AN: Thank you to sluggysmom, ljhjelm49, vilannh, AlphaSprout, AudraLeeony and desireecarbenell for reviewing xx

ALL RIGHTS GO TO CHARLAINE HARRIS!

Chapter five

Sookie's POV

Eric's being all secretive and he's sporting a huge grin as he guides me into the most gorgeous restraunt he's ever taken me to. But underneath that cheeky, all knowing grin; I can see he's nervous. I just wonder why he's nervous, what does he have planned that he's so nervous? Maybe he's breaking up with me. Don't be stupid, Stackhouse. If he was breaking up with you he wouldn't bother taking you to a restraunt, he would have just broken your heart the second he got home. Not to mention he loves you with all his heart. My mind chastises me. I shouldn't jump to ridiculous conclusions like that; Eric would never break my heart. He loves me too God damn much for that. Not to mention the children, he would hate to break up his own family.

"Lover, are you okay? Your emotions are everywhere" Eric points out as we sit down at the private booth he's reserved for us. I nod my head just as a tear starts to slide down my cheek.

"Oh, Sookie. Whatever is the matter?" he probes lightly as he pulls me into his chest, his arms wrapping around me. I silently cry as he rubs my back soothingly; I have no clue what has gotten into me. I was fine a second ago, I guess it must be the worry I'm holding. I guess I'm just worried that Eric is going to say something that may break my heart and the restraunt is only a prop to help soften the blow. But even though I know he would never do anything like that to me, I still think it! What on earth is wrong with me? The most handsome, powerful Viking vampire in this area loves me and I'm questioning his reasons for taking me to dinner? What on earth is wrong with me?

"I'm sorry, I'm just being silly" I smile at him as I gently dab my eyes with the napkin, being careful of my make-up.

"You look beautiful, Sookie. Stop fussing" he insists as he snatches my mirror and the napkin from me. I playfully glare at him making him chuckle before he grazes his lips over mine in a sweet, loving kiss.

"So, Lover, see anything that catches your eye?" oh, boy, yes I certainly do. It's just not on the menu…

"Hmm, I guess the spiced chicken with sweet baby potatoes looks good" I smile at him; making him nod to the waiter who must have arrived at some point. I'm surprise I didn't notice him.

"And you, sir?" the waiter queries Eric with a raised eyebrow.

"O positive, please" he orders.

"Would you like that now, or with your lady's dinner?" he inquires, making me want to groan; but I manage to resist the urge.

"With her dinner, and can you bring a glass of red wine for my Lover as well, please" and with that Eric waves his hand at the waiter, who makes himself scarce. Thank God.

"I could feel you becoming anxious for us to be left alone. Is there something I should know about, Lover?" Eric probes with a smirk.

"I'm sure the bond has already told you" I grin straight back. His light chuckle brightening the mood. While I eat my dinner and he nurses his blood we have some mindless chit chat about everyday things. It feels great to finally be alone with Eric, away from the children. Not that I don't love my children, I do, but sometimes a mother and a father need some alone time. And that's where your teenaged daughter comes in. Best babysitter you could ever get. I hope Ammy has the twins in bed by now, otherwise they're going to be absolutely exhausted tomorrow when it comes to waking up for school.

"Eric, the children have all really missed you, you know? Since you moved to Arkansas, Ammy has been different. She would be sad and would push everyone away, then you would come home and she would brighten up. She has more of a connection with you than anyone else, Eric. She always has done. But what I've noticed over the last couple of months is that her mood has improved, she's been joyful and more open to those around her. And I guess we have Alec to thank for that. Since they got together she's been almost the same way she was before you moved away. But now that you're moving back here, maybe she'll only get better" I inform him with a smile, I feel a bundle of emotions run across the bond. Everything from joy all the way up to guilt. He blames himself for the way Ammy is, even though it isn't his fault.

"Sookie, I promise you that from now on I will never leave you guys again. You are all my family, I don't know what I would do without you; I will always be there for you. I won't let any of you down again. I give you my word on this" he promises as he takes my hands in his, his thumbs stroking over the back of my hands as his bright blue orbs stare into mine. He was sending love and sincerity through the bond as well.

"I'm glad to hear that, I've missed you so much in the last two years. I know you visited us on a regular basis, but I still missed you. I missed seeing you in the evenings, I missed waking up to your gorgeous face; I just missed being with you. But now I don't have to miss you anymore" I point out as we meet halfway in a passionate and meaningful kiss.

"Sookie, I have several requests for you tonight, but I just can't seem to decide which one to begin with. They will both affect our lives, and are both equally important" he tells me, my interest spiking.

"Start with the one your heart says you should begin with" I suggest, he nods his head as he takes a deep, unnecessary breath before exhaling it.

"Sookie, I have been in love with you for a long time. I know that when we first met we got off on the wrong foot, but I am glad that we dealt with that. I must admit that I am very grateful to both Compton and Ammy. Yes, I detest Bill, but if it wasn't for him I would not have met you. And if it wasn't for Ammy you wouldn't have seen what a scum bag Bill was and you never would have even have considered me as 'boyfriend' material" he begins. What is he up to?

"But I am also grateful to you, for it was you who decided to give us a shot. And since that day I have done nothing but think about you; you are permanently on my mind. Not only have you shown me how to love, how to care for someone; you have given me the greatest gift of all. You have given me two perfect children. You have also given me the pleasure of making you my bonded. And you have cared for my daughter, even though you didn't have to. You truly are an amazing woman, Sookie, and I love you for that every single day. So I would be honoured if you would become my beautiful wife" and then he got down on one knee in front of me where he pulls out a box that he opens to show me the ring inside.

The left hand side of the ring is made out of white gold and the left is pure gold, and together they meet at the top where they are holding a big beautiful shining diamond. There are also little diamonds encrusted around the top bit of the ring, right where you would see them if you had the ring on. I was stunned.

"Will you marry me, Sookie Stackhouse?" Eric was almost begging as he watches my facial expression.

"Yes" I whisper before repeating it louder, more certain as I throw myself in Eric's arms where he holds me. He pulls back to place the amazing ring on my finger before our lips connect in the best kiss I have ever experienced, I could hear people clapping around us.

"Wait, Eric, they still don't allow vampire and human marriages yet" I point out sadly.

"Not here they don't, but they do in other places, Sookie. It's just another adventure for us" he murmurs into my ear as we stand up, our arms still around each other.

"Sookie, last month you agreed to be my wife through vampire terms. And this month you have agreed to be my wife in human terms, I want both traditions to take place at the same time. I want the world to see that vampires and humans are not as different from each other as they like to think" he tells me, my excitement only increasing with his every word.

"I would love that, just like I love you" I assure him as I gently kiss his lips again.

"I have one more request, but I think we should do that in a much more private place. We will discuss it tonight when we get back" he tells me before dropping some money on the table to pay for our meals. With that we leave the restraunt with people congratulating us as we go by. Best. Date. Ever.

AN: I hope that was okay for you all, plus does anyone have any suggestions for countries they would like to see this couple go to so that they can be wed? It can be any country you want :D xx But of course if there are a million and one ideas I will have to decide on my own through a lucky dip, but if there is a repeated suggestion I will use that one :D xx

Here's the link to the engagement ring:

http:/4(dot)bp(dot)blogspot(dot)com/-bBCBvVO9idM/TpQg5qsdLhI/AAAAAAAATrk/GqD_QQ2Xfu8/s400/Engagement+Rings+%252829%2529(dot)jpg