Chapter 15

Disclaimer: I don't own the Vampire Diaries. I'm just borrowing. Only the story is mine.

Note: Previously, in "When You Least Expect It," Caroline meets Mikael and Eleanor.

Hey, guys! Once again, inspiration was difficult to come by, hence the delay in updates (the last one being November 9, 2016). Well, I thought about where to take this next chapter, and I think I know what to do. No spoilers, just keep reading and you'll see what I've got for you.

ON WITH THE MADNESS!

Washington Dulles International Airport – Memorial Day…

Klaus smiled as he and Caroline entered the airport. He wasn't at all worried about the massive crowds of travelers. The reason being was because his family had a private jet and they didn't have to worry about missing a flight. He was also thankful that Kol didn't use it when he went on his honeymoon, instead opting to go on a cruise.

Caroline saw all of the people rushing to their flights and gave him a curious look. "My, but there's a lot of people here. Aren't you worried that we'll miss our flight?"

"Not at all," he replied. "It just so happens that my family has a private jet." He saw that her curious look had changed to a look of surprise. "You seem surprised. Why?"

"It's just that I wasn't expecting you to have a private jet," said Caroline. "I know that your family is rich, but I didn't think that you were that rich. If you don't mind me asking, Nik, how did your family accumulate all their money?"

"We're descended from a line of wealthy landowners." He smiled, getting an idea. "Tell me, Caroline, has anyone ever painted you?"

"No. Why?"

"You'll be interested to know that in addition to being an oncologist, I'm also an artist," said Klaus. "Art has been a passion of mine since I was a boy. In fact, one of my landscapes is hanging in the Hermitage. If you'd like, I can take you to see it."

"You're an artist?" said Caroline. "Nik, why didn't you tell me?"

"You never asked," said Klaus. "I know that it sounds like I've been keeping secrets from you, but we were still getting to know each other and I wanted to save such information until we were better acquainted. But, since we're engaged to be married, as well as expecting a child, now is as good a time as any." He smiled. "Now that you know, I would like to paint you. You'd be an excellent subject. I'd also like to paint you as you go through every stage of your pregnancy, as well as after the baby is born."

Caroline didn't know what to say to that. What could she say to that? She had just found out something about her fiance that she never knew about until now and it was interesting as it was shocking.

"You've got me curious, Nik. All right, I'll let you paint me."

"Excellent," said Klaus. "And don't worry, it'll be done tastefully and professionally."

With another smile, he kissed her and they went to check their luggage in. After that, they went to the tarmac, where a plane was waiting for them. As they walked toward it, Caroline saw a young man descend a small flight of stairs. He appeared to be the pilot.

"Mr. Niklaus, this is a surprise. You don't usually travel during Memorial Day."

Klaus smiled. "I know, Alistair, but I'm making this year an exception because I have a very special guest with me. Alistair, this is my fiancee, Caroline Forbes." He looked at Caroline. "Caroline, this is Alistair Caldwell, our family's new pilot. His father, Frederick, was our pilot for twenty years until he recently retired."

Caroline smiled at the young pilot. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Alistair."

"Likewise," said Alistair. "And where are you two headed?"

"New Orleans," said Klaus. "I want my lovely bride-to-be to see the place I spent many summers as a boy. Hopefully, we'll be able to continue the tradition after we have a family of our own."

"Sounds good to me," said Alistair. "Just head on board and we'll be departing in five minutes."

Klaus nodded and escorted Caroline onto the plane. Once they were seated, Caroline heard her cell phone go off. Normally, the only time her phone would go off was when it was either for work or it was an emergency. Since it was a holiday, she doubted she'd be getting a call from either Bonnie or Sydney about something for work. What if it was an emergency? Thinking it was the latter, she quickly answered the call.

"Hello?"

"Hi, honey, it's Mom."

Liz's voice on the other end was surprising to hear. "Hey, Mom. This is definitely a surprise. I thought that you and Victor were still on your honeymoon. That's what Sydney told me."

"We got back yesterday. Don't get me wrong, Victor and I loved Paris, but we cut our honeymoon short because we wanted to get back to our responsibilities."

"It's Memorial Day, Mom," said Caroline. "Most businesses, especially Victor's construction business, are closed today."

"It may be a holiday for Victor, but not for crime," said Liz. "I think I must have arrested at least five idiots who thought they could vandalize a building and not get caught." She sighed. "Such is the life of the sheriff of a small town."

"Well, I've got something that will cheer you up," said Caroline. "Nik and I got engaged while we were at our summer home in Virginia Beach. I know what you're going to say, we've only been dating a month, but the mood was perfect. We had just made love and he asked me if I remembered what he had told me on our 'date' at the Grill. I said yes, and before I know it, he proposed to me."

"As unexpected as this is, I suppose you couldn't help yourself, what with the moment being romantic and everything," said Liz. "I told you at the wedding that Klaus was a keeper and I meant what I said."

