?" I ask moving around the side and standing where I can get a better view of her. She is dressed in nothing but a short silk robe. By the way it's hanging, I know that she isn't wearing anything underneath.
"Mmmm," she moans and stretches her hands above her head making the short robe rise up that much further. "Morning, Amante (lover). I was giving you five more minutes before I came and woke you myself," she says with a sexy smirk on her face.
"Where does he think you are this morning?" I ask her. Knowing from the clock in my room that it is still indeed morning.
"He thinks I am getting a massage," she purrs. "He is stuck away with his men and that woman," he waves above her head no doubt referring to the room on the floor above. "You want to give me a massage?"
"What kind do you want, baby?" I ask her.
"MMMM," she stands and undoes her robe. "Deep and long," she says as the robe drops to the floor. "You give me what I want, won't you amante?"
I smirk and walk closer to her. Yeah, my life is going to be perfect.
***0***
EPOV
We finally make it out of the little house and make our way up to the main one. Not because I want to. I'd love to do nothing but keep Sookie in bed and under me all day for the rest of our lives. But after round four and just before I started to go for round five, she reminded me that we had to reappear at some point and it really should be sooner rather than later.
The mention of the family brings to the forefront of my mind the fact that my little girl that spent the night on the floor of my parents' family room so I could have my wicked way with her mother.
Okay, so that's not exactly the reason but I'm ever the one to take advantage of a good situation and being with my Sookie was a very good use of my time.
You would have thought that I was a sex starved maniac the way I kept going after her. But, if I am totally honest with myself and I will be, everything before Sookie was just a dress rehearsal for the main act. Sex was just sex before. A physical need that needed to be met. Sookie is much more. We don't have sex. We don't even make love. It is as if our souls meet when we connect to form a bigger, better us.
I take a deep breath and try to dampen my desire for my woman. If I don't, I'll have a lot of explaining to do as to why I dragged her to the flower bed to get in one more tryst this morning. That and I know that I'm a large man, in every way. I need to give my little Sookie a break or I'll end up having to carry her everywhere because she can't walk. There are benefits to that but I do my best to refrain. Besides, today is a new day and one I intend to take full advantage of.
Making the last turn and heading to the back of the house, I can already hear laughing and giggling and know that the children are up and ready for the day. Sookie can hear them as well. Her speed increases and we hurry to see our little girl.
Holding the door open for her we both make it inside just as Maddi looks up to see us.
"Momma, Daddy," she squeals and runs toward us. "I had a sweep oba," she says and launches herself into my arms.
"I know doodlebug," Sookie laughs and leans in to kiss her cheek. "Did you have fun?"
"Uh huh," she nods. "We ate and pwayed and wat a mobie. We ad too much bun. And Nanna and Poppa swep wid us."
"That sounds wonderful," I kiss the other side of her face which makes her giggle and look up to see my father bringing in the coffee. "You okay after sleeping on the couch?"
He smiles at me. "I'm not that old, son," he says back. "Your mother and I have slept many a time on it."
"Okay old man," I laugh. "I don't need to know any more."
Maddi wiggles slightly indicating that she would like to get down. I chuckle softly, kiss her one more time and lower her to the ground. Within seconds she is racing off to where Reese and Sammy are sitting to resume playing whatever it is they were engaged in when Sookie and I entered the room.
I turn to take the cup of coffee from my father and watch as Sookie makes her way inside the house after bending down to kiss the doodlebug. I'm certain she is on her way to help my mother and Octavia with whatever they are preparing for breakfast. The thought of her doing this without even a second thought warms my heart further. At this rate, I'm going to be able to start heating the house with the amount of heat I'm giving off if I'm not careful. But then again, something in me doesn't care.
A nudge from my father alerts me to the fact that I'm staring at the doorway where there isn't a person any longer.
I look at him and he smiles. "I still do the same with your mother, son."
I nod and decide to change the subject.
"Everyone get home okay last night?" I ask and take a sip of the coffee and look over at the children.
"Yup," he says. "Bob and Erin came home about an hour after you. Pam and Amelia came in sometime early this morning."
I look at him and raise an eyebrow. "You still wait up for us?"
He shakes his head. "No," he smirks and takes a sip of his own cup. "I saw that the shades are closed in their guest house."
I nod knowing that he probably was listening or half listening for the girls to come home. He told me once that just because your children grow up you don't stop being a parent. Looking over at my doodlebug listening intently to Sammy explain the rules of CandyLand, I have to say that I know what he means. I've known what he means for a very long time. Claudine made me a father and I'm damn lucky for it. I didn't stop just because she was taken from me. No, I just forgot for a time is all.
