Chapter 43

"Wake up Elena!" Maggie tugged at her arm.

"Good morning." Elena smiled stretching out in her bed for the last time. After tonight they would go on their honeymoon and then she was moving into Damon's house. Her husband's house, she thought with a smile.

"I'm getting married today." Elena said out loud with a smile.

"I know!" Maggie exclaimed jumping on the bed. "So get up! We have to get ready!"

"Don't worry little one we have plenty of time." Elena laughed scooping her up and spinning her around. Elena had decided to have a sister night before the wedding. After the crazy bachelorette party Thursday night she needed a quieter night and the honeymoon was going to be a month long possibly longer it was Damon after all he could be pretty impulsive. She figured she should spend some time with Maggie before she left.

"Come on lets go make some coffee." Elena said heading down the stairs with Maggie in tow.

"Morning dad," Elena said surprised to see him awake so early on a day off. Damon decided to close the diner for the day so everyone could attend the wedding.

"Well good morning ladies." John said gesturing to the table. "I made some pancakes, go to town."

"Any M ones?" Maggie asked climbing up on a chair.

"Better." John said. "Circle ones."

"Oh Dad," Elena laughed. "Circle ones are pretty awesome Maggie."

"Coffee?" John offered Elena nodded gratefully and he poured her a cup.

"Mags, that's enough syrup." Elena said glancing over at Maggie who was pouring syrup over her pancakes like it was going out of style.

"Ah whatever, a little sugar isn't going to hurt her." John said flippantly.

"Exactly." Maggie agreed with a wide grin digging in to her pancakes.

"She looks a lot like you did at that age." John said gazing at the little girl. "It seems like yesterday and now you're getting married…"

"Time flies right?" Elena said.

"Way to fast." John sighed.

Elena looked longingly at the pancakes and grabbed her phone.

'My dad made pancakes, and I'm starving…' she typed up and sent to Damon.

'I know- eat now I'll eat to, we're kind of still eating together that way.' He replied right away.

She smiled and got herself a plate and started digging in.

'Ok eating now-'she replied with a smile.

'Try to act like his pancakes are as good as mine.' Damon replied.

She shook her head and laughed.

"I don't think your supposed to text before the wedding either." John raised his eyebrow.

"It's our breakfast thing." She explained.

"Ah." He smiled.

"These are good Johnny." Maggie smiled up at him syrup all over her face.

"Well thank you Miss Maggie." He chuckled.

Elena laughed. "Guess you're going to need a bath."

"Then I can put my flower girl dress on?" She asked anxiously.

"Nope we are going to wait until we get to the church; we don't want anything to happen to our dresses." Elena said.

"Are you nervous?" John asked.

"You know what actually, no." Elena said. "I figured I would be a nervous wreck, but I'm not at all. I just can't wait to marry him."

"You look kind of nervous dad." Elena pointed out.

"I'm giving away my baby girl today what do you expect?" John said.

"Oh dad." Elena teared up and got up to embrace him.

"I'm really proud of you, you know that?" He whispered into her hair. "A dad couldn't ask for a better kid."

"A kid couldn't ask for a better dad." She said squeezing him tighter.

Damon finished up his cereal and sipped his coffee.

"Good morning." Stefan said grabbing some coffee and a banana for himself. "I can't wait until Elena's living here, so you'll start cooking every morning."

"At some point one of you is going to need to learn how to cook." Damon scoffed.

Stefan just shrugged. "We can always hire a cook."

"You sound like your wife." Damon laughed.

"She told me I need to loosen up especially about money." Stefan winced.

"Well you do." Damon said pointedly. "I ...like how much you are like dad, Stefan, It used to bug me but now it's nice to see parts of him in you….but that doesn't mean you need to make the mistakes he made either."

"I'm not, I loosened back on school, and I'm reevaluating what type of career I want to have in law. I'm spending more time relaxing..." Stefan said.