"That's not all that happened," said Caroline. "You and Victor are going to be grandparents. Yes, you heard me right. I'm pregnant. I've told Bonnie and Sydney, and we've told Mikael and Eleanor. We were going to wait until a more appropriate time, but since I've got you on the phone, there's no point in keeping this to ourselves."

"Wow, that's wonderful! Not only are you getting married, but you're giving us a grandbaby as well? Victor is going to be thrilled when I tell him later." She sighed. "Speaking of Sydney, she called us while we were in Paris and told us about the situation with Kevin. We weren't too pleased when we found out. It was like a betrayal."

"It felt that same way for Sydney," said Caroline. "She devoted herself to Kevin for two years and it hurt her to no end to find out that he was cheating on her with Gracie." She ran a hand through her hair. "Listen, Mom, I'd hate to cut this short, but Nik and I are on a private jet to New Orleans and I don't want him to think that I'm neglecting him to talk to you. I promise that we'll have a big party when we get back."

After telling her mother she loved her, Caroline hung up and sat back against the seat. Klaus saw the look on her face. "Did she take the news well?"

"Oh, my mom is definitely thrilled about us getting engaged and that we're going to give her a grandchild," said Caroline. "I even promised that we'd have a big party when we get back from New Orleans." She sighed. "I wonder if Eleanor's brother will be able to get things resolved. I'd hate for this to be hanging over us."

Klaus pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. "I know that it sounds like I'm trying to avoid it, but I don't want you thinking about it. This isn't about my mother, this is about us and the wonderful time we're going to have in New Orleans." He saw that she was going to protest. "Ah, ah, that's my final word."

Caroline sighed again. She knew that she wasn't going to win this, so she decided to relax and not let anything worry her. Besides, too much stress was dangerous in the beginning stages of the pregnancy and she had to be careful.

French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana – Later…

Klaus noticed how impressed Caroline was with the sights as they drove through the Quarter in the rental car they had gotten from the airport. He had always wanted to share the beauty of New Orleans with someone special and he was looking forward to sharing it with Caroline for all the years of their lives. He was also looking forward to bringing their children here.

"You like what you see?"

"Oh, I love it," she replied. "This is a very beautiful place, Nik. I can see why your family liked to come here every summer."

"I'm glad you think so, love, because this is only the beginning," said Klaus. "Wait until we get to the Garden District and I show you the Mikaelson summer estate. I'm sure you'll find it just as impressive as the Quarter."

Caroline smiled. "Really? Well, what are we waiting for? Take me to the estate already!"

"Anxious, are we?" said Klaus. "Well then, I won't disappoint you."

Mikaelson Family Summer Estate, Garden District…

After what seemed like an eternity, they arrived at the lavish mansion that served as the Mikaelson family summer estate. Caroline was in awe of it the second she stepped out the car. It was so beautiful that it seemed to rival the Forbes summer home in Virginia Beach. Of course, Klaus didn't bring her all the way here to compare the two.

"You weren't kidding when you said this place was as impressive as the Quarter."

Klaus smiled. "This is just the outside, love. Wait until you see the inside."

"Don't keep me in suspense, Nik," said Caroline. "Unlock the door and let's go inside already!"

Klaus smiled again and, after grabbing both his luggage and hers, he unlocked the front door of the mansion, leading her inside. Upon entry, Caroline gasped at the sheer size of the interior. It was huge, which was necessary for a big family. She turned to Klaus with a smile.

"I can't believe you actually lived in a place like this," she said. "I mean, I'm a descendant of one of the Founding families of Mystic Falls, but I never imagined that I'd be engaged to someone who has a summer home that is bigger than my own."

"My word, Caroline," said Klaus. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were jealous."

"Oh, I'm not jealous," said Caroline. "I'm just impressed beyond words."

Klaus laughed and placed the suitcases down, approaching her and hugged her to him, kissing her. "I was joking, love. I know that you're not jealous."

Caroline rolled her eyes and returned his kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck. She moaned against his lips as the kiss deepened. She could never stay mad at him, especially not when he was being affectionate with her.

"How about we go upstairs before I change my mind?"

Klaus smiled against her lips. "As my lady commands."

That being said, he lifted her up bridal style and carried her upstairs to the bedroom, closing the door for privacy.

Note: Here it is, guys, the first update of the new year. I know I'm ending this chapter on a cliffhanger, but I didn't want to repeat anything. I originally wanted this chapter to take place at the Mystic Falls Municipal Building, but I didn't like it, so I completely rewrote it and focused on Klaroline's journey to New Orleans instead. Don't worry, though, I shall tackle that either next chapter or the chapter after that.

To answer TwilightHybrid's question in regards to Esther, she's trying to get revenge against Mikael, and introducing Klaus to his biological father was part of it.

Anyway, Happy New Year, and stay tuned for more!

ENJOY THE UPDATE AND REMEMBER TO REVIEW!