Chapter 10

Morning came, breakfast was cooked by Caroline, Klaus walked into the room looking worse for wear. All was well...then the front door was thrown open, Mikael stormed in, shouting their names only to quiet once he caught sight of them at the table. He rushed in, followed closely by Esther and the rest of the Mikaelson's, even Edmund had come running.

Caroline could see Klaus was nervous and afraid of his reaction, and his face relaxed once Mikael took them both into his arm, holding them tightly. "You never made it to the caves, we all feared the worst." he pulled back, taking his seat at the table. "Now tell me, what happened?"

Klaus waited until they were all seated before telling them the news. Everyone took it differently, Finn was watching him closely, as if waiting for him to burst into a ball of teeth and fur. Elijah looked unsure of what to think of the situation. Kol looked more serious then Caroline had ever seen him, though he also looked intrigued. Rebekah was close to tears, her pitying gaze settled on Caroline before switching to her brother. Henrik didn't know how to react, though Caroline wasn't sure if he fully understood what was going on around him yet. Esther looked, for lack of better words, broken, completely and utterly shattered.

Caroline could tell the emotions and looks from his family were annoying Klaus by the set of his shoulders, and now that his wolf gene was activated, his anger and aggression would be easier to lose control of. She stood behind him, her hands resting on his shoulders, her thumbs digging into the tension at the base of his neck. Questions were answered with haste, everyone still talking in outrage on the evens that transpired in the previous night. People ate the breakfast Caroline had prepared as the atmosphere cleared of the negativity.

Klaus's face was drawn in, looking exhausted as he ate his breakfast in silents. While Caroline calmed her emotional, hormonal sister. Once everyone finished and Caroline rose to help with the clean up, Esther shook her head, looking from her to Klaus. "You have both gone through enough. Go rest, we shall see you at dinner."

Caroline nodded, a grateful smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she took Klaus's hand and pulled the sluggish man from the room and up the stair. She released his hand once they were outside his room. "Get some sleep, Klaus. I'll see you later tonight." she turned to head back to her room, though stopped when his hand tightened around hers, refusing to let go. She looked up at him.

He was shaking his head, his gaze wary, fighting his eyelids to stay open and his body tense. "You shouldn't be alone right now."

Caroline mind translated his meaning, just as it did when he was hybrid Klaus. I don't want to be alone. She nodded, allowing him to guide her into his shared room. Wrapping his arms around, he lay atop his blankets and burrowing his face into her hair, taking deep even breathes. She could feel him easing into the bed, his warm breath in the back of her neck.

She allowed herself to relax with him, looking out the door, which had been left open for obvious reasons, 'no funny business'. Caroline could hear both the talking from the siblings and the door opening and closing as they got back to their normal day after a full moon, knowing Caroline and Klaus were perfectly fine.

OoOoOoO

The months fell away with ease. Full moons coming and going, with Klaus in perfect control of his animal side, strolling the village to keep the livestock alive and safe while the people were away in the caves. He once ran into his biological father, though that ended with snarls, snapping teeth and healing wounds the next day. Two alpha males going head-to-head was never a good idea, and after that fight, he got the message and stayed away from the village. Klaus had dealt with a few stragglers, but it seemed they were getting the meaning of Klaus's territory, and stayed as far from it as they could.

The day before the full moon, he could get testy and annoyed easily, though most of the time he was just angry, which was why he stayed with Caroline on those days. On the day of the moon, he was jittery and he couldn't sit still for longer then a few moments, which Caroline spent the day jogging with him around the woods and into the clearing with Karr, the great stallion. The day after, he would be exhausted and spend the day either napping with Caroline at the falls, or in his room in a deep sleep.

Caroline planned their wedding to be a summer afar, which gave them something to look forward to as they stayed in doors most of the winter. By month five, Rebekah was rounding and Kol learned very early on not to comment of her growing weight. His black eye lasted for a while and Eydis had a good, long laugh, she had started to spend more of her time with the Mikaelson's after her birthday, when she received the gown that started a soft pink, fading into an orange and ended in a yellow. When Kol asked permission to court her.

Caroline spent a lot of her time with the mother-to-be while Edmund was at the forge. He entrusted Bekah's well being in her hands. Caroline spoke of all she knew on childbirth and how to raise a baby, from breast feeding to the proper way in which it should be place in a bed.

Everything Caroline had learned from babysitting since she was thirteen. Rebekah listened, like a sponge soaking up water, she was more then eager to learn how to be a mother. And when Esther started coming with Caroline to see Rebekah in her own home, it was the most sense of family Caroline had ever had.

It was at month seven, winter was leaving, summer was upon them and Rebekah was waddling. She couldn't see her feet and her hands were always touching or rubbing at her swollen belly in some way. Caroline and Klaus worked together and created a baby crib, the finishing touches were the burned wildlife into the frame of the dark, cherry oak. Birds flew over tree tops, wolves prowled the night, deer and horses traveled with their herds, running across the plain. Klaus had gotten Elijah to help him deliver it to their house as the family sat around the table, eating the meal Caroline had helped her prepare.

Rebekah had cried, pulling Caroline and Klaus as close as she could without her tummy getting squished. As if sensing mothers excitement, the baby inside her started squirming and kicking, that was the first time Klaus had touched his sisters belly, feeling the life within, tears gathered in his eyes as smiled at her.

