Oh my goodness! We have reached the final chapter of this story. Thanks again for being so supportive and I hope you enjoy the conclusion.
Damon's POV
The divorce between Cadence and I was finalized yesterday afternoon; three months after previous events. The settlement on our kids is partial custody between the two of us and our assets are to be divided evenly. The past couple months have been peaceful, yet dreary, but as I step through the front door of the boarding house after all these years, a sense of calm sweeps over me. The house stayed in the Salvatore name although it was rented out to various people over the years. I stand in the foyer, dumbfounded as memories come rushing back to mind. It is the touch of gentle fingers running up my back that shake me from my trance.
"Welcome back," Elena whispers in my ear.
I cup her face in my hands and plant my lips on hers. I drop my duffel bag and slide my arms down her body so I can hoist her off of her feet. She wraps her legs around my waist while I carry her up to my bedroom for the first of many times.
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We spend the next few months refurbishing the house, painting and redecorating. Rose and Ash come up to visit several times too. We clear out a couple upstairs bedrooms for them and adorn them with toys and games. I teach Elena how to dance and she teaches me how to play Texas Hold'em. On rainy nights we stay inside making soup and watching movies or talking around the fireplace. On clear nights we go out and drink ourselves silly or go to some alternative rock concert. We often take spur of the moment trips to random places around the world. We've also had sex in almost all of the rooms in the house and a couple of times outside too.
I think of Cadence every once in a while and the life we built together. I think of the fun and peace she brought me when I needed it the most. I am thankful for her and our children. I have no regrets when it comes to us because I know that she is going to find somebody to love her unconditionally and be her rock like she was for me on so many occasions.
Stefan visits occasionally, but does a lot of traveling. He experiences life as a single man, but I know that he will find love or it will find him eventually.
"I no longer see your eyes in my dreams," Elena whispers contentedly while I hold her in my arms one late night. "Because I know when I wake up they'll be there. You'll be there to take the meaning of love to a whole new level because you think I'm worth it."
"You are worth it," I respond.
"We're worth it."
I kiss her lips accepting and relishing in those words.
We're worth it
El Fin