"When was the last time we were alone," Tyler comments as they enter as he and Elena walk arm in arm outside in the chilly air under a starlit sky above.

"It's been a minute," Elena replies as she looks up at the star-filled sky. "I'm hoping for a white Christmas this year."

"I don't think snow is in the forecast but listen, Elena, I'm sorry about today and yesterday."

"It's okay."

"No, it's not. I should have let Mason handle it, but I just couldn't," Tyler explains as they pause at the railing. Beyond them, the moonlight is shimmering on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. "I've been trying to sell that house for so long, I just had to be there."

"I know," Elena smiles tightly.

"You're so understanding. I mean, that's what I love about you. I don't have to explain things."

"That's what you love about me?" Elena asks dubiously.

"Did I say something wrong?"

Brushing it off, she points to the chairs in the bridal venue and they sit down. "I need to talk to you about today."

"If you're talking about standing up to my Mother, I get it. I might have done the same thing...Although, I have to be honest with you..."

"Please do," Elena urges him.

"Not to put down your mother's dress or anything, but I mean, the Amare Couture dress really would be more flattering..." he pauses when his cell phone interrupts them. Tyler silences it.

"Once all of this wedding stuff is behind us, everything will settle down. Which reminds me, I have something for you." Tyler pulls a tiny box out of his pocket and opens it, revealing Elena's engagement ring.

Elena forces a smile as she slides it on her finger. It's too big. "Isn't it bad luck?" she remarks softly.

"Since when are you superstitious?"

"I'm not," Elena obfuscates. "I'll put tape on it."

"We'll get it sized after the wedding. You have goosebumps and I can see my breath; let's go inside."

Elena bites her lower lip as she links her arm with his to return to the hotel.

With Tyler spread out over the entire bed, passed out on top of the covers, she slips into her pajamas, grabs her robe, and tiptoes down the suite stairs. Despite the cold, she opens the patio door and steps outside into the brisk air. She breathes in the smell of salt from the bay as she wraps her robe tighter around herself.

Elena gazes at the stars and the moon as doubts grow larger in her belly. This isn't the first time they've creeped up but she was able to bury them- and then she met Damon.

Falling in love with him was the easy part; it's admitting to herself that it happened that's hard. Elena doesn't want to hurt Tyler but she can't marry him when she has all of these exploding feelings for a man she just met.

It's like her heart slipped into Damon's pocket where it'll stay safe and sound...

She yawns deeply and goes back inside. With Tyler sprawled out of the entire bed, she grabs a throw blanket and cuddles up on the couch with dreams of Damon dancing in her head.

"Good morning," Elena murmurs as she smiles at his bedhead.

"Morning." Damon winks at her as he reaches down and hooks her leg behind the knee, pulling it up over his hip so that he can run his fingers down her stomach and into the wetness between her legs.

"So ready," he murmurs as he teases her clit, earning a gasp from her parted lips.

"Damon," she moans, as his lips trail down her neck and his fingers slip inside her.

"How do you want it, Elena?" he asks softly when his mouth reaches her breast. He sucks her hard nipple into his mouth, scraping it lightly with his teeth and causing her to groan.

When she doesn't answer further, Damon pulls back and meets her eyes. "Tell me."

Without words, Elena answers his question. With a deep audible breath, she pulls away from him slightly and rolls onto her stomach, before bringing her knees up under her and sticking her bottom in the air. Her eyes meet his again and she can see the heat of desire mingling there.

He traces up her leg with his lips as he moves to kneel behind her. His hands squeeze and mold her backside.

"Please, Damon," she whimpers as she looks over her shoulder to meet his blazing blue eyes.

Damon pulls his hips back, positioning himself before slamming into her slick, wet heat. His hands grip her waist, holding her still while he pushes into her.

Elena mewls and arches her back, squeezing her muscles tighter around the length of him.

Damon pulls out slowly and then slams back inside, pulling her back against him as he thrusts forward.

"Oh God," Elena breathes, her head flying back as he maintains the rhythm, slow pull out, and a hard slam in.

Every slam pulls a whimper from Elena's lips. Her hands snake under the pillows to press against the headboard, helping her push back against him every time he thrusts forward and increasing the maddeningly perfect friction. She is arching and grinding back against him, trying to get more, faster, harder.

Damon's fingers tighten into her sides and one hand slides around her belly and down to tweak her clit. Falling forward, he planted his free hand on the bed next to her head, his chest pressing into the skin of her back.

