W is for Wedding
Have you seen Princess Estelle of Sweden? Picture her eyes blue and her hair curly. That's how I imagine Hope for this series.
Thanks, everyone. I promise to update again, just not regularly or often.
Disclaimer: Not my characters.
It was the big day. Klaus and Caroline were getting married!
Wedding preparations went just as Caroline arranged. She took time off between movies to arrange everything. Her wedding planner was getting paid enough to go along with her meticulous requests. Perfect was overrated, but it had to be awesome. Reining in her Bridezilla tendencies was hard.
Caroline included Hope as much as possible. Dress shopping was ok, but cake tasting was Hope's favorite. Caroline liked that too, but choosing a band and DJ was so much fun, especially when she told them she just happened to be a singer and might want to jam for a song or two. Klaus laughed at her, but she loved it!
Rebekah and Davina were Caroline's bridesmaids. Bonnie was her maid of honor. The bridal shower was held at Rebekah's house. It was a great time and turned into a family barbecue when the formal part was over and the guys crashed it.
Klaus and the boys went to Las Vegas for a weekend of debauchery she sort of, but didn't really want to know all about for the bachelor party. Leather pants were worn once again. Caroline and the girls went to New York for a lavish weekend bachelorette party that he definitely did want to know all about.
For both the shower and wedding, Klaus and Caroline did not want or need gifts. They asked for donations to her mom's scholarship fund and the local wolf sanctuary if anything. That didn't mean Caroline didn't end up with some amazingly raunchy lingerie from her best friends. Klaus ended up with cigars and perfectly aged whiskey he was thrilled with.
It was an evening wedding held at one of the most gorgeous mansions in the Garden District. Since it was summer, most of the event would be held inside with the air conditioner making it comfortable. People would be able to go outside, but the ceremony and reception would be held indoors. The rooms were huge with gorgeous ornate details. The gardens were full of bursting blooms.
The wedding colors were pink and white. The flowers were white roses, white hydrangeas, pink calla lilies, and pink daylilies. Tea lights on the tables made everything sparkle. The linens were white with silver accessories.
The bridesmaids dresses were approved by all three of them. They were a pale pink/blush color. They were strapless, but had a sheer overlay to help keep the dresses staying in place, knee-length. The guys were wearing classic black tuxedos.
A few hundred people were attending. They were Caroline's colleagues from the movies, her college friends, and friends she'd made in New Orleans like her yoga friends and neighbors. Elena Gilbert and Matt Donovan also attended, remnants of her old life. Klaus invited his minions, the few supernatural friends he actually trusted, brokers and other financial colleagues, and members of the local artist community he'd gotten more involved in.
"Are you excited?" Caroline asked as she zipped up Hope's dress. Her dress was white and it had a pink ribbon that Caroline tied. Bonnie, Davina, and Rebekah were all getting their makeup done at Rebekah's house. Rebekah and Enzo had just had Jake and Emily placed with them. Since the wedding plans had been set in places for months, Rebekah was running around like a crazy woman. She used a babysitter they trusted for James in the past who they hired again for the day. Rebekah was constantly checking in on them. She would have apologized, but Caroline understood. Rebekah and Enzo had a life and Jake and Emily were a new, huge part of it. They couldn't put that life on hold for a wedding, but Rebekah did the best she could.
"So, so excited," Hope answered with a clap. "There's gonna be cake and dancing and Daddy will get to see you."
Caroline grinned as Hope turned to her, resting her hands on Caroline's thigh.
"You're gonna be a Mikaelson too, CC, and you're gonna be my step-mother." Those were things they'd been reminding Hope of in the months between the engagement and wedding. She was thrilled!
"That's gonna be awesome," Caroline said as she clapped. "You're getting a totally not-evil stepmother and I'm getting a new last name and your daddy! You're my baby even if you aren't really my baby, baby. Woohoo!"
Bonnie and Davina laughed. Davina was getting her makeup done by the artist.
"Come here, cutie," Bonnie said and Hope raced over. Bonnie pulled her hair back on the sides and put in barrettes to keep her crazy curls out of her face.
