Perfect Valentine chapter 16

SPOV

When Eric left my side to join his father, I felt like my insides had been ripped out. Inge tightened her arm around my shoulder and said, "I'll bet Maria could use some help in the kitchen. What do you say we join her?" As she spoke she was pulling me up and leading me in the direction of the kitchen. If I could have formed a thought, I would have been glad for the diversion. It also struck me that the kitchen would be further away from the impending confrontation on the patio. I likely wouldn't be able to hear even raised voices from there. So I followed willingly, without comment.

Sure enough, Maria was elbow deep in preparations for the dinner. She smiled broadly when we walked in, "Ah, Inge, I'd hoped you'd help as you usually do, but if you want to stay with your guests, I understand."

"Well, I brought my 'guest' with me, Maria. What can we do to help?" she spoke sweetly with Maria, treating her more as a friend than an employee. I was glad to hear that. Maria promptly put us to work assembling a salad. As she and Maria chatted lightheartedly, I listened, fighting my urge to turn around from the counter where I worked and check out the scene on the patio. Just as I thought my resolve would fail, Inge leaned toward me and quietly intoned, "Try not to worry, dear. I hate what happened in there, but Lars was just being...well, Lars. Eric will straighten him out, though. He can chip through that icy exterior like no one else. My husband loves his son very much."

I showed her a wobbly smile and went back to chopping veggies.

EPOV

My heart was breaking as I looked into Sookie's eyes. Another emotion threatened to engulf me, though. Anger rose at my father's action. How dare he walk out without a word! I wanted to stay, to hold Sookie close and tell her it didn't matter at all, but I couldn't. I had to have it out with him, once and for all. For as long as I could remember, Dad had been standing firmly behind me, pushing. Always wanting me to do more, reach further, be the best. Not that it was a bad thing to foster ambition, but I just felt he never thought I was working hard enough to be what he wanted. I just never thought he'd react this way to our news. Not after we'd talked the other day. I'd told him about bringing Sookie down here, wanting them to get to know her better. I hadn't specifically told him about our engagement, but I had emphatically told him that she was "the one."

Thinking back to that conversation, I remembered what he'd said, "Well, she must be pretty special, son. I don't think you've ever taken a date to the ranch before, have you?" So why the fuck had he left the room like that? I had to know, and I had to know now. I couldn't stand to watch Sookie in pain.

When I stepped out the door, closing it behind me, because I wasn't sure I could control the rage I felt, Dad stood with his back to me, drinking his damn whiskey, and staring off into the distance. What I really wanted to do was forcibly turn him to face me and yell into the face that I knew would be mine in a quarter century, but I took a few deep breaths, clenched and unclenched my fists a few times, and closed my eyes in an attempt to regain some semblance of composure. "Dad," I said through clenched teeth, trying to keep my voice even, "I don't understand your reaction. When we talked the other day, I thought you got it, I thought...thought you were okay with my relationship with Sookie. This...walking out like this...it's confusing, unacceptable, and confusing. Sookie's hurt, frankly, I am too." In response he raised a hand, still not facing me, and didn't speak. "Say something, dammit! You may be my father, but you can't, you won't treat me and the woman I love this way!" My eyes stung. I'd never spoken to my dad this way. I was always, on the outside anyway, all "yes sir, no sir, the perfectly respectful son I was expected to be. His raised hand moved to his face. He placed his palm across his eyes. Was he, no, he couldn't be. "Dad?" I said, the anger gone from my voice if not my heart, and placed a hand on his shoulder. He turned to face me then, and yes, he was. There were tears glistening on his eyelashes, his eyes were rimmed with red.

He took another gulp of his drink and said, "Son, I'm sorry I hurt you and that lovely girl. I didn't mean to, but, I well, look at me. You can't imagine how happy I am for you, Eric, how much I've looked forward to the day when you found a girl you could spend your life with and be happy. I was just overwhelmed, I guess, with emotion. If you are sure..."

"I'm sure, Dad. Dead sure."