Month nine was upon them, and no matter how many times Caroline refused to have the wedding until the baby was born, a very round Rebekah was helping Caroline into her own white gown, careful of her blond ringlets, a fresh flower crown atop her head. The thin, silken fabric touched the floor, the sheer white covering went over it. The line was a scandalous v-neck, the straps fastened around the back of her neck and shoulders, though left her back exposed. It hugged in all the right places, and teased where it was supposed to.

Rebekah loved it, calling it the most daring dress she had even seen. And as Caroline walked into the village, Mikael holding her arm in his, she was all smiles and joy. Her breath leaving her in soft pants once she caught sight of Klaus at the altar, under the great white oak, the beautiful purple flower, vervain, grew on either side of her path. The villagers all looked mystified.

It wasn't until she was beside him, that he turned to look at her. His eyes went wide, his pupils dilated, his lips parted as his breath left him in a huff. He didn't take his eyes off her, even as Ayana continued with the ceremony. As the old witch finished with 'the gods have blessed you', Klaus took her hand ever so gently, and slid the ring onto her slim, elegant finger. He leaned over to place a gentle kiss to the back of her hand before looking her in the eye. His hand hovered over her hair until it weaved into the hair as the base of her neck, pulling her to him as his other hand cradled her face.

Carolines hands took hold of the leather of his new, clean vest. He wore a white shirt underneath the dark brown vest, which matched his brown pants and leather boots. She leaned in as he drew closer, their lips touched and the village people cheered.

They pulled apart, smiling at one another before they turned to face the crowd. Everyone was smiling as a shower of flower petals rained down on them from the hands of the villagers. Klaus gripped her fingers as he led them through the village and towards the buffet that had been set up. People drank and sang, danced and chatted. When Caroline wasn't by Klaus's side, she was with Rebekah, who complained about not seeing her feet, the pressure on her hips and the hunger of a pregnant woman. Caroline was sympathetic with the mother-to-be, smiling as she rubbed Bekah's shoulders.

Rebekah smiled and looked over her shoulder to the newly wed. "Come along sister, help me up. I want my husband." Bekah wiggled her fingers as she raised her hand, waiting for Caroline to stand and walk around in front of her.

Caroline smiled as she took her hand, helping the very round woman to her feet, only to be pulled to a stop. Caroline looked at her with a raised brow. "What is it, Bekah?" Caroline became worried once she caught the alarmed look on her little sisters face. "Are you okay?"

Rebekah looked down, her going to her swollen belly. Caroline caught sight of the puddle on the ground under her. She gasped, her hand tightening on Caroline hand. "I think it's coming."

Caroline could tell when the contractions hit. Looking around in a mild panic as she shouted. "Esther! Ayana! The baby's coming!" the crowd quieted, people parted as others rushed to her aid, leading them was the father-to-be.

Everyone was in a rush, Rebekah didn't release her hold of Carolines hand, even when Edmund lifted her into his arms, walking in an even but fast pace to reach Ayana's. Rebekah whimpered as another contraction hit. Once she was placed on the bed in Ayana's house for the exact reason of child-birthing, Caroline waited for Ayana's orders before moving in a blur to get the things required. Caroline may have known all about having babies and raising babies, but she had never seen the birth of a baby, so she stayed out from underfoot and helped where she could. Ayana kept her by Rebekah's head, talking to her, helping her breath, giving her a hand to crush as the contractions got worse.

It took another seven hours of deep breathing, relaxing, tensing, crying and begging before she was dilated enough she could push. Caroline held tight as Rebekah surged upward, screaming as she pushed once again. "Okay, Rebekah, I see the head. You need to push, harder then ever before, push one last time and it will all be over."

Caroline moved her dirty blond locks away from her face. "Come one, Bekah. You can do this, one more push. Just one more and then you can rest." Caroline continued to whisper words of encouragement as Rebekah took one last gulp of air and pushed, gasping and falling back after the cry of an infant filled the room.

Everyone collectively sighed in relief once the cry stared, it meant the baby was healthy and alive, which was the most important thing. Rebekah took deep breaths, tears fell down her face as Ayana cleaned up the baby on the opposite side of the room and Esther cleaned up her daughter, all the while giving her praise on such a successful delivery. Ayana was by her side in moments, the baby wrapped tightly between the folds of the blanket.

Rebekah took the child with an exhausted smile and watery eyes. "Is it a boy? A girl?" her breath came in soft pants.

Ayana smiled down at the new mother. "A boy. Congratulations Rebekah."

Esther was thrilled, looking down at her first grandson, before helping Rebekah to feed him. Caroline stepped away from them, back turned, catching Ayana's aged gaze. "You should go inform the men what is happening." they both looked over their shoulders to Rebekah and Esther, whom was now burping the small baby.

Caroline nodded, smiling to Rebekah as she walked passed to get to the door. Opening it, she was bombarded with questions, most of which came from Edmund. "Is she alright? Is Rebekah okay? Did the birthing go smoothly? What about the baby, is it healthy? What is it? Can I go see her?"

Caroline raised her hands as if surrendering. "Calm down, Edmund. Breath." he did as told. "Everything is fine, the birthing went very well. You can go see her now." Edmund didn't need to be told twice, he ran around her and into the house. Caroline smiling and looked to the rest of the boys. "You are all uncles, to a healthy, baby boy."

