"Thank you Danny for that awesome weather report." The news anchor said turning to the camera. "You heard it here, folks! We're having lovely weather, ideal to spend some time outside in the sun. And speaking of time outside, here's Claire with her report. Claire, are you there?"
"I'm here, Jen, about to witness the big opening of the new Mikaelson shelter for animals." The reporter said as she stood in front of a camera with a microphone. "The Mikaelson family and founders of the Mikaelson and Sons are now well known for their contributions to charity in the past few years. Almost four years ago, Niklaus Mikaelson founded the Caroline Forbes shelter for homeless women and children in honor to his then girlfriend and now wife, Caroline Forbes. Ever since, Caroline Forbes Mikaelson started several organizations that work to protect humans' rights as well as animals. Last year she also opened a few public libraries all scattered around the city, and Mister Niklaus Mikaelson opened an art school. The couple now expects their first child."
"We can see a car approaching." Jen, the news anchor said from the studio as the camera turned to the car that just parked there.
"Yes, we might get to see the power couple before the event." Claire said as she approached the car, while at the same time Klaus got out and offered his hand to Caroline.
A quite pregnant Caroline held onto Klaus' hand and got out of the car.
"Reporter Williams, from Channel 9. Could you tell us what inspired you to open this shelter?"
"My wife loves animals. She would pick up any street dog and cat she could find. At one point we had nine pets. That's when I put my foot down and said "Love, we need a bigger place." It was that simple." Klaus said talking to the microphone Claire was holding.
"Lovely! And you two are also waiting for your first child, any thoughts? You must be excited."
"Very excited, I barely slept last night." Caroline said rubbing her belly over her white dress.
"I didn't get any sleep last night either, not because I couldn't, but because she kept me awake." Klaus said making a face to the camera and making the girls laugh.
"Are you planning on starting another project or shelter any time soon?"
"Probably not, I'll be taking this year off to be a mom." Caroline replied. "I missed a lot of moments with my mom because she raised me on her own. I don't want to miss anything with my own kids."
"And luckily for me I can do most of my work from home, so I can take my responsibilities as a father too." Klaus added while wrapping his arms around Caroline's waist and placing his hands on her belly.
"Well, I wish the two of you the best luck, and I have to add, you make an adorable couple!"
"Thank you!" Caroline giggled.
"There you have it, the Mikaelson power couple, looking like Hollywood material, and wasn't that most adorable belly you've ever seen? We know Mr. Mikaelson will make a speech soon for the opening, so stay tuned." Claire said before going off the air.
.
Katherine paced up and down the waiting room. They've been waiting there for two hours but it felt like a lot longer.
Elijah on the other hand, sat on a chair, reading a newspape. Klaus called them very early in the morning to let them know Caroline was in labor but they haven't heard from him since then.
"How can you be so calm?" Katherine suddenly asked.
"I had practice." Elijah replied. "I had to wait like this twice while you gave birth to our children."
Katherine huffed.
"Aren't you nervous?"
"I would say I'm excited to meet my nephew, but nervous? No. Caroline is safe, Niklaus made sure to have the best doctor."
"Yeah, who'd knew he would be such a papa bear." Katherine mumbled.
"Don't ever let him hear you call him that."
"Hey!" Kol greeted as he stepped into the room with Bonnie and Rebekah. "Did we miss something?" He asked while handing out cups of coffee.
"Not really." Elijah replied simply.
"Can you believe Nik will be a father? Nine months of pregnancy and I'm still getting used to the idea." Rebekah said.
"I can't say the same about Caroline." Bonnie commented. "She was born to be a mom."
"I can't decide which one was more of a control freak over it, though." Kol said.
"Hey." Klaus said as he stepped into the room. Everyone put the cups down and got up.
"Is he born yet?"
"How much does he weight?"
"Who does he look like the most? You or Caroline?"
"Alright, alright, calm down." Klaus said raising his hands. "Yes, he's born, we're naming him Ansel."
"Oh, Niklaus, your father would be so happy." Elijah said.
"Thanks." Klaus said before turning to Katherine. "I know what you're gonna ask. Yes, Caroline is fine. She's just a little bit tired, but she did great." He said and watched as Katherine let out a breath in relief. "Aaaand you can come in to see them."
Everyone walked quietly to the Caroline's room where they found her holding Ansel in a ball of blankets.
"Oi, Bonnie, he has your eyes." Kol joked, making his fiancé giggle.
.
"Was I this small?" Ansel asked as he peeked inside his little sister's crib.
"Almost. You weighted a few more pounds when you were born." Caroline replied from her chair.
"You were big and strong, like all the Mikaelson men." Klaus added as he finished putting the diapers on the changing table.
"Can I hold her?" Ansel asked.
"Not now, she's asleep." Caroline replied. "Come here, sweetie." She said and Ansel walked to her. She picked him up and sat him down on her lap. "Do you like having a little sister?"
"It's alright, I guess." He replied. Klaus chuckled and shook his head.
"We just brought Lizzie back from the hospital, it's too soon. Wait until they're teens. He'll hate her then."
"Don't say that." Caroline scolded while throwing Klaus a stuffed animal. "My babies will never hate each other." She said before kissing Ansel's forehead.
.
Caroline wiped her tears quickly as she heard the front door open.
"Love, I'm home!" Klaus announced. He looked around for her until he found her in the kitchen. "Hey!"
"Hi…" She replied softly, her back turned to him. He knew something was wrong.
"Caroline, love? What's wrong?" He walked around the kitchen island to see her better, and it was then when he realized she was crying. "Why are you crying?"
"I miss the kids…" She sobbed. "It feels like yesterday I gave birth to them and now they're both gone. Ansel is a grown up and Elizabeth is off to college… And I'm getting old!"
Klaus sighed and pulled her in for a hug.
"Nonsense, you look like you're 25." He said to cheer her up. She barely smiled, but it helped. "I miss them too, sweetheart. But at least we know they're out there doing what they love, and we did a great job raising them." He said.
Caroline nodded and wiped her tears away. "You're right. I guess getting used to seeing their empty rooms is harder than I thought."
"We'll be fine. I promise." Klaus said.
The very next morning, Klaus went to the animal shelter and got her a puppy. Spots Jr.
They had their ups and downs, their happy moments and sad moments. But not matter where she went or what she did, Caroline always had a home.