"You okay there son?" my father asks me.
I nod without taking my eyes off the giggling children. "Is Grandmamma up?" I ask him.
"She is," he says. "I know that Abbie went to check on her and she was resting in her room until everyone was up."
I nod and put my cup on the table. "I'm going to go speak with her," I say finally looking back to dad. "Would you mind keeping an eye on her until I get back?"
"You never have to ask that question, son," he puts his hand on my shoulder. "Go speak to your grandmother. I'm sure she has been expecting a visit from you since she laid eyes on your girls."
I look into his eyes and he smiles. I nod and smile in return.
Leaving the room, I slow as I go through the kitchen. My mother, Octavia, Erin and Sookie are all busily getting breakfast started, laughing the entire time. I watch as my mother reaches over and hugs my beautiful girl and then returns to her duties at the counter. I've no idea what they are all talking about but they barely give me any notice. Sookie looks up at one point and blows me a kiss before returning to her conversation. It warms my heart to see all the women I hold dear, sans Pam and Amelia getting along. I've no doubt that if they had returned home earlier, they would be in the mix as well.
Continuing on in my pursuit, I walk through the kitchen, down the hall and up the stairs. Coming to the first landing, I make a left and head toward my grandmother's suite. Stopping in front of the door, I hesitate for a moment before raising my hand to knock. When I do, I notice that my hand is shaking slightly. I shake my head and try to control myself. I've never not been in control. But then again, I've never had this conversation with my grandmother before. I guess I can be excused just this once.
Before I knock, I hear her voice from the other side beckoning me to enter.
Opening the door, I see her seated in her arm chair by the windows.
"Good morning, my boy," she smiles at me.
"How did you know it was me?" I ask her.
"Well," she motions for me to sit beside her.
Once I'm seated she smiles again. "I've already seen Abigail and your father this morning. I don't think Maddi would come up here un-escorted and Pam and Amelia were getting in when I woke this morning so I knew it wasn't them. Besides," she touches my knee. "I had a feeling you would be coming to see me."
"Grandmamma, there is something I'd like to talk to you about," I lean forward.
"I'm all ears, dear boy."
***0***
Russell's POV
"What else do we need to discuss?" I ask Nan.
"There is the issue with your soon to be Brothers-in-law, Governor," she says. "There are some that are not happy with your union with them."
I shake my head. "My future wife's family has nothing to do with me or how I run my campaign," I say to them all.
"That is not how it's perceived," one of the other advisers, Marshall or Mathers, something like that says. "Sir, there is a strong contingent that doesn't like what those, well, those men do for your image. We," he looks to Nan.
"Sir, we think you should cut ties with them. Make sure that there is nothing in your campaign that is associated with them. If you can show without a shadow of a doubt that they have no connection to you, I think you will be fine. The other alternative is…" she trails off.
"Well," I motion with my hand. "Spit it out. What is the other alternative?"
"That you distance yourself from Gianna and…."
"OUT OF THE QUESTION!" I scream to the room.
"Governor," Nan begins.
"NO!" I scream again. "Find a way to put a spin on this but I'm not going to give her up. She's mine, I'll have a child and we will look perfect. Your words Nan," I point to her. "You said that it would be good for my image to marry again."
"I did but I didn't think you were going to pick her," Nan retorts.
"You didn't give me a list, Nan," I look over at her. "Besides, if Schwarzenegger can separate his political life from him home life, then so can I. God, I'm marrying the sister of a business man not marrying outside my fucking party." Now that would be something to be concerned about.
Nan looks at me for a long while before turning to the rest of the room. "Gentlemen, I think we've covered what we need to right now. Let's get started on the media and the next few events."
"Nan," one of the others, I don't know who speaks up. "There are still a few things…."
"I'll handle it," she says to him.
They don't wait for her to continue. Picking up the rest of their things I watch as each of them walks out like ants at a picnic.
"Where did you find those fools?" I growl at her as the last one closes the door behind himself.
"Russell," Nan calls to me to get my attention. "You need to think about this."
"What is there to think about?" I stand and walk over to freshen my coffee.
"Russell you have worked far too long and far too hard to allow everything to crumble before you now," she says and comes to stand next to me. "You know what they say about her brothers, about their business. There are rumors of you being in bed with deCastro as well."
