PRESENT DAY
"You look terrified," Stefan stated, watching her eyes.
"I'm just shocked." She shifted her head to look up at the ceiling. "This is crazy."
"You can really tell just like that?"
"I mean if it's not that then something else happened."
"Like what?"
"I can't think of anything else."
"I can't tell how you feel right now."
"I need to take a shower and take a nap and breathe."
Stefan watched her get up slowly and walk into their bathroom. He let out a breath then got up himself hearing the water running. This wasn't at all how he pictured things going and it obviously wasn't Bonnie's vision either. He decided to clean to distract his mind for a little while. He vacuumed their room and straightened up their laundry before starting on the living room. He polished the coffee table and dusted the TV. He threw out expired food from the refrigerator and freezer and unloaded and loaded the dishwasher. He vacuumed and fluffed the pillows then looked over, hearing the floor creak. He stood slowly and turned more towards her, watching her eyes. She was dressed in a towel, her hair was wet and dripping occasionally and when she breathed out a smile he walked up to her and wrapped her in his arms. She started crying into his shoulder, losing strength in her knees so they sat down on the floor together staying in their embrace.
…
"How much will this change things?"
"Honestly?" He watched her nod. "A lot. When do you start filming?"
"I haven't checked my emails yet."
"Whenever you're ready, check them and we'll just take it one day at a time."
She nodded some more. "I think I'm ready to get up from the floor now,"
"Okay," he kept his arms around her and stood up, using his strength to help them both.
They walked back into their room and Bonnie got changed before joining him on their bed. "Are you happy?" She looked over at him.
"I'm very happy."
She smiled and nodded. She waited for him to ask her the same question but was thankful when he didn't. She wasn't sure what her answer would be but she would hesitate and that would probably give him her answer.
"Hey," he held her face. "One day at a time, remember?"
"I love you so much Stefan and I'm sorry that- I'm just scared."
"And you have every right to be, but we'll get through this and hopefully sometime down the road, you won't be as scared. I love you so much."
"I love you more." They kissed and he pulled her in for a hug. "Can I tell you a secret?"
"Go for it,"
"I partied with Caroline and Elena while you were in LA."
"Seriously?"
"It was a pretty good time, we got drunk, and somewhere along the way we ate weed brownies."
He shook his head. "You're lying."
"Swears."
He pulled away from their hug. "I should've known, I was tagged in some snapshots of Elena's Instagram story where people literally matched a corner of our cabinet beside the one she was standing in front of."
Bonnie chuckled then held his face in her hands and met their lips, kissing him deeply. He wrapped his arms around her body, kissing her back until she pulled away for air. "Why does it feel like forever since I've kissed you?" He questions then meets their lips for a while longer.
"It does feel like it's been some time. It's probably just because of the day we're having."
"Could be." He moved some hair behind her ears and smiled.
"What?"
"You know what."
She chuckled and caressed the side of his face, looking into his eyes. "I'm happy."
"Yeah?"
She nodded.
"That's all I want." He watched her eyes before kissing her. "Are you ready to check your email?"
She took a deep breath then nodded, grabbing her phone. Stefan watched her maneuver her way to the correct email then watched her read it. She existed out of the email app and into the calendar to count. "Three and a half weeks," she looked up at him.
"Okay." He exhaled. "How big is your part?"
"I'm number three. I'm freaking out."
"Don't. Breathe," he held her, seeing her chest frantically rise and fall. "Breathe. I'll be there with you every step of the way."
"But what if your show gets picked up?"
"I highly doubt it'll happen that fast, don't worry. We got this." He held her face and smiled causing her to form one of her own.
"I love you so much."
"I love you more." He kisses her twice then hugs her close to his body, smoothing his hand down her hair.
…
She jumped awake at the sound of her alarm and reached her hand over to turn it off before turning on her side. She exhaled then smiled feeling his hand caress her stomach several times. "I'm so happy today's my last day."
"Me too. We get to sleep in tonight."
She chuckled. "I told you you didn't have to go to set with me every morning."
"I know but I want to. Four months of madness but we did it, babe."
She smiled then forced herself up and walked onto their bathroom to get ready. Stefan moved to his back then sat up, quickly getting out of bed before he closed his eyes again. He makes them coffee and turns on the news hearing that it's going to be a high of seventy today. He walks back into their room and goes to wash his face and brush his teeth as Bonnie's getting dressed. He tells her the weather report with his toothbrush in his mouth and she hums in response.
