Alright, it took long enough but I finally got Eric under control and finished the chapter. He's a pigheaded guy when he wants to be! He wanted to fight with his dad and Sookie and that's all he wanted to do ... for like 10000 words ... I talked him down ... and finally managed to cut it down to about 2500 with little to no fighting, then filled in the rest ... well ... with the rest of what I'd had planned ...

But hey ... I bet ya'll would have liked an 18000 word chapter! LOL!

Before we get on with it I do need to thank Northwoman. I was totally later than I'd planned getting her the chapter and she still got it back to me in a flash!

Now, as usual none of the characters are mine. They belong to Charlaine Harris. I'm only borrowing them and putting my own spin on them.

And finally, a fun fact about this chapter ...

In this chapter you'll find an unintentional shout-out to Seastarr08's and her story A Matter of Chance. I about died when I read what I'm referring to in her story knowing what I'd planned/written in this chapter! If you're reading her story, it'll be pretty easy to find ... if you aren't reading her story ... you totally should be ... and the shout-out really won't matter to you!

Now ... on with the chapter ...

Sookie's POV

I took a sip of champagne, thanked Halleigh and Frannie, again, for coming, and then turned around to find myself face to face with a man. One I immediately recognized as Eric's father.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck!

"You must be Sookie?" he questioned, the moment I turned around, catching me a little off guard and causing me to choke a little on the bubbly liquid I'd been in the process of swallowing.

Shit! I definitely wasn't ready to meet him yet.

"Yes, Dad, this is Sookie," Eric interjected, defensively, as he stepped toward me, protectively wrapping his arm around my shoulders, never giving me a chance to speak for myself.

Not that I really could anyway, seeing as how I was coughing up the champagne which had gone down my windpipe.

I was a little discombobulated, due to fear, and Eric was acting a bit defensive, but someone had to play it cool if we wanted this to go well. Taking the initiative, once I finished coughing, I took deep breath to rein myself in. It was time to win Jim Northman over, I told myself, hoping I believed myself enough to boost my confidence.

Stepping out of Eric's embrace, I knew I'd have liked a little more time to prepare myself for this meeting, but he'd practically snuck up on me when my back was turned, so there was nothing I could do other than suck it up and be polite.

After sitting my champagne down on the table beside me, I extended my hand to him with a nervous smile, hoping it was enough to mask my lingering fears because I got the distinct impression Jim Northman was the type of man who could smell fear from a mile away and got off on it. "Hi, Mr. Northman, it's so nice to finally meet you."

Yeah, right. Who was I kidding? It wasn't nice; not after all he'd put us through.

Smiling back at me, he took my hand in his. "Well, aren't you sweet and very pretty, too? I'm starting to see, now, why Eric's been so adamant on throwing everything away for you." He let go of my hand and motioned to the table. "Why don't we all have a seat … chat for a bit and get to know each other," he suggested. "And call me Jim, please, Sookie. Mr. Northman was my father."

Although he seemed charming enough and was acting very friendly, I hadn't missed the little off-hand remark he'd tossed in about Eric throwing everything away for me. It definitely hadn't gone unnoticed and had done little to squelch my uncertainties. I wasn't sure what he'd meant by it – if anything; or if I should take offense.

All I knew was, he sure as hell intimidated the crap out of me and I wasn't sure if I could hide that fact much longer, but regardless of my trepidation, we needed to get to know each other and hopefully, come to some sort of compromise for all our sakes and the sake of the baby.

We were family now, even though it had all happened so quickly, and we needed to act like one. That meant getting to know each other, learning how to get along, and being supportive of one another in my book.

I was just about to accept his offer to sit so we could talk it out, but Eric didn't give me the chance.

Still very much on the defensive, he stepped up behind me, pulling me against him and wrapping his arms securely around my waist, while he retorted, "No, Dad. We chatted enough this morning. I said everything I needed to then, and you made yourself pretty clear as well."

Well, alrighty then.

I'd had no clue they'd spoken this morning, but it certainly made sense. Jim hadn't been with Beatrix when she'd come by the house and the more I thought about it, Eric seemed way more on-edge than I'd have thought he'd be; even with this meeting looming over us.

Their visit must not have gone as well as mine and Bea's had.

"Eric, I only want to get to know your new wife … my daughter-in-law," Jim claimed. "I wouldn't -"

Eric wasn't having it. He cut Jim off before he could even finish his sentence. "Dad, not now, not here and not today, please. I know there's more on your agenda than just simply meeting Sookie," he accused, standing his ground. "You're acquainted now and that's enough for today."

I wanted to jump in and say something, because honestly, even though both men were being pretty calm and keeping their voices civil, I felt Eric was being a little controlling and out of line, but neither of them gave me a chance.

Really, it was all a little daunting. They were both big, tall men – ones who both meant business and I was just … well … me - five foot seven with a sweet southern drawl - hardly a match for the two Viking warriors before me.

Eric may have been right, that his father had an agenda outside of simply meeting me, but it was no reason to be an asshole because that certainly didn't help our situation.

Getting angry and defensive never helped anything, in my opinion.

"Eric, you've repeatedly stated I haven't given Sookie a chance and now that I'm trying, you're refusing," Jim reasoned. "You can't have it both ways, Son."

