Bonnie felt so incredibly conflicted after her doctor's appointment. The young mother was overjoyed that her babies were healthy. The health and well-being of her children would always be at the very top of her list. Unfortunately, she had not attended that appointment alone. As usual being in the same room with Damon had twisted her up inside. He had been sweet, loving, and attentive. For years, she had been longing for that side of him. Yet this morning it had only angered and confused her. She hated him for putting the effort in now that her heart was already broken. Where was this love and compassion when she was drowning before his very eyes? Being a good parent was Damon's lone redeeming quality. Their desire to give their children a better childhood than they had was perhaps the only thing they had in common.

Bonnie knew that she could be a good mother. She loved Sarah and the twins with every inch of her heart. She would give them anything and destroy anyone that ever tried to hurt them. Bonnie knew the value of putting her children's needs above her own selfishness. She didn't want to spend Christmas Day away from Sarah. Bonnie knew that her heart would literally ache while her daughter spent time with Salvatores. However, there was no pain or sacrifice that she wouldn't suffer for her little girl. Bonnie had her children in mind when she agreed to couples' therapy with Damon. They had to find a way to co-parent or they would ruin their children in the same ways that their parents ruined them.

Interacting with Damon just made Bonnie feel broken and vulnerable. She could not help but to feel as if there was something wrong with her. Sometimes the shame and confusion threatened to swallow her whole. However, she had no such doubts when it came to her family's business. She was in complete control while in that world. Sheila had raised her to take the organization's reins one day. Bonnie knew every aspect of the business like the back of her own hand. She had required that Richard keep her abreast of everything while she had played at being Damon's wife.

Bonnie knew that the counseling session tomorrow evening would be difficult. However, today she planned to focus on her family's business. As soon as Bonnie left Dr. Huerta's office, she met with a few key members of the smuggling operation. It was the first step in taking her rightful place. The meeting had proved to be a success. She hadn't expected much resistance with her cousins standing behind her—literally. She made sure that everyone understood Cesare would be running point but that she would be heavily involved. Her second act of business was to inform them that a new partnership and an expanded catalog were on the horizon. Richard and Lucy had been working on a deal for quite some time. It was finally coming to fruition at exactly the right moment.

Bonnie's third order of business was not as simple. She was dropping in on her father unannounced at his hotel. She needed his help. Everyone wanted Niklaus imprisoned for what he did to her. Bonnie could admit that seeing him suffer had a certain appeal. However, she couldn't be as short-sighted as those around her were. She had a duty to the organization and her family. She was required to make the hard decisions to ensure their continued success. Having a Mikaelson in her pocket would be a game changer. Her family already had a few moles in the Mikaelson organization. Tristan de Martel had provided useful information but his role would change when his mentor, Vincent, retired.

She walked up to the suite's door with a shopping bag in one hand. She turned to look at Matt and smiled at him. "I feel bad for dragging you around today. However, I would like you to stay out here. I know it will be boring but I promise to take you anywhere you would like for lunch. Tyler is going to meet us wherever we choose to go."

He smiled and said, "It is fine, Bon. Like 80% of my job is just sitting around looking muscular and intimidating."

Bonnie laughed softly. "We both know that isn't true but I appreciate your understanding. I know playing bodyguard and chauffer isn't exactly what you had in mind."

Matt lowered his voice and said, "I took a vow to protect your family as if they were my own blood. Now you are carrying my blood…as if I needed more motivation."

The Donovan and Salvatore families shared branches on the same family tree. Bonnie's children and Matt would be distant cousins.

She hugged Matt and cleared her throat. "Thanks…"

Matt pulled back from the hug with a smile. He lifted an eyebrow at her glassy eyes. "Are you about to cry?"

She gave an indignant huff. "It's the pregnancy hormones."

He smirked. "Sure…"

Bonnie lightly shoved his shoulder and knocked on the door.

The blond mobster leaned against the wall and took out his phone. He would surf the internet while he waited on Bonnie. He was curious about this meeting with her father. Bonnie had made a point of not telling Abby, Lucy, or Tyler where she was headed. Matt was certain that Bonnie was working an angle that they wouldn't like.

Rudy was surprised to see his daughter standing in front of his suite. He said, "Ketsele, I did not expect to see you until dinner tonight. Come in."