"Stefan!"
He spits out his toothpaste and rushed out. "What, what's wrong?"
She turned to him in her bra. "I have a little bump now standing up." She frowned.
He exhaled and even if he wanted to, he couldn't be mad that she almost gave him a heart attack. He walked over to her and kissed her lips twice before meeting their foreheads. "Our baby's growing, isn't she?" He smiled seeing one form on her face.
"This is going to sound really crazy,"
"Okay,"
"But I really wanna have sex. Right now."
"Say no more."
She smiled as he attacked her lips.
…
"Babe, how do you feel about today being wrapping day?" Stefan recorded her as they were sitting down for lunch.
"I don't want to sound ungrateful or make it seem like I hated filming with this cast— because I loved filming with this amazing cast, but I am happy that today marks the end. Mama's tired."
He chuckled.
"How do you feel, babe?"
"I'm happy too cause daddy's tired."
They chuckled and he stopped recording. "People might start speculating that you're really pregnant now."
"Somewhat speaking of, should we announce it or wait until we actually have a baby to show off?"
"What do you think?"
"I kind of want everything to be a surprise. I mean obviously tell our parents and friends but keep it secret from everyone else."
"Whatever you want, babe." He kisses her twice.
"Bonnie, we're going to do a cast photo really quick." The director informed.
"Okay," she got up.
…
Stefan chuckled at the headlines and even baited his fans questioning them on if they believed Bonnie was pregnant or not. He set up a ring light and placed his phone on a tripod before going live on Instagram. He smiled seeing the numbers rise and waved at his screen. "Hey guys, I just wanted to do an impromptu live as I cook my wife some dinner, she's napping now after a long day of shooting and since I'm tired myself, I figured that multitasking will help me stay up for a bit." He paused to read some of the comments that were popping in. "I am making homemade pizzas, I was just going to make one each but I think I'll make three, so we can split the third one." He read more comments. "Alright, in getting distracted, let me get started then I'll pay more attention, but those asking it's actually pretty simple you can buy the dough at practically any grocery store, um Bonnie just like pepperoni on hers, I like to add some bacon and onions on mine. So you want to spray the aluminum foil with some non-stick first then flatten out your dough. Nothing too thick but definitely not too thin, at least not for us. Once that's done, you grab your tomato sauce, I like to leave a crust so I won't cover that with sauce. Then some mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, and some more mozzarella on top. This is for the wife, then I'm gonna make mine and have the third one be… either exactly like Bon's or I'll add some bacon to it or I'll just do half bacon which I will definitely do. Alright," he read some more comments and said hello to some people who requested. "I saw someone ask why I was constantly on set with Bonnie and truthfully the main reason was so that I could just be there when she needed me, she did three movies all practically back to back and I know how frustrating and tiring and emotional that could be so I didn't want for her to have to go through that alone as I have in the past. It was a personal decision and she was okay with it so that's the reason." He looked up after finishing with his toppings. "No, I'm not jealous that Bonnie's becoming more popular than me," he chuckled. "I knew this would happen, I warned everyone this would happen." He smiled. "I'm seeing a lot of pregnant questions, um I don't know guys, but one thing is for sure in nine months we will know because they'll be a baby or there won't be a baby. So stay tuned." He laughed then moved to put the pizzas in the oven and checked his watch before reading more comments. "No word on the show quite yet, but keep your fingers crossed, I really enjoy my character and the storylines that we have plotted out so hopefully things will be set into motion. But alright, guys, thank you for joining me today, and thank you for your support and love it means so much to me. I'll post the pizzas when they're done so I won't leave you all hanging. I love you guys, bye." He ended the live and took down the light before walking back into his room. He smiled seeing Bonnie still asleep as got into bed, lying behind her, and moved his hand to her stomach. He smiled thinking of their baby and kissed the back of her neck and once more, feeling her hand top his. "I have pizzas in the oven,"
"Mm, that sounds good."
"They'll be done in about fifteen minutes."
"Thank you,"
"You're welcome, babe."
He met their lips as her head turned toward him. She moved to her back and Stefan trapped her between his body, kissing her deeply. He pulls away but she brings him down for a few more. "Damn, babe, you're gonna make me burn the pizzas."
