40

Your Life is About to Change

Hey, everyone. Here is your Monday chapter. I have received a couple of PMs asking me if I'm still going to finish the story. I am going to post each chapter as I edit them. The story is already complete. I just have to go through and edit and then post. The story would have been completely posted by now but my caseload has increased and I'm not able to post as often as I previously was. And I promise you, I will NOT abandon this story. I will continue to post on Mondays and Thursdays. I will also try to post any extra chapters when I have the time.

And as always, I want to thank each of you for reading the story, the reviews, alerts, and favorites. The story idea is mine but the main characters belong to Charlaine Harris. I hope that y'all enjoy and as always, I love to know what you think. Happy reading everyone and I will be back on Thursday.

Niall watched the little woman as she drove from the parking garage. He couldn't help but smile to himself as he watched her. He could see why Eric is completely taken with her. She's extremely intelligent, strong willed, charming, and beautiful … inside and out. And she loves Eric. She is completely in love with him. She signed those papers without a second thought. She didn't ask one question. She signed her name on the dotted line and she read over them after signing. If she was surprised at anything that she'd seen, she never said a word. She had no facial expressions. She nodded as she slid the documents back to him.

She looked at him and asked if there was anything else that she needed to do. "Do you have anything else that I have to sign? If there's nothing else, I'd like to get home."

"Not at all," he assured her. "This meeting is over."

She kissed him on the cheek and bid him goodnight. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."

"You will."

He'd never met a woman such as Sookie. Even after learning that Eric had supposedly been married to another woman for five years, she forgave him. She wasn't angry. She wasn't upset. She thought about the world that he lives in and she understood why he did what he had to do. He had no other choice. If she were any other woman, he doubted that she would have been so understanding. She would have never forgiven him.

"Amazing," he whispered as he watched her taillights fade out of sight.

Niall shook his head at the sheer surprise of it all. There is so much damage that she could've have caused Eric. She could've denied him access to his child … or at least she would've tried. She could've quit the firm and gone elsewhere. She could've ripped those documents that Niall handed her to shreds. She could've thrown them in his face and told him to go straight to hell. She could've done all of those things but she did none of them. She signed the papers and bid him goodnight.

Niall could think of no other woman that would've done what Sookie has. They would've fought tooth and nail before letting their lover leave them behind but not her. Niall believed in his heart that if the circumstances had been different, she would have. From what he's learned of her tonight, she's not the selfish type. She knew how much Eric's mom meant to him. Sookie knew that he had to do his mom's bidding even though she had no idea what was waiting for the man that she loves. She loved him enough to let him go. Niall could recall the look on her face as she watched Eric during her last night in Sweden.

Though he'd never personally met her, he watched her … from afar. He wanted to see what was so special about the young girl that had turned the head of the most eligible young man in their world. He knew that she had to be a wonder to make him ignore the hundreds of girls that had thrown themselves at him upon his arrival to Sweden. Women that came from well to do families. Women that could have and would have done absolutely anything for him. Women that would have done anything to have him. Women that were absolutely beautiful but they didn't compare to the extraordinary Sookie Stackhouse. And that she was.

Extraordinary.

As he watched her, Niall had deduced that Appius was wrong about her. He didn't see the country bumpkin that Appius and Clancy professed her to be. She wasn't the money grubber that he tried to make her out to be. She wasn't the type to try and trap Eric to be with her ... to live a life that he wouldn't have wanted. She was none of those things. She was so much more. He, as well as many of the others in attendance, saw an elegant and charismatic young lady. She was very gracious and sociable. She could carry on a conversation with the best of them. Many of the people in their circle were surprised at how well she handled herself around born snobs and money lovers. She was up to date on the current events. She knew quite a bit about the stock market. She stunned them with her knowledge of the business world. Niall could only guess that she'd studied up on what Eric was doing before she'd made her trek to Sweden but he was wrong. It never dawned him that she was just an inquisitive young lady. She wanted to know everything that was made available to her. She questioned everything that anyone said to her. She was a learner. She wanted to know everything ... anything. And it pleased him.

