Last chapter everyone! I had this largely written so decided to post while I was on a roll. Let me know if you'd like an epilogue, I could possibly be down for that if you guys want one of course : )

Also another shameless plug for my latest story Game, Set, Match if you're interested in reading it.

Keeping Up Appearances

Chapter 49: Chapel of Love

Bridgehampton, New York

Saturday September 19, 11:17am – 4 hours and 13 minutes until the Salvatore/Mikaelson Nuptials

"So you and Klaus finally got your act together, hey?" Katherine asked, pinning back Caroline's hair into a stylish chignon at the nape of her neck. The girls hadn't had time to chat given everything was supposed to be about Rebekah and nothing else but they had snuck into the other room with Bonnie in tow.

While she wasn't in the wedding party, Rebekah had insisted that Bonnie be involved in wedding day preparation, much to the chagrin of Bonnie who said she would have much preferred to poke her eyes out than be there.

The girls had changed into their bridesmaid dresses which were all the same blush pink colour but a different style to suit each one. Caroline had to admit Rebekah had outdone herself with the choice given she'd half expected her to dress them in orange taffeta just so she could outshine them on her big day.

"Yeah, it only took like six months," Bonnie joked from the couch, happily dipping her pretzels in ketchup and stuffing them in her mouth greedily. It was obvious those cravings weren't going anywhere, even this late in the pregnancy.

"For very good reasons, Bon," Caroline replied, thinking how they needed that time apart to realise what was important to them. Luckily they'd discovered it was each other. The past few days had been a dream and not just because of their sizzling reunion. She felt like they could get through anything.

"So what are you going to do now?" Katherine asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, last time I checked you both lived in different places. Call me crazy but that's a pretty big obstacle to overcome."

"It is," she acknowledged. To be honest she'd been trying to avoid that pesky little problem, given they only just got back together and Caroline wanted to enjoy it. "We've been a little busy to talk about that just yet."

"Yes, busy getting busy," Bonnie teased. "You are going to have to talk about it soon though, Care."

"I know," she grumbled. "I promise we will, after the wedding. This is supposed to be all about Rebekah, after all."

"Pushing that preposterous notion aside," Katherine shot back. "After the wedding you're getting on a flight back to London and Klaus will be driving back to Manhattan."

"I know," she argued. "I don't really know what to say just yet."

"Well, what do you want to do, Care?" Bonnie asked, finally putting the bag of pretzels aside.

"Everyone I love is here and I would be lying it I said it wasn't tempting to come home, but I'm torn because I'm enjoying my job and the career progression it's giving me."

"So, just tell Klaus the truth," Bonnie implored. "He can't begrudge you that opportunity and I don't think he would."

"Even after I broke up with him because he put his career above our relationship?"

"Why can't you have a career and Klaus?" Katherine asked. "Yes, it may take some compromise but if you're both committed to this relationship, which I'm sure you are, then you can make this work."

"Exactly what she said," Bonnie agreed. "You won't know unless you talk about it Caroline, sooner rather than later."

"You're both right, however we do have a bride to get down the aisle in four hours and then we'll talk about it, I promise."

"This is a disaster!" Rebekah cried from the next room, making them look up in surprise.

"Speaking of Satan," Katherine muttered, as they moved, or waddled in Bonnie's case, to the sound of her voice.

"Rebekah, you'll ruin your make-up," Caroline ordered, attempting to calm the hysterical blonde down. "What's wrong?" She watched as Rebekah continued to sob, her lower lip wobbling as she stared in the mirror forlornly. Lexi looked on helplessly and gestured towards her half zipped dress.

"This is what's wrong," she sobbed. "My dress doesn't fit; this is a complete disaster."

"No, it's not ,Rebekah," Caroline insisted, trying to calm the bride-to-be. It seemed to be a job she was quite familiar with now. "This happens all the time at Vogue."

"Oh I'm sure all those super skinny models can't fit into their clothes all the time," she groaned, flopping onto the nearby couch. "I'm a whale."

"Okay not to take away from this little mini drama but I think the only person who can actually call themselves a whale is me," Bonnie piped up.

"While I find all this whale conversation fascinating, this is not the end of the world." Katherine muttered. "I have a pair of skinny jeans just like this, you just need to lie on the floor and put in some extra effort."

