"I can be Santa."

"What did you just say?" Gus asks, turning away to cover his mouth when he sneezes again. Gus looks up, noticing how Sheila is winking at him, unseen by Damon.

"Uh.. I said that I could be Santa."

"But I thought that you and your wife needed to leave?"

"Well... it's probably our fault that you got sick. You went out in the bad weather to tow our car. And on top of that, neither Elena and I are really looking forward to spending a miserable holiday with her parents. And I'm pretty certain that Elena would like nothing more than to see the program. Do you think you could put up with us for another day, Sheila?" Damon asks, turning around to eye the woman who has a mischievous grin on her face.

"Need you even ask, Damon? Come, we have to get you home to try on the costume. As sleek as you are, we'll need to stuff it pretty full," Sheila laughs, smirking at Gus.

"My car, how much do I owe you, Gus? I guess I can drive it back to Sheila's house. Do you take a credit card?"

"We're not that backwoods here, Damon," Gus laughs, thumbing through the invoices to pull Damon's bill out. After ringing it up, Damon pays the man. Shaking Gus's hand vigorously, Damon thanks him for everything. Just as Damon and Sheila start to walk outside, Liz walks in, clad in her police uniform.

"Bonnie told me you were here. We have a big problem."

"What is it, Liz?" Gus asks, walking out from behind the counter to stand beside Sheila and Damon.

"Someone broke into the school last night. All the treat bags are gone. I already stopped at the grocery store. They're out of peanuts and candies. Their delivery truck doesn't come again till after Christmas. What are we going to do?"

"Is there a town close by that we could run into another store and buy things? What time is the program?" Damon asks, nervously bouncing from one foot to the other.

"It's scheduled for seven thirty this evening." Glancing at his watch, Damon adds, "It's only nine am. I mean, some brands make the Christmas-themed baggies. Couldn't we get some of those and some candies? Would some of your friends come over to help us, Sheila?"

"I'll send Gracie over," Gus adds.

"We'll have to run by the house and tell Bonnie and Elena what's going on and then you and I will go on a quick road trip for supplies. You with me, Sheila?"

"I am indeed, Damon." Turning to Liz, she continues, "Can you call some of the ladies to meet us at the house around noon?"

"I'm on it," Liz says, hurrying out of Gus's shop. With a plan in order, Damon and Sheila say goodbye to Gus, jump into their cars and hurry back to the boarding house.

As soon as Damon and Sheila arrive at the house, Damon parks the car and runs inside as if the devil himself were chasing him. Seeing only Bonnie, he blurts out, "Where's Elena? I need to find Elena now."

"The last time I saw her she was in the game room."

"Thanks Bonnie." Turning on his heals, he bounds out of the kitchen in a frenzied search for her. With his adrenaline level spiking, Damon nearly runs past the room. Lurching to a stop, he grabs the knob and runs inside. Although his insides are churning, not knowing how Elena will react, he can't help but feel excited about the prospect of staying in this magical town a little bit longer. Not finding her, Damon runs out and into the hall. When his anxiety gets the best of him, Damon blurts out, "Elena, where are you?" Hearing footsteps, he runs back inside, relieved when he finally sees her. She's staring into the aquarium with one of her palms pressed against the glass. When she hears the frantic tone of his voice, she turns around to face him.

"Damon, what is it? What's wrong? Is the car not done?"

"No, nothing like that. There was a robbery and someone stole all the children's gift bags. Sheila and I are going to run over to the next town to get more supplies. And Gus is sick so I'm going to fill in as Santa for the program." Damon is talking so fast, stringing the words together that Elena has to pause a minute to let what he said sink in.

"Wait? What? Slow down, you're talking a mile a minute."

By the time he repeats everything he said, a look of unease and uncertainty wash over her face. Immediately his stomach erupts in butterflies because he doesn't know if this is okay with her. Staring at him for a moment, she turns her attention back to the aquarium, staring at a Blue Damsel fish as it swims in front of the glass. Seconds pass like hours as Damon waits for her to say something, anything.

So we're not leaving?" she asks, her voice tentative.

"I guess I just got so caught up in everything that I didn't think to discuss it with you first. I mean, we can leave if you want..., but then all the children will be disappointed that there's no Santa. But if you want to leave, we'll go. And if we stay, I'll call your parents if you want me to?"

"No, I'll deal with them," Elena starts to say, halting when she sees Sheila standing in the doorway. "Are you ready to go, Damon?"

"Yeah, I was just telling Elena what's going on. Before we go anywhere, Sheila, I need to know if it's alright with my wife."

"Why would anyone steal children's treat bags? It's not like there's any value to them." Elena asks, her eyes darting between Sheila and her husband.