She was so well versed that the second most eligible bachelor there was completely smitten with her. His name is Stanley Davis. He was twenty-eight and just getting into taking over his father's seat as the CEO of their many companies. He was well-bred and very handsome. He also knew it. And because he's Stan Davis, he wanted what he wanted. He expressed to Niall that he was interested in getting to know Ms. Stackhouse better and on a more personal level.

With one hand in his jacket pocket and the other wrapped around the glass of champagne that he was holding, Stan sauntered over to Niall and stood by him. "How are you this fine evening, Niall?" he asked as he looked across the room. He never took his eyes off of Sookie.

"I am well, Stanley," Niall answered. "And how are you?"

Pointing his head at Sookie, he said, "I would be feeling a lot better if it's at all possible for me to get to know that charming young lady sitting over there all alone. I've spoken with her and she is interesting. Ms. Stackhouse is quite beautiful … gorgeous actually. But there's more to her than just a gorgeous face. She's intriguing. I see so much more in her and I want her." He finally looked at Niall and asked, "What do you know of her?"

Niall laughed heartily. "What makes you think that I know anything of her? I've never had the pleasure of meeting her. I'm just watching her from afar just as you are."

Stan looked cynically at Niall; not believing a word he'd just spoken. "I don't believe that for a second. You have been watching Ms. Stackhouse all evening. I know that you're not interested in her. She's far too young and she's not your type. You don't just watch people because you have nothing better to do with your time. I have known you far too long to believe that. Don't play games with me, Niall. I have never been one for playing games. Tell me what you know of her." He returned his gaze to Sookie. "I want her."

Niall smiled at Stan … a bright and welcoming smile; though the smile didn't reach his eyes. "You cannot have one who is already taken," he warned him. "You'll have to wait in line, dear boy, and I'm almost sure that you will have to wait forever. She belongs to Mr. Northman … the younger Mr. Northman. He plans to marry her."

Stan stared at Sookie as she sat at the table alone. Earlier, he noticed how some of the other ladies were trying to make her uncomfortable with certain comments that they'd make about Northman ... though none of them were true. He could tell that they were trying to make her feel slighted … unwelcomed. She never let their words disturb her. She may have handled their disregard with class and elegance but she shouldn't have to. Stan felt that she should have someone standing with her … defending her. If she belongs to the younger Northman, if he truly planned to marry her, then the younger Northman should be there to protect her. He should make sure that she knows that she matters but he was not with her. He did not protect her as he should have.

He then looked to the other side of the room at the younger Mr. Northman. He was surrounded by a group of investors and board members. He was glaring at yet talking with those greedy men; all the while, trying to keep Ms. Stackhouse in his line of sight. He could see that Eric was trying to position himself so that he could keep an eye on her at all times but it was not working. The men wanted his full attention. They were going to force the younger Northman to listen to what they had to say. Those backstabbing and hateful men. Men that no one should ever trust. Those were the men with whom Eric was keeping company. Stan didn't care. The longer Eric stayed with those men, the more time it would give him to get to know the intriguing Ms. Stackhouse.

Stan's gaze returned to Sookie as he shook his head no. "Not at all possible," he reasoned. "I would never leave such a treasure to the thieves. Look at her. He's left her sitting all alone. Her eyes are lonely, Niall. I want to take away that loneliness. I want to make her mine."

Niall couldn't help but to look at her. She was sitting tall in her seat. Her head was held high. The smile never faltered from her face. She nodded at each person that walked past her. If they smiled, she smiled. Every once in a while, she'd look down at her hands so that she could quickly and quietly wipe the strays tears from her eyes. The mediocre women wanted to break her but she wouldn't let them do it. No matter how she was feeling, her good graces never wavered. Though she was uncomfortable, she never showed it. Her face smiled but he could see the lonesomeness and pain behind her eyes. She wanted her lover with her.