"Then I'm satisfied. You know my expectations for you, Eric. You've never failed to live up to them. I trust you when you say Sookie is the one for you. And I'm happy, hell, I'm ecstatic! Give me a minute to get my face back in shape and we'll get a bottle of champagne!"

My whole body went to jelly. I actually had to step back and sink into the chaise behind me. I'd lived up to all his expectations? Then why was he still so stern, still pushing so hard? And he's taking my word for it that I'm sure? No questions, no suggesting a personal background check or some such nonsense? I wasn't sure what shocked me most, his praise, his acceptance, or his tears. "Oh, Dad, I was so pissed when you walked out, so worried you didn't approve, although, I must tell you, if you hadn't it wouldn't change my mind. I love Sookie, and I'm spending the rest of my life with her. I would hate it, but if it meant leaving the business, even the family, I'd have done it!"

Draining his drink, he looked at me and had a grin that went from ear to ear, "Now that's the man I raised you to be, Eric. Find what you want and go for it. The rest of the world be damned!"

While I thought, "I hope I'm not quite that ruthless," I just gave him a weak smile in reply. He shook the ice left in his glass and indicated with a nod of his head the end of this confrontation and the continuation of our evening.

He went to fridge under the bar and pulled out a chilled bottle of expensive champagne, "Grab some glasses, son. We'll need six, Maria and Pedro will want to be included in the toast!" I placed the glasses on a tray and carried them to the patio, as Dad had instructed. He was placing the bottle in an ice bucket. I took the time to glance toward the kitchen area. Because of the openness of the house, anyone in the kitchen could see into the den, and vice versa. I stared at Sookie's back, trying to read her mood from across the large room. She was chopping something, for a salad, probably. She wasn't talking, just focusing on the task at hand. I knew her well enough to know she was trying to occupy every corner of her mind with mincing vegetables. I felt a tug, knowing how her stomach churned at this very moment, wanting to hurry the process along, so her worry would be relieved. "Take this outside, Eric, I'll get the girls," Dad broke my reverie with his instructions. I stepped out on the patio with the champagne bucket. Pedro was busy at the grill at the far end. I didn't know how aware he was of what transpired between Dad and me minutes earlier. He wasn't the nosy type, so he probably didn't even turn around.

I heard Dad from inside, "Inge, Sookie, would you join Eric and me on the patio please?" His voice was stern, emotionless. Please, Dad, could you try to sound human instead of like a fucking robot. "Maria, put down that spoon and come out for a minute, will you?"

The three women walked through the open door ahead of him, their faces betraying the trepidation they felt. Who could blame them? Dad looked and sounded like the detective who's about to arrest you, or the doctor who's going to tell you a loved one just died on the operating table. This was killing me! I wasted no time stepping toward Sookie and placing a protective arm around her. I hoped she wouldn't get weepy just yet, and when she looked up at me, I knew she wouldn't. Her chin had that determined jut to it, and her eyes weren't watery, but fiery. Sometime, while Dad and I were on the patio, she had come to the same conclusion I had. If Dad didn't want us together, he could go to Hell! As I ushered her to the love seat, she saw the champagne, and gave me a quizzical look. I smiled and winked, causing her to visibly relax her defiant stance. Before we could sit down, Dad stepped over and stood looking down at Sookie, "Miss Stackhouse, I'm sorry if I offended you with my behavior earlier. I was very rude, and I hope you accept my humble apology." He took her hand and bowed to kiss it.

Sookie smirked, "Now I know where Eric gets all that goofy stuff. Thank you, sir, I accept your apology."

"If you'll permit me, I'm calling a do-over." Sookie nodded in return. Dad lightly patted her shoulder and turned to face all of us, "Well, folks, we have a real cause for celebration this evening. Eric, will you repeat your announcement while I open this bottle."

I pulled Sookie closer to my side and proudly announced again, "Sookie and I are engaged. We will be married later this year." Maria screamed, as did Mom, again, and Pedro put down the grill tools he was wielding and came running over. I looked down at Sookie, expecting a big smile, but got another of those questioning looks instead. I quickly realized where it came from. I whispered, "What? I know we haven't set a date yet, but, baby, I don't want to wait too long!"

