Chapter 17

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," Klaus and Caroline have a tender moment.

Hey, guys! I've had an idea for this chapter for a while now, but I never got around to updating due to my hectic real life. Now that I have a moment, I'm going to update. No spoilers, just sit back and enjoy!

HERE WE GO!

Mystic Falls Municipal Building – 3 Months Later…

Caroline chugged her water as she walked into the municipal building. The heat of the August afternoon was unbearable, even more so to a woman who was four months pregnant. Thankfully, the air conditioning gave her some relief, as well as the water in the bottle she was holding. She was here today because the Mikaelsons were taking Esther to court, with Eleanor's brother, Andrew, representing them, and she had promised Klaus she'd be there for support.

After what seemed like forever, she arrived at Courtroom #3, where she saw Mikael standing there, which earned him a curious eyebrow from her. What was her future father-in-law doing here? She thought that Klaus was going to be meeting her here.

"Mikael, what's going on?" She gasped. "What happened to Nik? Is he okay?"

Mikael shook his head. "Caroline, relax, Niklaus is all right. He called me a while ago and told me there was an emergency at the hospital. One of his patients had an allergic reaction to the chemo she was receiving and he was called in to take care of it." He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "He told me to tell you that he'll be a little late and not to worry."

Caroline calmed herself at his words. At least she knew why Klaus wasn't there. She also hoped his patient was going to be okay. Well, as okay as a person with cancer could be, she thought.

"Thank you, Mikael," she said finally. "I didn't mean to get nervous. I just thought maybe Nik had gotten into an accident on the way here. But, I guess these things happen when you're in the medical field. When a patient needs you, you have to be there."

Mikael nodded and was about to respond when he saw Esther approaching them. She appeared to be dressed in black, like she was a widow coming back from a funeral. Mikael and Caroline exchanged curious looks before Mikael turned toward his ex-wife.

"Why, Esther, you look like you're in mourning."

Esther growled at him and pulled her veil up. "Oh, don't patronize me, you old sod. After all, you're the reason I'm wearing this."

"I'm the reason?" said Mikael, not sure what she meant. "What the bloody hell are you talking about, woman? Make some sense for once in your life!"

"You know damn well what I'm talking about," said Esther. "My beloved Ansel committed suicide the other day. I just came from his funeral. I hope you're happy, because I lost the best thing that ever happened to me!"

Mikael was about to say something when Caroline spoke up. "You have some nerve, blaming Mikael for your boyfriend's death. I know you're angry and you have every right to be under the circumstances, but I will not, I repeat, will not tolerate you barging in here and making a scene."

"Is that so?" said Esther. "And who the hell are you?"

"Not that it's any of your business, lady, but I'm your son's fiancee," said Caroline. "Now, to reiterate what I said before, I will not tolerate you making a scene." She looked toward a uniformed officer. "That officer over there works for my mother. If you push me, I swear to God, I'll call him over here and have you arrested. I'm sure you wouldn't want that on top of your boyfriend killing himself, would you, Esther?"

Esther went to speak, but words wouldn't come. With a growl, she walked past them and into the room to join her lawyer. Mikael watched her go and looked at Caroline.

"Caroline, that was impressive. It takes a special person to stand up to Esther and come away unscathed."

"Yeah, well, we're not out of the woods yet," said Caroline. "Don't forget, your brother-in-law is going to make it so Esther is unable to come near you or anyone else again."

Mikael nodded and was about to reply when Andrew Hamilton opened the door. "Everyone is seated in the gallery and ready to begin. We're just waiting on the judge." He noticed that Klaus wasn't with them. "I take it Klaus isn't here?"

"No, he got called into work," said Caroline, answering the question before her future father-in-law could say anything. "He said he'll be late getting here. But, I don't see any reason to delay the proceedings."

Andrew nodded and went back into the courtroom, Mikael and Caroline following after him. She saw all of the Mikaelson family assembled in the gallery, along with Elijah and Amelia. I haven't heard from either of them since the meeting. I guess they were able to bring Colin home from the hospital now that his weight is back to normal.

She brought her hand down to her belly, feeling the baby kick against it. Don't worry, sweetheart. Daddy will be here soon.

Later…

Klaus practically flew down the hall, his heart pounding along with his shoes against the tile. He hadn't expected to be called into work, but his patient, the woman who was diagnosed with leukemia, had an allergic reaction to the chemo. He let out a curse as he looked down at his watch, hoping that he wasn't too late.

Upon reaching Courtroom #3, he saw Caroline standing outside. He smiled at her and embraced her as soon as he close enough, kissing her. She returned his kiss and smiled against his lips.

"I'm so sorry I'm late, love. My patient..."

"Mikael told me," she replied. "Nik, you don't need to apologize. You got called in to handle an emergency. These things happen when you're a doctor." She kissed him again. "Oh, and your mother is a real bitch."

"She didn't hurt you, did she?"

"No, but she had the nerve to blame Mikael for her boyfriend's suicide."

Klaus felt his eyes widen. This was definitely new information. "He killed himself?"

"According to her, yes, but I'm not sure if I believe her or not," said Caroline. "She could be saying that he killed himself to get attention." She sighed. "In either case, we should go in and see the rest of the proceedings. I saw most of it, but then I came out here to wait for you."

"I think I'd rather stay out here with you, if you don't mind."

"Are you sure? I know you want to see your mother taken down a few pegs."

"That's true, but that won't relieve my stress as much as holding you will," said Klaus. "We can always ask Andrew how things went when he comes out of that courtroom." He kissed her forehead and brought his hand down to her belly, feeling the baby kick. "I think our child is happy to see me."

Caroline smiled. She was about to say something when the door opened and Elijah came out. Klaus looked at his brother.

"You'd better have a good reason for interrupting us, brother. I was trying to have a moment with my fiancee."

"I have good news," he replied. "Father was awarded sole custody of all of us, including you. Mother lost all parental rights. You don't have to worry about her darkening your doorstep again." He smiled. "You and Caroline can plan your wedding without any fear of her interfering with anything."

"Esther lost everything?" said Caroline, not sure if she heard him right. "Andrew won?"

"Yes," said Elijah. "Mother is out of our lives completely."

"It seems too good to be true, Elijah," said Klaus. "What if she decides to try something?"

"Ah, but that's where things get better," said Elijah. "Caroline's mother is the sheriff, right? Well, if Mother does try something, all we have to do is call and she'll be arrested on the spot." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know about you, but I think a celebration is definitely in order."

Klaus looked at Caroline and then back at Elijah. "I think you're right. Though, I think Caroline and I would prefer to have a private celebration."

"Nik, come on, let's celebrate with everyone," said Caroline. "We can always have our own celebration later."

Klaus went to argue, but it would be impossible, especially against a pregnant woman. Shaking his head, he said to his brother, "All right, Elijah, count us in."

Note: Better late than never, huh? I know that this is too good to be true, but Esther has been defeated. Stay tuned!

ENJOY THE UPDATE AND REMEMBER TO REVIEW!