Stefan held Olivia up so she could put the star on top of the Christmas tree. He couldn't remember the last time he had a child do such a thing, decorating his tree was something that he got used to doing alone, but now he has Bonnie and their little girl. This Christmas was going to be special and he personally couldn't wait.

He could picture the excitement of Olivia seeing her presents under the tree then tearing the wrapping paper off each one. He may have gone a little overboard with the amount of gifts he got her, but he knows this won't be the last time he does such a thing.

"What do you think, Liv?"

"I love it!"

He smiled, "Me too. Mommy should be back any minute."

He lifted her from the ground then took her over to the couch swinging her legs over his as her head rested on his chest. Olivia looked up at him with her infamous sleepy, wide, brown eyes and he kissed her forehead pulling away to see that those eyes of hers have closed.


She was only supposed to be buying things for the Christmas dinner, but she had to get Stefan a gift. Buying for Olivia was a breeze, but she had a hard time choosing the perfect gift for Stefan. He told her that all that he wanted was to spend Christmas with herself and Olivia, but she doesn't want him to have no presents under the tree. He's giving her a bike, the least she could do is buy him something.

"Hey, Bonnie,"

Her eyes widened. "Oh. Vince,"

"Listen. I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me and I truly regret it. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

She ghostly smiled. "I forgive you."

He let out a breath then hesitated. "Is it okay if I hug you?"

She chuckled, "Sure,"

They stepped a half a step meeting in an embrace. "You won't tell Stefan, would you?"

"Uh, no, no I won't tell."

"Thank you," he pulled away. "I have to go, but I guess I'll see you for Christmas?"

"Yeah, sure."

She watched him walk away leaving her standing there conflicted.


Bonnie walked in heading straight for the living room then stopped to smile at the two taking a nap on the couch. She quickly pulled out her phone to take a picture of the two then walked over to them just as Stefan was opening his eyes.

"Hey, babe."

They kissed. "Hey," they kissed again. "Sorry I took so long."

"It's fine, did you get everything?"

"Yep. I'm so nervous to be making Christmas dinner, it's like the dinner of all dinners."

He chuckled. "You'll do great, and I'll help out if you want me to."

"Thanks,"

He stands and Bonnie follows him to put Olivia in her bed then they head to his room and lay together. Stefan moves in closer bringing an arm around her before kissing her over a few times. "I love you." He told her against her lips then they kissed some more.

"I want you to brace yourself for a second."

"Why?"

"I took a pregnancy test earlier."

He blinked. "O-oh,"

"I'm not pregnant, thankfully. I can't imagine how things would be if I was."

"I would be there for you, you know that though, right?"

She smiled. "Yeah. I do. That's why I don't want anymore kids unless you help me make them."

They smiled and chuckled a little. "You really mean that?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, Salvatore, but I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. You're stuck with me till the end."

"That's the way I want it to be."

They kissed some more. "How many children do you want, babe?"

"As many as you're willing to give me. I want a big family."

"Me too. The one good thing I can remember about being in foster care was that I made some friends and I used to pretend they were my family. I wouldn't tell them though, I didn't want them to think I was a freak or something."

He looked into her eyes before letting out a breath through his nose. "I know that what I'm about to say is more than likely years in the future, but. Maybe we can adopt? Maybe get us a little girl or boy, just to brighten a life?"

"I'd love that."

"Yeah?"

She nodded. "Yeah, I think that's great." He smiled causing her to smile back before their lips met. "Can I ask you something that maybe personal?" She moved her hand to his hair.

"Sure,"

"Uh, why didn't you and Amber have kids?"

"We didn't want to rush things, you know. We were still young and we wanted to travel and didn't really want children yet to hold us back in a way, you know?"

"Makes sense."

He chuckled. "But now, especially being around Olivia, I don't really want to wait. Life is short, it has so many twists and turns, you never know what can happen."

"We're not even gonna be married for a year before I get pregnant, are we?"

He chuckled. "Probably not."

She smiled then moved a little closer before closing her eyes. Stefan kissed her head longingly before holding her close to his body.

"I love you too." She breathed.

(+)

They held each other in a group hug as Stefan got ready to leave for his night shift. After their naps, they went for a walk together and bought Olivia a toy dog she wanted before coming back home to make dinner. They laughed and talked nonstop before he had to get ready.

Bonnie and Olivia dealt with the cleanup as he got dressed and now they gathered together by the door in an embrace.