Soon enough after all of their hair and makeup had been done, it was time for Caroline to put on her dress. It was a gorgeous Marchesa gown. Strapless with a tight bodice and tulle skirt, it was classic and very feminine. It also fit perfectly. Caroline was in love with it. Her makeup was subtle. Her hair was down in long blonde waves. She had large diamond studs in her ears and a diamond pendant necklace at her collarbone.
"Care," Bonnie breathed, "you looked incredible."
She'd seen the dress when Caroline picked it out, but seeing her with the makeup and hair? It was perfection! The hairdresser added the veil and Caroline's eyes started to water when she saw the looks on their faces, but she waved her hand in her face.
"No crying yet," she said and they agreed as they wiped discreet tears away. Their wonderful friend was marrying the man she was so in love with. It was very romantic.
Hugs were given out as the photographer took pictures.
The final accessories were put in place, including Caroline's shoes and her somethings old, borrowed, and blue.
"Caroline, sweetheart," Klaus called as he knocked on the door, "are you in there?"
Caroline made a scandalized face for Hope who absolutely ate it up.
"Daddy," she said, arms up in a tizzy, running to the door with Rebekah right behind her, "you're not allowed."
Rebekah crossed her arms over her chest and blocked his view. No, he wasn't allowed.
"Why not?" He looked very handsome in his classic tuxedo Rebekah noticed. Her brother was really happy. Klaus admired them back. Hope looked beautiful and just like his favorite sister. He gave her a warm smile.
"Just cause," Hope answered, arms out with a shrug. She wasn't sure why her dad couldn't see CC, but he couldn't. It was a rule.
"Will you please give this to my future wife?" he asked, handing her a wrapped present. He knew Caroline wouldn't come to the door, but that didn't mean he didn't want to check in person that everything was running smoothly.
Hope took the present and ran to Caroline.
Caroline had something ready for Klaus. She took his gift and gave Hope hers. "Does he look super cute?"
"Oh yeah," she agreed, running back to him, playing messenger.
"I'm leaving now. Please don't make me wait, Caroline. I love you," he called out before they kicked him out.
"I love you too, Klaus," she answered which eased him quite a bit. She hadn't seen him since the day before, but they'd been sending secret text messages. Each needed to be in control too much to not be in any contact at all.
"Princess," he said, looking down at her, taking the gift from her hands, "I haven't seen you all day."
"Oh all right," she huffed, missing him too, "I'll come with you." She wanted to know what her dad and uncles had been up to anyway. They'd had a girl's sleepover the night before after all.
Rebekah gave him a kiss on the cheek as Hope told Caroline she was leaving.
"We'll see you very soon and you'll walk down the aisle just like we practiced," Caroline told her. She resisted hugging her barely. She looked so freaking cute though and Caroline was so freaking happy!
"Yup," she agreed as her shoes were slipped on. "Love you, bye," she called with a wave as she left.
"She's the best present Klaus will ever give you," Davina said wistfully. Being in love with a vampire usually meant there were no kids. Klaus was the exception and Rebekah had found her own way.
"She really is," Caroline knew as she accepted a flute of champagne.
The women laughed, took photos, and reminisced. They offered Caroline the chance to call off the wedding if it wasn't right. She hugged each one of them and told them that she loved them. They were her friends and wanted what she wanted. What she wanted was to marry Klaus and she wasn't hesitant at all. She was making the right choice. He was it for her.
She opened the gift from Klaus just before they left the house. They'd agreed to give each other small gifts and creativity was encouraged. Klaus gave her a very small painting he'd done of them together. It was from one of their earliest dates and she loved it. They looked very happy. She noticed he'd added the magical bracelets even though they hadn't been wearing them at the time. It was a sign of their past though and the unbreakable link between them. All the girls sighed at how romantic it was and then they laughed and got in the limo for the short ride.
