Weight of the World

Chapter 7

“Isn’t this just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? I still can’t believe me of all people is having twins. I didn’t even want one, and now I’m gonna have two, but I’ve honestly never been happier. I’m hoping for a boy and a girl, but James wants two boys. The idea of having a girl terrifies him, it’s pretty amusing.”

Sookie just nodded along, a small smile gracing her features as she listened to her best friend of ten years go on and on. Her baby shower just came to an end, and Sookie was helping her load all of the presents into their new nursery.

“Sorry, am I talking about this too much?” Tara wondered.

Sookie shook her head. “No, I’m very happy for you. I know you haven’t had the best life growing up, but these babies couldn’t find a better mother.”

Tara’s eyes teared up, giving Sookie a hug as best she could with a bulging belly in the way. “Don’t you go making me cry, Stackhouse, you know my emotions are all out of whack.” She pulled out of the embrace. “Okay, a subject change is in order, how are things going with that Viking of yours?”

Sookie blushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s going really well, he actually offered to watch Alyssa for me today. Their close bond is amazing; I’ve never known her to be this comfortable with anyone before. I’m just really scared. He says he’s fine with not having kids, but what if he changes his mind and decides he wants someone who can give him everything I can’t? It’s not just me I have to worry about now; Alyssa has already gotten so attached. If it was just me, I could probably deal. I’ve had my share of bad break ups, but after everything she’s been through, it would break her heart if someone else left her.”

Tara patted her friend on the back. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. I don’t know Eric all that well, but from what I have seen, he is very devoted to the both of you. I think he’d rather die than leave either of you. In fact, death would most likely be the only way he’d leave. And this conversation just took a very depressing turn, but you get what I’m saying.”

She smiled. “Yeah, he even offered to give ownership of the bar over to his partner because it takes away too much of his time that he’d rather spend with us, but I could never have him do that. He’s worked so hard for years to have his own business, even though he says money is not an issue, I know how much he loves it.”

“That’s the bar he owns with Pam, right? I’ve only met her a couple of times, but I’d be real worried if my man was working with someone who looks like her. Not that you should have any reason to worry, of course.”

“I don’t, Eric is fortunately not her type. Pam’s only interested in women, she and Amelia went out once, but I refused to let her tell me any of the details. There are just some things I don’t care to know,” Sookie explained.

Tara laughed. “Now, that makes more sense. Thanks again for helping me today, I know you would have probably rather done anything else.”

She gave her friend another hug before grabbing her purse and walking to the front door. “I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Take it easy, we’ll talk later.” Sookie let out a relieved sigh when she left the house, making her way over to her car and heading for home.

* * * * *

Sookie entered her house to find the most gorgeous sight waiting for her, Eric was asleep on the couch with Alyssa cuddled at his side, also sound asleep. She would have grabbed the camera if she didn’t think it would disturb them. Before she even knew what happened, tears were forming in her eyes and there was no stopping it.

That’s how Eric found her when he finally woke up, concerned at what could have upset her, but Sookie just shook her head. “Stay there, I’ll put her to bed.” She went to take Alyssa from him, carefully carrying her up the stairs and gently placing her down in bed, covering her up without so much as a peep from her. Sookie went back downstairs, wiping her eyes of the remaining tears and taking a seat next to him.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

She nodded, taking in a deep breath. “It’s just been a very emotional day, but I’ll be fine. You could stay here tonight if you want.”

Eric nodded as well. “I would like that.”

Sookie stopped him from getting up, instead pushing him back down on the couch and lying at his side, her head resting on his chest. “I’m more comfortable here,” she whispered, her eyelids starting to get heavy.

He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. Within minutes, they were both fast asleep.

* * * * *

Sookie smiled in the doorway as she watched Alyssa drawing a picture in her room, moving closer to get a better look at it. She could make out two people, with a little girl in between them, along with a little boy that confused Sookie. They looked like a cute family.

“What is that a picture of?” she finally asked.

Alyssa looked up at her, as if it should be obvious. “That’s me with you and Eric, we’re at the playground.”

Sookie nodded, having a feeling about that part. “Who is the little boy?”

She shrugged. “I’ve always wanted a brother.”

Sookie sat down, not sure what to think about that. She didn’t know what to say, but Alyssa wasn’t finished.

“I heard Mommy and Daddy talking once. Mommy thought she was gonna have another baby, but Daddy said it wasn’t a good idea. That he didn’t wanna take care of another mistake. Was that me?”

She shook her head, taking the child in her arms. “You could never be a mistake, but you really captured Eric very well,” Sookie claimed, trying to change the subject. “You really like him, don’t you?”

Alyssa glanced back up at her, with big brown eyes that were full of unshed tears. “I love him,” was her soft reply.

Sookie felt tears in her own

eyes, nodding after a moment. “You’re not alone in that.”