"God, please allow Stefan to be safe tonight on his shift, allow him to fulfill his job to the best of his ability–"

"And catch all the bad guys!" Olivia added.

"Yes, and catch all the bad guys." Bonnie giggled. "And in Your name we pray. Amen."

"Amen."

Stefan looked up and kissed her before bending his knees to kiss Olivia then hug her for a few extra seconds. "I love you so much,"

"I love you too."

He smiled then kissed her again before straightening his legs to look at Bonnie. "I love you so much, baby."

"I love you so much, too."

He let out a breath before they kissed then hugged. He slowly let her go before making his way out the door as they said their final goodbyes.

"Can I sleep with you tonight, mommy?"

"Of course, I was just about to ask if I could sleep with you tonight."

She giggled a little then Bonnie lifted her in her arms walking them back into the room.


Bonnie watched her little girl sleep soundly smoothing her hair back with her hand. She wished that she was able to jump into her dreams because she personally couldn't dream herself. Not tonight, not while he's gone.

She always hated the night shift because she saw it to be the most dangerous and the last thing she wanted was for him to get hurt in any way. She needed him to be safe because she doesn't know what she'll do without him at this point.

Not wanting to think negatively, she got up and decided to draw. She had a project due next week and figured that she get a start on it or else she'll procrastinate all week long.


Staring up at the ceiling, Bonnie sat up quickly hearing the door open then close. She stayed in bed until she was certain that it was Stefan then got up to greet him in the kitchen.

"Hey," she spoke shyly.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Babe, what are you doing up?"

They met in the middle then kissed. "I couldn't sleep."

He frowned then moved his arms around her lightly making her smile. "I'm sorry,"

She shrugged. "Its not your fault... Actually it kind of is."

He chuckled then shook his head.

She smiled moving her arms around his neck then smiled even more feeling his hand travel down to her favorite spot. He leaned down meeting their lips causing her hands to tighten around his neck. Her legs were soon off the ground and around his waist. She gasped when her back met the wall then met their lips again.

"Ugh. Bonnie, Bonnie, Bonnie," he pulled away.

She smiled then kissed him once. "I'm sorry for being so hot."

"So, so hot."

She laughed then kissed him slowly. "Okay, I'm done."

"I don't want you to be,"

She chuckled then kissed him again returning her feet to the ground.

"I love you."

"I love you too,"

He grabbed her hand leading her back to their room.

(+)

She covered her mouth with her hand stopping her laughter from sounding too loudly. Stefan smiled continuing on whispering his story about the drunk he caught last night and let's just say that it was a night that would go down in the books.

They've been up for about thirty minutes with Olivia rested beside Stefan.

"...babe, seriously piss everywhere and I'm just standing there like 'dude, what the f—?' Now I've been drunk before but never like that."

She let out the rest of her laughter. "I don't believe that,"

"Hon, I can't make this up."

"No, I believe the story, but I don't believe that you've been drunk before. You just don't seem like type."

"When we get married you may see me enjoy one too many."

She smiled. "Are you saying that I'll turn you into a temporary alcoholic?"

"Alcoholic, no. Insane? Yes." He laughed as she hit his arm. "I'm just kidding, ba—"

"Liar."

He stopped his laugh. "Is my baby mad at me?" He moved in to kiss her cheek. "I love you."

"Yeah, whatever."

He chuckled. "Oh man, I think I need a drink."

"Ha. Ha."

"Come here, give me a kiss. I would do it myself but I don't want to wake little bear."

She couldn't stop her smile then moved on top of him to kiss him for a few seconds. "I guess I love you too."

He shook his head then lifted his neck to kiss her again. "Oh, baby, you're gonna drive me insane. I'm not sure if there's a good side to that." He kissed her again.

She smiled then rested her head on his chest. "I'm sure you'll annoy me from time to time."

"Well, yeah, that's a given."

She smiled up at him then rested her head back down as he played with her hair a little. Olivia woke up about a minute later and a bright smile came to her face. Stefan grabbed her pulling her close to kiss her chubby cheeks.

"Good morning, sleepyhead."

"Good morning." She rubbed her eyes.

"I missed you so much." He kissed her cheek again.

"Did you catch any bad guys?"

He smiled. "No, luckily there was no bad guys last night." He laughed seeing the disappointed look on her face. "How about I make you some chocolate chip pancakes?"

"Okay!"