On the other side of town, Klaus was pacing back and forth in a private room, hands behind his back since they were about to begin. Hope was entertaining Enzo with stories of Sheldon and Kol and Elijah were trying to entertain Klaus, but he was focused on getting the ceremony started.
"She'll be here any minute," Kol told him, amused at how unsettled Klaus was.
"Drink," Marcel said, giving Klaus his flask to use. Even though he'd had some drinks earlier, the nervous energy was just pouring off Klaus. Like Kol, Marcel thought it was great to see. He teased Klaus about finally marrying his step-mother.
"Open her gift," Elijah said, putting it into Klaus' hands.
He grabbed at it, having forgotten it in the buzz of everything else.
Ripping open the paper, he opened the book and smiled. It was a book with copies of the sheet music for every song she'd sung for and to Klaus. It also included ones she was going to sing to him in their lives together she wrote in the inscription. Seeing the words and her handwriting comforted him. There were songs by the annoying boy bands she so loved. There were the songs she sang without her humanity when she wanted to know so badly if he was still into her. They made him smile. She loved him and she was marrying him. There was nothing to be nervous about.
"Hope," he said firmly, "I'm marrying Caroline."
"Seriously," she agreed with a roll of her eyes, not sure why he was even telling her. They were getting married and that was that. Duh! He smiled at his daughter and spent the rest of the time talking to her. She soothed him like always, making him smirk, smile, and laugh.
When Caroline arrived at the mansion, more photographs were taken and Hope excitedly rejoined them as Klaus took his position at the head of the aisle. The guests were in place and soft music was playing.
Elijah was Klaus' best man. Kol and Marcel were his groomsmen. Enzo had talked to Klaus and Caroline. He told them since neither Klaus nor Caroline could take him from the other, he was too important, it would be best if he was the universal emcee, doing what needed to be done. They appreciated it very much and took him out with Rebekah to lick and suck a few nights before the wedding. He meant a lot to each of them.
"Gorgeous, you look truly gorgeous," Enzo said sincerely with a warm hug and kiss when he saw her in all of her finery. The vision in front of him was the woman he knew was there all along. She was a good friend to him and an even better person.
"Thank you, Enzo, for being here. I…"
"Back at you," he said softly.
It was time. The music changed and Enzo took his seat after kissing his lovely Rebekah.
Caroline was dying of anticipation!
Davina walked down the aisle first. Kol was her escort. She was too beautiful for words as usual. His grin was mischievous.
Next Rebekah and Marcel walked down the aisle. No one should mess with those two!
After giving her love to Caroline, Bonnie took Elijah's arm and they walked down the aisle. Bonnie's date was Michael and he was in the seats. Gia was also in the seats, smiling at her handsome boyfriend. Bonnie and Elijah were elegance personified.
The wedding coordinator gave her the signal as the music changed.
"Baby, it's your turn and I'll be right behind you. I love you so much, Hope," she said, emotional as she hugged her once again. No one could change their relationship, but to the outside world it would be different in a matter of minutes. It was the same for Klaus and Caroline. The love was the same, but the titles would be different.
"I love you too, Caroline," she said, using her full name which touched Caroline. Hope gave Caroline a soft kiss on the cheek.
The moment was captured on camera thankfully.
Klaus grinned as his baby girl came walking towards them. She was perfect as she came down the aisle, not shy as everyone looked at her. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "You look so beautiful, princess and I love you very much. Is it time for me to see her yet?"
"Love you, Daddy. She's coming," she said with a big grin, dimples flying like his. She stood in front of him, ready and excited to start.
Caroline took a deep breath. She talked to Klaus about having Enzo walk her down the aisle, but thought it would be a nice gesture to leave the spaces at her sides free to represent her mom and dad. They should have been there and thinking of making such a huge life change without them knowing about it hurt, but she didn't let it drag down her emotions. They would never know Klaus like she knew Klaus or any of the other people in her life except Bonnie. It was sad, but she had those people and that made her happy and fulfilled. They were her family. She loved her parents and both of them knew it before they died. That was what was important.