"But you obsess over money and I don't get it. It's not going to disappear, you have plenty of it." Damon said.

"I just like be aware of what I have coming in and going out." Stefan said. "It's kind of a hobby actually."

"Counting your money is a hobby?" Damon asked raising his eyebrow.

"At least it's not drinking something called poison." Stefan pointed out.

Damon rolled his eyes, "I wouldn't call that a hobby exactly."

"You're the one getting married today. I'm supposed to be giving you brotherly advice here." Stefan said.

"Is that what I'm doing?" Damon asked.

"Yes and you do it more often then you realize." Stefan smiled.

"Well alright then." Damon grinned. "You're turn, give me some advice little bro."

"Just, never stop talking. If something bugs you tell her and don't hold it in. Holding it in is what turns it into a bigger deal later." Stefan offered. "Caroline and I have a rule never to go to bed mad, its old fashioned and silly sounding but it's always worked for us."

"I don't think you have to much worry about, you and Elena are such a solid couple." Stefan said. "I'm just I'm so glad, she came into our lives and you ..came back."

"I know, me to." Damon said squeezing his shoulder. "I'm sorry I shut you out for so long."

"Just, thanks for letting me back me in." Stefan gulped.

"I'm glad I did and I'm glad we're brothers again Stef." Damon said sincerely.

"Me to." Stefan said with a small smile.

"Knock knock." Jeremy walked in and sat down.

"Morning Jer." Damon said.

"You got any food?" He asked.

"No Elena's not here," Stefan whined. "He only cooks for Elena."

Damon chuckled. "Not true, I've made you and Barbie dinner plenty of times. Sorry if I didn't feel like cooking on my wedding day."

"I'll just grab some cereal." Jeremy said helping himself to the box Damon left in the counter.

"Please be my guest." Damon laughed.

"What we're family right?" Jeremy said shoveling cereal into his mouth.

"Why didn't you just have some of John's pancakes?" Damon asked.

"I uh didn't stay at home last night." Jeremy said.

"Really?" Damon raised his eyebrow. "Where did you stay?"

"Anna's," Jeremy said not hiding the wide smile spreading across his face.

"I see." Damon smiled giving him a high five. "Nice."

"So are you two official now?" Stefan asked.

"Yeah," Jeremy said. "She's really awesome. "

"You're welcome." Damon quipped with a smirk.

Jeremy glanced at him.

"What I'm the one who pointed her out remember?" Damon said.

"That's true you did." Jeremy nodded, "At the carnival."

Damon froze on carnival and glanced over at Stefan whose face had also seemed to freeze they exchanged a sad glance.

"I'm sorry….I shouldn't have.." Jeremy realized his eyes wide.

"It's okay." Damon said getting up.

"Where are you going?" Stefan asked.

"I'm going to go hang out in dad's room for a little while." He said heading up the stairs.

Stefan got up to follow but Jeremy stopped him.

"Just give him a little time alone with his thoughts" Jeremy suggested.

Elena smiled gazing at her dress Caroline, Bonnie, Maggie, and Isobel were all piled into the bride room with her. The girls all had their red silk dresses on. They were long and flowing very romantic looking dresses. The girls all styled their hair in loose ringlets leaving it down. Elena was going to curl her hair and wear it in an up do with the curls cascading down her back.

"Hold still Mags." Isobel said working on curling the little girl's silky brown hair.

"Okay before makeup we need to do this." Bonnie said.

"Close your eyes Maggie." Caroline smirked and Isobel covered her eyes.

"Something new..." She handed Elena a sexy lacy red garter.

"It's red too, nice." Elena smiled.

"Elena I just want to say...I'm so happy that you found a guy who can ruffle your feathers." Caroline said.

"Me too," Elena laughed remembering that fateful frantic phone call and hugging Caroline tightly.

"I guess I can say I was wrong that day now." Caroline said.

"Actually I realized it half way through the phone call, it was like if he got to you that much, there was something going on, something big." Caroline explained.