He smiled then moved to get up but looking down, he realized that Bonnie drifted off somewhere along the conversation. "Can you wait a little while mommy sleeps?"

She nodded and he thanked her telling her that she could turn the TV on if she wanted to which she did. Stefan wrapped his arms around Bonnie getting a little more comfortable.

(+)

Bonnie held up the mistletoe making him smile before kissing her. It was Christmas Eve and taking a little break from prepping the meal for tomorrow, she thought she take advantage of the mistletoe. This was about her tenth time using this glorious...decoration just to press her lips against his. Stefan had no complaints at all but thought he'd have a little fun.

"I thought standing under the mistletoe was supposed to be accidental."

"Says who?"

"Santa,"

She watched him through narrowed eyes then laughed. "Are you saying you don't like my kisses?" She asked once she sobered up.

He quickly moved to crawl above her forcing her to lay back a little. "That's the complete opposite of how I feel."

Her body stiffened as he kissed her and as he pulled away, she felt frozen but yet completely hot in the same way. She stared into his eyes then pulled on his neck bringing him down meeting their lips again. She forced her legs to not go around his waist.

"Did you get my bike?" She needed to get her mind somewhere else though they kept kissing.

"Of course," he answered after a while, still kissing her.

"What color is it?"

"You'll just have to wait, babe." He kissed her once. "I got you something else too,"

"Really?"

He nodded. "I think you're gonna like it, I hope you are."

"I will because you gave it to me, it's all that matters."

He smiled then moved beside her. Bonnie moved to her side to face him. They shared a calming kiss then two more after that. "I love you so much."

"I love you more."

"Yeah?"

She nodded then smiled a little.

"Our girl's been quiet,"

"You know how she gets when she plays with her animals."

"Speaking of, I was thinking about getting her a puppy. She'll have someone her size to play with."

"I approve, but we need to talk to Jacob first."

He nodded. "Yeah, I mean it's not like I bought the dog yet, I was just thinking. I don't want her to feel lonely and I guess us doing this doesn't help much, huh?"

Bonnie chuckled. "No, I guess not. You'll just have to keep your hands off me, Salvatore, until New Years." She got up.

He followed. "I didn't say that, and even if I did, I would totally fail."

"Oh would you?"

He nodded, "Definitely." She chuckled closing her eyes as their lips met slowly. "I'm gonna go check on our girl." He kissed her then turned to walk away.

Bonnie sighed blissfully loving how he would always refer to Olivia as 'their girl'. It made her realize that Stefan was truly in this for the long run and she hasn't felt this comfortable with anything in a really long time.

She smiled hearing her little laugh and Stefan's follow.

(+)

Olivia tore through another box then screamed holding up her American Girl Doll. Stefan and Bonnie laughed at her excitement, glad that she likes it. So far it seemed like she loved every gift she got and they could say the same about themselves.

Like she wanted, Bonnie got her bike. It was teal with white wheels and tan handle bars looking as if it came straight from a movie. Her helmet was all black, and she laughed when he got her knee, shoulder, and elbow pads along with gloves.

Stefan honestly got what he wanted, his girls with him, happy and excited together on his favorite holiday was one of the best gifts he's gotten. That didn't stop Bonnie from getting him something though.

He was honestly surprised when she handed him a perfectly wrapped box then let out a breath, smiling coming face with a framed picture of the three of them.

"I hired a photographer to take some photos when we went for a walk so they're all candid. I figured you could put it—"

"I'll put it on my desk at work. Thank you so much, baby, I love it." She smiled and they kissed before he looked at the photo again.

Looking at himself, he doesn't remember a time when he's been happy like this before and it's all thanks to his girls. They were all happy and that's the way that it should be.

(+)

The dinging and donging of the doorbell made her shake in her ankle socks because the Salvatore's have arrived. Not only would it be awkward with Vince around, she had to deal with Lily as well. Stefan took her by the waist holding Olivia in his other hand leading them to the door. She put on the best smile that she could at a moment like this as Stefan opened the door then she no longer had for force it when Olivia wished them a Merry Christmas. It was the first time she's seen Lily smile.

"Merry Christmas, Olivia." Bill smiled and took her from Stefan. "Aren't you just a cutie in your Santa hat."

Bonnie smiled watching as he ignored everyone and just walked inside to the living room.

"Come inside, mom, it's cold," Stefan told her then she stepped in. "Where's Damon and Vince?"