"The embodiment of elegance," Stan whispered. "She doesn't come from status or wealth but she fits in perfectly … in the most understated way. She knows not a person here but you'd never know it by looking at her. Look at her, Niall. She's the epitome of elegance and class. Instead of being with the barracudas, Eric should be with his lady. She should not be sitting there alone. She should be on his arm no matter where he goes."

Niall took a sip of his champagne before responding to Stan's accurate observations. "You know that the boy has no choice, Stan. His father is trying to keep the girl as far away from his son as possible. He's making the way for Freyda. You know that just as well as I do. Eric, he loves Sookie. He loves Sookie dearly. There is no question as to what she means to him."

"Sookie," Stan whispered.

"She is not available to you, Stan," Niall warned him. "Don't make a fool of yourself."

"Nonsense," Stan said as he gulped down the last of his champagne. He placed the empty glass on the tray of a passing waiter. "Since he is to be betrothed to another, there is no need in letting such a jewel languish on the vine ... especially since he can't marry her. I shall take my leave." He smiled and bowed to Niall before he walked in the direction of the jewel that he'd hoped to claim as his own.

Niall watched Sookie as she stared lovingly and pleadingly in Eric's direction. Stan didn't stand a chance with the young lady. She was paying close attention to Eric. Niall. on the other hand, he also paid close attention as Stan stalked towards his hopeful prey.

When he reached her, Stan bowed before Sookie and offered her his hand. She smiled graciously took it and stood from her seat. She and Stan danced for what seemed like hours. They laughed. They talked. And they enjoyed each other's company. Niall was surprised at Stan's reaction to the young lady. He was completely taken by her. He'd never seen Stan so enthralled. He'd never seen Stan behave in such a manner.

The young man was almost charming. He was laughing and talking with Sookie. When she would tire and need to rest, he would stand by her chair or sit at her side. If she wanted a drink, he wouldn't wait for the waiter to serve them. He would fetch it himself. He never once left her side as they took a break from dancing. Still talking. Still laughing. Still sharing with her. Still enjoying the company of the young lady. And from what Niall could see, Sookie was making Stan feel as if he was the funniest man in the world. If he told a joke, she laughed. If he told an intriguing story, she was mesmerized. She made Stan feel like he was the only man in the room. She would speak and Stan would take in every word. Laugh on cue. Ask a question when he was supposed to. They were in tuned with each other. And it was nice to see Sookie finally having a good time.

After they'd rested long enough, they danced once again. Stan twirled her around on the dance floor; never taking his eyes off of her. In between the next couple of songs, instead of returning their seats, he would stand with her in the middle of the dance floor and stare down at her … not noticing anyone else in the room. If Niall didn't know any better, he would have believed that Stan had fallen in love in less than thirty seconds. He almost expected Stan to drop down on one knee and propose.

Glancing slyly at the other side of the room, Niall noticed the looks of jealously that Eric would cast in the dancing couple's direction. He could see that Eric wanted to be with her. He wanted nothing more than to be with her. He'd expressed to Niall several times how it angered him that his father was getting in the way of his chance to spend any quality time with his lover. The look of desperation on his face as he watched Stan dancing with Sookie was distressing. He wanted to hold her and love her. Niall pitied the boy but there was nothing that they could do. Though he'd been looking for outs, he'd yet to find one.

Something then caught Niall's eye. Stan was holding Sookie close to him as they danced. She was saying something to him as she smiled and then it happened. He kissed her. The kiss lingered for a few seconds … a few seconds longer than it should have. The smile on her face vanished and she immediately stepped out of his arms. She placed her fingers to her lips. Though she was distressed at what had just taken place, she remained calm.

Eric did not. Appius had a tight grip on his arm as to keep the boy from striding across the room and attacking the man that has kissed his lady. He was whispering in his son's ear. Niall saw Eric's jaw tense up but he remained in place … never taking his eyes off of his lover … waiting with bated breath to see what was going to happen next.