"I love you, Daddy. I love you, Mom. I'm holding onto my happiness tightly," she whispered and then she took the first step down the aisle towards becoming Caroline Mikaelson.
Her head was held high as she locked eyes with Klaus when they finally saw each other. She was glowing and he beamed. His gaze was appreciative and hers was too. He was hers. She was his.
"Caroline," he breathed as he lifted the veil and took her hand, not ever letting go, when she reached him.
"Klaus," she said with a smile as she handed Bonnie her bouquet.
The ceremony began. Hope sometimes held Caroline's hand. Sometimes she held Klaus' hand. Sometimes both. She even sat down with Enzo for a little bit too.
Their vows were traditional even though they weren't at all. They used a justice of the peace since neither of them were religious.
Klaus said his vows first, repeating after the officiant.
"I, Klaus, take you, Caroline, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
Each word was spoken with the utmost conviction. His vows were eternal and she felt them.
"I, Caroline, take you, Klaus, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
She meant every word and her voice was steady. Her vows were eternal and he felt them.
The officiant asked and Elijah handed over the rings.
Klaus went first, sliding the platinum band he designed just onto her finger. "I give you this ring as a pledge of my love and commitment."
He slid it the rest of the way on her finger. It looked right. She was his as he was hers.
Unable to resist, he kissed her hand softly as they switched and she took the ring from Elijah to put on Klaus' finger.
Caroline had to keep it together. She always saw the look of love in Klaus' eyes, but everything around them magnified it and she wanted to turn into a puddle and weep because she was so freaking happy! "I give you this ring as a pledge of my love and commitment."
Her fingers stroked his, sliding over his palm, once the ring was in place. That was her ring on Klaus' hand for everyone to see. He was hers as she was his.
"By the power invested in me by the State of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Both of their eyes lit up.
"You may now kiss the bride."
Caroline's grin was huge as Klaus leaned in and gave her the most epic kiss of epic kisses.
By the end she was smiling into it and he was too.
Wrapping her arms around him, she held him close as their friends and family exploded around them, Hope leading the applause, throwing in a few fist pumps and a booty shake too.
"I love you so much, babe," Caroline cried, unable to take it.
"You're my wife," Klaus said, stunned.
After a minute, they opened their arms and Hope came racing up to join them in a group hug.
"We did it, baby."
"We're a family," Hope said, really proud.
"Always and forever," Klaus said as he picked her up.
"Mrs and Mrs. Klaus Mikaelson," the officiant said as Caroline took Klaus' hand and the three of them walked down the aisle past their clapping guests.
The rest of the wedding party followed them out into the waiting area.
"We're married," Caroline said with a laugh, unable to stop kissing Klaus.
Pictures were taken and they had a short time before the reception would begin.
Hope kicked her shoes off and Davina did too. Rebekah called the babysitter and checked in. Everything was fine.
"Bex," Enzo said, taking her hand, comforting her.
"They're ok," she said and she smiled that brilliant Mikaelson smile. Good things were happening to her family and it felt like it was about time!
For the reception, Caroline changed dresses and since she wasn't willing to let her new husband's hand go, he joined her for a little fun in the changing room. She emerged not too long later in a new dress. She also had a new twinkle in her eye and flush in her cheeks. Klaus' bowtie was still intact but a little crooked. The gleam in his eye was devilish.
The new dress was Oscar de la Renta. It was made of eyelet fabric, but with the holes larger than usual. The underlay fabric was also white. The dress was shorter in front than in the back. It was also strapless. It felt perfect for the summer night, carefree and fun.
In the large reception room, they received a huge round of applause that made them smirk and grin.
Dinner was delicious. They were teased and did the teasing, unbelievable happy, at their table. People kept clinking their glasses to make Klaus and Caroline kissed. They loved it.
Wine flowed and the room looked gorgeous with the flowers and lights. Their guests came up to them and they visited the tables too. They were surrounded by people wishing them well. Hope flitted about, especially spending time near Enzo and Kol of course. Everyone wanted to meet her.