"We don't have much of a crime problem in this town but once in awhile something stupid like this happens." Turning to Damon, she repeats that they need to get going so they can be back by the time the others arrive to help but the bags together again.

"Is this okay with you?" Damon asks, his eyes a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Elena can see how excited he is to help out this little town that time forgot.

"Yes, of course it is. I don't want to disappoint little Johnny anymore than I want to disappoint you. I haven't seen you this excited about anything in ages Damon."

"Thank you," he blurts out, spontaneously cupping the back of her head, he threads his hands into her hair and takes her lips in a hard kiss. A kiss that causes her toes to curl. Letting go with a wet plopping sound, Damon stares into her eyes for a long moment searching for something. When he finds it, a hint of smile begins to grace his beautiful face. "We'll talk later, okay, Elena?"

"Yes, I want that too. But go now, we have much to do," Elena adds, surprising Damon when she plants a quick kiss to his cheek. A look of wonderment washes over him because she too looks so happy in this moment. Taking her hand, he gives it a squeeze when their eyes meet. Nodding, Damon lets go and follows Sheila down the stairs, the two of them jumping back in her car to complete their mission.

Fortunately the stores in the larger town still had lots of Christmas candy filling their shelves. Although they had no luck finding peanuts, Sheila and Damon bought a big parcel of apples. After loading everything in trunk, they hurry back to the boarding house. As soon as Sheila pulls into the driveway, Damon jumps out, barely waiting till she stops the car. Waiting impatiently for her to open the trunk, Damon grabs as many bags as he can to carry into the house. Sheila grabs a few but keeps an arm free, using it to open the door for Damon. Once in the house, Damon goes to the formal dining room that has the big long table. Dropping the bags onto the center of it, the assembled ladies start taking everything out of the bags. Damon can't help but smile at Elena when she grabs the packages of Christmas themed baggies, opens the box and spreads them out so everyone can get busy. Damon runs back to the car to get the last of the candy, shuts the trunk and goes back inside, taking a seat beside Sheila.

"Damon, you already know Rose and Liz. Pointing out each of the ladies and introducing them, Damon tells them how happy he and Elena are to meet them and gives each one by name a profound, heartfelt thanks.

"Sheila, do you mind making a pot of coffee?" the lady named Annabelle asks, not looking up from what she's doing.

"I will indeed," Sheila agrees, walking out of the room towards the kitchen. Liz excuses herself to help Sheila. As soon as they're out of ear shot, Liz whispers, "What are we going to do with the old Santa sacks?"

"Ssshh, we can't let them hear," Sheila mouths, pulling Liz outside for a moment. "Tomorrow we'll donate them to the orphanage in Plattsburg."

"Great idea. We better get back inside before they suspect," Liz remarks, giving Sheila a light hug. After brewing a pot of coffee, Sheila and Liz take a seat and help with the sacks. Even though it's a small town, their are several families with little children. Sheila couldn't be happier that more younger people are moving into the little town. While the group is working, Sheila grabs Damon so he can try on the Santa suit to see if any adjustments need to be made. Shaking his head, Damon takes the suit from her then goes into the bathroom to try it on. When he looks at himself in the mirror, he has to laugh. Never did he dream that he'd get so caught in something like this. After putting on the beard and hat, he steps out, saying, "ho, ho, ho," in as deep a voice as he can.

Elena happens to walk out at just that moment. Unable to stop the smile forming on her face, she walks over to him to adjust his mustache and beard. "I've never seen you look better," she teases. Although there's no cellphone signal, it's a habit that Elena keeps it on her person. Pulling it out of her pocket, she snaps a couple of pictures. "These will make great blackmail material someday."

"You wouldn't," Damon blurts out, his mouth agape.

"Oh I would," she teases, posting it on her facebook page.

"Elena?"

"Stop, you look great. And I'm proud of you." Moved forward by some unknown force, Elena walks over to him, pulls the beard down and presses her lips to his.

Having excused herself to call her parents, Elena tells her father in no uncertain terms that she will not allow them to browbeat and make her feel inferior anymore. If she and Damon are to have any chance of putting their marriage back together and aside from the communication issue, Elena knows that she needs to distance herself from them again. That was the reason she and Kol packed up and moved to Las Vegas in the first place. With a renewed determination, Elena is unwilling to let her parents put a damper on her good mood.

When she rejoins the group, Damon is carrying the boxes of Santa bags outside to Sheila's car. Glancing at the time, she sees it's nearing four in the afternoon already. Since they're finished with their task, the ladies are enjoying coffee and some of Damon's homemade cookies. Knowing that he's an amazing cook, Elena decides to indulge. Her mouth waters when she takes a bite, the flavors of butter and sugar and vanilla erupting on her tongue. Enjoying the tasty goodness so much, Elena barely notices when Damon drops into the chair beside her, reaching for a cookie himself. Swallowing it down with a swallow of coffee, Damon asks what time they need to leave to go to the school.

