#aytpyw

Stefan hid his smile in her hair, nodding his head against her in agreement, "I thought the same thing." He played with her fingers as he asked her, "Shall we take it?"

Caroline pulled back to narrow her eyes at her fiance, "You do mean that in the we are renting it way and not in the you are gonna go and buy it way, right?" Stefan avoided her eyes so she asked him again, "Right?"

Stefan resisted looking at Caroline for as long as he could, but as he could feel her eyes piecing into him he finally raised his head to meet her gaze. She looked incredulous, her eyes wide as she shook her head at him. He shifted in place, and stated hesitantly, "It's an investment in our future."

"We're only just starting out." Caroline chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief, "We won't need those other floors for a long long time."

"But..." Stefan frowned, wanting to reject her perfectly logical and sound thinking but he couldn't. He knew that he was reaching for the stars when they had barely any ground to stand on.

Caroline shook her head and cradled his face in her palms, "We don't need it all, Stefan." She could see the reluctant acceptance in his eyes, and smiled softly at him. She rubbed her thumbs against his skin as she told him, "If that day comes when we need to expand... We might want to move to another building or maybe even to another state." She pressed her lips to his in a brief kiss before she took a step away from him to wink at him as she added, "Who knows what the future holds?"

Stefan chuckled as she sauntered away from him, her cute little butt looking extraordinary in those tight pants she wore. He had no idea that she was entertaining the idea of eventually moving one day if their company took off well. It was an interesting idea and one that he would have a long time to ponder before it was anywhere near becoming a reality.

Caroline smiled at the realtor, "We would like to rent this space from you."

"Wonderful." The realtor smiled at them before gesturing her hand towards the doors, "Shall we go back to my office and get started on the contracts."

Caroline turned her head to cock her eyebrow at Stefan as she asked, "You okay with that?"

"Yeah, I'm happy to get it all sorted now." Stefan smiled at Caroline before he followed her and the realtor out of what would soon be their very own office.

"We'll meet you at your office." Caroline called out as their realtor left. She turned to Stefan, grabbing hold of his jacket to pull him close to her as she grinned up at him in excitement, "This is ours! Where we are going to be working together. Again."

"Not just working together." Stefan lowered his forehead against hers, smiling at her lovingly as he reminded her, "We will be equal partners. From now on there will be no more boss and employee."

"I can't wait!" Caroline cried out, bouncing on the balls of her feet in her excitement unable to contain herself any longer. She said their new company name, the happiness and wonder she felt heard clearly in her voice, "The Forbes and Salvatore Agency."

Stefan grinned wide at hearing her say it, wrapping his arms around her waist to hold her tight against him. He pressed his lips to hers in a tender caress before he pulled back, "We should probably head out and sign that paperwork before someone else does."

"We'd better get going then." Caroline giggled as she left his arms, almost floating her way over to their car as she was so happy.

Stefan could only smile with joy and love to see his fiancee so happy. He would do anything to keep that smile on her face, and starting their own company was just one way to begin their lifetime of happiness.

Personally, he couldn't wait until the day he puts that ring on her finger and they become husband and wife. Then it will definitely be the start of their lifetime after that moment.

Later on they were back at home, sitting at the counter in their kitchen, enjoying a cup of coffee together as they talked about their day.

"We have our office." Caroline smiled wide, still so excited about them owning their own company. She tapped her fingertips against the counter top as she spoke her thoughts, "So... we need to decorate it, then see how we want it arranged and then get furniture for it, and then we need to decide how we are going to market ourselves."

"We have a lot to do before we open our doors for the first time." Stefan wasn't disheartened by the task that laid before them, in fact he relished it, the thought of all the work that would go into them starting their company filled him with a sense of pride and purpose. Everything would be a decision made by him and Caroline, their office would be a reflection of themselves, filled with both of their personalities.

Caroline could see how much Stefan was looking forward to the challenge of getting their company started. She was looking forward to the challenge of it too, to help pick out every piece of furniture that would set the tone for their office. It was going to be a lot of work but she was more than up for it. She took a sip of her coffee before inquiring, "How long do you think it will take us?"

Stefan reached for Caroline's hand to entwine their fingers together, rubbing his thumb against her soft skin as he mused over the question for a moment before answering, "Depends if you want to start straight away, what with Christmas being around the corner."

"Oh yeah." Caroline pulled a face, completely forgetting that Christmas was coming.

"We aren't in any rush, Caroline." Stefan reminded her tenderly, a smile curling his lips as he gazed lovingly at her, "There is no deadline. We take it at our own pace, carefully choosing everything for our office together, then when it's finally done and we are ready to open our doors for the very first time." His eyes brightened as he caught her gaze and he told her meaningfully, "It will have been worth however long it takes for us to get there."

Caroline tilted her head to the side, smiling at him adoringly, whispering the only reply that encompasses all that she felt for Stefan, "I love you."

"And I love you." Stefan smiled at her as he replied, leaning towards her so that he could cover her soft lips with his own, sighing in utter contentment at the way she made him feel. God, how he loved her.

Caroline hummed as they parted, licking her lips to savor the taste of Stefan on her lips. She opened her eyes to gaze into his breathtaking green eyes, her heart skipping at the love shining from his gaze.

Stefan wrapped his arm around her shoulders, resting his head against hers as he breathed her in, stroking his fingers up and down her arm. He closed his eyes as he savored the feel of his love against him, soaking in her presence before he declared, "After Christmas has finished we will start making the office our own."

"Sounds good to me." Caroline nodded her head in agreement, before she suddenly chuckled and added, "While also planning our wedding at the same time."

"We have a busy year ahead of us." Stefan laughed, pressing Caroline closer to him so that he could drop a kiss onto the top of her head before releasing her.

"We really do." Caroline shot back, shaking her head as she thought about everything that she would be doing next year. Starting their own business and getting married. 2020 was turning out to be an eventful year and it hadn't even begun yet.

"We have Christmas first..." Stefan raised his hand up to cup her cheek, "Then set up office..." He grinned at her as he winked playfully, "Then we get married."

Caroline leaned into his hand and couldn't help but tease him, "Setting up our office comes before our marriage?"

"Hush you." Stefan bumped his nose cutely against hers, "You know how much I want to marry you." He stroked his fingertips across her face as he told her seriously, "I'd marry you tomorrow if I could."

"I know." Caroline replied, smiling softly back at him, "And I love you so much that you are willing to wait until June for our wedding."

"I'd wait as long as you wanted me to." Stefan brushed his lips tenderly against hers, smiling at her as they parted, "I want you to have the perfect wedding of your dreams."

"I will do." Caroline raised her hand up to cup the back of his neck as she grinned at him, "Because you'll be there and there is nothing more perfect to me than marrying the man of my dreams."

Stefan's face lit up in a beaming smile, her sweet words making his heart race wildly in his chest. He dropped his head against hers as he echoed her words, "Marrying the girl of my dreams is beyond perfect to me."

Caroline smiled and shook her head, biting into her lip as she gazed at the man she loved in awe, "June can't get here soon enough."

"My thoughts exactly." Stefan agreed instantly, slipping off his stool to place his hands on her hips, "Come on, Mrs Salvatore to be." He grinned at her as he pulled her to him, "How about we go out for a drive and have a look at any churches or places that call out to us."

Caroline wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled happily up at him, "I would love that."

Stefan placed a tender kiss to her lips before he pulled back and slid his hand in hers as he began leading her out of their apartment, "Let's see where the road takes us."

Caroline giggled as she followed Stefan.

Christmas had been a much happier time for Stefan and Caroline than it was last year, no misunderstandings or breaks up to tear them apart this time around. Liz traveled to New Orleans to spend the holidays with the both of them in their apartment. They all had a wonderful time together, and Liz left even more assured that Stefan loved her daughter completely and would do anything to make Caroline happy. She was looking forward to him becoming her son in law.

The holidays were over and it was now the start of January. It was time they started to sort out their new office and to properly get into the planning of their wedding. They had a lot to do this year, but they were both sure that by next Christmas they would be happily married and their company would be open for business.

They were at their office, sitting cross legged on the carpet, a folder full of paint styles and color swatches were spread out on the floor in front of them as they tried to decide on what color scheme to go with. They were trying to decide between bold colors or more subtler tones. At the same time they had their laptop open searching for the type of furniture they would likely get, so that they had an idea of what it would look like and they could make sure it matched.

"I think the walls should be a bright color with a patterned trim." Caroline pointed out the few colors she was thinking of using to Stefan, "And the carpet could be a lighter shade."

Stefan leaned his chin on Caroline's shoulder as he looked at what colors she wanted to use. One was a bright red, which was very eye catching. The other was a deep purple which was a right in the middle of dark and light. The last color was a lovely summer yellow, bright and happy just like Caroline herself.

Caroline turned her head so that she could make out Stefan's features as she asked him, "What do you think?"

"I like the purple, it's not too bright and not too dark." Stefan smiled at her as he added his own opinion, "I also like the yellow, and I think it would look good paired with a burnt orange."

Caroline thought over Stefan's suggestion for a moment, visualizing what he said in her head for a moment, trying to decide which she thought was better. Once she reached a decision she smiled and nodded her head, "How about we have yellow walls and have our couches and chairs be burnt orange?"