Short speeches were given by Elijah and Bonnie, who were the most respectful of the bunch. They were very sweet and Caroline had to wipe away a tear. Bonnie allowed Klaus to hug her, which sent Caroline into a fit of giggles.
"Sweetheart," Klaus said when he got the microphone, "you changed my life and I know I am the happiest man on earth. I've never admired anyone as much as I admire you. You're strong, beautiful, and full of light." The reference made her smile. She certainly noticed Klaus after he told her that all those years ago. "The things we went through would have broken many, but we are stronger for them. 500 lifetimes wouldn't be long enough. My heart is yours. My love is yours, Caroline." He paused. "I love you forever and ever."
She nodded, moved, and mouthed "I love you" back to him. Then she grinned. "He loves me," she yelled and everyone cheered. "I love him too, my Klaus."
"May I have this dance?"
Caroline nodded again and the band played the song they chose for the wedding. It had been contentious, but they finally agreed on "Use Somebody." They swayed to the music, wrapped in each other's arms.
"I've never been happier."
"Me neither."
After the song, it was Hope's favorite part.
"Baby, time to cut the cake."
"Yes!" She pumped her fist and grinned, racing around the table to get to them. She wanted to do it herself, but they helped her cut the first three pieces of cake. It was vanilla buttercream with raspberry. There was also a groom's cake with chocolate, mocha, and strawberry. Both were Hope-approved.
Klaus and Caroline were delicate with the cake, not smashing it into each other's faces. Hope devoured hers.
The catering staff took over cutting and passing out the rest of the cake as Klaus and Caroline continued visiting their guests. Everything was just like Caroline wanted it and people were having fun, which is what was most important.
After the cake, the band got going and there was enough dancing to make Caroline and Hope very happy. They sang and danced together like they did all the time at home. Marcel showed off his moves, impressing Hope who loved dancing with him, and Davina held Kol close. Rebekah gave in to her secret affection for One Direction and sang along with the band when one of their songs came up. Enzo smirked the entire time. Marcel even sang a song for the bride and groom.
"Klaus, I'm crazy about you," Caroline said when she joined the band on the little stage. He grinned and waited for her to spin some ridiculous tale, hand up to his mouth, brow raised. "I love you so much I won't even tell all these nice people how much you like to wear leopard print thongs."
Klaus rolled his eyes as everyone around them laughed. He could take the laughter because she loved him. Plus he knew if anyone liked to wear thongs…it was his utterly gorgeous wife! "I bought a bedazzled one for the honeymoon," he called back which made her giggle and wink as their guests laughed.
She grinned. "I can't wait to see it, babe." She got serious for a minute. "You're my rock and my heart bursts when I look at you. Klaus, you're my adventure, my partner, and the President of my fan club. No one believes in me like you do. I believe in you too. You mean the world to me and you're my last love." She wiped the tears that had formed away. The warmth in his eyes was everything. "My feelings for you, as always, are best expressed in song." He laughed and she grinned. Her heart was fluttering once again because of Klaus.
She sang "Truly, Madly, Deeply" for him and he smiled the entire time. It was cheesy and perfect.
Klaus took her in his arms when the song was over and kissed her in the middle of the dance floor, turning it into a dip. Cameras went off around them as the crowd cheered. It was just like the night Caroline returned to New Orleans.
"One more song. It's a surprise for you, Klaus," she said, getting back in front of the band, incredibly happy. "My partner in crime and I have a little song prepared. Ladies and gentlemen, the coolest of the cool, the sweetest, most hilarious kid, best dancer I know, and as of a little while ago, my stepdaughter," Caroline said, thrilled, holding her arm out, "Miss Hope MIkaelson."
Hope grinned and got up next to Caroline who handed her a microphone, hugging her to her side.
"We usually sing around the house and this song is by our favorite group. Baby, who's your favorite in One Direction?" She wanted to ease Hope in since they were in front of a lot of people.
"Niall," Hope admitted as Caroline smiled at her and Klaus watched with amazement at what those two had cooked up. "Hi, Daddy," she said, waving at him, liking the microphone.
