Wow! It's been a long time, but I've gotten back in the swing of this story and now, my focus is on it and getting it finished, although I can't promise real life won't get in the way!

Before we get to the chapter, I just want to thank everyone for reading and sticking with me. I know I say it every a/n, but I can't say it enough. Also thanks to Northwoman, my beta! She rocks ... she re-read the entire story before betaing this chapter, since it had been so long, and that's dedication right there, IMO! She's totally awesome!

Oh ... and if there are any mistakes, they aren't her's - I had a field day with the chapter after she'd made her corrections, so I may have messed some shit up! If so, Whoops ... sorry!

Finally, these characters belong to Charlaine Harris, not me.

Brief Recap (since it's been like 4 or 5 months) - Eric's mom showed up, not very happy about the news he planned to marry Sookie. Pam let the cat out of the bag about the baby at the worst possible moment. Eric tried to reason with his mom to no avail. It ending in a shouting match between them, upsetting Sookie, who freaked out and locked herself in her room. Eric and his mom, discussed the situation in a more calm manner, after Sookie's outburst and his mom was beginning to soften to the whole idea when Amelia arrived.

Sookie's POV

When I'd first shut myself in my room, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. It was enough to make me sick and feel a little nuts. I was angry and disappointed, both with Eric, for fighting with his mom. Granted, I was glad he was defending our relationship and the baby I was carrying, but I thought he could've gone about it in a better way. I was also hurt - because I felt like his mom wasn't willing to give me a chance, but most of all, I was embarrassed. I'd reacted horribly to the way they'd carried on. I'd totally lost my cool and stooped to their level - and I'd probably done nothing to help our situation.

Now, his mom had probably added 'crazy bitch' to her list of reasons I shouldn't marry her son, and honestly after the way I'd acted, I couldn't blame her.

It wasn't as if I had thought everyone would take our news well. I'd expected some worry and concern on the parts of our friends and family, given the timing of everything, but what I hadn't expected was pure hate and refusal to accept it. Really, it blew my mind that his parents had such strong feelings against us getting married, and having a child. I mean, come on - he was a grown man for crying out loud.

I wasn't sure how long I just lay there, on my bed, crying into my pillow, but I eventually calmed down enough to attempt to get myself together and ready for our dinner - which I was no longer looking forward to in any way, shape, or form. I was worried there would be more fighting and more drama, and that, I just couldn't handle - not with the wicked throbbing in my head that only seemed to get worse and worse, or my crazy hormones - the ones that had me elated one minute and crying the next.

With the thoughts of potential doom and gloom swirling in my mind, and my killer headache, I put down the flat-iron I was using and picked up my cell phone.

"Tara, hey," I said, straining to hold back more tears. I'd just freshened up my makeup and I wasn't crying anymore if I could help it.

"Hey, girl. What's wrong? You sound upset," she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Uh ... yeah," I agreed. "Look, I really don't want to re-hash everything, but Eric's mom showed up here and she's not taking things very well. I know you and Jason were supposed to come over for dinner tonight, but do you think you could come over ... like now, and get Hunter? I'm starting to think maybe he shouldn't be around for this. I'm afraid things are gonna to go badly and I don't want him here if it blows up."

"I really don't think anyone ... at least none of our friends will take your news badly, but if you're worried and it's what you want, I'll come get him."

"Oh, thanks so much, Tara. You're a life saver."

"It's no big deal," she insisted. "That's what family's for," she added, then joked, "But now, you owe us a dinner."

I giggled a little, so her attempt to brighten my mood had worked - even if it was only a temporary reprieve from stress and worry.

"I'll be there in a little bit, girl," Tara assured.

"Thanks again ... so much. I'll see you in a few."

I'd just hung up the phone and gone back to the task of flat-ironing my hair when I'd heard rapping at my bedroom door, and honestly, I was really hoping it wasn't Eric. I was still a little angry with him, and very ashamed of how I'd acted, so I just wasn't quite ready to be around him yet. But, regardless, I knew I couldn't hide much longer, so I sat my flat-iron back down and answered the door.