Dad was handing out glasses, and then proposed a toast, "To Sookie and Eric, may you be as happy throughout your life as you are today. Skoal!" We all drank our glasses dry, and while Dad was refilling them, I pulled Sookie to me for a much needed kiss. Dad added, "Welcome to the family, Sookie. We are so thrilled to have you!" He turned to Pedro and Maria and asked, "When do we eat? I'm suddenly famished!"

Dinner was a feast, as usual. Pedro had grilled thick steaks, chicken thighs, and vegetables. Maria had prepared salad, with Mom and Sookie's help, potatoes, and, of course, a delicious dessert. We always had hearty meals when we ate here. Ranch hands could afford to eat like this all the time because they would work it off, but for someone like me, who spent time behind a desk, it just meant extra trips to the gym. Still, I loved it. Not only was the food well-prepared and healthy, it was infused with the love and care that Pedro and Maria felt for us, their extended family. Sookie wanted to try every dish, just as I knew she would. She couldn't possibly polish off one of those steaks alone, so we split one. Grass-fed beef takes some getting used to if you have always eaten the fat laden varieties from a supermarket, but it makes up in taste and health benefits what it loses in tenderness. Again, the chicken, being free range, had much more flavor than what most people are accustomed to. Of course, since Sookie was always making healthy choices in food, she wasn't completely surprised, but still insisted that everything tasted better than she'd ever had before. She was pretty quiet, and I couldn't help but think she was still feeling the effects of Dad's reaction. I stuck close to her side, giving her plenty of smiles and reassuring touches. As Mom and Dad regaled us with stories about their trip, I noticed that her smile was genuine, not one of those fake ones she plasters on her face so ably. Most people can't tell the difference, but I'm not most people, at least when it comes to knowing Sookie.

As the evening wore on, I was feeling tired, physically and emotionally. I knew she had to be too, so I stood up and, stretching my arms, said, "Well, folks, it has been a very long day for us. I think Sookie and I should turn in." I stepped over to Mom and hugged her, "Great stories, Mom, thanks." I extended my hand to Dad, who instead grabbed my neck for a hug too, "Dad, we'll talk in the morning." Sookie followed behind me giving and receiving hugs also.

When I started into the house, she put her hand on my arm, stopping me briefly, "Eric, can we say something to Maria and Pedro? Everything was so good tonight. I just want to thank them."

I smiled at her as my heart swelled again with love, "Of course we can. After you."

When Sookie was finished thanking and complimenting Maria and Pedro, I steered her to our room. Not only was I feeling the day crashing in on me, I wanted to know, I mean, really know, how Sookie was. She'd made it through the evening like a champ, but there was an undercurrent I could feel. As soon as we got inside, I kicked off my shoes and sat on the bed. I indicated for her to join me, "Are you okay, lover? I know what Dad did had to hurt."

"Can we get undressed and under the covers before we talk about it, Eric? I really want your arms around me," she answered, not meeting my eyes. Suited me. I started getting undressed as she went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth. When she returned, she slipped under the sheet, next to me and I wrapped my arms around her. She sighed heavily and began, "He apologized, and I am willing to forgive him, but I just don't understand what the whole walk out thing was about. Does he think I'm after your money? Not good enough for you? Just a dumb blonde?"

I tucked her face into my chest and kissed the top of her head, "Oh, Sookie, it was none of those. At first, I thought it might be, too, but when I went out there, ready to blast him, well..." I hesitated. Should I tell her? This man who worked so hard to keep his emotions private had revealed himself to me tonight. Was it wrong to betray him to Sookie? She, naturally, had noticed my hesitation, and lifted her face to mine. In the faint light from the open windows I could see her eyes searching mine. I would have no secrets from this woman, from the one I loved. "It turns out he wasn't upset at all. He was overcome with joy. He's glad we found each other, glad we're making the leap. He cried, Sookie, he cried. I've never seen him cry before. He didn't cry at his own father's death, but he cried tonight."

She placed a soft kiss on my chin, "Oh, Eric, thank you for telling me. I feel so much better now. Even though he seemed fine during dinner, I was still a little worried."

