Save the Last Dance

by InLoveWEric

Sookie, writer and dating Senator hopeful Bill Compton, finds herself in need to learn to Waltz. Enter Eric Northman, Professional dancer, watch how Eric Spins Sookie into a new world she just doesn't want to leave. E/S - AU M for a reason.

14. Chapter 13

Chapter 13 A Case of You.

SPOV

"We will be pulling up in front of the bank in three minutes, Ana," I hear Lafayette say. "Shit woman we left at six this morning to get here."

I have to laugh at the way he is talking to Anabeth. Only he would be able to get away with it.

Eric pulls Lafayette's SUV into a parking spot and is quick to come around to get me. I smile as he helps me out. I turn to watch Lafayette and Amelia come up behind us and we head to the front lobby of the bank.

As promised, Anabeth is standing there with the two detectives I met when they came to get the recorder. The other two people I'm not familiar with.

"Sookie," Ana says. "This is District Attorney Frank Pierce and this is Mr. Clive Monroe, CFO of the bank.

I shake hands with Mr. Pierce and then turn to Mr. Monroe. "Ms. Stackhouse," he says and clears his throat. "This is very embarrassing for us," He says. "We had no idea, that is to say, all the proper papers were in order. I didn't dream that something, that is…"

"Mr. Monroe," Lafayette says. "I take it Ms. Mason has filled you in on what is happening with Miss Stackhouse's account?"

He nods his head. "The legal department have been here since we got the phone call. This is just a mess," he says and rings his hands.

"Mr. Monroe, we will do everything in our power to make this quick." Mr. Pierce says.

"Oh, yes," he says and turns, "this way, please."

We follow him through the large lobby and up a flight of stairs. Once we reach the landing, I see a large conference table where several well dressed men are sitting. They all stand when then see us.

One comes around to greet us. "Ms. Stackhouse," he says and extends his hand to me. "I'm Ben Chadwick, president of the bank. It's nice to meet you. My wife is going to be tickled pink when I tell her that I met you today."

I smile at him. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Chadwick."

We make the introductions all around and then Mr. Chadwick offers us seats.

He folds his hands on the table. "Ms. Stackhouse, we want you to know that things like this don't happen at First Civil," he pauses. "Why my great granddaddy founded this bank not soon after the war ended. In all that time," he pauses.

"Mr. Chadwick," Lafayette says. "Ms. Stackhouse is not placing blame for this mishap on you or the bank."

He nods. "Well, I sure do appreciate that. But it's just a black eye on us."

"We understand," he says and pulls out a few papers. "I know that the DA's office has some things they will need from you. But once they are done, we would appreciate the money moved to another account and Ms. Stackhouse would like to be the only person on the signature card." He says. "For now," he pauses. I look at him and he smiles at me. "Ms. Stackhouse only found out recently about this account," he says. "She will be talking to a financial advisor regarding it very soon."

"I understand perfectly," Mr. Chadwick says. "We also," he looks over to one of the other men at the table. "Found another fund in Ms. Stackhouse's name. This one seems to have funds wired to it from the Stackhouse Foundation?" He pauses. "Over twenty thousand was taken already from the account. But we froze this one when we froze the other."

I look from Mr. Chadwick to Ms. Mason. "Um, I had no idea that he had funneled money from the foundation. We need to give it back." I say nodding my head.

"We will, Sookie," Lafayette says. "As soon as the DA has what it needs, the money will be going back. Once we find Bill, we will work on getting the rest of the money."

I nod and sigh. "Don't worry, Sookie," Eric says, kissing my temple. "All the money will get back to where it belongs."

"You might also be interested in this," Mr. Monroe says. "Once we heard from Ms. Mason that this was an illegal situation we started looking for anything in Mr. Compton's or Miss Stackhouse's name." He hands a paper to Ana. "He has a safety deposit box here. Has had it for the last several years. In fact, he opened it the day the account was created."

"We will need a warrant," Ana says.

I look at Ana and she smiles. "We went to the grand jury yesterday. They voted to indict Bill, William Compton and the firm for a slew of charges."

I nod and then turn my attention back to Mr. Chadwick. "Miss Stackhouse," he says. "We will need you to fill out these forms. Once the DA approves the move, we will have the account transferred. Until then, we will need to keep it frozen for security purposes. But there are notes on the system that it's under investigation and we will make sure the signature card and electronic version reflects your true signature.

I nod.

"Mr. Chadwick," Ana says. "We are going to need your help. If anyone other than Ms. Stackhouse comes in looking for information or tries to reactivate that account, I will need your people to call our office immediately."

Mr. Chadwick nods. "Of course, Ms. Mason; we don't want a repeat of this issue."

About an hour later, Ana has gotten all the information they need and the account will be held in its current state until all the paperwork is sent to the DA. It will take then a day or two. But I'm assured that my money will be moved by midweek and the Foundation will be receiving their money at the same time. Honestly, I'm more worried about getting the Foundation back their money than I am my own.

I never had the money before. So not having it now, isn't a really big deal. The Foundation, yeah, that's another story.

After another hour of apologies and documents, we are ready to leave.

Once outside, Ana turns to talk to us. "Like I said, indictments have been sent down for Bill and his father. His mother has already started her house arrest. The father has until Monday to turn himself in or we will arrest him. Since no one can find Bill, a warrant for his arrest has been issued. According to his campaign office, a call came in late yesterday after everyone left; saying that he wouldn't be back in town until Tuesday or Wednesday. We have taps on the Comptons' phones. We are watching the bus stations, the airlines and the rails. If he shows up, we'll know about it."

