I'm so late on this, but instead of giving a bunch of excuses, I'll just say, sorry for making you wait so long ... Life's been crazy, and I'll leave it at that.

As always thanks to everyone who reads, and especially those of you who review. It makes my day, totally!

And also, Thanks to Northwoman! She's on vacation and she still managed to get this beta'd and back to me in like a day ... That said, she's awesome!

Sookie's POV

It seemed like just yesterday, Eric and I were telling everyone we were getting married and having a baby, and I was falling off the stool in our kitchen as we did it - not one of my best moments, I know - but now, it was six weeks later. I was just beginning the seventeenth week of my pregnancy.

Between doctor's appointments and our pending nuptials, our weekend had been pretty packed. We'd had a ton of things to do, but Eric had taken a vacation day yesterday, on Friday, and Tara and Jason were keeping both Hunter and Killer for the whole weekend, so we'd gotten everything accomplished, with very little distraction, and we'd even managed to score a little time to enjoy each other before the craziness of tomorrow ensued.

We'd just made love on the living room floor in front of the fire, on a bed of pillows and blankets. Really, it wasn't that cold out; at least not cold enough to warrant building a fire, but we had the house to ourselves and it seemed romantic, so we built one anyway.

Eric lay on his side, his head propped up on his arm. I was lying on my side as well, facing him as his fingertips gently rubbed circles on my bare hip. Every now and again he'd trace the line of my hip to the side of my stomach, which was now swollen and round, and getting larger each passing day.

He leaned in toward me and lightly brushed his lips against mine. As he pulled back, his eyes shifted to my belly, and then back up, meeting mine. He grinned. "You are getting more and more beautiful every single day."

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "I'm getting fatter every day, maybe," I snarkily retorted, then caught myself.

Lately, I'd had this tendency of going from zero to bitch in the blink of an eye, usually for no real reason, and I hated it when it happened. It was sort of like The Incredible Hulk or Jekyll and Hyde, and I really felt bad because most of the time, when it happened, Eric was in my wake and received the brunt of the damage.

Aside from that tiny issue, since around my fourteenth week, I'd felt exponentially better. I wasn't throwing up anymore, and although I was still a bit over-emotional, I was no longer basket case.

I was pretty much back to being normal ole Sookie.

Well - normal ole Sookie who weighed a hell of a lot more, and who ate a whole lot of olives, bacon, and tapioca - at least those were my flavors this month.

There was no reason to start a fight over something as uncontrollable as my weight. It was inevitable. I was going to get bigger and there was nothing I could do to stop it, so I figured I'd just make a joke to lighten the mood I'd unintentionally darkened with my bitchiness. "I'm starting to think you just might be a closet chubby chaser," I accused, playfully, as I poked him in the chest, glad I'd caught myself before things gotten out of hand and our night was ruined.

"Chubby chaser?" He spat, glaring, and then he smirked. That's when I knew I was in trouble. "Chubby chaser?" He repeated, chuckling.

His fingertips, which had been sweetly rubbing my side, were now tickling me relentlessly.

"Eric!" I shrieked. "Stop!" I squealed, unable to keep myself from giggling as we struggled on the floor. He had me pinned underneath him as he continued his assault, laughing just as hard as I was. "Please … you're gonna make me pee," I begged. "I'll do anything," I proclaimed, desperately, breathless and giggling. "Just stop ... please."

The tickling stopped immediately, at my proclamation, however, he didn't move. He was still hovering over me, his legs straddling my thighs.

"Anything?" he questioned, huskily, raising his eyebrow. "Anal?" he suggested, looking entirely too excited in more ways than one.

The boner, I could forgive - we were wrestling around naked on the floor - but he'd actually had the nerve to suggest anal sex with a smile on his face, so I smacked his arm, which wasn't exactly the answer he was looking for. He knew damn well we'd been there and done that, and it hadn't turned out well.

And, although I wasn't totally against that sort of stimulation – in all honesty, I sort of liked it - I wasn't quite ready to try it again.

He sat up to his knees and shrugged. "I was only joking ... but for the record, I'm down to try again whenever you are."

"Ha. Ha. Ha. You think you're sooooooooo freaking funny!" I drawled, sarcastically.

"Oh … I do, actually," he cockily agreed, nodding as he placed his hands on the floor, one on each side of my head, and leaned back down over me.

His tongue darted out and ran over my lips, begging them to part as the distance between us closed, but before his lips met mine, I felt a tiny flutter inside me, taking me completely by surprise.

"Wait!" I exclaimed out of nowhere, placing my hands on his shoulders, effectively stopping the descent of his lips.

I'd felt the baby move which was a whole new thing for me. I'd felt it a handful of times, so far, over the past couple weeks, but Eric hadn't, yet. He would soon though, because it was definitely getting stronger and more frequent.

"What is it?" he asked cautiously.

"She moved," I declared, smiling. "I felt it, again."

*s*S*s*

Friday ...

"Your blood pressure's normal for the second exam in a row," Dr. Ludwig said, sounding pleased. "And you've had no more dizziness or headaches?"

"None. I've actually felt pretty great."