"We'll need to leave pretty soon actually. Don't you think Bonnie?"

"I think so grams, we need to set up the chair and stuff so the kiddies can take their turns with Santa Damon. Matt is an amateur photographer so he'll be taking the kids pictures when they sit on your lap," Bonnie adds, stealing one more cookie.

"What did I get myself into?" Damon laughs, a bright smile on his face.

"You'll love it and you know it. I can't wait to see how cute little Johnny will be in his suit and tie," Elena adds, looking at Bonnie who nods.

When everyone is finished eating, Damon helps Sheila clean off the table and put the cookies away. Opening the refrigerator door, he sees a huge turkey. Since turkey is one of his favorite things, Damon licks his lips, imagining how good the roast meat will taste.

"As long as you're skipping out on Christmas with your in-laws, you're welcome to spend it with me and Bonnie if you want," Sheila casually mentions, their eyes meeting at the same time.

"Do you mean it, Sheila? I'd hate to intrude."

"Would you stop? Of course, you're not intruding. You and Elena are family now. Both of us have thoroughly enjoyed having the two of you stay with us.

"As far as I'm concerned, it's a big yes but I need to talk it over with her. If we're to have any hope of changing things, we need to learn to communicate with each other."

"You're right. Now go on, we have to get over to the school," Sheila tells him, putting the final coffee cup in the drying rack. Damon finds Bonnie and Elena already in their coats when he walks out of the kitchen. "I just need to get mine," he tells them, running up the stairs. Moments later, he's back, a big giddy grin on his face. The four of them head outside, all jumping into Sheila's car. As soon as they arrive at the school, they all grab a box of goodies to carry inside. Having already arrived, Liz holds the door open for them. Not long after, George and Gus's brother Gabe and several other men and women wander in to help set up the Santa station. Several of men are carrying pine trees. After getting them up, George motions for Damon to follow him, the two of them lift the big chair placing it where Gus directs. Once it's in place, the men rearrange the pine trees to surround it. Next Matt shows up with his camera, setting it up so he can take the kids pictures.

With Matt busy, Damon follows George and Gabe, the three of them bringing in the fake sled and the large empty boxes that are wrapped up to look like presents. Looking around, he gives Elena a genuine smile when their eyes meet. The men finish the Santa area just in time. The next thing they know the children and their parents are pouring in. Since Santa won't come out till later, Damon can watch the program with his wife. When he sees her talking excitedly to the little boy, Damon figures it must be her new friend Johnny. Stepping next to her, Damon introduces himself.

"You must be Johnny. My wife has told me so much about you. I'm Damon."

"Hi Damon." Suddenly a little shy, the little fellow latches onto his mom's leg, ducking behind her. Chuckling, Damon squats down and offers his hand for the little guy to shake. Tentatively he reaches out, taking it. It's very nice to meet you Johnny."

"You too," he says, only now stepping out from behind his mom. Damon starts to open his mouth when Bonnie's voice comes over the microphone, instructing the children to take their places so they can begin. Looking around, Bonnie suddenly has a perplexed look on her face. Their piano player didn't show up. Usually Gus's wife Gracie plays for them. Knowing that Gracie would never not call, Sheila runs onto the stage and whispers in her ear that Gracie is sick too. Whatever Sheila is cooking up has Bonnie readily agreeing.

Running off the stage, she comes straight to Elena, taking her by the hand and pulling her along. Unable to say no, Elena takes her place at the piano and starts playing the first of many songs when Bonnie gives her the go ahead. Taking a seat beside Sheila the two of them watch as the children sing Frosty and Rudolph and many other Christmas songs. Since it's a small town, all of the grades sing together. Damon pulls his phone out of his pocket and moves closer to the stage so he can film Elena playing the piano. When Bonnie nods to Sheila, she gets up and takes her place beside Damon, whispering that it's time. Quickly the two of them leave so Damon can put on the costume. Once it's on, she helps him stuff pillows inside to fatten him up. "Since Gus is a bit rotund, he doesn't need stuffing," Sheila tells him, laughing.

Moments later Bonnie's voice announces the final song so he and Sheila go back upstairs, standing in the doorway. Once the song is done, he'll quickly take his seat in the chair. The treat bags are set up on a couple of tables so after they say hello to Santa, they'll each be given a bag. Suddenly, Damon hears Elena's voice. Looking up, he sees her at the microphone, Bonnie at the piano.

Christmas is the time to say I love you. Share the joys of laughter and good cheer. Christmas is the time to say I love you, and a feeling that will last all through the year.