"Could you find out where he was from the phone call?" Eric asks.

She shakes her head. "No, the call was recorded but it was too short to track. If he didn't say his name, we wouldn't have known it was him."

I shake my head. "He didn't call his parents?" I ask her. "He's got to know that they are looking for him."

She shrugs. "Who knows," she says and turns to Lafayette. "I'm assuming that civil charges will be brought against him as well?"

Lafayette looks at me and then back at Ana. "We haven't discussed the specifics, but yes. There will be."

She nods. "Good. Submit the proper documents and we'll get you what you need."

We say goodbye and head back to Shreveport. This trip seemed different from the others. Everyone was rather silent. I could hear both Laf and Amelia tapping away on their blackberries. I almost turned to find out what they were all doing. But when I stole a glance at them, they both seemed to be absorbed in their tasks. If I'm really honest with myself, I just wanted to give myself an hour or two without learning anything new that we need to deal with.

I decide to take the moment and treasure it. Leaning my head back, I close my eyes and fall into the beautiful rhythm of the car.

***0***

EPOV

Watching Sookie all morning, I know that she needs a little break from the drama. I'm making a promise to myself that if I ever get Bill Compton alone, he and I are going to be having a major conversation. When I say conversation, I mean that his face is going to be conversing with my fist. The man is just scum to the nth degree. How could anyone use, abuse and mislead another so completely? He is no better than the con artists and swindlers that you hear about on the news. Well, that is when they get caught. How could one person be so evil? There has got to be something really wrong in his makeup to let him rationalize anything he's done to Sookie.

I don't know if she heard about the safety deposit box that they found. God, I hope they find more information they need to prosecute Bill. Maybe she isn't the only one that he's swindled. Perhaps he has done it to others?

The call I made last night before the party was to Robert. I needed him to do two things for me. One I wanted him to look into Bill and his father's firm. I want to know what they do, who their clientele is and what they specialize in. More importantly, I want to find out about the two men that run that place. I have a feeling that the apple didn't fall far from the tree when it comes to that father and son. Ana and her staff may or may not be able to prosecute both of them but I want to know everything I can. Sookie will never be unprotected again.

The other task was that I wanted to make sure that he was able to secure tickets to the ballet. I want to take Sookie out on a date. We have been moving so quickly the last week, I want to slow it down a bit. Not that I would ever stop moving our relationship. I love where we are and where we are going. I'm not kidding about putting a ring on her finger. There is no one else I would rather share the rest of my life with than her. I just want her to know that I appreciate her and want to do nice things for her. Boyfriends, Fiancés and even husbands are allowed to take their lovely ladies out on dates. I've never had anyone to shower my affections on. Even Felicia and I were all work and nothing else. Yes, we were together all the time. But I know that if I showed her something else of me, more of me, she may have never went looking elsewhere.

I pride myself on being a smart man. Smart men learn from their mistakes and that is one that I'll never make again. If I know anything it is that women never wish to be taken for granted.

I look over and see Sookie's eyes are closed. The evenness of her breathing tells me that she's fallen asleep. I smile at the peaceful look she has on her face. She always looks like an angel. But never more so than when she's asleep.

I pull up in front of my building where we met earlier. Lafayette and Amelia get out while I move around to Sookie's side of the car. I open the door and undo her seatbelt without her even flinching.

"She's worn out." Amelia says.

I nod. "Wouldn't you be?" I ask. "This is a lot for anyone to take."

"Our girl is strong." Lafayette says. "She always has been. She'll come through all of this fine."

I brush the side of her face with my hand. She still doesn't move, so I pick her up and carry her to the elevator. Lafayette and Amelia follow us up.

Once inside, I lay her on the couch and move to the closet to get her a blanket. Once I know that she is settled, I turn back to Lafayette.

"You are going to sue him, aren't you?" I ask.

"Oh, we are suing him, his parents and the firm." He laughs. "All of them are going to pay for what their son did. You can't tell me that William hadn't a clue on what Bill was doing. He would be a very stupid, ignorant man if he was and William Compton is neither. Let's not start on how the shrew treated our girl. Have you ever met her?" He asks.

I shake my head. "Never had the pleasure. I think my parents have had to deal with them from time to time, but no, I've never."

Amelia laughs. "Then consider yourself lucky. That woman has a steal pole up her ass so far, I think you can see it when she opens her mouth."

I shake my head. "I don't know much about them." I say. Though I hope to know more soon.

Lafayette sighs. "It's a typical story. Elizabeth Hannaford is the daughter of land developer, Carlisle "Chip" Hannaford. Her mother is Jean Renee de Lafayette Hannaford. Her father was a very influential man many years ago. Jean Renee was sent to France to study and when she returned, she was promised to Carlisle. They married quickly and not soon after the honeymoon, Jean Renee was expecting. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be and she lost the child. She had several other miscarriages until she had Elizabeth.

Now, from what I know, they never had any more children.

William Compton Sr., was the son of a fisherman, Bartlett Compton. His wife, Louisa was creole. She passed away not soon after William's birth. Bartlett's second wife, Lilith, was the daughter of a fishing tycoon. Bartlett soon began running the business. To the best of my knowledge, no one ever spoke about Louisa and Lilith was considered William's mother.

