Here's the next video pick I had. I did "Best of EN quotes" and "Halo" last chapter, so this time I'm giving you the link to another good one I found, "Colorblind". Enjoy!

http://www(dot)youtube(dot)com/watch?v=QrpfqTW_V7E

Chapter Twenty Eight

Today I was feeling the effects of last night's late adventures. I chased my headache away with a couple of motrins and met Tara downstairs after a shower for our day in the city together. Everything was ready for tomorrow night; today was just a girls day to chill together.

As I came downstairs and walked into the kitchen, I was almost knocked down by two men carrying armloads of chairs. With a hasty apology they continued on their way out back.

I was surprised to see anyone here during the day with a house full of sleeping vampires. Even though no one could access the bedrooms from outside the room when locked, it was unusual that the vendors wouldn't be here at night so Pam could supervise. They must have hired the best, for Pam to have a hands off approach. It made me feel even more confident that tomorrow night will go perfectly without me having to worry about any details.

My dress was hanging in our closet, ready to slip on. My shoes were underneath it, as well as an antique veil Viktoria had loaned me for my "something borrowed". We were not a traditional couple, and this was no traditional wedding party, but I was raised with silly traditions. Even though it may sound silly, I wanted my "something blue" and "something new". I already had "something old": Eric.

The thought amused me, and I chuckled aloud.

Tara came walking in as I did so, dressed in a very pretty gray sweater dress with knee high boots. She looked very pretty, and very happy. When you're in love, everyone can see you wearing it, even if you're unaware.

"What are you sitting here thinking about? I heard that." She pulled up a chair and crossed her legs, looking at me curiously.

"Eric's my something old" I giggled, covering my face in my hands. I peeked between my fingers at her to see her reaction. "Do you think that's mean of me? I mean, it is true, even if I don't think of him as old."

She grinned and laughed too. "He is old, years wise. I don't think that'll hurt his feelings any. Besides, Pam will love it. I'm sure she'll ask you about what you chose for your "something's."

"I'm ready, are you?" I stood, suddenly rejuvenated and ready to have a wonderful day out with my best friend.

"I've been ready since the day I was born." She hopped up, very quickly. Too quickly. I quirked an eyebrow her way, and she flushed and shrugged.

"You too, huh? I was a little naughty last night, so at least you'll be able to keep up with me."

"Girl, that was some crazy shit up on deck last night. You missed it."

"Yeah, I wanna hear all about that on the way. Let's get going, and you can fill me in on everything I missed!" We grabbed our jackets and clutches, and brushed past more vendors rushing around on our way to the car.

Our driver was reading in the front seat, anticipating we would be leaving about now. He started to get out and open our door, but I waved him off. He smiled, and stayed put. We could open our own doors.

He looked in his rear view mirror and asked us "where to". I told him what we were wanting to do, which was to take in the view of the shoreline somewhere downtown and have some lunch.

He pulled away, having something in mind for us. I turned sideways in my seat, stretching the seat belt so I could face Tara. It was uncomfortable to have the belt digging in my neck this way, but Eric made me promise to be extra careful today. Silly vampire.

Out of all the things that had been thrown my way, I'd survived much worse than car rides. He hadn't been easy to convince that today would be uneventful, but I managed to convince him by playing dirty. My mouth had talked him into it.

"Okay, I want to hear all about it" I prodded. She obliged, filling me in on how the boat full of guys had looped back around to provoke Pam further. Apparently the guys had never known what hit them.

Our devious girls had flashed the men, effectively luring them on board. As a punishment for their taunting, they were glamored, and the rest they say, is history.

"I don't feel bad for them. I'm sure most guys wouldn't complain about having an orgy with strangers. It's like their ultimate fantasy." I could imagine most guys would volunteer for anything sexual. They'd be raising their hands, saying "oh please, pick me".

"Yeah, but Sven and the guys got in on the action too" Tara whispered, and I realized that okay, maybe they wouldn't have volunteered for that. They'd probably have bailed right quick upon that realization.

"Evil, pure evil" I shook my head. "But they kind of deserved it the way they were carrying on. It could have been worse." Some would have beaten the guys up for fun, others could have done worse. At least there was pleasure involved with this 'punishment'.

