Okay guys, this is the official end!

The epilogue!

It's been a crazy ride, and I'll see you at the bottom!

A few years later

"Watch your heads," Caroline called out, coming from the kitchen with a fully roasted ham.

Those in the way ducked, and she made it to the table without consequence.

Elena followed with the green bean casserole.

Valentina set up the desserts on the far spread as they worked to set the plates.

Two young twin boys ran through the dining room then, followed by a younger girl.

"Give it back!" She shouted at them, for what could only be the coloring book in the eldest's hand.

Stefan hurried in behind them, "Boys, come on, now."

Caroline went to Stefan's side, as Val began ushering the kids back into the living room.

"I thought you guys were watching the kids."

"We were," he defended, "but Nik was showing me something on his phone, and they got away."

"Dad let the kids loose again?" A laugh sounded, as Lexi, now thirteen, entered with a bowl filled with rolls.

Stefan snatched one, "Ha. Ha. I didn't let them loose. They just ran out before I could catch them."

"That's the last of the food," Elena chimed, having checked the kitchen, "Tables all set...where's Damon? Isn't he helping you?"

Stefan nodded, "Yeah, but Chris called, so he stepped out."

Elena nodded, as Valentina joined them.

"Where is my oldest grandson? It's Christmas Eve, I thought he'd be here by now!"

"He's on his way," Stefan assured them, "From what he was telling Damon, he and April just left Byron's house."

"Oh, right," Elena nodded, "I forgot they were going to stop by there after they left the airport."

Val moved to straighten the chairs around the solid table.

"Well as soon as those two arrive, we can eat. I've gotten Giuseppe to watch the other grandkids in the den. Everything should be fine as long as they stay out of the presents under the tree."

"I'll go help him," Stefan sighed, kissing Caroline's cheek, "Should probably make sure Nik and that girlfriend of his haven't snuck off too."

Elena smirked, "Good luck with that one. Sixteen year old boys are sneaky little bastards."

Stefan tossed an arm over his daughter's shoulders, "Hey, Lex, do me a favor, and don't date until you're thirty."

"Don't pick on the girl, Stefan," Val chided, as the front door sounded.

"That's probably Damon," Elena noted, pushing her way out of the room, and to the foyer.

Indeed, Damon had just come in, Chris and April right behind him.

"Chris!"

"Hey, Mom!" Chris greeted, pulling her into a hug.

She wrapped her arms around him tightly, "Hey, baby. Everyone was waiting."

"Sorry," April offered, moving in to hug her as well, "Dad wanted us to stay until he left for the service."

"It's no problem, sweetie," Elena assured her, "But I'm sure everyone will be thrilled to see you. Val even made pecan pie!"

Chris smiled, "It's because she loves me."

"Well, she only sees you three times a year now," Damon noted, having shut the door, and came to stand by Elena.

She slipped an arm around him, "Be nice."

Chris chuckled, "I'd come home more often if i could, trust me! But if everything works out with my finals, I'll be on the track to graduate after next semester!"

"That's great!" Elena praised, "We're so proud of you."

He wrapped an arm around April, "Thanks, but this one here is actually doing better than I am. She got a summer internship at the paper here."

"I heard," Elena grinned, "So at least I'll get to see you this summer!"

April smiled, "I'm excited for it! But to be honest, I'll just be happy to be home! UCLA is great and all, but it's not Mystic Falls!"

"Har har," Damon joked, before they heard Valentina call out, "Is that Christian?"

Damon clapped his son's shoulder, and Elena couldn't believe that they were actually the same height now.

Her baby boy had grown so much, even in the few months since she'd last seen him.

"Come on," Damon noted, "You've got a house full of people waiting."

They made their way through to the den, which was completely decorated for the holiday, the giant tree in the corner shedding light, and the fireplace brightened what it couldn't reach.

Stefan had pulled one of the twins into his lap, as the other sprawled across the floor, coloring with the little girl who'd chased them earlier.

Upon seeing who had entered, they looked up, and the girl dropped her crayon.

"CHRIS!" She squealed, her chocolate hair bouncing as she ran across the room.

Chris held out his arms as she jumped into them excitedly, "Hey, Little Sis!"

Her arms tightened around his neck, "I misses you!"

Chris smiled, "I missed you too, baby girl!"