Stefan smiled, loving what Caroline suggested, "Sounds perfect."

"Okay." Caroline beamed, happy that he liked her suggestion. She placed the swatch with their desired color to the side and put back all the others in the folder before setting it aside. She reached for the binder with the carpet samples and opened it. She took the yellow swatch and placed it beside the color samples in the binder to see what colors would go together. Once they'd placed it against every color she asked Stefan, "What do you think?"

Stefan kept his arm around her waist as he turned the samples with his other hand until he reached the one he wanted, "I think it would go well with this one."

Caroline studied his choice for a moment, placing the paint sample against it to get a proper feel for it. She had also liked that color when she was looking through them but she wanted to look at the colors properly to make sure they would go. They did. She nodded her head in approval, "That's the color."

Stefan smiled and dropped a kiss to the top of Caroline's head before resting his chin against her. It filled him with warmth that they were making every choice together, that every single thing that would go into this room would be picked out by the two of them. It was truly theirs in every single way. He couldn't wait to open the doors for the first time and begin their new journey together.

Caroline took out the sample carpet that they wanted to use and placed it by the paint sample. She put the folders in a pile and pushed them to the side. She leaned back against Stefan and told him, "I think it's best if we have the painting done first so that the carpets don't get ruined by spilled paint."

"Good idea." Stefan agreed, stroking his fingertips along her arm as he told her, "Call the painters and arrange a day for them to start. Once they've finished and we've given the paint several days to dry we'll arrange for the carpets to be fitted."

Caroline nodded her agreement and picked up her phone and dialed the painters they'd already agreed on.

Stefan was content to hold her and listen to her conversation, injecting his own thoughts every now and then when he had something to say.

He was happy with what they'd decided to do today. Other decisions would have to be put on hold until the decorating was complete.

So that left plenty of free time to concentrate on planning their wedding.

Bonnie and Caroline were walking arm in arm through the streets of New Orleans heading to the bridal boutiques to find the perfect dresses for the two of them. They were following the same path they took when they were looking for Bonnie's wedding dress last year.

They went inside the first wedding boutique on their list and we're immediately greeted by one of the bridal clerks.

"Welcome!" She beamed at the two of them, gesturing with her hand behind her for her colleague to get the champagne, "Which one of you two lovely ladies is the bride-to-be?"

Bonnie held up her left hand, "Well, I'm already married, so the blushing bride-to-be is my friend over here." She smiled at Caroline as she squeezed her arm affectionately.

"I'm getting married!" Caroline grinned so wide that she thought her face would split in two. She accepted the glass of champagne from the clerk and took a delicate sip as she eyed the dresses on display before announcing, "I'm looking for the perfect dress."

Bonnie hid her grin in her glass as she took a sip. She knew that Caroline was about to turn into bridezilla and wouldn't accept anything less than what she wanted. It was going to be fairly amusing to watch the poor bridal clerks try and meet her demands.

"We have many beautiful dresses available." The bridal clerk replied, cheery smile never leaving her face, "I'm sure your perfect dress is in there waiting for you to find it."

Caroline resisted the urge to roll her eyes and threw the clerk an unimpressed look, "Let me be the judge of that."

The clerk was taken aback by her cool response, and suddenly had the feeling that she wouldn't be one of the easy customers to please – not that many brides were easy to please in the first place.

Caroline turned to the clerk and told her what she was looking for, "Let's talk silhouettes. Focus on A-lines and sheaths. I'm open to trumpets, but easy on the volume."

The bridal clerk replied knowingly, "Less dress, more bride."

Caroline smiled, "Exactly."

"Okay." The clerk nodded and gestured for her colleague to come with her.

"Thank you." Caroline thanked the clerk.

"You're welcome." The clerk smiled at her, "I'll be right back."

When the clerks had gone into the back Caroline turned to Bonnie with an excited grin, "Now, let's get to work finding you the perfect maid of honor dress."

"It's your day, Care." Bonnie replied, reaching out to take one of Caroline's hands in hers, "It's your day to shine."

"It is." Caroline agreed, the sparkle of tears in her eyes as she added meaningfully, "And you are going to shine right along with me."

Bonnie felt tears prick her own eyes, the happiness that Caroline Forbes was her best friend filled her with gratitude and love anew. Theirs was a friendship that she wouldn't replace with anything or anyone. They were truly best friends forever.

Caroline shook off her emotions, and took a deep calming breath to settle herself. Once she was more emotionally stable she thread her arm through Bonnie's and led her over to the selection of bridesmaid dresses. She wanted to make sure that Bonnie looked absolutely stunning beside her.

Bonnie smiled as Caroline looked through the dresses on display, searching for the perfect bridesmaid dress for her. It warmed her heart that making sure she looked just as beautiful and amazing as Caroline will be on her big day was a top priority for her best friend. She was such a wonderful and selfless friend.

Bonnie's top priority would be to make sure that Caroline's big day was as special and amazing as her best friend was.

The first bridal store held nothing that caught Caroline's attention. Neither did the second. Or the third. Or however many they'd been to since they started looking this morning. It was late afternoon now, the day was getting long, and they didn't have that much longer until the stores all closed.

"Do you want to call it a day?" Bonnie asked, the excitement from earlier faded to be replaced by tiredness. It had been a long day.

Caroline chewed her lip in thought. There was one more place that she wanted to look, Sallee’s the thrift store she took Bonnie to find her own wedding dress after having no luck in the bridal boutiques.

Bonnie could see the indecision on Caroline's face, obviously there was somewhere else she wanted to go to. So she pushed down her weariness, plastered on an excited smile as she could manage and threaded her arm through her best friend's arm, "Where are we going?"

Caroline beamed at Bonnie, placing her other hand on top of their already joined arms to hug her close and squeal in excitement, "Yay!"

Bonnie chuckled, shaking her head at her best friend's seemingly never ending reserves of energy. She would need that whenever she and Stefan decided to have kids. She smiled at the thought of Caroline as a mother, she knew she would be a great mom as she already had the qualities. She was kind, selfless, patient, and had so much love to give.

Caroline began tugging on Bonnie's arm to lead her in the direction of where she wanted to go. She had purposely made sure that the last boutique they went to was not too far away from Sallee’s. It was always going to be her last stop of the day.

Bonnie started to recognize the way that they were going, remembering the last time that Caroline had dragged her this particular way. It was around here that the thrift store full of wedding dresses was hidden away. It was where she had found her perfect dress that was just so her that it was almost as if it was made for her. She knew that Caroline would find her perfect dress here, as she had been taken by a few dresses when Bonnie was here looking for her own.

Caroline eagerly quickened her steps as she neared her destination. She couldn't wait to search through all the different dresses and styles that the store held. She was sure that she would find the dress here as they had such an amazing collection.

Bonnie followed her into the store, content to watch Caroline search for her wedding dress while also looking for a bridesmaid dress for herself. She turned to Caroline and asked her, "What color do you think my dress should be?"

Caroline looked at Bonnie and replied without hesitation, "Green."

"You didn't have to think about that long?" Bonnie asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I know your color. You look absolutely stunning in green." Caroline smiled at her best friend, winking cheekily at her, "You will be the hottest maid of honor."

"Care!" Bonnie chuckled, shaking her head in amusement as she turned back to look through the rail in front of her.

"What?" Caroline shrugged, giggling as she continued her search for her perfect dress, "You're hot. You look even hotter in green. Therefore you will be wearing green."

"Whatever you want you will have." Bonnie replied, blushing at the compliment from her gorgeous best friend.

"All I want is a perfect wedding followed by an equally perfect honeymoon." Caroline sighed dreamily, the vision of her wedding passing through her eyes. It was a wonderful image, and she couldn't wait to make that a reality.

"And you will." Bonnie smiled over at the daydreaming Caroline, "Because you are Caroline Forbes and you are the greatest event planner that Mystic Falls has ever seen."

Caroline chuckled, remembering back to high school when she pretty much single-handedly organized every event. She would have made an excellent event planner, but she had always wanted to go into PR, and nothing would stop her from pursuing her true dream despite her other talents. It was handy as a fall back career but she was positive that she would never use it, even before falling in love with Stefan and starting their own business.

It didn't take them long before they found the perfect dresses for the both of them.

Caroline returned home on her own, having left her wedding dress at Bonnie's so that Stefan wouldn't see it before their big day.

Stefan smiled as he heard Caroline come home. He stood up from the kitchen counter and made his way to the front room to greet his love after spending the day away from her. He walked over to her and wrapped her in his arms as he kissed her passionately.

Caroline smiled into Stefan's welcoming kiss, curling her arms around his waist as she held him close. She had missed him today, but she was happy with how the day had gone as she had bought her wedding dress. She couldn't wait until he saw her in it when she was walking down the aisle towards him. She was sure that she would take his breath away.

Stefan hummed as their lips parted, his eyes looking deeply into her beautiful blue ones as he smiled at her, "I missed you."

"I missed you too." Caroline smiled back, sighing in happiness at being back in his arms.

Stefan rest his head against hers, stroking his hands up and down her back as he asked, "Did you pick out a dress?"

Caroline beamed, "I did! It's so perfect and beautiful and I can't wait for you to see me in it."