Stan reached for her … taking her hand into his. He said something to her and once again, the smile returned to her beautiful and gracious face. She stared up at him as he talked to her … shared his feelings with her. And then it happened. She was soon standing where she once stood as they danced. She stared into his eyes for a brief moment before shaking her head no.

She could see that Stan is a good man. He is very intelligent and has a great sense of humor. He has wonderful conversation. He's extremely handsome and he's so charming but it's not him. It'll never be him. "I love Eric," her lips read. She then placed her hand to her chest and said, "I belong to him. I'll always belong to him. I'm sorry, Stan but I'm not for you." She reached up and kissed Stan's cheek before she walked away.

Niall turned to look at Eric and since the boy had been in Sweden, he'd never seen a happier look on his face. He watched as Eric closed his eyes and placed his hand to his heart and release a heavy sigh. Right at that moment, Niall decided that he was going to do everything in his power to keep Eric and Sookie together. It took longer than expected but it's about to happen.

Niall pulled out his cell phone and called Eric. He answered on the first ring. That made him laugh. "I can assume that you're still awake. Anxiousness appears to have gotten the better of you, I see."

Eric wasn't in the mood for joking. He wanted to know what Niall had learned. "Is she on her way home? Is she safe?"

"She is," Niall responded. "I waited for her to leave for the night. She should home within the hour."

"How did it go?" he asked.

"Very well." Niall began to nod his head as he spoke. "Your lady is very unconventional. Let me ask you. Is that what you want considering so much is on the line here?"

Eric realized the ways Sookie won some of her cases. Einin filled them in on the wonders of Sookie Stackhouse during their first meeting. She played on people's emotions. She could touch them and they seemed to fall under her spell. She'd smile and they thought that they were with their best friend. Her words seemed to sooth them into calmness and rationality. There were times when it was believed that she could read their minds. So, does he want unconventional?

"Yes," he answered. "What did she say?"

Niall wanted to tell Eric about the original contract but he promised Sookie that he wouldn't do that. He would stick to what she would have told him if there were no other options. They have a plan and the plan must be followed. "Let it all go," he answered simply. "But only if there are no other options. If happiness is what's important, let it go. In the words of Sookie Stackhouse … it's only money."

Eric smiled as he flopped back onto the bed. "I asked her last night if she wanted me to give it all up. I told her that she needed to only tell me and I would never look back." He chuckled. "Do you know what she said?"

"It would be too easy," Niall answered.

"It would be too easy," Eric repeated.

Niall sighed as he drove to his apartment. "She believes that your happiness and freedom are more important than the businesses. She wants you to be happy, Eric. Tell me, son. Do you love her? If there were no other options available to you, do you love her enough to let it all go?"

The answer was yes. A million times yes. To be able to openly love the woman that he's always loved has been a dream of his. He wants to be the one to carry Flynn in his arms as they go home after a night out as a family. His daughter standing on his feet as they dance together at Pam's annual Christmas Ball is something that he wants to experience. He wants to marry Sookie and have more children with her. He wants to be with her in the delivery room for each birth. He wants to cut the umbilical cords. He wants to be a part in naming them. He wants to be there for their first days of school and college. He wants to walk his daughters down the aisle and teach his sons to catch a baseball. He wants the life he's always envisioned that he would have with Sookie. So, yes. He wants to be able to freely love her for the rest of his life. He wants to be happy. He wants to be fucking ecstatic.

"I love her more than I anyone in this world," Eric proclaimed. "I've spent the last ten years looking for her. Everything that I've done has been about finding Sookie. And she's here. I finally have her and I can't let her go. I can't lose her again."

Eric leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "My life hasn't been this great since her very short visit to Sweden. I don't want to lose this feeling, Niall. And I won't lose it." He fell quiet for a few moments. "I don't want to deny my mother but I can't do this anymore. Living for my mother, that's not what I'm meant to do … not anymore. I don't want to reveal the secrets that she wants hidden but what choices do I have? I have none. I can't do this anymore."

