Epilogue:

15 Years Later

The service was beautiful. Everyone in town showed up to pay their respects to a man that helped build the town; a man that always had a kind smile and a helping hand. Both Salvatore brothers stood with an arm around each other as they lowered Giuseppe's casket into the ground, next to their mother.

After the service was over and people started to leave, only one person stayed behind. Damon's eyes narrowed, looking in the distance, wondering if his eyes were deceiving him. He found himself jogging over, his heart pounding in his chest as she smiled sadly at him.

"Hello Damon." She whispered.

He'd never forget her voice. "Elena…"

She shifted her weight slightly, fiddling with her hands. "I'm so sorry about your dad…I wanted to come sooner." She swallowed hard. "It's good to see you."

He looked her over and though so many years had passed, they had been good to her. Her hair was down, and curled, a few silver strands peeking through, and there were a few wrinkles around her eyes, but she was still as beautiful as he remembered. "It's good to see you too. I'm sorry about your mom." She dropped her head and nodded, reigning in her emotions.

When she caught his gaze again, she forced a smile. "They're all at peace together now." Her voice cracked painfully, thinking of the three parents that raised them, and how close they once were.

He tilted his head. "And you? Are you at peace, Elena?" Every bone in his body was wanting to pull her to him and never let her go.

She shrugged. "I manage." Her life with Klaus had not been easy; every day from the moment she left Mystic Falls was hollow pit of despair. She had nothing to look forward to. But for the first time in fifteen years she felt free. "Are you happy?" her eyes darted to Stefan and Caroline packing up, and three children running around.

He shrugged with a lopsided smile. "I manage."

Elena let her eyes roam over his face; from the tussled mop of salt and pepper hair, to the distinguished neatly trimmed beard and mustache, to the piercing blue of his eyes; he was so handsome. Taking a deep breathe she stepped into his arms, resting her head on his shoulder. When his arms immediately wrapped around her, embracing her tightly, a small sob escaped her lips. "I'll always love you, Damon. Even after all these years, it's only ever been you." She whispered in his ear.

His eyes squeezed shut, hearing the words he'd only heard once, and never thought he'd hear again. He inhaled deep, breathing in her familiar scent. "It could be a hundred years…and I'd still love you, Elena."

She pulled away, and tears were brimming in her eyes. "I promised you one day I'd come back to you." She smiled at the look of disbelief on his face. "I'm here now…if you'll still have me." She was suddenly a nervous young girl all over again.

He grabbed her gently at the back of her neck, and bought his lips down to meet hers in a slow and intimate kiss. She felt a warmth of desire flow within her that died so long ago, and he felt a spark of light reignite at her touch. He rested his forehead on hers. "I don't think I ever let you go." His hand reached for her left one, his thumb running over her ring finger, and was relieved to find it bare. "And Klaus…?" the last thing he wanted to do was ruin the moment by bringing him up, but he had to know.

She tried to hide the smile that cracked her lips. "I've recently become a widow. Enemies pile up over the years…" she offered vaguely. It was a story for another time; right now, she just wanted to bask in this moment.

Damon caressed her face with both hands, lovingly, recommitting her to memory. "Let's go home." He linked his hand with hers and together they started the next chapter of their lives.

It would not be the future they had hoped it would be; the time for children had passed, but Damon still built their house with her in mind. As long as they had each other, they would be blissfully happy.

…