Charlaine Harris owns almost everything. I own the rest.
Thank you again for all of your lovely feedback. I am so grateful to have your support. I'm so sorry it's been so long since I updated. I have been working on my book nonstop, and now it's done. It will be released November 26th through Liquid Silver Books (in e book format compatible with many e readers). I posted an excerpt on my blog, and the cover art is up as well. Go check it out and follow me if you haven't already! SeptemberRoberts dot wordpress dot com
Thank you SeriousCrush for reading this and encouraging me. I love you so! Any remaining mistakes are my own.
Here's the epilogue, short and sweet:
Switched Epilogue
Sookie's POV
As she thought back over the time she spent in Eric's body, she realized while she had been annoyed at the time, it had been the most amazing opportunity of her life. How many other couples in the world could say they knew each other and really mean it? Each moment she spent in Eric's body brought her closer to understanding him, and it had given their relationship stability.
Working with the queen had been interesting, to say the least. Sookie kept her mouth shut and listened a lot, which seemed to be the most effective way to learn. The more she worked, the more comfortable she felt with her position.
During the most recent vampire conference, she ran into Barry, the telepath she met in Dallas. He was working for Stan now, and over a cup of coffee, they started talking shop.
"It's been awesome, for the most part. Some of it is kind of weird, but maybe that's just Stan." Barry shrugged.
Sookie laughed, getting the attention of a family dining nearby. "Sophie-Anne has her own little peculiarities. Believe me. I love getting to use my gift. It's really helped with my focus. And it's great to know I don't need to worry about paying my bills."
Barry cleared his throat. "How much is she paying you? If you don't mind me asking."
"Eighty."
"Is that all?" Barry scoffed. "We're worth more than that. You should ask for a raise."
"That's what Eric keeps telling me. What do you charge?"
"One fifty. Plus benefits." Barry raised his eyebrows. "Remember, Sookie, they need us. Our ability is a valuable commodity, and I bet the queen would easily pay you that much, or more."
"I'll talk to her about it. Thanks!" She gave him a smile.
"So, I see you're with Eric. What happened to Bill?"
Sookie grimaced. "Bill's a dirtbag. Eric on the other hand, is a great guy." She didn't feel like discussing the details with him, and shielded her mind so he couldn't read her like a book, something she only got to practice when she was with him. Barry got the hint and didn't press her. "How about you? You seeing anyone?"
Barry grinned. "I am beginning to appreciate vamps a lot more now I spend so much time with them."
Sookie picked up a flash of Barry kissing a beautiful brunette, and just as quickly as the image surfaced, it disappeared. "Thanks for hanging out with me. I need to be back for a meeting. See you soon?"
Barry gave her a quick nod. "Yes, I'm sure we'll see each other again."
Later that night, after the meeting, she gathered up all her courage and asked the queen for a raise.
Sophie-Anne gave her a shrewd smile. "I was wondering when you would realize you are worth more. What did you have in mind?"
Sookie wrung her hands. "Um. Another hundred?" She shrugged.
"Done. I will have Andre draw up a new contract. Anything else?"
Sookie smiled. "No, thank you. I am grateful to have such a gracious boss."
"Oh Sookie, flattery will get you everywhere. I want to make sure you are happy here. I couldn't bare to lose you to someone else." Sophie-Anne smoothed her hair. "That pompous ass from Florida bragged that he could offer you something I couldn't. I don't even know how he found out about you."
"Let me assure you. I am quite happy working for you, and I am not the kind of person who breaks my word. I work for you, and I seriously doubt anyone else could offer me what you do: job security and the undivided attention of the Sheriff of Area five."
Eric and Sookie celebrated her raise by going shopping. Eric always said he loved going shopping with her. It seemed as though his experience dressing in women's clothing had given him invaluable experience as to what looked and felt best on a woman's body, so while they shopped, Sookie always trusted his judgement.
The time they spent in Louisiana was split between their houses. During the switch, they had both become very familiar with each other's lives, and Sookie came to love Fangtasia, which delighted Eric.
Pam had a deep appreciation for Sookie, especially after Sookie organized the pile of paperwork that had started to consume her home office. Pam joked that now she could see her desk she wouldn't need to borrow Eric's. Mel blushed every time Pam mentioned the moment they got caught.
Eric caressed Sookie's hair as they lay in bed together. "Are you happy?"
Sookie beamed at him. "You know I am, and you have everything to do with that."
"I love you."
"I love you too. Thank you for waiting for me."
"Waiting for what?" Eric frowned.
"For me to open my eyes and see how amazing you are." Sookie laughed. "Actually, I had to open your eyes."
Eric chuckled. "That certainly was an interesting learning experience, wasn't it? I was so angry at her at first, but now I feel like thanking her."
She scoffed. "I'm sure you'll want to thank her for experiencing my period."
"It's part of you, and it helps me understand how you feel every month. It made me more human. To think, the thing that brought me closer to you was a craving for chocolate and commercials that made me cry."
"I must say I've never met a more understanding man. You're right. Her madness was a gift, although I wasn't so sure about that at the time. I still don't know how you control your blood lust and anger so well. I'm just glad we got through the other side together. I can't imagine my life without you."
"And mine without you." Eric kissed her.
Her body melted against his, and she happily gave herself to him, over and over again. Every union was filled with love and the intense need to be together.
A year ago, Sookie wouldn't have imagined that she would be in a loving relationship and traveling the country with Eric. She knew the love they shared would keep them together, giving them a fulfilling life together, one that she had never experienced before.
Well…I hope you enjoyed it. Please review, one last time to share the love. I really am sorry it took me so long to post, I hope you'll all forgive me!