Chapter 42 – A Good Day for a Wedding
Caroline let out a breath as she looked at herself in the full length mirror, her hair done in perfect cascading curls, with the veil falling gently down her back onto the floor. The dress itself was everything she could have ever hoped for it to be, the perfect example of an elegant, Southern Bell ball gown with a flare. She had a corseted sweetheart bodice with an intricate pattern detailed into it with jewels, they also formed a belt at her waistline, the center was a small rose about the size of a silver dollar. The skirt consisted of five, overlapping layers that started at her waist before fanning out when it reached the floor, the edge of each layer was also detailed with jewels, she had a small hoop in it to keep the dress full. She felt, and looked like a princess, especially when you added in the jewelry. The bracelet he had given her on her birthday graced her left wrist, while a matching necklace and earrings had been added.
"You look so beautiful." Liz commented as she came to stand beside her daughter, tears in her eyes.
"I almost feel as if this is a dream." Caroline replied, still unable to take her eyes off her reflection in the mirror, "If you pinch me will I wake up and discover that this was all something I made up?"
"You deserve all of this Caroline, it is no dream." Liz reassured her daughter before the door opened and in walked the three bridesmaids.
All three were wearing the grey dress with black detailing they had picked out months earlier, as well as identical necklaces, earrings, and bracelets all made with real black jewels and diamonds. Their hair was all done in curled up-dos.
Elena smiled as she took in the vision that Caroline made, "You look stunning Care."
"I couldn't agree more, Nik is not going to be able to speak when he sees you." Rebekah said, moving further into the room and pouring each of the women a glass of champagne.
"I hope that isn't true, he does have something he has to say during the ceremony." Caroline said with a laugh and a smile.
"'I do' might be the only words he will be able to utter." Bonnie smirked as she took her glass from Rebekah.
As each of them held their glasses, Liz said, "I would like to toast my beautiful, extraordinary daughter. I know that in the past we were not always on the same page, and that I did not take your change into a vampire very well. I am glad that we can say that our relationship has taking a great turn in the recent months. My entire life I have been waiting for your wedding day, and I thought when you became a vampire that is one of those moments that was stolen from us. I have never been so happy to be wrong before."
Caroline wiped at the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes, she placed down her glass and hugged her mother, "I love you so much Mom."
"And I love you Caroline." Liz replied, and hugged her daughter tighter, "I wish your father was here to see you and walk you down the aisle."
"I do too." Caroline responded and pulled away, quickly making sure she wasn't crying before picking her glass back up.
"To Caroline, on the most special day of her life." Liz said and raised her glass in a toast, she wasn't even trying to wipe away her own tears.
The girls toasted and all had to wipe at their eyes from the emotions that Caroline and Liz had awoken in them.
"I knew waterproof makeup was going to be a good decision today." Elena commented as she patted at her eyes, causing everyone to burst out in giggles.
A knock on the door caused them all to calm down from the burst of emotions, Jeremy poked his head in, "Everyone is ready if you are." He said as he walked in, his eyes ghosting over Caroline, "You look great."
"Thanks Jer." Caroline said with a small smile, "Tell everyone we are ready."
Klaus was nervous as he paced the groom's suite, this was a day he had never expected to experience for himself. He was still shocked that his life had turned out like this, that someone as amazing as Caroline would want to spend the rest of her life with him. His family was here, together, and he had wanted that to come true for his entire life.
"Are you ready?" Elijah asked, placing a hand on his younger brother's shoulder.
"I still cannot believe that this day is here." Klaus admitted to Elijah, he was glad that their relationship was slowly turning back into what he had once been, best friends.
"It is, and you deserve to finally have a time in your life that can filled with love and understanding." Elijah told him, and felt the need to confess something, "I am sorry that I couldn't help you with that over the last centuries."
"I didn't deserve it before Elijah, I wasn't ready to receive it either." Klaus confessed to his elder brother, "I was so focused on breaking that damn curse, that I completely ignored everything that was truly should have been important to me."
"You have the next thousand years to make it up to us, and for us to make it up to you." Elijah promised, and turned around as Kol and Stefan walked into the room.
"Everything is all set, should I tell Jeremy to go get the ladies?" Kol asked, adjusting his jacket slightly as he looked over at his older brothers.
"We should have a toast before that." Stefan suggested and poured each of them of a small amount of scotch, "It isn't every day that an Original gets married after all."
"But it also won't be the last." Klaus commented as he winked at Elijah and grabbed the glass that Stefan offered.
"Today is all about you Nik." Kol reminded him, "And the beautiful blonde on the other side of the house."
"To Niklaus, the first of the Mikaelson's to take that final step to spending forever with the person they love." Elijah said and raised his glass.