Unbeknownst to Bonnie, Abby had bought out her favorite restaurant for the evening. She had wanted to host a gender reveal party for their daughter. However, Bonnie had shot down the idea because of Damon. She thought it would be a bad look to have a party to announce the twins' genders without the father present. Bonnie also didn't feel like inviting him to a party that was supposed to be a happy occasion for her. Rudy had known that his ex-wife wouldn't be put off the idea so easily. In some instances, he knew Abby much better than Bonnie did. She was so excited about the twins and Abby wanted to make sure that Bonnie was enjoying this pregnancy, too. Instead of a lavish party, they would have a simple family meal with a few gifts. The simple meal would just take place at a four star restaurant.

Bonnie hugged him and then walked into the suite. "I am sorry for just dropping by without calling first. I was hoping that we would have the opportunity to talk…alone. Mama's house is always so crowded."

The Benedettos from Milazzo were staying at a hotel, but they spent a great deal of time at Abby's house. They congregated at her home because Bonnie was living there. Abby also had a close relationship with their family from Milazzo. She had spent a great deal of time with Big John's family over the years. She had felt more welcomed there than she did with her own mother at times. Sheila never turned her back on Abby but dealing with the constant disapproval could be soul crushing. Big John loved Abby unconditionally and never harshly judged her missteps.

The older man noticed Matt standing outside and frowned. He wondered why the young man wasn't joining them. However, he closed the door and walked to his suite's sitting area. "Are you hungry? We can order something from room service. The food here is delicious."

She smiled and sat down on the couch. Bonnie said, "I am a little hungry, but Matt and I are going to grab lunch once we leave here."

"Can I get you something to drink then?"

"I wouldn't say no to a bottle of water. I am thirsty all the time now. It is a normal, if not annoying, part of being pregnant," she joked.

Rudy grabbed two bottles of Perrier from the mini bar and a container of chocolate covered pretzels. He had seen his daughter devour a container just yesterday. He sat down beside Bonnie and handed her one of the bottles. "Here you are."

Bonnie said, "Thank you." She opened the bottle of water and glanced at the chocolate covered pretzels. "Are these for me?"

He nodded. "A little snack before lunch can't hurt."

She laughed softly and opened the container without a second thought. She did feel a little peckish. Frankly, the nutritionist had her grazing like a cow. Bonnie was supposed to eat a snack between each of the day's major meals plus one after dinner.

Rudy unbuttoned his jacket and got settled on the couch. Just a few years ago, he never could have imagined this happening. Bonnie had only invited him to her wedding for the sake of appearances. He and Abby had both hurt their daughter a great deal by abandoning her. However, he crushed Bonnie with a few simple words when she was a teenager. Their relationship had never recovered from that blow—until now. He wasn't sure if Bonnie was ready to forgive him or if she just needed his help. Rudy was willing to take what he could get.

Bonnie ate a few pretzels and asked, "Have you talked to Mama this morning?"

He nodded. "Abby called me after she left the appointment. She said that you and the babies are very healthy but she wouldn't tell me their sexes. She thought it would be better if you had the opportunity to share that with me."

"Oh, Mama was so excited when I called her back to the exam room. I expected her to hire a skywriter to share the good news. I am having a girl and a boy."

"Congratulations, ketsele." He asked, "Can I hug you?"

Bonnie nodded and put down the pretzels. She hugged her father for the first time in years. It was an unfamiliar feeling but pleasant. She could tell that despite his many faults, Rudy loved her. Abby loved her, too. It was a refreshing notion after years of believing otherwise. Bonnie was old enough now to understand her parents were human and flawed. Their dereliction of duty could be attributed to any number of valid reasons. Bonnie could continue to hold onto her anger forever but it would be like cutting her nose to spite her face.

After the hug, she picked up the shopping bag and handed it to Rudy. "I bought this for you."

He took a box out of the shopping bag and opened it. Rudy was surprised to find an antique menorah and candles. "What is this?"

"Well, I know the first night of Hanukkah is in a few days. You are stuck here helping me with my Klaus problem. I didn't want you to miss out on the opportunity to celebrate properly because you are away from home. I hope that this isn't out of line…"

He stared at the menorah for several long minutes before turning to look at his daughter. Rudy shook his head. "You didn't have to do this but it is appreciated. Thank you, ketsele."

She smiled. "I felt bad because I know everything over at Mama's house is all Christmas, all the time. She really goes all out for the holiday. It is her favorite time of the year. I hope it hasn't been too much for you."

