I know ... I know ... it's been way to long, so I'll save the apology (it's already on my blog) and get on with the story ...

But first, special thanks to Northwoman for being my beta, even though I haven't been posting much lately ...

and ...

As usual, none of these characters are mine. They belong to Charlaine Harris ...

and ...

The vows ... I didn't really write them ... well I sorta did - parts of them, but didn't ... they came from ask dot com, but I no longer have the link due to my computer dying. (Thank God for thumb drives or you wouldn't be reading this chapter!) I basically took three sets of sample vows at ask dot com ripped them apart and put them all back together into one set of vows and added a line here or there of my own, so yeah ... I can't take credit for them.

Now, on with the story ...

Lafayette's POV

When I'd been ordained, it really was nothing more than a big joke between me and my friends, being I was both gay and Atheist. I'd only agreed to try on a dare. I wasn't exactly typical minister material; at least as far as most were concerned – a fact of which I was painfully aware and which made it all that much more amusing.

I'd obtained my ordination through the Universal Life Church's online program, and although, I'd have to say my certificate was a great conversation piece, I'd certainly never intended to actually use it, but then, my girl, Sookie, came-a-runnin'.

She needed someone to officiate her wedding – someone who wouldn't make her and that hot piece of ass she was marrying go through six weeks of counseling before doing so, and she figured I was the perfect person, given my credentials.

Like I said, I'd never performed a wedding, or used my ordination for anything other than novelty, but she was one of my BFFs, so I couldn't say no.

That's how I ended up all dressed up in my Sunday best - not that I ever went to church - playing minister.

Sookie looked absolutely breathtaking as she made her way down the aisle, but it didn't surprise me. She always looked amazing – even more so since she fell in love and got herself knocked up. Talk about a glow! Hell! She even somehow managed to look gorgeous at the end of a busy shift at Merlotte's. Grease, sweat, and other nasty, random shit she'd spill on herself didn't put a dent in her looks – that was for sure.

Eric looked pretty damn gorgeous as well, all dapper and dressed up in his dark blue suit, but then again, he was always blazin' hot, too – especially in blue, which really made his eyes pop, however; I couldn't see his eyes at the moment. He hadn't taken them off Sookie since the moment she'd stepped through the curtain and into the room.

Now, normally, I wasn't too into white boys, but that hot hunk of man was sex on a motha' fuckin' stick! If he ever decided to bat for the blue team, I could confidently say I'd try to hit that with a quickness. Hell, even if he didn't, if he weren't with my girl, I'd probably try anyway, but none of that mattered. What did matter was they were both obscenely happy together and I wasn't gonna fuck with that.

Instead, I was gonna help them any way I could; and today that meant marrying them.

She'd just reached the front of the room, taking her place by Eric. It was time to get on with the show, so I stepped forward to the podium, and began. It was my first official duty as a member of the clergy and there'd been no damn rehearsal, so secretly, I was celebrating the fact I'd brought my notes to read from.

Despite the fact I was a little nervous, I confidently recited, "Today we've gathered here together to witness the joining of Eric and Sookie -" I motioned to each of them as I said their name - for dramatical purposes, of course. " - as they've decided to live their lives together as husband and wife. Who gives this woman to be wedded to this man?"

Jason rose from his chair, lifting his hand to secure the room's attention. "Uh … that'd be me," he answered with a smile, then sat back down.

I nodded, acknowledging him, then continued, "Marriage is not a union to enter into lightly. It's a commitment meant to be forever and it's filled with many challenges. If any person here can show just cause why Eric and Sookie should not be joined together, speak now or forever hold your peace."

So far, things were going smoothly, but I must admit, I held my breath at that one, hoping for everyone's sake nobody said a damn word. I hated even asking that question.

Sookie had filled me in on the issues they'd been having with Eric's parents and although she'd assured me they had his mama's blessing and that Eric had insisted to her his daddy wouldn't cause a scene, or try to stop the wedding, I wasn't so sure and judging by the look on Eric's face, he wasn't so sure either.

He literally looked as if he was about to shit his pants for the brief moment of silence which followed and I swear he didn't even breathe until I continued on with the introduction of his crazy-ass sister for her reading.