"Well, anything else other than the unsuspecting participants being roped in?" I wondered, not sure if anything could top that.

Tara leaned closer, and looked serious. "I think that girl's got Pam hooked." She sat back up and gave me a 'girl, let me tell you' look. She was actually serious. "I mean, I don't know her like you do, but it was obvious to James and I that she's smitten."

"Good, I'm glad. She deserves it. Maybe Pam will invite her to the wedding."

"Oh, she's coming, trust me."

We both giggled and agreed to watch the two of them for further signs of something to tease Pam about. You gotta have something really good on Pam to tease her, or else you're asking for it. But this sounded promising. And I don't care what she said when she helped me hide last night from Eric. We are definitely not even yet. I'll show her "danger magnet", I thought to myself.

"Here we are ladies, please call when you're ready for me to pick you up, or if you should need anything." He turned and handed me an envelope. "And this is for you, miss. Mr. Northman asked that I give this to you. He said for you to have a wonderful day with your friend."

He then handed Tara an envelope as well. "This is for you, miss. A very smitten young man asked that you please enjoy yourself as well, and spend it all." He turned around again to leave us to giggle amongst ourselves at the thoughtfulness our significant others had shown.

We hopped out and began walking towards a bench near the sea wall to open our envelopes.

"You go first" I told her, as she tore into hers with zest. She pulled out a shiny black card, which I recognized immediately. It was the unlimited credit card Eric carried with him everywhere we went. There was no limit to how much could be charged on this card. It had her name on it.

"Holy shit" she breathed, her hand shaking.

"Jesus, Tara, that's crazier than an engagement ring. He trusts you." She nodded, and shakily put the black card in her clutch, pressing it close to her chest.

"I don't need that card, Sookie, why did he think I'd need that?" She was doing the same thing I used to do, feel somehow that she didn't need to be taken care of.

"Tara, you make your own way all the time. You guys are taking the next step together. It will hurt him if you refuse. Just smile, and thank him when you see him for the gesture. They don't think small, Tara. They go big, or go home. Wildflowers are not something that crosses their mind."

She looked at me, trying to process the significance of the trust James was showing in her. He was not giving her access to his account; he had made his account a joint account. It was a lot to process.

"I remember how you used to be with Eric. I told you to let him do nice things for you. But it's a little different when it happens to you" she admitted. "So I guess it's my turn to listen to you."

"Yeah, only I didn't listen to you. I never listened to anybody, that was my problem. But that's all in the past. So learn from my stupid mistakes, Tara. Let him show you how he feels, even if his way isn't your way. And my best advice, is learn to listen to what he's saying to you when he doesn't say a word."

She nodded, showing she understood.

"You have a note, too" I pointed, and she eagerly took it out to read it. She flushed, and turned bright red.

"I will go where you go, and be where you be. Always, James" she read aloud.

We fawned over how sweet he was for a few moments, basking on the bench in the afternoon sun.

"Alright" she motioned at my envelope, "your turn."

I'd completely forgotten that I had one too. I picked at the flap until I could slice the top open with my finger. I reached inside and found a pressed four leaf clover, with a note.

I laid the little green clover on my thigh and exchanged clueless looks with Tara as I opened the note. It read:

This came from the place where I asked you to be mine. Not only will it remind you of my love and devotion to you and only you, but also of your family.

May this remind you that I am always here, and they as well. They will be with you tomorrow, and always.

And just so you don't think I've turned into a total sentimental bastard, in your clutch there is also a shiny black card with your name on it. It's a little early, but only by a day.

Yours,

E

We busted up laughing at his transparent but humorous attempt to sound macho.

Tucking our notes into our clutches, along with my clover in mine, we threw the envelopes in a nearby trash receptacle and headed towards a cafe that had been sending us wafts of deliciousness.

"Hungry?" I asked, to which she replied, "starving".

We took a table near a window and gushed further about our love lives. We considered ourselves to be the luckiest girls in the world; even if we were eating bologna sandwiches we'd still be the luckiest.

Over some tasty american food, we discussed the wedding plans for tomorrow, or what I knew of them. I'd pretty much told Pam and Viktoria to knock themselves out.

I told Tara since I thought she wasn't coming, that Pam would be my maid of honor. I felt terrible about leaving Tara out, but she didn't look the least bit upset. She assured me that she didn't need to stand beside me in a pretty dress to know where she stood with me.