She laughed some and he grabbed her arms, pulling her up from the bed. They walked back into the kitchen together and checked on their food deciding that it could stay in just a little longer.
"So have you talked to Jasmine lately?"
He exhaled. "I called her and told her about what we discussed and she understood. We don't text much or as often but that's okay."
Bonnie nodded. "I was thinking that we should throw ourselves a party to celebrate the announcement of our baby with our family and friends. Possibly before my mom's wedding next month."
"And where would this party take place?"
"I hate to say my hometown but I think it makes the most sense." She watched him take the pizzas out of the oven. "What do you think?"
"I mean you're right, fewer people have to make arrangements to head down there."
"But?"
"I'm not sure if there is one."
"Or we can have a really nice dinner with your mom and Tim and possibly Mason and Elena here then again but in MF with my family?"
"You really want to invite Elena?"
"Not fully but,"
"I think we should leave her out of this one, babe."
"Okay,"
"But everything else sounds fine with me." He walked over to her and hugged her. She stands on her toes, hugging him back, snuggling into him. "Are you still tired?" He asked softly.
"A little." She moved back as he held her face.
"Let's eat then go to bed."
She nodded and kissed him softly.
…
She hid a little behind Stefan as the paparazzi snapped away. They wanted to go shopping for their dinner tonight and hoped they could go unseen but that wasn't the case. Stefan wrapped his arm around her shoulders as they entered the store. They wanted to get something matching so they headed to the men's section first figuring it would be best since there are fewer styles. Bonnie was shocked when he agreed to the plum color suit but didn't let her face show it but on the inside, she was jumping up and down and clapping rapidly.
"I think I want a loose shirt probably white and then plum pants unless I find a dress that really captures my eyes."
They ended up going to a different store since they couldn't find anything that she liked in that one. She luckily found plum trousers and the mannequin that was wearing it had in a matching blazer with a white shirt on underneath so she decided to buy the blazer as well knowing that she has a plain shirt already. When they arrived home, Stefan smiled at how she got dressed in his shirt with shorts on underneath it and joined her on their bed. She leaned against the headboard and he opted to lay down as he gently rubbed her belly.
"What do you think about the name Honey? For a girl?" Bonnie looked over at him.
"Honey Salvatore. I love it, actually."
She smiled. "Honey Kristina Salvatore,"
"Daddy's first girl."
They smiled.
"I'm tired, babe,"
"Come lay down," he moved his hand away until her back was against his front and held her close to his body.
…
They had wide smiles on their faces as Lily hugged the both of them after they shared their joyous news. They decided to tell them after dinner knowing that a reaction like this would happen, they didn't want to invite curious eyes just in case someone was a fan or knew of them and would sell the news to the highest bidder. So after a great dinner, they took the party to Lily's house where they shared that she'd be a grandmother and Mason an uncle.
"I'm so happy for you guys, congratulations," he spoke, giving them a hug himself.
"Thanks, Mase,"
"How far along are you?"
"Just four months."
"We're thinking of the name Honey for a girl." Stefan held her from behind.
"Oh, I love that," Lily smiled. "Any boy names yet?"
"Not yet though I've always loved the name Daniel," Bonnie informed, moving her hands to cover Stefan's which were on her stomach.
As his wife and mother go on about names, he shifts his eyes over to his best friend and notices his eyes on their hand placement and a blank almost sad look on his face. He exhaled through his nose then bent his knees, turning his wife's head to kiss her lips before escorting Mason away so they're alone. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, sorry, I really am happy for you, the both of you but I just want that too. And I don't want to seem selfish or ruin this night but it's like I've had no luck with anyone I've dated and I want the marriage and the kids and the house. It just doesn't seem to want me back.
Stefan stopped his frown. "You know what, this might be a stupid idea and it could lead to nowhere, but I want to hook you up with someone."
"Who?"
…
Bonnie laughed then paused mid-way seeing the serious look on her husband's face. "Babe."
"You don't think it's a good idea?"
"How well do you even know her? Are you just doing this to make him feel better for a little or are you doing this because they'll actually be a good fit?"
"A little of both I guess. You're right I don't know her all that well but she's a nice person and she's talented and attractive."
"You think she's attractive?"
"You don't?"
She thought. "Yeah she's attractive."