"To Niklaus!" Stefan and Kol cheered and all four men downed their glasses.
"Go tell Jeremy we are ready." Klaus said as he placed the glass back down on the table, "I have an angel to marry."
Klaus was breathing heavily as he stood under the elaborate arch full of purple hanging wisteria and looked out over his yard full of the residents of Mystic Falls and about a dozen trusted friends of the Original family. As the whole of his family was in the wedding party, the front row on his side of the aisle held Marcel and a few more of the supernatural guests. At his side on the alter, in order, were Elijah, Kol, and then Stefan. Elijah gave his shoulder one last reassuring squeeze before the music started, and he gave his brother a quick smile before the focused on the starting procession.
Jeremy and April appeared at the top of aisle, each of them holding a baby in their arm. April was wearing the white and black paneled dress she had picked out months earlier, and Jeremy was dressed in the small style tux as the groomsmen but with a pink pocket square instead of lavender. Miranda was wearing a pale pink princess dress, and Henrik was wearing a mini-tux that matched that of the groomsmen. Elijah smiled proudly at the sight of his children walking toward them. When they reached the end of the aisle, April sat on the bride's side with Miranda and Jeremy did the same on groom's, filling in the last empty chair.
Rebekah appeared at the start of the aisle and slowly began walking down, her eyes rested mostly on Stefan before she smiled at Klaus when she reached the end. As Rebekah moved to stand in her spot, Klaus switched his eyes to Bonnie, who was now about halfway down the aisle. His flickered farther up the aisle as Elena took her place at the start, and switched his view to Elijah for a few moments. And couldn't help but see the love reflected in his elder brother's eyes. When Elena reached the end and took her place next to Bonnie, the music changed into the traditional bridal march.
Klaus locked his eyes on Caroline and felt as if his earlier statement had come true, she looked like a royal angel. And he knew that if had actually needed to breathe, that he would not be unable to do so.
Caroline let out a nervous breathe as she joined her mom at the start of the aisle, finding it hard to believe that this moment had finally arrived. The smile on her face was impossible for her to control, but in all honesty, she didn't even try. She could tell that her mom was trying not to cry, and remain the stoic, hard-ass sheriff that the town had come to expect her to be. With the first step down the aisle she raised her eyes and they locked on Klaus, and remained there as she walked toward him. She could see the love that shone through him and knew that this would be the true moment that she became his forever and he became hers.
Klaus slowly walked down the three steps that raised the put together alter off the ground and waited as she approached. Liz carefully stopped when they reached him and turned to face Caroline head on. Liz slowly lifted the veil away from Caroline's face and fanned it over her head. She placed a kiss on each of her daughter's cheeks and whispered, "I love you Caroline."
"I love you Mom." Caroline replied, her voice already showing her fight to keep her tears of joy at bay.
Liz took Caroline's hand and gently placed it in Klaus', officially giving away her daughter. She had no words for Klaus, they had already shared all the warnings and such that they were going to when he proposed. Klaus nodded his head at Liz in thanks and led Caroline up the stairs to stand in front of Pastor Young, April's father. Caroline turned quickly and handed her bouquet to Elena before locking her eyes on Klaus once again.
Pastor Young began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this company of witnesses to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is between Christ and His Church; which Holy Estate Christ adorned with His presence and first miracle that He wrought in Cana of Galilee, and is commended of St. Paul to be honorable among all men; and therefore, not entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly and in the fear of God. Into this Holy Estate these two persons present come now to be joined."
Pastor Young paused and looked out over the yard full of people, "If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
Klaus couldn't stop his eyes from drifting to Tyler, who was sitting in between his mother and Hayley in the third row on the bride's side. A small laugh from Caroline brought his attention back to her, and his eyes relaxed upon seeing her loving smile.
Once enough pause was give, and it was clear no one was going to speak, Pastor Young moved on, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
"I do." Liz said, raising to her feet and smiling at Caroline and Klaus before retaking her seat, her eyes flooded with unshed tears.
The pastor nodded at Liz before turning to the crowd once again, "Niklaus and Caroline would both like to say a few words to each other before the traditional vows are said. Niklaus."
Klaus held Caroline's hands and looked at her in the eye, "Caroline, my entire life I could feel that something was missing from my heart. The day you appeared in my life, was the happiest of my existence, and I know that our relationship didn't start out the best way, but this is where I always wanted to go. I promise to spend the rest of time showering you with all the love I am capable of giving, for you are my heart Caroline, now and forever."
Pastor Young turned and looked at the bride, "Caroline, what would you like to say?"