As I hugged her, I must have told her fifty times how glad I was that she was here.

Over desert, we dished about our men some more, before settling our bill and heading back out into the streets for some strolling around the city. Noticing a little building with a bike rental sign, we immediately made a beeline inside.

A few minutes later, we emerged with two yellow Schwinn cruisers. Tara tied her jacket to her front, since she was wearing a dress, and then we were off.

Pedaling down the streets, we felt just like kids again back home. We saw so many places we considered going in and shopping at, but truthfully we were having too much fun riding to stop at all of them.

As we rode along beside the waterfront, I saw a shop that caught my attention. It was written in the old writing that was on some of Eric's things. I motioned at the store, and we parked our bikes in front of the quaint little shop. Locking them up to a lamp post, I pushed open the creaky wooden door and walked in.

The smell inside was of wood, and metal. It smelled old, but good. Looking every which way, all you could see were very looking old items. We thumbed through some necklaces that were obviously handcrafted, and were beautiful.

I felt as though there was something calling to me from this little place the second I saw it, but after looking around, I had found nothing I wanted.

We were the only ones in the shop, so when we looked up and saw someone standing behind the display case, it startled us.

"Can I help you ladies?" he asked in a heavy accent, smiling a warming smile. He was an older man with graying hair, long and pulled into a ponytail.

"We were just riding by, and saw your shop. You have lovely things" I offered, still glancing around the store.

He looked at us and squinted.

"I don't get many pretty girls in here such as yourselves. Usually it's only the menfolk that come in a place like this." He was being friendly, in a non-creepy way.

"We're not your typical girls, I guess" I shared a look with Tara. He had no idea just how untypical we were.

Tara told him I was getting married tomorrow, and he asked if I had picked out a gift for my groom. A sudden sinking feeling hit me as I realized I had not gotten Pam or Eric anything.

I shook my head no, and felt tears brimming. How could I forget something like that? I just knew Eric had something for me, even if this was a human thing. He thought of everything.

Tara put her arms around me and hugged me.

"Don't be upset, there's been a lot going on lately. We'll find him something."

"Is he American as well?" he asked, accurately assuming from our accents that we were indeed from the States.

"No, he's Swedish. He's..." I started to say, then bit my lip as I thought better of sharing too much information about my groom. "He's got history all the way back to the Vikings" I put it delicately.

"Ah, so he's a native son, eh?" he grinned widely, obviously proud himself to be Swedish.

I nodded, and he walked over to a display case, pulling open the glass.

Reaching in, he pulled out a shiny chain with two anchors hanging together on it, one smaller than the other.

"I don't know what you have in mind for him, but does he have one of these?" he asked, holding the necklace out for me to take.

"No, I haven't seen one like this" I said quietly as I held the chain in my hands.

"It's one of the few things I have in platinum, so perhaps it might be out of your price range. But I thought I'd see if this might be just the thing you think might do."

Tara leaned over and studied it, and ooh'd and aah'd. She thought it was exceptional, and manly looking.

"Why anchors?" I wondered aloud, curiously, admiring the perfect craftmanship.

"Anchors hold deep symbolic meaning for Swedes. Anchors symbolize stability, hope. Life can be like a stormy sea. This would mean to him that you are hopeful of your life together, and that you are anchored to him. You see him as your anchor, your strength. Perhaps you would wear a matching one, if you are so inclined."

I looked at Tara and she smiled. We both knew it was perfect.

"How much?" I asked, cringing as I expected to hear an outrageous amount. He smiled at us, and slid the glass shut.

"13, 807 Kronas" he smiled as I clutched the counter tightly. He added quickly, "which is 2,000 American dollars."

I released the breath I'd sucked in upon hearing the first higher number. Two thousand was reasonable for handcrafted platinum.

"Sold" I said, holding the necklace to my breast and closing my eyes. I thought of his beautiful chest, and how it would look hanging on such a specimen of beauty. He would look devastatingly handsome. I let myself absorb the reality that I was actually getting married tomorrow.

A shaky sob came from my chest, and it felt like the damn was releasing everything all at once. I couldn't help myself, so I just let it go, whatever it was.