"I'm sure they'll show up later when dinner's about to be served.

Stefan chuckled the followed after her to the living room. Bonnie felt relieved that she wouldn't have to deal with seeing him all day and allowed herself to relax a little as she took a seat beside Stefan.

"Are you my grandpa?"

Bill laughed. "I guess you can say that."

"That means I have two grandpas. My other one is at home."

The adults smiled. "I love your dress, Olivia."

"Thank you, mommy helped me pick it out."

Bill's attention finally moved away from the little girl. "How are you doing, Bonnie?"

"I'm doing good, thank you. And you?"

"Great, great, can't complain."

"That's good, and how are you, Lily?"

"Oh, I'm just fine."

"Hey, mom, can we uh talk for a second?"

Stefan stood and led her into the other room.

"What is it, son?"

"I need you to get on board."

Her eyes narrowed. "On board?"

"With Bonnie, with us and our relationship. I love her, mom, I really, really love her and I'm going to ask her to marry me."

"What?"

"Tonight, in front of the tree." He pulled out the ring box and opened it showing her that he was serious. "Just use this day to really get to know her, to like her because I know you will if you really try. Please, mom. Please try for me."

She sighed. "Okay. Okay, I'll try."

He stepped up to her and kissed her head. "Thank you, you'll love her, I promise."


Bonnie scratched the back of her neck feeling Lily's eyes on her for about the fifth time since Stefan talked to her. She hopes that he didn't make things worse, at this point she'd rather be ignored than stared down like she's prey.

Mr. Salvatore left about thirty minutes ago to buy Olivia some more gifts after she rattled off what she wanted then everyone knew that Olivia had him wrapped around his finger.

"Bonnie, would you like any help?"

She smiled. "Uh, yeah, sure." She discreetly smiled over at Stefan causing him to smile back then leave the two alone.

"I can mash the potatoes."

"Thank you, it always takes me awhile to get them perfect, I think I need to go to the gym more. Or more like start going to the gym period."

"You know, I do hot yoga on the weekends, maybe you can come sometime."

"Yeah, I would love to. I've always wanted to try hot yoga, I just wasn't sure if it was for me."

"I thought that too, but now it's the only exercise I do."

Bonnie nodded then let out a breath knowing that she would probably regret this. "Can I ask why you don't really like me?"

"It's not that I don't like you," she let out a breath, "it's just that I don't know you and I judged you based on what Stefan told me. I know I shouldn't judge, but that's easier said than done."

Bonnie chuckled. "I hear ya. I mean if you have any questions or anything, you can ask me. I know that I'm not exactly the type that a mother wants their son to bring home, but I have changed and I have gotten better."

Lily nodded. "That's good to know."

They shared a smile. "Well this is nice," Stefan walked in with a smile on his face himself. "Girls getting along."

"And also new hot yoga buddies." Bonnie added.

"That sounds like fun," he moved an arm around her.

"I'll be back, I need to use the restroom."

Stefan turned her head as soon as his mother left the room and kissed his girl. "It's so hard to not kiss you when you look so...beautiful in this dress." He kissed her again.

She smiled moving her arms around him. "It's not easy for me either. You look really handsome dressed up."

His arms wrapped around her. "Oh, baby, you should've seen all those gifts my dad walked through with in here. Olivia will be one spoiled girl."

She smiled. "He seems to really want a grandchild, I bet he would take her if we asked."

"Oh, there's no doubt about it." He moved his hand to her stomach, "When we have our baby, that's when the major trouble comes,"

They smiled at each other then kissed pulling away just as Lily walked inside. She opened her mouth but closed it when the doorbell rang. "That must be Damon and Vince."

Bonnie swallowed.

"I'll go get it." Stefan kissed her before moving to the door. He smiled coming face with his brother and friend then hugged they. "Hey, brother,"

"Hey, Stef, how's everything?"

"Great, come inside."

Damon walks through as Stefan is greeting Vince and is greeted by his mother and they talk for a few before he and Bonnie hug.

"Where's dad?"

"Playing with Olivia upstairs." She answered.

He nodded. "Is dinner ready?"

"Oh, Damon. Go wash your hands."

Stefan shook his head. "I'll go get the love birds."

Bonnie chuckled then followed Lily to the kitchen to help place the dishes on the table. She decorated the table itself earlier just to make it look more festive and so all they had to do was carry the food the short amount of distance to the table.

