Paul sighed heavily as Stephanie's father stared him down. They had only been here ten minutes and he'd been speaking with Linda until Vince finally made an appearance. He sat across from him as he kept his eyes on him.

"Daddy, this is Paul." Stephanie said as she gripped his hand.

Vince nodded at his daughter but kept his eyes on Paul's. "I know I ran a check."

"Listen sir I understand that you believe Stephanie is too good for me and I agree with you. But not because of your bank account or hers. Because of her heart. The way she forgives and loves is so amazing. I admire her sir and I'm with you, sometimes I don't know what she sees in me. But she believes in me. She loves me and I do love her. I promise you sir if you will allow it or even if you won't I want to be with her forever." Paul took a deep breath releasing it as his hands shook.

Vince sized him up. He was in Paul's place once. But if Paul really loved his daughter it wouldn't matter what he said.
"No, not happening." He said firmly standing up. "I know everything about you. I know every detail from your police record right down to your net worth which is atrocious. I don't even know how you live do you even have 50 cents in your pocket?"
"You don't understand sir. I have to be with her." Paul replied. "I am-" he took a deep breath looking Vince right in the eye. "I'm begging you."
"Vince please-" Linda spoke up.
Vince held up his hand effectively stopping her. "I meant what I said. No." He fixed his tie as he straightened himself out.
"Daddy." Stephanie whispered taking his hand. "Let me be happy, I love him."
"Get out of my house." Vince said to Paul as he turned and walked away.
Paul dropped his head as he reached into his coat pocket pulling out a small box. Linda watched as tears filled her eyes.
"I don't want to ruin your Christmas so I'm going to go, but I want you to have this." He said softly as he handed Stephanie the box.
She sniffled as her hands shook and she opened it. She gasped as she looked at the deep purple broche. Paul helped her put it on as he lifted his thumb and wiped her tears.
"I'll be back home, waiting for you." He said softly.
Stephanie nodded as she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him against her.
"I love you." She said in a sob.
"Please don't cry." He said feeling himself choke up.
Vince stormed back in as he heard their exchange he approached Paul punching him across the jaw. Paul grabbed his chin as he stumbled backwards into the door.
"Dad!" Stephanie screamed as she stepped in between her father and Paul.
Shane grabbed Vince as he pushed him out of the room. He shook his head at his sister not knowing what the hell to do in this situation. Paul sighed heavily as he looked back at Stephanie and rubbed his jaw.
"Don't cry, please." He said softly as he held her head under her ears. "Merry Christmas." He whispered kissing her gently. "It was nice meeting you all, merry Christmas." Paul said as he waved to the rest of her family and turned to leave.
"Wait." Stephanie said as she walked up to him. "You'll freeze."
Paul swallowed hard as she grabbed the bottom of his coat and zipped it for him. She ran her hands over the lapels as she wrapped her arms around his neck hugging him. Paul ran his thumb over her chin as they pulled apart. Stephanie gently touched his reddened jaw as he he winced. He moved her hand away kissing her palm gently.
"Bye." He whispered.
He walked as fast as he could to his car. He was shaking from his anger but he couldn't let Stephanie see how angry her father made him. He punched the roof of his car as he opened the door and got in.
Stephanie watched as he took a couple tries then finally got his car started as he drove off. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned seeing her brother looking at her solemnly. She shrugged him off as she walked past everyone to the staircase.
"Honey wait!" Linda called after her.
"Let her go mom." Shane said stopping her.
Stephanie walked to her fathers office where she saw him looking out the window holding a glass of whiskey.
"Paul takes care of me dad. He makes me laugh he shows me new things he listens to me. Things you never did so well. Ill never forgive you if he leaves me. Ill hate you, and don't fucking touch him again."