Caroline had to take a deep breath to calm her emotions, his words had nearly broken the control she had on her tears. She could hear that some of those present were not holding back. Caroline looked at Klaus and said, "Niklaus, I didn't know that I was missing a true, passionate love until I knew yours. We may not have started out as friends, but I would be lying if I didn't say that my life would be awful without you in it, for you are truly the best friend I am ever going to have. I am the happiest I have ever been, and I look forward to remaining this happy with you, my love, now and forever."
The pastor allowed everyone a few moments of silence following Caroline's truly heartfelt vows before saying, "Niklaus Mikaelson, will you have this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live?"
"I do so promise." Klaus said loudly, his strong voice echoing over the lawn.
"And Caroline Forbes, will you have this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the Holy Estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live?"
"I do so promise." Caroline answered, her voice not nearly as loud but just as strong, she had never been this confident before.
"The marriage ring seals the vows of marriage and represents a promise for eternal and everlasting love. Do you have the rings?" Pastor Young asked, and Klaus turned to Elijah, who handed him one ring, and Caroline another.
Once the rings were firmly in hand, Pastor Young said, "Niklaus, Repeat after me, 'I Niklaus Mikaelson, take thee, Caroline Forbes, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, according to God s Holy Ordinance, and thereto I give thee my pledge.'"
Klaus held Caroline's left hand gently and locked his eyes on hers, "I Niklaus Mikaelson, take thee, Caroline Forbes, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, according to God s Holy Ordinance, and thereto I give thee my pledge." With the last word he slipped the golden band onto her finger.
The pastor turned to Caroline and said, "Caroline, repeat after me, 'I Caroline Forbes, take thee, Niklaus Mikaelson, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, according to God s Holy Ordinance, and thereto I give thee my pledge.'"
Caroline switched the order of their hands, this time holding his left in hers, "I, Caroline Forbes, take thee, Niklaus Mikaelson, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever, according to God s Holy Ordinance, and thereto I give thee my pledge.'" She slipped the ring onto his finger, and felt a brilliant smile overcome her face, and was surprised it was possible to feel like this.
Pastor Young grinned at the couple before looking over the crowd once again, "Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Forasmuch as Niklaus and Caroline have consented together in Holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company of witnesses, and there to have given their pledge, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; by the power vested in me by the State of Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You many now kiss your bride."
Klaus leaned in and placed a sweet, loving, and still passionate kiss onto Caroline's lips and knew that he would now able to love her forever just like this.
As their lips separated, they turned to face their guests, and Pastor Young exclaimed, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. And Mrs. Niklaus Mikaelson."
The clapping and cheers were all the couple could hear as they walked up the aisle, dozens of flower pedals filling the air as they did, for what would an Original wedding be without a little magic.
Elijah stood up as the dessert plates were being cleared, he chimed a glass to get everyone's attention, and said, "I would like to take this opportunity to give the customary best man's speech." He paused at looked down at Caroline a few chairs from him, "Caroline, I can honestly say that the first time we met, I never thought we would be standing here today. Seeing how happy you make my little brother, I have never been happier to be wrong about a first opinion." He took a breath and looked to his brother, "Niklaus, for a long time we were at odds, but your beautiful wife is one of the reasons we are both standing here today. She has allowed you to become the person that I knew you were always supposed to be. The two of you have had your fair share of difficulties to overcome, but you two always took action together, strengthening the love that you two so clearly share. So I suggest a toast, to Nik and Caroline, forever and always."
Klaus looked at his brother in surprise, he was pretty sure that Elijah had never once called him 'Nik' in their entire lives.
Kol took up the cheer as the entire dinner toasted, "To Nik and Caroline!"
Caroline leaned over and gave Klaus a kiss on his cheek, causing him to turn and look at her instead of his elder brother, "I love you."
"And I love you." Klaus replied giving her a kiss on the lips, which caused the diners to erupt into another cheer.
Caroline had never felt happier in her life as Nik twirled her onto the floor for their first dance as a married couple. His hands found her waist and hers linked around his neck, her smile the largest she could manage.
"How are enjoying everything Mrs. Mikaelson?" Klaus asked, tightening his hold on just a little bit.
"Everything is perfect, Mr. Mikaelson." She responded and lifted up her mouth for a kiss. As their lips made the contact, the music began to play, it was 'At Last' by Etta James. Caroline smiled into the kiss, she hadn't been aware that he had changed the song, "I don't remember this being the song I picked."
Klaus laughed as he pulled away slightly, he smirked at her, "I felt this was far more appropriate for our love affair, as I have literally waited centuries to have you in my arms, and in my life."
"And in them I will stay forever, dearest husband." Caroline promised, positive she would never get sick of calling him that.
"I wouldn't allow you to be anywhere else, my lovely wife." He told her in return and captured her lips for another kiss.