"Of course, though, I have the baddest chick out there."
She smiled but rolled her eyes. "Anyway, I think you're just doing this because you feel somewhat bad for ditching her and you just feel bad for Mason because he's your friend."
"I don't see the harm in one outing."
"Did you even ask her?"
"No, I wanted to run this by you first."
"Well if you feel deeply about it then I say OK."
He smiled then kissed her twice. "Thanks, babe, I'm gonna make a couple of calls," he kisses her again then walks back into their room.
Bonnie exhales and decides to make herself a sandwich before getting comfortable on the couch and turned on the TV only to ignore it to check Instagram. She decided to post the photo of them kissing in front of the Christmas tree. It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas, right?! What are some of your thoughts today?
She smiled thinking that their baby will be born around Christmas time and rubbed her belly a few times just as Stefan was making his way back to her.
"They're both on for tomorrow night."
"How old is Mason?"
"Uh thirty, why?"
"Just wondering. Your fans really want me to be pregnant," she said looking at the comments that were coming in under her post.
He smiled. "They know how much this means to me."
"So you want a Stefan Jr?"
"I've always been so back and forth with it. It's not something that's super important to me, just as long as he's healthy you know,"
"Yeah."
"I just hope we have a girl since we already have a bomb name picked out."
She chuckled. "Me too honestly, I'm already daydreaming about her nursery."
He smiled, moving his hands to her stomach. "I love you, both of you."
"We love you too, daddy."
…
Stefan looked between the two in utter shock. It's been only three months since they first started dating and now there's a baby on the way that they both seem genuinely happy about. He wanted to be happy for them but the shock of it all took over everything leaving him just staring. He wishes that Bonnie was feeling better because she would be by his side and the one to knock him out of this state but she's at home with morning sickness leaving him to fend for himself.
Mason watched the shock lay out on his best friend's face and he knows exactly how he feels because when he first heard the news he was in that exact mindset. They never expected things to happen so soon but it's their reality and he's now happy about that. He loves Jasmine, she's the happiness he's been craving all his life and now she's carrying another piece of his happiness inside her. They both want a son to name him after their grandfather's who both happened to be named Henry.
"Holy shit, congratulations, I'm obviously stunned but happy for you both."
They smiled. "We know the way to do it is to wait a certain amount of time before telling people, but we're just both so excited."
"No, do it however you want. Trust me after getting over the shock of Bonnie getting pregnant, I wanted to shout it from the rooftop."
"How did she tell you by the way?"
He chuckled. "Well right after we did the deed, she told me that was the one, that she's pregnant. I didn't really believe her at first but the look in her eyes told me that she was serious."
"Wow,"
"Yeah, not exactly the way I pictured finding out that I'm gonna be a dad but it's cool I guess."
They chuckled.
He looked between the two before landing them on his best friend. "Who would've thought, Mase, our babies will only be seven months apart."
"I know, it's crazy. It's too bad Bonnie couldn't be here, but obviously, we have you to thank for our coming together and ultimately our baby so I would be honored if you'll be my best man."
His eyes widened and yet again he's completely shocked by the news but agrees and congratulates them again as she slips on her ring. Jasmine announces that if she's feeling up to it for Bonnie to be part of her wedding party since she has sisters and he agrees to pass on the news.
He used his wife as an excuse to leave before they dropped any more bombshells and hurries home to tell her everything.
By the look on her face he couldn't tell what she was thinking or how she was feeling. Her eyes were busy staring off to the side and her hand was busy circling her belly. He watched her for a minute longer before asking her to spill her truths.
"I'm so happy for them, I really am and obviously a baby is… a baby and you can't take it back or wait, it's coming, and God willing it comes in nine months, but the marriage thing. I just- I mean I get it and I'm happy for them but I just hope it's a long engagement. They've barely fought yet, let alone they don't even live together."
"Yeah,"
"But I'm so happy for them and I'll try to power through to be a great bridesmaid depending on how close or far the wedding is from my due date."
He forced a smile. "Don't hate me for saying this,"
"Okay,"
"Never mind, I'm just feeling a little insecure."
She frowned, possibly knowing what he was going to ask her and she's honestly glad that he chose to not ask her about it. It would cause nothing but drama— drama that they've worked so hard to overcome but she's realizing now that Stefan still might not have healed from it yet. "I love you." She took his hand and placed it on her belly, topping his with hers.