Rudy shook his head. "I have enjoyed Abigail's Christmas spirit. She was just as enthusiastic when we were married. We actually celebrated both holidays without telling your grandmother. Sheila would have had a fit if she knew we celebrated Hanukkah, too."

Bonnie hated that her grandmother had been so close-minded. However, Sheila had been old school Catholic. Her grandmother always wore black lace veils to funerals—even when she was responsible for the death. Sheila was from the generation that believed all non-Catholics were doomed to hell. She had been apoplectic with rage when Abby started dating Rudy. "I'm sorry. Grams was…"

Rudy shook his head and returned the menorah to the bag. "You don't need to apologize for your grandmother. Frankly, my grandparents were equally unsupportive when my parents were married. My mother was Jewish but my father was Christian. I grew up celebrating both holidays. I attended services at both churches. They gave me the opportunity to choose my own path."

Bonnie was embarrassed by how little she knew about her father's side of the family. She only knew bits and pieces she had gleaned from Abby over the years. Bonnie had always been too afraid to ask her grandmother for information. Sheila didn't try to hide her hatred of Rudy. As a child, Bonnie hadn't understood the intricacies of the situation. She thought that her grandmother's only issue with Rudy was his sordid business as a drug trafficker. However, now she knew that her father had been an abusive asshole. He was lucky that Sheila didn't kill him. Bonnie wouldn't hesitate to murder a man that had the gall to abuse her child.

The girl occupied a strange space. She hated what Rudy did to Abby, but Bonnie still wanted to get to know him. For better or worse, he was half her DNA. Abby was in favor of Bonnie reconnecting with Rudy. She wanted to widen Bonnie's support system. She asked, "Your mother is still alive, right?"

"Yes. My mother lives in Taos, New Mexico. She moved there about a decade ago when she semi-retired," he explained.

"Do you see her often since you live in London?"

He nodded. "I usually see her a couple times a year. My brother, Cade, spends more time with her than I do. He comes stateside more. I plan to visit her while I am here."

"And Cade is your younger brother, right?"

"He is my much younger brother," he replied with a chuckle. "Cade is ten years younger than I am. He is a pain in my ass but a great business partner. He is the reason that I can stay out here for as long as you need me."

Bonnie shook her head. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be playing twenty questions with you."

"I don't mind," he said quickly. "I am happy that you are curious about my side of the family. I know that I didn't do right by you. My distance meant that my family was distant, too. Whenever Abby sent me pictures of you, I always made copies for my parents. My mother brags about you to all of her friends."

She rubbed her thumb across the Saint Christopher's medal. "I don't want to think about the past. You are here now. You are putting yourself on the line to help me. I appreciate what you are doing."

"Well, I know that Abigail would rather stick spikes in her eyes than ask me for anything. When she called out of the blue saying that you needed my help…I knew that it was serious."

Bonnie said, "I appreciate you helping me without any real details about what Niklaus did. I know it is unfair but talking about it isn't easy for me. It took years for me to tell Mama."

Rudy looked down at his hands and said, "I drew certain conclusions from the way your mother spoke. Whatever Niklaus did to you, hurts her in way I didn't think was possible. Abby doesn't think that she is a strong person but I know better."

She felt a wave of guilt wash over her. Bonnie shook her head. "I shouldn't have brought her into this. I was just lost and scared. I didn't have anyone else in my life that I could turn to for help. Holding it all in was killing me."

"Please, don't feel that way, ketsele. As much as the truth hurt Abigail, she wouldn't have wanted you to continue carrying that pain alone. Your mother and I turned everything around us to ashes, but you are the only good thing we ever did together. We are both so proud of the woman you have become. You are a good mother and wife. Somehow you still manage to be on the Dean's List every semester. You have been on the President's List a couple times, too. You did all of these amazing things without a bit of help from us."

Bonnie shook her head. "I feel like such a bitch."

"Why would you say a thing like that?"

She chuckled and blinked back tears. "I came here to talk to you as a businessman because I don't really know how else to connect with you. Now you are saying all of these nice things to me."

Rudy took out his handkerchief and handed it to her. "That's not exactly your fault. I haven't been a real father to you for eighteen years. Business is probably one of the few things that we have in common right now. But that can change with time, if you are willing."

Bonnie sniffled as she dried her eyes. "You carry a handkerchief?"

"A gentleman always carries a handkerchief," he replied immediately.

She laughed softly and said, "I'll keep that in mind."

"What exactly did you want to talk to me about?" he asked.