They all smiled, their shoulders eased once they were sure Rebekah and the child were safe. Klaus, who was sitting on the ground, looked up at her. "This is probably the most interesting union to have ever taken place in the village thus far."

Caroline had almost forgotten, she had gotten married to Klaus, eight hours ago. The sun started to rise, temporarily blinding them all. She looked down to her -remarkably- still clean, white wedding dress. She reached for his outstretched hand, pulling him to his feet with a grunt. "Defiantly the most interesting." she kissed him once on the lips before snuggling into his chest.

Klaus's arms wrapped around her shoulders, his fingers running up and down her exposed back with the most tender of caresses, sending shivers through her body, Klaus was smirking with a smugness only he could achieve. His lips grazed her forehead, traveling down to her cheekbone, further to her throat. He planted gentle pecks along there, pressing harder at her collarbone.

Edmund came towards them before anything else could happen. He was smiling so brightly, hie eyes shined with tears. "You can come in now." Henrik was the first to walk towards him. "Come meet your little nephew."

They all filed into the room, Klaus never releasing Caroline hand, intertwining their fingers. Everyone was silent as they surrounded the bed Rebekah relaxed upon. She smiled at them, holding the baby out for them to see. The boy had the Mikaelson nose, the slightly wide nostrils with the upturned button nose. From what Caroline knew on baby's, she knew his eyes would change to their rightful color after he was born, but in that moment, he had Rebekah's eyes. His small head of hair was dark brown hair was Edmund's, along with his strong chin and wide shoulders. He had his mothers cheekbones and ears. Edmund's barrel chest and long limbs, he would make a fine smithy.

Caroline could tell, with one look, that the child would be a charmer like his uncles. No one spoke, being men and all, squealing and cooing was not something they were going to do. Caroline smiled and leaned forward, looking to Rebekah for permission, which she got in the form of a nod. Caroline cradled the baby gently, cooing to him quietly.

Rebekah reached out, taking Edmund's hand before speaking. "We have decided on a name." Caroline looked up from the small babe. "We have agreed on: Vincent Bryce."

Caroline looked down at the sleeping boy. "Hello there, Vincent. I'm your new aunt, Caroline. I'm going to take good care of you, yes I am." she kissed his small, slightly misshapen -from childbirth- head. "Nothing bad will ever happen to you."

Rebekah and Klaus watched her, both smiling. Klaus peeked over her shoulder at the infant, a spark of wonder lit his eyes. Turning, Caroline held Vincent out towards him, smiling when he took the babe without word, holding his nephew to his chest, just staring down at him as that spark grew until it was a raging inferno of pure amazement of the small life he held his his hands.

Henrik was quick to grow impatient. "Are you done yet, Nik? I want to hold him now." he whine, looking from Klaus to the baby.

Everyone cracked a smile, if not a laugh. The baby was passed around, making sure everyone got to hold the bundle, before he started getting fussy and squirmy. Esther took him then. "Alright, everyone, time for Rebekah to feed him. Head home and get some rest."

Caroline laced her fingers through Klaus's as they headed back to the Mikaelson home. She walked into her room, Klaus entering in behind her, she raised an eyebrow. To which he shrugged and smirked cheekily. "We're married now. We can sleep in the same room together."

She shacks her head. "Not in your fathers house we can't." backing away before turning on her heels and retrieving her nightgown from her dresser. She turned so as she could see Klaus, who had turned his back like a gentleman. She changed her dresses in a rush, eyes never leaving his back. She climbed into her bed as soon as she was covered, pulling the crown of flowers from her head. "You can look now, I'm decent."

Klaus glanced over his shoulder at her, before turning fully to face her. He smiled down at her before laying beside her, on the top of her covers. "You know, Rebekah went into labor, on our wedding night?" Caroline nodded. "I haven't even given you the gift I made for you, which took quiet a few months finish, by the way."

She smiled over at him. "Really? Well then, you shall have to show me tomorrow, after you're finished with your work."

They shared a smile, nodding as he made a noise of agreement in the back of his throat before taking her lips into a kiss. He sighed and relaxed into the bed as the sun continued to rise. He burred his face into her hair, arms tightening around her.

OoOoOoO

The Mikaelson family, didn't move from their beds until well into the afternoon. Everyone was sluggish and tired. Caroline was the first to wake, starting their breakfast, though it was more like lunch to everyone else. After everyone ate, they went about their day like they usually would, Esther went over to Ayana's, Mikael fixed up properties, Finn disappears with his father, Elijah went in search for Laura, Kol found new ways to dote on Eydis and Klaus went to his stall.

Caroline stayed at the house, creating more dresses for the line of women waiting for their new gowns. Delivering the cloths was one of Carolines favorite things to do. They would take the dress, unfold it and marvel at it. Giving her complements on the stitching or the fabric, on her skill with the designs. Their eyes would shine like a girl that found the perfect prom dress, and knowing that she had caused such a reaction, was worth all the pricked fingers, raw fingertips and cutting mishaps.

She delivered the last dress of the day, the sun started to set as she made her way towards Klaus's stall. The thought of his present still present in her mind as she skipped towards him. She rested her elbows against the wood, her chin resting on her hands, smiling at her husband. The word gave her chills. "Are you ready to go home, my husband?"