Elena looks around for Damon and when their eyes meet, she repeats, Christmas is the time to say I love you, ending the song. Wild applause erupts, Damon claps just as vigorously as the rest of the crowd. Feeling a nudge, he hurries over to his seat, waiting for the kids to get in line to say hello. The room is abuzz with laughter and good cheer. Some of the other ladies in the town surprise the adults with cookies and punch to thank everyone who pitched into put this year's program together. One by one the kids sit on Damon's lap. He listens attentively as each child tells Santa what they want for Christmas. When Johnny hops on his lap, he tells Damon that he wants a Tonka truck, a Batman costume and some Legos. Damon can't help but give Elena a wink when he notices her filming the encounter.

After the last child finishes with him, the auditorium begins to empty out. There are only a handful of treat bags remaining. Damon picks one up, unwraps it and pops a piece of chocolate in his mouth. As soon as the coast is clear of children, Damon takes off the costume, folds it up and puts it back in its box for next year. Even though everyone is tired, he and Elena help put everything away. Exhausted by the time they're done, all four crawl into Sheila's car for the drive home. Too tired for anything else tonight, Damon and Elena say goodnight and trudge up the stairs and into their room. As soon as the door is closed, Damon rushes towards her. Placing a hand on either side of her face, Damon takes her mouth in a languid kiss. Her lower belly begins to heat up, burning hot with desire. Falling onto the bed, Damon on top of her, pressing her into the mattress. With their bodies flush, Damon drops his mouth to her neck and to that spot behind her ear, sending her libido skyrocketing. But knowing that they need to have a heart to heart and too tired for that now, Elena whispers his name to get his attention.

"As much as I want to make love to you, Damon. We need to talk first and get our priorities in order. We're both too exhausted to do that tonight. Surprisingly he agrees, dropping another kiss to her lips before rolling off of her. "Can we at least share a hot bath? Standing up, Damon offers her his hand, leading her into the bathroom. Damon grabs the cinnamon roll bath gel, Elena's favorite, pouring a good sized dollop under the now running water. After undressing each other, Damon gets in first, Elena then steps in, situating herself in the cradle between his legs. Damon whispers that he wants their marriage to work. Elena agrees. Taking turns washing each other, they lay back and close their eyes. When the water starts to cool, Damon has to awaken her so they can go to bed. He drops her night gown over her head, lovingly lifting her arms to slide through arm holes. Once she's done, he slips into his own.

"I think that I forgot to mention that Sheila invited us to stay for Christmas. I want to, Elena, but I told her that I would have to ask you."

"I love you so much, Damon. And I'd love to spend Christmas here with you in this truly magical place."

"I love you too, Elena, more than I ever thought was humanly possible. I never stopped." Slowly he closes the distance between them. When their mouths meet, Damon gently cradles her cheeks, tilting her face so he can deepen the kiss. Feeling the heat begin to coil low in his belly, Damon throws everything he has into it. Her lips are moist a luscious. Feeling his hands skimming the waistline of her skirt, fire begins pulsating through her with each beat of her heart. Unable to get enough, he uses his tongue to part her lips to join with hers. When she feels his hands splay against her back, his fingertips pushing under her waistband to cup the curve of her ass, her knees weaken.

"What was that?" she asks, a stunned look on her face. Using her fingertips, she wispily touches her mouth, completely awed by the magnitude of his kiss. Although a shiver of lust rockets through both of them, they push it aside for now. Taking her hand, Damon leads her to the bed, pulling back the covers for her. After tucking her in, he crawls onto his side of the bed. With fatigue weighing heavily, Elena snuggles in against his chest. With so much weight already lifted from their shoulders, it takes only moments for them to fall asleep, wrapped in each others arms.

Waking up the next morning, Elena slowly opens her eyes. Looking around, she can see that it's still dark outside. Feeling Damon's warm body next to her, an unforced smile forms on her face. "What's that face?" Damon asks, startling her because she didn't realize that he was awake.

"I'm happy, Damon. For the first time in a very long time, it feels like maybe we can fix this," Elena admits, using her index finger to motion from her to him.

"I'm happy too, Elena. I'm so sorry for my part in this. If I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have opened the Laughlin location. It was after that when things started to fall apart. Between me being In Laughlin and you being gone on your book tour, we neglected each other, letting our careers take priority over our marriage. "God, Elena, do you have any idea how it felt to find out about England? You told your folks, Elena, and not me. That was a body blow."

"I know, Damon. It was very wrong for me not to say anything," she adds, dropping her chin to her chest for a few moments. "I honestly don't know what I was thinking. Kol urged me to tell you but when I saw you happy and joking with Andie, it hurt. I hadn't seen you like that in a long time.. I guess I just didn't think you'd miss me."