"Well, in that case, it's time to take a look at that baby, then," she announced smiling, as she rolled her chair a couple of inches, over to the counter, grabbing her tube of jelly. "You know the drill by now."

I really liked Dr. Ludwig.

The family doctor I'd gone to my whole life was an old man with hair growing out of his ears and a monotone voice, and although I trusted him to be professional and do his job, I never felt completely at ease with him.

With Dr. Ludwig, it was completely different. First, she was female, and she couldn't have been more than forty. To me those two things alone made a huge difference, but she also came across much more laid back and nurturing. I definitely felt much more comfortable with her.

"I hate that stuff," I complained, lifting up my shirt. "It's cold."

"It'll be worth it, Lover. You know how rewarding it is seeing the baby," Eric encouraged from beside me.

He was right. It was rewarding and we hadn't gotten to see it at my last appointment. We'd also found out we probably wouldn't get to see it every time, so what was a little bit of sticky, cold goo? It was nothing a little warm water and a paper towel couldn't take care of.

After assuring everything looked good, and was right on schedule, she asked if we had any questions and gave us a little time to gawk at our creation, as well as listen to its heartbeat. Due to faulty equipment, we'd ended up not getting to do that at our last appointment, as we thought we would, so I was glad we were getting the chance to do it now.

It was totally amazing, hearing the little thumps.

"Can you tell if it's a boy or girl, yet?"

I'd read online, most women found out between about eighteen and twenty-three weeks, but I'd also read sometimes they could tell much earlier. I was right at seventeen weeks, so I figured it was worth a try.

"It may be a bit early for that, but let me see." She moved the wand around a little then said, "Well, I don't see a penis and that's where it should be." She pointed to the spot on the screen. "And although it's a little soon, I should still be able to see something."

"If I were having a son, I guarantee you'd be able to see something," Eric proclaimed proudly. "There'd be no mistaking it."

"Eric!" I chided.

He shrugged. "Well you would," he insisted.

I couldn't believe he'd just alluded to the size of his dick to our doctor – of all people – but I guess he felt comfortable with her too.

I shook my head and I was pretty sure I was turning red. I wasn't sure if I was embarrassed more by the fact he'd made the comment or by the fact there was truth in what he'd said.

Dr. Ludwig just laughed and continued, "I feel pretty confident you're having a girl."

My embarrassment melted away at her confirmation and all of the sudden, I couldn't stop smiling. I turned to Eric and exclaimed, "We're having a little girl, Eric!"

*s*S*s*

"Are you sure she moved?" He asked quizzically.

I nodded. I knew the baby was what I'd felt. I'd read all about it online. "Well, get up," I directed, cheerfully, hoping this time, he'd get to feel it, too, before she stopped.

Still straddling my legs, he rose to his knees and I sat up, placing a few of the pillows we'd scattered around, at my back. I reached for his hand, placing it firmly on my abdomen, in the spot where I'd felt the tickles.

After a moment, he removed his hand, shook his head, and shrugged. "I can't feel it."

Eric's POV

I really wished I could've felt the baby assuming that's even what it was, but I couldn't.

Sookie'd told me she'd been feeling her move, lately, and I'd tried a couple times, but I never felt a thing. Frankly, I wasn't even totally convinced it was the baby – what Sookie'd described sounded an awful lot like gas to me.

In fact, the first time she'd told me about it, just last week, I'd made the mistake of asking her if she was sure she didn't just have to fart. I'd only meant it innocently, but apparently, I really should have known better than to question her, or let on to my doubt; especially given the fact we were in bed at the time, and I'd been about to get lucky.

Not that sex was hard to come by, lately. It totally wasn't.

Sookie's libido had increased tenfold in recent weeks; to levels beyond that of even my own and believe it or not, sometimes, I actually had to turn her down.

That was definitely something new I'd never experienced.

To think, I, Eric Northman couldn't perform was really pretty ridiculous and hard to believe, but sometimes, my dick just needed a break.

The result of my skepticism, or more specifically, the result of making it known, was getting slapped and being given the evil eye followed by the silent treatment and the cold shoulder, and it just so happened to be one of those times when the cold shoulder was the last thing I'd wanted.

It definitely wasn't break time and it sucked.

Nevertheless, I wasn't stupid and I'd most certainly learned from my mistakes; and that was one I wasn't making again - especially tonight. We were alone and we were getting married tomorrow and there was simply just no good reason to start a conflict.

She placed her hand on her stomach in the spot where mine had been, looking as if she was waiting for something to happen. When nothing did, she looked up at me and assured, "I can't feel it either. It's probably just not strong enough to feel from the outside, yet."

This time, I just went with it. I didn't question her at all.

I was starting to figure out pregnant women were in a class all their own. More specifically, I'd found they were slightly scary, and even if they were wrong, there was definitely no arguing with them - that is, unless you wanted your balls handed to you on a silver platter.

Yep – Sookie definitely wore the pants in our relationship; at least she would until July when our daughter was born. I cared way too much about her and my nuts to ever allow her to think differently.