Pam took my spot at the podium and said, "When my brother and Sookie first approached me about doing a reading for their wedding, I was -" She hesitated then continued, "Well … I was honored," she said thoughtfully, but then she corrected herself. "No ... I was beyond honored. It really meant the world to me," she added nodding, then winced, slightly, before she continued, "But then fear set in, because I knew it wouldn't be easy to find something to read that truly reflected the admiration and love they each feel for one another.

"But then I found this," she held out a folded piece of paper, unfolding it, with a huge smile plastered on her face. "And I knew it was perfect." She nodded as she placed the paper on the pedestal in front of her. "This is a reading from the movie The Princess Bride."

Eric's POV

I'd held my breath until Pam was introduced.

Glancing out of the corner of my eye at Dad, who was sitting smugly in the front row beside Mom, I really hoped he wouldn't do anything rash like trying to stop the wedding. I was fairly certain he wouldn't, but my certainty wasn't one hundred percent, so until the moment passed, I was nervous as hell.

Despite the fact our relationship was complicated and the fact it didn't always seem like it, he was my dad and ultimately, he did love me and did want me to be happy, but after our argument this morning, he was a bit of a wild card.

Pam made her way from her seat in the front row, to the podium at the front of the room with a folded piece of paper in her hand. At that moment, relief finally washed over me and I was finally able to breathe. I gave Sookie's hands a gentle squeeze and a reassuring smile, having been concerned she'd sensed my fear, or had felt similar worries.

Nothing was going to get in our way now; not our own stupidity, my parents, or our friends. From this day forward, it would be us; not her, or me. We were getting married and it felt totally and completely right.

Pam took a moment to gush about how honored she was having been asked to read something for us, before she actually began reading, but after a moment, she finally got to it and announced she'd be reciting a passage from my favorite movie of all time.

The moment The Princess Bride left her mouth, I knew exactly what she'd chosen, and it seemed Sookie did as well – Lord only knows, between me and Hunter, we'd certainly made her watch it enough.

Sookie and I, both, turned toward my twin - both wearing huge smiles on our faces. I couldn't help but chuckle and shake my head at the absolute perfection and the humor of her choice. I was joined by the rest of the room once she actually began.

Using her best impression of Peter Cook, from the movie, she delivered the lines perfectly.

"Mawage. Mawage is wot bwings us togeder tooday. Mawage, that bwessed awangment, that dweam wifin a dweam. And wuv, twu wuv, will fowow you foweva … So tweasure yow wuv …."

I couldn't even begin to fathom how difficult it must have been for her to get through it without laughing, but she somehow managed.

I definitely couldn't have.

Once she'd finished, she took a deep breath before graciously saying, "Thank you," then she stepped away from the podium and shifted her attention to Sookie and me. "I love you guys," she mouthed with a wink and a smile then headed back to her seat.

With Lafayette back at the front, it was time to continue and as much as I'd enjoyed Pam's reading, I found myself growing impatient. I really just wanted to be married, already.

"Now, let's move onto the vows," Lafayette announced, not a moment too soon. "Eric, repeat after me, please," he requested.

I nodded then he began feeding me the lines.

I repeated everything he said, truly meaning each and every word I spoke and I did it with a smile on my face. We'd carefully chosen our vows, wanting them to be a direct reflection of us, our growing family, and our situation as a couple.

"I, Eric James Northman, take you, Sookie Louise Stackhouse, to be my friend, my lover, the mother of my children and my wife, loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to know the woman you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us and I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live."

By the time I'd finished, we were both teary-eyed, but we were happy and that was most important.

The tears that had formed in the corners of my eyes started to trickle down my cheeks as she repeated the same vows I'd promised, just moments before. I just loved her so damn much and her smiling face and the sincerity in her voice meant absolutely everything to me.

I was such a fucking emo loser – I know – but I couldn't help it, nor did I care to. Sookie Stackhouse – soon to be Northman - loved this fucking emo loser and that was all that mattered to me.

I'd been consumed by pride as I watched her walk toward me, but it was nothing like what I felt, now, as she stood before me, her hands in mine, pledging to become my wife in front of everyone. There weren't really words that could describe it properly. Happy, ecstatic, thankful, grateful, amazed – those were a few which came close, but none actually hit the nail on the head.