The young woman took a deep breath and tried to collect herself. "I appreciate the plan you and Mama put together. Niklaus belongs in prison for any number of horrible things he has done but he is more useful to me as a semi-free man."

Rudy studied her face for a moment. "What do you mean by semi-free?"

Bonnie said, "As you know, I have decided to take over my family's business. My relationship with Damon is on the rocks and it is high time I got on with the business of being Grams' heir. She taught me that cultivating assets was the key to her success. Niklaus will soon be his brother's second-in-command. He will control the largest contiguous parcel of Mikaelson territory. He is whip smart and probably better suited for this business than even Elijah is. I foresee a great deal of success for him. Niklaus did something unforgivable and reprehensible to me but he is valuable. Ignoring his value would be misguided. I will get my revenge for what Niklaus did to me. In the meantime, I want to utilize his guilt and his attraction to me."

Rudy frowned. "Your mother…"

"Mama wasn't meant for this business. I love her dearly but there is an element of sacrifice that she would never be able to abide. I have been sacrificing for this family since I was sixteen-years-old when I kept Niklaus' crimes a secret. Maybe it started before then when Grams started molding me into her successor. Either way I am used to making the hard decisions and living with the discomfort. The difference now is that I am making these sacrifices for my children's future. I am going to make damn sure that my daughters and son never suffer in the ways that I have suffered."

It was difficult listening to Bonnie be so candid about her upbringing. He saw now why Abigail had cried that first day they met in his hotel suite. Rudy felt enraged and impotent simultaneously and he didn't even have all the facts. "I suppose you want to set Niklaus up as planned but resist pulling the trigger."

She said, "No, we will still make the bust happen. Mama told me that there is someone that you need to get swept up in the sting. I will not mess up your end of things. We can make sure that a few mid-level Mikaelson associates go down as well. I am sure that would satisfy our federal friends. They so love doing the prep walk in front of the cameras to prove that they are tough on organized crime. It is comical really. They behave as if many of their colleagues aren't bought and paid for. The only adjustment to the plan is that I will swoop in at the very last moment to play White Knight for Niklaus. He will be grateful that I saved him from prison. I can work with that. However, I will have the evidence of his involvement in the drug deal to hold over his head if he ever forgets his gratitude. I can arrange for his stay in prison to be…very uncomfortable this time."

Rudy didn't like Bonnie's plan but he had to admit it was a good one. "We will have to adjust a few things but I can make it work. Give me a few days to iron out the new details. In the meantime, you are going to have to break the news to your mother. I will not be doing that. She already tried to kill me once. She would probably succeed this time."

"I am hoping that the payback I have planned will satisfy her and Lucy for now," she said.

Bonnie was most concerned about Tyler. His temper was notoriously short. She did not doubt for a second that he would kill Niklaus if given the opportunity. Tomorrow night was as much about appeasing him as it was getting retribution. Tyler would have a hands-on opportunity to beat Niklaus bloody. She hoped that would pacify him for now.

"Payback?" he asked.

Bonnie smiled. "Well, Niklaus is going to get an old fashioned beat down tomorrow night. He'll know exactly who is responsible and why there isn't a damn thing he can do about it. I know that it won't be enough but it is better than nothing."

"Is there anything else that I can do?" he asked.

She shook her head and said, "Not related to the Niklaus situation. However, I was thinking that maybe Sarah and I could have dinner with you Monday. We could come here and order room service or we could go out somewhere if you like."

He was thrilled by the dinner invitation. "I would love that. Where does Sarah like to eat?"

"My bambolina isn't picky about food. She is very much like me in that respect. If you put it in front of her, she'll eat it. Mama convinced her to eat tripe the other day."

Rudy looked vaguely ill. "I am glad I missed that meal."

Bonnie laughed. "I loved eating tripe as a kid but it is not on my diet. My nutritionist would have a fit."

He said, "She is a lively woman…"

She grinned. "Aileen is downright terrifying but incredibly helpful. She has really helped get me on track with gaining weight. Mama has been a big help, too. She never complains about cooking for me. I am going to miss all of the attention once I move into the beach house."

"I am sure that Abby would be willing to help you once you move. She is not looking forward to you leaving."

Bonnie said, "I have already hired a private chef. He will start once I get settled into my house. Sarah and I will still spend a lot of time at Mama's house. I want Sarah to have a closer relationship with my brothers and sister."