"It's okay, baby. I know I'll feel it eventually," I soothed as I reached forward and cupped her belly with my hands.

Over the past few weeks, she'd really begun to look pregnant and although sometimes, she complained she looked fat, I thought she was hotter than ever.

Maybe it was wrong, but there was just something about knowing and seeing she was carrying my child that really got me hard - her growing stomach, her magnificent breasts, and those curves.

Fuck.

If it was wrong of me, I didn't care because Sookie was hot. She always would be - no matter what. Nothing, not even extra weight could change that fact.

Not to me.

I kissed her belly, then sweetly, I cooed, "Hey little one, you messin' with Daddy? You ever gonna let me feel you?" Sookie giggled and I looked up at her, grinning, as I moved my hands from her stomach to the floor, pushing myself back up to my knees. "I guess I'll just have to feel Mommy some more, instead," I suggested, much less sweetly, and then, I did just that.

*s*S*s*

The evening we'd shared had been incredible.

For hours, we'd done nothing more than make love and talk with a little cuddling and goofing around in between; and we needed it, after our crazy weekend. It wasn't easy putting the finishing touches on a fairly short-notice wedding - even in a tiny town like Bon Temps.

I totally felt for Sookie, my sister, Amelia, and Tara, who'd done most of the work.

The fire was almost out, but was still burning enough to give off a faint glow, dimly lighting the room. I'd been lying on my stomach, beside Sookie, propped up on my elbows, watching her sleep.

I'd tried to sleep myself, and had actually dozed off for a bit, but had found myself restless, knowing in less than twelve hours, I'd be married, and the gorgeous angel lying before me would be my wife.

It really was like a dream come true and I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

It was times like this, I mentally scolded myself for all the time we'd wasted fighting our attraction, and also, all the time we'd spent sneaking around and worrying about things we shouldn't have even been worried about in the first place.

It was all such a waste of precious time and energy we could have utilized getting to know each other, being happy, and being together.

None of the reasons either of us had cited as potential problems in the beginning, had become issues and now, it all seemed inconsequential. Sookie, Hunter, and our daughter meant way more to me than anything else; including my job, and if it ever came down to it, I'd always choose them.

It was hard to believe only a short time ago, that wasn't the case, although then, I didn't know all I knew now.

Knowing now, all I could have lost, or rather never had, had we not come to our senses - let's just say the mere thought that everything could be so incredibly different was the worst feeling imaginable and I was so thankful we'd both wised up, gotten over our stupidity, and chosen each other.

*s*S*s*

We'd barely been up an hour, when my sister, Amelia, and Tara showed up, insisting I leave.

"Hurry up, baby brother," Pam commanded, leaning against the doorjamb to mine and Sookie's room as I packed up the things I'd need to get ready. "We've got to get Sookie ready. The wedding's in less than four hours."

I was glad I'd at the very least had enough time to grab a shower. "Can I at least pack my fucking shit, Sis?" I barked.

"Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," she pointed out, facetiously.

"Pam, I'm serious. Get out of my room and let me pack," I maintained, throwing the balled up pair of socks I happened to have in my hand, at her.

For a minute, I felt like we were in the junior high again.

But in my defense, I'd had literally no sleep the night before and I was cranky.

I wanted today to be perfect for Sookie just as much as they did, but this was too much. We all had plenty of time to get ready and the fact they were kicking me out of my house before I was ready to leave really sort of rubbed me wrong.

Had they'd come even ten or fifteen minutes later, it would have been different. I would have been prepared, but instead they showed up before I was ready and they made me feel rushed.

I really couldn't stand the feeling of being rushed. It was one of those things that could send me straight to anxiety attackville, had I not been on meds to prevent it.

"Fine, I can tell you're about to snap. I'll leave you be," Pam said a little snarkily, but then her voice softened as she assured, "Everything'll be fine, Eric. I know you're worried about Daddy, but he won't mess anything up. When he meets Sookie, later, he'll give up his fight. You know he's always been a sucker for pretty blondes," she joked, obviously referring to herself and Mom.

In all honesty, I'd pretty much convinced myself my foul mood was due to my lack of sleep and feeling rushed, but Pam's words forced me to take a look at the bigger picture - I was nervous as hell.

Even though in a lot of ways it was like Sookie and I were already were married, we weren't; and getting married was a huge deal. It was only natural to be a little nervous.

I stopped what I was doing and made a b-line from the closet, where I'd been packing, to the bed, and sat down. Pam took that as a cue, walked over and took a seat beside me.

Also, aside from the normal pre-wedding jitters – Pam had called it perfectly - I was nervous about Dad. He was going to be there and he'd been far from supportive.

He hadn't actually done anything to try and stop the wedding, thus far, but he had made several attempts to get us to postpone it. Just this past week, when he'd finally come to terms with the fact we weren't postponing anything; he'd pulled his douchebaggiest move, yet.

He'd actually had the nerve to fax me legal paperwork to look over – a prenuptial agreement. On the cover page he'd written a note saying he'd have the originals with him for us to sign before the wedding.