It wasn't Eric. Instead, it was Amelia, and she was just what I needed.

To most, Amelia was a nothing more than a hippy-dippy gossip, but to me she was so much more. Even with her wild, free-spirited, and unconventional ways of thinking she always knew exactly how to make me feel better. She just had this way of making me to see the brighter side of things.

She was also never one to beat around the bush, which she proved the moment I opened the door. "So, you gonna tell me what the hell's going on? Eric said you would." She slid by me, making her way to the bed and taking a seat. "He said you'd locked yourself in here and wouldn't ... HOLY FUCK!" she practically shouted, cutting her own self off mid-sentence as I shut the bedroom door. "What's that on your finger? Is that what I think it is?"

I looked at my hand and realized she'd apparently caught a glimpse of my ring.

"Uh ... yeah," I said, turning to face her, my face lacking the smile she'd apparently expected. "It is," I answered, tears threatening, yet again, to start pouring.

"Uh ... yeah?" She repeated, her voice laced with sarcasm and a very confused look plastered on her face. "What kind of answer is that? You just got engaged to Eric, Sookie ... and last time I checked, getting engaged was supposed to be a happy occasion ... and I want all the details."

It was a happy occasion, as she'd put it, but as happy as I was, after meeting his mom, I was starting to have my doubts. I was positive Eric still intended to marry me, even after his mom's horrible reaction, and I definitely still intended to marry him, but I couldn't allow myself to be what came between him and his parents, if I could help it.

From what little he'd told me about them, their relationship wasn't exactly all that great to begin with and as much as I wanted to marry him before the baby came, I was starting to think waiting a while may be the better option. At least that way, maybe it would give them time to get used to the idea.

I took my seat in the floor by the mirror where I'd previously been flat-ironing my hair and insisted, "I am happy, Amelia, but everything's just all messed up." The floodgates chose that moment to finally burst. "His mom hates me, Amelia," I blubbered.

"Oh ... Sweetie," Amelia soothed, "Why do you think his mom hates you?"

"There's a lot more you need to know before I go into all of that," I said sniffling and wiping at my eyes. I took a deep breath in an unsuccessful attempt to stifle my tears, and revealed, "Amelia, I'm pregnant, and ...," before she cut me off.

"Hold up! You're pregnant? Since when?"

"Halloween," I whimpered, then winced, waiting for the worst. I should have known Amelia would be nothing more than ecstatic about it, but she looked shocked, so I was worried.

"No shit?"

I shook my head and finally, a huge smile broke out across her face and she exclaimed, "Oh my god, Sookie ... You're gonna have a baby ... Wow! I'm so happy for you ... and Eric!" And then the barrage began. "Do you know if you're having a boy or girl yet, or is it too soon? What's it like? I bet Eric's super-excited! He's just that kind of guy! Oh my god! I have to plan you a shower ... and a wedding!"

Sniffling, I interrupted, "Slow down." All her questions were making my head, which was still throbbing, worse. "You don't think it's too fast?" I questioned, apprehensively.

"Ah, Sookie," Amelia drawled, then she got up and strode over to where I was sitting by the mirror, crouched down and hugged me. "No, I don't," she said matter-of-factly, then sat down beside me on the floor. "You can't put time constraints on stuff like this. I know a lot of people do, but you ... you just can't.

"I've seen you and Eric together and I know y'all are meant to be together ... like soul-mates. Things happen for a reason, Sookie, and this happened because it was meant to be," she assured, then laughed, "Now, am I surprised? Yes ... I am. It's not really a Sookie Stackhouse thing to do - to let yourself get knocked up during what was supposed to be a one-night stand ... actually, it's not exactly a Sookie thing either to even have a one night stand ... but regardless, you and Eric didn't end up having the one-night stand you'd intended and I know y'all will be great parents ... hell, you already are to Hunter. It will all be okay."