Rudy said, "They are a good bunch of kids."

"Yeah, they are."

"Would you be interested in seeing some pictures from my side of the family? Last year, Cade scanned all of my mother's pictures and put them in a cloud so that we could all share them."

The green-eyed girl smiled. "Really? I would love that."

"Wait right here. I just need to get my laptop."

Bonnie took out her phone and checked her messages while she ate a few more pretzels. She smiled when she saw a message from Tyler.

Tyler: Matt said we're getting lunch. I'll pick up something and meet you at the beach house around 1. What do you want?

Bonnie: Grilled chicken salad & a grilled chicken sandwich

Tyler: Got it. I'll see you then

She put away her phone as her father returned with his laptop.

Rudy logged into the cloud and pulled up a folder containing pictures of his parents when they began dating. He said, "Those are your grandparents, Hazel and Evander. I always thought that you had my mother's eyes."

Bonnie slowly scrolled through the pictures. She smiled. "I can see that. I always assumed that I looked more like Mama's side of the family."

"I think you have a healthy mix of both," he replied.

She said, "I have a question that I hope isn't inappropriate. Is your mother mixed race?"

Rudy nodded. "Actually both of my parents are mixed race. My mother is half Jewish and half Black. My father was Black and Afro-Cuban. They met each other in college."

"Mama said that the two of you met in college, too."

He laughed. "That was generous of her. Abigail was in college. I was selling drugs to rich White kids. I was enrolled in the master's program that received very little attention from me. I was on academic probation when I dropped out. School just wasn't my thing."

"Ability or desire?" she asked curiously.

"I have a bachelor's degree in accounting so I was capable of higher learning. I just didn't see a point of getting a master's degree when I knew my life was headed in a different direction. Cameron had put a lot of faith in me. I was on a different path."

Father and daughter browsed several of the digital photo albums before it was time for her to leave. Bonnie glanced at her phone. "I hate to run but it is time for lunch."

Rudy smiled. "I am glad that you stopped by, ketsele. I hope that we can do this again soon."

She stood up and smiled. "Me, too. I enjoyed spending time with you."

He stood and hugged Bonnie. "I'll email you the information for the cloud. That way you can look at the pictures whenever you want."

"Thanks," she replied.

Rudy walked with Bonnie to the door and opened it. "I will see you at dinner."

"Okay. Bye."

Matt and Bonnie took the elevator down to the main floor. He asked, "Do you want me to bring the car around?"

She shook her head. "Nah. Did Tyler text you about lunch?"

They crossed the busy intersection together and walked into the parking garage. He said, "Yeah. He's picking up BBQ for me."

"Oh, that sounds good. I have to get healthy stuff."

Matt chuckled at the look of longing on Bonnie's face. He said, "I'll let you sniff my ribs."

"You ordered ribs? Life is so unfair," she said with a pout.

He unlocked the car and opened the back door for her. "The silver lining is that you're going to have two really awesome babies. That's better than slow smoked BBQ ribs, right?"

Bonnie scowled at him. She climbed into the car and said, "Friends don't taunt friends, Mattie."

He closed her door and then climbed into the driver's seat. "I am only having a little fun."

"That's fine. I completely understand. I mean you need to have all the fun you can get before you spend Christmas with Vicki and Kelly. They are going to eat poor little Davina alive."

Matt looked at her in the rearview mirror. "That was a low blow, Bon. We're spending Christmas with the Lockwoods since Lexi is in town."

Bonnie shrugged and flashed an innocent smile. "I would pay money to see Carol and Kelly spend the entire day together."

He laughed as he drove out of the parking garage. "The trick is to get them into the wine early. They are like best friends once they are drunk."

"I kinda want to witness that now," she joked.

He asked, "Do you want to listen to some music?"

"Yes, please. Do you have anything good?"

"I have a good playlist."

"Good. I think I am going to take a catnap. The music will help." Bonnie's eyes fluttered closed as Halsey started singing. The drive to her beach house would probably take little over an hour because of traffic.

True to her word, Bonnie fell asleep with minimal effort. She was exhausted more often than not lately. Some of the fatigue was caused by the pregnancy. However, the tornado swirling around her certainly wasn't helping. Bonnie was trying to keep all of her balls in the air. She had dropped the first one a few days ago in Damon's office. She let him get under her skin to the point that he got too close to the truth. Stefan had warned her that Damon wasn't going to forget the comments she made in the heat of the moment.