"I'm not sure this is quite the same thing," Lexi murmured. "All you need to do is take some deep breaths and relax Rebekah and everything will be fine."

"Someone sounds like they've been listening to self help tapes," Caroline whispered in her ear, trying not to anger their frazzled bridezilla further.

"Well, I had to get through this Maid-of-Honour experience somehow, Caroline," she hissed back. "How about a cucumber finger sandwich, I know how much you like them."

"I think food is what got her into this predicament in the first place," Katherine replied, unable to help herself.

"Katherine, that's not very nice," Caroline chided. "Don't listen to her Rebekah, you're going to make a beautiful bride."

"No Katherine, my idiot of a fiancé got me into this predicament," Rebekah huffed. "I can't decide whether I want to marry him or kill him right now."

"There's no need for death threats," Lexi warned, attempting to keep the atmosphere calming but failing miserably.

"Wait a minute," Caroline exclaimed, ignoring Lexi's remark. "Are you pregnant?"

"Yes," she confirmed. "I wasn't supposed to say anything yet because I'm only six weeks along but this dress drama is stressing me out, not to mention everything else about this wedding. Have you tried planning a wedding when your head is stuck down the toilet every morning?"

"That's amazing Rebekah," Lexi beamed, enveloping her in a hug followed closely by Caroline. "Well, not about the throwing up but I'm so happy for you."

"Well, I'll be much happier once this dress fits."

"I hear you," Bonnie agreed. "The weight gain was a tough adjustment to make at first."

"Suddenly this all makes sense," Katherine said, the realisation sweeping over her face. "You're usually demanding and temperamental but all those added hormones is why you've been all sorts of cuckoo this week."

"If that's your weird idea of a compliment, I think you need to work on your people skills, Kat." Bonnie drawled. "Believe it or not this is a blessing, Rebekah, and although the side effects can be trying it will be worth it in the end."

"I'm not unhappy about this," she admitted. "If anything I'm scared; I make it my life's work to be good at everything, but motherhood is such a foreign concept to me."

"Well, we can do it together," Caroline smiled, squeezing her hand affectionately. She really did like Rebekah especially when she wasn't being demanding or bossy. "Starting with this dress, let's get to work ladies. This will not defeat us, we've come to far to let it."

Saturday 19 September, 3:41pm – eleven minutes past the Salvatore/Mikaelson nuptials.

She looked out the window at the large group of guests waiting for Rebekah to make her grand entrance. The surrounding garden was beautiful, even with the slightly flattened daisies hiding in the corner of the grounds. Caroline smirked remembering just how fun their garden foray was, even if the flowers had to suffer for their pleasure.

"Looks like we're ready to go," Lexi grinned, pulling down Rebekah's veil. She really did look stunning. Her strapless, ivory gown was fitted to the waist and fell to the floor, pooling at her feet. It had been a difficult process but her zip was fastened even if it did take a group effort. Although Caroline knew Rebekah would be looking forward to the end of the day when she could take it off and breath again normally.

"You look beautiful, Rebekah," Kol murmured, taking in her appearance. It was unusual to see her cheeky brother so emotional but it was obvious he was moved by the moment like all of them.

"I wish I'd recorded you saying that so I could hold it over you for the rest of your life," she teased, busily fixing his collar. "So, how about we get me married?"

Katherine nodded, smiling at Rebekah and mouthing a good luck before opening the patio door and making her way towards the groomsmen at the front. Although she was biased, Caroline thought Klaus was definitely the most handsome in his grey suit, even though Stefan didn't scrub up too badly either.

She took a deep breath and made her way towards the floral canopy, her gaze settling on her best friend who looked nervous but at the same time deliriously happy. She gave him a little wink and then her eyes flickered across to her boyfriend. Klaus was grinning like an idiot, his crimson lips curved into the most beautiful smile as she approached.

Caroline felt a weird sensation take over at first almost like this was her wedding day and she was walking down the aisle towards her groom ready to make a vow to spend the rest of her life with him. It was at that point Caroline could see their entire future together; including marriage, careers and children and knew that a little distance wasn't ever going to change that.