"That's just it," I blubbered, "It won't be okay. Eric's mom thinks I don't love him and I'm trying to trap him." The longer I spoke the harder I cried. "She hates me and she hates our baby."

"Well, what does Eric have to say about all this, Sweetie?" she asked.

"He got in a huge fight with her over it." I sniffled. "He says he doesn't care what his parents think." I sniffled again.

"They didn't seem like they were fighting when I came in, but if that is how she feels and he doesn't care, then I say fuck her!" she exclaimed. "She'll come around if she hasn't already, and if she doesn't ... then, just ... fuck her." She reached out and touched my shoulder, and soothingly insisted, "Eric loves you and you love him. That's all that matters," then a little more forcefully, "Now ... I want all the details of everything ... the proposal ... the baby, so calm down, stop crying, and tell me!"

Eric's POV

I was standing in the entryway to the hall, leaning against the wall, having just left Amelia in front of our bedroom when I heard the back screen door open, slam shut, then open again, then all hell broke loose.

The door opening and closing was promptly followed by light, fast footfalls, then Pam's voice sounded, as she shouted, "Killer ... come on! Get inside ... I'm not playing this game with you!"

At the same time Pam was shouting, Hunter came barreling into the living room, running toward me - apparently the source of the footfalls, wailing, "Eric ... Eric!"

"Hey, Little Man," I said, bracing myself for impact, just as his little body collided into mine, his arms wrapping around my legs. Had I've not braced myself, I'd have toppled over when he hit me.

"Eric, Pammy pushed me on the swings and made me go high! It was fun!" he squealed, so happily and so carefree.

I'd barely had time to look down at him and smile in acknowledgement before the real chaos ensued - the barking commenced as Pam and Killer entered hastily into the room.

"I have to get cleaned up for dinner, Eric," Pam announced, in a hurry, over the barking, as she and Killer, appeared. "Stan just texted me. He and Bill just got their rental car and are on their way over from the airport."

Well, shit! Company was on the way; I was a mess; Hunter was a mess; Killer was always a mess any time company was concerned; and Sookie was locked in our room. Things definitely couldn't get any worse than they were at the moment.

At least Amelia was with Sookie. And hopefully, she could brighten her mood.

"Well, I guess that means I need to get myself cleaned up, too," I said, tugging at my old t-shirt and shrugging my shoulders, attempting to point out I was not appropriately dressed for dinner, "... and Hunter." I shifted my eyes from Pam, to Hunter. "Go to your room, take off those grubby clothes, and meet me in the bathroom," I requested, shaking my head. He was absolutely filthy.

"Okay, Eric," he answered.

I watched him as he walked down the hall toward his room and he looked a little sullen - like he thought he was in trouble, so before he was out of sight, I smiled, chuckled and joked, "What did Pammy let you do, anyway? Roll around in a mud puddle?" So he'd know I wasn't upset with him.

I was far from a disciplinarian when it came to him. I left that all to Sookie, for the most part. I wasn't his father, as much as I wished I was, and discipline, outside of school, was not something I felt quite comfortable in dealing out to him, for that reason.

"No," he answered smiling. "We just had fun."

His logic and ways of thinking and explaining things tickled me. "Ah ... fun." I nodded, grinning. "That'll do it every time." I shook my head, then turned back to Mom and assured, "I shouldn't be long. Make yourself at home." Then to Killer, who was still barking away, begging for some attention. "Come on, you," I commanded.

Hunter was cleaned and dressed and I'd literally just stepped out of his room and into the hall, leaving him and Killer to play until company arrived, when Sookie and Amelia stepped out of our room, as well. "Hey," I said, not sure exactly what to say to her. I wasn't sure if she was still upset with me or not.