"I know this isn't about getting to know Sookie and I know what you want to talk about. I'm not an idiot. You're beating a dead horse here, Dad, and this isn't the time or place," Eric pleaded, shaking his head.

He'd been right in his beating a dead horse analogy, only it wasn't just his father doing the beating. He was too. He just couldn't see it.

I'd pretty much come to terms with Jim's requests of us, and even if they probably shouldn't have been, they'd become expected. I mean, I'd never thought I'd get through today without being cornered by him, insisting I agree to something, and as I'd already promised Eric, if that happened, I'd refuse.

No big deal.

I was a little scared of him – yes. I didn't know him and he was quite an intimidating man, but in spite of that, I was prepared to stand up for myself and for us if necessary, and although I appreciated the gesture, Eric's caveman, protective shit needed to stop.

It wasn't getting us anywhere and furthermore, I was able to speak for myself. I didn't need him to do it for me. I just hadn't quite worked up the nerve to interrupt him and his dad to tell him that, yet.

I ended up not having to.

Jim, who'd just taken a drink of his scotch insisted, "Eric, I couldn't agree more. You can let your guard down. You made your point clearly this morning and I'm not going to do anything to try and sway it … at least not today."

It was then the mood completely changed, going from tense to relaxed, almost immediately.

Eric finally chilled, mostly out of shock, I think; and I have to admit, I did too.

I was a little disappointed because I'd really wanted to know things were truly settled after today, but in the grand scheme of things, I was really just a whole lot relieved because this was our first meeting. I knew taking all the money and legal talk off the board took a whole lot of the pressure off me.

Really, it made things a whole lot less complicated – at least for today.

Now, instead of being forced by their stubbornness into a role of moderator, hopelessly trying to get two dominant bulls to reach a compromise, all I had to do was get Jim to like me.

I was fairly confident I could at least do that and hoped it would go a long way when we truly dealt with everything else in the future.

Eric's POV

I was completely shocked at Dad's words, so much so, I almost couldn't believe my own ears.

Having been the absolute, last thing I'd expected to hear from him, the disbelief apparently showed on my face because he questioned, "Hard to believe, eh?"

I nodded. "Uh … a little," I answered, still surprised as all get out. "You're never this easy. What's the catch?" I asked waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I was still a bit apprehensive about it because it was just so damn unexpected; almost unreal.

"There isn't one, Son." He took a sip of his scotch. "I tried to tell you before, but you cut me off." He shrugged. "You're my son. I simply want you to enjoy your wedding day, even if I think you've made a huge mistake," he said, quickly glancing at Sookie. "With any luck, the two of you will prove me wrong and today will be your only one."

"So, this means no talk of contracts or finances?" I clarified; on the off chance I hadn't heard him right.

"Absolutely not," he assured. "Do you think I don't know there's a time and place for everything?" he asked shaking his head. "I wouldn't have made it this far in life not knowing that, Son. Discretion is everything," he stated, seriously, nodding, before downing the last of his scotch.

I couldn't help but wish he'd had more discretion this morning, when he'd shown up, threatening me and waving those damn papers in my face, but there was no way to change it now.

"I really do only want to get to know your wife and see what's so special about her … it certainly must be something, as impulsive as you've been. It's very uncharacteristic of you." He motioned again, toward the table then sat his glass down on it. "Now, let's sit down."

Aside from a few off-colored comments, which I definitely hadn't missed, but thought best to ignore, he hadn't really done anything rude, hurtful, or offensive, yet. I'd been a complete ass to him and although I'd felt I had every right to be while I was doing it, my actions had apparently been unfounded.

The thing was, I'd decided the moment I'd noticed him approaching us I wasn't taking any chances; not after this morning. I was not about to have him harassing Sookie to sign anything which completely disrespected the vows we'd just made to one another. I just wouldn't – not ever, but especially not on our wedding day.

I'd probably taken it way too far, but I couldn't help the way I'd acted. I knew I wasn't exactly being nice, but I really was doing my best. He just made me so damn nervous and pissed off.

He and I had been going back and forth on this for a while, and even though he was, now, offering us a brief reprieve, he obviously wasn't relenting. He'd made that completely clear, but then again, I hadn't relented either, nor did I plan to.

I damn well wasn't going to let Sookie give up her rights to anything that was mine.

There was a rub, though. A rub she knew absolutely nothing about, at least not yet; and I wasn't looking forward to telling her about it because I knew it would upset her.

Disinheritance.

I'd be lying if I tried to say I wasn't a little worried about Dad's threat from this morning. I'd tried to act cool about it and even tried to convince myself it was for the best, and I was succeeding at both, mostly, but it was hard because I didn't really know the terms.

I didn't know if it meant he'd simply write me out of his will, or if it meant I'd be cut out of his life for good.

I'd tried to convince myself it didn't matter either way, but really, deep down, it did matter. He'd never been around much, but I'd always wanted him there, even though I rarely showed it; and now even as an adult, I still felt the same.

He was my dad, and to not have him at all - it just didn't sit right with me.

Actually, it hurt like hell.

I realized then, the last thing I wanted were the remnants of our already eroding relationship to crumble completely away. I didn't want that at all.

There had to be some other way. The two of us were just too damn stubborn to find it. I knew we were never going to agree, but at the same time, I knew the constant head-butting between us had to stop.

