After parking the car, Elena and I get out so we can get Chris and Anna out of their car seats. Taking a deep breath, I extend one hand to Anna and the other to Elena. She in turn takes Chris by the hand. Using her eyes, she gestures for me to lead the way. We walk down the path through all the different sizes, shapes and colors of granite till we reach the somber place that Billy lies. There's a big Oak tree nearby casting its shadow over the stone. It never fails, every time I come to see him, I feel like a piece of my heart is being ripped out all over again. Even though I close my eyes, I can still feel the moisture prick at the inner corners. I free my hands and walk the last couple of steps before kneeling down in front of the monument. With a shaky hand, I run my fingers along the scroll work of his name till I reach his likeness carved into the stone. I finger his beautiful face, so happy and full of life in the picture.

"Hi Billy. It's daddy. I brought some people for you to meet. When I turn my eyes to look at Elena, she walks forward, Anna in one hand, Chris in the other.

"I want you to meet Elena, I married her Billy. I love her so much. These two are your brother and sister, Chris and Anna."

Elena and I got married on the beach in Florida. First the two of us flew in to look for homes, one large enough that I could run my business out of it. On the spur of the moment, we decided that's where we wanted to be married. We picked a date, made the arrangements and just did it. It was small and intimate with only our family and closest friends. Jeremy and Lexie flew in from Colorado. Elijah, Eva, Ric, Jenna and even Mikael joined us in Florida for our special day. Of course, Aunt Olivia and Uncle Jim were there to celebrate with us too.

Dad stood up for me while Caroline was the maid of honor for Elena. Afterwards, we had rented a hall to have a small get together. It was everything I dreamed of as it was for my beautiful bride. We both fell in love with a large beach front home, not far from dad's house. The movers have already transported most of our things there. I needed to see my son again before we pulled up stakes completely. I've already told my wife that I'm going to have to come back here from time to time to see him. I suppose I could bring him here with us but somehow it seems wrong to exhume his grave. I don't know? When I feel a nudge, I'm snapped out of my reverie.

Facing the kids, I ask, "Can you say hi to Billy?"

"Hi Billy," Anna says, stepping beside me. Taking her hand in mine, I let her touch his face. She holds her hand there for a few moments before turning around and wrapping her little arms around my neck, giving me a hug. Smiling, I wrap one arm around her, holding her close.

"Hi Billy, it's Elena. This is Chris," she says, using her fingertips to caress his face that's forever embedded in the smooth granite of the tombstone. Chris gives her an uneasy look. After she tells him that it's okay, he touches the stone too, whispering hi to my boy. When Anna and Chris start to get a little restless, Elena takes them back to the car so I can spend a few moments alone with my son.

"Billy, daddy misses you so much. I hope you found Grandma when you arrived." Raising my eyes upward, I see how beautiful the sky is today, hardly a cloud in sight. Feeling melancholy as always, I smile sadly before whispering, "Please mom, watch over him for me till the day comes for me to be with him again."

Using my hand, I support myself when I lean forward to press a kiss to his forever young little face. After telling him, I'll be back to see him soon, I stand up, run my hand along the top of his monument one more time before walking back to the car.

"Daddy," Anna screams, running into my arms when she sees me. Picking her up, I throw her in the air and hug her tightly when she comes down. Since Elena and I both loved this little girl so much, we decided to look into adopting her. Things have changed so much at Happy Dale. The man that killed Nik turned state's evidence against the Lockwood's and April in exchange for life in prison rather than the death penalty. The FBI and the state investigators have brought other charges against the Happy Dale board of directors. The state took over management. It's really a nice place now. Many of the kids trapped in there by corrupt judges and neglectful parents have been given their freedom. Once we expressed an interest in adopting Anna, the new managers went above and beyond to facilitate the process.

After giving her a kiss on the cheek, I secure her in the car seat before jumping behind the wheel of the car. Just as I'm to back out of the parking area, dad's car pulls alongside mine. Turning off the ignition, I jump out to talk to dad and Liz. Apparently dad and I are on the same wavelength today.

