Okay, finally got a little epilogue put together!

There were so many things to wrap up, and I hope y'all like the little scene :)

Again, thank you all so much for the reviews, and thanks for sticking with this story!

Elena knew better than to laugh.

Laughing would wake Damon, and ruin the scene before her now.

Her love was on the edge of their bed, straight as possible in his sleep, without much room, thanks to the two tiny bodies taking up the rest of the bed.

Somehow this always happened when they agreed to watch Jeremy and Bonnie's children.

They'd swear that this time, the six and four year old would sleep in their own beds, set up in the room specifically made for them, yet each and every time, they'd give in to quivering lips and puppy eyes, and end up with a bed full of children.

Deep down, she didn't mind though, and neither did Damon, though he'd never admit it.

The children were fun to have around, and gave them the chance to parent for a while, that they'd have otherwise missed out on.

Elena had known at the age of 21 that agreeing to be turned meant that she was giving up children of her own.

Vampires can't procreate.

But after everything she and Damon had gone through, she had gained more than she'd lost.

Still though, it was a nice surprise when, a few years later, Jeremy and Bonnie had married, having children of their own, and decided that Elena should babysit whenever needed.

She loved her little nephew and niece so much that it didn't bother her.

And since it made her happy, Damon couldn't find fault in it.

She smiled, looking at them now.

Jeremy and Bonnie had taken the weekend off to spend together, and wouldn't return until the following morning for the children. So it had been two days of endless games for Elena and the kids.

Damon had fully taken on his position as governor, but always came home in time for dinner and baths.

She knew he loved them as much as she did.

The proof showed now, as he tucked little Sophie into his side, his arm stretched across her and her brother protectively.

Sometimes Elena could only marvel at the change in him.

He'd come so far from the monster that bought her, all those years ago.

And not just in their relationship, but in his position as well.

Damon's plan to integrate the humans had eventually unfolded, but had taken some adjustments.

The humans of the village were naturally afraid of the vampires, which compelled them to avoid the truce Damon proposed.

But eventually, a few had been desperate enough to step up, and take the help being offered.

The blood trade was now a common marketing, and the laws of slavery had been adjusted to fit the lessening demand for blood.

The rich and spoiled vampires had been against this at first, but Damon had worked out an agreement with them, and with representatives from the human village, and came to terms that everyone could agree with.

The new laws required that only humans over the age of eighteen could be rounded up for auction, and they must still be released by their twenty-first birthday.

Vampires were prohibited from killing their slaves, a crime punishable by death.

The vampires were also now required to offer each slave full meals, clothes, and sleeping arrangements.

All slaves were given Sunday off.

It had taken time, but over the years, the rough patches had been smoothed, and the human's village was faring better than it had in forever.

Elena was grateful for that, and had even gotten to see Matt and other friends around town.

She spent a lot of time in town.

Rebekah had left a few years ago to visit Klaus who had settled in a coastal vampire village, and had never returned, claiming to have found more happiness on the shores.

Caroline had wasted no time in asking Elena to take her place at the shop, and the two friends now ran the boutique flawlessly.

Damon occasionally stopped by during the week to whisk her away.

They'd have lunch together on their hilltop, just enjoying the beauty of the day, until his political duties called.

The balance worked for them though, and overall, Elena couldn't ask for more.

She climbed into bed now, trying not to wake up Benjamin, who, unlike his sister, choose to sprawl out all over the bed, and slipped under the covers.

It wasn't long until tiny arms wrapped around her, unconsciously cuddling into her warmth.

She sighed, brushing back Ben's hair, and look over at Damon.

His eyes were opened now, a smirk on his lips.

Elena settled into her pillow, reaching for his hand across the two little ones.

As he interlocked their fingers, she mouthed, "I love you."

He winked, before whispering it back, and she smiled.

They held gazes until they were too tired to do so, and sleep eventually claimed them.

A peaceful quiet settled through the mansion, and all was as it should be.

Not sure what else to say, besides thanks for the support! :)

Hope y'all find time to check out some of my other stories, or just pm me.

I love messaging and fangirling lol.

Love y'all!