It really was one of the greatest honors a woman could ever bestow a man - marrying him and having his child, to boot. She was promising to love me and cherish me, and she was inviting me to be a constant part of her life and Hunter's life, forever.

Knowing all she was agreeing to, in spite of my many flaws, completely humbled me.

Sookie's POV

Eric and I must have been the biggest babies in the world. By the time we'd each taken our turns saying our vows we were both practically blubbering idiots, but I didn't care. I was just so incredibly happy, and I knew he was too. His smiling face and the love emanating from his eyes said it all.

"Now, for the rings," Lafayette announced.

We both turned our attention to Hunter, which gave us each a brief moment to get ourselves together, as Pam whispered something in his ear then patted him on the back. He hopped out of his chair then walked over to us.

"Pammie said to bring Laffy these," he proclaimed, smiling from ear to ear as he held out the tiny pillow which held our rings.

I really hoped the photographer, or someone else got a picture of it. It was absolutely adorable – him standing there, smiling so proudly, dressed in his little suit which matched Eric's to a T.

"Thanks, Sweetie," I soothed, smiling down at him.

"You did good, Little Man," Eric added, proudly.

Lafayette reached out, unfastening the rings from the pillow and taking them from Hunter. "Thanks, Lil' Dude," he said with a wink, then once Hunter was back in his seat, between Pam and Beatrix, he held them up and continued, "Because a ring is perfectly symmetrical, it signifies the perfection of true love and because it has no end or beginning, it signifies the continuation of that love," he explained. "Eric, please take Sookie's ring and place it on her finger, and as you do, please declare your intentions."

Eric took my ring and did as Lafayette instructed.

"With this ring, I thee wed," he stated solemnly, as he slowly slid the diamond and sapphire band, which matched my engagement ring perfectly, onto my finger.

"Now, Sookie," Lafayette directed, handing me Eric's ring, "Please place this ring on Eric's finger and declare your intentions."

"With this ring, I thee wed," I proclaimed, smiling up at Eric, as I slipped the simple titanium band onto his finger.

Had I been told the day we met this was where we'd be now, only a few months later, I'd never have believed it, but saying those words and putting that ring on his finger - it all felt so incredibly right. I really couldn't imagine my life being any different, and I knew, beyond a shadow of doubt, that everything, up until now, had led me to exactly where I was supposed to be.

And, that was with Eric, as his wife. We were meant to be a family – me, him, Hunter, and our daughter. I'd never been surer of anything.

Really, looking back, I should have known when I couldn't get him out of my head, after we'd first met there was a reason for it, and I should have trusted my gut. I shouldn't have fought my feelings or my attraction to him because they were just trying to send me down the proper path.

Never-the-less, I eventually found my way - right into his arms and pregnant with his daughter - and in finding my way, I found true happiness. Happiness like none I'd ever felt before or ever expected.

Lafayette announced, "By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church and the State of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Then adding his own tiny bit of flare to the ceremony, he continued, "And uh … Eric … you can kiss her now … I know you been wantin' to."

Eric nodded, grinning, as one of his hands went to the side of my face, cupping it; while the other found the small of my back then he lowered his head until his lips pressed against my own.

I'd been waiting all morning for that kiss and damn, it was a good one. It was soft, gentle and reverent. Totally the kind you didn't want to end - but it was also deepening, and quickly becoming the kind you didn't want on display in public.

His tongue slid into my mouth and I melted into him, allowing my hands to slide up his arms, to his neck, and then to the back of his head.

We'd both agreed prior to the wedding: tongue equaled tacky, but once we started kissing, I guess we just sort of forgot that whole conversation.

Yeah. We'd totally surpassed the limit of decency acceptable for public displays of affection – even for a wedding - but luckily, Lafayette was still running the show.

Just as my fingers threaded into Eric's hair, Lafayette announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen … Mr. and Mrs. Eric Northman."

That got our attention and effectively ended our first kiss as husband and wife.

And I definitely couldn't wait for the next.

Eric's POV

"Eric, on the count of three kiss Sookie," Maria-Star, the photographer's assistant said. "One … Two … Three," she counted.