He smiled up at her, dimples and all. "In a moment, lovely wife of mine." she blushed. He was quick to put his supplies away. Standing from the table, he took her hand, intertwining their fingers together as he led her away form the square.

Caroline looked around, eyebrows furrowing. "Klaus, where are we going? The house is that way." she pointed in the opposite direction, questions filled her mind.

He seemed exited, smiling back at her with a mischievous glint in his eye. "It's your present, you'll see in a moment."

Caroline followed behind him, feeling giddy and eager. They stopped on the outskirts of the growing village, he stopped them in front of a small, single floor, wooden house. Probably a kitchen/dining room, living room, a study which she would double for her dress making room and two bedrooms. She could see the outhouse back behind it. It wood of the house looked to have been stained a pail yellow, a small porch had a swinging seat attached to the rafter, flowers and herbs lined the path to the front door, which was a pail white oak.

Caroline tore her eyes away from the adorable, little house as she met Klaus's gaze. "The house..." Klaus nodded, she could see him questioning his choices on the house in his eyes. "The house is the present? It's mine?"

He smiled shyly at her. "It's ours, but yes, the house. I had help from Finn, Elijah, Kol and Mikael to build it for you in time for our wedding night, but you know how that turned out."

Tears filled her eyes as she looked back to her- no, their new home. "It's so beautiful." she whispered before smiling.

"You like it?" she could hear the relief in his voice.

She turned to him, taking both his hands in hers, looking up into his dark blue eyes. "I love it." her breath came out more of a whispered breath then anything. Turning to face the house, she let Klaus lead her towards it, opening the door, she looked around the living room, the kitchen/dining room to her left, a hall leading to the rooms on her right, and beside the small fireplace in the den, the door which led to her 'gown making' room.

She did a small spin, taking in everything at once. The subtle colors of the walls, the shine to the dark wood floors, the bold glow of her husbands paintings of the walls. It was everything Caroline ever wanted, all hers and her husbands. Klaus. Speak of, he walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he inhaled at the nape of her neck.

"I'm pleased you like it." she smiled and leaned her head back, resting it against his. Sooner then she liked, Klaus pulled away. "Go look around, I'll wait here." he sat on the leather loveseat, arms crossed as he watched her.

Caroline smiled as she walked down the hall to the rooms, opening the first room which was on her right, she found it to be the extra room, used for whatever purpose they would need. The other door opened into the master bedroom. She smiled when she caught sight of her dresser set next to his. Looking back towards the door, she quickly changed from her dress and into her nightgown, before leaving the room, she found Klaus in the same room, though he was now standing in front of the small fire, the soft light reflecting in his dirty blond curls.

Caroline walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his abdomen, her fingers rubbing at the muscle that lay beneath his shirt. His hands dwarfed her as he took them in his, pulling them up to press his lips to the backs of them. He turned slowly, wrapping his arms around her, his eyes didn't stray from her face. He smiled at her, though it was a nervous yet gentle thing. He tugged at her, which she allowed and followed him back the way she had come. He closed the door behind the, eyes eyes and hands never leaving her.

They didn't resurface again until late noon the next day. Their night varied between slow and hurried, passion and possession. The best of nights for the both of them.

OoOoOoO

The next three months were the most at ease Caroline had ever been. Klaus and her were attached at the hip, one not wanting to be to far away from the other. When Caroline would go over to Rebekah's house, she would always be with the infant baby. Rebekah looked tired, but Caroline could see the love she had for her child in everything she did. Little Vincent was still very small, though she expected him to be, his skin was soft and always pink, his eyes would open and look around before and after he ate. He grunted and groaned before he, relieved, himself.

Caroline taught Rebekah the trick about wrapping him snugly with a thin blanket, securing his arms to his sides, which gave him a sense of security like the womb did. And with his ease, he slept well into the night. Rebekah had thanked her with a tight embrace.

Kol and Eydis were courting by the end of the first month after Carolines wedding. Elijah was talking with Klaus and Edmund about marriage and relationships, he even asked Caroline if it was to soon after her own union to purpose to his girl. Caroline had smiled and taken Elijah's hands, encouraging him to 'go get his girl'. Elijah had smiled as he left their house in seek of Laura. Caroline begun thinking up ideas for the girls wedding dress, if Laura wanted her to make one.

Caroline made a point to play with Henrik when she had time. None of his siblings seemed to have the time for him anymore, so Caroline took him with her when she dropped out the finished dresses, or she left him with Klaus, who gave him lessons and was teaching him to draw. Henrik enjoyed learning about art, just as he enjoyed sword fighting with Caroline, though it felt strange teaching Henrik without Rebekah.

Esther showed more interest in Caroline then usual, she guessed it had something to do with the hormones then anything. Caroline had noticed her period was late, and she knew. Never had she ever been late, it was like clock work. As the third month passed, she found her hands resting on her stomach more then ever. Esther spent more time with her, smiling at her and talking about children with her. Even Rebekah could sense it, she looked at Carolines still flat stomach with a giddy smile.

Family dinners were interesting to say the least. There was Mikael and Esther. Finn. Elijah and Laura. Klaus and Caroline. Kol and Eydis. Rebekah, little Vincent and Edmund. Then Henrik. Only two of them all had any idea the changes happening to her body.