I wasn't sure it was even possible, but I knew we needed to find some sort of common ground and maybe this could be a start. "Fine," I relented, finally letting go of Sookie's waist. Hoping he'd stick to his word, I stepped over to the table, pulled out a chair, and took a seat.

As conversation ensued, I was still a bit nervous, but after a few minutes I was completely at ease. Dad was standing by his word; and despite my worries he'd never accept her, he was at least treating Sookie with respect and making an honest effort to get to know her.

Honestly, as I sat, listening, as they chatted, it made me feel there might be a light at the end of tunnel after all.

Until lately, neither of my parents had ever taken a genuine interest in anything in my life, so really, in spite of the negativity and threats, their interest actually meant a lot. It was a real headache sometimes, but looking at the big picture and what was happening right before my eyes, it actually felt totally worth it because for the first time in my life, I felt things could change for the better between us and it would be all thanks to Sookie.

I knew she was just as agitated with all of this as I was, not to mention she was probably a little pissed at me for how I'd acted, earlier, but despite it all, she was just pushing on through it like a champ. Not only was she the most beautiful and kind woman I'd ever met, but today, she'd shown me how incredibly strong she was; not that I didn't know it already.

None of this had been fair to her; yet she just kept on going, making the best of everything and smiling while she did it. She was totally my better half; and god, I fucking loved her more than anything.

I really was too damn lucky to have her because she was a better person than I'd ever be.

I'd been sitting quietly, content to remain on the sideline, but then talk of the baby began and I couldn't help but take part. I wasn't into all the girly stuff like showers and nursery colors, but when it came to my actual daughter, I could go on for days and days and days.

Just call me a proud papa!

But then, my dad asked a question that made me want to run and hide under a rock.

"So, how far along are you exactly?" he asked.

I'd just taken a drink of my champagne and I swear I almost spat it across the room.

"Nobody's really mentioned it and no offense … you're absolutely beautiful and I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you look a little further along than I expected," he pointed out, seeming to carefully choose his words.

Fuck! I'd been waiting for that question to pop up and hoping it wouldn't.

Sookie looked over at me, eyes wide, knowing I had been pretty careful not to mention how far along she was to my parents. With all the drama, we'd both been a little nervous to go there with them. We were afraid it would just open up a whole new can of worms that didn't need opening, at least not at the moment, because they were fully aware of how long we'd been seeing each other.

Mom had seen Sookie's first ultra-sound, so it was possible she'd figured it out, but she'd never mentioned it, so neither did we. The plan was to tell them when we had no other choice – hopefully once she'd won them both over.

Everyone else knew, but my parents were pretty easy to keep out of the loop, since they lived in Chicago; however, I hadn't considered the fact they'd be here today, or that Sookie would be slightly bigger than we'd expected.

Hell, I really wasn't sure if Sookie had considered any of that either, seeing as how quickly she'd started showing. I swear it was like one day she was only a little pudgy, but then, all of the sudden, her stomach had become swollen and she'd started to look pregnant practically overnight.

The moment Dad asked, I became painfully aware Sookie's size was probably a dead giveaway at this point. Not that I'd ever tell her, but she was definitely on the larger side of the spectrum. She'd booted up the laptop just yesterday and showed me picture after picture of different women just as far along as her and she had most of them beat.

I knew we couldn't hide it, so I shrugged and nodded, letting Sookie know to go ahead and tell him. She grabbed my hand under the table, obviously nervous about how he'd react to the news.

"No offense taken," she assured, smiling then reluctantly answered his question. "I'm not as far along as I look; actually … uh … I'm only seventeen weeks."

"Seventeen weeks … that's about four months." He glared at me, knowingly. "That's practically your entire relationship." He chuckled, but it was one of those fake, trying-to-hide-your-true-feelings chuckles and I could see right through it. "So, that means you're due this summer?"

Although he was acting like it was, I knew this wasn't the end of it. He'd be bringing that one back up at some point. There was no way around it, but I was happy he'd decided not to pursue it today.

She smiled and answered, "Yep. I'm due the twenty-fourth of July. It's nice because Eric will have a full month home with me and the baby before going back to work."

"So, are you staying home with the baby after it's born?"

"No, Dad," I answered, figuring I'd take this one. "She doesn't want to quit her job, even though I've made it perfectly clear she can."

I hoped I didn't sound too bitter, but I really wanted her to quit and stay home with the kids. I knew she adored each and every moment she spent with Hunter and I also knew once our daughter came it was going to be a whole lot of work for us both. Her being home with them would not only be better for them, but for us.

I really hoped she'd change her mind. I knew, without a doubt, she'd find just as much happiness and fulfillment as a stay-at-home mom if she'd just give it a chance. I mean, she was already domestic as hell with all the cooking, cleaning, and baking she did, anyway.

I certainly hadn't forgotten the cupcakes from the day we met, or those damn caramel apples she'd spilled all over my shirt, not to mention all the brownies, cookies, and pies she'd made just since moving in with her.

She was a regular Betty Crocker and that was only her baking. The other things she cooked were just as amazing and I'd never had so much clean underwear in my life.

My socks matched too.

Before, it was nothing for me to show up to work with one black and one navy blue, but since moving in with Sookie, they matched every single day.

She was a domestic goddess. That was for sure.

