A/N: Sorry for being away for so long. If you all forget about me, I will truly understand. The only consolation is I have been reading a lot of Erotic Romance novels and hopefully, getting good ideas for our Eric and Sookie. Now to give this family a little closure.

Chapter 11:

Eric:

"Daddy, when you were little, did you have to give Valentine cards to…..girls?" Little Eric asked as he continued to struggle to figure out which of his New Orleans's Saints cards to give to a little girl named Gracie.

"Actually, I did. Do you not like the girls in your class, Buddy?" I have become addicted to Little Eric's wit and outlook on the life a five year old. He never disappoints me and each day since I laid eyes on my little clone, my life has become so much more complete.

"I don't remember when I was five, but when I got older, I certainly struggled to figure out what to get girls and eventually the women in my life. When I was in grade school I usually chose my favorite characters like Ninja Turtles or the Power Rangers cards and if the girls didn't like it I didn't care. I just knew I didn't want to ask them to Be Mine. Now when it comes to your Mommy, my beautiful wife…..she deserves to be spoiled and given everything and I want her to Be Mine."

"Well…..I can't say I like them and I can't say I don't like them. They sometimes are a pain in the butt. Did you know that four of them actually follow me around and ask if I will choose one for a girlfriend?" Little Eric looked at his card and carefully signed his name. "I really don't find it necessary to have a girlfriend right now. Marriage is out of the question!"

"Well, son, I do feel that you are too young for that much of a commitment. Did you enjoy our wedding though?" I asked my sweet baby boy as I began to recall myself how special and important our family wedding was.

"That's different. We needed to get married. We needed to be a family. Now that you are my real daddy and we are bestest friends, my life is complete. I was missing you and I didn't even know you. Do you understand what I mean, Daddy?" Once again his insight was amazing.

"That is how I felt too! Did you know I met your Mommy before you were born? I fell in love with her and felt helpless when she left and I couldn't find her. When you get older, we men can talk about it. Right now, we men need to concentrate on getting your Valentine cards done before you have to go to bed." I wish I could just come out and tell him he is mine. He is so smart, he will figure it out. The only thing I can do is give him little hints once in awhile and maybe when it comes time to tell him, he will just say he already knew it. I love him so deeply and I did miss him when I didn't even know him.

Our wedding was very small. In fact we sealed the deal on January 1, with just our immediate family in attendance. Jason made it home the day before and he stood as my Best Man. Pam was Sookie's Maid of Honor. Of course the children stood up with us too with Little Eric next to Jason and Katie next to Pam. Jason and Little Eric had matching Tuxes and Pam and Katie's dresses were exactly alike. It was the kind of wedding I had always wanted and I was glad that Sookie wasn't the kind of woman that begged for an elaborate one. I would have gladly given her anything she desired, but she adamantly told me she wanted exactly what we had. We had Family Unity Rings made for all of us, including Pam and Amelia. The children's were on a chain and mine and Sookie's could either be worn on one of our fingers or on a chain also. Our vows were simple to each other, but I also chose to vow to the children to be a patient and loving father and to care for them and love them until death do us part.

The night Jason walked through the door will forever be etched in my brain. I hadn't realized how deeply Sookie had been affected by Jason's abrupt departure and the fact that she had not heard from him for three years had truly caused deep scars. She had been a complete nervous wreck after I left for the airport to pick him up. She insisted that she needed time to prepare her emotions, so going to the airport with me was out of the question. Little Eric came along with me, because he really had never been to an airport and just wanted to see the big airplanes. Meeting his elusive uncle was secondary to the excitement of experiencing something new in his short life.

When Jason saw me with Little Eric in my arms, he broke down in tears. He recognized Little Eric right away and I had an old picture of him, so that I would recognize him.

"Mr. Northman?" Jason asked as he approached Little Eric and me.

"You can call me Eric." The look in his eyes was precious. His eyes went back and for between little Eric and I and I could tell that the uncanny resemblance surprised him.

"Is this Buddy? I am so glad to see you again. You certainly have grown into a big boy. Can I have a hug?" Jason seemed desperate and looked behind me as Little Eric ran into his open arms. "Is Sookie here? I need to straighten my life out. I am so nervous about seeing her again."

"She too is nervous, Jason. She said she needed time to compose herself. Come, let's get to my car and get you two home." I started walking toward the exit as Jason reluctantly put Little Eric down and picked up his bag to follow me.

After we found the car and got on the road Jason began, "I know I have a lot of explaining to do. How is Katie? I bet she is really a big girl now." Jason asked out loud, but under his breath I could hear him whisper "I missed her every day."

We talked cordially until I noticed that Little Eric had fallen asleep in his car seat. Now I can really talk to Jason. He needs to know about me and how protective I am. He needs to know that he will never, ever hurt my family again. He also needs to know that Katie is mine and I will never let her go. He gave up every right to her when he left and I plan on letting him know how it will go from now on.

"I can tell that you noticed the resemblance that Little Eric and I have. He is mine, you know. We haven't told him yet, but the time will come and I want you to promise that you will not say anything and respect Sookie and my wishes." Jason nodded as if he understood and I continued. I told him how Sookie and I hooked up in college and how fate brought us back together. I also told him that I fell madly in love with her that first day five years ago and all of my dreams and wishes had been answered when we met again.