William, though an heir to his father's fishing fleet, wanted more. He went to law school and began making a name for himself. He caught the eye of Carlisle and soon came to work for him as his private attorney. Once Carlisle was satisfied that William could support her, he gave permission for him to marry Elizabeth."

"You know anything else?" I ask.

Lafayette shakes his head. "No, most of that was granny gossip I got from my gran, Pearl. She was a housekeeper in the Hannaford home for thirty years." He laughs. "She thought the whole lot of them were pompous assholes."

I nod. I think I would like granny Pearl.

"You going to be okay?" Amelia asks.

I nod. "I'm fine but I'm really worried about Sookie. This is a lot for her. Not to mention all my stuff too. She's going to be exposed to my father all night tonight. That is just going to put more on her." I huff.

"Eric," Amelia says. "Every person comes to a relationship with baggage. You took hers without a moment's hesitation. What makes you think that she wouldn't take yours?" She squeezes my arm. "Besides, Ed isn't that bad." She says.

"Maybe not to you or Pam, but, he is to me." I say.

She looks at me for a moment. "Eric, your father is what he is. He is too old to change. Do you really think he likes the idea that his daughter is in a relationship with another woman? Do you really think that he is perfectly okay with that?"

I shake my head. "It isn't any of his business who Pamela fell in love with, Am. It's her life, and yours. You make each other happy."

She nods. "Do you know that he doesn't speak directly to me?" She asks.

I tilt my head to the side. "It's true. He will ask Abbie or Pam if I would like something. But he never really speaks to me. He listens to the conversations. Pam tries to get him to talk to me. But he refuses. The first couple of times it happened, Pam got really upset. She wanted to storm into the house and demand he treat me like a daughter-in-law and to stop acting like an idiot. Those were her words, by the way, not mine." I laugh and so does she. "But I told her that we needed to drop it. He never insulted me outright. He never made any snide remarks or was any way rude. He just avoided me."

"Amelia, that isn't right. You are who Pam chose to spend her life with. You make her happy. You guys have a beautiful relationship and he should give you both the respect you deserve."

She shakes her head. "That's the point, Eric. Pam and I chose each other. It's our life. Would I like it if he approved, well yeah. But he isn't rude. He isn't mean and he doesn't stop Abbie from seeing us. He is old and set in his ways, Eric. He isn't going to change. I refuse to allow his issues to become my problem. I'm sure with others in similar situations, he's fine. But Pam is his little girl. He had plans for her. Instead of following his blueprint for her life, she chose to make her own. We can choose to wallow in insecurity and try to get him to accept something we know he won't. Or we live our lives the way we wish and fill it with love and comfort of people who accept us for who we are."

She goes silent for a minute.

"Eric, your father had a blueprint for your life as well. I dare say that Edwin Stackhouse is a man of plans and vision. I'm sure he had a clear view of what his children's lives were going to be. You both did what was normal. You made lives for yourself. You struck out on your own and excelled. I'm sure somewhere in his heart, he loves that you two are independent and successful people. But his heart and his mind aren't always in sync. I dare say that if you did become a doctor, he would have found something wrong in that. If you just were an architect, there would be something wrong with that. Eric, anything you and Pam do that is outside his plan, would be grounds for criticism. It's just how he was. Part of him wants the two of you to need him. It's ridiculous, I know. But I think that is the problem here. You two don't need him. You don't need his money, his status or his help in anything."

"If he wanted us to need him, why wasn't he around more?" I ask.

She shrugs. "I don't know. I'm not a psychologist. My therapist would say that it stems from his relationship with his father. But who knows what makes people tick?" She looks at Sookie, still asleep on the couch and then back at me. "You have a decision to make. You are a thirty year old, very successful man. You have the love and support of a beautiful woman. You have family and friends around you that not only support you but encourage you to follow your heart and to fulfill your dreams. You are a very rich man, indeed, Eric." She says with a tear in her eyes. "So your choices are; you accept your life, including how your father is, move past it and do what you want to do with your life," she puts out on hand. "Or, you wallow in the fact that your father will never give his full approval to you because you are defying him. Giving up all that you have gained and make yourself and everyone around you hurt; because of that one person who can't see past his nose."

I'm quiet for a few moments; taking in all that Amelia said. I had no idea that things were bad for her and Pam. I thought all of my father's disappointment fell on my shoulders. But what she says makes sense. Truth is I'm never going to change my father. He is who he is. No matter how much I wish it, he's never going to change.

I look back at Sookie. "She said almost the same thing." I smile at her.

"Sookie is very smart and sees things a lot clearer than most. Well, she sees things clearer in other people. She always has. I think she looks at relationships differently because she lost her parents so early in life. Gran did her best with Jason and Sookie. Hell, Gran took us all under her arm. That woman was the most tolerant and understanding woman I'd ever known. She saw the good in everything and everyone. Sookie learned a lot from her."

I nod in agreement. My Sookie was definitely one of a kind, that's for sure.

We say goodbye and they both leave. Lafayette makes me promise that I will bring Sookie to see him in a few days so we can start on the suit. Amelia leaves to get some work done before the dinner party tonight.

After they leave, I walk over to the coffee table and sit on it so that I'm close to Sookie's face. I don't know how long I sit there. But before long, she starts to wake up. When she opens her eyes, she sees me and smiles.

"Hi." She says.