They dinned outside when it was nice, on a table Mikael had made just for his family, which could seat almost twenty people. When night fell, Caroline and Klaus returned home after hugs where exchanged and 'good evenings' were passed around. Caroline changed into one of her homemade nightgowns before climbing into bed. Klaus followed shortly behind her, his arms encased her, his lips caressed the back of her neck. "I love you." he whispered.

Every night he whispered the same sentence, almost as if it reassured him of her being his wife and that she was there, which she would always smile and answered with a breathless. "I love you more."

And it would start again. Their routine of work, family, food and sleep. Though when morning came and she tried to get up, Klaus's arms tightened around her. "No, don't go. Stay in bed." he curled around her, preventing her from leaving.

"Klaus, I have dresses to make, you have a stall to run." she turned to melt into his chest. "We must get up." though her speech didn't hold much weight as she relaxed into his hold.

She could feel his smile as his lips traveled from the top of her head to her throat, he nipped at her collarbone. "I am deeply, in love with you." he sighed as he rested his head on her chest, his fingers running through her long hair, untangling the mane of blond.

She looked up at him, finding him watching her. "I am in love with you too." she could feel the atmosphere change around them as Klaus leaned towards her, claiming her lips in a gentle stroke. After another moment, Caroline forced herself away, sitting up to look down at him. "I need to tell you something, Niklaus."

The use of his full name gave him pause, he looked up at her. Noticing the solemn look on her face. "What is it? Caroline, are you alight?"

She smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm fine." she swung her leg over his lap, so she was perched on him. "We're fine." he looked confused by her play of words, though it quickly cleared when she took his hand and rested it against her lower abdomen.

He looked from his hand on her tummy, to her eyes as they shined. "Really?" she could hear the uneasy, panic and fear. Though she could also hear his joy, his delight at the news. And the way he was looking at her, as if she was a gift from the gods, delivered to he as the most precious creature. "You're with child." he looked at her for a moment longer before pulling her in for a long kiss, gasping as he released her lips to stroke her stomach. "I'm going to be a father!" his smiling was blinding and his dimples were deeper then ever before.

Caroline smile and ran her hands through his curls, kissing his forehead as Klaus embraced her tightly. "You will make a fantastic father, my love."

Klaus smiled up at her, his eyes held such wonder Caroline felt her emotions spike, her eyes watered. "We are having a child. What if it's a boy? Or a girl? What are we to call it?"

She smiled again, a giggle fought its way up her throat and out her mouth. Klaus soon joined her in her laughter. A child. They were having a child. It never really hit Caroline until Klaus spoke of baby names. She sighed and rested her forehead against his. "Calm down, Klaus. We have time to decide those things."

He took several deep breaths before he reopened his eyes, looking up into hers. "If it's a girl, we shall name her Elizabeth, just like you wanted. Elizabeth Esther Mikaelson. And if it's a boy, what shall we call him?"

Caroline met his gaze, a soft look entered her eyes as she watched his excitement for their future child. "I have always been fond of the name Duncan."

Klaus's lips moved to mutely repeat the name, testing it out on his tongue, before he nodded. "Duncan. I like Duncan. But what of his second name?"

Caroline shrugged as her hands clasped together behind his head, her fingers playing with the hair at the base of his head. "Duncan Niklaus Mikaelson."

His eyes shined like the brightest of stars. "I like it, I really like it." his lips claimed hers in a swift, fierce move. His arms constricted around her, like a drowning man clutching a life preserve. He groaned as he pulled away from her, looking at her through his heavy lashes. "You make me so happy, my heart may never be able to slow. You are going to be the death of me."

Caroline smiled, letting out a small giggle when he nipped at her throat. "You make me happy too, and let us pray your heart never slows with me around."

Klaus smiled, pulling her close enough to explore her further.

OoOoOoO

By month eight and a half, Elijah and Laura were planing their fall wedding. Caroline kept busy organizing everything with the bride-to-be, making Laura's wedding dress kept her hands occupied and away from round stomach.

Anytime Klaus was near her, the little wolf would squirm and kick. Every time Klaus was close enough, he would rest his hand on their child, whispering promises and comforting words into her belly. Caroline remembered the fist time Klaus felt its kick, they preparing for sleep after a long day of work, when she had gasped and held her stomach. Klaus had immediately panicked, he was at her side and asking many questions about what was wrong or if the baby was alright. She didn't speak as she took his hand and placed it to the right of her bellybutton.

His eyes went wide as he felt the powerful kick delivered by their child. The look on his face would be forever seared into her mind. His eyes were wide enough she could see the whites around his eyes, his mouth opened as he sucked in a deep breath. His blue eyes shame in an ocean of tears as both hand cradled their child. He ungracefully landed on his knees, almost as if he couldn't hold his own weight, any longer. That night, they decided that 'it' was 'Duncan'.

Kol and Eydis were courting and were seen together, more then they were seen apart. She could see the love growing between them with every passing day. Again, Caroline already had a wedding dress planned in her mind, for the dark skinned beauty.

Finn disappeared more often then not, and Caroline had many theories of where he was going, though most of her theories revolved around a mystery woman no one knew about.

