The Only Hope For Me Is You: A Klaroline Fanfiction

Epilogue 3

The Mikaelson house was never known to be a quiet one, not with two sixteen year olds and an energetic four year old running around at any given time, but on nights where Klaus' siblings and their families came over for dinner, it was utter pandemonium, including the prep work beforehand. Which is why Caroline had not only her husband but her oldest children helping out as well, at least until the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Henry announced quickly before heading towards the door.

"Why are they always early when we host but on time or late at everyone else's?" Caroline asked, directing the question to her husband who just shrugged but before he could say anything, Lexi spoke up.

"It's probably Lee, Henry told him to come over before everyone else." The words were barely out of Lexi's mouth before Henry reappeared in the doorway, one of his best friends Lee standing next to him.

Caroline smiled at the new arrival before saying, "Lee, I'm starting to think we might as well get you a key so you can just let yourself in. It might save on the wear and tear of our doorbell."

"My mom has said almost the same thing about Henry." Lee replied before he returned the wave that Charlotte gave him from her spot at the counter where she was coloring. "Thanks for letting me come over this weekend; I know that tonight is family dinner night and all."

"Not a problem mate," Klaus stated, knowing that the boys' parents had been called out of town unexpectedly and didn't feel comfortable leaving Lee on his own when he asked not to go with them. "Besides once everyone shows up, you'll just become part of the masses and adding one more mouth to feed doesn't make much of a difference.

"Mom, do you need more help or is it alright if I go? I want to show Lee something before everyone gets here." Henry asked.

"Go on, I think we have everything handled down here." Caroline told him, laughing when Henry rushed towards her, kissing her on the cheek in thanks before returning to where his friend was waiting and disappearing out of the room. She watched her daughter for a moment, before adding. "You can go too Lex, your dad and I will finish up."

"Are you sure Mom?" Lexi inquired though her parents could tell that she really didn't want to stick around.

"Sweetheart, have you ever known your mom to send help away when she needed it?" Klaus asked, earning him a smack with the end of the dishtowel Caroline was holding.

"Yes sweetie go on, your dad will take up any slack left when you go." She declared earning a rolling of his eyes from Klaus.

"Why don't you take your sister with you?" Klaus suggested but Caroline shook her head.

"Charlie's fine let her finish her picture before Rebekah and Stefan arrive and she's off running around the house with Zach. Right, pumpkin?"

"Yes mama." Charlie replied, not taking her eyes away from her paper, her little face screwed up in concentration reminding Caroline very much of her father when he was working on a new piece in his studio. Not needing any more encouragement, Lexi followed out the same door her brother had disappeared through a short time ago and Caroline couldn't help the smile on her face as she did.

Klaus noticed the mischievous grin on his wife's face as she watched Lexi leave the kitchen. He had no problem recognizing the look on her face; he had seen it many times both on her face as well as their children's. "What are you up to love?"

However instead of answering, she merely looked at him, her face appearing innocent though her eyes told him a different story. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play innocent with me." Klaus commented. "Your smile says something that is quite the opposite of innocent."

However Caroline just shrugged, "Can't I just smile because I'm happy? After all, everything is ready to go before our house is invaded by our family, that's cause for a celebration most times."