Tara pulled me to her in an embrace, just like my Gran would have done. I held onto her and let myself quietly sob. A few moments later, I started feeling better, like I'd gotten out whatever I needed to get out.

"What's wrong with me?" I laughed, embarrassed at myself. Tara handed me a handkerchief from the shop owner, as he chuckled himself.

"You're in love" he smiled, as he placed the necklaces in little boxes. Putting them in a little bag with handles, he gave me my total.

I wiped my eyes and handed the handkerchief back to him, and fished out my new card. I handed it to him, and noticed his eyebrow raise for just a moment when he saw the card.

He scanned it and handed it back to me as my receipt printed out.

"I just need you to sign this, Mrs. Northman, and we'll all finished up here."

My pen froze on the paper as I heard him. I looked at the card on the glass counter, and saw my name in raised letters on the card. It said 'Sookie Northman'. I signed my new name effortlessly, and felt Tara put her arm around my waist.

"It looks good, too" she said encouragingly. It did. We thanked the man and walked outside to unlock our bikes.

"I think we need a drink" Tara said as we pedaled off down the street.

A few minutes later, we saw a busy little pub that looked perfect to us. The sign over the door said "The Thirsty Horse", eliciting giggles from us at the odd name. It looked busy though, so we went in.

The décor was rustic, but clean, and the crowd looked to be trendy middle to upper class men, mostly, with a few women. We slid into two open barstools as a couple of guys left. Our seats were still warm.

We signaled the bartender, and he nodded, letting us know he'd be down in a moment. As we waited, we surveyed our surroundings. I glanced down the bar at the rest of the patrons, and gasped as I noticed the doc talking with another man.

I slapped my hand down on Tara's leg, and pointed towards the end of the bar.

"Isn't that your doctor?" she asked, staring curiously at something we both were noticing immediately.

Some guy was talking with the doc, and just put his hand on his chest as he laughed about something. The personal space rule was definitely not being observed here, and I couldn't help but giggle.

"Sook, I don't think Eric had anything to be jealous about after all." She shook her head and laughed, remembering how crazy it was making Eric that the doc had bought us pizza. James had been cool about it, but not my Eric. He'd been royally pissed, convinced that the doc was being overly nice.

"Yeah, looks like."

The bartender came over, and we ordered ourselves a round of whiskey, while requesting a dirty martini for the doc. We watched as the bartender made our drinks, and walked over to set the drink in front of Dr. Masen. He looked up surprised, and the bartender said something to him.

The doc watched as the bartender walked over to us and set our shots down on the bar. He smiled widely and waved at us. The man stood and hugged Dr. Masen, and kissed him on the cheek. He walked over to us with his martini glass in one hand, and the barstool in his other.

"Mind if I join you girls?" he asked, seemingly very happy to have ran into us.

"You'd better!" I teased, scooting down to make room, as he squeezed in on the other side of Tara, to our right.

"So, what brings you lovely ladies out to The Thirsty Horse this time of day?" he asked cheerfully. My eyes glanced to his sculpted eyebrows, his clean nails, and his very stylish clothes and nice shoes.

"Sookie's getting married tomorrow" Tara patted my leg.

"Really, wow, congratulations!" he took my hand and moved it from side to side, admiring the yellow diamond appreciatively. "Very nice" he smiled, "it suits you."

"Yeah, and this one's probably headed down the same road as me, I think" I pointed to Tara as she flushed.

"Well, then drinks are in order" he said. "Let's toast first, and then we'll have another round." He picked up his glass, as we raised ours to his.

He thought for a moment, looking at both of us, and then cleared his throat. He ran his hand through his messy copper hair, making it even prettier than it was before.

"Here's to the men who've known you, the losers who've lost you, and the lucky bastards who will have you forever" he toasted, as we clinked our glasses together and threw our drinks back. He plucked his little toothpick full of olives out of his glass and swiftly drank his drink down, not spilling a drop.

He motioned at the bartender, as Tara and I shared a knowing look.

"So, what brings you here today, Dr. Masen?" I asked, watching as he sucked an olive into his mouth, chewing on it thoughtfully.

"What can I get for you?" the bartender interrupted, as we ordered another round of the same.

"Please, call me Anthony, since you're no longer my patient."