The papers obviously went straight into the garbage and needless to say as I chucked them, my phone was out and I was dialing his number, but he hadn't relented, insisting he'd bring them and they'd be signed.

All we'd done since was argue about it, and even though I was fairly certain he'd finally realized neither Sookie, nor I, were signing anything, I was pretty sure I'd be arguing about it some more today.

"Fuck, Pam," I muttered, shaking my head. "I am nervous about Dad. I told you about the prenup he wanted us to sign. What if you're wrong?"

"I'm not, baby brother," she insisted. "Look at Mom. She came around … and it only took like one night with the two of you and all your crazy friends to change her mind. Trust me. Dad's even easier than her, even though it doesn't always seem like it."

Mom had called the week after our dinner party to check up on Sookie and apologized for her behavior. She'd told us that after spending the evening with our friends and seeing how supportive they'd all been, and after seeing how happy Sookie and I were, she'd realized the error of her ways. She'd even given us her blessing and promised to work on Dad, which obviously hadn't been going too well, so far.

But, without her intervention, I suppose it could have been far worse.

I shook my head and chuckled, not knowing what else to do. "Why did he and Mom have to finally decide to be real parents? I mean, don't get me wrong, I love it they're actually taking an interest in something I'm doing, but why did it have to be this? Why couldn't they have just showed up when we graduated college or some shit?"

She giggled and draped her arm around my shoulder. "I know what you mean, but you need to quit worrying. It'll all work out ... and if it doesn't, it's Dad's loss, not yours," she assured, smiling as she gave my shoulder a squeeze - a sort of half hug.

She was absolutely right.

Dad wasn't the sort of person who'd cause a big scene, so I didn't think he'd physically try to stop the wedding; and aside from that, I had found my family, and if Dad didn't want to be a part of it then so be it. Really, in the grand scheme of things it really wouldn't be much different than before. It wasn't like he'd ever been around much to begin with.

"Thanks, Sis. I love you," I said, feeling a little more at ease.

I really did love her, even though she was a bitch most of the time. She was the best sister I could ask for. Being my twin, she knew me better than anyone else and always knew exactly what to say, or more specifically, what I needed to hear.

"I love you, too, baby brother." She kissed my cheek then hopped off the bed. "Now quit moping around, get your shit, and leave. If you and Sookie are ever gonna get married, you gotta go."

*s*S*s*

When I walked into Merlotte's, I couldn't believe my eyes. It didn't even look like the same bar. The first thing I'd noticed was there were flowers everywhere. Sookie had chosen an assortment of pale yellow and dark blue flowers and their scents filled the entire bar.

I looked to my left and about a third of the room on that end was sectioned off with white lacey curtains. All the tables had been moved and only the chairs remained, decorated with silver bows and ribbons, and neatly organized to accommodate our guests.

We'd only invited our close friends, family, and coworkers, and were only expecting a turnout of about twenty or thirty people, so the chairs had been arranged in blocks of fifteen chairs with an aisle in between which led to the fireplace.

I couldn't wait to see Sookie walking down that aisle toward me.

The space at the opposite end of the bar was pretty much as it usually was. Most of the tables were still out, however, they'd been slightly rearranged and clean, white table cloths and centerpieces full of blue and yellow flowers adorned them.

A few of the tables were pushed together in the corner, and although they were covered with tablecloths, there were fewer flowers on them. Sam was standing there, his back to me, mixing a bowl of punch.

I was standing in the center of the room, which was empty and obviously meant to be the dance floor, as I called out, "Hey … Sam, what can I do to help? The girls kicked me out and it's not gonna take me three and a half hours to get ready."

Sam turned around and started toward me. "Hey, dude … your sister, Tara, and Amelia did a great job decorating and moving shit around. It don't even look like my bar anymore."

"So I've noticed," I agreed. "Sookie's gonna love it."

"Well, there's really nothing left to do until closer to time, so if you wanna start getting ready, my office's open," he informed. "Or, since you said it wouldn't take that long for you to get ready, you're welcome to join me. I was just about to take a load off for a bit while I finish up the hors d'oeuvres ... the last batch is in the oven now."

Sam and I had definitely gotten closer in recent weeks. I'd made it a point to get to know him better, since he'd voiced his concerns to Sookie. I really wanted to do whatever I could to put his mind at ease, since he meant so much to her.

As for his concerns, he'd never mentioned them to me, nor did he ever mention another word about them to Sookie, as far as I knew. Actually, since their talk, he'd been nothing but helpful and accommodating to us. We'd had issues finding a place to get married and he'd offered up Merlotte's without us even having asked.

We both took a seat at the bar - Sam, on his usual side and me, on a stool across from him. After turning on the TV, he pulled out a bottle of scotch from below the bar, pouring us each a glass. "I brought out the good stuff for today, dude," he said grinning as he slid the glass in my direction.

It was still a bit early in the day, but I was getting married; and, like Sam had said, it was the good stuff, so I figured, what the hell. There was really no better way to relax me or cure my jitters than a good stiff drink.

It turned out that good stiff drink was a very good thing because about an hour after I'd arrived at Merlotte's; Dad walked in, manila envelope in hand – undoubtedly containing the prenup he'd wanted us to sign.