Caroline laughed as she watching the couples dancing along the floor, her husband had left her for dance with her mother, and she was glad to see that they were finally getting along. A voice at her side distracted her from watching the dance, "Why I ask you this one dance Mrs. Mikaelson?"
Caroline looked over at the elder Salvatore brother and raised her eyebrows, "You've never asked me to dance before."
"People can change Blondie, you should know that better than anyone." Damon replied, still slightly bowed and hand outstretched.
"Of course we can dance Damon." Caroline answered and placed her hand in his, allowing him to led her onto the dance floor.
The music flowed into a slow dance, and they adjusted their hands accordingly, but an appropriate distance was kept between them. Damon took a moment before saying, "You look beautiful Caroline, and your happiness is making you glow."
"Thank you Damon." She told him, surprised by his words.
Damon nodded and looked over shoulder, noticing that Klaus was busy talking with Rebekah, Katherine and Stefan. He glanced back at Caroline, "I should have done this a long time ago Caroline. I am sorry for everything that happened between us. I should never have done those things to you, and I have no excuses for them, now that are real anyway. I don't expect your forgiveness, but you deserve my apology."
Caroline actually stopped moving as his words washed over her. She had never thought that Damon cared enough about her to apologize. Caroline smiled at him, "I think I forgave you a long time ago Damon, but thank you."
"You are welcome." Damon responded, and took a step away from her, smirking at someone over her shoulder, "I will leave you to dance with your new husband."
Caroline smiled after him before she was turned around and found herself in Klaus' arms, "What did Damon say to make you look so amazed?"
"He just apologized for everything that happened between us when I was human." Caroline told him, "You didn't make him do that, did you?"
"Damon is on vervain my love, I couldn't make him do anything." Klaus reminded her, "But let's not talk about that anymore tonight. We are the only two people that matter right now, and I want to focus on that." He whispered into her ear, before placing a chaste kiss on her neck.
Klaus trusted his siblings to see the last of their many guests out as he carried his bride up the stairs. He wasn't sure he could wait much longer to be truly able to took her, to truly claim her and have her claim him in return. Caroline laughed as Klaus found it difficult to open the door to their bedroom with her wearing such a large dress. Klaus chuckled in return as he finally managed to open the door, "Who knew such a lovely dress would cause so much problems?" He posed the question as he used his foot to close the door behind them.
Caroline took a few steps back once her feet touched the ground, she looked at him with a warning, "You cannot rip the dress off, I want to keep it." She slowly took the veil off and threw it onto a chair in the room.
"I understand love. Turn around and I will undo it like a normal person." He assured her, and slowly started untying the laces that went up her back. Rebekah had insisted that she have a proper corseted top, it was stunning, but Klaus had been annoyed with these things the first time around, and he found he still was.
Caroline was leaning into his touch as he deftly undid the strings, and she felt it when there was finally enough give to allow it to pool around her. Caroline let the top of her dress drop before she stepped out of it and the hoop that was beneath it, leaving her wearing only her slip.
Klaus kept his eyes trained on her as he slipped out of his tux, leaving him naked in a matter of seconds. As soon as he was clear of all of his clothes, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pressed her against him. One hand moved its way up to cup her face, and he placed a gentle kiss on her lips before throwing her onto the bed.
Caroline laughed as she bounced on the bed before he felt his hand roving up her leg, over the silky fabric of her slip. Klaus placed a kiss over her bare stomach and looked up at her, "Are we keeping this as well love?'
"Nope." Caroline replied, biting her bottom lip as she finished, knowing what was going to happen next.
Klaus wasted no time to tear away the flimsy fabric, and then gave her white lacey underwear the same treatment. He looked over her naked body with a look that Caroline was certain she hand never seen before, but she found it made her feel like she was his entire world.
Klaus slowly lifted her left hand and kissed the gold band that now rested against her engagement. Caroline smiled at the tender action and repeated the action with his own hand.
Klaus smiled and carefully placed himself over her, bringing his lips so they were ghosting over hers, "You have made me the happiest man ever to walk this planet today my love."
"And you have made me the luckiest woman in the world today." She responded and pulled him in for a long, sensuous kiss, only breaking it when she felt him move his hips and slowly push himself into her.
They spent the rest of the night just lost in each others bodies.
AN: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, followed, and favorited this story. I hope this chapter was worth the wait, I was really nervous while I wrote it. I took my time to make sure it was as close to perfect as I could make it.
I am thinking there are two chapters left in this story. Hopefully coming up faster than this one, but I can't make promises.
Let me know what you thought, because like I said, this chapter made me nervous and knowing you liked it could really help give me the motivation to write the next one quicker.