Pulling away, he positioned her better so he could look at her.

His own eyes reflected back, Damon's eyes, but her hair was all Elena, as was her dark complexion, "You've gotten big in the last few months, Izzy," he teased, "How old are you now? Ten? Twenty?"

She giggled, "No, I'm five!"

"What?!" He mocked surprise, "No way!"

She laughed again, and their banter brought the others over.

"I thought I heard you!" Val entered the room, pulling her oldest grandchild into her arms, careful not to squish the youngest in the process, "Good to have you home, sweetie."

They pulled away, "And you, April! You just get prettier every time I see you!"

They embraced as well, and Elena felt a surge of happiness, watching her family.

When the twins insisted that Chris pick them up too, he put a protesting Isabel on her feet.

Damon was quick to scoop her up though, stopping the nearing tantrum.

"Daaaaddy!" She squirmed as he held her upside down.

Damon grinned, pulling her up, "What do you say we go get some food?"

She nodded vigorously, "Can I sit by Chris?"

"Of course you can," Chris told her, putting the boys down, "Man, y'all are getting big too."

"Heavy for seven year olds, aren't they," Caroline smirked, and Chris winked.

"Come on, boys, let's go sit down."

A few minutes later, everyone was settled at the table, Giuseppe at one end, with Valentina next to him.

Lexi sat next to her, and to her right was Nik and his little girlfriend.

Stefan sat by his oldest son, with the twins between him and Caroline.

Elena sat across from them, between Damon and Isabel, who had, as promised, scored a seat by her big brother, and April sat between Chris and Giuseppe.

The table was fuller now than it had ever been, and Elena couldn't help but smile.

"Let's say grace," Giuseppe insisted, and everyone took hands.

It was a simple thank you for the meal, and for the family all being able to get together, and he blessed the food, before saying "Amen."

Elena smirked, as Damon squeezed her hand, and slipped it under the table.

She looked up at him.

He only winked, and her heart fluttered.

God, she loved that man.

He leaned down, giving her a light kiss, before turning to Caroline, who was passing a dish along.

Everyone's plates filled, the children's with some help, and soon compliments were pouring out.

"Mmhmm," Chris moaned, "They don't have food like this in the campus cafeteria.

Laughter followed, and Giuseppe winked at him, "That's because they don't have these fine ladies up there. No one can quite match up."

"I'll drink to that," Damon smirked, holding up his wine glass.

Everyone of age did the same, "To the women that, for whatever reason, decided to take a chance on a Salvatore man, "He smiled down at Elena, "Or hell, even two chances. God knows we love you for it."

Glasses clinked together, and Elena smirked before bringing hers to her lips.

The second chance had been more than worth the risk.

Everything seemed to just fall into place after the crazy events that happened, leading to the crash that night.

April and Chris had both fully recovered by the end of the spring semester.

Damon had bought the new house, and they'd moved in, just in time for Christmas that year.

He'd proposed on New Year's, out by the Gilbert lake house, where their family was spending the holiday. He'd walked her to their spot on the dock, and got down on one knee, with a beautiful ring Chris had helped him pick out.

The wedding had been in the fall, a pregnant Caroline as her maid of honor, and Chris as Damon's best man.

It was everything she wanted, and she couldn't imagine her life could have been happier.

Then she'd found out she was pregnant.

Damon's eyes had filled with tears when she told him, and nine months later, they were holding a baby girl.

They'd easily turned the guest room into a nursery, and more often than not, Chris would beat them into the room when Izzy started crying.

He adored his little sister as much as she did him.

Chris's senior year had passed in a blur, Damon having to fly out a little more than usual after releasing his new album, but was sure never to be gone longer than a week.

And he never missed a single moment of Chris's lasts, be it a baseball game, prom, or finally, graduation.

He'd sat between Elena and Valentina, Izzy in his lap, cheering like a mad man when Chris walked the stage.

College had been hard for all of them.

Chris had surprised them all by following in Grayson's shoes, choosing a pre-med program at Damon's alma mater, UCLA, and minored in music.

He even got a job, working at Alaric's studio while living in California.

April had applied at the University as well, for a degree in journalism.

They'd both done well, and had gotten an apartment together last semester.

Byron hadn't been thrilled about that, but had lost enough apathy towards Chris that he'd grown use to the idea in time.