When Henrik wasn't with Caroline or Klaus, he was with Esther to help her around the house, or helping his father with new properties. If he wasn't with any of them, he was visiting his nephew, Vincent, and helping Rebekah with anything he could. Rarely did he play with the other boys he age, whom he had told: I'm a man now, and my family needs me. I can't play with you anymore. Caroline had smiled sadly at him, he was growing up to fast, but also feeling like a proud parent as he took some responsibility onto his thin shoulders.

Family dinner nights were the funnest day of the week. Everyone ate outside on the large table, only going inside if it stormed or it was to cold. If the weather was cool enough they cooked outside on the fire pit grill Caroline instructed them how to make. It was on one such occasion of grilling up some venison in the crisp fall air, that Klaus had told the rest of the family about the baby they were expecting. Rebekah and Esther weren't surprised, they knew what an expecting mother looked like, but the looks and shouts of joy and congratulations from everyone else was warm attention.

Rebekah, Esther, Laura and Eydis had all flocked the mother-to-be. Touching her stomach, asking questions, giving hugs, some -the mothers in the group- gave advise. Then men had gone to Klaus, slapping him on the shoulders and back, cheering for him, though what stood out the most for Caroline, was when Mikael pulled him into an embrace, speaking to him quietly, which Klaus told her later that night. "I know that I have done wrong by you, my son. But, I want you to know, that I'm so proud of the man you have become." Klaus bit his lip to keep it from trembling as his eyes shined with the tears he held back from the years he took Mikael's abuse. The groups switched, the boys congratulated Caroline while the girls spoke to Klaus.

"So," Kol said with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "you and my brother couldn't keep your hands off each other, could you?"

Caroline gaped at him, her face turning red. Though before she could move or speak, Kol yelped in outrage and surprise when Finn slapped him upside the head. "Control your tongue, little brother. Respect our sister." Caroline had smiled brightly at him, which he returned with a smirk. Bridging the gap. That day had been one of her most fond memories with the family as a whole.

Caroline was pulled from her thoughts as she put the finishing touches on Laura's wedding dress, which was to take place within the next week. Rebekah and Laura sat in Carolines grown making room as she put the finishing touches on the white dress, little Vincent sleeping happily in the bed of pillows Caroline had made for him.

"Oh, Caroline. That is the most beautiful dress I have ever seen." Laura stood from the stool she was perched, her hands hovered just over the fabric, as if afraid to touch it, as if it would disintegrate under her hand.

Rebekah was smiling at her stunned expression. "I know what you mean. I thought the same thing when I saw my dress. Caroline makes the best dresses."

Both girls looked over at the blushing woman in question, and she shrugged. "Thank you, it's a talent given by the gods." she smiled cheekily at them before she turned back to the gown, finishing it with a few more touch ups.

Laura snorted. "Clearly. Your work is unmatched." she smiled from the very pregnant woman to the dress once more. "I cannot wait for our day."

Rebekah and Caroline shared a look, clearly having been in her shoes not that long ago. A huffing whine alerted the three woman to the bundle of baby that was waking from his sleep. Rebekah plucked him from the pillows and bounced him ever so gently in her arms, shushing his complaints.

Caroline and Laura 'awed' at his when his eyes opened, which were a mix between Rebekah's blue and Edmund's aquamarine, quite a stunning color that stared back at them all, cooing and reaching for them. All wore smiles as they watching him, chuckling when he stretched and groaned before he started grumbling, complaining loudly.

Carolines hands went to her rounded belly when she felt little Duncan move in response to Vincent. She laughed with a new sense of joy. Both Rebekah and Laura turned to look at her, though once they realized where her hands rested they grew worried.

Laura was the first to speak. "Caroline, are you alright? Is it the baby? Is it time?" she was close to panicking. "Oh-no, what do I do? Do I get Niklaus?"

Caroline grabbed her arm before she could bolt out the door. "No, no. I'm fine, it's okay. Calm down, Laura." the woman visibly deflated, sighing in relief. Her hand once again went to her tummy. "He was moving, while Vincent was making noise, he agreed."

Rebekah smiled and laughed with her, Laura joining her soon after. "Wait, you said 'he'?"

Caroline sat on the only leather chair in the room, relaxing back, she rested both hands on her abdomen, gently stroking. "Klaus and I have agreed that it is a he after Klaus felt a kick. He says it was the strongest kick he had felt, so we are hoping it is a boy, Duncan Niklaus Mikaelson."

Rebekah smiled, gently bobbing with Vincent in her arms. "I think that is a lovely name. Though I am hoping you get a girl."

Laura shook her head. "No, I think a boy would be better. That way Vincent will have another boy around his age to play and roughhouse with."

Caroline nodded. "My thoughts exactly."

They lapsed into relative silents, speaking on occasion but for the rest of the day they basked in the silents around them. It was around supper time before the others left Carolines house, which was when she started making dinner. Having it done an hour later, ten minutes before Klaus walked through the front door.

"Honey, you're home." Caroline cooed from where she sat at the table, smiling as she stood and made her way to his side. Helping him out of his light jacket, slipping it down his toned arms and hanging it on the coat rack by the door. She entered his open arms eagerly, sighing and sinking into him as his scent consumed her, surrounded her and embraced her with the essence of Klaus. "I missed you."

Klaus's breath left him in little huffs, which ghosted across her neck. "I missed you too." he then dropped to his knee's in front of her, planting gentle kisses on her clothed stomach. "And I have missed my child."

