A/N Thank you again for the reviews, I can't tell you how much it means to know you all love my story as much as I do :)

Thanks to Charlaine Harris for letting me play with her characters... no infringement intended of course, I own nothing.

Chapter 22 – EPOV

Getting Pam and Mom out of bed was a battle, getting them out of the house was even worse. They were so excited to go to Louisiana, but they kept running back and forth from the house to the car remembering things they wanted to take, or thought they needed and then changing their minds and taking it back.

In the end it was getting close to the point where we would end up being late, so I just started the car. They both shrieked at me and jumped in, slamming the doors in protest at my apparent meanness and started in on their offended rants. I tuned them out after a few minutes and once they realized I wasn't listening they sulked instead.

I parked the SUV in long term parking and got us a trolley… despite the numerous talks we had about only staying a few days they both had two bags, one for outfits and one for shoes, accessories and toiletries… I really loved being a guy. Mom and Pam were barely functioning at this point so after we had checked in I went and got us all coffee… it was horrible, but caffeinated so it would have to do.

"Ohhh" Pam groaned as she sipped the hot liquid "Maybe I don't hate you after all Eric"

"Nice to know" I chuckled "I'm sorry for rushing you, but we were going to be late."

"Get me another cup of coffee and you can rush me whenever you want to." Mom chuckled

"Coming right up" I said with a smile and went to get three more, today was going to be long and boring, but I'd be with Sookie by the end of it, so I couldn't be more excited about wasting a day.

Mom and Pam flicked through magazines and I dug into my astrophysics book. Time seemed to be dragging now that we were here, however I couldn't have waited any longer at home. I was sure that if I had we would have hit traffic or missed the cut off for check in or something and I wasn't going to take that risk.

Finally we were called to board the plane; we had three hours in the air, a one hour stopover in Fort Worth, that was unfortunately unavoidable, before we had another one hour flight to Shreveport then about an hour to drive to Bon Temps. It was times like this that I wished I was rolling in cash and could afford a private jet. At least this time the flight attendants would leave me alone, I had made sure I was sitting between Pam and Mom so they couldn't get me.

I read my book while Pam and Mom used me for a pillow, I guess the magazines they had just weren't interesting enough to keep them awake, although I knew they weren't used to being up so early and should try to cut them a little slack.

They woke as we started our descent into Fort Worth and we were all more than happy to get off the plane and stretch a little when we got out. Being the loving and saintly son and brother that I am, I went and bought us all lunch while they browsed the airport shops. I stopped in and got some new magazines for them and picked up a few candy bars as well knowing that, although they wouldn't ask for them, they would definitely be in need of some comfort food later today.

By the time we landed in Shreveport, Pam was starting to get snippy and I didn't relish the thought of driving an hour on unfamiliar roads with her bitching at me. I dug into my carryon and unwrapped a chocolate bar, shoving it into her mouth before she could say something that pissed me off. Mom was as pleased as I was and after Pam stopped choking she was happy too. I let out a sigh of relief and went to get the car while Mom and Pam waited at the carousel for our luggage.

There was onboard GPS in the car we rented and it drove like it was on rails. After being stuck in a plane for so long it was tempting to put my foot to the floor and see how fast this thing went, but I knew Mom would kill me so I behaved… for now.

Mom got to pick the station on the radio as she had called shotgun apparently. Pam had decided to try and get a little more sleep and I was happy driving, getting closer to Sookie every minute.

"Mamma, just so you're not surprised later, I wanted to let you know I'll probably be sleeping in Sookie's room" I said

"Ok" she said with a grin "just don't make me a grandma before you get married, wrap it before you tap it."

I choked a little at that and she seemed to find it even more funny.

"What's so funny?" Pam groaned from the back "Sleeping here…"

"I was just telling Eric to wrap it before he tapped it and he was a little shocked." Mom laughed

I choked again and set them both off this time… I eased back on the gas when I realized I was speeding, I didn't think highway patrol would go easy on me because my mother and sister were now trying to think up other ways to explain the use of a condom.

"FUN! Ummm… ooh I know don't be a loner, cover your boner" Pam said bursting into laughter as I started to turn red.