"I could tell you were still wavering, but when you first came out of the kitchen, well, I sort of had the feeling you were about to tell Dad off if he said the wrong thing," I smiled at her, hoping my pride was evident.

"Oh, and I would have too! Don't think I wouldn't. While you were talking to him, while I was in the kitchen with your Mom and Maria, I just decided, 'Fuck him! Eric and I love each other and we're getting married!' I guess he could have disowned you or something, but right then, I didn't care," the fire was back in those beautiful blue eyes. I tried not to, I really did, but my body began to shake and my eyes were leaking. I couldn't hold back the peals of laughter that built inside my chest. For my trouble, I got a hard slap on the arm, "What's so damn funny? You don't think I would have said anything?"

Finally getting myself under control, I answered, as seriously as I could under the circumstances, "Oh, believe me, lover, I know you would have! The funny part is, I told him practically the same thing! Told him I'd leave the company and the family if it came to it." Her face softened, her lips parted as if to speak, but she remained silent. I saw a tear glistening at the corner of one eye. "And I would, Sookie, for you, I would give up everything. You are all I need."

"But your family, Eric? I would feel so guilty!" she placed her head back into the crevice between my neck and shoulder.

"Luckily, we don't have to make a choice," I said as I pulled her up for a kiss.

SPOV

After Eric explained about his father's walking out last night, I could relax. We could start planning the wedding and our lives together, for real. I know we both declared that we would have gone ahead without their blessing, but leaving family behind wasn't a happy option. I slept soundly, but woke up early. The sun was just turning the sky outside the windows gray. Eric was still asleep. Not wanting to wake him, I decided to go downstairs to see if Maria had already made coffee, rather than using the pot in our room. As soon as I opened the door, I knew she had. The delicious aroma greeted me from below. I walked down the stairway quietly, not wanting to wake Inge or Lars either. To my surprise, Lars was sitting on the patio with a mug already. When Maria saw me, she grabbed another one, and poured some for me. Lars turned then and saw me, "Sookie, you're up early! Please join me."

I accepted the mug from Maria, thanked her, and walked outside. The morning was a little chilly, and I was glad I'd worn a sweatshirt over my yoga pants. "Good morning, Mr. Northman, I hope you slept as well as I did."

"My name is Lars, dear, and yes, I slept like a baby. The combination of being back here after being away so long, and the wonderful news of last night certainly did the trick! Eric still asleep?"

"Mmhm," I nodded as I sipped the hot brew, "I didn't have the heart to wake him, so I came down here, hoping there would be coffee."

"I'm glad you did. This gives us a chance to get to know each other. Between Eric and Inge, I'll wager I hardly ever get to talk to you!" he grinned, and I was struck at how alike he and Eric were. Same eyes, same crooked smile, that eyebrow. "Tell me about your family, Sookie, they live in Ft. Worth, right?"

We spent the next hour talking and laughing. He asked a lot of questions, but I didn't feel I was getting the third degree, as they say. I also got a lot of ammunition on Eric, with tales of his childhood and teenaged years. Inge was definitely right about Lars loving Eric. His eyes shone as he talked about his son. I was fast falling in love with another Northman.

I was laughing at one of those stories when Eric came up behind me, "Well, don't you two make a pair? And why did I feel my ears burning when I woke up?" He bent and kissed me on the cheek, and started reaching for my mug just as Maria brought him his own. "So, was this clandestine meeting set up in advance, or was it accidental?"

"See, I told you," Lars winked at me.

"I just couldn't bring myself to disturb your sleep this morning, so I came down looking for coffee, instead of brewing some in our room. Lucky for me, I not only got coffee, I got company!" I said with a smile, first toward Lars, then Eric.

"Oh, yeah, I get the picture. I don't stand a chance now, do I?" Eric said, raising the eyebrow. I couldn't help exploding into laughter, and soon all three of us were snickering.

"Hey, what am I missing out here?" Inge asked, hands on hips, as she walked out of her room.

Lars stood, and holding a chair for her, said, "Sunday morning family time, my dear, the way it will be for many years to come."