"And there was." Elena breathed.

"Thank you Caroline." Elena said wiping a tear. "For everything, everything we went through together. You were my rock which allowed me to be Damon's rock and I'll forever be grateful."

"Elena I am the one who is grateful to you, not just me but Stefan too. I know you say you don't want gratitude, but Elena without you and your intervention, without you bringing Damon back...I don't know where we would be right now but I'm pretty sure we'd all be miserable. So thank you." Caroline sighed.

"Caroline…" Elena started.

"I don't do epic speeches very often just take it." Caroline said.

"Okay." Elena agreed laughing through her tears.

"We're going to be sisters." Caroline said hugging her again.

"Okay, my turn." Bonnie said wiping her own tears back, "Something blue."

She handed Elena a small beautiful blue stone.

"It's called a lapis lazuli stone." Bonnie explained. "My mother bought me one when I graduated it's said to provide protection."

"It's beautiful." Elena breathed, "It reminds of Damon's eyes."

"I kind of thought it would." Bonnie grinned.

"I'll tuck it in my bra." Elena decided setting it next to the garter.

"Elena it's so great to see you so happy, you...you inspired me you and Damon did." Bonnie said.

"Damon brought out a fire in you that was doormat. I saw that right away, and he evolved for you. He gives you everything you need or want and you don't even have to ask. You make each other light up…seeing that made me realize what I want and what I need in life and you made be brave enough to do what I needed to do for myself. Thank you for that." Bonnie said tearfully.

"Oh Bonnie, I don't even know what to say." Elena sobbed pulling her into a tight hug.

"This is why we waited on makeup." Caroline said laughing through her tears.

"Okay." Anna breathed. "I don't even know how to follow them…but here is something borrowed."

She handed her a small white gold bracelet.

Elena gasped her eyes filling with tears. "This was my Aunt Miranda's."

"Jeremy wanted me to give it you." Anna explained. "It was the first gift Grayson ever gave her she wore it every day. Jer said she would love to know you wore it on your wedding day."

"This means so much." Elena said sobbing as she clasped the bracelet on. "I can't believe Jer he is so thoughtful."

She picked up her phone to call him but it went to voicemail so she left him a tearful message. She turned to see everyone had left and it was just her and Isobel.

"One more," Isobel said her eyes wet with tears.

Elena took a deep breath and nodded.

"Something old," Isobel said handing her a locket. It was white gold with a small oval pendant. Elena opened it up and saw two pictures inside of two babies.

"My grandmother gave it to me after you were born." Isobel said. "The left picture is me, the right is you."

Elena said gazed down at it speechless she had seen Isobel wearing that every day since she had been in town. She had no idea her very own picture was inside of it.

"I want you to have this Elena. My grandmother meant the world to me she took care of me, understood me, she held me together when my mother became too over bearing, she is the only one who supported me when you were born. She died slightly after. To this day I wonder had she not died if I would have unraveled as bad as I did... I wore it every day with your picture to feel close to you, even after I married Robert sometimes I would grip the locket at night and cry myself to sleep and now I am a part of your life for real. It means so much to me…" Isobel sobbed.

"It means a lot to me too." Elena nodded believing the words as they came out. "I always longed for you, to know you...sometimes I was angry and sometimes sad and sometimes I just wondered…and now it's nice not having to wonder anymore, I'm still kind of angry I think a part of me always will be, but it's not as big anymore. I've really liked getting to know you and I'm glad you're a part of my life. This gift means a lot to me because knowing that you kept me close to your heart and thought about me means so much more then you know."

"Thank, you." Isobel sobbed. "I don't deserve it and I know that. I want you to understand how grateful I am for your compassion."

"You're my mom." Elena cried reaching out to hug her.

"You're mom." Isobel said the words bringing on a fresh batch of tears for both of them.