"Kay thanks, I get it, that's enough now." I said, my voice a little strained and higher than I wanted it to be…I should have kept my mouth shut.

"Nuh uh!" Pam said gleefully "I've got LOADS left, I can't think why I didn't do this earlier… maybe this can be the new travel game that sweeps the nation… the next eye spy."

"If you think she's spunky wrap your monkey" Mom said in reply

"Yes Eric, cloak the joker before you poke her" Pam laughed.

"Don't be a fool, cover your tool" Mom chimed in

"Cover your oak then give her a poke" Pam added reasonably. They traded line for line for the next ten minutes… each one worse than the last…Shoot me… just shoot me…

"If you're nude, then tube your dude" Mom said after a few minutes quiet setting them both off into gales of laughter again. I had never been so embarrassed in my life.

I made it to Bon Temps without getting a speeding ticket and they eventually ran out of sayings to embarrass me with although that was one car trip I would never forget. Sometimes being open and honest with my family was more than painful, I just hoped they could contain themselves a little around Sookie so they wouldn't scare her off.

My heart leapt into my throat as we turned into the driveway the butterflies in my stomach turned into tap dancing elephants and I felt a little sick. We were finally here, Mom and Pam were squeeing over the old farm house and I was keeping an eye out for Sookie and trying to remember to breathe.

We climbed out of the car stretching in the cool afternoon sun and breathing in the fresh air. I felt like I was home again, knowing that Sookie was just on the other side of that door, I moved around the car and toward the steps then suddenly she was there, shooting out the door, down the steps and into my arms before I could even blink twice.

My heart exploded with love as she slammed into me, her scent washing around me in a wave, her arms and legs pulling me close to her body and her warm lips brushing against my neck as she snuggled into my hair

"I missed you" she whispered, her voice tender with love

"I missed you too" I whispered back, kissing her neck and already wishing it was time to go to bed so I wouldn't have to share her.

I had tuned everything out except her and completely forgot that Mom and Pam would have been watching the entire display. Sookie wiggled a little to get me to let her down, but I wasn't ready to do so just yet. I had missed her too much, Mom and Pam wouldn't mind if I was less than formal with the introductions.

"Mamma, Pam, this… is my Sookie." I said proudly, knowing I was probably going to get in trouble for not letting her down.

We did the introductions and Mom eventually had to ask me to let Sookie down so she could hug her. I wasn't going to say no, but I didn't have to be happy about it.

Jason was on the porch laughing up a storm so I went to say hi…

"Dude, you're almost as bad as she is" he laughed as I got closer

"What do you mean?" I asked, shaking his hand and giving him a quick man hug.

"She's been up cleaning since who knows when… she was so nervous about you finally getting here that she couldn't sit still" he laughed as he showed me into the house. I turned quickly to see Sookie and my family talking up a storm, they obviously loved her already and my heart grew just a little bigger.

"Hey Eric" Amelia chuckled and hugged me quickly "it's good to see you, maybe you can keep Sookie sane for a few hours"

"Was she really that bad?" I asked with a laugh

"Worse" they said at the same time

"Eric!" Adele cried from the kitchen "Oh you're a sight for sore eyes, get over here and hug mah neck" she said, reaching her arms out for a hug. I hugged her tight and couldn't help lifting her off her feet.

"Put me down Eric!" she yelped

"I missed you all so much… I'm just too happy, I can't help myself" I chuckled

"Eric, don't go hoisting me 'round like a sack of potatoes, put me down you big hoodlum" she chuckled

I was lowering her to the ground just as Sookie, Mom and Pam walked into the kitchen laughing. I swore she was more beautiful now than she was a few minutes ago. I made the introductions and wrapped her in my arms. I was going to be keeping her there as much as she would let me.

We discussed refreshments, I pointed out the downstairs bathroom to Mom and Pam as we walked past incase they needed to use it. Sookie was pointing out pictures on the walls, sharing stories and making us all laugh. I chimed in now and again on the ones that I knew and reveled in the joy it bought to her face. She loved that I knew her stories as well as she did.