"Dad," I said, unenthusiastically as he approached.

"Eric, can we talk?" he requested, shifting his eyes toward Sam.

I turned to Sam and asked, "Can you give us a minute?"

Sam obliged, obviously sensing the tension that filled the room the moment I'd noticed my dad walk in. "Yeah, I gotta go check the mini quiches anyway," he said as he slid off his stool and headed to the back.

Upon Sam's departure I asserted, "We're not signing those," as I pointed to the envelope in his hand, getting straight to the point.

I guess I was hoping he'd just drop it if I made myself clear, but I should have known it wouldn't work. Once his mind was set on something, he generally got what he wanted, so I should have known it wouldn't be that easy.

"Your mother and I signed one before we got married," he countered, all too calmly.

It about drove me nuts - how calm he was; especially when I'd been on edge about facing him all morning. I wanted to stay calm. The last thing I wanted was to fight; on my wedding day, no less, but I wasn't like him. I couldn't stay calm, not when he'd showed up to my wedding with those fucking papers.

"I am not you, Dad ... and Sookie's not Mom," I seethed. "We aren't like you and we aren't going to begin our marriage, preparing for its demise. That's ... that's ... it's just wrong," I spat.

"It's not wrong, Son. It's smart," he informed, matter-of-factly, taking a step toward me.

Smart. Was he serious? In my book, damning your marriage before it even happened was far from smart.

"Sookie and I are getting married in just a couple of hours and neither of us have any intention of ever getting divorced. I love her and she loves me … and we have kids to think about. We are in it for the long haul, Dad," I insisted, just as matter-of-factly.

"Nobody has intentions of getting divorced on their wedding day," he argued, placing his hand on my shoulder. "It's always forever, but then, afterwards, you often find out differently. This is for your own protection, Eric."

"Protection! What about Sookie and Hunter's protection?" I asked, shaking my head in disgust. "If something would ever happen between us ... and it won't ... I would want to make sure they were taken care of. I wouldn't leave them with nothing! Ever!"

"You might feel differently later on. Would you still want to take care of her if she cheated on you, Eric?" He gave me a minute to think about his question, but before I could answer, he continued, "Or how about if you cheated on her ... do you honestly think she won't try to take you for everything you have?"

Cheat on each other - what the fuck? This was getting ridiculous.

Waving my finger in his face, I shouted, "You've got to be kidding me, right now! Are you crazy? That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" Then, realizing things were getting a little out of hand, I took a breath and reined myself in.

More calmly, I pointed out, "First off, Sookie and I are not going to cheat on each other … and I have to say, I'm slightly offended you'd think I'd do something like that. You were never around much, but I thought you knew me better than that." I rolled my eyes. "Secondly, she'd never try to 'take me for everything I have' ... as you put it. She's not like that. She doesn't care about your money and frankly, neither do I."

He'd gone entirely too far and I was seriously about to blow a gasket. It was taking every bit of resolve within me to remain even a little calm, but as luck would have it, the door flew open and Hunter came running into Merlotte's. He'd totally saved the day, before anything else could be said.

"Eric!" he shouted as he ran toward me.

"Hey, little man!" I knelt down, my arms outstretched as he continued toward me. Seeing him, completely wiped away my bad mood and put a smile on my face.

As much as I'd enjoyed the time Sookie and I had spent together and alone, I'd really missed Hunter a lot and as much as I was looking forward to spending more time alone with Sookie, I was a little disheartened Hunter was staying with Jason and Tara until Tuesday – after the holiday weekend.

It just wasn't the same without him in the house.

He ran directly into my arms and they wrapped tightly around him as his tiny arms closed around my neck. "I missed you, little man. You been good for Jason and Tara?"

"Uh huh," he answered, nodding, as I stood up, holding him.

I wasn't going to be able to do that much longer. He was six and I was big guy, but soon, he'd be way too big to pick up and hold in my arms. Really, he was too big for most already.

"But Killer was bad," he added. "Jason doesn't like him."

"Jason doesn't like him?" I questioned, acting surprised, when in all honesty, I wasn't a bit surprised. Killer truly was a little shit.

"Yeah, Jason doesn't like him," Jason gruffly agreed, having walked into the bar right behind Hunter. "That dog of yours is piece of work, man. He barks at every little sound, he attacks us anytime we try to get near Hunter, and he pis … uh … I mean peed … on Tara's antique sofa."

"Sorry, man," I apologized, wincing. "If you want, we'll take him back … and I'll pay to have the sofa cleaned," I offered.

"Nah … Hunter wants him around, and for some reason Tara likes him, so we'll keep him. Besides, for all his flaws, every now and then, he's a pretty good cuddler," he added as he turned away from us and headed toward the kitchen, where Sam was working on the food.

I chuckled, knowing exactly what he meant. Killer was a first class spooner and cuddler. Sometimes he got in these moods where he was so tired you could do anything you wanted to him, and that included cuddling in multiple positions.

As Jason spoke, Hunter had been tapping me on the shoulder, so as soon as Jason finished and walked away, I asked, "What's up, Hunt?"