I nodded, and he continued.

"Well," he explained, "I met my mum for some shopping earlier today. Their anniversary is this weekend, and they'll be going home for a week, so I wanted to see her before they left."

"England?" I asked, remembering him telling me that was where he was from.

"Yes" he smiled, appreciating that I'd remembered.

After a couple more rounds of drinks, we had talked about everything but what we were dying to know.

"So, who's the lucky person who's stolen the good doc's heart, pray tell?" Tara purred, eliciting a blush from Dr. Masen.

"Well...if you can believe it, no one. I mean, I'm a doctor for Christ's sake, you'd think I'd have at least one halfway attractive man trying to steal me away, but I'm afraid I'm single. Just miserably single" he chuckled into his glass, swirling his olives.

"I cannot believe that, no. You're handsome and successful, a very well dressed piece of sweet ass, and funny too. Nope, can't believe that." He laughed and poked Tara on the shoulder.

"Well, believe it. I work too much, and I work until late at night. By the time I get off, usually, everyone's already leaving the bars and restaurants. But, I love what I do, so I don't regret the long hours."

Something in my mind was starting to put the pieces together of an idea, but I shoved it down and tried to focus on the present conversation, made difficult by the liquor spreading through me.

"Oh, shit Tara, what time is it? We've got to be back after sunset!" We had the dinner thing tonight with everyone, and Sam was supposed to be coming in.

"It's only 4, we're doing fine" she signaled the bartender for one more round.

"What, do you girls turn into pumpkins after dark?" he teased, chewing another olive.

I leaned in closer, and they did as well. The bartender set our drinks down, shaking his head at our odd little group as he walked away.

"You remember tall, blond, and possessive?" I asked, as he nodded, laughing.

"Yes, that would be your extremely jealous fiance' who thought I was trying to seduce you with pizza" he laughed, heartily.

"Yeah, that would be the one" Tara shook her head.

"Well, did you notice anything about him, besides his jealous streak? Like perhaps, how pale his skin was, or the fact that he didn't come to get me until dark?"

He ran his hands through his hair, and realization crossed his face as his expression turned from puzzled to astonishment.

"Really? A vampire, Sookie? And you, your man is..." he looked at Tara, as she nodded. He sat back on his barstool and blew out a huge breath.

"Wow, holy shit. I'd hate to piss him off" he scratched his head absentmindedly, processing the information.

"Do you know any vampires, Anthony?" Tara asked, as I realized that I was wondering the same thing.

"Uh, no, none to speak of, no" he grinned, looking intrigued. "But I always was fascinated with the legends and lore, you know. We have quite the stories back in England of them, and I think most all of Europe does, actually. But, ah, nope, I've never had the pleasure of befriending one."

I looked at Tara and she motioned with her eyes at Dr Masen, compelling me to do what she knew I was considering doing.

"Dr Masen, what are your plans for tomorrow evening at 7?" I asked, as he downed his last Martini in one gulp.

"Anthony" he corrected, giving me a mock scolding glance as he set his glass down. He eyed me for a moment, and then glanced at Tara.

"You're inviting me to your wedding, are you?"

I nodded, and he looked down, flushing a bit. He ran his hand through his hair again, which was beginning to seem like a habit of his. It was nice bedroom hair, and I could see someone being fixated on it, not to mention his very good looks I hadn't noticed before. Now that it was safe to observe him, knowing his sexual preference, I saw just how handsome he was.

He wasn't Eric handsome, but he would definitely be a big hit with one of the guys we knew.

"Well, then, I accept, thank you. I have three days off in a row, since I've put in ten straight. Crazy hours, eh?" he shrugged. "I take it there will be handsome vampires at said wedding?" he grinned.

"Oh yes" I breathed, excited for him. "Lots."

"Ah, well, any rules I should know about? Like no garlic?"

We laughed, thinking of the big stinky box of garlic that Pam had picked up today, to be delivered to Bill.

"Myth" I shrugged. "No rules, except no macking on me or Tara. Other than that, you'll be fine."

"I think I can handle that, not that you two aren't just lovely. But I prefer chest hair, so you see, you're eliminated I'm afraid" he teased, as we swatted him with our clutches as he held his arms over his head protectively.