"Neither can I." Stefan replied, his smile blinding for how wide it was. June could not arrive soon enough for him. He was dying to call Caroline his wife, but he was prepared to wait to give her her fairytale wedding as he would do anything to make his girl smile. He was still counting down the days until she officially became Caroline Salvatore.

Caroline chewed on her lip as she was lost in thought, debating with herself on whether she should voice her thoughts to Stefan yet, or wait until they actively began deciding on the wedding venue. Which they should really be getting to as time was ticking away and before they knew it June would be upon them.

Stefan knew Caroline well, so he knew that she was thinking over something in her head before telling him, so as he wanted her to share her thoughts with him he asked her, "What are you thinking about in that beautiful head of yours?"

Caroline smiled at Stefan, forgetting sometimes just how well he knew her. She absently stroked her fingertips along his back, sorting out her thoughts in her head for a moment before sharing her musings with him, "I was thinking about where we are going to get married."

"Okay." Stefan was all ears, focusing completely on Caroline as he waited for her to tell him what she had been thinking about.

"I don't know whether we should have the ceremony in a church or have it on the beach seeing as it will be summer." Caroline told Stefan, still debating in her head over which one she would prefer, loving the idea of both of them.

"Whatever you want I'll be happy with." Stefan agreed before he paused for a moment, and let a smile curve his lips as he imagined the scene in his head, "Though thinking about you walking towards me with the sun shining off your hair like a halo, surrounding you in an ethereal glow, with the gentle crashing of the waves in the background..." His breath caught at how wonderful that was to him, "It is a beautiful picture."

Caroline couldn't help but smile at the wonderful scene that he painted clearly in her mind. It was a breathtaking image, and one that now Stefan had described it to her she suddenly wanted the beach wedding more than she had before. She tenderly placed her lips to his, softly moving her lips over his as she kissed him agonizingly slowly. She pulled away to whisper against his lips, "Let's do it."

Stefan leaned back so that he could see her face properly, a frown creasing his brow as he asked in confusion, "Do what?"

"Have our wedding on the beach." Caroline clarified, smiling brightly up at Stefan, resisting the urge to bite her lip as she waited for his response.

Stefan's grin spread wide across his face as he lit up with happiness. He moved his hands from her back to her face so that he could cradle her cheeks between his palms, stroking his thumbs against her soft skin as he looked lovingly into Caroline's bright blue eyes, "Sounds unbelievably perfect."

"You sure?" Caroline bit into her lip as she asked Stefan again just to make sure it was what he wanted.

"Yes!" Stefan stressed with a smile, telling Caroline teasingly and yet completely serious at the same time, "We could get married right here in this apartment and I wouldn't care just as long as you become my wife."

"I love you." Caroline breathed out, finding that the only thing that she could say in response, her heart beating wildly in her chest as her love for him throbbed through her.

"And I love you." Stefan responded instantly, slipping his fingers into her mess of curls to pull her closer to him so that he could devour her mouth with all the love and passion he possessed.

Stefan was at the tailors being fitted for his wedding suit. Damon was getting measured for his own suit beside him, and Lexi was sitting in the chair opposite watching over the two of them with a critical eye. Caroline couldn't be here as she wanted his look to be a surprise just as her dress would be, so she had sent Lexi in her stead with strict instructions on what styles and cuts suited Stefan best and which to steer clear from.

Lexi was still laughing to herself at Caroline's almost ten minute rant on what Stefan should be wearing and what he most definitely shouldn't be let anywhere near. Some people could confuse that sort of behavior as being controlling, but seeing the affectionate and lovestruck expression on her best friend's face as he listened to his fiancee's rambling she knew that there was no place else he'd rather be. They were amazing together, complete opposites of one another and yet they complimented each other perfectly, the epitome of soul mates.

Damon smirked over at his brother as he waited for the tailor to bring him out one of their suits to try on. He couldn't help but tease Stefan, "How many of those do you think you'll try on before Mrs Salvatore-to-be will be happy?"

Stefan turned to Damon, smiling bright in complete and utter contented happiness, replying without an ounce of hesitation in his voice, "I'll try on this whole damn store if I have to."

Damon rolled his eyes, "Sap."

"I'm in love, brother." Stefan shot back, his smile never faltering as he sighed happily at the thought of his blonde love, "Hopelessly in love with the most amazing and wonderful woman I've ever met. She's perfect."

"Aww!" Lexi couldn't help but smile at how happy and in love Stefan was. It was a beautiful sight after the years of seeing him unhappy and closed off.

"I repeat; sap." Damon chuckled, a teasing light in his eyes as he poked fun at his brother, "And cheesy as well."

Stefan stuck his tongue out at his brother. Not very mature of him, but it was another sign of the change that Caroline had made within him. His dark and tortured self was firmly buried in the past never to be seen from again.

Damon shook his head and laughed at his brother. He was a completely different person now than he had been over the years. He couldn't thank Caroline enough for bringing Stefan out of his depression. He was the brother he used to know again, and it was a welcome sight after all this time.

If Lexi let them continue she knew they could go back and forth like this for some time, so she pushed herself up off the chair and cleared her throat to get their attention. Once she had Stefan and Damon focused on her she walked over to her best friend and declared, "Let me have a look at you."

Stefan couldn't help from fidgeting under Lexi's critical gaze. He wanted to look his best for Caroline on the best day of their life, and while his best friend wasn't his fiancee he knew that she had his love's interest in mind, and therefore it was like Caroline was critiquing what he was wearing herself.

Lexi crossed one of her arms over her waist and placed her other against her chin which she tapped as she looked Stefan over from head to toe. He looked handsome, extremely so, but then he was a good looking man and he could pull off the dressed up look very well. She had never been attracted to Stefan like that, always seeing him as her best friend only, but she wasn't blind and she knew that he was gorgeous. So she could view him in his dressed up glory and appreciate the sight of an attractive man, but she would never feel anything more for him besides friendship. It was probably the reason that Caroline trusted her to help Stefan pick out a suit as she knew that there was only the love of friends between them.

Stefan couldn't take Lexi's silence anymore and just had to ask, "Well? How do I look?"

"You look good." Lexi replied, narrowing her eyes a moment before she quickly took out her phone and sent a message to Caroline: Stef looks hot. Question... summer wedding on the beach... do you want him in BLACK?!

Caroline's response was within minutes: OMG! I didn't even think of that. Stefan will be melting in the heat if he's in black. Okay... white suit it is.

That's what I thought. Just making sure you approve before I do anything ;) Lexi sent her reply, waiting for Caroline's response before she told Stefan of the change of plan.

Caroline quickly responded: Thank you. I trust your judgment :)

Lexi smiled at her phone before putting it away. She focused back on the boys, and had to bite back a chuckle at Stefan's eager expression. It tickled her that he somehow knew that she had been in contact with Caroline, and he was dying to know what she had said. Bless him.

"Was that Caroline?" Stefan asked eagerly, wanting to know what his girl had said.

"Yes it was." Lexi chuckled, before she signaled for the tailor to come back, "There has been a change of plans."

Stefan frowned in confusion, "What change?"

Lexi addressed the tailor first, "We are going to be needing another suit." She glanced at Stefan as she told both him and the tailor at the same time, "Only this time we will be needing them to be in white."

Stefan's eyes widened for a moment at the new color he would be wearing. He wondered for a moment why the change until it occurred to him what season the wedding would be taking place in and that it would be on the beach with no cover. He closed his eyes and answered his own unspoken question with a smile, "June wedding."

"Yep. June wedding." Lexi confirmed Stefan's thinking, smiling that he had known the reason why without having to ask.

Stefan turned to the tailor and reiterated Lexi's order, "I would like to see your white suits please."

"Better nix the traditional bride and groom cake topper then." Damon chuckled, smoothing his hands over his suit jacket, "Seeing as you'll both be in white."

"I'm sure they have all kinds nowadays." Lexi replied, knowing that Damon was just teasing his brother again.

"I'm sure they do." Damon smirked, before a thought occurred to him and he asked in horror, "I don't have to wear white... do I?"

"Shut up, Damon!" Stefan laughed out loud at the horror stricken look on his brother's face at the idea of wearing white.

He was tempted to make Damon wear white just to see what he'd do, but he pushed down the urge. All he needed to worry about was that he and Caroline were happy with their outfits and that the day would be about just them.

Not long to go now until the big day. Caroline would become his wife and he would become her husband.

He couldn't wait.

Caroline eagerly waited in her brand new comfy leather chair as she anticipated their first client walking through the door of their newly opened office; The Forbes and Salvatore Agency. It was very exciting and equally as terrifying. This was her and Stefan, starting fresh and new, and right from the bottom. It could end in failure, or it could be the start of something amazing. She would work as hard as she could to make sure that their company was a complete and total success. Caroline Forbes didn't know how to fail.

Stefan sat at his own desk watching Caroline fidget in her seat as she watched the door eagerly. He didn't even try to hide his affectionate and amused smile. He was not expecting to have anyone come by today as they had only just opened their doors and they were brand new. It would take a while but he was hoping that his and Caroline's reputation from working together at his father's company would give them a helping hand. He had made some calls and let out a few feelers, and now he would just have to wait to see if that bore any success.