Elena was just glad they'd both finished their finals in time to come home for the holidays.

Damon couldn't eat another bite, after finishing what was left of Elena's apple cobbler.

He felt like he'd explode if he did.

Luckily though, everyone else seemed to be thinking the same thing, and the women began ushering everyone out so they could clean up.

Damon grabbed Izzy's hand, taking her into the den, along with Stefan and his two younger ones.

Chris followed close behind.

"Hey, Dad, can I talk to you?"

Damon looked over at his son, who ran a hand through his hair, looking more like the nervous teen Damon had first met, than the twenty-two year old he'd become.

"If course," he nodded, before calling to Stefan, "You got this?"

His neither nodded, sending them a wave as the twins tried to get him to read a book to them.

Damon faced Chris then, motioning to the other side of the room, where a bare couch and loveseat were positioned by a bookshelf and Giuseppe's liquor bar.

Damon grabbed two glass, and poured a little bourbon in each, before sitting down.

"What's up?" He asked, offering one to the younger man.

Chris sat across from him, before taking it, and leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees.

Damon smiled at his son's silence.

Elena was the same way when she had something important going on in her head.

"What's on your mind, Chris?" He pressed kindly.

Christian looked up then, his blue eyes focused, "I'm going to ask April to marry me."

Damon blinked, then took a sip of his drink, "Is that so?"

Chris smiled a little, "You don't seem too surprised."

Damon chuckled, "I figured it would happen sooner or later. I just thought you'd wait until after graduation."

Chris leaned back, "I was going to. But then I thought, what the hell. I love her, Dad. I have for damn near eight years now, and I don't want to wait anymore."

"Then don't," Damon told him, "You know that your mother adores April, and if she makes you happy, if you see a future with her, then go for it."

Chris nodded, "I've known she was the one ever since our Sophomore year. It's made me crazy, just waiting this long, but I knew she deserved for me to do things right, like you did with Mom. So, I waited until we were stable, financially, before looking at rings."

He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a box.

He glanced around the room, making sure the coast was clear, before handing it to his father.

Damon's hands were a little unsteady as he took the box and opened it.

The ring inside was simple, yet beautiful.

A silver band, with three diamonds, lined together.

"You did good, kiddo," he smirked proudly, "I'm sure she'll love it."

Chris nodded, "I think she will. So did Byron."

Damon's brow shot up, "You talked to him."

"Of course," Chris sat his glass down, as Damon handed him the ring back, "His opinion means a lot to her. And I wanted his blessing."

"And he gave it to you?"

Chris set his jaw, "After a really long talk. I'm surprised April didn't come looking for us."

Damon chuckled, "Well, at least that part's over."

"No kidding," Chris nodded, as the females entered the room.

He slipped the box back into his pocket, and stood.

Damon did the same, setting their now empty glasses back on the mini bar.

"Hey, Chris," he called, before his son got too far away.

"Yeah?"

"I'm proud of you. Really."

Christian smirked in the way that Elena claimed made him look just like Damon, and nodded, "Thanks, Dad."

He turned to go greet April then, and Damon smiled.

So many things had changed since the first time he'd met that boy, in this exact room.

But as Elena made her way over to him, their daughter on her hip, he knew he wouldn't have it any other way.

He reached for Isabel, and once adjusting her on his side, wrapped his free arm around Elena, kissing her head.

She smiled up at him, "What's that face?"

"What face?" He asked, unable to keep the grin from his lips.

"That face," she teased, running her hand across his cheek.

"I'm happy," he told her soundly, "I'm just really happy."

This seemed to satisfy her, because her own grin widened, and she squeezed his waist, "Me too."

They were lost in each other's gazes, when Giuseppe's voice called out, "Okay, all you youngin's get over here. It's present time!"

He pulled a chair up by the tree, and Izzy began to wiggle, "Down, Daddy, down!"

Damon chuckled, releasing her, and she hurried to join her cousins at their grandfather's feet.

Giuseppe read off names as Stefan handed him gifts from under the tree.

Val and Caroline were snapping away with their cameras as all the grandkids, even April and Nik's girlfriend, were handed presents to unwrap.

Damon slid his arms around his beautiful wife, pulling her back into his chest.