"Would you like to come to dinner with us and meet everyone tonight? Just for the hell of it?" I asked, suddenly thinking it would be a fabulous idea. Eric would be surprised and pleased, actually, to learn of Dr Masen's preference for chest hair.

"Oh, no, I don't want to intru-" he started, but Tara put her fingers on his lips.

"Shut up, you won't be intruding, come to dinner with us!" she begged, as I bounced on my seat, clasping my hands in front of me and giving my best puppy dog eyes.

"Oh, fuck my life....alright, but you've got to cover my ass, literally. I don't want to be mauled by someone I find completely unfuckable, is that clear?" he tried his best to look priggish, but he failed miserably.

"Yes, absolutely, we'll be your wingmen!" Tara agreed, and I echoed the sentiment.

"Fine, what the hell. I'm certainly interested in meeting them all...I think" he ran his hand through his hair, smiling. Yes, they were going to love him. I just hoped they didn't fight over him.

"Let's get going, we gotta return these bikes and call for our ride." I slid off the bar stool as Dr Masen stole the tab, whipping out his card. She shoved at him, fighting him for the bill, but he held it over her head just out of her reach.

I smiled to myself as I waited to reach our driver, suddenly glad to keep Dr Masen as a friend.

I gave the driver our location when he answered, and he assured me he'd be there in ten minutes.

I walked back to the two of them, carrying on like kids.

"Let's have just one more round, we've got ten minutes to blow." I signaled the bartender, and he poured us the usual.

"Jesus, you girls are trying to liquor me up to meet your friends, aren't you?" He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"You can trust us" I elbowed his arm, as he grinned.

"I think I can, so I'll just sit back and enjoy the ride. Hopefully I'll be in one piece tomorrow."

"You will be, trust me. These guys are funny, they're a real riot." He nodded and signed the new tab, with our added round on it. He put his card back in his wallet and raised his glass, motioning for us to make the toast this time.

"Oh, well..." I raised my shot glass as Tara did the same. "May we all get laid tonight!" I blurted out, the liquor talking again. Well, he was looking for someone!

He laughed loudly and gulped as we slammed ours down.

My phone buzzed, alerting me that our ride was here.

"Shit, our bikes! We have to return them to the rental place!" I had almost forgotten they were chained up outside.

"Allow me" Dr Masen signaled the bartender, and swiftly passed him some bill across the bar. The bartender nodded, and walked away to tend to more customers.

"Let's go, he'll take care of it for us. It's my thank you for inviting me along to dinner, and to the wedding." He threw his arms around us, and we did the same, walking out feeling very buzzed, just like we'd been old buddies for years.

We climbed in the car, and asked for the radio to be cranked. Something hideous was on the Swedish radio station, so I asked him to see what was in the cd player.

He hit play, and some rock came on. Ahh, that's more like it.

"Can you please scan through the songs?" I requested, as he did just that. When he tried the third song, I knew we had a winner.

"That one, that's perfect, thank you! Can you turn it up loud?" I hollered at the driver, already dancing in my seat. I was so ready to see Eric, and I could feel him waking through our bond. I was energized, and my mood was contagious. Tara and Dr Masen were already moving around as well to the music.

"What is this?" Tara hollered.

"'When Love Takes Over' by David Guetta and Kelly Rowland, it's my favorite right now!" I hollered back. She nodded, and started feeling the music as the techno gave way to Kelly's beautiful voice. It was a catchy ass song, and even the driver was bobbing his head slightly.

So there we were, heading back to the estate with a straggler. We were all squeezed in the backseat of the Mercedes together, with Dr Masen being the meat in the Sookie/Tara sandwich.

We were hopping around, singing loudly, and thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We had him play it again when it ended, and by the time we pulled up, we were still dancing.

We stayed in the car as the song ended, and had the driver singing along with us. He was older, but not dead yet. He still had it in him to belt out a line or two.

As the last note crashed and the song abruptly ended, we caught our breathe for a second, and then spilled out of the car, laughing, and slightly deaf from the loud music.

I opened my door, being on the side facing the front door, and spilled out onto the gravel. Laughing hard, I slowly stood, feeling Dr Masen's hands hold onto my waist as he stumbled out, laughing hard as well.