Stephanie felt herself shivering as took out the apartment key Paul had given her. She quietly made her way inside as she stripped down to her shirt and underwear. She climbed in bed next to him as she licked her dry lips. This was so far from perfect but so amazing. She hated her father right now. All she wanted was Paul. She knew he was hurting from what happened even if he wouldn't admit it. She gently lifted her hand brushing his hair away from his face. She felt him breathing deeply as he slept soundly next to her his arm flung over his head. Suddenly she wanted to feel him. She didn't know what she was waiting for. She turned her head to the side looking at his handsome face as he slept. He hadn't shaved in a couple days and she found it so sexy. She bit her lip as she carefully traced her hand down his cheek. He moved his face closer to her hand and she smiled as she leaned in kissing him. She tasted his kiss and felt so fulfilled. He was it for her and as that realization sunk in it rocked her to the core, but it didn't scare her it left her needing more.
She ran her hand up his forearm to his bicep and down his bare chest. He moaned slightly as she stared at him her heart racing.
He opened his eyes as she pressed her pelvis against his and pressed her lips to his throat. She felt his hand run down her abdomen as he ran his hand in the waistband of her sweatpants. She pulled his arm so that he would lay over her. He smiled as he complied. She smiled up at him pushing his hair aside. This was it. He was the one.
"What are you doing here crazy girl?" He asked with a sleepy smile.
She just smiled as she leaned in kissing him. She closed her eyes feeling his lips move down and begin to kiss her throat. He lightly bit her neck as he leaned on his elbow moving his mouth down her neck as he ran his hand back down her abdomen with the other. He shoved her tank top up to her chest as he traced his finger tips up and down her smooth skin. She held the back of his head as he moved his hand to her back unhooking her bra. She pushed herself up as he pushed her shirt over her head along with her bra. She felt his chest press against hers as she trembled. He moved his mouth to hers as he captured her lips. Her mind was reeling as he kissed her slowly and sweetly. He ran his hand up to her chest as he held her breast running his thumb over her nipple. She gasped as she felt him move his mouth down to her other breast taking her nipple between his lips teasing it.
She bucked her hips up rubbing herself against his hardness as she pushed her pants down kicking them off along with her underwear. She ran her hand down touching him through his sweatpants. She pushed them down and he lifted his head as he kissed her again.
"We need to stop Steph." He said softly.
"I don't want to stop." She said shaking her head as she held his cheek in her hand.
He raised his eyebrows as he looked down at her. He licked his lips as he locked eyes with her silently asking for permission. He took a deep breath as he slid his pants and boxers off laying naked with her for the first time.
Suddenly he felt butterflies in his chest as he laid back over her.
He moved his hand between her thighs gently touching her and finding her ready for him already. She timidly spread her legs apart as he positioned himself between them. He felt her breaths coming in harsh pants against his lips as he leaned close to her she was trembling and her palms were sweaty on his shoulders.
"Relax baby." He soothed as he pushed some her dampened hair out of her face.
He was so lucky to have her. He didn't deserve her, but how could he ever deny her? If she wanted him he was all hers and tonight he was so hers.
She nodded her head as she looked up at him. He smiled as he leaned down and kissed her he positioned himself as he gently pushed inside her slowly. He felt her jump as she dug her fingers into his back. Her breathing was frantic as she pushed her forehead against his shoulder. He groaned trying to control himself.
"Are you okay?" He bit out as he felt her surround him, she felt perfect.
He felt her nod against his shoulder as she calmed her breathing. He slowly pulled out and pushed back in as she got used to him.
He pressed his forehead against hers as he clenched his teeth feeling her walls completely cover him. She had no idea how good she felt and he kissed her cheek as he move his lips to her ear.
"You feel so good baby." He said sweetly as he kissed her temple.
Stephanie smiled as she wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to her. He pressed right against her as he placed his arms on either side of her head. He felt her move her hips to meet his and he began pumping a little faster.
"Paul- oh god." She moaned as she moved her head to the side.
She felt him gently kiss her neck as he moved inside her so gently she wasn't sure how he was able to do it. She closed her eyes hearing him groaning into her ear. It was the most wonderful thing shed ever heard. She began to shake and tremble as she felt herself begin to orgasm. She squeezed her eyes shut as her whole body began to tremble and shake. Suddenly she felt a hot rush go through her body as she gripped his back.
"Paul-I- oh my god." She moaned.
Paul stiffened as she came and he kissed her hard as he pushed her into the bed moving harder as she bit her lip wanting him to be able to finish. She held him tightly as he scooped his hand under her ass pulling her into him as he moved deeper inside her. She bit her lip tensing as he got deeper and deeper. It felt so good but she was Beginning to feel sore. She winced as he pushed into her hard one last time releasing as he moaned her name into her ear. She came with him shuddering as she pushed her forehead into his shoulder holding him close to her.
He laid on her nearly crushing her before he regained his breath and gently pulled out of her. She smiled as tears brimmed her eyes and she let them fall as she watched him try to catch his breath fully before turning to her. He ran his thumb over her cheek as he frowned.
"Was I too rough? God Steph I'm sorry-"
"No it was great I'm just-" she shook her head not wanting to sound stupid.
Stephanie let her tears cascade down her cheeks as she reached up and pulled him down on her. He smiled as he pulled back slightly kissing her. He felt in his heart that this was the beginning of something truly amazing and he didn't want to lose it. He couldn't lose her. But he couldn't say those three words. Words she so deserved to hear and he'd heard from her so many times before tonight. His heart began to race as he realized how serious this was all becoming. They were getting too close. He swallowed hard as he felt her snuggle up to him. He couldn't face this not right now.
Shit, he was terrified.