Caroline and Klaus felt his kick in response, though it brought discomfort, she smiled down at him. "I believe that was his way of saying how much he wishes to enter the world, so that he may hold on to you."

Klaus looked up at her, eyebrows raised. "Do you think it will be soon?"

She shrugged. "I can't be sure, but I think it is very likely he will be joining us within the week."

"How can you tell?" he stood, taking her hands to lead her back towards the table, sitting her down and off her feet.

She waited until he was seated and eating before speaking again. "There is more pressure on my hips then there was before. He is moving down, his movements are less frequent and his feet are kicking up here." she placed her hand on the top of her stomach, under her breasts, which she noticed had gotten bigger during her pregnancy.

Klaus smiled, looking eager for what could happen any day, at any time. They remained quiet through the rest of the meal, it was only when Caroline stood to clear the table and clean the dishes that Klaus spoke. "No, no, no. Leave those, I'll get them. I have a surprise for you."

Caroline looked at him, one brow raised. "What surprise?"

He smiled. "Close your eyes." she did as told and felt Klaus take her hands and lead her away from the kitchen and down the hall. She knew they stood outside the extra bedroom, her eyes still pinched closed, Caroline heard the door open and felt the wood of the floor beneath her bare feet. "Okay, you can open them."

Caroline opened her eyes, gasping when her eyes adjusted to the sight before her. The walls were painted like the mountains, with a blue sky, rolling green hill below and the village was painted on the wall across from her, by the window that faced the forest. In the center on the room sat a crib, as tall as Carolines waist, made of the finest red oak she had ever seen. Klaus had even made a changing table, which sat in the corner. A small dresser and toy chest beside it.

A tear rolled down her face as she gazed upon the breathtaking sight. "Do you like it? Is it okay? Is this acceptable for the baby?"

Caroline nodded, whipping away her tears as she smiled over her shoulder to her husband. "This is perfect. He will love it, just as I do." she pulled him close, brushing her nose against his before taking his lips in hers.

Once their lips parted, he smiled at her. "Then I am happy." he gazed at her a moment longer, his long fingers stroked at her tummy. "I love you."

She smiled at him. "And, I love you."

OoOoOoO

The wedding was upon them, and Caroline knew it was going to happen. She could feel it, ever since she woke that morning, she knew Duncan would arrive at some point in the day. She was beyond excited, yet didn't want him to come on that day, not on Laura and Elijah's wedding. And as the day progressed, and she warned Ayana and Esther to be prepared, the union ceremony was soon over, the sun was sinking behind the trees and the feast was underway.

As the night went by, and Duncan remained in her womb, they returned home for the night. In her nightgown, she crawled into bed with Klaus, laying awake for a long while, until she felt it. The liquid, pooling around her. Oh god, was her first thought, soon followed by a contraction, which turned her thoughts into words. "Oh, god." she threw her blankets away from her, looking down at her own blood that soaked into the blanket. "Klaus," he grumbled. "Klaus." still he grumbled "Klaus!" she gripped his arm tightly and shook him.

"What," he groaned as he looked over at her, noticing her pain features, he looked her over. Only once he found the wet bed, did he too lose color in his face. "Caroline? Oh, Caroline."

"He's coming." she watched as he flew from the bed and came to her side, grabbing her hands to get her to Ayana's. His arms were under her, lifting her from their ruined bed, grabbing her knapsack with an extra pare of clothes in it and he was out the door.

Caroline focused on her breathing, her hands gripping Klaus's shoulders as another contraction hit. She wasn't aware they reached Ayana until Klaus was banging on the door. "Ayana, help! It's the baby!"

The door was opened and they rushed in. Caroline was to focused to realize Klaus was ushered out and sent off to fetch his mother. She hadn't realized he had gone until Esther was with Ayana, checking to make sure everything went smoothly. Suddenly her hand was being held in another, smaller hand. Caroline opened her eyes, finding Rebekah be her side, smiling down at her. "Come on, Caroline. Breath, that's it. Just breath."

Caroline smiled, though there were tears in her eyes. She was glad Rebekah was with her. Glad her sister would be with her through the longest hours in her life. And they were, the longest six hours she had ever been through. Rebekah stayed by her side the whole time, speaking words of encouragement all the while letting Caroline squeeze her hand to the point of no circulation and her fingers were blue.

Releasing her grip on Rebekah once the cry of an infant filled the room. "What is it? Rebekah, is it a girl? A boy?"

Caroline didn't pay any mind to Ayana as she cleaned up everything and made sure Caroline was taken care of. She was watching Rebekah as she took the wrapped bundle from Esther and walked towards Caroline. "Congratulations, Caroline. It's a boy."

Caroline laughed and cried at the same time, opening her arms, she looked down at the light of her world. Duncan Niklaus Mikaelson. His little, fun shaped head, was covered in thin, light blond hair. His face was round the the dimples already visible as he cried. Caroline could see he had Klaus's ears, his nose, his nose was a mix of both of theirs, while his eyes were purely Carolines. They way his brow curved was hers while the furrow was Klaus's.