"First, I want to thank you all for coming, I hope that you enjoy the food and if not just be nice." Stefan chuckled. "But most importantly, I want to thank you guys for this experience. I grew up in foster care, I never really had a family so I would spend most holidays alone...until now, so thank you truly."

Stefan stood beside her to kiss her head then prayed thanking God for the food and Bonnie and his mom for making the it. Shortly, the food was getting asked for and passed around until plates were full with their desired portions. Bonnie relaxed when people complimented her food and mentally gave herself a pat on the back.

"How did you learn to cook, Bonnie?" Bill wanted to know.

"I'm not sure, I've just always been able to. Maybe it's in my blood, my mom dad were probably good cooks."

"So you don't know your parents at all?" Lily asked in a hushed tone. "Aren't you a little curious to—"

"Mom," Stefan cut in.

"It's fine, I told her that if she has questions, she could ask me, so, uh, no. I have no idea who they are other than my mom. She was seventeen when she had me and her name is Jessica. Stefan found that out for me, actually."

"I can't imagine how that must feel being somewhat in the dark,"

"After Stefan told me all that about my mom, I actually found closure. She was only seventeen, she had to be freaking out, no one gets pregnant that young on purpose. I was twenty when I had Liv and I was terrified. I like to believe that she dropped me off there because she wanted a better life for me and a family who truly wanted a kid. I just wish I would've known that before. My anger and frustration led me down the path I took."

There was a silence at the table, everyone thinking about the paths that they're going down themselves and what's the cause.

Afterwards, the conversation shifted to brighter things. Olivia was the main cause of that.

Stefan was getting very anxious about the proposal, with plates clearing, he knew that the moment when he gets down on one knee is nearing. He was also excited, he couldn't wait for Bonnie to be his wife and he's glad that he knows that she'll agree. He's been bringing up topics about marriage and kids for the past week just to see her reaction. If she would've seemed uncomfortable, then he wouldn't be proposing tonight, but she seemed very comfortable about the idea of marrying him and having children with him that the more he thought about it, the more relaxed he became.

The men took care of the cleanup since the women cooked then they all gathered in the living room sitting on the couches by the tree.

Lily looked over at her son and smiled a little seeing him in thought. She guesses he's wondering how he's going to get her to fall for his trap, so she decided to intervene.

"Bonnie, we actually got you a present, it's under the tree." Bill looked over at his wife because her present wasn't under the tree, he had it sitting beside him.

Stefan looked over at his mom, and when she nodded, he took the hint.

"Oh, thank you." She smiled then stood. "I don't see any—"

"Bonnie," she turned then gasped seeing Stefan down on one knee before her. "I know that we haven't been dating that long, but sometimes you just know, and I know that you're meant to be my wife. I can't picture my future without you in it, without Olivia in it. With you, I know that I'll have the future I've always treasured. I love you so much, Bonnie. Will you marry me?"

"Yes."

A tear fell from her cheek as he slid the ring down her finger. He lifted her in his arms causing her to smile and their lips met in a sweet kiss. She held him tight and close and he held her back. Lily was taking photos with her phone throughout it all and looking through them, she realized their love, their bond. She saw her son happy and madly in love and that's truly all that she has ever wanted.

Olivia joined in on the hug very excited for them and they stayed in their own little world for awhile until Bill said his congratulations. Others followed then Damon thought that this was the perfect time for dessert.

Bonnie stared at her ring admiring it for a few seconds then kissed him again as a thanks. "I love you so much."

"I love you more." He held her close.

Bonnie let out a breath of pure happiness.

(+)

After the successful proposal, Bonnie couldn't seem to stay away from her fiancé and he couldn't stay away either. He somewhat regrets proposing to her with everyone here because all he wants to do is just kiss her, but he doesn't want to do it in front of everyone.

Bonnie's views were a little different, she wouldn't kiss him on the lips, but his temples and cheeks when she would sit on his lap. They would steal quick kisses while everyone's head was turned, but nothing major.

"I'll be back," Bonnie whispered in his ear.

"Don't take long."

She smiled. "I won't." They kissed before she got up from his lap and walked off to the bathroom to freshen up.

"When are you and mommy getting married?" Olivia climbed on his lap.

He smiled. "I don't know, but hopefully very soon. You get to be our flower girl, and you can start calling me 'dad' or 'daddy' again like I've always wanted. We'll be a family and snuggle all the time," he tickled her a little causing her to giggle.