"Sweetheart, nothing could be further from the truth. Everyday that we were apart was torture. But listen to me, if we're going to do this, we both have to give it our all. I love you so much, Elena. I don't want a divorce," Damon stresses emphatically, his eyes brimming with sincerity.

"I know, Damon. I don't want to divorce either. I swear, I only talked to an attorney. It just seemed like we'd reached the end of the road but I swear that I never stopped loving you. I'm going to call my publisher and tell her that if I can't skype my participation in England then the deal is off. I'm not going to leave you again."

"I swear on my life that I've never cheated on you. I wouldn't do that. Yes, I'm a flirty son of a bitch but it kind of comes with the job. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I never slept with her or anyone else again. I know that you were worried about that."

"Damon, I know that you didn't cheat on me," Elena says, raising her palm to cup his cheek. Damon places his hand atop hers, pulling the pad of her thumb to his lips. When she sees an uneasy look wash over his face, she asks him what's wrong.

"Promise that you won't laugh at me." When she shakes her head yes, he continues. "I know this is absolute madness but what if we moved to a town like this one? I could let Brady run the Vegas branch and offer Kol the job of running the Laughlin branch if he'd be willing to move there. You can write from anywhere. When Sheila showed me around town, she pointed out a piece of property adjacent to this place. We could build a house, Elena. I saw an empty building downtown with a for sale sign on it. What if I was to open up a small bar here? The ladies told me that there isn't much entertainment in town for the children. Of course I haven't looked in the building but if it's big enough, maybe we could add a second room with its own entrance, an arcade or bowling alley or something for the kids? Sheila also told me that they're trying to raise money to build a swimming pool here in town. I'd like to donate some money to the fund if it's okay with you."

"Of course, Damon. Between the bars and my books, we have the means to do this. Do you really think you'd be happy in a small town though?"

"You're my home, Elena. I'll be happy as long as you're with me. And I know we haven't talked about children given our problems but wouldn't you rather raise them here?"

Nodding excitedly, she grasps onto Damon's face, pulling his mouth to hers in a heated kiss. Their soft lips slide against each other, molding seamlessly. While their mouths are engaged, Damon pulls her on top of him. Already feeling the flames of desire burn through her veins, Elena breaks the kiss, sitting upright long enough to pull her nightgown over her head. Unable to contain himself because it's been months since he made love to his wife, Damon places his hands on her breasts, squeezing and kneading, finally latching onto her nipple, his tongue lapping and suckling. A needy moan escapes as she leans back, forcing more of her breast into his willing mouth. With one hand tugging at her nipple, Damon nips at the other with his teeth. His cock is straining against the fabric of his pajamas so he rolls her to the side, then raises his hips to shimmy them down his legs. After kicking them off, Damon attacks her willing body. Reaching down to cup her mound, Damon slides a finger inside her pliant center, growling at how hot and wet she is already. Taking her lips again, Damon thrusts his tongue in, tangling it with hers.

With his lips engaged, Damon takes himself in hand, rubbing the tip along her velvety folds, teasing her entrance. Gasping aloud at the lightening like sensation erupting all over her skin, she's already sopping wet and ready for him. "Damon," she whimpers, her nails biting into the flesh of his biceps. On his knees, Damon presses kiss starting at her swan like neck, down the slope of her breast, pausing when he reaches her middle. When his pink tongue pokes out, he runs the tip along the rim of her belly button.

"Yes, so good," she mumbles, her whole body alight with desire. Damon continues in a southerly direction until he reaches the apex of her thighs. With his mouth hot and wet, he works his way down one leg and up the other. When he finally settles between her legs, his warm breath blowing on her folds, Elena cries out, "Damon, please."

"As you wish," he whispers, their eyes joining for moment before he sets himself to the task at hand. Damon presses a hand on either side of her belly to anchor her. When his warm breath grazes her center a split second before his tongue dips in, taking a languorous swipe to folds, she nearly flies off of the mattress. Holding her steady, he laps at her heated flesh, her hips bucking up to meet his mouth with each swipe he takes. His days old growth of stubble alone is doing wickedly wonderful things to her already skyrocketing desire. As Damon continues to work her lady parts, Elena's head thrashes from side to side rendered mute by the things this man can do with his tongue. Taking her to the edge within minutes, she bucks wildly against his face. Helpless to his onslaught, Elena curls a hand into his soft, dark locks, holding on tightly when Damon slides a finger inside, moving it in and out, harder and faster. With his mouth attached to her clit, Damon suckles and nips with the intensity of working for his mother's milk. A surge of bright light and intense heat shoots up Elena spine. Gasping aloud at his exquisite brand of torture, Elena snaps her eyes shut at the same time her body begins to tremble and quake.