Walking towards them, I press a kiss to Liz's cheek. She and dad are engaged. A part of me is so happy for him but a little part of me remembers my mom and how happy they were together.

"You had the same idea, coming here today, I mean."

"We did. I wanted Liz to meet Billy."

"I asked mom to take care of him till I can be with him again."

"Damon, I'm sure mom was waiting to hold his hand the moment he got there."

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I turn away for a moment to collect my composure. Turning back to dad, I give him a hug, tell them goodbye and rejoin my family in the car. With a wave goodbye, I back out and pull onto the road, saddened that I have to leave my son behind once more.

"Congratulations dad," I tell him, raising my glass of sparkling grape juice to my lips.

"Thank you, son. I know this was kind of hard for you but as much as I love Liz, your mom will always be the love of my life."

"I'm sure she's happy for you," I whisper, raising my eyes upwards.

"Where's Stefan?"

"I think he's dancing with Liz."

Shortly thereafter the song ends and then Liz and Stefan join dad and me. Dad drapes a hand on either side of Liz's neck, pulling her close enough to give her a kiss. Taking a deep breath, I can't help but think of my mom but I'm so glad that dad is this happy. He's only in his early fifties and really there's no doubt in my mind that mom would want him to be happy and to live his life to the fullest.

"When are you going to join us in Florida, Stef?" I ask, patting him on the back.

"Once I finish school, I think we'll take the leap and come home too," he says, smiling when Caroline walks over and joins us.

"I just checked with the babysitter. Since she had your aunt Liv's glowing recommendation, I feel safe with her watching them. Thomas can be a handful," she says, speaking of her and Stefan's son.

"So can Chris and Anna," Elena remarks, walking up and linking her arm through mine. Dropping a kiss to her forehead, I take her hand and pull her onto the dance floor. Taking her in my arms, the two of sway to the music and it's as if we're the only two people in the universe as the music fills the room. Suddenly, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I stop to see who wants to cut in, I smile and shake my head when I see it's my uncle Jim who wants a turn with Elena. With a bow to Elena, I step back and immediately my aunt pulls me close to dance with her.

"So what do you think about your dad getting married again?"

"If I were to be honest, I'd say it's bittersweet."

"At least you're honest. Your mom was a great lady, Damon. No one will ever replace her. She was the only completely kind person that I ever met. You know as well as I do that she'd want him to be happy."

"I know that Aunt Liv. Even though she's been gone so long already, every once in awhile, I still get a few tears."

"And there's nothing wrong with that," she reassures me, giving me a hug just as the music ends. After pressing a kiss to her cheek, I go off in search of my beautiful wife. When I find her, I pull her outside in to the moonlight and dance with her under the stars.

"Are the kids asleep?"

"Yeah, they both fell asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillows." Dropping beside her on the couch, I lean over and press a kiss to her cheek.

"They usually do after spending the day with grandpa and grandma Salvatore. I'm going to have to ask Liz their secret," she laughs.

"I'd like to know that myself," I chuckle, lacing my fingers with hers.

"As long as they're asleep," she whispers, the moonlight illuminating her now lust-filled eyes.

"I like your train of thought." With a wink and a nod, I lean forward, capturing her lips in a heady kiss. Needing air, I pull back, sucking her lower lip and tugging it along with me. Standing up, I offer her my hand. As soon as she laces her fingers with mine, I lead her backwards into our bedroom. Just as we reach the bedside, she grabs onto my shirt tails, ripping it apart, sending buttons flying. I could care less. A needy moan escapes my lips when she starts to caress my bare chest with her soft hands. My knees weaken when she leans forward to suck my ear lobe into her mouth, while at the same time unclasping the button on my shorts.

