Epilogue.

(24th of June 2010)

Alaric held the tiny baby born three days ago up in front of him. He gave her a serious look. "You are a troublemaker, aren't you? Keeping me up all night." She closed her eyes, yawning lazily. "Oh, now you're tired, are you?"

Jenna laughed at him. She was sitting on the sofa, wrapped in blankets and holding a baby of her own. She looked tired, Alaric noticed, but also genuinely happy for the first time since Elena's death.

"Wait, "Alaric frowned looking at his daughter once more. "Which one is this again?"

"That is Miranda, "Jenna told him, then nodded to the baby in her own arms. "This is Ellie."

Ellie. As close to Elena as Jenna could bear. Alaric tucked Miranda against his chest. Until the twins had been born mere days ago, their life had been one of silence and sadness. They had all gone about their daily lives, trying hard to keep themselves together, the weight heavier on Jeremy than anyone else.

The birth had returned hope to their lives, bringing love and laughter along with it. Jeremy had lit up when he saw his two new 'sisters' and Jenna had been filled with a new purpose.

They heard the front door slam open and booted feet moved through the kitchen. Damon paused in the door to the living room, greeting them solmnly. "Jenna. Rick." He bowed slightly. "Babies."

Alaric smiled at him with one eyebrow raised. "Guess, it's past happy hour, huh?"

"Nope, every hour is happy hour, "Damon set a plastic bag down on the table. "Gifts for the little ones from Stefan and I. And I should tell you congratulations from Darwin. He claims that children born on the Summer Solstice have magical powers."

Jenna looked up in alarm. "I hope not."

Damon moved over to Alaric, looking down at Miranda's tiny face. "Oh look! She's got your ruddy complexion, Rick."

Alaric kicked at him playfully. "Shut it, dick!"

Damon laughed, then held out his arms. "May I?"

Alaric didn't hesitate, not even for a second. He simply placed his tiny daughter in the vampire's waiting arms. Damon smiled down at her. "You are going to be absolutely beautiful, do you know that? And give your old man so much grief."

Alaric and Jenna exchanged a glance. "We were wondering ... "she began, but then stopped, looking up at Alaric and waiting for him to continue."

"We've asked Jeremy to be Ellie's Godfather, "Rick told him. "And we were wondering if you'd be Miranda's?"

Damon looked up, completely nonplussed. "Why?"

Rick shrugged. "Why not? You are my best friend."

"We really are friends, aren't we?"

"Yes, "Alaric nodded, gravely. "We are. With all that entails."

'And whatever that may be; let it come, 'Damon thought, looking down at the sleeping baby in his arms.

"I am here for you, "he stroked her soft, dark hair. "Always."

THE END.

Coming soon: The Descent of Man.