"Stephanie dinner is ready." Shane said as he poked his head in his little sisters room.
He had dropped her off with Paul last night but his father made him go back for her this morning. He wanted to leave her alone but his father was more than convincing.
"I'm not hungry." She said as she rolled over in bed, away from his view.
"You're always hungry Steph." He said with a laugh as he walked in the room shutting the door behind him.
Stephanie sighed and rolled her eyes as he sat on the bed next to her. She didn't need his speech about how everything was going to be okay and shed get over it. Cause it wasn't and she wouldn't.
"This isn't just some crush huh? I mean you really love this guy." He commented running his hand over her back.
"Shane, I- I mean we- well you know- last night I- look I wouldn't do that if it wasn't love." She said as she felt a pang in her chest.
Shane sighed heavily. "Wow. This is serious." He said almost to himself.
She nodded her head against her pillow as she felt more tears come to her eyes.
"I tried to call him like 5 times, he won't answer." She said tears rolling down her cheeks.
"Give him some time Steph, he's probably just hurt." Shane reasoned.
"Shane, I should have stayed with him. Why didn't I? God I'm so stupid."
"He wouldn't have let you Steph. He wouldn't make you choose. Not every guy is like dad." Shane ran his fingers through her hair. "I'll bring you a plate. Just relax hell get back to you."
Stephanie nodded her head as he left but she didn't believe him. Paul was clearly hurt but maybe it was her that hurt him not her dad. She buried her head in the pillow as a fresh batch of tears came on. She had to get out of here and see him.

Paul stared out his window at the city as he sat in the window sill his leg hanging out the window. He took another swig of the whiskey coughing as he choked it down. He knew Stephanie tried to call but he couldn't answer. She'd hear the sadness in his voice and he couldn't ruin her time at home with her family like that. He looked over at the empty tree stand. He was going to buy a tree for her but she had talked him out of it saying they could just enjoy her parents tree.
She was so hopeful that he'd be accepted that he foolishly lost his common sense and actually shared in her excitement and hope. That he'd be sitting by the fire in her family's mansion laughing and telling stories.
He shook his head. Stories about what? How his mother abandoned him? How he lost his college scholarship because of an injury and now he's a janitor? Or how his beat friend died? Or how his dad is an alcoholic because of his failure?
Somehow he didn't think that that would be a cheery Christmas tale. And suddenly it hit him. He wasn't good enough for her. She did deserve better. Better then this shit hole apartment. Better than riding in his shot box car. And better than him. As much as he loved her, he knew if he really loved her he'd let her go. He should have never been selfish enough to fall in love with her in the first place.
Because of him she was sitting in her room crying. He ruined her Christmas. Guilt took over as his chest burned. His father was right he was poison even to his own self. Now he'd have to suffer the pain of losing her. He reached over shutting his phone off as he pulled himself back in the window. He threw the bottle against the wall screaming as it smashed. Suddenly he felt like the little boy who lost his mother. He sat on his bed and cried.