"Oh dear Lord, Damon," Elena screams as her orgasm rips through her body. It hits her like a runaway locomotive, slamming into her with enough force to propel her across space and time and everything in between. Elena tightens her thighs, refusing to release Damon as she rides out the most mind blowing, incendiary orgasm of her entire life. Exhausted from the intensity of it, Elena wilts like a wet noodle, her bosom still heaving from exertion. Damon reaches up, pushing a dampened strand of hair behind her ear. Capturing her lips again, Damon deepens the kiss, pushing his tongue inside of her mouth. Taking control, their lips dance and tangle together in an addicting rhythm.

Damon's kiss is so powerful that the fire burning in her belly stokes the flames enough to make her toes curl.

When she nods, Damon pushes himself into her beautiful body, a guttural groan leaving his lips. "Fuck," he hisses at the feeling of being enveloped by her hot wet heat. Still so tight, it feels like her walls are a vise grip squeezing him for all she's worth. Since it's been so long, Elena feels a twinge of pain when her body deliciously stretches, taking him all the way in. Having never had a lover like Damon, Elena is in awe of his prowess each and every time they've connected like this. Wanting Elena on top, Damon hangs on tight and flips them. Smirking, Elena places her hands on the tight muscles of his chest while he grips onto her hips. At first their pace is slow and rhythmic, both savoring the sensations.

"I wish I could spend forever like this, just you and me," Damon moans, nearly hypnotized by the sight of his dick moving in and out of her. Damon squeezes her hips even tighter, pulling her down even harder onto his length.

"You feel so good," Elena breathes, her breasts bouncing above him. Needing to release, Damon starts to thrust upward matching each down thrust of hers. Chasing another release herself and already tiring, Elena starts to ride him even faster. Letting go of one of her hips, Damon starts to tease her clit. He knows he's hit paydirt when her breaths start to sound ragged.

"Please, Damon," Elena whines, the coil in her belly starting to burn and tighten. With his eyes glued to hers, Damon urges fervently, "Come, Elena. Come on, come baby." Feeling his own release nearing, Damon flips them again. With his hips snapping against her skin, Damon aims for that special spot inside of her. Moments later, after one final well aimed thrust, Damon feels the tremors begin to wrack her body, her walls pulsing rhythmically around his cock. Damon is in awe because he can literally feel the force of her orgasm against his length, milking him dry. Needing his own release, Damon slams inside of her once more, immediately falling into the abyss with her, the force of his own orgasm literally knocking the wind out of him. Feeling his heart jackhammer against his chest, Damon struggles to suck in a breath when he drops, slamming into the earth at breakneck speed.

"God that has to be bad for the heart," Damon mumbles incoherently.

"It's called little death for a reason," Elena adds, her own voice breathy.

When she can see straight, she presses several kisses to his chest. "I love you, Damon," Elena whispers, her eyes dropping closed from fatigue. Worn out himself, Damon repeats the heartfelt words, the love he feels for her bursting through his body. After dropping a kiss to her hair, Damon closes his eyes, falling back to sleep to the sound of snow hitting the sliding glass doors.

When Damon feels himself start to become coherent, he rolls over, burying his face in the pillow. Not wanting to open his eyes yet, Damon finally succumbs to the need to pee. Although groggy yet and stuck in the place between dreams and daylight, he finally sits up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Glancing at the clock, his eyes widen when he sees that it's already ten o'clock. Looking over his shoulder, he deflates when he sees that she isn't here. Just as he starts to stand, his head swings to his left when he hears the door creek. Stepping inside with a big smile on her face, Elena leaps at him, knocking him onto the bed with her on top of him.

"Well, good morning to you too," he laughs, stealing a kiss from her lips. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Yep," Elena replies, popping the P.

"I guess I need to get a move on then."

"Sheila is going into town to get a few last minutes things for the turkey dinner. She wants us to go into the woods behind her house and pick a Christmas tree for the main parlor. Bonnie said that every year they put the artificial ones up in the guest rooms and the game room. Bonnie mentioned that her grams likes to have a real one for their family Christmas festivities and that decorating the tree is one of their Christmas Eve traditions."

"And a good one it is. I'll get dressed and meet you downstairs." When Elena starts to move, he wraps her in his arms and presses their lips together in an ardent kiss. Gasping when he lets go, Elena smiles widely and it's only then that he lets her go.

"Now get dressed, Damon."

Standing up, Damon wiggles his still naked backside at her before disappearing into the bathroom. Rolling her eyes, she makes the bed before going back downstairs for another cup of coffee.