He pointed toward the restrooms and whispered, "Eric, I gotta go pee."

"Okay, kiddo," I said as I sat him down to the floor. "I'll be right here and when you're done, we gotta get dressed. Sookie'll have our hides if we're not ready on time."

With that, he ran off to the bathroom, leaving Dad and me behind.

"So, that's Hunter? He obviously thinks the world of you," Dad pointed out.

"He's my world, Dad … and that's exactly why I can't sign those papers," I informed him.

I had to make sure that he'd always be taken care of. It didn't matter he wasn't mine because in my heart he totally was and always would be. Nothing was ever going to change that fact.

Of course, that still wasn't enough to convince Dad to get off my back. He responded, "You know, with one phone call to Catiliades, we can change the agreement to ensure he'll be accounted for ... I'm sure there's a fax here," he said, looking around the bar.

"Are you ever going to give up, Dad?" I questioned, shaking my head. "I've given you reason after reason why I will not sign those." I pointed at them again. "It's not going to happen," I stressed.

Dad sighed and shook his head. "One day, Eric, you are going to have a lot. You have to take steps now to protect what's yours. That's all there is to it."

I glared at him. He could give me any reason he wanted. Nothing he could say would change my mind. As far as I was concerned, the reasons I had not to sign the papers would trump any reason he could provide that I should.

When I didn't say anything, he added, "You're putting me in a tough spot, Son; and you're causing me to have to consider things I'd hoped I wouldn't have to. If you won't sign the papers I'll have no choice but to consider leaving everything to your sister."

"Dad, I already told you, neither Sookie, nor I care about the money. I understand you need to do what you feel you have to do; and I'm fine with that," I avowed, catching a glimpse out of the corner of my eye, of Hunter leaving the restroom. "Now, Hunter's coming and I would really appreciate if we didn't continue this conversation in front of him. You know where I stand."

"I respect you're standing your ground, Son, and I agree we shouldn't discuss this further ... at least not in front of the boy ... but I really do want you to think about all I've said … I'd like to have this all taken care of before the wedding. I only want what's best for you."

Hunter reached me just as Dad finished his sentence. I knelt down, pointed toward the back hallway where Sam's office was located, and instructed, "Go on back to Sam's office ... you know where it is." He'd been there before. "I'll be right behind you." He nodded and headed to the back.

Looking Dad directly in his eyes, I vowed, "This is what's best for me, Dad. You'll see," then, I left, heading to the back myself.

Sookie's POV

Just minutes ago, my room had been full of hustle and bustle and as appreciative as I was for all the help, there was a part of me that really wanted to scream, "Leave me alone!"

All I'd really sought after, all morning long, was a little peace and quiet - some time to reflect, but instead, Tara, Amelia, and Pam had followed me around, fussing over my hair, nails, makeup, and dress. I'd had at least one shadow at any given moment, but they'd finally agreed to give me a few minutes to myself while they finished getting ready, and fuck, I really needed it.

All the excitement was giving me a headache and that was the last thing I needed today.

My hand was resting on my stomach - something which had recently become almost involuntary - as I stood there, all made up, gazing at myself in the full-length mirror which hung on the closet door.

I couldn't believe how amazing my dress was.

It fit perfectly, but I must admit, until I actually had it on I was a little worried, since the baby bump I'd expected to have had turned out to be more of a baby mountain.

I was huge.

At least I was compared to most of the pictures I'd seen on the internet. I'd only seen a few that were as far along as me that were my size or bigger. Most of the women who had posted pictures of their belly barely even looked pregnant.

Regardless, even with my protruding midsection, the dress was still gorgeous.

Pam had actually designed it herself, as a wedding gift, with the help of Russell; her boss, friend, and mentor; and they'd done a fabulous job despite the fact I hadn't given them much to go on, beyond the fact I didn't want it to be too poofy or white.

I mean, come on - I was pregnant. Poofy would have made me look like a cow and white - well, let's just say Gran would have rolled over in her grave had I got married in white.

Since I hadn't specified a color, besides "not white", I'd figured it would have turned out to be cream or champagne – maybe even pale blue or pink, but I'd been surprised when Pam told me it was silver.

Silver wasn't a color I'd ever envisioned myself wearing at my wedding, but this wasn't your usual shiny, metallic silver, instead, it was more of a soft silver - almost more of a pale gray, and it really was perfect in every single way.

The fabric was light and silky - very comfortable; and it was covered with a layer of lace to make it a bit fancier and much more elegant. It was long, strapless, and form fitting, gently hugging all my curves – which were something I had plenty of, these days.

An empire waist fell right below my bust, and was bejeweled with a band of dark blue and clear gems which sparkled and gleamed as they caught the light. She'd chosen them, obviously to match my rings – a personal embellishment that didn't go unnoticed.

It was beautiful and classy, and it was totally me. I felt like a princess wearing it - a very, very bloated princess, but a princess no less.

As I took in the reflection staring back at me, the enormity of everything took hold and tears began to trickle down my cheeks. I was marrying Eric today, we were having a baby girl in just a few short months, and I was just so incredibly happy with my life even though the route it had taken in recent months hadn't been what I'd ever expected.