"Hello, my Angel," I brush some to the stray hairs out of her face. "Did you have a nice nap?"

She nods. "I'm sorry I feel asleep. I guess everything just hit me."

"You want to sleep longer?" I ask her. "We still have a few hours before we have to be at my parents' place."

She shakes her head and moves to sit up. I lean closer so that I can help her. "No, I want to dance."

"Are you sure?" I ask her. "A lot has happened today. Wouldn't you rather just relax?"

"Dancing does relax me." She says. "Most especially when I'm dancing with you."

I smile and nod. Helping her up, we go up to change and get to the club. My girl is right. We need to dance

***0***

SPOV

We didn't learn any new steps. We just worked on the routines that Eric had already shown me. We still had several more to learn and I was looking forward to them. But Eric was right. We needed to fine tune today. A lot had happened and I don't think I could put another piece of new information in my head.

We worked for an hour or so before returning to the loft. I know Eric isn't looking forward to this night, but his father is his father. He has to learn how to deal.

I had packed this morning, knowing that we would be leaving from here for the party and, of course, returning here tonight. After calling Amelia to find out what she and Pam were wearing, I chose a taupe and silver mini dress with a detailed cowl neck and empire waist. Just sexy enough for Eric and not over the top for his parents. I thought it was a nice choice.

I'm slipping into my matching shoes, when Eric comes out of his closet in a steel gray suit with a black shirt and black and silver tie. Damn if that man isn't the sexiest thing on the planet.

As I'm taking him in, he's taking me in.

He makes in across the room and has me in his arms quicker than I can take three breaths. Leaning in, he places soft open mouth kisses on my neck.

"Would you allow me to indulge a boyhood fantasy tonight?" He whispers in my ear.

"What would that be?" I whisper back to him.

I moan when he reaches the sweet spot behind my ear. I feel the smile on his lips as he continues his ministration. "Making love to a beautiful woman in my childhood room."

I laugh slightly at that. But I have to admit, it is an interesting proposition.

"Let's see how the night progresses," I say to him. "If you're a good boy, maybe you will get a treat."

"Mmmm," he moans into my neck. "If I'm a bad boy, do I get an even bigger treat?"

I swat at him and he laughs at me.

Pulling back he takes my hand. "You are beautiful, My Love," he says. "Now, let's get this over with."

I lean into him as we descend the stairs and make it out and into the garage without incident. I almost thought that we weren't going to make it out of the loft. Half of me hoped that was the case. Yeah, that's the half that wouldn't mind being naked in bed with Eric for a month; only leaving it for showers and food. Oh who am I kidding? Forget the food.

We quietly listen to the radio and hold hands as Eric drives the thirty minute trip to his parents' house. I had heard about it from Amelia, but I'd never been.

We pull up to the gate and a gentleman comes out to greet us. Eric rolls down his window and I can see the shocked look before he clears his throat.

"Good Evening, Mr. Northman," he says. "I'll buzz you right in."

Eric thanks him and he immediately opens the gate.

I look at Eric with the question burning on my mind.

"I don't come to the house very often," he says without any other explanation. I mean, you really don't need anymore, now do you?

We pull up the drive and I couldn't help but gasp at the house. It looked like something right out of Gone with the Wind. The antebellum house was a perfect representation of the period and most stunning.

"You…you grew up here?" I ask him.

He nods and sighs. "Between boarding schools and being shipped to this camp or that in the summer, yes." He says. "The house belonged to my mother's family. When she married my father, they offered it to her as a wedding present."

We come to a stop and two valets come to open the doors and help me out. Eric quickly comes around the car and takes my arm as we walk up the stairs. Just before we reach the top, he stops me.

I look at him and his face is very serious. "Sookie, you were right about my father. I don't need his approval. All I need is yours," he says.

I smile at him. "You got it."

"I will accept on certain things he will not change. However, I will not allow him to be disrespectful to you. I know that Amelia finds ways to deal with him. But I want you to know that you are my first and only responsibility. He will give you the respect you deserve. You are a beautiful, talented and successful woman. I am not only proud but honored to have you on my arm. He will respect my decision in this."

I touch the side of his face. "Even if he doesn't, it doesn't change the fact that I love you."

He leans in and kisses me and we continue our walk up the stairs. The door opens the moment we meet the threshold. Two people are there to take our coats and motion us into the sitting room where we hear other voices.

I take in the front hall as we pass through. We are just about to enter when I hear someone calling Eric's name. He turns and I see a smile form on his face. I follow his eyes to see an older woman descending the stairs.

"Hi Gran," he says as he guides me closer. "I didn't know you were coming down here."

He releases me to take his grandmother's hands in his.

"Oh my dear boy," she says with a smile and pulls him in for a hug. "Oh, I've missed you." She swats him affectionately. "You haven't called me in weeks."

"I'm sorry, Gran." He says. "But what are you doing here? I thought you were staying in New York until the holidays."

"Well," she says in a huff. "Your parents were supposed to come see me. When your father called to cancel, he told me he had to come home to see what you had gotten yourself into." She rolls her eyes. "Well that just got me on the phone to Abbie. She told me that you had met a girl and that you were serious. Well," she puts her hand up. "I called the plane and got myself down here to meet the girl who finally cured my grandson of his bachelor ways."

He kisses her hand and looks to me. "Well, let me introduce you. Sookie," he says bringing her closer to me. "This is my grandmother, Mrs. Eleanor Northman. Gran, this is Sookie Stackhouse."