Elena leaned into him, allowing herself to be enveloped.

They swayed side to side as oohs and ahhs filled the air.

"Elena," Stefan called, "You have some too, so you guys get over here."

She laughed, but took Damon's hand and lead him toward the group.

Twenty minutes later, the gifts had been unwrapped and were being marveled at or played with.

Elena gently fingered the necklace Damon had gotten her, and the matching bracelet from Chris and April.

"Alright, I think that's all of them," Stefan announce, but Christian stood.

"Not quite."

He walked over to where Damon's guitar was propped against the wall, having been used to play Christmas carols earlier in the evening.

"I heard one of dad's old songs the other day," Chris explained, sitting next to April on the couch, "And, well, it pretty much explains everything I want to say."

Damon swallowed as Chris began playing for April, and his song to Elena echoed across the room.

"He finally gave in to his friend's girlfriend
When she said, "there's someone you should meet"
At a crowded restaurant way cross town
He waited impatiently
When she walked in their eyes met
and they both stared
And right there and then everyone else disappeared but

One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly
To put it mildly it was love at first sight
He smiled, she smiled, and they knew right away
This was the day they'd waited for all their lives
And for a moment the whole world revolved
Around one boy and one girl

In no time at all he could see them standing there
In the front of a little church
In front of their friends and family
Repeating those sacred words
Preacher will said, "son kiss your bride"
and he'll raise her veil
And like the night they met, time will just stand still."

Elena had tears on her cheeks as the words hit her again.

Damon rubbed her arm, but was drowning in emotions himself.

It was their song.

The first one he'd ever written for her, back in high school, back before anything had ruined their innocent view of the world, and now their son was singing it to the love of his life.

There was a beautiful symmetry in that.

"One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly
To put it mildly it was love at first sight
He smiled, she smiled, and they knew right away
This was the day they'd waited for all their lives
And for a moment the whole world revolved
Around one boy and one girl."

Once the song ended, Chris put the guitar to the side, and stood, pulling April up with him.

Damon noticed that she also had tears in her eyes, as Chris began to speak.

"I love you, April. So much. And I've practiced this about a thousand times, trying to think of the right words, but there really aren't any. Not any that can fully explain what you mean to me. All I know is that you've been a part of my family since high school...so what do you say we make it official?"

He pulled the box out of his pocket, and opened it.

One of April's hands flew to her mouth, and Damon noticed Caroline taking pictures in the background, as Chris dropped to one knee.

"April Young, I promise to love you every day, for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me?"

There was no hesitation as April nodded, a smile covering her entire face.

Chris's elated laugh set off a round of applause, as he slipped the ring on her finger, and stood to kiss her.

Cameras flashed, and as Elena's hand fell into his, Damon knew this was a night they wouldn't soon be forgetting.

Finally, after a few more hours of excitement, each Salvatore family headed back to their own homes, hugs and congratulations pouring as they got in their cars.

Elena had gotten a sleepy Isabel into her booster seat, and was now opening the passenger door of Damon's camaro.

Chris and April followed behind them in the Firebird.

Fresh snow laden the ground of the front yard when they pulled up.

Damon pulled up into the garage, instead of leaving his car out on the circle drive.

Chris pulled in next to him.

"Hey, sweetheart, give me a hand, would you?" Elena called as she pulled a sleeping Isobel into her arms, and both Damon and Chris came to her aid.

"Grab the food and presents, please," she instructed, and they did so.

"Anything I can do?" April asked, as Damon unlocked the side door, letting them into the house.

"Sure," Elena smiled at her, "Follow me."

Leaving the boys to put up the food, she and April walked up the stairs, to Izzy's bedroom.

Elena placed her sleeping daughter on the princess themed twin bed, and kissed her head.

She pulled the blanket over her, before motioning for April to follow her into the hall.

"We've been hiding her gifts from Santa in the top of our closet. I could use some help taking them downstairs, to the tree."

"Sure," April agreed, following Elena into her and Damon's bedroom.

Elena walked over to her closet, and as she began pulling the wrapped gifts down, she noticed April looking down at the ring that now adorned her finger.

Elena smiled, pausing her movements.

"You were just as shocked as I was tonight, weren't you?"

April glanced up, and blushed, "A little. I mean, I suppose I knew we'd eventually end up here, but I didn't know he was going to propose tonight."