"Sookie," a voice I couldn't quite place, called out.

I took a breath, stifling my tears, patted my face then turned to see Eric's mom poking her head in the door. I'd had no clue she was even here at the house and I hadn't even heard my bedroom door open, but I hadn't exactly been paying attention. I'd been off in my own little world.

"I hope I'm not intruding. May I come in?"

It would be a lie to say I wasn't uneasy about facing her, after her last visit. Although she'd since called and apologized, her presence still put me on edge, but the past was the past and she was Eric's mom and for everyone's sake it was best I just got over it.

Still a little teary, I insisted, "Of course." I motioned to the desk chair across from the bed. "Have a seat."

She walked in, shutting the door behind her as I headed to the bed and took a seat. As she strode to the chair I'd offered her, she pointed out, "I know this isn't the best time ... Pamela told me you were about to leave." She sat down. "But I really wanted to speak with you before the wedding and we only arrived this morning."

I responded with a nervous smile and nod. Although I was trying to set my negative feelings aside, we'd only spoke a couple of times over the past few weeks, so the horror of our first meeting still lingered in the back of my mind.

She rolled the chair a bit closer to the bed and reached into her purse, fumbling around inside it like she was looking for something. "Sookie, you look beautiful. Eric's going to be blown away when he finally sees you," she said smiling, slightly dampening the tension that had started to fill the room the moment she'd walked in.

"Ah ha. There it is." She pulled a tiny envelope out from her purse, opened it, and pulled out a silver heart-shaped locket, holding it up so I could see it. On the front, the word 'mom' was beautifully inscribed. "I wanted to give you this," she proclaimed, handing it over to me.

As I held it up, inspecting it, she explained its significance. "When Eric was just about Hunter's age, Jim took him to Tiffany's and let him choose a Mother's Day gift for me. This is what he chose." She smiled, gazing at it as it dangled between us. "I've worn it nearly every day since, but since the two of you are getting married and starting a family of your own, I thought you should have it."

I felt tears pooling in the corners of my eyes. They just wouldn't stop flowing today. And Beatrix's gesture most certainly wasn't making it any better.

"Hey … no tears today," she warned, waving her index finger at me. "Today's supposed to be happy."

"Oh … it is," I clarified, sniffling. "Today's the happiest day of my life." I held the necklace back up, handing it back to her. "Thank you for this. I love it and I'll cherish it always. Will you help me put it on?"

"It's hardly fancy enough to go with your dress," she pointed out.

"I don't care," I proclaimed. "I think it's perfect."

She joined me on the bed, sitting down beside me, and then she fastened the necklace around my neck. "The necklace isn't the only reason I'm here, Sookie," she informed. "I also wanted to apologize to you in person. I know we've already spoke on the phone, but my behavior toward you was deplorable and an apology to your face is the least you deserve."

"There's really no need to apologize again. I already accepted your apology and now I just want us all to get along. It's water under the bridge … really," I insisted, and I meant it - mostly.

It wasn't really quite water under the bridge, yet. My nerves when she'd showed up had proven that, but the fact she was here and being so supportive had really gone a long way. What was important now was that we all just move on and learn to be a family.

"I'm glad," she said smiling. She took a breath, stood up, and went over to the window. Gazing out, with her back to me, she somberly continued, "I've made so many mistakes and I was oblivious to them for so long. For years I did what I thought was best for my family only to realize, now, what I was doing was actually the worst. I should have been around more for Eric and Pamela."

"Well … you can be there for them now … and for your granddaughter," I interjected, soothingly.

Eric and I had decided not to tell anyone right away we were having a girl. We sort of wanted to keep it to ourselves for a while, but it just felt right telling his mom now, and I knew he'd understand.

She stepped away from the window and turned back around to face me, looking surprised. "Granddaughter?" She questioned. I smiled. "You're having a little girl?"

I nodded, still grinning. "We found out Friday … but I wasn't supposed to tell anyone yet, so please don't mention it to anyone. I'd like to let Eric know I told you before it gets back to him."

"Your secret's safe with me," she assured as she walked back over to the bed, taking a seat beside me again. "You know, Sookie, I know you say it's not necessary, but I truly am sorry for everything.

"I realize now, Eric was right," she stated earnestly, shaking her head. "He was right about a lot of things he said, but especially that I had no right coming into his life, now, and telling him how to live it. The fact I was never really there for him coupled with the fact he's a grown man and can make his own decisions negated any right I had to do that."

She took a breath and placed her hand on my hand, which was resting on my lap, then continued, "Aside from that, Sookie, I caused you such undue stress ... and it could have harmed you or the baby. That wasn't what I'd come here to do and if something bad would have happened ... well ..." She started to tear up. "I don't think I'd have ever gotten over it."

Both of us were now on the verge of tears, but I'd been most of my morning, so it was really nothing new for me. If there'd been any doubt left in my mind at all that her phone-apology wasn't genuine, what she'd just said to me to my face had completely wiped it all away.