I stopped laughing as I glanced up and was met with several sets of eyes, incredulously taking in the scene. It was suddenly quiet without the sound of my laughter in my ears, and I heard Dr Masen stop laughing as well. Now it was just Tara, who was stumbling out of the car, probably having trouble with her dress. As she crashed into the back of Dr Masen and I, she saw what we saw, and immediately sucked in what laugh had been about to escape.

We stood beside the car, frozen like deer in headlights, as almost a dozen vampires stared us down. I could see Sven and Alrik eyeballing Dr Masen appreciatively, and knew that Dr Masen was indeed going to have a good time.

Pam and Viktoria were looking bored, as usual, with a slight smile playing on Pam's lips. She liked anything that was interesting, and this was definitely interesting.

Yrjan and Peter were standing on either side of Eric, holding him by the arms. It was only then that I realized how pissed he was. He looked absolutely beside himself.

There were four or five others I hadn't met before looking at us curiously, as if they didn't see what the big deal was.

"Explain" was all Eric said, his eyes never leaving Dr Masen. Oh shit, he thought........oh shit.

Think fast, act fast, or he was gonna kill him. I noticed James was inching forward, then, and saw Sve and Alrik grab him by the arms as well.

"We had some drinks together, and Sookie and Tara have invited me to the dinner tonight..." Dr Masen started, and I cringed. Not helping.

"You met my lover at a bar today......got her and Tara drunk......got into their car and rubbed yourself all over them while dancing to her favorite song with her.....and then put your hands on her when you got out in front of me......and yet you are still breathing......" he said each word heavily accented, and with venom.

"I'm gay!" Dr Masen blurted out quickly, earning a ripple of interest through the crowd.

Eric raised his eyebrows in disbelief, as though he didn't believe him.

"Poorly played, doctor. Poorly played. Desperate, but not believable." He strained against the hold on his arms, but Yrjan and Peter held him back. Eric was letting them, or they'd be thrown to the side.

"I'll prove it" he said confidently.

They all exchanged glances, and Sven practically drooled on himself.

Eric nodded at Sven, who in three steps was directly in front of Dr Masen. The liquor had certainly bolstered his confidence even further, as he was looking at Sven like he was the hottest piece of action he'd seen all week.

My mouth hit the gravel as Dr Masen locked one hand around Sven's head and the other around his ass, crashing his mouth to his.

"Ew" I heard Tara say, God bless her. She'd not seen a lot of guy on guy action back home. That was something people generally kept in the closet for fear of what would happen when your redneck locals found out.

"Hot DAMN!" Alrik exclaimed, letting James go. After a few moments of some hot kissing action that no one could seem to look away from, not even Tara, Dr Masen broke away, panting and looking very pleased.

Yrjan and Peter let Eric go, and he stepped forward until he was directly in front of Dr Masen. Sven stepped away, still grinning.

I bit my bottom lip, hoping Eric finally got it.

He looked down at Dr Masen, towering over him somewhat. I held my breath as he raised his hand, then let it out in relief as he simply put it on his shoulder.

"Sorry. Welcome to the group" he clapped him on the shoulder and turned to grab me.

"I am very glad you made it back in time for our dinner, lover. Are you alright for going out or have you had too much?" His hands cupped my face as he studied me.

"I'm fine, and I think you should be nice to Dr Masen from now on. He's very nice" I scowled at him momentarily, before melting in his gaze.

"Yes, I shall make it up to him, I promise. I will be nothing but nice, now that I know he's not trying to seduce you."

"You're a jealous ass, you know that?" I grumbled at him. He pulled me to him swiftly, and took my breath away. He leaned into my ear and whispered almost silently.

"Yes, but a small part of you likes it when I go all caveman on you, don't you?" he breathed, licking my earlobe.

"A little" I admitted, gripping his shirt.

"Later" he breathed, lightly smacking me on the ass as he lead me over to the others.

"Let's get moving, we have reservations in two places tonight, so move your asses to the limo!" Pam barked, shooing everyone towards the black limo I hadn't noticed when we arrived.

"Don't I need to change?" I protested, looking at my white blouse and jeans.

"No time. You look delicious, lover. Hop in." He helped me in, and climbed in beside me, sitting so close to me you couldn't have wedged a piece of paper in between us. He smirked down at me, and mouthed "mine".

