Chapter 24

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing. Only the story is mine.

Note: Previously, in "When You Least Expect It," Caroline returns to work after being on maternity leave and Bonnie learns that her boyfriend has been in an accident.

Hey, guys! I hope you've enjoyed reading this story as much as I've enjoyed writing it. As much as I hate it, this chapter will be the last one. But, I'll probably do a sequel to it. Not right away, though. Anyway, no spoilers.

ON WITH THE FINALE!

Paris, France – 2 Years Later…

Klaus smiled as he gazed at the sunrise from the balcony. It had been two years since they got married and, because Caroline had given birth to Liam so suddenly, they didn't have the opportunity to go on a honeymoon. Thankfully, with some help from Mikael and Eleanor, he was able to plan the perfect one. Granted, he had done it behind Caroline's back (much like he had done when he invited Bill to the wedding), but he didn't want to spoil the surprise. He also had to be careful of his cover being blown by Liam. He was talking now and his vocabulary was increasing every day.

"Oh, there you are, Nik. I was looking for you."

Caroline's voice brought him out of his reverie and he turned to see his wife standing in the doorway, wearing nothing but a housecoat, like he was. She looked beautiful like that. Then again, she was always beautiful.

"I thought I'd watch the sunrise," he said. "You looked so peaceful that I didn't want to wake you." He approached her and embraced her, kissing her passionately. "So, are you enjoying yourself so far, love?"

Caroline smiled against his lips and returned the kiss. "Yes, I am. I have to admit, I was wondering why you were making mysterious phone calls to Mikael and Eleanor and not telling me what the conversation was about."

"I apologize, love," said Klaus. "I wanted this to be a surprise."

"Well, it was a very nice surprise," said Caroline. "Though, you really didn't have to go to all that trouble. Don't get me wrong, I love Paris, since Mom and Victor came here on their honeymoon, but I would have also loved spending it in Virginia Beach or even New Orleans."

"Paris is just the first stop."

"First stop?"

Klaus nodded. "Yes. We're also going to Rome, Tokyo, and to St. Petersburg."

"St. Petersburg?" said Caroline. "St. Petersburg, Russia? What's there?"

"The Hermitage, of course," said Klaus. "One of my landscapes is on display there. I told you that I wanted to take you to see it."

Caroline was still a bit confused and then, she remembered a conversation they had when they were traveling to New Orleans that he was an artist in addition to being an oncologist. "Oh, yeah, I remember you mentioning it. I swear, Nik, your memory is like a steel trap, because I forgot all about that conversation. Then again, I've been rather distracted lately."

"You don't have to explain," said Klaus. "I know how distracted you've been, what with taking care of Liam, Sydney and Thierry getting engaged, and Kol and Alexia having their baby. Believe me, I've been just as distracted with work."

Caroline nodded and a smile appeared on her face, which Klaus took notice of. "And what is that smile for, love? You look like you're about to get into mischief. It's the same kind of smile Liam has whenever I catch him in my studio when I'm painting."

"Can't I smile at you?"

"Yes, and I love it when you smile at me," said Klaus. "But, that doesn't answer my question. You're keeping something from me and I want to know what it is."

Caroline giggled. "I was going to wait until later to tell you, but since you dragged it out of me, I suppose I should tell you. I went to the doctor just before we left because I wasn't feeling well. They did some tests and I got the results over the phone."

"What did they tell you?"

"Relax, it's good news," said Caroline. "In fact, it's very good news." She kissed him and took his hand, resting it on her belly. "We're adding to our family."

"You're pregnant again?"

"Yes, Nik," she said. "Liam is going to be a big brother."

For a few minutes, Klaus didn't respond, just listened to what Caroline was telling him. He almost couldn't believe it, they were going to have another baby. Then again, she had have a sheepish grin on her face before she told him, so that was one clue.

"Nik, come on, say something," said Caroline. "You're making me nervous here."

"Oh, sorry, love, I didn't mean to leave you in suspense like that," her husband replied. "I was just thinking about what you were telling me."

"What do you think?"

"I'm over the moon," said Klaus. "Just like I was when we were having Liam." He kissed her. "I love you, Caroline Forbes Mikaelson, with every fiber of my being." He knelt before her and kissed her belly. "I love you too, little one."

Caroline smiled and ran her fingers through his hair. She couldn't have been more in love with him than she was at this moment. He was already a wonderful father to Liam and she had no doubt that he'd love and cherish this new baby just as much.

Note: I think this is a perfect place to end the story, don't you? Thank you for joining me on this journey and I hope to see you again for the sequel. Not sure what I'll title it, but I will definitely do a sequel to this story.

THANK YOU FOR READING!