Damon stood nervously at the alter staring at the large French doors he was realized he was holding his breath waiting for her to come out and attempted to let it out calming his nerves. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. He cut his black hair a little shorter for the wedding. The short style giving him a more youthful appearance his blue eyes seemed to be sparkling. The church was filled up with friends from town and some family. He spotted Isobel and Robert in the front, Isobel was crying and Robert was stroking her back.

The small little white church was perfect it was antique and very cozy. The windows were beautiful stained glass, Bree had set up the church with the extra roses and some carnations. Finally the music started.

Anna and Jeremy walked out first and slowly walked down the aisle holding hands. They stopped at the end of the aisle where Jeremy handed her the rose. She smiled and they separated and each took their spots. Bonnie and Alaric came out next Alaric gave Damon a reassuring smile as he walked down the aisle.

He almost lost it when Caroline and Stefan cane down the aisle next, he remembered their wedding and how badly he wanted to marry Elena even then. He wished Giuseppe could be here to see this and smiled at his brother.

Little Maggie and Joey walked down next Maggie was enjoying throwing the rose petals up into the shy and Sara helped Joey walk up to his spot next to Alaric. Damon smiled at the kids his future now so close. Any nervousness was gone he was just ready and getting impatient already. He wanted to marry her now.

The music changed indicating the bride was coming and the guests stood up. Damon's eyes focused back on the doors and he found himself holding his breath again.

When Elena and John walked through the doors his heart stopped. She had on a silk white dress that was strapless and heart shaped around her chest. It hugged every curve in her figure perfectly. Her olive skin seemed to glow in comparison to the dress. She had her hair piled up on her head with curls cascading down. A beautiful tiara sat on top her head. A few small curls framed her face. Her big brown eyes were full of love and hope. She was so beautiful he wanted to freeze time and stare at her like this forever, he locked eyes with her and they both felt tears form as she walked down the aisle with John.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" The priest asked.

"I do." John said his face grim.

He hugged Elena and she gripped him back tight.

"Okay dad, let go now." She laughed trying to pull away.

"Okay." He said reluctantly.

He nodded at Damon and Damon speechlessly nodded back telling him he could trust him.

Elena gazed up at Damon a small mystified smile on her face as she stepped up to the alter and stood facing him.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Damon and Elena in matrimony. This couple came together during difficult times and it was their bond and their love that pulled them through. They want to share this of holiest days with you. Before we begin if any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together... let them speak now or forever hold their peace." The priest began.

Elena and Damon locked gazed on each other no one said anything the priest continued.

"And now before we begin the vows, Damon has chosen a poem he would like me to read to her and all of you. This is called; Our love by Bruce winter."

He cleared his throat and began:

"Our love is something we have built
From passions, hopes and dreams.
It's safe from any passing moods,
Secure from all extremes.
It's something real and special,
Something solid, something pure.
It's something we can always count on,
ringing sound and sure.
It's something grounded in the heart,
Emitting confidence.
It lives in our emotions;
It is something we can sense.
Our love remains a binding force,
Resistant to all strife.
Amidst the outer pressures,
it's our anchor throughout life."

Elena stared wordlessly at Damon the words meant so much. He looked down and smiled at her.

"Damon and Elena have a deep love and connection, by sharing this connection and themselves with each other by committing to each other under god, they make the most scared vow. Marriage is not to be taken lightly nor should it be taken to seriously, rather let love guide the way." The priest continued.

"Could the ring bearer please bring the rings?" The priest asked.

Alaric helped Joey walk up with the little pillow and handed Damon the ring.

Damon gulped and nodded taking Elena's hand.

"I Damon take you Elena, to be my wife, my soul mate and my best friend to share the good times and hard times side by side. You found me when I thought I was lost forever and now here I stand. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal, my commitment to you will never fail and my love for you won't ever fade. With this ring, I thee wed." Damon said a tear running down his cheek as he slipped the ring on her finger.