"Yum," she whispers at the same time she latches on to my erection, squeezing firmly. As my mouth falls open, she eyes me with a lascivious wink just as she pushes me backwards onto the bed. I raise my head, watching as she begins a strip tease, finally revealing her candy apple red lacy lingerie. Speechless, I just stare, my mouth still agape. Somewhere along the way, I must've done something right because this goddess is mine. The heat of her stare does all kind of things to my already sky rocketing libido. My skin feels like it's fire and I know without doubt that the my blood surging through my veins is coloring my cheeks.

Her mouth hangs open as she shimmies out of her panties. Reaching around, she undoes her bra, slowly lowering the straps down her perfectly taut arms. Focusing on my cock, she licks her lips when she sees the pre cum, beading at my tip. She struts over to the bed. Hissing loudly, I arch my back when she grabs on, using her thumb to massage the head, her eyes never leaving mine. Already panting, I try to regain control but it's useless. As soon as she lays her perfectly shaped pout on the head, I fist my hands in her hair as she works me just to the edge of paradise before backing off. I groan in agony, having been denied my release. Raising her eyes at me seductively, she starts the torture all over again, using her tongue to trace the vein on the backside. After working me into a frenzy once more, again she lets go.

"Baby," I pout.

"Shhhh," she says, raising herself on her knees, straddling me. Reaching up, I palm her breasts with my hands, using my thumbs to tweak her already erect nipples.

"That feels so good, baby," she pants. Taking myself in hand, I stroke her wet hot core, paying special attention to her now engorged bundle of nerves. When our eyes meet, she slams her hips down, impaling herself on me.

"Hold on," I whisper, holding on to her as I sit upright in bed so our chests are flush and svelte legs are wrapped around my middle.

"I like it like this," she grunts, curving her hands around my shoulders and digging her nails in, hanging on for dear life when I start pounding into her. Ragged moans, labored breaths and flesh slapping against flesh are the only noises that fill our room as we both work hard, chasing our releases. Leaning forward, she rests her forehead against mine while emitting puffs of air against my lips, it's then I know that she's close. Tilting my hips, I slam against her clit with each rock of my hips, watching her face as she explodes, screaming my name as her release washes over her. I'll never get tired of watching her orgasm, she's so beautiful when she surrenders to the throes of passion. I thrust twice then three more times, grunting loudly as I succumb to the unrivaled pleasure that only Elena can give me. Once it moves through me, I fall back, pulling her along with me. We lay like this for several minutes. When my breathing calms, I raise my hand to finger her dampened hair from her forehead, dropping a kiss right there.

Although my own personal heaven is being inside of her, I pull out, shakily sitting at the bedside. Sucking in a deep breath, I stand up and walk into the bathroom to grab a warm washcloth so I can help her clean up. Taking one from the cupboard, I turn on the hot water. As I start moisten the cloth, I'm taken aback when I see the little stick sitting on the edge of the sink.

"El... Elen.. Elena, is this what I think it is?" I ask, our eyes meeting when I look at her from the bathroom door.

"Congratulations, daddy to be," she squeals, her smile as wide as I've ever seen it. My mouth drops open as happiness surges through every nerve ending in my body. Practically leaping to the bedside, I drop onto my knees. Carefully, I press my palm to her still flat belly. Completely speechless, I stare at her in awe, knowing I'm smiling like an idiot. When I finally find my voice, I press a kiss to her belly, whispering thank you over and over again to my lovely bride.

Completely giddy, I place my newborn son in my dad's waiting arms. My heart is bursting when I see the wide smile on my dad's face as my son squeezes dad's little finger with his tiny fist.

"Dad, Liz, I'd like you to meet our son, Andrew Owen Salvatore."

"He's perfect Elena," Liz says softly, caressing his downy black hair as he's safely ensconced in dad's arms.

"Mama," Anna squeaks, running over the bedside when Aunt Olivia and Uncle Jim come into the room. Chris runs in right behind Jim, not stopping till he's sitting on the foot of the bed. Smiling at my daughter, I lift her into my arms and deposit her beside her mother.