Caroline held back a sob as she looked down at the most beautiful baby she had ever seen in all her life. She didn't have to hear Esther or Ayana to know she had to feed her little boy. She didn't look away from Duncan as she breast fed him, though he grew tired after only a few mouthfuls, falling asleep a few moments later. Caroline, adjusted herself before looking up at her sister. "Rebekah, can you get Klaus now?"

Rebekah nodded, smiling as she took in the sight of the two of the, leaving the house just long enough to get her brother, whom rushed in a moment longer. He looked her over, searching for injury, looking at their son after finding none. His blue eyes watered and he gasped for breath, walking slowly towards them. He stopped be her side, his eyes never left the child on her chest, his bottom lip trembled as tears fell from his darkened gaze.

Caroline smiled up at him. "Klaus, this is Duncan. Our son."

Klaus had to take a deep breath before sitting on the bed beside her, holding out his arms when Caroline leaned forward. He cradled the small babe in his muscular arms, gazing down at him like a blind man seeing the beauty of nature for the first time in his life. Klaus bit his lip to keep from sobbing, though a whine echoed in his mouth from where it escaped his closing throat. He gasped again before looking up at her. "He's so beautiful. You did such a good job with him."

Caroline smiled, laughing through her own tears, though hers came from watching him. "We, did a good job."

Klaus smiled at her, dimples showing just as their son's had. Caroline watched Klaus, as he watched their boy. Noticing Esther and Rebekah were also in tears by the scene they watched. Caroline smiled at them, before she kissed Klaus's temple before relaxing back onto the bed, smiling at the small family that was all her own.

Never had she ever thought something like that could come of her leaving what she knew behind and traveling to the 10th century. Never had she been so happy with the decision she had made until that moment, looking at her husband and her child. She didn't care what was to come of her future, she didn't care if Elena's life wasn't as it was before, she didn't care about all the innocents she saved by keeping the Mikaelson's human. She only cared for the family she had made for herself, and the future they had together.

OoOoO Epilogue OoOoO

Caroline was roused from her sleep by hushed voices, which grew fainter with each creak of the floor boards heading away from the master bedroom. Standing, Caroline followed after the sounds, leaning against the door frame, she smiled as she caught sight of Klaus sitting on the small bed beside their son.

A flash of lightning from the storm overhead just outside the window told Caroline all she needed to know. She walked further into the room, watching Klaus talk to their child, easing his fears of the storm to the back of his mind and comfort him enough to sleep.

"But what if the lightning breaks the house, or hurts mama?" she heard the small voice of their little light. "What if something bad happens when I sleep and can't protect her?"

Klaus spoke in a hushed whisper. "Nothing bad will happen to your mother, she is tougher then she looks, she can take care of herself. And as long as I'm around, we will both protect her. Now get some sleep, you will need your strength for tomorrow."

"But the storm-" Duncan started.

Caroline smiled and stood beside her tired husband, placing a hand on his thick shoulder, looking down at her baby boy. "The storm is just the gods having a party above the clouds." she looked down at her baby, who was turning four in a few months time. Her boy both looked up at her at the same time, she was once again struck by how much they look alike. She got on her knee's with little struggle, looking little Duncan in the eyes. "Now, my little light, it is time for bed."

"But, mama," he whined. "I have to protect you. Both of you, from the storm." Duncan sat up and placed one of his small hands on her seven month, rounded stomach. "I need to protect Elizabeth, or Garrett if it's not a girl."

Caroline placed her hand over his, feeling their second child wriggle in response. "We will be fine. Besides, you need your strength to help Henrik and Vincent with their chores in the morning. You can help me after you are done. Now, sleep." she kissed her little boy gently, leaning back to smile down at him. "I love you." she ran her fingers through his mop of curly blond hair.

Duncan smiled back at her, his eyes growing heavy and harder to keep open. "I love you too, mama. I love you, papa."

Klaus smiled at him, kissing his forehead gently. "I love you too, my son."

Caroline took Klaus's hand and pulled him from their sons bedside. She wrapped her arms around him, leading him from the room. "Come along, Klaus. It is time to sleep. He will be fine."

Klaus nodded, helping Caroline back into their bed before laying on his side. "I know he will be, he is a strong boy, much of his mother in him."

Caroline snorted, rolling to lay on her side to face her husband. "And his father." Klaus didn't deny anything as he smiled at her, kissed her ever-so-softly and nuzzled his face into her neck, falling back to sleep easily.

Caroline lay awake for a little while after. One hand resting on the baby inside her, while the other wrapped around Klaus's arms, which were around her. Her thoughts rotating around the last four years of her life, and not once had she regretted her decision to be with the man she loves, the man she is curled around. They had created a son, a beautiful, smart, stubborn and protective little boy. She wouldn't trade her life with anything else the word had to offer.

She was perfectly content in her husbands arms, her child in her belly and her son down the hall.

As far as Elena's plans go, this was the best she had ever come up with.

OoOoOoO

OH. MY. GOD! I am SO sorry for leaving you all for so long, but babies are time consuming! Then my little sister got a job and I had to help more around the house with cleaning and cooking. I hardly EVER got to sit and just TYPE!

Thank you to all the FAVORITES, FOLLOWERS, and COMMENTS.

Thank you for reading the last chapter of my Klaroline story, hope you enjoyed reading it as I have enjoyed writing it, especially since I originally though of this as a one-shot...now look at it! Tell me what you think of it.

Love you all for sticking with me.

Bye!