Hayley's POV:

My perspiring palms grip onto the handle of my floral bouquet tightly. My parted lips take in a soft breath, as I stand outside of the entrance of the French Quarter. My heart is hammering, pounding hard inside my chest.

Klaus is just outside this door, standing in wait, as he said. And I don't think I've been more ready for such a new chapter in my life than now. I'm swarmed with preparation, and excitement... contentment.

And I note that once I walk through this vast doorway, I will be preparing for our forever. So I wouldn't trade this moment for the world.

Rather suddenly, the light scent of a familiar cologne nears me - seconds before I glance over my shoulder at Elijah. His dark irises lighten when they meet mine, before he sends me a quick once over. I watch him walk over.

Seeing him no longer reminds me of the compulsion he dared to cast on me. It's been a year since then, and I still see him as noble; I could never not forgive Elijah.
And he's here, he showed up.

My lips tug upward.

"Hope you did not think for one second that I would leave you walking without an escort." The noble Mikaelson starts formally, approaching my side. I glimpse down at the arm that's imperceptibly gesturing for my own.

I flick my hazel irises up to his waiting gaze. I fail at suppressing my smile, accepting his offer and wrapping my own arm over his. When I do, I can't help but to think back at when Elijah escorted me into the Cotillion that welcomed me to New Orleans in the first place, nearly two years ago. The night I danced with Klaus...the night I told him I loved him for the very first time. But then, it was a different kind of love.

Now, it's a burning passion, a promising eternity - with him.

"Thank you, Elijah." I whisper, facing ahead at the closed double doors.

In turn, the noble Mikaelson doesn't speak, not yet. Instead, I feel his steady gaze still settle on me when I don't meet his eyes.

"Of course, Mrs. Mikaelson." He says lowly, and I avert my sight onto him next to me. I chuckle, shaking my head.

Just then, the tall grand doors are pulled open. Instinctively, I grasp onto my bouquet with a tighter grip - my other hand squeezing onto Elijah's arm in nervousness. "Sorry." I breathe, hurriedly releasing the grip I claimed on him in realization that I could dishevel his neat suit.

Elijah cracks a smile in forgiveness when I glance over to him, his gaze focusing ahead though. I follow the Mikaelson's gaze.

Ahead of me, in the vast welcoming room, stands...a remarkable sundry of guests; the majority of which being the residents and townspeople of the entire Quarter. And as Elijah and I still stand in place, I scan my nervous irises over the crowd that come to a firm stand.

On the right side of the room, and standing below the grand chandelier that canvases the luminous light upon each of their gallant faces - Rebekah and Damon beam genuine smiles in my direction. I notice Damon peer his gaze onto the blonde Mikaelson by his side, her hand intertwined in his. His piercing light blue irises twinkle under the lights, as he watches his girlfriend in gallantry.

I smile, when she locks onto his longing gaze and she kisses him. I love them together.

My eyes peer over to Stefan and Elena, who are smiling wide, each of their own eyes on me. My lips curve at the sight of them, too. Then onto Camille next to them, who sends a wink after spotting me in my dress, and I briefly send a thankful smile. And when my own eyes land on Kol Mikaelson and Davina Claire, on the other side of Cammie, my smile slightly falters.

Kol's deep dark irises fixate on me, his irises glimmering perceptively. But when I process the two invited guests meeting my gaze, my lips twitch again. Kol seems to release a soft breath that must've been held, before he sends a firm nod - his thin lips quirking up. Beside him, Davina smiles my way, too.

Everyone is watching me. It's quite....unsettling and-

Instantly, my pulse quickens when I face straight ahead. At the alter, his ocean colored irises are already watching me. I suck in a calm breath, just when every anxious weight has been lifted off my chest - butterflies instead taking place and claiming their territory in my stomach. My heart races wildly, as I send the waiting groom a once over in his vestured suit, his hands folded in preparation.

All my passionate emotions are suddenly heightened, becoming inevitable, and escalated more heavily than usual.

I don't take my longing eyes off of him, I can't, not now. Klaus stands watching me intently, across the room. And then, just then when my nerves are calmed and eased, Elijah and I begin in our steps.

The current proximity between Klaus and I feels infinite.

Unfocused on anyone else in the grand room, my heart pounds at the fact of how soon I'm nearing him; and how soon I'd be close to his taller, masculine frame. How can you miss someone so much who's right in front of you?

Klaus seems relaxed - while I catch the sight of his blue green irises glimmer. His eyes are teary, I finally gather. Deliberately, his full lips tug upward.

I love him so much...

Finally, my escort and I approach the alter. When I turn to glance at the noble Mikaelson, his lips fail at taming a grin. And actually, it's as just and genuine as I've ever seen. I release his arm, and he steps aside.

I walk up to plant my two feet before Klaus. Between us, Marcel stands prepared to wed; glancing between either of us with a Bible in his hands. I share a look with Marcel, signaling that I'm ready.

My Maid of Honor walks up to gently take the bouquet from my hands. I glance at the blonde Mikaelson, who's smile never fades when she hands the bouquet to my daughter to occupy her tiny frame. In Elijah's hold now, Hope beams a toothless smile. I chuckle softly, before I face Klaus once again.

Klaus reverts his gaze to me from watching our daughter, too, his charming smile curving to reveal his white teeth - his dimples showcasing. My hand slips in either of his own, as we stand inches apart - his warm contacting skin sending a galvanizing surge through my hands as we wait for Marcel to begin.

---

Good evening, wolfies & vamps! I know it's been a while since my last update, I've been busy with my life outside of Wattpad annnnd working on my other projects on my highly active account.

****If I ever have to make any announcements on anything you guys just keep checking me profile (bio) if you can, for I can't post anything on my message board. Thank you.

In the meantime, if I ever by any reason take time off of this account again, maybe see what I'm up to on my other account? exceptionallyapoet

I want to thank those that have still stuck with me, even throughout the terrible waits. Love you ALL a bunch.

God loves you.
Much love!

xx