Caroline tapped her fingers against the desk, her leg bouncing with excess nervous energy, her critical gaze sweeping across the office to make sure, once again, that everything was perfect and just as she and Stefan wanted. It was. She chewed on her lip, desperately trying to think of something to occupy her why she waited for somebody to come through the doors. She couldn't change the filing system as they didn't have any files to sort yet. She had cleaned the office before they opened and if she started again Stefan would know that she was freaking out. She needed something to do or else she would go insane waiting for anybody to come through those doors.

As if her prayers were answered she heard the unmistakable sound of the doors opening and the clump of boots on the floor. She whipped her head up with a big smile on her face to greet their very first – she hoped – client. The smile froze halfway on her face as her eyes widened, "Enzo? What are you doing here?"

Stefan pushed himself up from his desk and walked over to stand behind Caroline, placing his hands on her shoulders as he eyed Enzo with curiosity, "What brings you here?"

Enzo dropped down onto the chair opposite Caroline's desk, interlocking his hands over his stomach as he smirked over at them, "I am looking for a new PR company to represent me and I thought I'd give you two a try."

Caroline chuckled in amazement, her eyes softening with gratitude at her best friend's husband. She knew that Enzo didn't have to do this, he was happy and well looked after at their previous agency, so for him to come to them meant that he was doing this as a friend. It touched her heart so much that she had to blink back tears.

"You want to be our client?" Stefan asked in shock. He never would have expected Enzo to seek them out for representation, especially as he knew that he only became his client the last time for Damon. So this time around it was either for Bonnie or Caroline.

"Yes I do." Enzo answered Stefan before he swung his gaze back to Caroline, smiling widely at her as he told her, "I loved what you did for me over the past year, everything was successful and gained me new fans, and I would like to continue to be looked after by you." He threw her a wink as he added, "Plus, you are the reason that I met my wife. I am forever in your gratitude for that."

Caroline blushed, "You make Bonnie shine with happiness, that's all the thanks I need."

"Well tough, gorgeous." Enzo chuckled, "Because I am going to be your client."

"Okay." Caroline giggled at her pseudo brother in law. She opened her notebook and picked up her pen, focusing her attention on Enzo as she asked him, "What can Stefan and I do for you, Enzo?"

Stefan never thought that he could feel gratitude towards Enzo but he did. His coming here to become their very first client would finally set Caroline's nerves on edge and allow her to relax a little before they got more clients. He didn't know whether it was Bonnie who'd influenced Enzo or if he'd come to this decision on his own, whatever it was he was grateful. He caught his gaze and mouthed the words, "Thank you."

Enzo nodded at Stefan in acceptance of his gratitude. He had decided once he heard that Caroline and Stefan would be starting their own company that he would come to them to be represented. He really did believe that Caroline lifted Stefan when she came to work for him, and after all these years being represented by his best friend's brother he was finally happy and pleased with what Stefan did for him. He also knew that was because of Caroline. It was easy for him to keep his loyalties with his wife's best friend, and to Damon's brother.

Friendship and loyalty meant more to him than all of the money and adulation in the world. Money could run out, his fans could find interest in another new singer, and his fame and popularity could fade. But what would never fade would be his love for Bonnie, his brotherhood with Damon, and his friendship with Caroline. He could lose it all tomorrow and he wouldn't care. He was rich in love and friendship. They were his family and he would always do whatever he could to help his family.

Enzo being their only client didn't last for that long as it seemed that the inquiries that Stefan had made to former clients and his connections in New Orleans had proven invaluable. Barely a week after Enzo had signed on the dotted line he received call after call from previous clients and new ones alike. He and Caroline were now extremely busy, and they'd only been open for just over two months. It was now time to hire someone as they couldn't continue to do everything themselves.

Caroline and Stefan were both in her study looking over files of candidates for two positions that they needed filling. They were looking for a receptionist and a joint assistant for the two of them. They'd discussed whether they wanted one each or just one to share between them and they had decided together to have just one for the time being until time proved that they would need an assistant each.

Stefan had his arm around Caroline's back, stroking his fingers against her side as they went over the information in front of them. They didn't want to interview twenty people for the position, only two for each and they would pick whoever they liked most and who they thought would fit in with them.

Caroline leaned back into Stefan and released a sigh as she asked, "What are we going to do when we get married?"

"What do you mean?" Stefan hummed, dropping a kiss onto her shoulder.

"Are we going to have them keep the office going while we are away on our honeymoon or will we give them both a holiday and keep the office closed." Caroline turned her head to the side to be able to see Stefan as she waited for his reply.

"Good question." Stefan mused over it for a moment, honestly not even thinking of that despite it being just over a month away. He wouldn't see his employees go without, so whatever they decided to do he would pay them either way. He told Caroline what he'd thought, "If we close for a few weeks I will still pay them holiday pay, and if they come to the office it won't be a full day just a few hours a day but I'll still pay them as if they'd done a full day."

"I like the sound of that." Caroline agreed to Stefan's way of thinking, not wanting their employees to be out of pocket while they were off enjoying themselves on their honeymoon.

"We could make sure that we have no appointments arranged during June and let our clients know that we will be out of the office but if they need to get in contact with us we will have staff there between one and three each day while we are away." Stefan offered an idea, raising his eyebrows as he asked, "What do you think?"

"I think that sounds perfect." Caroline leaned in and brushed her mouth against Stefan's, smiling brightly as they pulled apart, "And if there is any request that they can fulfill without us being there – something simple of course – we should allow them."

"I agree." Stefan smiled at Caroline, happy that they had come up with a plan about how they would leave their business during their upcoming wedding. It released some remaining tension from his being and he was now much happier about their company being basically closed for a few weeks.

"Okay!" Caroline brightened now that they had settled that and turned back to the files in front of her, "Now who do you think we should interview?"

It was the week before their wedding and Stefan and Caroline were in the office finishing off the lasts bits of paperwork they had and making sure that their calendars were clear before they were away for the next few weeks.

Caroline had finished her paperwork and was now talking to the two girls they had hired – Melissa and Joan – two lovely and well humored ladies that had the attitude they were looking for and weren't too serious or stuck up like the woman at The Salvatore Agency. They were professional, but they also knew how to lighten up and get their clients in a relaxed mood.

"You will only need to come into the office for a couple of hours a day." Caroline told Melissa and Joan again, having explained when they hired them that her and Stefan would be getting married and going on their honeymoon, "Stefan and I think between one and three will be a good time for the both of you. Not too early and not too late."

"That's perfectly acceptable, Ms Forbes." Melissa replied, smiling up at Caroline. She was in her early thirties, with a kind face and eyes that shone with a mischievous light. She enjoyed meeting and talking with people which is why she loved being a receptionist.

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me Caroline?" Caroline teased Melissa, throwing her a wink as she added with excitement making her voice tremble, "Plus, when I come back in a few weeks it will be Mrs Salvatore."

"And it will be my honor to call you that, in a few weeks." Melissa smiled at the pleased flush that lit up Caroline's cheeks. She had only worked for her and Stefan for just over a month and she already found herself caring for the both of them. They were lovely people, flexible and fair, and a joy to work with. They were also the most amazing couple, and she could so easily see the love between then whenever they were close to one another.

"You just enjoy your wedding and honeymoon, dear." Joan told Caroline, her eyes warm and caring. She was in her fifties, a mother of three and grandmother of six, but she had the outlook and humor of someone much younger than her years. She was a wonderful addition, her organizational skills were just above Caroline's own, and she managed Stefan and Caroline's calendars with efficiency, never mixing up appointments and always making sure they weren't overworking themselves.

"Trust me, Joan, I will be." Caroline giggled, butterflies in her stomach at the thought that in just over a week she would become Caroline Salvatore. She would be married to the man of her dreams and they would be beginning the rest of their shared lives together. She couldn't believe how quick June had come around, it felt like only yesterday when Stefan had asked her to marry him. Where had eight months gone? It must be true what they say, time really does fly when you were having fun, and when you were blissfully happy building a future with your fiancé.

Stefan couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face as he overheard the girls conversation. His heart throbbed happily within his chest, because in just over a week's time Caroline would become his wife and he would be her husband. He was so unbelievably happy and full of excitement that he could barely contain himself. He was anxious and eager to finish his last day so that he could spend the next few weeks in blissful happiness with the love of his life.

He was so eager in fact that he interrupted the conversation that the girls were having to announce, "And our time off starts right now. Time for us to begin our vacation." He walked up to Caroline and threw his arm around her shoulder to pull her in tight as he nuzzled his nose in her hair, "We've done what we need to do here."

Caroline smiled at being engulfed in Stefan, a sigh of content leaving her at how happy he made her. She was satisfied that they had done all that they needed to so she was more than happy to do what he said and begin their vacation. She nodded her head as she agreed, "Okay."

Stefan smiled into her hair, breathing in the scent of Caroline for a moment as he enjoyed being wrapped around her. He pressed a kiss to her neck before he released her and turned to address Joan and Melissa, "You will be paid the same as usual so you don't have to worry about money until we come back."

"That's very generous of you, Stefan." Joan accepted graciously. She had been an execute assistant for decades and she had never known an employer to still pay a full weeks wage for reduced hours when they went on vacation. Stefan and Caroline were very different kind of employers and she was in awe of their generosity.

"It is nothing." Stefan smiled at Joan, feeling relaxed around her as she reminded him greatly of his beloved nonna.