She smiles a very gentle smile at me.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Northman." I say to her.

"Oh pish," she says and pulls me in for a hug. "You are the love of my beautiful grandbaby's life. Call me Gran or Ellie, everyone does," she says and pulls back. "My you are a pretty thing." She says. "You are the girl that writes those vampy books Amelia is always going on about, aren't ya."

I nod. "Yes ma'am, I am." I say to her.

"Oh, I read one last summer. Girl you do know how to write. Puts Joan Collins to shame, they do."

I thank her as she takes Eric's arm. "Come on boy, let's go see who your father invited to his lion's den." She says.

"Gran…" Eric says with a laugh.

"Well, that boy walks around like he is the biggest and strongest boy on the block. It wasn't too long ago that boy used to hide behind my skirt when Buddy Wilkinson used to be in the park." She laughs. "Buddy was a big old bully until another bully came along. That's just how bullies are my boy. They are only as big as they think they are until someone else comes along to knock them down."

I would have loved to hear more from Gran. She seems to have a way of thinking that would be similar to my Gran's. I am looking forward to getting to know her better.

We walk in and I could swear that the conversations drop for a moment. I see Abbie coming across the room with a big smile on her face.

"Look who I found wondering the halls, Abbie." Gran smiles at her.

"Oh Eric," she says and comes to hug him, "I'm so glad you came." She then turns to me. "Oh, Sookie, you look beautiful. Doesn't she Ellie?"

"Pretty as a picture, I'd say." Is Gran's reply.

Eric takes Gran to sit down and Abbie takes the opportunity to start introducing me to several ladies in the room. The look on his face is almost one of panic but I nod and smile at him. She begins introducing me to several women near the door. This, after all isn't the first time I've done this. Elizabeth used to do this all the time. The difference now is that I don't have rules on what I can and can't talk about.

Everyone of the women I am introduced to either have read my books or know of the Stackhouse Foundation. There are many accolades about my writing along with pleas and cajoling on the plots of my upcoming books. There are many people who have either worked directly with my parents or have been associated with the Foundation in some way. Not one of them made me feel uneasy when they would complement them or say how they missed them. I took all of their well wishes and thanked them for them.

Eric soon found us and rescued me from his mother's constant introductions.

"I'm sorry about that." He says to me. "Gran wanted to hear more about my lovely Sookie." He kisses my temple.

I lean into him. "And what did you tell her?" I ask him.

He turns me and takes my hand in his. "I told her that I met the love of my life. That you were perfect for me in every way and I can't wait to start our lives together." He kisses my hand and I smile at him.

"What did she say to that?" I ask.

He laughs. "She wants to know when we were going to give her great grandbabies to spoil."

Our laughter is interrupted by Pam and Amelia who greet us with glasses of champagne. We continue to make small talk with several more people when we head into the room next door.

"There she is," I hear the boom of a baritone voice. I look around and smile.

"I didn't believe it when Ed told me you were going to be here." He says and pulls me in for a very tight hug.

"Governor, it is wonderful to see you." I say to him.

He grabs my shoulders playfully. "Now, none of that, Sookie Stackhouse, " he kisses my cheek. "I may be a governor but I'm still your Godfather."

I look at Eric and I can tell that statement has shocked him. Oops, did we forget to tell him that little bit of information? Yeah, I guess I did.

***0***

EPOV

Did Governor Brigant just say that he was Sookie's godfather? I knew he was close to her father. But that's, yeah, that's a little close.

"Alright, fine," Sookie says. "Uncle Niall, do you know Eric?" Sookie asks. We both nod in tandem.

"Nice to see you again, Sir." I say to him as I extend my hand.

"Eric," he says and raises an eyebrow to Sookie. "Heard what happened," he says. "I want you both to know that if I knew anything…"

Sookie cuts him off. "There is no way you could, Uncle. This is on me and no one else."

"No, child, this is on that fool." He says with a huff. "I got a call in to the head of the GOP here. I am going to urge him into demanding a review of Compton's finances. His unethical behavior alone could send him out of the race."

She sighs. "You think that's necessary?"

"My sweet girl," Niall kisses her forehead. "These types of people are not who we want to elect into the Senate. There are enough crooks up there already."

I laugh as does he.

"Oh, look whose here." I hear behind me.

"Hi Aunt Erin," she says to the Governor's wife.

Soon we are joined by Governor Edington and his wife as well as Senator Stan Davis. Small talk is made until we are told that dinner is served.

I help Sookie into her seat and take mine beside her. Our first course is delivered and everyone starts to enjoy.

"Eric," Governor Niall says. "I understand that you put the most extensive bid for the new Stackhouse Home?" He asks.

I nod. "That is my understanding." I say to him.

"How did you manage to get that many people to donate their goods and services?" He asks.

I shrug. "When we began calling around, there were a lot of smaller contractors that have either used the facilities and clinics or people in their families have. When we said we were building another one to focus on Katrina victims, they all jumped at the chance to help."

I look over and Sookie is beaming at me. She mouths a thank you and I lift her hand to kiss it.

"Sookie, have you met Jennifer Carter yet?" Erin asks.

Sookie shakes her head. "No, I've not. It's very nice to meet you Mrs. Carter. I understand your campaign is going very well." She says.