Adele joined us soon after we settled in. I rejoiced in having Sookie snuggled into my side, chatted with Jason about normal guy stuff listened to the other conversations going on and watched the little smile on Sookie's face get bigger and bigger as our families got to know each other.

The afternoon was going great until Jason stuck his foot in it by teasing Amelia about Trey. I stayed right out of it when Pam got in on the action stealing his phone and I knew better than to try and get her to give it back…

Once I had made her so mad she cut my hair in my sleep. It took months to grow back, but as she got older she realized there were other ways to punish me and never attacked my hair again… bottom line – Jason was on his own.

I regretted my uncharitable behavior a few minutes later when Sookie admired Pam's shoes and when commented that I had doubts about her keeping up with my shopaholic sister and mother, she replied that I had never seen her shop. What is it with women and shoes? I just don't get it and now I was destined to be a fashion critic for the rest of my life… sigh.

Sookie showed everyone up to their rooms, surprising me yet again by grabbing a couple of cases and shooting up the stairs before I could talk her out if it. After grabbing me a couple of towels we went to hide out in her room for a little while. Having her out of my arms for the short amount of time we had spent apart was too long. As soon as the door was closed enough to give us a little privacy I pulled her into my arms and relaxed again.

"I missed you so much Sookie" I sighed and captured her lips with mine. I poured all my longing and hope into the connection, I loved this woman so much. I breathed in her scent as my lips moved against hers, molding her body against my own, reveling in the softness of her skin and the little moans she was making. By the time I pulled back we were both breathing a little harder.

"I missed you too honey" she said softly, caressing my cheek and twisting her fingers into my hair "I feel like I've been asleep since you left and I've just woken up"

I held her tighter, unable to put into words how much being with her meant to me. We swayed a little as she told me about her plans to come to NY at the end of next month. I was over the moon that I wouldn't have to wait too long between visits.

I couldn't stop myself from protesting when she bought up going back downstairs. I didn't want to let her leave the circle of my arms. I let her know that I would need at least 24 hours of one on one Sookie time when she came to visit. I wasn't sure that I would even let her out of bed.

I pulled her into another deep kiss at the thought of her in my bed. If she'd let me wait on her hand and foot the only thing she would need to get out of bed for would be a trip to the bathroom… that thought led me to Sookie naked in my house and I couldn't suppress a growl "Something to think about" I said as I pulled away moving my hands over her luscious curves and thinking about the night to come

"Guh" she sputtered as she pulled back from me, stumbling away and bumping into the door on her way out… I chuckled to myself; apparently I had kissed her silly… nice.

I pulled out some sleep pants and a tank to change into later, put my book on the bedside table along with Sookie's not fit for public viewing Christmas present. I gathered up the other family gifts and went to check on Mom and Pam.

I knocked on and stuck my head through the partially open door to the room Mom was in. "Everything ok in here?" I asked with a grin. Mom had changed out of her travel clothes into some comfy yoga pants and a sweater and was digging out her own presents for the Stackhouse family.

"I love her Eric" Mom smiled "I love them all! I can't believe how lucky I am to like your future in-laws!"

"I am pretty lucky" I chuckled "they're really nice people"

"What's the story with Amelia?" Pam asked as she wandered in, carrying her gifts and wearing some sweats and a hoodie.

"Her parents are pretty…self involved, so Adele got herself appointed as legal guardian when Amelia was five, she's usually here, but spends time with her parents now and then too." I explained. I couldn't understand people, who ignored their children, why have them if you couldn't be bothered to love them?

"She's lucky she had someone like Adele around who noticed and gave a shit about what happened to her." Pam said angrily. She had no time for people who were selfish, especially when it came to children.

"Yeah, Adele is a really good person…So you like my future in law's too?" I asked with a laugh

"Yup, I might have to school Jason a few more times before he knows not to mess with me, but he'll learn" she grinned as she sashayed out of the room and down the stairs.

We all trooped down stairs to deliver our gifts to the tree that was still holding pride of place in the corner of the living room only to find everyone waiting for us. "It's Christmas again!" Sookie squealed, gleefully bouncing on the couch and making us all laugh. I loved that she was so childlike in her love of the holiday and my mind immediately flashed to a future where we would be watching our children unwrap presents from Santa.