Elena gulped back tears of joy and shakily took Damon's ring from the pillow she took a deep breath and repeated the vow to Damon.

"I Elena take you Damon, to be my husband, you already are my best friend and you were always my soul mate." She said a tear slipping down her face she took a breath and continued. "I take you to share the good times and hard times side by side, I didn't find you my heart did because it was meant to be with yours. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal, my commitment to you will never fail and my love for you will never fade. With this ring, I thee wed." She slipped the ring on his finger and they smiled at each other through their tears.

The priest handed each Damon and Elena a burning candle and they stepped over to the side where a larger candle had been placed.

"Damon and Elena are going to light their unity candle, as a symbol of their marriage. The candles from which they light it represent each of them in the fullness of their personhood. They come into their marriage relationship as individuals and they do not lose their identity, rather they create through their commitment the relationship of marriage. Therefore, three candles remain lighted, one for each of them and one for their marriage as symbols of their commitment to each other and to a lasting and loving marriage." He explained.

"Ready?" Damon asked her and she nodded they dipped their candles down to light the large candle it glowed brightly.

"By the power invested in me by the state of Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The priest announced. "You may kiss the bride."

Damon gazed at her for a brief moment before swopping his head down and capturing her lips into a passionate kiss. He dipped her down low his hand supporting her head she returned it just as passionately everyone in the room just disappeared for a moment.

They could hear the cheering when they got up and just smiled at each other.

"We did it." She smiled.

"We did." He agreed gazing down at her with adoration. "I love you so much Mrs. Salvatore."

"I love you too husband." She said wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him again which led to a whole new round of cheers.

"Come on baby." He took her hand and they ran out of the church hand in hand as everyone cheered and blew bubbles at them.

She was laughing when they got in the limo and she curled up next to him.

The limo turned right towards the woods instead of the town where the hotel was but Elena didn't need to ask where they were going. When the limo pulled up by the cemetery she silently took Damon's hand and they walked up to the gravestones of Giuseppe and Elizabeth.

"I wish he could have been there." Elena said softly.

"He was." Damon said squeezing her hand. "I believe he was, I felt him."

"Well dad I managed to win the girl over after all." Damon said walking up to the gravestone. "I'm going to be a really great husband to her and a good father to our children someday, I'm going to make you proud."

"You do Damon." Elena whispered. "Wherever he is he is so proud of you."

"Thank you." He said softly kissing her cheek.

"Mom, I wish you could have been there to. I know you would love this one here. She's amazing." Damon said looking down at Elizabeth's gravestone.

"I wish I could have met her." Elena said softly. "I will always be grateful to both of them for so much. They created an amazing man and I know they are both happy and proud tonight."

"I believe they are too." Damon smiled softly.

"They had such an amazing love." Elena said. "That's what Giuseppe wanted for you and I believe we have it. We have something so amazing and special and I'm so happy and proud to be your wife. Today was the best day of my life Damon. I love you so much."

"Oh Elena..." He took her in his arms. "I've been waiting for this day for so long, I came here fighting you, then found myself desperate to be with you, then I started waiting for the shoe to drop when I'd lose you…but it never did, you just stayed by my side through some of the hardest days of my life and then you agreed to marry me? I don't know how I got so lucky. I just…"

"I guess I better thank the universe." He said with a smile.

She half laughed half cried and kissed him holding him tightly against her with no intentions on ever letting go.

The end~

AN: So this is it. I hope you all enjoyed the ending. This was the most emotional story I've written I cried writing several of the chapters, the hardest during this one actually… Thank you all for reading and reviewing and just sticking with me during this whole process. This story was very personal to me and all your responses meant so much to me. Thank you so much, I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it. Please send me one last review if you can and let me know your thoughts.

I opted out of an epi, because I have had a few random sequel ideas so just in case I decide to do one down the road, I don't want to box myself in. I'm always open to suggestions. But it would be quite a ways down the road.

Thank you again so much!

Love,

Heidi Mae