His hips pound relentlessly, racing them both toward their orgasms. He whirls a finger over her little bundle of nerves. Elena chants his name as her hands push harder into the headboard. And then her body tenses and her hands drop from the headboard and fist in the sheets. She whimpers as her orgasm washes through her.

Elena bucks against him, riding it out as he continues his powerful forays into her.

Damon's free hand plants into the mattress on the other side of Elena's head and he collapses on top of her as a groan tears from his throat.

"Yeah, I should be available till about 2:30 or so. I have something to wrap up this afternoon...Talk to you soon. Bye."

Elena's eyes snap open widely at the sound of Tyler's voice. She swallows thickly as she sits up on the couch and closes her legs. She drops her face in her hands and runs her fingers through her hair as she contemplates her dream for a few seconds.

"I didn't mean wrap up like in a job."

"I know, Tyler."

"So, it's the big day," Tyler comments as he sees the uneasy look on her face. "Bridal jitters, again?" he asks as he sits down beside her.

"Tyler...You're an amazing man," Elena starts, trying to cushion the blow.

"I'm not sure I like where this is heading," he counters.

"You're perfect. Who wouldn't want to marry you?"

"Well, I'm guessing you, Elena."

"We don't have that thing- that couples thing... The thing that couples have when they're in love. We don't have a story. We don't, Tyler." Elena takes his hands in hers as she looks at him pointedly. "We don't have that moment when we just knew and it's like we got swept up in a river full of rapids and now we're about to make a huge mistake."

"Elena, we could..."

"No, Tyler. If we didn't work together...If I was just some girl you met at a coffee shop, would you fall in love with me?" Elena asks as her eyes glisten with unshed tears.

"Probably not," Tyler concedes. "I think I've been using work as an excuse. I'm not entirely blind, Elena. I know that something's missing between us, I just thought it was fixable, you know? We are so great together at the office. We work hand in hand like a well-polished machine. I thought marriage was the next logical step."

"I do love you, Tyler, but not in the way a woman is supposed to love the man she's going to marry."

"I love you, too," he echoes the words, both knowing that it's not the forever kind of love.

"So, you're not upset?" Elena asks and releases his hands.

"I should be but in all honesty, I think I'm just as relieved as you are," Tyler admits candidly.

"Whew!" Elena wipes her eyes. I think you just made your mother the happiest woman on the planet," she laughs.

"Yeah, I'm sorry she's been so standoffish with you."

"It's not your fault..." Elena's eyes widen. "My mother's going to be crushed."

"We'll tell them together." Tyler squeezes her hand this time as his cell phone rings again. "It's the office."

"Take it."

"I'll meet you downstairs for brunch and we'll spring the news on them."

Elena chuckles. "I'll be the happily unmarried girl sitting beside my mother."

"Everything's going to be fine, Elena." Tyler kisses her cheek and walks out of the suite to take his call.

"Hey, thanks for driving up here," Damon greets Mr. Griffith as he takes a seat next to him on the bench that overlooks the bay.

"It's cold," Vincent comments as he watches the waves lapping against the shoreline.

"It is but there's something invigorating about the cold air. It's hard to explain."

"No need. I like the new drawings."

"They're rough sketches, but I wanted you to see what I was talking about." Damon sweeps his arm, gesturing for Vincent to take in the view.

"I can't deny that it's beautiful here," Vincent agrees.

"This is what the grounds of your hotel used to look like. The spot where my cottage is now was a natural grotto. I did a little research and looked into the historical topography maps at the library. I had this idea that we could restore it. It would make a beautiful wedding site," Damon explains.

"I thought you didn't want the job?" Mr. Griffths remarks with a smile.

"So, did I. But the truth is, I don't want to make things bigger. I want to make them better. I'm not saying you should go back 30 rooms and a couple of weddings a month but your hotel could be part of the island again, you know, instead of a conveyor belt of brides and grooms."

Vincent laughs. "And?"

"You can give people a place to remember. A memory that lasts, hopefully, longer than their marriages do," Damon smirks.

"Why the change of heart? A girl, perhaps?"

"Isn't it always," Damon confirms his supposition. "When I saw her, time stood still. It felt like I'd known her all my life and like she was meant to be in my life. It's difficult to explain."

"I'm happy for you," Vincent pauses for a moment to glance at the water. "But, listen, Damon, I can't offer you the kind of salary you were getting at the firm."

"Money isn't that important to me, not anymore. But," Damon smirks, "You could sweeten the deal with a free meal from time to time."