She nods and smiles. "It is, thanks to supporters like Mr. Northman, NorRav and the Governor." She smiles again. "Sookie, I was wondering if you and your brother would be open to us taking the foundation more national?" She asks.

"How do you mean?" I ask.

"Well," she says turning to Niall. He smiles and nods to her. "Have you ever heard of the Fisher House?"

She nods and turns to me. "I believe so. Isn't that homes that cater to the families of wounded Vets?" She asks.

Jennifer nods. "It is indeed. We are thinking that the clinics and facilities of the Stackhouse Foundation could help in that capacity as well."

Sookie leans forward. "In what way?"

"Well, it's something is just forming in my head, but," she looks to the man next to her. He smiles at her.

"Ms. Stackhouse, I'm Dr. Christian Carter. I've worked with several of the VA hospitals in the state. Simply put, the Fisher House project needs help. They can't possible help every family and try as they might, they can't possibly build a house where they are all needed." He pauses. "I really didn't want to do this here, but well…" he shrugs. "Shreveport VA Hospital has just completed its prosthetic care wing." Dr. Carter looks at my father. "Thanks to the generous donations from NorRav." My father nods and the good Dr. continues. "There are quite a few military personnel that have requested being transferred or sent here because it's closer to their homes. However, the state is large and many of the families would be traveling to be with their loved ones."

"You would like Stackhouse Foundation to join Fisher House in building a facility?" Sookie asks.

"Well, we thought…" He turns to Niall.

"Sookie, the VA hospital is down near the old industrial park. There are several old warehouses down there. Several of them have been converted into condos." He nods to me and I nod back. That was my first project when we came to town.

"We think that they would make wonderful temporary housing. Jennifer and Christian would like to start here, then they would like to work with the Fisher House Foundation to build more where they are needed."

Sookie beams. "I think it's a wonderful idea." She says. "Of course, I don't want to speak for Jason. But I would see no reason he would be against the idea." She turns to Jennifer. "We can set something up to talk to him. He and his wife are awaiting their babies to arrive, so I know he would have to stay close to home. But I would be willing to promote the idea." She turns to Niall. "What does the board say about this?" She asks.

He smiles at her. "I think you will find everyone eager to work on this project. I can also say that they will be overjoyed that you are taking a more active part in the foundation's operations."

I can tell that she feels a little guilty about his words. I squeeze her hand again and look at the others. "How quickly would you like this done? I will need about a week to put the designs and proposal together. In addition, I would need to talk to the people at Fisher House. But between us all, I think we could have it up and running before the end of the year."

Sookie's head shoots up. "But Eric, you already put a bid in for the New Orleans facility."

I shake my head at her. "It's important to you, it's important to me. It is a very good cause and I would feel honored to be a part of it."

"You would do this, Eric." My father has been silent up until now.

I turn to him and he is looking back and forth between everyone. "Of course, I would, Father. I may not be able to donate pharmaceuticals or help with things like that. But I most certainly can help care for these men and women's family. They have risked so much for our country. The very least I can do is help in their recovery."

I can see the shocked look on my father's face. I don't think he ever really believed that I was doing anything special.

"How much do you think this will all cost?" Sookie asks me.

"It doesn't matter." I hear Gran say.

I look at her. "What Gran?"

"It doesn't matter. Whatever the cost, the Northman family will foot the bill."

"Mother," Ed growls at his mother.

She waves her hand at him. "Oh, get over yourself, Edwin. You son and future daughter-in-law are doing something to help those men and women and their families. Lord knows, I wish there was something like these houses when your father came home from the war and was stuck in Houston for six months." She leans forward. "Your son is trying to make a small difference in the world. Be proud and support him. Like a father is supposed to."

The tension is so thick you can cut it with a knife. My father looks from his mother, to me and then back again. I can almost see something in my father change. "You're right, mother." He says and looks at me. "The family will support this project. It will be hard enough to raise funds for future homes. Let us do this, son." His voice breaks on the last word.

I nod not knowing what else to do.

"Well, that is lovely," Niall claps his hands. "We will be meeting with the board in a few days," he looks to Sookie and I, "I'll have the information sent to you so you can attend."

The rest of the dinner continues without much incident. I do see my father looking at me from time to time but I chose to ignore it.

Dinner over, we retire into the solarium where my mother has set up after dinner drinks, dessert and coffee.

"Eric," Mrs. Edington calls. "I understand that you dance, competitively."

I look around for my father and Sookie pulls me back into the conversation. "He is a wonderful dancer."

"Yes he is," Pam says. "And Sookie has agreed to be his new partner."

"You're going to dance?" Erin squeals. "Oh honey," she runs to Sookie. "You're mother and Gran are smiling now, I just know it."

I can see the tears in Sookie's eyes at the thought of her mother and grandmother being happy at the thought of her dancing.

"Will you dance for us?" My mother asks.

"Oh," Sookie shakes her head. "I can't dance in this dress," Sookie points down to her choice for the evening. I have to admit, even though she looks stunning, the dress isn't conducive to ballroom dancing.

"Come on, Sook," Pam grabs her hand. "I know between me and mother we have something you can wear."

Before either of us gets a chance to argue, Pam has pulled Sookie out of the room.

"Well," I shrug with a laugh, "I guess I don't have any choice."

My mother starts instructing people to help her move some of the chairs out of the way to make a simple dance floor. She looks so light and free at this moment.

"Your mother always loved bragging on you and your sister." I hear my father say from behind me.

