Our Future

chapter 18

One week later
Elena's POV
    For the past week I haven't been able to stop smiling. Stefan had planned our honeymoon in Italy.  Of course he wanted it to be a surprise, and I didn't find out until we got to the airport. It was absolutely one of the best weeks of my life, but I had to admit that I couldn't wait to go home and see Lexi. Stefan and I have missed her like crazy, but hearing her small fragile voice over the phone certainly did help. I pulled my myself out of my thoughts as soon as we got to the house. We loved our family, but we had taken a cab since we wanted to spend the day with Lexi, and since Damon and Bonnie would be home we thought all five us could just spend the day together. I felt a gentle squeeze against my hand, and I turned to see my perfect husband smile at me.

Stefan:"You ready?"

Elena:"Absolutely."

He chuckled and gave me a short kiss before we both got out of the car. We headed straight for the door and went inside. As soon as we walked in a very excited little Lexi sped over to us as fast as she could. She reached the steps but forgot to stop, and she almost tripped. Luckily Stefan rushed over to her and scooped her up in his arms. He played it off with a laugh so that she wasn't scared, and luckily he was close enough to Lexi that he only had to take a couple steps to reach her before she fell because we had agreed that until Lexi was old enough to understand the supernatural world we would keep all supernatural powers and such, hidden. Lexi giggled in Stefan's arms as he brought her closer to me.

Lexi:"Daddy. Mommy!!!!"

She squirmed happily as we both tickled her and kissed her cheeks.

Stefan's POV
    I watch my wife in awe as she tickles our daughter. My eyes focus on Lexi's small nose. I notice how it scrunches up slightly like Elena's when she laughs. After Lexi's laughs have calmed down a bit I place her in Elena's arms, so I can go over and greet Bonnie and Damon who stand behind us, and they both embrace me in a hug.

Bonnie:"How was your trip?"

Stefan:"It was great."

Elena:"Yes it was."

She said as she walked up from behind us. She ran her hand across my back, and I took Lexi from her one arm so that she could hug Bonnie and Damon.

Damon:"I mean it was Italy how could it not be amazing."

He said looking down at Bonnie with a loving look in his eyes. It was nice to see how far my brother had come, and it was nice to see that he had his anchor. He had Bonnie. Luckily Bonnie hadn't noticed the way Damon was looking at her because I knew what he was thinking, but I think it's to soon for him to tell her, and my brother had never been the best at controlling his emotions. Elena stepped back from their hugs and wrapped her arm around my waist whilst placing her hand against Lexi's small stomach and ran her thumb back and forth across it. We all soon retire to the couch, and just enjoy the day together. After a while Lexi falls asleep, and Damon, Bonnie Elena and I are left talking. Lexi's head lays against my chest, and her legs are spread across my lap just touching Elena's right leg. I somewhat tighten my grip to pick her up and scoop my left arm under her legs.

Stefan:"I'm going to take her upstairs."

I tell Elena and place a delicate kiss against her lips.

Elena:"Okay."

She replies with a smile forming on her lips.

Damon:"I'll help you."

I chuckled and shook my head at his obvious attempt to talk to me alone. The girls continued to talk as Damon and I walked up the stairs to Lexi's room. When we get to Lexi's room I place one hand under her head and the other—aling with my arm—holds her small body whilst I carefully lay her down in the bed. By the time I turn back around I see Damon had made his way over to the rocking chair we set up in the corner—not to far from her bed. I sit on the edge of the bed and move s couple strands of Lexi hair out her face and behind her ear. I look over at Damon, and I finally break the silence.

Stefan:"So what did you want to talk about?"

He gives me a look of fake confusion, and I look back at him with raised eyebrows and a tilted head.

Damon:"Okay fine."

He gives in, and in a more than cheery tone.

Damon:"This past week has been amazing, and I know it sounds like I'm getting all girly and soft, but I can't help how much I love Bonnie."

I smiled and chuckled slightly.

Damon:"What? Why are you laughing at me?"

He said whilst somewhat laughing himself.

Stefan:"It's nothing. I'm just glad that you're happy."

Damon:"I am, and I know this sounds crazy, but I can feel it. I never want to let her go."

Stefan:"That's love. It'll take your mind and heart to places you could never imagine, and sometimes, if we're lucky, it turns into so much more."

I look away whilst telling I'm the last part and gently run my index finger across Lexi's cheek. After a little while we head back downstairs and find the girls had moved to the kitchen.

Elena:"Is she down?"

Stefan:"Yup. Sleeping like an angel."

She giggles as I place a kiss on the top of her head and stand behind her whilst running my hands up and down her arms. We look over and see Damon kissing Bonnie's cheek whilst she laughs softly. We all sit, laugh, and catch up. A while into our conversation I found myself  thinking back at how things used to be, and how they have changed so much. We didn't have to deal with evil vampires or crazy doppelgängers. We could be happy, and that's all that mattered.

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    I hope you guys liked it. I known it's been a while, and I don't want to make excuses, but finals are going to kick my behind😂🤦. I love you guys and what to thank those who still are reading the story.
     Love,
        Cami💛💛