"Baby?" Anna asks her, pointing to her new brother.

"Oh Anna, he's such a pretty baby isn't he?" my aunt gushes, running her finger along the side of his face.

"Congratulations Damon," Uncle Jim remarks taking my hand in his, shaking it firmly. "Oh and you too, Elena," he teases, winking at her.

"Do you want to hold him?" Elena asks, joy exuding from every pore.

"Ah ha," she says, clapping. Dad turns to smile at her, carefully laying Trey in her arms. Elena has an arm wrapped around Anna, holding her against her side while using her left arm to stroke Trey's pudgy cheek.

"Hi baby," Anna gushes, completely enthralled. Chris crawls to the head of the bed, stopping once he's in front of Anna. Smiling himself, he starts to pet the baby's head.

"He's so little, mama."

"You were that little once Chris," she says, quickly masking a fleeting glimpse of melancholy. Snapping out of it quickly she gives Chris and Anna her rapt attention, not wanting them to feel left out. As I stare at my beautiful family. I look up when I hear a knock on the door. Smiling knowingly, I walk over and pull the door open. Everyone's mouth drops agape, eyes wide and full of wonder as the nurse comes into the room, bearing a special package.

"Your daughter is hungry, Mrs. Salvatore," she announces, handing her to Elena. Walking over to Elena's side, I stoop over and press a peck to my newborn daughter's incredibly soft skin.

"Everyone, I'd like you to meet Andy's twin sister, Allie. Oohs and ahs fill our room. Bending over again, I give my wife a kiss. Sucking in a silent breath, I raise my eyes upwards, mouthing the words I love you Billy.

After everyone has a chance to take their turns holding the twins, they all clear out of our room, Chris and Anna going home with grandpa and grandma Liz. Both of the babies are suckling at her breasts as I slide onto the bed beside her. Wrapping an arm around her, I kiss Elena's head. Once the babies are done eating and back in the nursery, I crawl back onto the bed, lay down and encircle her in my arms. In no time, she's sleeping soundly, her head resting on my shoulder.

Exhausted myself, I drop a kiss to the crown of her head. Choking up at the beautiful woman in my arms and all the happiness that she has brought back into my life, all I can do is stare.

Yawning deeply and just before I drop into slumber myself, I whisper, "Thank you for saving me. For making me believe that life was still worth living. For loving me and for giving me four beautiful children. I love you, Elena." just as I tumble into slumber. In my dreams, I feel a tug at my side. When I look down, I see Billy smiling happily.

"I love you daddy," he says, hugging me tightly before scampering off to play with his brothers and sisters.

Panting visibly, I lurch upright in bed. As I struggle to catch my breath, I feel a smile start to form on my lips.

"Damon, what is it? What's wrong?" Swallowing thickly, I lace my fingers with hers, bringing her hand to my lips. After kissing her soft hand, I give them a squeeze.

"Nothing is wrong. He's okay, Elena. Billy told me that he's okay."

"Oh Damon," she whispers, motioning for me to lay back down. Nodding, I snuggle into her embrace, closing my eyes contentedly.

"Sleep my love," it the last thing I hear as the feel of her fingers massaging my scalp lulls me back to sleep.

Would you know my name

If I saw you in heaven?

Would it be the same

If I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong

And carry on,

'Cause I know I don't belong

Here in heaven.

THE END

Thank you Eva for everything. None of this would be possible without your brilliance and insight. You mean the world to me.

And a very big thank you to all of you that took the time to follow, favorite and an extra special shoutout to those of you who did take those extra few seconds to review. I appreciate you all so much.

Chapter title: 'I Believe in Happy Endings' by Neil Diamond.

Watch for 'Nothing Left to Fear' to update soon. 'Angel's Fall' is still in progress as is 'Dig'. I would love to hear your thoughts on those stories as well.

Just before I turn the lights out on this story for the final time, I again want to express my deepest thanks and please, BE SAFE, Be Aware, and have a lovely day and a wonderful weekend.