I nod without turning around. I am rather enjoying my mother's mood and don't wish for my father to spoil it.

"Taking on two major projects like you have will leave you very little time for anything else." He says to me.

"I'll manage. I've got a wonderful staff." I say to him.

"Still, these projects are important," he says. "You think you can handle them?"

I turn around to face him. "Father, I've done more than two projects at the same time before."

"Yes, but such large…"

I put my hand up. "You have no idea the projects I've been involved with, have you?" I ask.

He says nothing. "All the pictures, news clippings and emails I've sent to Mother, you never looked at them, have you?"

He looks anywhere but in my eyes. "It's not like…"

"You know what," I put my hand up. "I don't expect you to understand. Nor do I intend to spend the rest of my life trying to win approval that clearly will never come. I'm living my life the way I want to. It makes me happy. By some miracle, I found a woman that loves me for me. Supports who and what I am and encourages me to fulfill my dreams. That's really all I need."

He goes to talk again, but I stop him. "As for the Stackhouse Foundation, it's something that is near and dear to Sookie and her brother. It is the one thing they can do to further their parents' legacy and I'm honored to help. Sookie is a part of my life. She will be a part of my life until she says otherwise."

"Son, she's a wonderful girl," he says but I cut him off again.

"Don't worry about the projects. I will get them done, on time and under budget. If you are worried about the money, I'm sure we can fundraise for the renovations. You don't need to worry yourself about it."

He shakes his head. "I said the Northman family will fund this endeavor and I meant it."

I shake my head. "Why?"

"Be..because." He says.

"That's not an answer." I retort.

"Because…because, it's important. It's something that you seem passionate about and it's something that will make a difference."

I sigh. "Well, that's a start." I sigh again. "But I'm no longer looking for your approval. Sookie is my life now. If I'm so lucky, she will be my family. Family supports one another."

I turn to see Sookie walk in. If she took my breath away before, I may go into cardiac arrest now.

I can tell that everyone feels the same way, because the room goes silent.

I walk to meet Sookie in the middle of the room. She smiles up at me. The music starts and we fall perfectly into the Viennese Waltz.

***0***

Pam's POV

"Pam," Sookie laughs as I pull her up the stairs. "Come on, we don't need to do this."

I stop as we get to the top. "Yes we do, Sookie." I say to her. "Now come one."

I pull her into my old room. I know the perfect dress. I'd worn it to some event a few years back and I just know it will fit Sookie perfectly.

I pull it out and she sighs. "Oh, Pam, it's beautiful."

I pull the soft pink skirt out. "Isn't it?" I say looking at it. "Come on, let's get you dressed."

Amelia comes in a few minutes after to help.

We are only about ten minutes before we are heading back down and returning to the solarium.

Sookie walks in and I swear, you could hear a pin fall, it's so quiet. Eric catches her eye and starts moving toward her. I run over to the sound system to begin the song.

I look up as the song begins and watch as the start to move effortlessly together.

I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls all continually change
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me

Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Oh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now she's left
Cleaning up the mess he made

My mother comes up next to me and wraps me in her arms. "They look like they're flying." She says. I nod and look up at her. She has tears in her eyes.

"Aren't they beautiful, Ed?" She asks. I didn't notice my father had moved in next to her.

He says nothing. He's just staring at them.

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

Boys, you can break
You'll find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without the warmth from
A womans good, good heart

On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the god and the weight of her world

I watch as my father continues to watch Eric and Sookie. I meant that they had to dance. Not just because my mother asked them too. But because my father had never seen Eric dance. He hasn't seen a lot of things in both of our lives. I hope he starts to realize what he's closing himself off from.

So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too

As they end the dance, it's silent for a moment. Then the room erupts in applause.

Eric walks Sookie over to us.

"Oh, I've never seen anything so beautiful in all my life." Mother says kissing Eric and then Sookie.

More people move to give the couple their praise. I couldn't help but see my father has moved back slightly.

"Well," Niall says. "I am so happy you are back on the dance floor, my girl." He says and kisses Sookie's forehead. "Now don't forget, I taught you everything you know."

I move back and see my father sitting at a small table by my mother's prize roses.

I walk over to him. "You okay?" I ask.

He nods. "You," he clears his throat, "you ever get a feeling that you've gone through life with blinders on?"

I shrug. "I've heard about it." I say and take the seat opposite from him.

He nods and looks at me. "You know I love you?" It's a question.

I nod. "I know."

"I just want the best for you and your brother." He says looking out to see Eric has taken mother into his arms and is dancing her around. She is laughing like a school girl. Sookie is standing with Jennifer and Christian. Talking about the foundation, no doubt.

"I know, Daddy," I say. "But your children are all grown up," I say to him. "You need to let us live our lives."

He clears his throat again. "Even if I know you are making the wrong decisions."

I nod. "If they are wrong, then they're ours to make. We grew up."

He huffs. "When I wasn't looking."

I touch his hand. "Past is past. If you keep this up, you are going to lose the future too."

I turn and look at Eric has returned to Sookie's side. "He found his soulmate. He is doing what he loves and is making a difference in people's lives."

"And you?" He says to me.

I see Amelia has made her way to my mother's side. As if on instinct she turns and smiles at me. "I've found my perfect match. I'm happy."

I get up. "You've got a choice to make, Dad." I say to him. "I Iove you. But you have to either accept my life or be prepared to not be in it."