"I really am very sorry and hope we can get past it. I most certainly shouldn't have acted the way I did and I should have been more open to giving you a chance," she insisted.

"We can," I assured her, nodding. I was trying so hard to hold back my tears, but it really wasn't working. "My grandma and I were really close ... actually, she practically raised me, but that's beside the point." I sniffled. "The point is I'd like my daughter to be as close to you as I was with my Gran."

She hugged me and agreed, "I'd really like that, Sookie. I am so glad Eric met you and I truly wish the two of you the best. I couldn't ask for a better, or more understanding, daughter-in-law or mother for my grandchild and I think you are just what this family needs."

Eric's POV

It was a few minutes till two, all the guests had arrived, and I'd been officially barred from Sam's office.

Sookie had arrived about thirty minutes ago, and since my sister, Amelia, and Tara had ganged up on us, we weren't allowed to see each other. Sam's office had been deemed the best place to stash her to keep that from happening.

Mom and I were waiting for Pam by the bar, just a few feet away from the entrance to the area sectioned off for the ceremony. She was in the office with everyone else at the moment. I'd just filled Mom in on my little visit with Dad, earlier.

"I'm sorry he's being that way. I've tried my best to get him to drop it, but you know how he is when he sets his mind to something," she apologized, shrugging. "I'm thinking he'll give up when he meets her, though. He's always had a soft spot for blondes ... especially pretty ones," she assured, nodding.

I couldn't help but chuckle. That was almost exactly what Pam had said.

"I went to see her this morning," Mom informed.

I immediately stopped laughing; thinking the worst, in spite of the fact Mom had been great lately. I knew how nervous she made Sookie and I also knew how emotional Sookie could be. I couldn't help but worry the two of them together could spell disaster.

"Uh ... how did it go?" I asked nervously.

"It was a very nice visit," she swore. "She's a really sweet girl and I'm looking forward to getting to know her better," she declared, smiling.

Relief washed over me. Apparently, nothing bad had occurred.

Mom took a step toward me and placed the palm of her hand on my cheek. She looked up at me and solemnly continued, "Eric, I want you to know I really am happy for you and I love you."

It meant so much to hear her tell me she was happy for me, especially knowing that wasn't always the case. "I love you, too, Mom." I hugged her. "And I'm so glad you're here today."

Just as I finished my sentence, someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind. I turned to find that someone was Pam.

"Baby brother, it's time ... let's get this show on the road!" She ordered.

With that, I escorted my mom and sister down the aisle to their seats then took my place in the front, signaling it was time for the wedding to begin.

It was a bit overwhelming at first as our friends made their way down the aisle. Bill and Amelia came first. They were followed by Stan and Tara, and then, Hunter, who brought up the rear.

I was completely overcome with nervous anticipation. I felt tingly, my palms were practically dripping with sweat, and my heart felt like it was about to pound right out of my chest by the time Hunter had made it to the front, taking a seat with Pam and my mom in the front row. For a moment, I even felt a bit like I might throw up, but then Sookie appeared and just like that, I felt completely at ease.

Beaming with utter joy, she made her way toward me, on the arm of her brother. I watched her intently, completely mesmerized by her perfection, as she and Jason came closer to me with each step they took. I'd been waiting for this moment since before I'd even asked her to marry me and it was a bit surreal, knowing it was really happening.

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, not that there was any reason to. Not only was I about to marry the most gorgeous woman on the planet, she was carrying my daughter - a fact beautifully highlighted by the silhouette of her form-fitting dress.

I stood, waiting for my beautiful bride to reach my side, feeling prouder than I'd ever felt of anything in my entire life.

Sookie's POV

"Hey Sis … you ready?" Jason asked extending his arm to me.

I nodded, smiling. "I am," I answered, locking my arm with his.

A few steps were all it took before we reached the opening in the curtains. My eyes immediately found Eric and the smile on my face only grew bigger and brighter. He looked so handsome, standing there at the front of the room in his midnight blue suit – a smile on his face as huge as my own.

I couldn't wait to reach him, and I most certainly couldn't wait to be his wife. Luckily, the aisle was short and it didn't take long.

Before I knew it, Jason was hugging me. "You look beautiful, Sis. I love you," he whispered in my ear then kissed my cheek.

He turned to Eric and gave him a sort of macho half hug with his left arm, while at the same time shaking Eric's hand with his right - only it was one of those manly secret handshake sorts of things complete with a fist bump. "She's all yours, man. I know you'll take good care of her," he whispered, just loud enough only Eric and I could hear.

Eric nodded and agreed, "You know I will, dude."

The two of them had gotten entirely too close and it was really sort of scary.

As Jason took his seat, Eric took my hands in his. I couldn't do anything other than smile up at him. Although I was completely aware this was all very real, it felt so much like a dream.

Gazing into my eyes and grinning, he quietly murmured, "You look ... WOW! Happy Valentine's Day."

So, hoped you liked it and again, I'm sorry it took so long.

As for Sookie's dress ... it's not real. I made it up, but I was inspired by three dresses, so I've put links on my profile to the pictures.

Tell me what you thought!