I spin around. "I am not in bed with deCastro!" I yell at her. "As for Gianna's brothers, they are New Jersey businessmen. Let the public think what they want," I wave her off and start to walk away.
"Why her?" she asks with a tone in her voice I've never heard before.
"What?" I turn to look at her.
"All these years," she moves closer to me. "All the time you spent with me," she moves even closer. "All the messes you asked me to clean up. All the secrets I buried. All the problems I solved," she moves even closer. "All the nights I warmed your bed on the road. Why do you want her when you could have me?"
I look into her eyes for a moment. She is serious with her question.
"Let's not do this now," I say and move to walk around her.
"Russell," she grabs my arm. "I've fucking made you. Now you are going to marry some two-bit tramp with big tits and an accent?"
"Enough Nan," I pull my arm away. "I am going to marry Gianna and we will be expecting a child before the year is fucking out. I'll have a beautiful little family and the country will love me for it."
"So, I'm just expected to what, sit back and watch the fucking scene?" she walks toward me.
"No," I say with a smile. "I expect you to make it perfect," I grab her and kiss her.
She pulls away and I smile again.
"What else did we need to speak about?" I ask her.
She is stunned for a moment. I have that effect on most women. I turn to hide my amusement.
"We," she pauses. "Other than distancing you from Ocella and Alexi, we need to talk about New York."
"What is going on in New York?" I sit back down. Leaning back, I cross my legs.
"Well," she moves to her chair. Sitting down she turns and squares her shoulders to me becoming the consummate professional I know she is. "As you are aware, Dillon and Illiana Crane are heading your fundraising in that state for us."
I smile. "I'm well aware of that. I believe it was I who suggested it and Dillon immediately found a way to position himself in the state for us."
The old man didn't even think twice about helping us. He knew if I was elected the benefits to him and his ventures would be most profitable to all parties. Things in LA are always cut throat at best. When you have friends in the right places, you have everything you need.
"Well it would appear that Dillon is meeting with some oppositions that are causing some snags in his plans.."
"What possibly could be an issue that Dillon Crane couldn't handle?" I take a sip of my coffee. The man is after all is one of the best in his field. In many circles he's known as one of the best closures on the West Coast. What could be causing him trouble?
"You know the temperament of New York is unique. The political arena is different than Mississippi or even Virginia. Hell, its pace even puts California to shame."
"I'm well aware of the demographics, Nan. What is the issue?" I am getting irritated with her now.
"I just want to make sure you understand the delicate situation we are facing. New York is less about money and more about who knows who or more importantly, who owes who. Money may get you in the door but they barter on favors and friendships," Nan begins again and I roll my eyes.
"It's that way everywhere," I say getting rather impatient.
"Yes well, New York is always been different. There is a small group that runs things up there and it would appear that there are what you would call the decision makers. Apparently, they are not playing ball. They are hesitant to give an endorsement without others involvement and backing so…"
"You make it sound like this is anything new. There is always a small group and they always need to be convinced. Now tell me, who is the hold out?" I ask taking another sip.
"Well, it would appear that there are several, but Dillon hasn't gotten definite declines from many. They all seem to be positioning themselves to make the best deals."
I motion with my hand for her to get to the point. Again, this is nothing new.
"Well, he was hopeful that he could say the right things and get the endorsements you would need. That is until last night. Dillon says that Edwin Northman is refusing to endorse you and once Edwin made that known to several of his friends, the declines for your events and fundraisers started to come in, to the campaign office and by email, of course. Dillon hasn't been able to get anyone on the phone to discuss the matter. Doors are shutting all over the state. I'm not just talking about Manhattan either. Several of the party's biggest supporters from Albany and up state are declining as well."
"Why am I not surprised," I say under my breath and then look up at her. "Call Ocella, he can talk to Northman on our behalf."
"Did you not hear me say, not a few minutes ago, that we need to distance ourselves from him?" She pretty much growls at me.
"I thought we were doing what we needed to guarantee me an election? Or am I just here for my health?" I lean forward. "Ocella can get Northman to play ball. I understand that they have crossed paths in the past at it was mutually beneficial for both of them. Ocella is just the man to speak to Northman," I lean back. "He'll know what to say to him, I'm sure."
"What do you know?" she asks.
"Only that Ocella can call in a favor," I say with a shrug. "Other than that, I've no idea. Northman has deep pockets and an even deeper well of friends. He can hand me New York if I need him to. If Crane is unable to do the networking needed to close the deals, find a true New Yorker to do it until we can snare Northman."