"I know how untrue that is." Joan smiled back, patting Stefan on the cheek as she added, "You are a dear sweet boy."

Stefan blushed at the compliment, not wanting to make a big deal of his and Caroline's decision to be generous to their employees. He wanted to be a completely different person than his father. He would treat all his employers with respect and repay their worth. He was determined to never become like Giuseppe Salvatore, and he knew with certainty that Caroline would never let that happen.

Caroline hid a giggle at Stefan's flushed cheeks and handed over a set of keys to Joan, "Here are the keys for you, Joan. We are giving you the responsibility of running the office while we are away." She gently squeezed her hands as she gave the keys to Joan, "We know it will be in safe hands with you."

"Thank you, dear." Joan smiled at Caroline before she made a shooing motion with her hand, "Now go and enjoy your start to marital life."

Caroline laughed, shaking her head in amusement at Joan, "Okay."

"Have a wonderful day, Ms Forbes, Mr Salvatore." Melissa wished them well, hoping that they had a lovely day at their wedding and enjoyed it to the fullest.

"We will, Melissa, thank you." Stefan thanked Melissa.

Caroline went to retrieve her purse and made a quick sweep of her desk to make sure that she had done everything. Once she was reassured she rejoined the others, slipping her hand into Stefan's as she bid goodbye to Melissa and Joan and made their way out of the office.

Stefan walked Caroline over to their car, smiling down at her as he asked in a voice full of emotion, "Are you ready to get married, Ms Forbes?" He relished in the fact that this would be one of the last times he could call her that.

Caroline stopped beside their car, releasing his hand so that she could wrap both of her arms around his neck. She grinned up at Stefan, happiness making her eyes glow bright as she responded in an equally choked up tone, "I have never been more ready, Mr Salvatore."

Stefan swallowed the lump in his throat and lowered his head down to tenderly kiss her sweet lips.  He had never felt so happy in his entire life.

Knock. Knock.

Caroline got up to see who was at the door, and couldn't help but scream as she saw her mom standing on the other side. She pulled her into a bone crushing hug, holding her tight against her as she relished in the familiar safety her mom's arms brought her.

"It's good to see you too, sweetheart." Liz chuckled against Caroline's shoulder as she returned her embrace just as fiercely. Her baby was getting married and she felt herself getting choked up with emotion thinking about it. Her precious daughter was about to start a long journey of happiness with the man that loved her completely. She was so happy for her.

"It is good to see you, mom." Caroline returned as she pulled back from their embrace, a bright smile lighting up her face as she practically glowed with happiness.

Liz kissed Caroline on the cheek as she returned her smile. She closed the door behind her as she walked further into the apartment that her daughter shared with Stefan. She saw him standing by the couch and she made her way over to greet him with a kiss on the cheek and a hug, "Hey, Stefan."

"Hey. It's lovely to see you again, Liz." Stefan smiled at Liz as they parted, asking her curiously at the lack of luggage with her, "Are you staying with us?"

Liz shook her head, "No. I booked myself a hotel room for my stay."

Before Stefan could ask the same question Caroline beat him to it as she came to stand beside him, "Why? You know that you are more than welcome to stay here."

"I know that, Caroline." Liz smiled at her daughter before she threw them a cheeky wink, "I just know you need some time just the two of you in the craziness of the upcoming days."

Caroline blushed at the insinuation, covering her face with her hands in embarrassment, "Mom!"

Stefan couldn't help but laugh, throwing his arm around Caroline's shoulders to pull her into his side to hide her flushed face. He was thankful to Liz for being so thoughtful, not that he wouldn't have let her stay with them if she had wished to because he would have, but he was also glad that she hadn't so that he and Caroline could have some time alone together before their honeymoon.

Liz chuckled to herself as she seated herself on the couch. It was very amusing to her that Caroline still got embarrassed if she so much as hinted at anything about sex. It was reassuring to her that despite how older and wiser her daughter became she would always keep that childish part of her. She patted the space beside her as she smiled over at Caroline, "Come sit down and tell me about your wedding."

Caroline beamed with pleasure, embarrassment forgotten, and bounded over to sit beside her mom and eagerly share the details of her wedding.

Stefan smiled at mother and daughter as they happily chatted away to each other. He quietly made his way to the kitchen to make himself, Caroline, and Liz a coffee before he retreated into his study to give them both some time alone.

"I'm gonna miss you." Caroline pouted up at Stefan, her hands wrapped securely around his neck to keep him there, his own hands were holding on tight to her waist, "I don't want you to go."

"I don't want to go either." Stefan gently rest his forehead against hers, looking into her perfectly blue eyes, drinking her in as much as he could before he left her alone for the night, "But it's tradition."

"I don't like it." Caroline huffed. She just wanted to spend her last night as a 'single' woman in the arms of Stefan, but he wanted to follow tradition and not see her until she was walking towards him dressed in white. She was going to miss him so much. They hadn't spent a night apart in... she can't even remember, that's how long ago it was.

Stefan smiled down at his pouting love, lowering his curled lips to press against hers, kissing her lovingly and passionately, making sure that she was completely breathless before he pulled back from her. He trailed his hands up from her waist to tenderly cup her cheeks as he told her, "I am going to miss you like I'm missing a part of myself."

"Then stay." Caroline replied softly, her eyes big and pleading with him to stay with her.

Stefan shook his head with a smile, "I want to stay with you." He caressed his knuckles across the soft skin of her cheek as he told her, "But being away from you will be worth it, because the next time I see you will be when you are walking towards me preparing to become my wife."

Caroline sighed dreamily, her heart fluttering madly in her chest at the image his words had placed in her head. She bit into her lip briefly before she responded, "And the next time that I see you will be when you are about to become my husband."

Stefan knew then that Caroline got what he was saying to her. It's not that he wanted to be away for her, far from it, but this particular night will build the anticipation of seeing her dressed in white. That would make the separation worth it to him.  He brushed his thumb against her cheek as he told her one last time, "I love you, Caroline Forbes."

Caroline grinned up at Stefan as her stomach began fluttering madly with butterflies. That would be the last time that he told her that he loved Caroline Forbes, as of tomorrow she would become Caroline Salvatore.

She stared into his gorgeous green eyes, losing herself in the love shining from them, and repeated his words back to him with a voice filled with awe, "I love you too, Stefan Salvatore."

Their lips met in a tender caress, soft sighs and low moans passing between them as their mouths moved against one another in a passionate exchange of love.

The next kiss they shared would be next to an alter and not under a doorway. That kiss would also be after they were declared husband and wife.

Caroline slowly opened her eyes, her hand already stretching out towards Stefan's pillow, which she frowned when all she felt was cold sheets. She sighed, missing waking beside him so much, before a beautifully wide smile curled her lips up and she whispered to herself in complete awe, "I'm getting married today."

She squealed in excitement, burying her face in Stefan's pillow for a moment before she rolled over to her side of the bed to grab her phone off her end table. She propped herself up on her elbow and quickly scrolled through her contacts before pressing call. She waited with breathless anticipation to hear the sound of his voice.

"Caroline." Stefan's husky voice rumbled out her name, sending a shiver down her spine and a quiver through her being.

"Morning, soon to be husband." Caroline responded full of joy, the excitement she felt making her voice tremble. She couldn't wait to marry Stefan.

The smile was clear in Stefan's voice as he replied with a voice full of happiness, "And what a wonderful morning it is, my beautiful soon to be wife."

Caroline's grin grew even wider if that was even possible, her heart beating madly within her chest, and her stomach fluttered with butterflies of anticipation. How was she supposed to survive the whole day waiting to be joined forever with the man she loved? She was already a mess of excitement and anticipation and she had only just woken up. Seriously, how could she go through the whole day without becoming a neurotic control freak on crack?

"Stop freaking out and relax." Stefan's soothing voice was heard over the phone, immediately calming her racing heart and soothing her panic.

"How did you know?" Caroline asked in awe, still amazed at how Stefan could always calm her down so easily whenever she started to freak out and panic.

"Because I know you, my love." Stefan replied, the smile still in his voice and yet the fierceness of his love was heard just as clearly, "I know everything about you, and I love every single imperfectly perfect thing about you."

Caroline released her breath in a whoosh of air, Stefan having just completely taken her breath away. He loved her so much, and she was so unbelievably lucky to have found him. She could only whisper back to him, as her voice was choked with her emotions, "I love you so much."

"I love you with all my heart, Caroline." Stefan's voice caught with his own emotions, tears sparkling in his eyes as he told her meaningfully, "I can't wait for you to be my wife."

"God..." Caroline choked out a laugh as a tear slipped down her cheek, "You have to stop before I become a crying mess."

Stefan chuckled softly, despite his own heart feeling like it wanted to beat straight out of his chest and go directly to Caroline. He took deep breaths, trying to reign in his own raging emotions before he also became a sobbing mess. He needed to hold it together long enough so that he could fall apart the moment his lips touched Caroline's and they officially became husband and wife. Just several more hours until his dreams came true at last.

"Okay!" Caroline shook herself out of her wild emotional state, taking back control of herself and putting on her face of determination. She took a breath before telling Stefan, "We both need to go so that we can get ready for later today... when we will be getting married."