Brushing off shaving yet again, Damon dresses quickly. Trotting down the stairs to the kitchen, Bonnie and Elena are already wearing their parkas.

"It took you long enough," Elena mumbles, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Can I at least have a cup of coffee?"

"If you must," Bonnie adds, taking a seat at the table. Damon grabs a mug out of the cupboard. Pouring himself a cup, he sets it down. When he starts to sit, Elena hands him a sweet roll and a fork. Savoring the taste of the thick and gooey caramel, Damon polishes off the roll and his cup of coffee in short order. After washing his hands, he slips on Willie's parka, hat and mittens. Right now the snow is coming down gently but Bonnie tells them that they're under another winter storm warning. Bonnie hands him a saw and then the three of them trudge around the house and into the woods. They walk maybe a mile in when Elena sees the perfect tree. It's beautiful shaped and is about seven foot tall. "This is it. I never did this before. It's so much fun," Elena squeals.

"I agree, that's the one," Bonnie agrees.

"Okay ladies." Using the saw, he painstakingly cuts it down. Damon drags the tree with Bonnie and Elena walking on either side of him. As soon as they get back to the house, Sheila is waiting for them with some of her special hot chocolate. Finding the stand, Damon adjusts the tree repeatedly till the ladies agree that it's just right. After which, Bonnie and Elena bring boxes of ornaments into the room. Together the four of them decorate the parlor tree. The fireplace is lit making for a cozy afternoon and evening. Deciding to let Elena and Bonnie finish the Christmas tree, Damon helps Sheila get everything ready for tomorrow's Christmas dinner. She makes homemade pies and candy while Damon makes his delicious stuffing and homemade bread. Once they finish, Bonnie pulls out a two thousand piece puzzle of The Last Supper. Never one to turn down a jigsaw puzzle, the four of them dive in, enjoying each other's company. When Damon hears the wind kick up, he looks outside, the snow is really whipping around now. "If this keeps up, we'll be stuck here a few more days, Sheila."

"You're welcome to stay as long as you want."

"About that piece of property you showed me, who's the owner? It's a big decision but both of us have decided that we'd kind of like to live here."

"Oh my gosh, this is fabulous news," Bonnie yelps, jumping up to pull Elena first and then Damon into a hug. He does not miss the knowing smile that Sheila flashes at Bonnie.

"The owner is me, Damon. I would gladly sell you that parcel of land if you want to build."

"Really, you would do that for us?"

"Of course. I've grown very fond of you two."

"Same," Damon adds, wrapping Sheila in a hug. "We'll have to go home to make moving arrangements and everything. We'll need to meet with a builder about a home. They won't be able to break ground till spring. Do you know anything about that empty building downtown?"

"Yes, Damon. Gus and his brother Gabe own it. They inherited it from their dad when he died. Back when the town was still bustling, it was an implement dealership. But what did you have in mind?"

"A little pub and maybe a place for the kids to hang out."

"I'll go with you to talk to Gus after Christmas. But right now it's time to watch 'It's a Wonderful Life'."

"It's also a holiday tradition," Bonnie chimes in, pulling the DVD out of the rack. Sliding it into the player, she grabs the remote and takes a seat, snuggling in next to her grams. Dropping onto the love seat beside, Elena, Damon picks up the fleecy throw. After wrapping his arms around Elena, he covers their legs. When Damon presses a kiss to her forehead, she looks up at him with a beaming smile before turning her eyes to the TV. Not long after the movie starts, Elena can hear his soft snores. Wispily brushing a few strands of hair off of his forehead, Elena smiles at how precious he looks when he's completely relaxed. Rather than wake him, she settles in to watch the rest of the movie with Bonnie and Sheila. For the first time in a very long time, she feels happy, knowing that she and Damon are somehow going to make things work.

"Merry Christmas!" Bonnie and Sheila greet Damon and Elena when they walk it the kitchen that morning. Sheila has freshly made cinnamon rolls and a fresh pot of coffee ready. Just as Damon and Elena take a seat, Matt trudges in carrying a bundle of wood for the fireplace.

"Merry Christmas," Matt greets them, setting the bundle down. After taking off his coat, he takes the seat next to Bonnie, dropping a quick kiss to her lips. When Damon gives her hand a squeeze under the table, Elena looks at him. His whole demeanor has changed. It's almost as if the weight of the world has been lifted and he looks truly happy. She hasn't seen him looking so light and refreshed since their honeymoon.

"Here you go," Damon says, handing her a Mai Tai in a coconut mug. Taking a sip, she marvels at how good it is. Damon plops onto the sand beside her once he straightens out his beach towel. Picking up his own, he takes a sip, licking his lips because it is tasty.

"You like these fruity drinks don't you?"