"You are awfully sure that Northman will go along with this," Nan says. "I think we better work on another angle. Maybe Trump would be better…"
"Trump has nothing on Edwin Northman. His arm reaches all the way to DC and beyond. I need his endorsement. Make it your priority," I say and look at the pad on the table. "Is that all? My future bride should be returning soon and I want to make the most of the hour or so we have before we need to get to the next event tonight," I smile at her and watch as her face turns to stone.
Standing, Nan leaves the room without another word.
I stand and walk over to the couch and take a seat in the middle. Putting my arms across the back, I smile. It is good to be Russell Edgington right now.
***0***
Nan's POV
I walk out of the room to see Calvin standing on the wall opposite the door.
He nods to me without saying a word as I close the door and hear it click behind me.
"Is she still with him?" I ask.
He nods. "She didn't even try to hide it this time," he says. "She walked right past me into the suite. When I told her that she wasn't supposed to be with him she told me and I quote, "you are paid to make sure he doesn't do anything to harm the Governor. Not to be her fucking warden. Mind your business and do your job," he says with a small smile. "She is so sure of herself and her position that she doesn't fucking care."
I nod in agreement. "You made sure she saw the fake test results?" I ask him.
"It worked like a charm, Nan. She was in your room not five minutes after she heard you talking about being in receipt of the Governor's test results. She read everything. When she was done she left your room and went straight to RJ's."
"You are sure she didn't see you?" I ask.
"Nope," he smiles. "But the cameras you put in your sitting room worked like a charm. I have the whole thing on tape and then had one of my men tale her to RJ's room. She didn't even look twice at the guy watering the plants. He has pictures of her going in and out of his room before the benefit last night. He was instructed to get pictures and footage of everywhere she goes for the near future. She won't even know that she is being followed."
"Good," I continue to walk down the hall toward my suite. "He wants her pregnant; we will make sure she's pregnant."
I smile at myself as I see the plan falling into place.
Oh sure, I want Russell in the Oval office. But when I'm done, RJ will be a distant nightmare and Gianna will be on a boat back to Italy. I will be standing by Russell's side when he takes his oath. I will be the one round with his child. Me, not that two bit slut. I've worked too goddamn long and hard to get us where we are to back down now.
I'll do what I have to. It's the only way I know how to play.
***0***
RJ's POV
"What is with you and the fucking TV?" I ask her.
As soon as we were done, she was back to flipping the channels through one entertainment show to the next. She is fucking addicted to this shit.
"I like to know what is going on with the celebrities," she shrugs. "I am meeting many of these people in the months to come. Your father says it's always good to have information on those you are asking for money."
"You do know that half this shit is made up, fabricated or just lies?" I lean in to kiss the top of her breast.
"I like it," she says with a giggle. "It's fun…"
I look over to where she's stopped to see two rather attractive blond people walking through what appears to be a lobby of some sort of an open air hotel.
"Yup, ladies," the bronzed anchorwoman begins. "This rumor is literally super-hot and off the presses, on Twitter, and Facebook. TMZ is now picking it up as well. It would appear that long time single hottie, Eric Northman, head of Viking Publishing but best known to us for his sexy outings with everyone from Tia to Tara Reed, is off the market."
The picture is brought up again and I sit up straighter to get a closer look. I can't be seeing what I think I'm seeing.
"According to what has been read on social media, Eric Northman was seen at the Bathing Club at the Carpi Hotel last night with his partner and sister Pamela Northman, her life partner Amelia Broadway and this woman," she points to the monitor at the woman that is walking with who I assume is Northman.
"The talk of the night was that he never left her side. They worked the room and even met with super hunk new Giant Alcide Hervouex. Several people were introduced to her but the biggest shock came when Eric Northman announced to a group that she was indeed fiancée."
"Now, for those of you who are serious followers of our show, you know our obsession with one of the most eligible bachelors of New York. Well, if this rumor is true and from the pictures we've seen, it would appear that they are all our hearts could be broken today."
"We did a bit of digging on your behalf our faithful viewers, but all that we could come up with on her is that she is a new member of the Viking Publishing Firm and it would seem the Northman family as well."
"Several attempts have been made to reach Mr. Northman or anyone from Viking Publishing since the news broke last evening, but right now they are keeping a tight lid on things. One could only hope that this rumor is just that, a rumor and we will get a retraction or some sort of an explanation before the end of the weekend. But ladies, from this photo," she points again to a shot of the two this time embraced in a kiss. "I'm thinking that the great and beautiful, Eric Northman is finally taken."