On three, I kissed my beautiful wife as Al, the photographer, snapped another picture.

The wedding party had been excused already, and there were only a few more pictures left to be taken of me and Sookie, so my nerves were really kicking in. I hated that, since she was so happy.

I was too - on one hand. I mean, I'd just married the woman I loved. There was no not being happy about that, but on the other hand, the closer we got to finishing all the pictures the more troubled I became.

"There's only a couple left, guys," Al said. "I know the two of you must be anxious to get over to your reception."

Uh … not really, I couldn't help thinking, although I nodded with a smile. There was no need to let anyone in on the fact that mine and Sookie's big day was laced with disapproval and worry; at least where my dad was concerned. No matter what I was feeling, I had to play it totally cool.

"Sookie, turn toward me just a little," Al instructed, motioning with his hand.

She did as she was told, angling her body slightly toward him while I stood there awaiting further instruction and grew more and more conflicted as the moments ticked by.

"Is this good?" she asked smiling.

"Perfect."

I really dreaded the moment I'd have to introduce Sookie to my dad. I honestly had no clue how he would act or what he would say and I really didn't want him upsetting her, or hounding her about signing over her rights to anything that was mine. And I was pretty sure all of that would come, the very moment he showed his face.

He'd made it pretty clear he wasn't going to accept her.

"Now, Eric, kneel down in front of Sookie then put your right hand on her stomach," Al requested.

I obliged and dropped to my knees then placed my hand along the swell of her belly, cupping it, still acting as if nothing was bothering me. "Like this?" I questioned.

"Bring one knee up and move your hand toward her side, just a little. I don't want you to cover her belly too much … and Sookie, put your hand on top of his."

With any luck he'd simply left after the ceremony, content with his decision to disown me. At this point, it really did seem to be the best alternative, although I had hoped it wouldn't come to that – but not because of the money, but rather, because my hopes of having some sort of relationship with him would be over.

I guess it was just hard to give up on something you'd been hoping for, for practically your whole life, but if it was for Sookie and Hunter, it was worth it. I'd do anything – give up anything for them both.

"Alright, now, look into each other's eyes," Al instructed. "What do you think, Maria-Star?"

I could see her nodding and smiling out of the corner of my eye, so it wasn't surprising when she answered, "Oh … that's gonna be a good one."

Al snapped the picture. "Okay … just one more," he assured.

My anxiety grew and I was starting to sweat a little, but then again, maybe that was just the fire in the fireplace. We'd been standing in front of it taking pictures for at least a half hour - a half hour which was almost over.

Fuck!

"I think they should stay as they are, but Eric should kiss her baby-bump for this last one," Maria-Star suggested, still smiling.

"Good idea," Al agreed. "Sookie, I want you to keep looking down at him. Eric, kiss her on the count of three again, please."

No problem! I'd kiss her and pose with her and take a million more pictures with her - even in front of this hot-ass fireplace - if it meant we wouldn't have to deal with my dad.

But, the reality was, we had to face him sooner or later.

Maria-Star counted down, once again, and I kissed Sookie's belly, or rather my daughter, as the last picture was snapped, hoping I looked happy to be doing it. The last thing we needed was my preoccupation to ruin our pictures, but I was beginning to fear my playing it cool wasn't enough to hide the way I was feeling.

Fuck; I seriously needed a Xanax! I fucking hated my new meds at the moment! One pill for everything, my ass! That definitely wasn't the case; at least not right now.

I hoped for Sookie's sake and my own, things this afternoon continued on as swimmingly as the ceremony had this morning and that I'd eventually calm down. I really just wanted to enjoy our day and I didn't need Dad, or anyone else for that matter, screwing it up.

We made arrangements to meet with Al and Maria-Star to view the proofs then we headed toward the opening in the curtain, which led to the area where our reception was now in full swing.

Just as Sookie was about to step through, I halted, effectively jerking her to a stop, since we were holding hands. I just couldn't do it. Not yet. I just needed another minute or two to get my shit together – a task I wasn't sure was even possible given the level of my agitation, but I at least needed to try before I lost it and had a full blown anxiety attack.

That was the last thing I needed and I was quite sure it would definitely ruin our day.

"Wait a minute," I said, smiling.