She took her place at the front her eyes not leaving Klaus, well until Rebekah made her long awaited entrance and the guests got to their feet in preparation. Caroline caught a sly glance at Stefan, noticing the unshed tears in his brown eyes. She'd had her doubts at first but they really were a wonderful couple and Caroline knew they'd make amazing parents.

Stefan stepped forward eagerly, giving Kol a cheeky tap on the shoulder and taking Rebekah's arm with his. He whispered loud enough for them to hear that she was beautiful and Caroline felt the tears begin to fall, she really should have brought some tissues.

"Dearly beloved…"

Saturday September 19, 8:49pm – About five hours since the Salvatore nuptials

"I'm not very good at speeches, but being the groom I actually had no choice," Stefan joked, looking around the dimly lit barn, the multiple white lanterns the only source of light. "Thanks, Beks." Everyone laughed knowing just how true that was.

"I'd like to reiterate my thanks and appreciation to everyone that has contributed to this amazing day. Including our good friends and family who were hard at work this week making sure everything was perfect, even under some trying circumstances."

"Trying is right," Katherine muttered across the table.

"I would like to take this opportunity though to acknowledge my BFF, for those of you who don't know it means Best Friend Forever and although it sounds completely childish I'm proud to call her that. Without you Caroline, I wouldn't have met my beautiful wife and I have you to thank for that."

"It's actually an interesting little story that took place about nine months ago when my crazy friend decided to bring a stranger to Christmas Eve dinner and pretend he was her boyfriend. Turns out the stranger is none other than my now brother-in-law. Now they do say honesty is the best policy but I think in this case a little white lie didn't hurt anyone, in fact it created so many beautiful relationships that are here on display tonight, including ours."

"He is so dead for this," Caroline muttered to Klaus as Stefan continued to relay the story to an interested audience.

"Well, it is true, love."

"Yes, but not something I'd really liked broadcast to all of these people," she hissed.

"I like how we met," he chuckled, pulling her closer so that her back was nestled firmly against his chest. "Just think about how fun it will be to tell our children." Caroline was taken aback at first but so happy that he also saw the future she had envisaged earlier.

"You want to have children?"

"No," he murmured, kissing her earlobe tenderly. "I want your children, sweetheart." Caroline closed her eyes revelling in the bliss she felt at this exact moment and that their hopes and dreams were finally on the same page.

"So, I'd like to make a toast to you Care Bear," he grinned. "For being the reason that I am so happy and grateful today for everything that I have." Caroline raised her glass and returned his smile knowing that all eyes were on her.

"Not only does he tell my embarrassing story to all these complete strangers he just had to go and use that awful nickname he knows I hate," she whined. "Just wait until our wedding and then I'll exact my revenge."

"You want to get married?"

"No," she paused for extra effect. "I want to marry you."

"Ladies and gentleman it's now time for the first dance," Kol announced as they made their way onto the dance floor. Caroline watched in awe, snuggling into his chest and watching the happy couple float around like they were on a cloud. It wasn't long before the Bridal Party were called upon and Klaus took her in his arms.

"Are we going to maybe talk about the elephant in the room?" He murmured, into her ear as they swayed from side to side.

"If you mean London, then yes I suppose we should," she agreed, pulling back so she could look in his eyes.

"I don't want you to give up your dream," he said. "I know how much you love working over there."

"I do," she conceded. "But everyone I love, you, are here at home."

"While I can't bring all your friends over to London," he began, making Caroline look at him curiously. "How about you settle for little, old me?"

"What exactly do you mean?"

"I looked into a few things and it turns out a visit to London wouldn't be all that much of a stretch for the Christies' CEO," Klaus explained. "I spoke with Lexi and there are definitely some high end clients we need to court in Great Britain and what better way to do that than in person?"

"Are you serious?"

"Deathly, love," he laughed. "I can only promise three months at this stage given I can't ignore our American clientele but all I know is that I need to be with you, now."

"Well, London and I would be happy to have you," she beamed, pulling him in for a kiss.

"Have I told you lately that I love you?"

"No, not in the last five minutes, so feel free to do it again."

"I plan on doing that for the rest of our lives," Klaus grinned, tightening his grip around her waist and knowing that he would never let her go.