Chapter 29

Damon sat in a chair in the corner of the exam room as the doctor checked out Elena. He figured out what the doctor suspected about halfway into her initial check up with Elena. He was worried at first not for himself, but for her. This was something he always wanted; he only hoped she did too. It wasn't something he had brought up yet, even though he knew there was no one else for him. Marriage and kids wasn't something you talked about this early on.

Considering Elena's past and her previous marriage he was concerned this would make her feel trapped. He was elated when she reassured him, she was in for the long haul too. He was more than willing to wait to marry her. In his mind she was his wife in every way that counted anyway. Her second chance, her second marriage, would be perfect from the very beginning. Damon would do everything in his power to make sure of that, including waiting however long he needed until she was ready for that step.

When she smiled and said she was hoping too he was elated, relieved, anxious and a million other things. He'll never forget the amazing feeling of joy and pride he had when they got the official news. He didn't think anything could trump the night she told him she loved him. The night they made love for the first time. He smiled softly wondering if this was the result of that night. He wanted to believe it was.

He watched Elena carefully he knew this was freaking her out. Her fear of doctors was rooted deep inside of her. Damon intended to ensure that Dr. Crandall remained Elena's primary doctor. He would whatever he could to make sure she stayed as comfortable as possible throughout all of this. Once, the doctor was finally finished Elena excused herself to the bathroom to change.

Dr. Crandall asked them to meet her back in her office to go over the exam.

"I'll meet you in there, sweetheart." He promised giving Elena a soft kiss before hurrying to catch up with the doctor.

"I need to discuss Elena's long-term care with you." Damon said.

"I know of a great OBGYN I can refer you to." She said.

"Please, Elena is comfortable with you. I don't want to make any changes at this point. Her fear is very deep." Damon said.

"I understand that. I'm aware of Elena's legal situation, it's all over the news. It is common for women who have suffered abuse to be fearful of hospitals and doctors. But she has the baby to think of now and I believe that will really help settle her fears." She said.

"Her fears go deeper than that. You wouldn't understand." Damon said. "Look I'll pay you whatever it takes. We have a unique and special case here. She's going through a major trial as you know. The media is camped outside of our estate constantly. Getting her here was hell. I need a doctor she trusts, that can make house calls as well."

"I… suppose I could manage to clear the time in my schedule. However, I'm not technically an OBGYN. I'm a general practitioner, however I did consider specializing in women's reproductive health. Much of my later years of residency was focused on that."

"So technically then you could be her doctor through this?" Damon prodded.

"I could..." Dr Crandall said slowly, seeming to consider it. "However, if any complications come up, I would need to refer to a specialist."

"That's understandable." Damon agreed.

"I have a demanding schedule here. I can't always be there should you need immediate care." She warned. "The house call appointments will need to be scheduled in advance. The hospital bills double for that. Whereas a regular OB would probably do it for free."

"Money is no object." Damon said. "Let's hope she doesn't ever need immediate care, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

"Hey what's going on?" Elena walked up.

"We were just discussing your long-term care. If it's okay with you I'd like to stay on as your regular doctor." She said. Damon nodded thanks at her. Elena's relieved face said it all.

"That would be so great." She said. "Thank you so much."

"Thank the daddy it was his idea." She smiled.

"Of course, it was." Elena gazed up at him in that way that made his heart burst and his chest puff out.

"Well why don't we talk about your exam and then we'll set up a schedule?" She suggested.

It was almost noon by the time they left the hospital armed with information and the vitamins the doctor prescribed. Elena felt like she was floating, she could hardly believe it was real. She was so glad Damon made sure she got her doctor, and he set up house calls. At least until the media calmed down. That was like music to her ears it really calmed her fears. By the time she had to start going to the hospital for things she'd be used to the exams. The doctor said Elena and the baby were doing well. Elena was about three weeks along, which meant she was pregnant during the altercation with Craig. The relief that she made it through that unscathed was now tripled.

She did warn them that at this early stage it was important she be careful and keep her stress level low. She was worried Elena's head rushes may be a result of raised blood pressure from stress. Her main suggestion was for Elena to limit the time she talks about and prepares for the trial. To limit a number of hours a week to it and find peaceful hobbies to take her mind off of it as often as she could. Elena being on the stand was worrying her. What if she panicked or got all stressed out? Damon was ready to call the whole thing off and take her away, but Elena knew she couldn't run from this. Especially now. She wanted to be a good example and a good mother not a runner or a hider, not anymore, not ever again. She was just going to have to find a way to be calm on the stand.

"I need at least four, two behind and two in front of us." Damon was on his phone.

"Cars?" Elena asked. "What's next a police escort?"

"I'm not taking any chances." He put his arm around her, and she just started beaming again.

"I know you won't." She said softly. "Me and the baby are really lucky to have you watching out for us."