"All you can eat," Vincent offers.

"You might regret that," Damon contends with a laugh.

"Come back for happy hour, we'll go over the details then."

"Can we do it tomorrow? I have to see a bride about a groom and suit up as Santa."

"Sure," Vincent agrees as he shakes Damon's hand.

"Sorry, I'm late," Tyler says to Elena as he comes to stand beside her.

"Maybe we should wait till they finish eating," she whispers in his ear.

"I think we should rip off the band-aid. Do it now," Tyler squeezes her hand.

"Okay, you start, I'll close."

Tyler nods. "Um, Elena and I have an announcement."

"Oh, no," Miranda laments as she shifts to look at them.

"Elena has something to say," Tyler steps back and nudges Elena front and center.

"Please tell me this isn't what I think it is," Miranda says woefully.

"Mom, Dad, I know how much you wanted this wedding..." Elena states and turns her attention to Tyler's mother. "Carol, I know how much you didn't. As it turns out, we have decided to end our engagement. Ergo, no wedding today."

"Thank heavens, Tyler, you've come to your senses." Carol jumps to her feet, practically beaming. "Elena, I'm sure you and your family, in time, will agree that this was the best decision."

"It was Elena who called it off, Mom," Tyler informs her.

"Elena, is that true?" Miranda asks, a forlorn look on her face.

"Mom, it was the right thing to do. For both of us."

"And the next time, I almost get married, I hope it's to someone as great as Elena," Tyler kisses her cheek.

"I'm going to pack. Bye everyone," Carol is practically on air as she leaves the group.

"I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert."

"It happens," Grayson shrugs. "Come by sometime, you're always welcome at the Gilbert home."

"I would love that," Tyler laughs. "And someday, I hope Elena will find someone that makes her as happy as the two of you."

"She will. You both will. Take care, Tyler." Miranda imparts.

"I'm going to walk out with him," Elena points to the exit and follows Tyler outside.

"I'll see you back at the office?" he asks as he gives the valet his ticket.

"I think I need a little time to figure things out."

"Take as much time as you need." Tyler pulls Elena in for a hug, holding her for a few seconds before releasing her. "Bye," he says as his car pulls up.

"Bye, Tyler," Elena waves as he drives away.

"Are you okay, Mom?" Elena asks her mother after Tyler and Carol leave.

"Well, we should be asking you that?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Truthfully, I'm better than fine. I've had my doubts for so long but you were so excited for this wedding, I didn't want to disappoint you. But in the end, I couldn't go through with it. I'm sorry for waiting until the last minute, though."

"I think it's too late to get a refund as we've enjoyed some of the perks of our resort package." Miranda smiles as she takes Elena's hand. "I'm glad you spoke up at the last minute rather than having to go through a divorce a few months down the road."

Elena's face abruptly lights up like a firefly as her thoughts drift to Damon. Falling in love with him was so easy. It was like she got caught up in a current and was powerless to stop it.

She considers his eyes and the myriad shades of fiery blue swirling together to form a whirlpool of something indescribably wonderful every time he looks at her.

"What are you thinking?" Katherine asks, pulling Elena out of her reverie.

"Mom, don't cancel the wedding just yet. I'm going to see Santa about a groom," Elena jumps to her feet and hurries out of the restaurant.

"What was that all about?" Miranda remarks, perplexed.

"I think it might have something to do with Damon," Katherine quips as she winks at Matt.

Elena rushes to the Hotel's Conservatory to find Damon, excusing herself frequently as she slips through the crowd.

She pauses to calm down for a moment before entering and meandering through the gorgeous Christmas fantasy land the hotel created. As she creeps further in, there he is. Elena watches him with a little boy and a big exuberant smile on both of their faces. Damon helps the child off of his lap and he looks up.

Their eyes meet and Elena can feel the fireworks erupting in her belly as love floods every cell in her body.

He waggles his brows and his finger for her to come closer. Elena laughs as she comes to sit on his lap and raises a sprig of mistletoe over her head.

"Aren't you supposed to be getting married?" Damon asks softly as he wraps an arm around her middle.

"First things first. Tradition has it that when under the mistletoe, a kiss is required."

"Who am I to challenge tradition?" Damon quips and lowers his mouth to hers.

The smell of him is hypnotic beyond reason causing Elena's heart to skip a beat. She feels him washing over her like a wave of warmth, curling her toes as the taste of Damon nearly silences all rational thought.