"Can we go to the park tomorrow?"

"Okay, but you have to wear your big coat and gloves because it's really cold outside."

"Are you gonna leave with him?" Olivia pointed in Vince's direction.

He narrowed his eyes. "No, baby, why would you say that?"

"Because mommy left with him the last time."

"What?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Hey, Livie, come here I want to show you a magic trick."

"Okay!" She hopped off his lap and ran over to her grandpa.

Stefan sat back in thought, hoping that what he was thinking wasn't true. When Bonnie told him the story she told him that she left Olivia at the park with a woman named Crystal and got in a truck that could be Vince's garbage truck and he remembers her saying that she's always wanted to ride on one so maybe he used that as bait for her to go with him.

His hands clutched in fists then stood up walking over to his friend. "Hey, Vince, how's uh Crystal doing?"

"I haven't talked to her really in a while, but I'm assuming she's good."

He nodded then folded his arms across his chest. "Hey, can we uh talk for a sec?"

Vince nodded then sat down his drink following his friend back into the living room away from everyone in the kitchen. "I need you to be completely honest with me, I need you to tell me if you forced Bonnie or not."

He narrowed his eyes. "Forced her to do what?"

"To have sex with you." He whispered harshly. "She told me the story, she told me that she knew who it was but wouldn't tell me the name, she told me that she left Olivia at the park, and just a few seconds ago, Olivia asked me if I would leave with you after I agreed to take her to the park tomorrow. I asked her why that would even be a thought that she has and she says because Bonnie left with you the last time she went to the park. So I'm going to ask you again. Did you force my fiancée to have sex with you?"

He let out a breath. "Yes."

"What?!" Their heads turned and their eyes landed on Mr. Salvatore. "Outside. Both of you."

They obeyed and shortly the three of them found themselves in an awkward circle. "What were you thinking?!" Bill yelled.

"I wasn't thinking, I don't know what got into me, I'm sorry."

"If you were really sorry, you would've been straight up with me, you would've confronted me like an adult and told me what happened. You're not sorry, I should arrest you right now!"

Vince's eyes widened. Bill intervened. "Wait, I don't think we need to take it that far,"

"Of course we do, I promised her that when I found out who did this, they will be behind bars and friend or not, you still did what you did." They watched him walk inside.

"Mr. Salvatore,"

"Don't worry, he's not going to do anything, he's just upset and has every right to be. What is going on in your head, Vince? You choose Bonnie of all people? I'm not saying it's right either way, but Bonnie? The woman dating your brother who is a cop? Vince, you really screwed up this time."

Their attention turned to the door seeing Stefan emerge with handcuffs in his hand and Bonnie talking to him, trying to change his mind. Damon was on the other side of him voicing his opinion which matched Bonnie's.

"Turn around, put your hands on your head."

"Stef, you don't have to do this, you don't want to do this." Bonnie tried.

"Yes I do. Turn around, put your hands on your head." He repeated firmly.

"Let's just talk about this," Damon tried.

"If I have to ask you one more time, I will have to get physical."

He let out a breath then turned following instruction.

As Stefan got one wrist into a handcuff, Lily stepped outside asking what was going on. Stefan ignored her and continued telling Vince his rights, leading his friend to the back of his car.

"Watch your head."

Bonnie sighed as he drove off turning on his lights. "I'm so sorry, I never thought–"

"You're not at fault here, Bonnie, it's okay." Bill soothed.

"I don't understand," Lily said still in the dark.

"I'll explain everything on the way. Give Olivia a kiss for me."

"I will,"

She sighed again watching them walked away then she goes inside to find Olivia.


Bonnie held him as he held her close to his chest. Her hand moved along his back not really sure what to say but she knew that she needed to say something.

"I'm sorry."

"Shhh, don't apologize." He held her closer.

"I should've told you."

"Hey," he pulled away to look into her eyes, "I understand why you didn't, I do. You were trying to salvage my relationship with him, I get it. But he just can't get away with this, he needs to know that what he did was wrong, was against the law, and I had to show him that. If my parents and Damon didn't stop me, he would be behind bars right now. I love you and I'm so sorry about what he had done to you, I am truly sorry. You didn't deserve that, and I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I love you too." She met their lips before hugging him. "You're always there to protect me."

"Always, no matter what. You're my girl, I love you so much." He held her tighter.