But regardless, I'd never force that lifestyle upon her. I knew that wouldn't be right – not that I could ever force her into anything, anyway. If she chose to eventually quit her job and become a stay-at-home-mom it would be her choice, not mine.

I'd fully support her either way.

"As of now, I'm taking five or six weeks off then going back to work; as long as all goes according to plan. Like Eric said, the option's out there, but I like working and the independence it gives me, and I like my job," she added, nodding.

For the first time in a very long time, I was talking with my dad, we were getting along, and I wasn't all that uncomfortable. That is, until he picked another question we weren't quite ready to answer.

This one, at least, didn't have a shit-storm-in-waiting attached to it.

"Do you know if you're having a boy or girl?"

To most it wouldn't be a bad question. I know. But to Sookie and me, it was.

We knew the answer, but we'd only just found out and we'd wanted to keep that bit of information to ourselves for a while. The problem was he'd caught us completely off guard with the question and our reaction was a sure tell we knew the answer he was seeking.

Sookie and I immediately looked to each other, neither sure what to say or do.

To make matters worse, Pam, Tara, Jason, and Stan returned. They'd arrived the moment the question left Dad's mouth and they'd heard each and every word and seen our reactions as well.

In seconds, our secret was blown completely out of the water.

If that wasn't enough, Dad decided to rub it in. "You'd be a horrible poker player, Son. You know. Don't you?"

So much for secrets, I figured as I winced and shrugged. "I think we're busted," I whispered to Sookie.

"I told your mom this morning," she revealed, quietly, wincing and shrugging as well.

We'd talk about that later, not that it mattered now. I was fairly certain everyone in the building would know in a few minutes anyway.

"What the hell!" I exclaimed throwing my hands up in defeat. "Just tell them."

Smiling and rubbing her belly, Sookie announced, "We found out this past Friday, we're having a little girl."

Sookie's POV

"There you are," Eric said smiling as he'd turned the corner into the back hallway.

I'd just stepped out of Sam's office and was heading back to the reception. "I had to re-do my makeup … no thanks to you," I pointed out sarcastically.

With our impromptu announcement out of the way, the time came for the toasts and just like that, the news we were having a girl spread like wildfire through Merlotte's – no thanks to Tara and Stan. Somehow, they'd managed to fit the news into their speeches even though they'd only just found out.

After the toasts, came the rest of the formalities like the tossing of my bouquet and garter, and then the cake - which I'd just washed off my face.

When we'd finally cut the cake, Eric had apparently thought it would be absolutely hilarious to smash it into my face, as opposed to feeding it to me.

At the time, I didn't think it was that funny, but I also didn't get angry.

Instead, I got even by doing the same thing to him; only he had it easier than me, since he wore no makeup. All he'd had to do was wash his face while I was busy washing mine and putting it back on.

He grinned then chuckling, he apologized. "Sorry for that, by the way. I just couldn't help myself."

I wasn't mad and really, the more I thought about it, now that my face was sans frosting and my makeup was redone, it actually was pretty funny and sort of a wedding tradition, but that didn't mean I couldn't give him hell for it.

"Oh … I bet you couldn't," I chided, sarcastically of course, glaring at him, wickedly, as I poked his chest.

"So I guess I'm in trouble now?" He questioned, waggling his eyebrows and smirking then quickly touched his lips to mine.

"You bet you are, Buddy and don't think being all sweet'll change it," I informed as I pulled away, grinning up at him. "For now, though, we should get back out there," I insisted.

His grip around me tightened, barring me from going anywhere, and then in a much more serious and solemn tone he revealed, "You know, I'm so lucky to have you. I'm so proud of you … for the way you've handled everything today; and I'm sorry I was such a dick at first."

"What the hell was that about, anyway?" I asked, curiously. "I mean, I know you have underlying issues, but you were pretty out of line," I agreed, nodding.

He shook his head and sighed. "That Lover, is mine and Dad's relationship," he explained, matter-of-factly. "It's always been like that with us." He shook his head again and shrugged. "I don't know; I guess when I get around him I just sort of freak out and throw up a wall. I get all defensive and shit … especially when we don't agree – which is most of the time. It's always been that way."

"Oh."

"Just so you know, I really was trying to be nice," he claimed, but then relented, "but I guess I didn't try hard enough." He shook his head, looking a little defeated. "It's just that this morning, he …." He hesitated then continued, stammering like he didn't want to tell me whatever it was he was trying to tell me. "He … he threatened to disinherit me if we didn't sign the pre-nup," he said, sounding a little disconnected, looking straight down at his feet.

That was not something I wanted to hear, especially given how well our meeting had gone. Jim had really seemed like he was trying, but disinheritance didn't sound good at all. I knew neither Eric, nor I, cared about the money aspect of it, but I couldn't help but worry about what something like that would do to their already wavering relationship.

And fuck! Not only was it something that didn't sound good, it was something that I felt responsible for causing.

"Oh god … I'm so sorry," I said not knowing what else to say, or how to resolve the mess I'd made. "Do you think meeting me changed his mind … or at least helped a little?"

"I don't know, Baby, but I don't want you to be sorry for anything and I definitely don't want you worrying whether he's changed his mind. It's actually probably the best solution, if it comes to that, anyway. If that's what he wants I'm fine with it … I think," he said, shaking his head.

Now he was trying to act as it didn't matter to him at all and I didn't buy it.