Amelia headed to the living room, but Sookie stayed put. "Hey," she answered back, sheepishly. She apparently wasn't sure what to say either, but she didn't sound angry - which was definitely a good thing.

I decided to forgo saying anything else, strode over to her and pulled her into my arms. It felt so good, holding her - one hand gently rubbing her back, the other, on the back of her head, holding her tightly against my chest.

I kissed the top of her head and softly murmured, "I'm sorry about earlier. I love you."

"I'm sorry, too," she insisted, sniffling a little and burying her face even further into my chest. "I shouldn't have reacted the way I did. I was awful."

"Baby, it was my fault. I shouldn't have lost it like I did. You had every right to be upset and you don't have anything to be sorry about," I assured, quietly, not really wanting anyone overhearing us, since we were having a fairly private moment. "I talked to Mom again and I still don't think she's totally thrilled, but she's coming around." She still wasn't exactly happy or comfortable with everything, but she was softening to the idea of it all - she did find out she was having her first grandchild - and I was pretty sure she'd at the very least, play nice during dinner. "Dad'll probably be a different story, though ... but we don't have to worry about him today. Okay."

Sookie pulled away slightly, still looking a little uneasy - like she could potentially cry at any given moment, but she was smiling, none-the-less. She nodded and whispered, "I love you so much, Eric."

I placed my fingers under her chin, tilting her head up, and gently touched my lips to hers. "I love you, too, and I'm going to marry you, no matter what anyone says. You, the baby, and Hunter are my life now. We are in this together. We're a family," I assured, then I pressed my lips firmly against hers, reiterating my words with action, in hope she'd feel just how much I truly meant them.

Sookie's POV

"Eric," I said as I strolled into our room, being careful to shut the door securely behind me. I didn't want Killer getting out, since he was horrible with most company. "Are you almost ready? I think everyone's here, now ... Sam just arrived, Halleigh got here right before him, and Lafayette got here like ten minutes ago ... and ... I think your friends just pulled in."

He was sitting on the edge of the bed, in a gray, v-neck t-shirt and jeans, lacing up his boots; and damn, he looked like a god, sitting there. His hair was tied back at the nape of his neck and that shirt - that shirt was absolutely perfect - tight in all the right places, perfectly showing off his muscled physique.

"I'll be out in a minute, Baby," he assured, looking up at me smiling, before focusing his attention back to his boots. "Just let me get my boots on." By this time I was in front of the mirror, tugging and pulling at my shirt. In the reflection, I saw him glance up at me. "You look beautiful," he insisted.

"I don't feel that way," I complained, taking in the jeans I wore that were way too tight and the A-lined shirt, that only fit because of its style, then I headed into the bathroom. "Nothing fits right anymore ... and I have a killer headache."

"If you want, since we don't have to pick Hunter up till tomorrow afternoon, we can go shopping ... or you and Pam can go. I'll give you my credit card," he offered as I got an Aleve from the medicine cabinet. "We'll get you some stuff that fits properly." I popped the pill into my mouth and swallowed it as I headed back into the bedroom, almost choking on it when Eric huskily proclaimed, "But for the record, I think you look hot."

He even had the nerve to smirk and waggle his eyebrows.

"Eric!" I chided. "I look horrible ... like a floozy. My jeans look painted on and my boobs are practically popping out of my shirt." I tugged again at my shirt, in an attempt to stretch it a little.

"Baby, you do not look like a floozy ... that I can assure you ... and I like that your boobs are popping out ... I love your boobs." I glared at him and his smirk turned serious. He stalked toward me, backing me up into the corner of the room and pressed his body against mine. "What you look like is my very hot fiancé - the one who's having my baby."

And then came his lips.

I was lost for a moment as he kissed me - no longer worried about my tight clothes, his parents, or the announcement we were about to make. Hell, I probably couldn't have even told you my name I was so lost in him, which was probably what he'd hoped to accomplish by kissing me like that, but all too soon the kiss ended and I was back to reality. He backed away, smiling, and took my hand, leading us out of the room.