"What ... what is it?" She questioned as she turned, taking a step toward me.

I answered her question, but instead of using words, I simply pulled her into my embrace and kissed her. My lips, lightly brushed against hers, but then quickly, I pulled away and smiled down at her.

"I love you," I murmured then leaned in for seconds.

This time, as my mouth met hers I touched the sides of her face with my hands, allowing the tips of my fingers to twine into her hair, which was loosely pulled back in a bun, under her veil. I took my time kissing her, slowly and meticulously exploring every inch of her mouth with my own. It wasn't until the need for breath arose, the kiss ended.

I don't know what it was about the kisses we shared. It was probably just the simple fact they distracted me and took my mind off whatever happened to be going on - in this particular case: my father. But I swear they were like magic. They had a way of centering me like nothing else could.

I pulled back from her, but only slightly, resting my forehead against hers then, very relieved, I admitted, "I really needed that."

Sookie's POV

I'd really needed it too – the kiss Eric and I had shared before heading over to our reception, but I kept that little nugget of information to myself. He'd seemed way too on edge before kissing me and I didn't want to worry him any more than he was already. Confirming I was scared to meet his dad would have just made things worse for us both, given I was pretty sure that was the reason for his trepidation, as well.

Despite his mother's change of heart, his father was still giving us a really hard time. He wasn't happy with our situation, to say the least, and last I'd heard, he'd requested we sign a pre-nuptial agreement – which I was actually all for; at least it seemed the simplest way to get him off our backs and get me into his good graces.

It just didn't seem like it was that big of a deal; at least not to me. I didn't care about their money and more importantly, I just knew things between Eric and I would work out, so signing a pre-nup was completely a non-issue.

I tried to explain my reasoning to Eric, to no avail. He just didn't see it the same way. He'd taken great offense to the fact his dad had even asked. Needless to say, he flat out refused to sign it more than once, which put further strain on their already complicated and wavering relationship.

On top of that, he made me promise not to agree to anything his dad suggested without speaking to him first. He was really being very controlling over the whole thing, but I knew he had his reasons and I really didn't want to fight about it, so I agreed.

And I guess, in retrospect, in a way, I really wasn't looking at the big picture. I had to agree with his logic that signing a pre-nup was setting yourself up for failure before you even started, but then again, I just wanted his dad to let up and for us all to get along.

I despised I was what came between him and his parents. They'd had a hard enough time seeing eye-to-eye without the issue of me, and for me to get wrapped up in the middle of it all really sucked ass big time.

No sooner than we'd stepped through the curtain, we were summoned by Pam, who motioned us over to the refreshment table, at the front of the area where the reception was being held.

"It's about damn time! What took you two so long?" she questioned snarkily, in typical Pam fashion, as we approached. She was standing at the end of the table, nearest to the bar, pouring glasses of champagne. "Now … we need to get the toasts out of the way and cut the cake … you know … all the formalities … so everyone can finally enjoy themselves," she insisted, shoving a flute of champagne into Eric's hand.

I took a look around and maybe I was mistaken, but it seemed that everyone I could see was eating, dancing, and enjoying themselves already, but I knew how Pam could be. She was so high strung about everything. Really, you'd have thought she was the one who got married.

Talk about a Bridezilla – Eric's and my wedding had a Pamzilla and she was frightening.

"Are you having a glass, Sookie, or should I get you something else?" she asked, much more gentle and friendly.

Dr. Ludwig had told me a couple glasses of champagne wouldn't hurt and she'd even told me I could have a glass of red wine every now and then if I wanted, but I was still a little nervous about drinking alcohol while pregnant.

I shrugged and craned my head up to Eric, who was standing beside me, his arm wrapped around my waist. With questioning eyes, I begged for help with my decision.

"If you want some, have some," he assured, giving my hip, where his hand rested, a gentle squeeze. "Dr. Ludwig wouldn't have said it was okay if it wasn't, so I see no reason you shouldn't indulge a little."

I'd only had champagne a few times in my life and I really did love it. It was just so sweet, bubbly, and refreshing. Really, it was almost like drinking soda. Soda that made you feel really, really warm and happy.

It was actually the memory of warmth and happiness I'd felt the last time I'd had some which led to my decision.