Stefan's heart skipped a beat at hearing her say that. He sometimes still felt like he was dreaming and that being with Caroline and his absolute happiness couldn't possibly be true. More and more he was able to push that voice aside and accept that he was indeed living in reality. Once his ring slipped over her finger he would never listen to that voice again as the proof would be in front of him everyday for the rest of their lives.

"I love you..." Stefan said as his goodbye.

"I love you too..." Caroline returned, smiling as she added breathlessly before disconnecting, "See you at the end of the aisle."

Caroline screamed into her hands as she was overcome with excitement again. She threw her arms wide above her and yelled happily, "I am getting married today."

Stefan smoothed his hands over his suit as he looked himself over in the mirror. He was wearing a white suit, with no tie and the first few buttons of his shirt undone. His stomach was filled with nervous flutters of excitement as the time drew closer for him to leave the hotel and head towards the wedding location.

"You getting cold feet, brother?" Damon announced his presence with his usual snark.

Before Stefan could respond he heard the tell tale sound of a slap and the amused voice of his best friend, "Shut up, Damon!"

"Ow!" Damon glared over at Lexi and exaggerated rubbing his arm.

"Oh please!" Lexi rolled her eyes, hitting Damon on the arm again as she passed by him, "We both know that didn't even hurt."

Stefan chuckled as he turned around, smiling over at his two best men – well, best man and best woman – he loved them both so much that he found it impossible to decide between the two of them so instead he chose them both. His brother and his best friend. The perfect choice.

"Are you ready to get married, Stef?" Lexi grinned at Stefan, reading the answer all over his face before he even said a word. His happiness was obvious.

"Yeah..." Damon smirked over at his brother as he asked, "Are you ready to attach your balls to her chain?"

Stefan snorted at his brother's choice of wording, and answered them both with amusement coloring his tone, "Yes... to both questions."

Damon laughed as he slapped Stefan's back, smiling at his brother as he lead him out of the room, "Then let's get you wed."

Stefan smiled with contentment as he walked towards his destiny. His heart began to pick up its pace as he started to feel nervous excitement. In a couple of hours he would be married to the love of his life.

Finally.

Caroline had her eyes closed as the final touches were applied to her hair and makeup. Her hair was loosely curled, tied up with a ribbon so that it tumbled over her shoulder. Her makeup was simple, with a light application of eye shadow and mascara, and a coating of red lipstick across her mouth.

Her dress was simple and elegant. It was a chiffon strapless sweetheart a-line wedding dress with a crystal brooch. She looked stunning, as every bride should. Her heart started to race as she gazed at herself in the mirror. She was getting married, and she couldn't be more excited or nervous. She had waited her whole life for this day.

Bonnie's smiling face appeared in the mirror beside Caroline's equally as bright smile. She felt a lump form in her throat at the sight of her best friend. Her eyes were sparkling with tears as she said emotionally, "You look absolutely beautiful, Care."

Caroline let out a giggle, rapidly blinking to prevent the tears from pouring from her eyes. Her lips trembled as she released a shaky breath, "I don't want to ruin my makeup." She spun around to face Bonnie, "But you look so gorgeous."

Bonnie shared a laugh with Caroline, both of them holding on tight to their emotions, not wanting to cry and ruin their makeup just yet. She pulled her into a hug and squeezed her tight, "I'm so happy for you, Caroline."

"I'm so happy that I don't even have the words to express how much." Caroline returned Bonnie's embrace just as fiercely, feeling so much love and happiness that her emotions were overwhelmed.

Bonnie finally released the hug, pulling back to declare tearfully, "We'd better leave soon before we completely ruin our makeup."

Caroline laughed, nodding her head in agreement. She stepped away from Bonnie, turning her head back towards the mirror to check her makeup again. She looked perfect. She released a shaky exhale, her fingers starting to tremble as the anticipation made her feel lightheaded.

Bonnie placed her hand on Caroline's shoulder, smiling as she met her eyes in the mirror, "Are you ready?"

"Yes!" Caroline answered, her smile growing even bigger as she repeated in a stronger voice, "Yes, I'm ready to marry Stefan."

Bonnie's smile grew even wider. She moved over to the table and picked up both of their bouquets. She held out her hand to Caroline, and once her hand was tucked in hers she led her out of her apartment down to the car waiting for them.

Caroline had to laugh as she saw Enzo leaning against the car. She looked over at Bonnie and smirked, "My chauffeur?"

"I'm at your service, gorgeous." Enzo winked at Caroline, before he smirked at her devilishly, "And if you happen to change your mind along the way I make one hell of a getaway driver."

Caroline laughed out loud, shaking her head with amusement at Enzo's completely serious offer. She knew he would do it too, all she had to do was say the word and he would whisk her away. She was grateful for the choice, but she would never need to take him up on that offer. Stefan was the one for her, and she would never regret marrying him.

She smiled over at Enzo, walking over to him and patting him on the chest, "Thanks for the offer but I won't need it."

"Then your chariot awaits, Caroline." Enzo opened the car door for Caroline, smiling at her as she moved past him into the car, "If you are as happy as I am with Bonnie then you are in for a lifetime of happiness."

"I know." Caroline breathed out, her smile rivaling the sun for its brightness.

Once the door of the car was shut Bonnie walked over to her husband and wrapped her arms around his neck. She smiled at him with love and adoration as she told him softly, "I love you."

"As I love you, my beautiful wife." Enzo smiled at Bonnie as he lowered his head to gently press his lips against hers. His heart skipped a beat as it did every time he kissed his beloved.

Bonnie smiled as their lips parted, their eyes meeting in an exchange of love and devotion. She stayed in her husband's tender embrace for a moment longer before she released him to join her best friend in the car.

Enzo took his place in the drivers seat, looking in the mirror to glance at Bonnie and Caroline, smiling at their reflections as he said, "Well then, gorgeous, let's go and get you married."

"Yes! Let's go." Caroline giggled, the flutters of butterflies becoming birds in her stomach with her excitement, especially when Enzo started the car and they began to made their way to the beach where she and Stefan would be getting married.

Stefan was stood on the beach beneath an alter of daisies – Caroline's favorite flowers – waiting for his love to join him. He hadn't been here for very long but it felt like hours to him, as the anticipation of seeing Caroline in her white dress walking towards him made him breathless. God... he was so happy, and nervous, and excited, that he was shaking with the power of it.

"Relax, brother." Damon placed his hand on Stefan's shoulder in reassurance, "She'll be here before you know it."

Stefan took a deep breath to steady himself and attempt to calm himself down when Lexi's next words stole the breath from his chest.

"She already is." Lexi smiled as she spotted Enzo making his way to his seat amongst the assembled guests, "Enzo has just arrived so any minute now Bonnie and Caroline will be coming down the aisle."

Stefan's heart picked up speed, and his hands began to shake. It was almost time, any minute now Caroline would make her way to him and they would pledge themselves to each other. After just under a year of waiting he would finally become Caroline's husband. He couldn't believe that it was finally here.

The piano started playing the notes of John Legend's "All Of Me", signaling that it was time for Bonnie to make her way down the aisle before Caroline followed behind her.

What would I do without your smart mouth?

Drawing me in, and you kicking me out

You've got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down

What's going on in that beautiful mind

I'm on your magical mystery ride

And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright

Stefan turned around so that he was facing the aisle, as did all of their guests, so they could watch the girls on the walk down the sandy aisle. He shared a smile with Bonnie as she made her way down the aisle; she looked beautiful. She took her place to the left of him next to where Caroline would be standing in just a moment. He raised his gaze back to the end of the aisle and he promptly lost the ability to think let alone breathe.

My head's under water

But I'm breathing fine

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

Caroline was an absolute vision in white. She completely took his breath away with how stunningly beautiful she was. Stefan felt tears prick his eyes as the lyrics of the song spoke perfectly to how he felt about her, and how he knew that she felt about him too. It was the perfect song for them.

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning

Even when I lose I'm winning

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh oh

Caroline's arm was threaded through her mom's as they began their walk down the aisle. Her eyes immediately sought out Stefan's, grinning brightly as she read the happiness in his eyes, surely mirroring the joy she was feeling. Her heart started to race as she made her way to him, slow step after agonizingly slow step, wanting nothing more than to rush to him but she restrained herself. She would be beside him soon enough, and after those magic words were spoken she would never be apart from him ever again.

How many times do I have to tell you

Even when you're crying you're beautiful too

The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood

You're my downfall, you're my muse

My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues

I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you

Stefan couldn't take his eyes off of Caroline, anticipating the moment she was in front of him and the ceremony would start. Her every step closer to him was another step closer to the rest of their lives spent together. He could picture it so clearly now: him and her, happy and in love, and eventually they would have a child to expand that love. A little girl that was exactly like Caroline, or a little boy that looked just like him. It was so close he could almost taste it, and he had never wanted anything more than to be the father of Caroline's children. And one day he would be, sometime in the future when the time was right for the both of them, and they were ready to expand their family.

Family... Stefan's smile grew even wider at the thought, his heart beating madly in his chest. In a few moments time Caroline would become his family and he had never been so happy or content at the thought of his family before.

He had never even imagined that his life could be so full of happiness and so utterly perfect. He had spent so long in the dark that it still felt like he was dreaming as he gazed adoringly at the source of all the light in his life.