Niall believed that the boy has done everything that he's done out of guilt and obligation. Guilt and obligation has been the boy's driving force for the last ten years. His mother's guilt has passed on to him and it angered Niall. It wasn't fair that Eric had to carry someone else's mistakes on his shoulders for the rest of his life. The burdens weren't his. And starting tonight, they would be his no longer.

"Forgive me, Eric," Niall began. "But your mother's mistakes are her own. She was sixteen when it happened. It was an accident. The Maddens, they played on her emotions, her guilt, her love for Gervais was her downfall. Under normal circumstances, she never would've promised that you would make up for her wrongdoings. Eric, her guilt of killing Gervais in that car accident is why she did what she did. And giving you up, making it impossible for you to live your life as you would want, is what caused her to kill herself. She loved you, Eric. She couldn't face you. She couldn't tell her son that she'd promised him to the Maddens. She loved you."

Eric didn't know what to say. There was nothing for him to say. For quite some time, he hasn't known for sure how him mom felt about him. She made him a prisoner against his will. How can he believe that she loved him? How can he be sure of anything when it comes to his mom and how she feels about him? She betrayed him and she left him.

Niall's voice brought Eric back to the here and now. "You don't know this but months before your mom took her own life, she did everything in her power to get Dashell to release you from the obligation. She didn't want this for you, Eric. This was never the life that she'd intended for you."

And Eric didn't know that. He didn't know that she'd tried to get him of the marriage. He'd always assumed that she didn't want to face what she'd done to him. It hurt him to think that she believed that killing herself was easier than facing him and telling him the truth. He could've handled it. He would've been angry but he would've never stopped loving her. She was his mother. She gave him life. There was nothing in this world that would have made him hate her. Niall's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"She told Dashell that he'd blackmailed a sixteen-year-old girl into doing what he wanted her to do. She told him that he could have shares of her company when she came of age if he'd not request the life of her first born child. He wanted the life that she'd taken replaced. My point is, Eric, that your mom didn't care about the businesses. Her main concern was you. It was always you. You don't have stay tied to those businesses. The family name doesn't mean that you have to give up your entire life."

"For so long," Eric began. "I felt that this was my life … the Northman business, the Northman name. I didn't want to be a slave to this but I'd resigned myself to my fate. I thought that I'd be forever obligated to hold onto something that I'd grown to hate. I can let it all go and never look back. I can finally be free."

Niall smiled as Eric's words resonated in his mind. "Yes, Eric. You can finally be free but know this. Things are about to change for you. You can have everything that you've ever wanted. Sookie, Flynn, a family … your own family. Is that what you want? Is Sookie worth the fight that we are headed towards?"

"Yes," he proclaimed. There was no need to ask himself that stupid question. She was worth that and so much more. "Yes. Whatever I have to do, I'll do it. What plans do you have?"

Niall wanted to tell him but when he gives his word, he keeps it. He smiled as he remembered Sookie's very well and thought out plan as they left the office together tonight. In only a matter of hours, that woman had devised a plan that was practically flawless. And he believed that it would work and he vowed to do everything in his power to help her.

He began telling Eric the words that Sookie asked him to say word for word. She'd even written them down so that he wouldn't forget them. "The plan is that we get you everything that you want. You will do whatever you're comfortable with but you will listen to the plan beforehand. Know that you will have no reason to worry. You will meet with me and Sookie the night before the Vardamon party. Whatever happens, you have to play along. You aren't going to like everything that has to be done but it is what it is. Regardless of what you feel or think, you cannot base any of what happens on your feelings. You cannot get emotional. You cannot deviate from the plan. Sookie has to know that you can do this. I have to know that you can do this."

Eric began to laugh. Niall sounded just like Sookie. He began to wonder if they should've been working together at all.

"So," Niall said. "What do you want to do? Do you want to take the easy way out or do you want to take your chances?"

Smiling, Eric said, "I'll take my chances."