"God you just …I love you." He pulled her into a hug and held her. She teared up a bit just overcome with emotion. "I love you too." She mumbled into his chest. He held her for a while, and she closed her eyes savoring his presence. Finally, he took her arm and walked her to the car.

"You did really great today Elena." He said opening her car door for her.

"It was scary, but Dr. Crandall was good. I mean I felt at ease around her. I'm glad we'll be at home next time though. Damon...thank you for doing that." She said stopping at the door to gaze up at him.

"You're welcome." He said stroking her cheek.

"You said you're welcome." She smiled and tiptoed up to kiss him.

"Cause, I knew I'd get one of those." He smirked.

"Don't you dare take back your you're welcome." She scolded in a teasing tone.

"I wasn't I'm just reaping the benefits." He leaned down and stole a kiss from her.

Elena rolled her eyes but laughed anyway. She spotted the four black Blazers pulling in and raised an eyebrow.

"Your squad team's here." She smirked hopping in.

"I wish I would have thought of this on the way up here." He said.

He pulled up and maneuvered his car so two of the blazers were in front and two behind them.

Elena found the whole thing pretty amusing. She figured one car would have done fine. They were good with Eric behind them on the way up here.

They passed a KFC billboard and her mouth started watering.

"Those mashed potatoes look so good." She said.

"You want to go to KFC? I'll call the guards." He offered.

"Ewe no. I just want mashed potatoes." She said. "Do you know how to make them? Sheila used to make them with her pot roast. They were awesome."

"I'll make you the best mashed potatoes you ever ate." He promised.

"That's a tall order." She giggled.

"It's a good thing I'm such an excellent cook then." He winked.

The ride home was smooth, Elena ducked down as soon as they got near the estate, and the blazers blocked the reporters from getting anywhere near them. She followed Damon into the kitchen he got started on peeling potatoes right away. She walked over to the drawer and grabbed a knife for herself to help him peel.

"What are you doing?" He asked.

"Helping." She said.

"Go sit and relax. I got it." He said.

"Damon when she said I should take it easy. She didn't mean you need to wait on me hand and foot." Elena said rolling her eyes.

"Can I, though?" He asked giving her his dazzling smile. "For a little while at least?"

"How can I resist that?" She laughed.

She sat down at the table and watched him a soft smile on her face. He started on boiling the potatoes and once he had them going. He started rummaging through the fridge.

"What do you want with these?" He asked.

"I don't know. I'm scared of meat after the roast beef incident." She shuddered.

"You need your protein though." He murmured.

"How about eggs." She said. "Scrambled eggs."

"Scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes?" He asked in an amused tone.

She chuckled a little and shrugged helplessly, "That actually sounds really good."

"Anything you want." He smiled his ocean blue eyes dancing a little. She found herself staring; she really hoped the baby got Damon's eyes.

Damon went back to work just as Jenna came inside with Liz and Caroline.

"Oh hey, you guys." Elena bit back a smile and looked up at Damon, who gave her a little wink and went back to work on her lunch.

"Check it out. I brought you the driving test packet." Caroline came over and set it down near her. Elena. "So, you can study for the written test."

The lavender scent hit her again, but it didn't seem as bad as yesterday when she hugged her. She backed up her chair just slightly not wanting to take any chances. This morning sickness thing was not limited to morning at all. That was a terrible name for it. It was more like impromptu vomiting.

"I can't wait to drive legally again." Elena admitted.

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." Liz said.

"Oops." Elena laughed.

"So, the meeting today was about Craig. The charges have been filed; the date should be set soon now." Jenna said.

"You won't even believe the number of charges they are piling on him." Liz added.

"Why don't we talk about Elena's driving test, or something? We discussed the case this morning already." Damon interjected.

"I know but the charges have been filed." Jenna said looking confused.

"I actually don't want to think about the trial today at all." Elena said. "Today is a happy day. Anon-drama day."

"Uh okay.." Jenna and Caroline exchanged a look.

"What are you making?" Jenna watched Damon as he set aside the finished eggs and then started whipping butter into the potatoes.

"Mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs." He said.

"Why are you making that?" Caroline asked.

"Because that's what my baby wants." He said with a grin handing Elena the plate. She started grinning too.

"You two are so corny sometimes." Jenna said wryly.

"No, it's true. This is what his baby wants. I have no control over my appetite anymore along with my ability to hold my food down as well." Elena said glancing at each of them slowly, an amused look in her eyes.

"Wait what?" Caroline gasped. "His baby as in… Elena are you pregnant?"

"The dizziness and the three bagels." Jenna shook her head.

"We went to the hospital after you left this morning." Elena said. "I fainted, so Damon made me go. It's a good thing too."

"Oh my god!" Caroline squealed she got up and started jumping.

"Hugs Elena." She held out her arms.

"No offense Car, but your perfume irks my stomach. I really need to eat lunch and keep it down." Elena said, she winced when Caroline looked hurt.