Stephanie walked up the staircase shivering as the cold went right through her. She banged hard on Paul's apartment door. When he didn't answer she continued to pound on it. She jumped back as it finally swung open.
"Stephanie? What the hell you sound like the damn cops!" He said looking around the hall.
"Why are you ignoring me? You shut your phone off!?"
Paul brought his hand to his face rubbing the bridge of his nose. He could see the tears in her eyes as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"You're drunk?" She muttered.
He shook his head. "No, I was drinking. But I stopped myself."
Stephanie saw the smashed bottle on his floor. "Look I know technically it's not Christmas anymore but I never got a chance to give you your present."
"Come in." Paul said with a small smile as he moved aside.
"Thanks." Stephanie said as she walked in and sat on his bed.
Paul sat next to her as he licked his lips nervously rubbing his hands on his jeans.
"Here." She said softly as she handed a box to him.
He smiled at her as he opened it. It was a gold watch. He looked it over as he smiled over at her.
"Flip it over." She said as he turned the watch over.
'Come what may.'
Paul smiled getting choked up as her hand slid into his. He sighed knowing that the right thing to do would to be to give the gift back and tell her he wasn't good enough for her, but with her hand in his he felt like superman like he could conquer the world. He needed her.
"Paul, this will be hard and I know that, but I love you. What you said to my father well maybe it didn't matter to him but it matters to me."
Paul looked over at her and swallowed hard as he timidly ran his fingers through her hair. She leaned into his touch as she felt his warmth take over her.
"Come what may Paul, I'm not going anywhere."
Paul leaned over as he gently pressed her into the bed. Her breath caught as she felt his finger undo the buttons on her coat. She closed her eyes moving her head to the side as he pressed his lips to her throat. She felt him push her coat open as he ran his hand inside of it. He stood up pulling her with him as he took her coat off slowly. He laid it on the chair behind him as he slowly lifted her shirt over her head. Stephanie felt like her head was going to explode. He made her feel so alive. She trembled as he unbuttoned her pants pushing them to the floor. She sat down as he took each shoe off of her foot and stripped her until she was in her underwear. She sat back down on the bed as he slowly removed his own clothing standing before only in his underwear. She bit her lip pulling herself up to the top of his bed.
He kneeled on the bed inching towards her. She impatiently wrapped her arms around him as she pulled him down to her mouth. He kissed her slowly as his tongue rolled with hers over and over.
"I'm sorry about my father." She said gently caressing his cheek.
Paul sighed as he rolled on his side facing her. She felt his hand run over her abdomen. He moved closer to her a he pressed his lips behind her ear.
She really loved him, just loved him. He pulled her hard against him shaking as he held her tight. He felt a tear roll down his face and before he knew it dripped onto her chin.
"Are you ok baby?" She asked softly running her hand over his cheek.
Paul held her tightly as he kissed her cheek down to her chin. She smiled feeling him trembling still. She gently pulled away from him as she pulled the blankets over them. She laid down and pulled him on her. He covered her with half his body as he laid in the silence.
Stephanie ran her hand over his head feeling him relax against her. She stared at the ceiling feeling his hand come up and run circles over her stomach.
"Paul if you could have one thing for Christmas, like one wish come true or something what would it be?" She asked.
"Well." Paul stated as he thought of her question. "I guess it would be to find my mom, but I'm scared to. What about you?" He asked as he looked up at her.
"You, this perfect or imperfect." She replied as he smiled and leaned up kissing her.
"Stay." He whispered as he collected her in his arms.
"Of course ill stay." She said back as she felt him sit up and look into her eyes.
"No I don't mean it like that, I mean like- stay with me always." He asked as he held her chin in his hand leaning in to kiss her.
"I will." She whispered as his lips gently moved with hers. She could spend the rest of her life like this and that would be perfectly fine. But she knew that wasn't realistic and she knew her father it was time to prepare for the worst. She just hoped Paul wouldn't give up on them cause they could have forever if he could just hang on.