Mom, I'm in love with EJ Dimera," Abigail said quickly. "I am so sorry that I've kept this from you, but it is true. I never meant to hurt you or JJ, but I want to be with the man I love and I can't keep this secret anymore."

She arched a brow at her reflection in the mirror and shook her head in frustration.

This was going to be a disaster.

She walked over to her bed and looked down at the picture of her family on her nightstand. She loved them so much. She knew they wanted her to be happy. But could they ever accept that EJ Dimera made her happier than she had ever been?

He loved her. He had told Sami about their relationship. God help them all, there was no way Sami Brady would refrain from spreading that news all over Salem. It was a miracle that she hadn't charged into the hospital and confronted her in her mother's office.

She had to tell her. Today. Right now.

She walked downstairs and smiled hesitantly when her mom greeted her from her seat on the sofa. Jennifer's morning routine usually consisted of hot tea and fresh fruit while reading the Spectator, followed by a 30 minute jog. Abigail didn't know how she could look at the Salem newspaper without thinking of her father. Their love story had practically been written on its black and white pages.

Theirs, too, had been an unlikely pairing.

Although they had struggled, Abigail knew that Jack Deveraux would always be the love of her mother's life. He had also been a "bad man" that had reformed for love.

"Mom, can I talk to you before your run?"

Jennifer turned to face her as she walked around the couch, her eyes filled with concern.

"What is it, baby? I know you've had a lot on your mind lately."

Abigail took a deep breath and sat beside her mother. She had to do this. Yesterday's episode in her office with EJ had frightened her. He had made love to her and left her...clearly hurt by her inability to acknowlege his place in her life.

She did not want to push him away.

"I am seeing EJ Dimera," Abigail said quickly, before she could stop herself. "Well...it is more than that. I have actually been seeing EJ for quite a while. I love him."

Jennifer stared at her daughter, speechless with shock. Her mouth dropped and then pressed into a thin line of disapproval.

"I know it is a shock. I'm sorry that I'm dumping it onto you like this. I know how you must be feeling... But I can't hide it anymore. He makes me feel like I can do anything. He makes me laugh and think and glow. He..."

"He is EJ Dimera!" her mother exploded. She jumped to her feet and paced before her, her face red with fury. "I can't believe this, Abigail Johanna! This must be some kind of joke! First Chad...then EJ... Haven't I told you to stay away from that family?"

Tears filled Abigail's eyes.

"He is more than just a Dimera, mom. He is an incredible man."

Jennifer stopped pacing and glared at her daughter. She clenched her fists.

"Incredible? Two months ago he was supposed to marry Sami Brady! We were there when the whole thing fell apart. Are you telling me you fell in love with EJ Dimera in two months?"

Abigail's breath caught. Should she tell her mother the truth? Should she admit she had been falling in love with him for the last eight months? Jennifer would be beyond furious to know her daughter had been having an affair with an engaged father of two.

"It is not about time, mom," Abigail said. "EJ and I are happy together. We just want the chance to see where this relationship can go. He and Sami have been finished since their wedding day. She is probably back with Uncle Lucas by now. EJ told Sami about us a couple of days ago. The world didn't end."

Jennifer shook her head and sank back onto the sofa.

"Sami knows?"

Abigail reached for her mother's arm and looked into her worried eyes.

"It's ok, mom. I promise. Sami knows. Chad knows. Chad has known for a while."

Jennifer pulled her daughter into her arms and held her close.

"Abigail, you are so young. You just don't understand. EJ is not some boy like that Ben guy at TBD that you can date and have fun with no consequences. EJ is a grown man with responsibilities and a past. He has connections you cannot begin to fathom. He and his father are criminals. They have spent years hurting people. Your father..."

Abigail pushed back from her mother and gasped.

"You are going to bring my father into this? Mom, I loved Dad more than anything, but I know fully well what his father was capable of doing. I know the mistakes Dad himself made. You loved him anyway. Why can't you give EJ and I the same chance?

Abigail looked up at the sound of JJ walking down the stairs. He was still wearing pajama pants and a tshirt, clearly barely awake. He frowned at them.

"What's up? What'd I miss?"

Jennifer stood and threw her hands up in the air in exasperation.

"I guess we both missed your sister falling in love with the devil!" she cried. "Abigail has been secretly involved with EJ Dimera."

"JJ..." Abigail started.

"EJ Dimera? Really? Wow."

JJ's eyes widened and he laughed.

"Leave it to you, Abs. Damn," he said. His laughter died abruptly and his eyes narrowed.

"Is he the guy you were seeing this winter? That guy messed you up!"

Jennifer turned on Abigail, her eyes blazing.

"Oh my God, Abigail! Have you really been seeing EJ since this winter?"

Abigail couldn't lie to them. She stood and walled over to the window. She looked out into the morning sunshine and sighed.

"I'm not perfect," she said softly. "I made a terrible mistake with EJ. I regret the deception, mom, but I will never regret the outcome. We love each other. It isn't a phase or a fling. I knew it the first time he kissed me. I have never felt so connected to another person in my life. I can't describe it or justify the pain it has caused, but it's real and I won't walk away from him."

Abigail turned from the window to face the two people who meant most to her in the world. She hoped that they could one day understand. They may never approve of EJ, but she hoped that they loved her enough to respect her choice.

Jennifer stared at her for what seemed like an eternity. Abigail held herself with dignity. She wasn't going to cower. She fell in love with a remarkable man. That wasn't a sin her mother...or anyone else...had a right to judge.

"Why EJ?" JJ asked simply. "I love you Abs. You're a good person. What made you love EJ Dimera of all people?"

Abigail looked at her brother and laughed. That question had an easy answer.

"When he looks at me, I come alive. He understands me. He challenges me. He's everything I never thought I'd find. Mom, he's my love story."

Jennifer's eyes filled with tears and she walked over to embrace her daughter.

"All right, Abigail," she whispered against Abby's hair. "I don't like it, but I love you. I'm not going to pretend that I don't think this will be a disaster. I'll just promise to be here for you through all of it."