His bright light in a sea of dark.

My head's under water

But I'm breathing fine

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind

'Cause all of me

Loves all of you

Love your curves and all your edges

All your perfect imperfections

Give your all to me

I'll give my all to you

You're my end and my beginning

Even when I lose I'm winning

'Cause I give you all of me

And you give me all of you, oh oh

Caroline reached the end of the aisle, her smile as bright as the sun as she never took her eyes away from Stefan's shining green orbs. Her heart was racing within her chest, her stomach alive with the butterflies flapping madly in it. She had waited almost a year for this moment and she couldn't believe that it was finally here.

I'm marrying the love of my life. In June. Just like I'd always planned. She had to hold back a giggle at the stray thought.

Liz smiled at the two of them, their gaze was for each other alone and no one else, and it warmed her heart so much to see. They loved each other so much that it brought tears to her eyes. She was so happy for her precious daughter and the man she loved, she knew that they would have a lifetime of happiness together as they completed each other and were perfect for one another. Soulmate was the only word she could think to describe the two of them, the one that fit them both so perfectly, they were each others soulmate, of this she had no doubt. She took hold of Caroline's hand and placed it in Stefan's whose fingers immediately curled around hers and pulled her closer to him so that there was barely any space left between them.

Liz had to dab her eyes as she took her seat, the happiness filling her being was almost overwhelming to her. Her beautiful daughter was about to promise the rest of her life to the man that loved her completely and would do anything to make her happy. As a mother all she wanted was for her daughter to be happy and to see that realized was a wonderful moment for her.

Caroline smiled into Stefan's breathtaking green eyes and whispered to him lovingly, "I love you."

"I love you." Stefan whispered back, staring adoringly into those beautiful blues eyes that he loved so much.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate the love shared between Stefan and Caroline. To witness their sacred union as they choose to share the journey of life with one another." The pastor began, smiling at the obviously very much in love couple holding hands in front of him, who couldn't take their eyes off each other for even a moment. It was a beautiful sight to behold, "Stefan and Caroline have chosen to say their own vows. Stefan?"

Stefan took a shuddering breath, a smile curving his lips at the squeeze of encouragement he felt from Caroline. He tightened his hold on her fingers and in a shaky voice he spoke his heart to no one else but her, "The moment you walked into my office that day I was lost. I was yours the instant that my eyes met yours, I just didn't know it yet." They both shared a giggle at that, remembering how he used to be; standoffish, cold, and a complete and utter ass.

"You came into my life and turned my whole world upside down. I started to fall for you, but I was so scared of my own feelings that I pushed you away, and I almost lost my chance with you." Stefan reached his hand up to cup her cheek, stroking his thumb across her soft skin as he told her, "I’m an idiot. I’m intellectually challenged. Maybe even blind. I couldn’t see that everything that I was looking for was right here. In you." He looked deeply into her shimmering oceans of blue and told her, "I do now, and I can’t imagine doing any of it without you. I get to grow old with my best friend. I get to raise beautiful children with my wife. I get to fight to be the man that you deserve. Until the day that I die. I love you."

Caroline's lips trembled as she sobbed softly, the tears pouring down her cheeks. Stefan said such beautiful things that she felt like she was floating away in the clouds. How was it possible to love someone this much? To give your heart so completely to another person and receive the others heart in return with no fear that either of them would ever break it. That kind of love didn't exist, only it did, she had found it and this wonderful man wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She would never know how she had gotten so lucky but she would spend every single day with Stefan thankful for the gift she had received.

The pastor turned to Caroline and let her know that it was her turn to speak her vows, "Caroline?"

Caroline took a few deep breaths to try to reign in her emotions, but it was of no use, the tears continued to stream down her face unchecked. She gripped tight to Stefan's hand, her tear filled eyes gazing intently into his, her lips trembling as she spoke from the bottom of her heart, "The day I walked into your office I had no idea how much it would change my life. Or how the boss I thought was an ass could turn into the man that I can't live without."

Stefan chuckled, hardly believing that he once used to be so cold and heartbroken. Caroline had made him the man he is today and he had never been more grateful for her love. What would have become of him if she'd never walked into his office that day? He didn't even want to think of it as that horrible version of his future would never ever come to pass. She was here with him and would be for every day of their life together. He felt a sob catch in his throat, his heart throbbing away in his chest, completely in awe of her and so in love with her that it took his breath away. She was his future.

"You wore a mask, hiding the true you away behind layers of pain and hurt." Caroline smiled tearfully at Stefan, holding onto his hands for dear life, her voice shaking as she spoke, "Once I saw behind that mask, little by little, day by day, I started to fall for you. Everyday that I got to know you a little bit more I fell even more in love with you without even realizing it." She laughed, the tears clinging to her lashes as she shook her head. She brought their joined hands up to her chest and with choking voice she continued, "I have never been so happy in my life. Loving you and being loved by you is the greatest feeling in the world. We've had our ups and downs but we've come out stronger. You are my best friend. You are the love of my life. You will be my husband. And one day in the future you will be the father of my children. Until the day that I die I will love you."

Stefan couldn't stop the tears that slipped down his cheeks, his cheeks hurt with how wide he was smiling, and his heart was thumping away madly within in his chest. He was happy, so wonderfully happy that he was sure that he would never come down.

Caroline grinned back at Stefan, her heart beating so fast that she was afraid that it would beat out of her chest. She was so happy that she could barely contain herself, as all she wanted to do was throw herself into Stefan's arms and kiss him like her life depended on it, but they had some rings to exchange and some important words to say before she could do that.

The pastor cleared his throat, having to take a moment after the emotional vows of the couple before him. He smiled at the two of them as he asked, "Do you have the rings?"

Stefan released one of Caroline's hand as he turned around, holding his hand out to ask his brother for the ring.

Damon patted his front pocket and then made an oops face. He made a point of checking again before he started frantically patting his other pockets, holding back a laugh at his brother's glare. He really did laugh when he felt Lexi slap his arm. He winked at his brother as he pulled the ring out of his jacket pocket, "Relax brother, as if I would lose this."

Stefan rolled his eyes at his brother, chuckling at the stunt he just knew Damon would pull. His smile grew wider as the ring was placed in his hand. He took a deep breath before turning back to face his love. He gazed into her sparkling blue eyes as he slid the ring delicately along her finger as he vowed, "With this ring, I thee wed."

Caroline smiled even as she cried, turning to Bonnie for the ring, sharing a look of happiness with her best friend before turning back to Stefan. She gazed at him with pure love as she placed the ring onto his finger, "With this ring, I thee wed."

"By the power vested in me by the State of Louisiana, Orleans Parish," the pastor smiled at Stefan and Caroline and said the words he knew that they were waiting to hear, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

Stefan barely even waited a moment after the words were said before he tugged on Caroline's hands and placed his lips on hers for their first kiss as husband and wife.

Caroline fell into Stefan, smiling into his mouth as her lips moved against his, the weight of her new ring on her finger making her heart race. She was married. She wasn't Caroline Forbes anymore but Caroline Salvatore. Her breath caught at the thought, and tears sprang to her eyes anew. She pulled back to smile at him, the tears reflected in his eyes made her heart sing. She was so happy right at this moment that she could barely breath. Her future looked so bright and full of happiness that she could not picture it without Stefan by her side. Her husband.

Stefan smiled at his beautiful wife, leaning in for another perfect kiss from her soft lips. Now all of his unspoken dreams had come true. He had just married the love of his life. He had stepped out from under his father's control and started a business with his love. He had made up his with his brother and they were a family again. He had more friends than just Lexi. Actual friends that cared about him. He was happy; truly, wonderfully, undeniably happy. And it was all thanks to Caroline being hired as his assistant. He didn't want her, he thought she wouldn't last, but she had proven him wrong. He had never been so happy to be proven wrong in his entire life. He couldn't even imagine his life without her and he didn't want to.

When Stefan and Caroline finally came up for air the pastor announced, "I present to you, Mr and Mrs Salvatore."

Stefan linked his fingers through Caroline's, and with huge blinding grins on their faces they walked down the aisle as husband and wife under a sea of confetti and the cheers of their family and friends.

Stefan had his arms around Caroline, cradling her close to him as they shared dance after dance together. He was reluctant to let her go and he really didn't want to. She was his, and he didn't want to part from her for a moment. He had been waiting so long for this moment so he would savor it with everything he had. He would lock away every moment of today so that in years to come he would be able to recall every moment and relive everything in perfect detail.

Caroline gazed at her gorgeous husband with pure love in her eyes as she danced with him. Today had been perfect. Her wedding had been everything that she had ever dreamed about and she would never forget it. She was surrounded by friends and family as she promised her life to the man of her dreams. She would spend every single moment of her life with Stefan and that was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to her. Who knows how her life would have gone if she had never been offered the executive assistant job? She would have never met Stefan. She wouldn't have spent a year working hard and having the time of her life working towards the job she really wanted. She wouldn't have the friends that she had found in New Orleans. It wasn't just a place she lived anymore, it was her home.

Bonnie, Damon, Enzo, Lexi and Ric were stood at the bar watching the happy couple dance together without a care in the world.

"Little brother is finally happy." Damon smiled as he looked on proudly at the happiness Stefan had found. It had been a long time coming.