"There he is," a red-headed man said, smiling as we walked into the living room, hand in hand. He was standing with another man - he had dark brown hair - and Pam, near the front door.

"Stan ... Bill ... glad you made it." Eric ushered me over to them.

"It's been way too long, Dude," the redhead said, then asked, "And who's this lovely lady?" shifting his attention to me.

Eric looked down at me smiling, then looked back to the red-headed man and said, "This is Sookie." Turning his attention back to me, he said, "Sookie, this is Stan and that's Bill," pointing at each of them as he said their names.

Sam, Amelia, Pam, Lafayette, Halleigh, and Eric's mom, were all already here, but, now, Eric was introducing me to his friends - friends I'd never met - and suddenly what we were doing was all too real. It was really happening and there was so no going back now. Not that we could anyway. There was no way to hide getting married and being pregnant - at least not for very long.

I was completely freaking out, but I couldn't let anyone know it. Despite the fact my head was still pounding and I felt a little like I could pass out, I plastered nervous smile on my face and said, "Thanks so much for coming. It's really great to finally meet y'all. Can I get y'all anything ... something to drink?" This was my standard welcome to everyone when nervous.

Eric's POV

It was time. Everyone had arrived and been introduced, Killer was shut in our bedroom, well away from our company (and their dinner plates), Hunter was at Jason and Tara's, and I felt like I could throw up at any given moment.

Sookie had explained to me, earlier, before I got dressed, she felt it best that Hunter not be here tonight and the more I'd thought about it, I was glad she'd made that decision. I'd been very insistent this evening would be fine, since the blowup with Mom, but honestly, I was freaking out and mentally preparing myself for the worst and if the worst came, I didn't want him being around for it. Needless to say, as much as I hated telling him goodbye for the evening, and the fact that Jason and Tara would be missing out on dinner, I was relieved when they'd all left.

Everyone had filled their plates and were now seated, enjoying their meal around the table in the kitchen. Since we didn't have a dining room Sookie had put the leaf in the kitchen table making it large enough for everyone - well, everyone, that is, but Sookie and myself. We were eating on stools by the counter, since we were the hosts.

The entire day had been nerve-racking, to say the least, and it was only made more stressful when my mom showed up. And to make matters worse, I wasn't exactly sure what was supposed to happen next because Sookie and I had never discussed it. We'd decided to tell our friends our news, but we'd never discussed who'd say what, or the when of it all.

Were we supposed to do it the moment we sat down, after dinner, or during dessert? Fuck! Had she even made something for dessert? I was really wishing I had a Xanax, but when the doctor changed my medication, I'd thrown my remaining pills away.

"Did you make dessert?" I whispered, glancing over at Sookie.

"There are still cookies and fudge left over from Christmas. I pulled them out of the freezer this morning," she answered quietly.

I noticed she was pushing her food around on her plate, never actually taking a bite, yet making it look as if she'd been eating the whole time and it worried me. I'd originally thought she was just nervous, but she tended to be a "nervous eater", and she clearly wasn't eating, so I knew something more was wrong which only added to the bundle of nerves inside me. "You okay?" I whispered.

She smiled and assured, "I'm fine. My head still hurts ... that's all."

I was about to ask her if there was anything I could do, or if she thought she should see a doctor because she'd been complaining about it for a while and from what she'd told me, it had been hurting for quite a while before that, plus, I knew she'd taken some Aleve, earlier, and in my estimation, her headache should have been gone, but Halleigh asked, "Sookie ... where's Hunter tonight?" before I had the chance.

I really wasn't all that close to anyone at school, at least not close enough to invite to this, but I wanted to have someone here I worked with. I'd first asked Sandy, my vice principal, to come, but she was unable to make it, so I'd invited Halleigh in her place, since Sookie knew her pretty well, and since she was Hunter's teacher.