"How can you be fine with it? He's your dad, Eric. We can't let him cut you off," I said frantically. "Our daughter … I want her to have a real family."

Although I'd known we were only putting off the legal talk for today, I'd started to think maybe he'd just drop it altogether after how well everything had gone, but now, I wasn't so sure anymore.

This was becoming way too much.

My emotions were all over the place today. I'd been sentimental, happy, nervous, anxious, and even a little angry, and now, I was actually fighting back tears. It was probably just hormones and me being overdramatic, but I felt as if my wedding day was quickly becoming one of the worst days of my life.

"Sookie, look at me, Baby?" he requested, rubbing his hands gently up and down my back. When my eyes met his, he explained, "Now, I'm not gonna lie and sugarcoat things, but I also don't want you to worry. Honestly, I don't know where we stand now, but if he still wants to cut me off I'm pretty sure he'll still want to be a part of her life," he assured, nodding.

"He seemed really excited about her, and even if I'm wrong, she'll still have a real family." He gently placed his hand on my baby bump. "She'll have us, Hunter, Mom, Pam, Jason, and Tara. That's a lot of people she'll have to love her and that isn't even everyone." He nodded again. "I promise you, Sookie, no matter what, it'll all be okay."

That didn't make me feel any better – especially given the look of uncertainty on his face as he spoke. It was a dead give-away he wasn't convinced of anything he was telling me; and if he was doubtful, I didn't know how I'd ever be able to believe him.

Besides, there was so much more going on here than just the baby. I was responsible for all of this.

"Don't you get it, Eric? It's not just the baby. I don't want to be what comes between y'all." Tears started falling. "You know I'll sign anything he wants to fix this," I reasoned. "I don't care about any of the money or the business. All I want is to be with you and for all of us to get along and I thought we were, but now, I … I just don't know what to think."

I looked down at my feet, a little embarrassed and uneasy. I'd never said anything like that out loud to Eric and I almost couldn't believe I'd said it just then. I knew I could tell him anything, but I felt extremely guarded when it came to my feelings about my role in his troubles with his parents and generally, I kept them to myself during our conversations, focusing more on the importance of us all getting along for the baby.

Honestly, I'd been so hush, hush about those particular feelings, he probably had no clue about them – until now.

He placed his finger under my chin, lifting my head so I'd look him in the eyes and soothed, "Sookie, it's fine … really." He still didn't look too convinced. "I don't want you to worry about me and Dad. You aren't what's coming between us. You've never been and you'll never be. It's about so much more and it's really been a long time coming."

"But Eric …"

"No buts, Sookie," he maintained, shaking his head as he placed his finger over my lips, silencing me. "He's still gonna have the same problems with me regardless of whether he likes you, or whether you sign something or not," he explained. "We both really need to just chill out … let this play itself out for a while. All this worrying we've been doing isn't good for us or the baby," he insisted, seriously. "Besides, we've done all we can for the time being."

As much as I wanted to argue my point, I knew Eric was right, so I reluctantly agreed, nodding.

At this point in the game, there was just way too much up in the air, and our worrying wasn't healthy by any means. The last thing I, or the baby, needed was my blood pressure going up. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but for now, I needed to find a way to stave off my uneasiness; at least until we were positive there was actually still something to be concerned about.

"Good." Eric grinned then leaned forward, kissing my forehead then suggested, "Now, let's go back." He released his hold on me and extended his hand. "I wanna dance with you, Mrs. Northman."

Mrs. Northman. Ha! For some reason, I loved the way that sounded.

Eric's POV

Instead of sleeping,I'd found myself sitting quietly against the headboard, in the dark, watching Sookie sleep, again. It was certainly becoming a habit for me lately, but I couldn't help it; especially not tonight. It was just so incredibly surreal to think she was actually my wife.

I don't know what I expected. It's not like I thought I'd be a changed man or anything remotely like that, but being married really didn't feel any different – at least not so far; perhaps because we'd lived together beforehand.

It wasn't like I'd been married before, so really, I wasn't sure if it was even supposed to feel any different, but I guess it didn't matter, anyway. What mattered was being with Sookie simply felt right – married or not.

The day had gone unbelievably well, despite all the worry on both our parts; especially when Sookie met Dad. I'd been so nervous about them meeting. I was terrified he'd try to bully her and inevitably upset her, but it had turned out to be all for naught, at least for today.

I was still a little uneasy about how everything would turn out once we actually got down to business; nevertheless, I was glad Dad had allowed us one day with no fuss – one day where we could all just get along and actually enjoy each other's company.

It really meant a whole damn lot, more than he'd probably ever even realize.

I sunk back down in the bed and under the covers, rolling over on my side, and then wrapped my arm around Sookie, who was still sound asleep. When my arm tightened around her she scooted backward, snuggling against me; showing me even in her sleep, in my arms was exactly where she wanted to be.

I relished in the warmth her soft, luscious body provided me, given my chest was cold; having been uncovered and exposed to the chill of the night. I loved the feeling of her body against mine.

Actually, I craved it.

We'd gotten home fairly early – right before 7pm, but were both absolutely exhausted after our long day. Truthfully, no thanks to Stan and Bill, I may have been a little drunk, as well.

Regardless of the reason, we were both pretty much spent by the time we'd left Merlotte's, so once home, we'd apparently crashed.