"I love you more."
They smiled feeling their baby kick and Stefan bent his knees to kiss over the tiny foot. "I love you too."
"I can't wait to see our baby."
"Me either. You still think we're having a girl?"
"Yeah, I'm sure of it. Our Honey bee,"
He smiled then held her face before kissing her.
…
"Babe. I'm starting to waddle."
Stefan looked up from his phone and smiled. "Come to daddy," he chuckled as she rolled her eyes and stayed smiling as she waddled over to him and straddled his lap. He kissed her twice before moving his hands along her seven-month baby belly. "You're so beautiful."
She smiled. "Are you finished with the nursery yet so I can finally see?"
"One more thing is being delivered today then it'll be ready."
"Hon's gonna be like 'my daddy is the best, he did all of this for me'."
He smiled. "I'll do anything for my girl." He talked to and kissed her belly.
Bonnie shook her head, feeling her kicking, and moved Stefan's hands to feel. "She knows."
"That's daddy's girl," he lifted her shirt and peppered her with more kisses until there was a knock on the door.
Bonnie moved off his lap and he went to answer it and smiled seeing the package there. He took it inside and told Bonnie to give him ten minutes then disappeared into the nursery. She grabbed her phone, hearing it ring, and answered it seeing that it was Lily. "Hi,"
"Hey, I just wanted to call and check-in, see how everything is going."
"Everything is great, Stefan's finishing up the nursery now so I'm excited to finally see it."
She chuckled. "That's gonna be one spoiled girl."
"I know but I'm hoping that he won't be too whipped. Or if so I'll try my best to keep things at bay."
"I'm sure it'll even out...eventually."
They chuckled.
"Are you still sticking with the name?"
"Yeah, I mean unless I look at her and something else pops into my mind but as of right now it's a hundred percent that."
"Good. I love it,"
"Babe!"
"Oo, the nursery is ready, I have to go."
"Send me pictures,"
"Will do."
Bonnie walked back to what used to be the guest/ second bedroom and closed her eyes as Stefan instructed. He placed his hands on her shoulders leading her into the room then moved his hands to her stomach, telling her to open her eyes. She gasped seeing string lights lining all four lilac walls, the dark grey crib with a pink bow tied perfectly on the center railing. The matching chest of drawers on the opposite end that holds a framed photo of them and a sonogram photo. A rocking chair that had carved bees on it, and a white fluffy rug in the center of it all. Bonnie looked up at her husband and frowned, making him smile.
"Babe, this is so beautiful, it's amazing."
"Only the best for my girl."
"I'm gonna take a video to show your mom." She took out her phone and recorded a video of the room and sent it to Lily and also her parents.
"Our spoiled girl," she rubbed her belly and smiled as Stefan's hands joined hers.
"Holy shit,"
"What?"
"I just thought of the perfect screenplay. I need to write." He quickly walked away.
Bonnie watched him with wide eyes but shrugged, ready to get started on dinner.
Bonnie woke up and narrowed her eyes seeing him typing away at their desk in their room. "Babe, come back to bed, I need cuddles,"
"Okay, just let me finish this scene,"
She sighed then reached for her phone seeing a few Instagram notifications and decided to take a photo of Stefan to post to her stories. The hubs hard at work working on something special for you all.
She smiled and put her phone away as he stood, still watching the screen before turning to her fully. She closed her eyes and smiled as his body pressed against hers and his arm moved around her. "I can't wait to read what you're working on,"
"Soon, baby."
"Is this your first time writing a script?"
"Technically yes. It's the first one that's very promising, something that I know I'll finish."
"Did you tell Mason?"
"Not yet. I kind of don't want to mention it until it's done, you know."
"Yeah, I get it." She got a little more comfortable, closing her eyes. "I love you."
"I love you more." He exhaled through his nose, gently rubbing her belly. "I can't wait to see my baby girl. Just a few more weeks."
"Don't remind me."
He chuckled. "I'll be there for you, babe. Every step of the way."
"Just promise me your hand to squeeze."
"I promise. Though I'm very sure I will regret it."
She chuckled. "I'll go easy on you, daddy." She smiled as he kissed her ear.
A/N: I'm so sorry about how long it took me to update this story! I was going through a few things but I am now currently working on the next chapter right now!