The sound of laughter pulls them apart. Giddiness takes over as they mirror a dumbstruck smile.

Whatever rush this is, Elena wants more.

"Now, are you going to tell me why you're not at the wedding venue saying I do?"

"Well, Santa, it's like this. Once upon a time, I met a guy in a convenience store. Our hands collided on top of an aspirin bottle. When I looked into his eyes, it was as if space and time became the finest point imaginable, as if time collapsed into one tiny speck and exploded at light speed."

Elena pauses a moment. "I could run forever, search forever, but in the end, every path will lead me right back to you. I love you, Damon. Marry me?"

Damon stares at her dumbfounded for a moment, just long enough for doubt to creep in and a lead weight to settle in her belly. Elena starts to stand but Damon wraps both arms around her, stopping her.

"Yes," he answers ever so softly.

Elena looks at him, her eyes glistening. "I'm sorry what did you say?"

"I said yes, and I'm in love with you, too," Damon admits.

Heat rises from Elena's belly to her chest. The smell of him is hypnotic beyond reason and her heart skips a beat when his mouth closes over hers. She parts her lips and feels him washing over her like a wave of warmth so intense it curls her toes.

"It's my turn, Santa," comes a small voice from behind them and Elena pulls back as her cheeks grow red with embarrassment.

"You're adorable when you blush," Damon laughs.

Elena rolls her eyes and stands up. "Wedding's at five," she winks at him as she sashays away, giving Damon a taste of what's to come.

"Come on, Elena. Let's see the dress," Katherine calls aloud as she looks up at the staircase as Elena begins her descent in her mother's wedding gown.

"Oh, Elena!" Miranda exclaims as her eyes gloss over.

"I'm so happy for the two of you," Katherine says as she takes Elena's hands in hers.

"Thank you. Both of you. For everything." Elena smiles at her mother who's wiping happy tears from her cheeks.

Miranda hugs her and leaves to take her seat while Katherine wishes her good luck and goes to meet up with Matt.

Elena steps out into a winter wonderland. Suddenly, the cold air stings her cheeks. She beams at the lightly falling snow, coating the ground in a soft white powder. It covers the trees and the beach area beyond. A sudden gust of wind lifts her hair off of her shoulders and sprays snow in her eyes. And still, it feels so peaceful to be in such a magical place.

"You ready?" Grayson asks as she reaches him.

Elena nods vigorously and takes her father's arm. Together, they make their way down the aisle.

Pachelbel's Canon is playing but Elena's attention is on that beautiful man who's waiting for her under the stunningly decorated archway that's filled with red and white poinsettias, holly berries, pine cones, white ribbons, gold ribbons, perfectly placed pomegranates and votive candles.

"You're sure about this, sweetheart?" Grayson asks, looking down at her with so much love in his eyes, as they slowly move forward.

"More than anything I've ever done, Daddy," Elena assures him as they reach Damon.

"I love you, Elena. Be happy." Grayson smiles as he lifts her veil and places a kiss on her cheek, handing her to her future husband.

The rest of the ceremony is a blur. There are exchanges of forever, followed by the 'I dos' and beautiful wedding bands, and then Damon's lips are on hers.

"I'd have to say, this is my most unique Christmas ever, Mrs. Salvatore?" Damon contends as he takes her hand in his once they're officially husband and wife.

"Best Christmas ever, Mr. Salvatore." Elena beams at her family who are applauding wildly as they walk down the aisle toward their happy ever after.

"I stand corrected," Damon concedes and brushes her lower lip with his thumb.

Elena hears his breath hitch. He's staring into her eyes, and she holds his burning gaze for a moment or maybe it's forever. She nearly forgets to breathe as she parts her lips. Damon's tongue conquers the depths of her mouth, hungry, consuming, pulling her into the warmth of him as if he masters the balance of gravity.

They pull back at the sounds of wolf whistles and wild applause, not just from her family but guests waiting to take their seats for the next ceremony.

Elena thinks this will be one hell of a story to tell their grandchildren at Christmas time.

THE END

Merry Christmas. Thank you all so much and thank you, Eva. Love you.

Chapter title: All I Want for Christmas is You

The movie I based this on is NOT a Christmas movie. All of the Christmas references and holiday scenes are mine. Much of this story is original but ALL credit to the script and screenwriters for their ideas.

I have no more stories ready to be published. I'm completely bereft of plot ideas. Hopefully, inspiration will strike but until then, I'll be absent.

Have a wonderful weekend.