He looks up at me in shock. "What!"

I shake my head again. "I've watch you with Amelia for years. She wants me to let it go. But I won't anymore. Dad, Amelia is my partner. I'm tired of waiting for you to come around. I'm asking Amelia to marry me." I get up.

"Pamela," he grabs my hand. "Are you sure?"

I nod and smile. "I've wanted to marry her for a long time. Louisiana doesn't allow it, so we are going to have to go to New York."

I walk away from him and make my way to Amelia. I don't need his approval and I'm not waiting another minute.

I grab my purse form a table and pull out the small box I've been carrying for the last year.

I pull Amelia's hand and she moves toward me. "Hey," she says with a smile.

I kiss her. We don't usually show affection in public like this but I don't really care.

I touch the side of her face. "You know how much I love you?" I ask her.

She nods. "Of course I do." She says.

"Amelia Brook Broadway, I've wanted to do this for a very long time." I say. I take the ring out of the box and hold it up to her. "Amelia I love you more than anything. Will you marry me?"

She says nothing for a moment. Then looks down to her own purse. Oh God, she's going to say no. I watch as she opens her purse and pulls something out. It takes me a moment to recognize that it's almost the exact same ring.

She holds it up to me. "Only if you'll marry me." She says with tears in her eyes.

***0***

SPOV

Eric pulls me close as we watch most of the guests leave. I am still in shock that Pam and Amelia are getting married. Nothing has been set yet. But I just find it beautiful.

"Well, my dears," Gran comes to kiss us both. "This old bird is off to bed. You will come and see me soon?"

Eric nods and she turns to me. "You are a wonderful addition to our family," she says and hugs me again. "And don't let that fool I call a son run you off."

I laugh. "Don't worry, I won't."

Eric moves me over to his mother. "Oh, we will see each other very soon," she says to me. "I'm just so happy."

"Mother?" Eric asks.

"Oh, a mother is allowed to be happy when her children are, isn't she?"

We both nod and I can see Eric looking around for someone.

"He isn't here," she says.

"Where did he go?" Eric asks.

"Probably the office," she says and rolls her eyes. "He has a lot to think through and it's about time he does. I'm not losing either of my children because of his stubborn ways."

Eric laughs. "Did you tell him that?"

"As a matter of fact, I did." She says. "I told him to get his head out of the sand and start looking at his children as more than his property."

"I'm sure he didn't appreciate that." He says.

She shrugs. "He's a big boy, he can take it." She kisses us both. "You all drive home safely."

Eric and I nod and I thank her again for a lovely evening.

Eric and I are quiet the whole way back to the loft. Once inside, he picks me up and carries me all the way to the bedroom.

He lays me on the bed and looks deep into my eyes. "I love you more than anything, Sookie." He says. "One day, you and I will be announcing our engagement. Then we will have a family all of our own."

I touch his face. "I love you too. And until then, we will cherish the family we share."

Eric made the sweetest love to me that night. I felt every inch of his love, need, want and desire for me. He made me feel like we were flying.

***0***

Ana's POV

"And you're sure it's him?" I ask the detective.

"Ma'am, we ran his prints through our system. How do you think I knew to contact you?"

He had a point there. "And you say that it will be a few days before we can move him?" I ask.

"Yes ma'am," the Nebraska state trooper tells me. "MY CO has already alerted his family. I'm not sure when they will be here. But the doctors say, it will be twenty-four to forty-eight hours until he will be stable enough to move."

"Has he said anything?" I ask.

"Just to the EMT that got his name. He said he was kidnapped."

"What?" I ask looking across the room at Frank.

"Yeah, I thought the same thing when I saw the warrant on him. But he was in the back of a cargo van and he was handcuffed."

"What are the nature of his injuries?" I ask.

"I would love to tell ya, but those HIPPA laws prevent it. You will need to be here with a warrant to get that information." He says.

Yeah, I know he's right. But it just pisses me off.

"Okay, we are coming out there," I say.

"Thought you might," he says. "Already talked to the DA. Since the other guy is dead, we got nothing here. Even if he was kidnapped, he can't do anything. So he's willing to hand him off to you all."

"Well thank him for me," I say. "We will be out tomorrow on Monday."

"Good to here." He says.

"Thank you," I say.

"Just doing my job." He says and hangs up.

I look over at Frank. "You are not going to believe this."

Just as I'm about to tell him what's going on, the phone rings again.

"Hello?" I ask.

"Ms. Mason, Judge Marcome," he says. "I just got a call from Carter Lewis. You are aware that they found Bill Compton?"

"Yes sir," I say. "I just got off the phone with the office out there."

"Good," he says. "Mrs. Compton is desperate to get to her son, as I'm sure can understand. She is requesting to be recused from her house arrest to attend to him."

I am about the raise my objection when he continues. "You objection has already been noted. I'm going to allow her to extend her house arrest to the hospital where her son is and the hotel they will be staying at. In addition, I am ordering two officers accompany Mrs. Compton."

I sigh. "I understand. I was just about to talk to Mr. Pierce to see when we can fly out there."

"Well, the Comptons are planning on leaving whenever you can get the detail to them." He says.

"I'll take care of that first." I say to him.

"Excellent," He says. "I expect to see Mr. Compton in court as soon as possible." He says and hangs up.

I look up at Frank and shake my head.

"What?" he asks.

"You aren't going to believe this." I say and start dialing.

***0***