Elena stepped through the maze of gifts, to stand closer to the girl.

"May I?"

April nodded, lifting her hand so Elena could inspect the ring.

"It's beautiful," she praised, "Chris did good."

April nodded, and Elena squeezed her hand, "I'm happy for the two of you. There's no one Damon and I would rather see Chris spend his life with, than you. And Chris was right, earlier, you've always been a part of this family. Only now we get to legally claim you."

They laughed, as Elena pulled the girl in for a hug.

"Thanks, Elena," April smiled, "For everything. You've always been like a mother to me, and I'm glad that doesn't have to change."

"Of course not," Elena winked, "You're stuck with us for good now, sweetie."

A knock at the door broke through their laughter, and Elena turned to see Damon watching them.

"Am I interrupting something?" He teased.

Elena smiled at him, "Not really. Just some future mother and daughter-in-law bonding."

He smirked, walking over, "So I see. Welcome to the family, sweetheart."

He pulled April into a hug.

"Thanks," she smiled.

Damon winked at her, "Someone's gotta keep that boy in line, after all."

April laughed, "That's my specialty. Where is Chris, anyway?"

"He should be making the bed up for you two in his old room. Why don't you go help him. Elena and I've got this."

April nodded, thanking them again, before wandering off to find her fiance.

Damon turned to Elena once they were alone.

"You doing okay?"

She nodded, relaxing into his arms as he scooped her against him.

"Very okay," she promised, "I just can't believe our son is engaged."

Damon kissed her head, "You and me both, baby. But April is everything we could have hoped for him."

Elena nodded, "I know that, and I'm so glad it's her, but he's still my baby, Damon."

He smiled, brushing his fingers through her hair.

"I know, sweetheart, I know. But you did good. We did good. Christian has become an amazing young man, with a good head on his shoulders, and that's all we could ask for. And that boy adores you, Elena," he reminded her, "He'll always be your baby."

She smiled, looking up at him, "You just wait until our other baby gets this age."

Damon smirked, "I don't know what you mean. Izzy isn't dating until she's forty, so marriage will be out of the picture for a long time."

Elena laughed, "Whatever helps you sleep at night, dear."

He leaned down, capturing her lips, "Well if she starts looking any more like you I'm going to have to lock her away for good. She can date once I'm dead."

Elena smiled, shaking her head, "You're always gonna be a handful, aren't you."

He kissed her again, arms locking behind her back, "And you wouldn't want me any other way."

She breathed against his lips, "Of course not."

He deepened the kiss, tangling a hand in her hair, "What do you say we turn in and have an early Christmas present before bed?"

She giggled, "As long as we keep it down. Don't want the kids to bust us."

Damon grinned, "Well, Mrs. Salvatore, I've read Santa's list, and you ma'am, have been very naughty. I think you'll need a punishment."

Elena smirked, before pulling out of her husband's arms.

"Yes, I do," she played along, "But Santa doesn't get to punish this naughty girl until he puts all these presents under the tree, for a little girl on the nice list."

Damon laughed, "Okay, okay. I'll go set it up, and make sure Chris and April are settled. But then you better bet you'll get that punishment."

She threw him a wink, "I'll be waiting in the bed."

Damon growled as she kissed him, making her giggle against his lips.

"Hurry back," she moaned into his mouth.

He smiled, "Merry Christmas, Elena."

She nodded, leaning her forehead against his, before pulling away, "Merry Christmas, Damon."

He kissed her once more before gathering the gifts and walking out the door.

Elena touched her lips and grinned.

It truly was a Wonderful Life, with all of her family home, and she couldn't be happier.

She danced over to the stereo system, and put in her favorite CD of Damon's.

She flipped through the songs until she found the one she wanted, the one that had been his promise to her since he'd come back to her.

"-to the place where I belong.

You're the song that calls me home."

The end!

This has been such an incredible story to write, and you guys are the best motivation I could ask for!

I really hope y'all enjoyed this as much as I did, and I can't wait to hear what you think about the epilogue.

Or even the story in general.

I love the feedback!

So what did you love/hate? What else did you imagine happening? And are you happy with where they all ended up?

Can't wait to read!

Oh, I'll also be starting another Delena story very soon! So stay posted if you like :)