"You aren't carrying me in, Eric!" she scolded as she fumbled with the lock on the door. "I'm too heavy, and you're drunk. You'll hurt yourself."

"Nonsense, Woman!" I declared, scooping her up into my arms. "I'm a big, strong man … oh!" I grunted, sounding pained and acting like I was about to drop her. She squealed and I chuckled, steadying myself, then assured, "Kidding … I'm only kidding, but open the damn door before I'm not, though!"

She shook her head, grinning and rolling her eyes as she turned the knob on the door. It swung open and I stepped over the threshold.

"Now put me down, Eric. We're inside," she commanded, slapping my arm, then added playfully, "Before you really drop me!"

I obliged, placing her down to her feet, on the ground in front of me then wrapped my arms back around her waist, pulling her against me.

"Now what should we do?" I asked, closing the distance between us.

"I can think of a few things," she drawled, waggling her eyebrows.

"Head?" I asked, but really I was begging.

She gave the best blow-jobs ever and I really just wanted one. Hell, I wanted one so bad I'd have asked for road-head on the way home, had I been the one driving the car. Instead, since I wasn't driving, I'd asked her to pull over.

It hadn't gone very well.

I really hoped this time it went better.

"I think that could definitely be arranged now, since we're home," she assured, confidently, nodding.

Our lips had met after that and it was on – at least I had thought it had been.

We'd made it to our bed, clothes had been shed and tossed aside, hands were roaming, and our lips, tongues and teeth were relentlessly licking, sucking, and nipping with reckless abandon.

But then, I lay back on the bed and everything became fuzzy.

The next thing I knew, it was a little before midnight, I was waking up, and I was pretty sure no sex had occurred; although I was pretty sure I'd gotten half of a blow-job. Sookie was out like a light, and after my five hour nap, I was, now, wide awake. To make matters worse, once her body pressed against mine, I woke up in more ways than one.

I'd never have imagined after carrying my new bride over the threshold and into our home, we'd have passed-the-fuck-out, but that's exactly what we'd done. Or at least what I'd done - apparently; and now, I was paying the consequences.

I'd wanted her all day long and now, I couldn't have her.

I had no clue when she'd fallen asleep, but I knew she needed her rest and frankly, so did I. We'd been keeping strange hours the past week with the wedding approaching and we needed to get back to our regular schedules.

She'd melted right into me, perfectly, just moments ago and now, her warm back was pressed all the way against my chest and her butt – well, it was pressed all the way against something else entirely.

That was my downfall. It always was.

My dick's favorite place to be – well, one of its favorite places - was resting between the soft, voluptuous cheeks of her ass and once it was there, it sort of got a mind of its own.

With no conscious thought at all, my hips began to thrust, moving slow and steadily, as my hand found its way between her legs.

There was no way either of us were sleeping, now – whether we needed the rest or not. No way!

Sookie's POV

Eric sat on the edge of the bed. His eyes traveled slowly up my nearly naked body from the floor. I suddenly felt a bit like a steak; standing before him in nothing more than a pair of white, lacey boy shorts.

A steak that couldn't wait to be expertly prepared then eaten.

Huskily, he murmured, "You are so fucking sexy." Then, he grabbed my arm, turning me and pulling me down onto his lap. "You have no idea how badly I've wanted you all day."

Oh. I knew. There was no way I couldn't have known. He'd made it crystal clear before we'd even left the reception.

Sneaking up behind me, Eric pressed his body against my back as I danced. "Lover," he breathed, burying his head in the crook of my neck and kissing it lightly, as he swayed along with me to the thumping beats. "Mmmm," he moaned as his hands gripped my hips and what felt like a massively hard erection ground rhythmically against my back. "I missed you."

I could obviously tell.

"I missed you, too," I responded, and then spun around to face him. He smelled like a liquor cabinet. "I see you had fun with Stan and Bill."

He scrunched up his nose and grinned. "Is it that obvious?" He questioned, slurring, his hands now, sliding up and down my back, inching lower and lower with each downward motion.

"Uh … yeah," I informed him, nodding.

Sounding a little worried, he sheepishly asked, "You mad?"

"Of course not," I assured. I didn't mind. It was all in good fun. Besides, I'd have probably been sloshed too, had I not been pregnant. "In fact, I'm glad you're finally lettin' loose and havin' some fun."

Once he knew he was in the clear, his hands drifted down my back further and further, not stopping till they found my ass, and then the overt friskiness began.

"Eric," I chided, reaching behind myself and lifting his hands up to the small of my back. "We aren't alone!" I warned as I quickly surveyed the room to see if anyone had saw, a bit embarrassed by his brazen behavior. "Someone's gonna see."

"So," he said, shrugging, not seeming to care, as he spun me back around, continuing his indecent yet pleasurable assault of my body. "You're my wife now," he slurred, his hands each filled with a breast.

Ha! Like that made it all okay! I thought, shaking my head and giggling at his drunken attempt at logic, while moving his hands back to my sides.

I'd fended off inappropriate advances from him for nearly two songs before insisting it was time to go; and now, since we were home and finally alone, I was giving in - allowing him to touch me, however and wherever he pleased, and enjoying every single moment of it.

