Epilogue

I stood looking at the water, as I waited for Eric. We were headed to the airport, but Eric wanted to stop on the way to buy something for Pam. I felt him come up behind me, and then he wrapped his arms around me, and nuzzled my neck.

"Are you ready to go home, lover?"

Home. The word no longer held the same meaning for me. Eric and I hadn't even discussed where we would be staying, but I knew it would be together. Well, we would fight about it on the plane, but in the end, it didn't really matter. Home was wherever Eric was. I finally understood that.

There were a lot of decisions to make about the other aspects of my life, and what I wanted to do with it. I couldn't see myself going back to work at Merlotte's, but I wanted to do something—I wouldn't be a kept woman. I had to deal with my family, human and fairy alike. I also had to continue to hone my abilities, until I could use them as subtly as Craig had at the end.

Finally, however, I had to make sure Eric understood that I really did want him to turn me. I had one year, and I was going to make the most of it. It was meant to be after all. It was inevitable. It had to be done. Now I just needed to convince him.

One year. I only hoped I would survive it.

A/N: This is it. My last A/N for CTL. It is a bittersweet thing to be writing. It is short, I know, but meant to be a companion and mirror to the prologue. Also, I wanted to take this opportunity to let you all know that I will most likely be writing a sequel to this story. I hope you understand, however, if I take a little break from telling the story of this Eric and Sookie. I have a couple other stories that need to be finished, and other ideas to explore as well. Additionally, I will only write the sequel if I feel I can come up with a really good story to tell you guys. Otherwise, what's the point? I don't get paid for this, so I can afford to be artistic and petulant and unwilling to "sell out" for the sake of getting published.

Once again, my undying love and gratitude goes to Gallathea and Kristin, the best betas a girl could have. In addition to fixing all my mistakes, they kept the story honest and kept me focused on where things should go. They also held my hand whenever I felt uncertain or incapable, and let me tell you that was often. I would also like to thank Malanna, who unfortunately became too ill to work on the story, but without whom you would not be reading this. It was she who sent the first draft back telling me to do better. I hope I have.

To my fellow writers and friends, both here and on the HBO Wiki Eric thread, thank you so much for all your support. Thank you for making me laugh when I was down, and for giving me confidence when my muse ran away.

Finally, to each and every one of you who read this story, left a review, and/or put it on alert - I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your responses and support for the story have humbled me and make me want to do much, much better. I tried to reply to each review for the last chapter, which I could never have done while writing the story. I hope I didn't skip anyone, but I fear I may have, or may have sent double thanks to the same people. In any event, thank you, thank you, thank you.

FDM