"The wedding is tomorrow and I would be honored if you would be my Best Man. I own the old Compton estate and the children and Sookie have moved in with me. If you wish to stay, you may live in the farmhouse and I know for a fact that Sookie would want that. I ask that you be tender with her. She has suffered immensely since your Grandmother died…" all of a sudden Jason's look of shock reminded me that he did not know about her passing.

"Gran is dead? When….how….oh my God I am such a fool." Jason broke down in uncontrollable tears and I saw the deep love he too had for his Gran.

"As I was saying, Jason, Sookie has struggled to raise two children on a waitress's wages. Your Gran had to use most of her savings for hospital bills, so Sookie was left basically in poverty. She never asked for help or aid and I have so much respect for her that I am constantly overwhelmed by the wonderful woman she is. Now as far as Katie is concerned, she too is Mine. Sookie and I met Tina at one of my Christmas parties and she agreed to sign her over to us. If you chose to fight us, you will lose!" I know I sounded harsh, but he will not take her away.

"I don't deserve her." Jason was still sobbing over his Gran's death. "She was not my child, you know. Tina left me with her. I didn't know what to do, so the only thing I could do was take her home where I knew she would be loved and cared for. Sookie was so wonderful with her. She knew I didn't have a clue, so she took over all responsibility as soon as she held her in her arms. No, man, I won't fight you. I have no rights. I am sure my name isn't even on the Birth Certificate. I never saw it and Tina just up and left four days after we brought Katie home from the hospital. I know I fucked up, Mr. Northman."

"Please don't call me that again. I am Eric and we are soon to be brothers. I am more apt to understand your plight more than Sookie, so please be kind to her." I never want him to call me Mr. again.

"Thanks, man. I just hope Sookie can forgive me. I really tried to get a job and send money home, but I couldn't. I never wanted to join the Army, but it was my last effort at being a good person. I half wished that I would get blown up in Iraq, because I felt so guilty about not contacting Sookie. I just felt they would all be better off without me. As time went by, I just decided it would be better if they didn't worry about me in Iraq. They had enough problems. I know I should have sent money home, but I had a small gambling problem and continued to lose whatever extra money I had. Please, Eric, don't hate me. I am so happy that you and Sookie found each other again. She never spoke of Little Eric's father. I know Gran knew about you, but they never told me. I just thought he was the most amazing boy. You are fortunate, Eric. I have to admit that I was always looking for a sweet woman like my sister, but after traveling the world, they are very hard to find. I've had my share of lovers, but never been in love. Congratulations, Eric and thank you for finding me and accepting me."

Sookie:

I love to watch Eric and our son in action. They keep me entertained constantly. Now that Jason is home for awhile our family is once again complete. I had to forgive him, especially after Eric and I met Tina. I totally understood why he brought Katie to us. The thing I didn't understand is not hearing from him. He broke my heart, but the mere fact that he is alive and with us right now overwhelms me. My husband knows exactly what I need. Not only in the bed, but in life. Jason will be leaving again soon, but since he was injured his R & R was a little bit longer. His leg is healing and he probably will not be put into combat again, but he will still finish his out his final year in the Army. Who knows, he may make a career out of it.

It didn't surprise me that Katie wasn't Jason's. She so totally looked like Tina and nothing like Jason, that I knew. I respected him so much for that. He could have just taken Katie and turned her into the County for foster care. He had no responsibility, whatsoever to her, but he did it anyway. I will say it every day of my life, I thank him from the bottom my heart for her.

"So are you guys done with your cards? I need you to go to bed, Baby. You have a big day tomorrow….what with all your girlfriends!" Little Eric just rolled his eyes.

"It's really not funny, Mom! I struggle every day." Little Eric said as he put his envelopes in a premade bag. It was large heart bag, that his teacher had them all make to bring their Valentine cards to school and then use it to bring the ones they got from their friends home.

"I know. It's just that you are so, so handsome and I totally understand what must be going through those little girls' minds. I'm just glad I met your Daddy when I was older, because if I would have known him when we were in Kindergarten…..well I just don't know what would have happened!" I wiggled my eyebrows at Eric and he just returned that sexy smirk that weakens my knees and would make me do whatever he asked me to. God I love that man!

After Little Eric and Katie were in bed I pulled Eric to the couch and handed him a big red envelope. "I have an early Valentine surprise for you." I whispered as I licked his earlobe. I am sure he thought my present was something sexy, which it will be as soon as we make it to the bedroom, but I needed to tell him now. I'm not sure how he will react, but after knowing him this short couple of months, I am sure he will be happy.

"Okay, does the card say that you will be my love slave for eternity? Or perhaps I can feast on that hot little…" I had to stop him just for the moment. It was too important.

"Just open it and the feast will be later. I have whip cream and strawberries!"

Eric opened the card and began to read my little original dribble.

I know it hasn't been that long

Since I saw your face across the lawn.

I know our love is strong and good so

What do you think of fatherhood….again?

I peed on a stick and guess what is said?

"Really….really? Oh my precious Lover. You have answered my prayers. I just figured you weren't ready yet, but this is the best Valentine's present ever. You and the kids were my Thanksgiving miracle and Christmas presents. But this…this is more than my heart can take." With that Eric embraced me and picked me up as he ran to the bedroom. The things that man can do with…..well you know. Wink, wink to all and the door shuts.

The End

A/N: Thank you all for reading. As I promised this wasn't too long, but it was happy and sweet. I have a story in my head and I'm seeing Eric as a hot as f**k Viking who finds a maiden he can use to bargain for something. Does that sound like something you would like to read? Thanks again.