"Hello, princess," he answered, watching with a huge grin. The other members of the family stood around him: Marcel, Elijah, Rebekah, Bonnie, Davina, Kol, and Enzo. "Do you have a surprise for me?"
"Yeah," she answered, twisting her hips from side to side. "You're gonna love it."
"Who's my favorite in One Direction?" Caroline asked her.
"Harry and you think he'd get fresh with you."
They all laughed and Hope grinned, dimples on display just like her dad.
"You know it," Caroline said with a laugh, nodding at the deejay who hit play on the track that they practiced to.
The music began and then Caroline and Hope sang "History" by One Direction.
It was adorable and awesome, a highlight moment. Hope was a little shy to start and her voice was soft, but she sang the whole thing and doing it alongside Caroline made it less scary. She focused on her family who was close by, smiling at her. Bonnie, Davina, and Rebekah sang along, encouraging her and she got more confident, singing louder. It was really, really cute.
It received huge applause when they were done and Klaus was amazed. Hope loved to surprise him and he couldn't get over it, telling her over and over how proud he was at the amazing job she did. He smothered her in hugs and kisses. He did love it. Klaus thanked her and also his brand new wife.
The band got back to their set and the dance floor was crowded.
Before long Hope passed out, exhausted after having so much fun dancing the whole entire time- except for cake breaks, and Rebekah and Enzo gave their very warm congratulations and goodbyes to Klaus and Caroline with hugs and kisses. They had to get home to their new charges. They'd see Caroline and Klaus at brunch before they left on their honeymoon.
The rest of them danced the night away when the DJ took over as Hope slept. It was awesome! Klaus danced with all the ladies, which was probably the first and last time. Caroline loved dancing with all the guys, especially Kol and Marcel who hammed it up. She kept Elijah a full arm's length away from her which Klaus thought was as it should be.
They thanked the guests as they left, wonderfully happy.
Bonnie took Hope home, her date Michael carrying her to the car, for the night. Kol, Marcel, Davina, Elijah, and Gia stayed out, hitting the city's hot spots, all night.
Klaus and Caroline spent all night making love in the honeymoon suite of the five-star hotel they had stayed at during the time they were attached with bracelets. It was another reminder of coming full circle. It was everything they wanted and beautiful.
Brunch the next morning was great, Klaus and Caroline loved being married, but saying goodbye to Hope especially was hard. They were going on a six week honeymoon. They were splitting it three weeks in Maui and three weeks in Costa Rica. Hayley and Jackson were going to visit a friend of his who moved to Montana and were turning it into a road trip. They were working through their marriage issues and Hope was thrilled that Jack was back. They'd have Hope for the entire 6 weeks, but Enzo and Rebekah promised to check in on Hope when they were still in the bayou. Kol promised too, which meant the world to Klaus and Caroline, because they knew it meant the world to Hope. Klaus and Caroline were getting three weeks straight of Hope when they got back, a few days before her 6th birthday, and would get another three weeks around Christmas so Klaus and Hayley would be equal with custody again.
Hope cried and didn't know why she couldn't go with them, but they were strong. It was Klaus' only wedding in a thousand years and he kept Caroline from caving. He'd miss Hope desperately, but he was getting one honeymoon and it would be with his new bride only. Caroline agreed, but she couldn't help but cry when Hope cried.
The honeymoon was the sex marathon of all sex marathons…with a little sightseeing thrown in. It was perfection in paradise for Mr. and Mrs. Mikaelson. Honeymoon sex was the best sex so far.
Coming back was amazing too. They missed everyone while they were away and Hope's 6th birthday party was a time to reconnect and celebrate the blissfully happy couple. Hope was so happy they were back and didn't even set a limit on the hugs and kisses she got! The time with her mom and Jack had been great though and she had a million stories for them. Her cake was from the same place as the wedding and they got a bounce house for the day. All of her friends were invited. That helped make up for her dad and CC's long absence. She made them promise not to leave her that long ever, ever again. They solemnly agreed. The newlyweds were in bliss. They were a family, always and forever.