"Dinner will be another fifteen minutes or so, so I thought we could give you your gifts now" Adele said with a smile

"It smells amazing Adele." Mom said, settling into the couch next to her

"You're not watching your weight, I hope?" Adele asked a little worriedly "I've done up a Christmas ham, steamed vegetables, some fried okra and cornbread, if you want something lighter though I can easily fix something else."

"Sounds wonderful Adele" Mom said soothingly "We don't diet, we just keep active and make sure we have healthy foods more often than not. I personally don't understand how people these days think that being able to see bones is attractive"

"You and me both!" Adele laughed "I just want to sit those poor things down and give them a good meal!"

We swapped gifts, Jason had bought us all novelty Christmas mugs filled with candy, Adele had given me an awesome set of monogrammed cufflinks, Amelia's gift to me was an anchor pendant on a leather thong, Sookie had obviously told her about the significance in Swedish culture, I was truly touched, and from Sookie, I had received a thick silver bracelet with the whispered promise of more upstairs.

I gave Adele a book stand for her heavy cook books, Jason got a jersey from his favorite football team with his name on the back and Amelia got an Indian style anklet with little bells that were the 'in' thing at the moment. For Sookie, although it wasn't really official, I had a star named, and so she had something physical I also gave her a bracelet with a star pendant on it… she hadn't noticed the message yet so I'd have to show her later.

After a quick clean up of the wrapping paper and hugs all around we moved down to the kitchen and tucked in to the fantastic meal Adele had prepared for us. I ate until my stomach hurt, and then Adele bought out her pecan pie so I ate some more. I swear if someone had pushed me to the floor I wouldn't have been able to get up.

"Adele, that was a fantastic meal" I moaned "but I don't think I can move"

"Me either" Pam groaned "I have never tasted anything as good as that pie… sorry Mamma."

"Understandable" Mom laughed "I think you need to bring your whole recipe collection to Cali with you Adele so we can rob you of your favorites"

Adele was so tickled that we had enjoyed her meal that she chuckled like a school girl and blushed pink. We all chatted at the table for a while as our meal settled and we roused from the food coma we had eaten ourselves into. Jason packed himself up a plate of leftovers and after the dishes had been done, wished us all a goodnight promising to come around after work the next day.

Everyone was tired after the long day so after a knowing look and a kiss goodnight from Mom, Pam and Adele we all went to bed yawning and happy. I changed into my pj's quickly while Sookie was brushing her teeth and gave her enough time while I brushed mine. Amelia chuckled at me as she walked past me when I came out and I couldn't help but grin a little.

Sookie was already in bed when I got back to our room, sitting up with another gift for me in her lap "I didn't want the others to see this" she said, handing me a small bag…

I had to stifle a laugh as I opened the bag to find a small pot of chocolate body paint and a blindfold. "What am I supposed to do with this love?" I asked with a wink

"I'm sure you'll think of something" she smirked.

"Here is yours" I chuckled passing her a little box

"Awww… a locket! I've always wanted one of these! Does it have your picture in it already?" she asked popping it open "awww, look at my handsome man" she cooed staring at it for a while until I pulled it from her hands and fastened the chain around her neck.

"I love it Eric, thank you" she said softly, kissing me gently and pressing another gift into my hand "I give this to you downstairs because I didn't want them to get the wrong idea"

"I have one other thing to show you first, I had the star on your bracelet engraved" I said softly, taking her hand in mine and flipping the pendant over so she could read it.

"Until they fall from the sky" she read in a whisper, crying a little again "Oh Eric… you're just…. Oh" she whimpered as she pulled me into a tight hug, kissing my cheek before settling back to watch me open my next gift.

I opened it up and inside was a plain silver band engraved with 'Forever isn't long enough' a heart symbol and an S… now it was my turn to tear up.

"It's not an engagement ring" she explained, slipping it onto my right hand "it's just a promise, from me to you"

"I love it angel" I whispered, pulling her close "Thank you" I said against her lips as I kissed her with all the love I had. "I have something else for you too" I added as I pulled back… suddenly all kinds of nervous…