"Yes he is." Lexi smiled, sighing at the lovestruck smile on her best friend's face as he gazed at Caroline, "I saw the spark between them the first time I saw the two of them together." And the obvious jealousy that Caroline had felt at the closeness between her and Stefan. She chuckled to herself at the old memory.

"Care deserves love and happiness and I'm so happy that she found it." Bonnie added, smiling at the joy radiating from Caroline's face, "She was so scared and excited when she left home to come here. We both were." She wrapped her arm around Enzo's waist and smiled up at her husband, "And we both found our happiness here."

Enzo smiled down at his wife, dropping a loving kiss in her forehead, "And I am so happy that you came here."

"You are disgustingly happy." Damon mock shivered, "I am the only single one left." He took a gulp of his drink and smirked, "More for me."

Enzo chuckled and rolled his eyes, "Have at it, mate. I'm happy to be tied down to my beautiful wife."

Bonnie stretched up and placed a kiss on Enzo's lips, whispering against him, "I love you."

"And I love you." Enzo returned, smiling as he kissed her softly back.

"That's enough PDA for me." Damon surveyed the dance floor before smirking, "Time to find me a lady." He waved goodbye to his friends and went on the prowl for the lucky lady that would have his attention.

"One day." Lexi declared, eying Damon with amusement as he made his way through the bar, "One day he will find the girl that will make his world turn upside down. One day he will settle down." She grinned cheekily in amusement and laughed, "And on that day I will laugh in his face."

Ric chuckled, pulling Lexi into his side as he smirked down at her, "I'm sure you will. If it ever happens."

"Oh it will." Lexi's eyes sparkled as she hatched a plan, "I'll make sure of it."

Ric shook his head and chuckled, marveling at the devious mind of the woman he loved. He had no doubt that once she set her mind to something she would achieve it. Damon better watch out because his girlfriend was determined to get him attached. Poor bastard, he thought amused.

Stefan carried Caroline over the threshold of their home, his smile blinding it was so wide. He set her down on her feet and moved his hands to cradle her beautiful face, "Welcome home, Mrs Salvatore."

"It's good to be home, Mr Salvatore." Caroline beamed up at Stefan as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Stefan closed his eyes and smiled, still in awe of the fact that Caroline was his wife. Mr and Mrs Salvatore, it would take a long time for that to sink in and to stop feeling like a dream. He wasn't sure it ever would.

Caroline felt butterflies in her stomach as her breath caught. Making love to her husband for the first time will be the most amazing experience. He wasn't her boyfriend anymore, and he wasn't her fiancé either. He was her husband. Her heart raced wildly in her chest at the thought. She felt like it was her first time again as she was so nervous and full of anticipation. She and Stefan had made love countless times and yet she felt like it was their first time all over again.

Stefan ran his hands down her sides to hold onto her hips, smiling at her lovingly as he took a step backwards, never taking his eyes off of hers as he led her towards their bedroom. His heart was racing and his hands were even shaking in anticipation of making love to his wife for the first time. He opened the door to their bedroom and guided her inside.

Caroline was breathless as she gazed at Stefan, sliding her hands down his chest to undo his jacket and letting it drop to the ground. She chewed her lip as she slowly released the buttons from his shirt until it hung open and all she had to do was push it from his shoulders. She placed tender kisses across his chest, letting her hands wander across his back.

Stefan shivered at the feel of her hands and lips tantalizing their way across his body. He wrapped his arms around her back to undo her dress, pulling the material over her hips so that it fell to the floor between them. He pulled back to gaze at her and his breath caught with awe. She was bare except for a pair of white panties that hid her treasure from his hungry eyes. He took hold of her by the waist and lifted her in the air to place her down on the bed. He knelt between her legs and trailed his fingers along her thighs to hook into her panties. He dragged them slowly down her shapely legs before dropping them to the floor.

Caroline sat up on her elbows, watching Stefan through hooded eyes as he gazed at her with lust. Her breath caught as he began kissing his way up her legs, the feel of his lips and the bristles from his stubble making her pussy grow wet with arousal. She spread her legs wider to accommodate him, her mouth opening on a gasp as she felt his breath puff against her lips. At the first swipe of his tongue she threw her head back and moaned, digging her fingers into the covers as she bucked her hips.

Stefan placed his hands on her hips to hold her down as he feasted on her sweetness. He growled deep in his throat as he nibbled on her swollen clit, loving the strangled moans coming from Caroline. He circled her sensitive bud with his tongue a few more times, feeling the way her hips bucked against him spurred him on. He moved down to her slit, humming happily as he lapped leisurely against her folds, drawing out sounds from her that made him shiver with desire.

Caroline clenched her thighs around his head as her pussy trembled with pleasure, Stefan's talented tongue bringing her to the heavens. She wanted to watch him as he loved her with his mouth but her arms no longer had the strength to hold her up and she fell back into the bed. She closed her eyes to lose herself in the sensations he was giving her, bringing her hands down to run through his hair as she shook from the overwhelming pleasure.

Stefan released his hold on her hip so that he could bring his hand between her legs and replace his tongue with his fingers. He slid two fingers inside of her as he moved his way up to her clit, sucking on her bud as he searched for her spot and rubbed his digits against it. The cry of ecstasy she let out made his already hard cock twitch in his pants. Which reminded him, why the hell was he still wearing pants? He would fix that as soon as he made Caroline scream in pleasure.

Caroline arched her back off the bed as Stefan tormented her pussy, his tongue and fingers driving her wild. She could feel the tingles begin at her clit and then moving to her core, her whole body then began to shudder as she screamed out Stefan's name as she came.

Stefan removed his fingers and then replaced them with his tongue, eagerly lapping at her juices, feasting on her until she was a whimpering mess, her body twitching with the last of her orgasm. He smiled against her folds as he gave her one last kiss before pushing himself up by his hand to see the last flushes of pleasure twist his wife's features. It was an exquisite sight, and one that he would gladly gaze upon every day for the rest of their life.

Caroline was still panting as she opened her eyes, Stefan's loving eyes watching over her with desire. It made her stomach tighten with anticipation, feeling arousal rush through her body anew, the passion she felt with him never in danger of fading. She scooted back so that she could sit up on her knees, smiling into Stefan's eyes as she reached for the button on his pants, biting into her lip as she loosened them enough to step out of. She watched breathless as Stefan stepped out of them before coming back to her.

Stefan knelt on the mattress and stalked up the bed until he was covering her with his body. He smiled into her lovely face, lowering his head to place his lips to hers, kissing her softly and then growing more passionate. When he felt Caroline's fingers start to grasp at his back he knew it was time, so he placed one of her legs around his waist and then slid himself into her scorching warmth. They both released a gasp when he was fully buried inside of her.

Stefan slid his arm under her back to cradle her close to him, and with the other he placed beside her head for leverage. He covered her lips again as he began to move in and out of her, groaning at the perfect feel of sliding within her walls. She moved her hips with him and moaned in a deliciously delightful way into his mouth making him shudder with his pleasure. He would never get tired of making love to her, ever. It would be just as wonderful and amazing decades from now as it was right in this moment, as no one else made him feel the way that his Caroline made him feel.

Caroline wrapped her other leg around Stefan, cradling him between both of hers so that she could pull him into her on every thrust. She ran her fingertips down his back, crying out his name as he hit her spot on every glide of his hips. She nuzzled her nose against his cheek, breathing in that masculine scent that was all Stefan that ignited her veins with a raging fire. She could feel herself starting to fly, the throb of desire burning deep in her core just waiting to explode in pleasure.

Stefan panted into her neck as he thrust his hips into hers, feeling the tiny flutters around his cock let him know that she was almost there. He slid his mouth along her cheek to desperately taste her lips, sliding himself into her harder and faster, pounding her pussy until he could feel her channel clench around him and the scream muffled by his mouth as she came apart. He rocked into her frantically, kissing her with urgent desire as he felt his own end approach. He slid in and out, pumping her quivering walls until he shuddered and spilled his seed into her as he came.

Caroline clutched Stefan to her, gasping against his cheek as she felt the shudders run through the both of them. Her heart was racing wildly in her chest, her breath coming in pants as she came down from the high of being joined passionately with the man she loved. She pressed tender kisses along any part of him that she could reach; his cheek, his neck, his shoulder.

Stefan smiled at the loving kisses Caroline placed on him, his pounding heartbeat slowing down at her tender caresses, his whole body vibrating with the passion that was between them. He pulled away just enough to gaze into her breathtaking blue eyes, the smile curving her lips reflecting his own. He nuzzled his nose against hers and whispered lovingly, "I love you, Mrs Salvatore."

Caroline's heart skipped a beat at being called that, the new name feeling amazing coming from his lips. She curled her arms around his neck, smiling up at her husband with loving awe, and she whispered back the words that meant the world to her, "I love you too, Mr Salvatore."

Stefan grinned, lowering his head back down to cover her mouth with his and kiss his wife with love and adoration.

Caroline returned his smile, sighing with happiness as she tasted his kiss again and again.

Who knew that accepting her first job out of college would completely change her life in unexpected and life changing ways? That moving from Mystic Falls to New Orleans would turn out to be the best decision she'd ever made?

Life was a beautifully unpredictable thing, and would prove you wrong all the time.

THE END