Sookie answered, "Hunter's over at Jason and Tara's tonight."

"Ah ... I was wondering where they were hiding, too," Halleigh laughed. "You know, I love having him in my class. He's such a great kid ... so well adjusted to everything that he's gone through. He's really a joy. And, Prin ... uh ... Eric, he's been talking about you all the time, lately. Just before break, when I had to send C. J. to your office, as C. J. was leaving class, Hunter told him not to worry, that you were really cool and really fun to hang out with."

Halleigh giggled as she recounted the story, and I could barely keep a straight face. Part of me was ecstatic that Hunter had been talking about me in that way. I mean, I knew he liked me, but if he was talking about me like that in front of the kids at school - his friends - then that meant he really liked me.

Also, it was simply comical because C. J. Norris was in my office at least four times a week - a bully, and one of those kids you'd probably never reach, and he knew very well that his visit wouldn't be fun, despite what he was told.

"Ouch," I laughed. Score one - Hunter. That's my boy! Way to rub it in C. J.'s face.

I probably shouldn't have laughed, since it was sort of mean - I mean, you should never make fun of or laugh at children, but sometimes it's just impossible not to, with all the things they do and say, and this, knowing both Hunter and C. J., and the type of kids each of them were, was pretty fucking hilarious in a sick and twisted kind of way.

Besides, I wasn't the only one laughing. Over half the people seated in our kitchen knew C. J. and his parents, Calvin and Tanya, so they completely understood.

After Halleigh's story, everyone fell back into their own conversations. While everyone was talking amongst themselves, I grabbed Sookie's hand, and nervously, yet quietly asked, "When are we supposed to do this? You ready?"

"No ... I'm not," she answered honestly, but then pointed out, "But I guess it's too late to change our minds now," with a nervous smile plastered on her face. "It's not like we can hide it."

"It'll be okay," I reassured, one last time giving her hand a squeeze - at least I really hoped it would because I didn't think either of us could take anymore negativity, plus, she'd already had a really shitty day, without all the "big announcement" drama that had taken place as sick as she'd been.

"What are you two lovebirds whispering about over there?" Stan asked out of nowhere, shifting the entire table's attention back to us.

"Yeah ... What's doin'?" Lafayette added. "Y'all keepin' secrets? Does it got to do with why we all here? Or that big ass ring on your finger, girlie?" He asked looking dead at Sookie, grinning. "Yeah ... you thought I wouldn't notice?"

She just grinned, sheepishly. We'd so been busted and neither of us knew what to do or say next.

"Ah ... man, leave em' alone. You're probably right, but they'll get to it whenever they get to it," Sam crooned.

He was a really laid-back bastard and at the moment, I loved his ass!

"Nah, man. They done been busted. They gotta come out with it," Lafayette insisted.

Fuck!

I looked around the table and saw both Amelia and Pam, grinning like fools, Mom, looking thoroughly unamused, and everyone else looking a mix of clueless and surprised, and I knew I had to say something, but I wasn't ready, yet. I'd hoped to have another moment or two, at the very least, to figure out a plan of attack with Sookie, but that apparently wasn't in the cards.

"Uh ...," I stammered, shifting my attention to feet. "Well ..." I was so about to lose it.

My palms were all sweaty and I felt at any moment my dinner was going to come right back up as I looked up again, faced with the faces of all our friends and family seated at the table beside us - most staring questioningly at us both. After mine and Sookie's reaction's and all the banter, they obviously knew something was up.

I realized I just needed to come out with it, so I took a deep breath, in an attempt to calm myself, then announced, "We've decided to get married and we're having ...," but before I could finish, mayhem reared its ugly head.

Sookie fell face-first off her stool, landing on the ground. She was out cold.

There y'all go! I will try my hardest to have the next chapter up in a timely manner.

Tell me what you thought, so I know y'all are still around.