His hands roughly palmed my breasts and his lips trailed along the back of my neck then onto my shoulder. With every touch, scorching passion was ignited inside me and with every kiss it burned hotter and hotter. I turned my head around, slightly toward him, and immediately, his lips captured mine, kissing me with so much urgency it was like he needed the kiss to survive.

But I wanted more. No. I needed more.

Turning my body in the direction my head was already facing, but being very careful not to break our kiss, I shifted around till I straddled his lap; however, once facing him, despite my care not to, he broke our kiss anyway and moved his attentions to my breasts.

As it turned out, I didn't mind at all.

His hands cupped them as his tongue flicked across my nipple, making me shiver with pure pleasure. "You have the most incredible tits I've ever seen," he informed me, a slur still very present in his voice.

Reaching down between us, where it was resting – or rather standing at attention - I wrapped my fingers around his penis, stroking it, and returned his compliment. "Well, you have the most incredible cock I've ever seen," I said as seductively as I could manage.

"Oh … I do?" He chuckled and waggled his eyebrows.

He really did. It really was perfect in every way.

Although I'd only seen a few in person; I had eyes, and a TV, and a computer. Those had enabled me to see a lot of schlongs in my day. Some were way too long and skinny, some were too short and fat, some were too veiny, and some just didn't look right at all, but Eric's – his was absolutely magnificent.

It was the perfect length and girth, just above average on both counts; it was soft and silky to the touch, and it curved just a teeny, tiny bit to the left – which enabled him to easily find the spot within me that made me scream every single time we made love.

Perfection – his cock definitely was.

"You know, if you think he's so incredible, you could show him," Eric suggested, nodding excitedly, obviously referring to his dick.

"And how do you suppose I do that?" I questioned, batting my eyelashes and trying to look and sound as innocent as I possibly could, all while still stroking him.

"Mmmm … Fuck!" he mumbled under his breath, but it definitely didn't sound like a bad fuck. "Please! Give me head, Woman. Are you really gonna make me beg?" He whined.

I'd had no intention of making him beg, but it was a little fun messing with him; never-the-less, I gave in easily, sliding myself to the floor at the foot of the bed.

On my knees in front of him, I stroked him, looking him in the eye as I did it then I took him into my mouth.

He gasped, with a huge smile plastered on his face, and fell backward onto the bed as I used my mouth, and my "incredible tits" he liked so much, to send him to completion; however, when completion came for him, it wasn't exactly what either of us had planned.

His grunts, groans and curses of pleasure grew suddenly quiet, then to my surprise, he started snoring.

He was out cold.

With my new husband passed out and snoring, I found myself a little sexually frustrated and a lot lonely as I curled up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate in hand. Any other evening, I'd have had Killer, at the very least, to curl up with and probably Hunter too, given that it was only a little after eight o'clock yet, but not tonight.

The frustration I could deal with. I was used to it. I'd found myself that way a lot lately, since my libido had been supercharged by my pregnancy, but the loneliness absolutely killed me.

I hated it.

It was crazy to think less than a year ago, it had just been me living in this house, but things had certainly changed. Hunter, then later Eric and Killer, had brought so much life into this old, dingy house.

Life the house had been lacking for quite some time.

The life they'd brought was precisely what Gran had intended for this place when she'd left it to me and I knew now, beyond a shadow of doubt; she was proudly looking down on us all, now that her wish had finally been granted. She'd have loved and approved of Eric. Even given our situation, she'd have been elated to welcome him into our family.

This home had been built to be a happy place – a place for a family – and now it finally was that, again.

My stomach grumbled, sending me straight back to reality from the center of my mind and my thoughts.

I was hungry – which really didn't surprise me. My sex drive wasn't the only thing that had been supercharged since becoming pregnant. My appetite had been too. Lately, I'd been out-eating Eric even, and he could eat more than anyone I knew.

My hand, which was already resting on my stomach, gently rubbed my baby bump as I asked, "What do you wanna eat, Baby?"

I knew it was silly – the baby couldn't really answer me, but I'd found myself talking to her a lot. Really, I guess it was only natural, seeing how she was living inside me –as a part of me.

I cringed suddenly; thinking one day she wouldn't be. One day she'd be born and she'd no longer be protected by the confines of my womb. She'd be vulnerable to all the awful things in the outside world.

But, she'd have her daddy to protect her, then. Wouldn't she?

My lips turned up into a smile then I asked, "That's it. What do you think your daddy would want to eat, Baby Girl?"

We really needed to find her a name.

A couple hours later, I was crawling into bed beside Eric, my belly full and ready for some much needed sleep. I'd left dinner for him in the fridge and a note directing him to it, just in case he woke up.

I was out the minute my head hit the pillow.

Or was I?

My eyes flew open. Still groggy, completely out of reflex, they looked at the clock. It read twelve fifteen.

I'd definitely been asleep. I'd been sleeping for almost two hours, but something had jarred me awake.

That's when it hit me.

Pleasure.

I had no clue what was going on, I was still half asleep, but I did know I liked it; whatever the hell it was.

I just went with it; allowing my body full control to do what it needed to heighten the whole experience.

Wetness trailed along my neck, then a deep, silky voice whispered, "Sookie … you awake?"

Eric – the voice was Eric.

Mmmm," I moaned, still not fully awake, arching my back and grinding against him.

It just felt so fucking good.

"I thought you were," the voice – Eric's voice - soothed again.