"I'm sorry. I liked it before. It's just the baby doesn't like it, I guess." Elena stammered.

"Honey, certain scents and foods just trigger morning sickness. Don't take offense she can't help it." Liz said patting her back.

"I know. I'm sorry. I'll stop wearing it over here." Caroline said.

"I can't believe this." Jenna murmured her eyes wide. "The timing is just…How are you supposed to handle this trial?"

"For starters we aren't going to discuss it all the time." Damon said. "We need to help Elena come up with some peaceful hobbies to help her take her mind of it."

"Oh, I can help with that." Caroline chirped.

"He said peaceful." Liz reminded her.

"I can do mellow." Caroline scoffed.

"I'll need all of you to help me make sure she takes it easy." Damon said.

"Absolutely." Caroline said.

"You can count on us for that. " Jenna agreed.

"Hey." Elena pouted.

"You guys are good?" Jenna asked. "You seem happy about it."

"We are beyond happy." Damon confirmed.

"We're elated." Elena added.

"Then I'm happy for you." Jenna leaned down to hug Elena and then hugged Damon.

"You've come so far." She said as she pulled away.

"I think it's wonderful." Liz said her eyes a little wet. "After so much hardship you deserve this little miracle."

Elena started crying at that it just touched her. "Thank you." She sniffled.

"You okay?" Damon stroked her hair looking concerned.

"Hormones." Liz said.

"I might need your help on what to expect." Elena said.

"Of course, honey anything you need." Liz said.

Rick came stumbling in in his sweats his hair all messy.

"Hey Jenna." He kissed Jenna.

"Are you just getting up?" She scolded.

"I didn't mean to sleep so late. I hope I'm not coming down with what Elena has." He yawned.

"I don't think you need to worry about that." Elena said, biting back a laugh.

He shrugged and walked over to the counter. He grabbed a plate and filled it up with the food Damon set out. He sat down at the table and started eating without even seeming to notice or care about the strange combination on his plate.

"Or maybe he is." Damon scoffed.

"I have to ask. Rick, don't you think there is anything strange about what you're eating right now?" Jenna laughed and pointed at his plate.

"I don't know. I figured Elena cooked." He shrugged.

"Hey, I'm getting better." She pouted.

"You are these mashed potatoes are great." He said. "I don't mind them with the eggs, it works."

"I know these mashed potatoes are awesome, and It does work together." Elena agreed.

"Aren't you the one who's supposed to get sympathy symptoms or whatever." Caroline giggled and looked at Damon.

"What are you talking about?" Rick asked looking confused.

"How much you seem to enjoy pregnancy food." Damon said.

"Pregnancy…wait Elena?"

"Yep." She confirmed with a grin.

"Really? Wow that's great, it's great right?"

"Of course, it's great." Damon said.

"Congratulations." He said giving Damon a high five and then getting up to give Elena a hug.

They spent some time just chatting with everyone, everyone immediately started talking about boy or girl and names. Elena was enjoying the excitement over the news. She didn't care if it was a boy or a girl just as long as he or she was healthy. She was pretty tired when everyone left and decided to nap.

Damon followed her upstairs and crawled into bed with her. She snuggled up close to him and smiled. He wrapped her up in his arms and kissed her head.

"I wonder what my dad is going to say." She said. "I think he'll be happy, but he won't like being a grandpa."

"I have no idea what mine is going to do." Damon sighed. "I have a feeling it's going to piss me off."

"Just do what you've been doing with him. Let the words bounce off, even if they're about me." She said.

"I don't know if I can do that. When it comes to you. I can't just allow him to say or do anything that would demean you." Damon said.

"I know babe. I know, but we have to keep this place and to do that we just have to deal with him." She sighed.

"Let's not talk about this. I didn't mean to stress you." He said.

"You didn't it's okay." She assured him.

"I can't believe Stefan and I are both having kids." He said.

"It'll be nice for them they will be close in age." Elena said.

"They won't see each other often though." Damon pointed out. "I doubt Stefan and Katherine would ever move to Virginia."

"Yeah probably not, but summers and stuff." She shrugged.

"If Stefan tries to put his kid in boarding schools over the summer like my dad to us, we'll take him or her instead. That sucked." Damon decided.

"You don't think he would do that do you? He couldn't have liked it either." Elena said.

"I don't know, he put his wedding off for the business." Damon said. "It's like he's turning into my father, but then I talk to him and he seems really unhappy."

"Maybe you should try and talk to him about stuff." Elena suggested.

"It's hard over the phone." Damon said.

"I know I wish we could travel. I'd like to see where you came from."

"We will soon enough, when it's safe." He said kissing her head again.

"I'm kind of glad we're stuck here, in some ways though. We get to just relax and spend time together." She said.

"As long as I have you safe in my arms, I'm happy." He said.

"I love you Damon." She said.

"I love you to, angel." He whispered into her hair.