"I do indeed," Elena agrees, settling back on the beach chair. Her floppy hat blowing with the light breeze. After much discussion, they decided on a Hawaiian honeymoon. They're in Kauai at Tunnels beach. It's said to be one of the best snorkel spots on Kauai when the ocean is calm. The beach is long and surrounded by beautiful scenery, adding to the magic of the place. "We should go scuba diving tomorrow and we also need to get some souvenirs for Caroline, Kol and Brady."

"We do. We also have the luau tonight. When it's done, we're going to go for a romantic walk on the beach. And then, my love, I'm going to throw you over my shoulder, carry you back to our room and proceed to ravage you," Damon tells her with a sultry waggle of his eyebrows. Feeling a shiver of lust surge, landing right in her core, Elena crosses her legs then leans over till their mouths are nearly touching. "Give it your best shot," Elena whispers. In the next millisecond, Damon seizes her lips in a mind-altering, knee weakening, kiss full of need and want and the promise of forever.

Elena's reverie is broken when she hears Sheila's voice and the clapping of hands. "Everyone to the parlor, it's time to open presents." Motioning with her hands, Sheila signals for everyone to heed her words. "But Sheila, shouldn't this be private? Elena and I haven't been able to go shopping to get anything for you all."

"Nonsense, it's Christmas. Now come on," she tells them, unwilling to take no for answer. Shrugging his shoulders, Damon takes Elena's hand and follows the woman into the parlor. Bonnie and Matt are sitting on the floor so Damon and Elena sit back down on the love seat. Although this family has come to mean so much to them in the days since they arrived, they both feel a little out of place. Suddenly Damon thinks of something. Leaning into Elena's ear, he whispers conspiratorially and then using the pretense of needing to use the bathroom, Damon hurries up to their room. Pulling his checkbook out, he writes a check to Sheila, writing swim pool fund on the memo line then heads back downstairs to join the group again. Stepping back into the parlor, he sees Elena tearing up.

"Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing is wrong. These are happy tears you big oaf," she burbles, reaching for his hand. Lacing their fingers together, Damon sits back down. "Why are you crying then?"

Shoving an envelope into his hand, "Look at this," she says, pressing a kiss to his cheek. When he opens it, Damon mouth drops wide open before a beaming smile forms on his face. "Is this what I think it is?"

"It's the deed to the land. Of course, I'm not giving it to you but I will give you a good deal on the property if you're serious about moving here."

"We're serious alright, aren't we, baby?"

"Absolutely, thank you so much Sheila." Both Damon and Elena get up then each takes a turn giving Sheila a big hug.

"I'm so excited to have you as a neighbor, Elena. You can help out at the school, there's loads for you to do here," Bonnie gushes, embracing Elena and then Damon. Reaching into his pocket, Damon pulls out his check and hands it to their hosts.

"What's this?" Sheila asks, her eyes wide.

"It's a check for the swimming pool fund. And if it's not enough, I'll host a fundraiser at my Vegas bar. We'll have to go back for a little while to see about selling out house and making all the arrangements," Damon adds.

"Thank you so much," she says, finally raising her eyes to meet Damon's. When he gives her a nod, she turns to her granddaughter. "Bonnie, look," Sheila squeals, actually squeals which causes heartfelt laughter to fill the room. The rest of the day is spent doing puzzles and watching holiday movies and grazing on all of the delicious Christmas dinner and desserts. When both Elena and Damon start to yawn, they tell everyone goodnight and then excuse themselves to go upstairs to their bedroom. After sharing a shower where Damon once more takes her to new heights, he dries her off when she steps out. Sliding his boxers on, Damon leaves Elena to comb out her hair. When she walks out, Damon is standing by the sliding glass doors, staring outside. Walking over to him, she wraps her arms around his waist and turns her head to see what he's staring at.

"I love this little town, Elena if only because it brought you back to me. I love you so very much," Damon whispers, dropping a kiss to the crown of her head.

"And I love you, Damon." Standing on her tiptoes, she presses a kiss to his cheek and then buries herself against his beautifully chiseled chest. With his arms encircling her, Damon and Elena watch as the snow flitters down from the heavens, the freshly fallen snow twinkling like diamonds. Damon has no idea how they ended up here but somehow he knows that a little bit of magic played a part.

We're NOT done just yet.

Thank you so much, Eva. Love you very, very much.

A huge thanks to all of you as well. The reviews really mean so much.

Chapter title: 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' by Mariah Carey.

'Nothing Left to Fear' is now complete. 'Turn the Page' has a good amount left yet.

Another 8000 plus words. I hope you like the long ones. Please remember to click the review button.

Be safe and have a wonderful day. And thank you all again for your support. It really means so much.