I stare at the picture and the edges of my vision slowly go red. What the fuck is she doing in New York and on the arm of that fucking guy? More importantly, where is my son?
"What is wrong with you, RJ?" Gianna asks.
"Won't my father be looking for you by now?" I ask without looking away from the TV. They have long since gone onto another story but I can't seem to look away.
"Fine," she says and gets up. Grabbing her robe, she puts it on as she walks to the door. "I will see you later."
She doesn't wait for an answer. I don't think she expects one. As far as she's concerned, she is getting everything she wants and will continue to get it as long as she desires it.
I nod without looking away from the TV even though I'm sure she isn't looking at me and wait until I hear the door click before standing and walking over to the table where my laptop is plugged in. Awaking it, I head to the Internet to do some investigating of my own. I have a place to start looking for her now. I know where she is and soon enough she will be back where she belongs. She will have some serious explaining to do and the punishment for her actions will be severe. She should have known better to ever think she could get away from me.
I smile. It's good to be Russell Edgington, Junior right now. It really is.
***0***
SPOV
I laugh as I watch the children and men fly the kites. Breakfast was fun and light with everyone talking at once. At one point I thought I was getting dizzy from all the chatter. But one look from Eric grounded me and I sat back to enjoy all the frenzy. I'd never had that growing up with just Jason, Gran and I. I'd missed out on a large family and now I couldn't think of a more wonderful way to start the day.
I smile again as I watch Maddi jump up and down at something Eric is telling her. He is being so gentle and loving with my little girl. It warms my heart to see them together. It warms other things too but we won't go there right now.
This morning was out of this world and if I had my way, Eric and I would have stayed just where we were. But with a little one running around, you can't always get to do what you want to do when you want to do it. Life just doesn't work that way. I was a little concerned how Eric would handle that but he seems to be taking it in stride.
"Sookie honey," Eric calls to me. "Can you come take our kite?" He points to the kite he just released into the air moments ago. Maddi seems to be doing fine with the little one he had launched for her earlier. "Reese seems to be having some trouble and Bob is helping Sammy."
I nod and get up from my seat with the ladies and make my way on down the beach to help. I take the wheel of string from him while he helps Maddi bring her kite in. Once the kite is safely on the ground Maddi immediately starts jumping up and down, waiting for Eric to pick her up to go help Reese. I look further down the beach to see the two older men have been dazzling the onlookers with magnificent tricks with their kite-find from last year. I have to laugh at the looks of excitement on both their faces as they try to up one another with trick after trick. It is even more amusing to see Reese attempt the same feats with his own. In fact, this is what has gotten him tangled up and struggling to begin with.
Personally I think my little girl has her first crush on Bob and Erin's youngest but I'll keep that to myself for the time being. I'm not too sure that Eric would take kindly to another boy stealing her affections away from him so quickly. In fact, I'm not sure he's ever going to be ready to share her affections. But we will cross that bridge when we come to it.
Eric kisses me sweetly and heads down to help the struggling boy.
For the next fifteen minutes or so, Maddi runs back and forth between me and Reese, laughing and squealing the whole time. I smile at my little one enjoying herself so. I've never seen Maddi sad other than when Gran died but this brings happiness to a whole new level. I smile when I look around at our new family and that is what they are, our family.
"Sookie," Eric calls out. "Let's pull that kite in now."
I nod and start reeling it in. I'm almost through when I see something on the line close to the head of the purple kite. The sun is hitting it and making the light around it glisten. Continuing to tug on the wheel, I quicken my pace to find out what is stuck to the pretty kite. It is just about to crash into the sand when Eric jumps up and grabs it out of the air.
"Keep reeling," he says. I nod and do as he asks. As the line gets shorter, Eric gets closer. Pretty soon, he is in front of me and holding the kite so I can see what is on it. I gasp when I realize what has been causing all the sparkles.
"Sookie," he says and takes my shaking hand. "I know this is quick and it's probably crazy but you already know that I love you and Maddi. I want a family with you. I want you to be with me, until we are old and gray, sitting on the sand under a large umbrella watching our grandbabies fly kites on the first weekend of the summer. I want to grow our business as we grow our family. I want to fall asleep wrapped in you every night and wake with your smiling face every morning. I want to live up to the name Maddi has given me and I want to make you happy for the rest of your life."
He gets down on one knee. "Sookie Stackhouse, will you agree to be my wife and make me the happiest man in the world?"
I swallow, just staring at the man before me.
***0***