I smiled, as I clutched my bag that was still hanging from my wrist. His eyes glanced down at the bag, curious.

"What's that?" he nodded at the bag.

"None of your business" I coyly smiled and looked at Tara sitting across from me with James and Dr Masen.

He laughed, and said, "you bought me something....well, that's alright. I bought you something too."

"Where's mine, then?"

"Oh, greedy....I like that. You'll get it tomorrow, lover. I have been informed by the wedding nazi over there that it is tradition to open our gifts before the wedding. Pam will bring you mine, and then bring yours to me."

"Oh, fine then, this is for tomorrow" I clutched the bag to me.

Everyone had finally piled in, and we pulled away.

I noticed no one had dressed up, really, so I didn't feel too bad about not wearing something nicer. I really should have been home earlier, but we'd had so much fun. I had needed that.

Suddenly, I realized Sam wasn't with us yet.

"Eric, where's Sam?" I turned to him, seeing his face tighten.

He leaned down into my ear. "He called me from Miami International before you made it home. You didn't answer your phone, so he tried me."

"And?" He looked like he was unhappy about the topic.

"There's been some weather delays, and he's not sure he's going to be able to get out tonight. Tomorrow's looking doubtful as well."

"What?" My eyes teared up, and Tara leaned forward on her knees towards me. She took my hand, looking at Eric for the reason, as I was.

"The hurricane changed its path two days ago, and is almost crossing into Florida currently. Don't worry for him, lover. He's safe, and it's not that bad. But it is a slow moving system, and there's no way the planes are taking off until the wind dies down."

"Which is not happening until it's too late" I guessed, letting my head fall into my hands. I really had wanted Sam to be here. I didn't realize how much I'd been excited about Tara and Sam both coming until the wedding actually got closer.

"Sookie, you know he'd be here if he could. He'd probably try to swim the Atlantic if he thought he could." She was being a good friend, and her comforting words meant a lot.

"I know, and it's going to be wonderful whether he makes it or not, even though I wish he could." I smiled up at Eric, who looked relieved that I wasn't taking it as badly as he thought I would.

"I'm sorry, lover. As much as I don't care one way or the other whether he makes it or not, I know how much you wanted him here." He rubbed my shoulders, as everyone else grew quiet, noticing something was up.

"It's okay. You all are here, and he'll be with me in spirit, just like my family. You all are family now. It means a lot that you're here with Eric and I, all of you."

"We love you Sookie!!" Alrik yelled across the limo, as though he were across a crowded room. We all cringed, but it made me laugh.

I laughed loudly, and felt my mood lift.

"That's it, Sookie needs some fucking entertainment to cheer her up. And I'm just the bastard to give it to her." Sven jumped up and pushed the roof open on the limo. He pulled me up with him, and yelled out to the people on the streets as we made our way into the city.

Per tradition, Eric yanked down his pants, only this time, everybody groaned and yelled loudly in disapproval.

"Oh my god, put that thing away!" Pam growled.

"For gods sake, man, do you know what waxing is? Fuck, man." Peter was the next to complain.

"This time I skipped the boxers" he grinned at me, and I laughed. I laughed loudly and truly. I laughed until I couldn't stop, and eventually I had tears streaming down my face, I was laughing so hard.

"Okay, leaking's not my thing. Eric! Get your ass up here, your bonded's leaking and laughing. I have no fucking clue, man. I'm out." He dropped down, and I felt hands around my waist as Eric stood next to me, squeezing in through the roof.

He wiped at my face with his thumb, and smiled at me.

"He's insane, you do realize that?" I asked, still laughing.

"More so than Pam and I? I think that might be a challenge, perhaps. I can't have him upstaging us, now can I?"

He turned me so that my back was against him and pulled me to him as we took in the sights, crossing his arms over my chest. He pointed out the part of town that the new venture would be located in, and I let my thoughts drift to tomorrow night as we made our way to dinner.

It was a big night. I could feel my excitement burn as I tried to keep it in check. Tomorrow I would see the sun for the last time. I felt no fear, only love for Eric and comfort in his arms.

A/N: Charlaine Harris rocks, and Alan Ball doesn't. But hey, he did give us Alexander Skarsgard. So that alone makes him a bit 'okay' in my book.