"Well, maybe just one, for now," I agreed, smiling up at him, hoping it would render me warm enough and happy enough to make meeting his dad for the first time a little less intimidating.

I was holding out hope that once he met me and saw Eric and me together, he'd change his mind, just as Beatrix had, but I knew only time would tell, and in order for any of it to actually happen, I had to get past meeting him first. It really was a most unnerving situation, and one I honestly had no control over.

That's what made it all so freaking scary.

All I could do was be myself and hope eventually it'd be enough.

Eric's POV

Champagne in hand, Sookie and I were led by my overbearing twin sister to our cake, where we were pretty much ordered to "stay put," until she could gather Stan and Tara, to make their toasts.

We hadn't been there long before our guests began making their way over to us. It was actually quite refreshing – all the love, support, and kind and encouraging words our friends and coworkers were offering.

"The ceremony was lovely and your vows … they were really beautiful. Very fitting," Halleigh Bellefluer pointed out. She'd wandered over to us with another teacher from school, Frannie Quinn.

Frannie agreed then added, "And Sookie, your dress is absolutely gorgeous. I've never seen or even imagined a silver wedding gown before, but seeing that one on you … well, it's perfect."

"Thanks," Sookie responded graciously then clarified, "Both of you."

"And thanks for coming, too," I added. "I'm sure I speak for both Sookie and myself when I say it means a lot you're both here."

"We wouldn't have missed it for the world, Principal Northman," Frannie assured.

"Oh please, call me Eric," I insisted. "There's no reason to be so formal outside of school."

She nodded, but before she could say anything else, Sookie reached for my hand and placed it on her belly as Halleigh and Frannie stood by watching curiously. I gathered the baby was moving again, but as usual, I felt nothing.

I shook my head and smiled as I removed my hand. "I still don't feel it."

Halleigh laughed. "They're elusive, Eric. Just ask Andy. I really think for a while he didn't think he'd ever feel Drew. For the longest time he didn't even believe me that it was happening."

"Ha!" Sookie exclaimed then bluntly revealed, "Eric accused me of having gas last week, Halleigh."

"You didn't?" Frannie questioned.

"I'm almost ashamed to say I did," I admitted sheepishly, grinning. "But in my defense, that's what she described."

After a short laugh at my expense, Frannie turned her attention to Sookie. "You know, Sookie, several of us at school want to throw y'all a baby shower."

"You've all already done too much, Frannie," Sookie insisted.

I agreed completely. The week after Sookie and I had announced our engagement and her pregnancy, the teachers had surprised me with a rather generous gift card from Babies-R-Us.

"That's nonsense. Most of us have known you forever, Sookie, and Eric's our boss. We want to do this for y'all."

A baby shower was a nice gesture and I did appreciate it. I knew there was a lot of stuff we needed for the baby and we hadn't even begun to start shopping, but it was really more of Sookie's thing than mine, so as Sookie, Halleigh, and Frannie discussed it, I sort of lost interest in the conversation and my attention wandered elsewhere.

I turned, casually glancing around the room, taking in all the people who cared about us. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, dancing and celebrating our day. Everyone but my dad, who I'd spotted almost immediately. He appeared bored and maybe even a little annoyed; standing by the bar with what I assumed was a scotch on the rocks – probably from Sam's good stash – in his hand.

He was looking right at us, so unfortunately, he'd noticed I'd seen him. To make matters worse, as soon as our eyes locked, he began meandering his way through the small crowd of people amongst the labyrinth of tables, heading straight toward us.

I'd had a brief lull in my anxiety since kissing Sookie earlier, but apparently, that wasn't going to last. Not that I really ever thought there was a way, but I realized then, there was absolutely no way I was getting out of introducing him and Sookie today.

I took a deep breath, attempting to remain cool and calm then turned away from my approaching father, and placed my hand on Sookie's shoulder. "Uh … Sookie," I said, interrupting her conversation with Frannie and Halleigh, attempting to give her some sort of warning on what was about to happen, but by the time she turned around, it was already too late.

He was standing right in front of us.

So, I'm really hoping I'll have the next chapter complete and posted quicker this time ...

But regardless, they're married now! Yay!

Be sure to tell me what you thought of their wedding ...