I loved when he woke up me this way.

His hand was between my legs; his fingers skillfully rubbing me all the right ways, as his lips and teeth worked at my neck.

But that wasn't enough – not enough at all.

Thrusting slowly and gently against my behind, his rock-hard cock was very apparent and I couldn't help but want it inside me.

Actually, I needed it. It was long overdue.

I was stuck in a limbo filled with excruciating bliss; unable to reach my release, fully knowing what was needed to reach it.

I writhed against him, hoping he'd take the hint.

"Tell me what you want," he commanded, huskily.

There was no question in my mind. I knew exactly what I wanted. "You," I answered breathlessly, almost unable to get the word out due to the overload of pleasure I was experiencing. "I want you to fuck me," I finally managed, stammering and gasping for breath.

Without a word he lifted my leg, wrapping it over his side, and then he entered me from behind, filling me slowly; inch by glorious inch.

That's all it took.

I erupted in fury, white hot pleasure coursing through every single inch of me in waves, and with every few thrusts of his hips it happened again and again and again; until finally, he climaxed as well.

Eric's POV

"I hope it's okay I woke you," I said, when I could finally speak.

Sex with Sookie had that effect on me – loss of speech and coordination, lethargy, dizziness, sleepiness. The list of effects went on and on.

Really, it was like the best drug I'd ever been on, not that I'd ever really tried much, recreationally speaking.

I'd smoked a little pot back in high school and college, tried mushrooms once, and snorted a little coke here and there, but it was all experimental. Sookie – now, Sookie was serious. I was definitely addicted to the high I got from her.

She was lying on the bed, looking completely sated; a thin sheen of sweat visible where the light from the moon came through the window and shown across her body. She didn't look like she'd be going anywhere for a while.

I loved knowing I had that effect on her, too.

Still attempting to catch her breath, she nodded and mumbled, "Mmmm. Okay." A definite smile was visible on her lips as she dreamily continued, still mumbling, "Love alarm cock."

Alarm cock - that was what we called it when I woke her with … well … with my cock.

Really it was all pretty straight forward.

When I was finally able to move, I realized getting back to my normal schedule had been shot all to hell – not that I was complaining. It had definitely been worth it.

"You hungry?" I asked, sitting up on the edge of the bed.

I was starving. I'd eaten quite a bit at the wedding, but that had been hours ago and hors d'oeuvres were hardly filling, anyway.

"A little," she answered, yawning.

"I'm gonna go find something to eat." I motioned in the direction of the kitchen.

I'd planned to take her out for dinner tonight, but passing out had sure screwed that up. I couldn't believe I'd gotten that drunk.

She didn't seem mad about it though – any of it. I really hoped she wasn't.

"I made you dinner – steak and a baked potato. They're in the fridge."

"You made me dinner!" God I loved this woman! "I was gonna take you out somewhere nice tonight, although I guess at this hour the nicest place open would be Denny's." I chuckled and winced. "I'm sorry I passed out. I really screwed things up … didn't I?"

She giggled, finally sitting up. "You made up for it with that magnificent alarm cock you gave me. It's your loss now."

My loss? I thought a bit perplexed then it hit me – the blow-job.

I'd begged her for it the whole way home, mercilessly; and then when I finally got it, I passed out. I was a fucking disgrace!

But I had to save face here. I couldn't let her know just how pissed at myself I was.

"Oh … we just got married. There's a long road ahead and it's filled with head. What's one time?" I shrugged and chuckled, leaning over and stealing a quick kiss before finally standing up and heading to the kitchen.

Later, Sookie and I were finally on the same page about sleep. We were lying in bed snuggling, awaiting sleep to come and overtake us, when out of nowhere she declared, "I wanna go get Hunter and Killer in the morning."

"You do?" I asked, smiling.

I missed them both so much.

I'd hardly been away from Killer since he was a puppy and I hadn't gotten to spend nearly as much time with Hunter today as I'd have liked. He'd been with us during the toasts and for brief periods of time here and there, but mostly he'd been attached to Mom at the hip.

He'd really taken to her.

She'd ended up looking after him throughout most of the reception. Tara, Pam, and Amelia had offered to keep an eye on him for the day, but by the time the ceremony had ended he'd become smitten with Mom.

She didn't seem to mind at all. Being a grandma suited her and I was glad. I'd been a little worried how it would be with Hunter, since he wasn't mine. I didn't want our daughter to be her sole focus. That just wouldn't have been right.

After today, though, I knew that wasn't how it'd be.

"I miss them, Eric. I know we were supposed to have a little more time together, just us, but I want them to come home. They belong here with us," she urged.

I couldn't have agreed more.

"Then we'll go get them in the morning," I said, tightening my arms around her.

"First thing?" I could hear the smile in her voice.

"First thing, Baby. I promise, first thing," I assured her as I leaned over and kissed her temple. "That is, unless you want alarm cock first."

"You bet I want alarm cock first!" She giggled.

"Mrs. Northman, I believe that can definitely be arranged." I chuckled. "Now, let's get some sleep."

Oh ... and I almost forgot ... Thanks to everyone who's still reading and reviewing! It means soooo much to know y'all are still out there ... and I've noticed several new alerts lately too ... That's awesome for such and old story that doesn't update all that much ...

Hope you liked it!

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