If you had "Caroline Forbes and Josh Rosza get together" on your 2023 bingo card, honestly, you should probably go buy a lottery ticket. It’s one of those Hollywood pairings that feels both completely out of left field and yet, once you see them together, totally obvious. Candice King and Steven Krueger aren't just a fleeting rumor or a couple of actors grabbing coffee for the paparazzi. They’re engaged, they’re expecting, and they’ve basically become the "royal couple" for a fandom that never quite let go of Mystic Falls.
It's been a wild ride for Candice since her 2022 divorce from Joe King. Most people expected her to take a long break. Instead, she found something real with a former co-star from The Originals.
The "Hard Launch" That Broke the Internet
We have to talk about that December 2023 Instagram reel. You know the one. It was a standard year-in-review montage—lots of dancing, travel shots, and family time. But tucked right in the middle was a clip of Candice and Steven sharing a very non-platonic kiss.
The fans lost it.
"Caroline and Josh were not on my 2023 bingo card," became the refrain across every social media platform. It was the "hard launch" to end all hard launches. It wasn't just a tagged photo; it was a statement. By the time that video dropped, they had actually been together for a while. Steven later mentioned in an interview at the 2025 Emmys Pickleball Slam (yes, that's a real thing) that they had been dating for "a couple of years" before the engagement. They were just really good at keeping it under wraps while they figured things out.
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Why Candice King and Steven Krueger Just Work
Transitioning from a decade-long relationship and marriage isn't easy, especially with two daughters involved. Candice has been super open on her Superbloom podcast about the complexities of dating as a mom. In late 2023, she admitted she was seeing one person who put a "smile on her face and joy in her heart." She didn't name Steven then, but the vibe was clear.
So, why Steven?
- Shared History: They both lived in the "TVD Universe" for years. Even if their characters didn't spend every scene together, that shared experience builds a massive foundation of trust.
- Family First: Steven has been vocal about taking it slow because of Candice's kids, Florence and Josephine. He wanted to make sure the girls were ready before they took the next step.
- Low-Key Vibes: Despite being famous, they seem to prefer Nashville hangouts and quiet trips to Aruba over the typical LA club scene.
That 38th Birthday Engagement
Fast forward to May 2024. Candice turned 38, and Steven decided to make it her "favorite year yet." He popped the question a few weeks before her actual birthday, but they waited until May 14 to tell the world.
She posted these gorgeous photos of them at Martha’s in Nashville, flashing a diamond ring that basically blinded half of Instagram. Her caption was pure sentiment: "The privilege of getting older is much sweeter knowing I get to share it with you Steven."
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The Big News: Baby Krueger is Coming
If the engagement wasn't enough, the couple dropped an even bigger bombshell in December 2025. They’re expecting!
Candice did a sponsored reveal with Clearblue (because, hey, get that check) and confirmed the baby is due in May 2026. What’s kind of crazy is that the baby’s due date is right around her own birthday. She called it the "best gift ever."
The way they told the family was actually pretty clever. They held a belated engagement party and handed out "Save the Date" cards. Everyone thought they were getting a wedding date. Instead, the cards were to "Meet Baby Krueger."
Imagine the chaos in that room.
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Where They Stand Now
Right now, in early 2026, the couple is in full "pre-baby" mode. They recently took a babymoon to Aruba, hitting up Palm Beach and Tres Trapi. According to Candice, she’s been dealing with the usual pregnancy fun—constant belching and eating "unusual amounts" at weird hours—but she seems genuinely happy.
They aren't rushing the wedding. Steven mentioned they’re still debating the size of the guest list, though he’s pretty sure most of the Vampire Diaries and Originals cast will be there. It’s basically going to be a giant reunion with a white dress.
What You Can Learn From Their Story
It's easy to look at celeb couples and think it's all gloss and filters. But there's a bit of a roadmap here for anyone navigating life after a big breakup.
- Don't Rush the "Public" Part: They dated for a long time before that Instagram kiss. Giving yourself space to breathe away from the public eye is huge.
- Integrate Family Carefully: Steven’s focus on the kids' readiness is a masterclass in how to handle "step-parent" territory.
- Find Someone Who Knows Your World: Sometimes the person who "gets" you is someone who’s been standing in the same circles for years.
The next few months are going to be huge for Candice King and Steven Krueger. Between a new baby in May 2026 and a wedding on the horizon, the "Vampire Diaries" crossover we never expected has turned into one of the most stable, sweet relationships in Hollywood.
If you're looking for more updates on the couple, keep an eye on Candice's Instagram and her Superbloom podcast. She's been documenting the pregnancy journey pretty closely, from the "pregnancy brain" moments to the nursery prep. It’s likely we’ll get the first baby photos and maybe some wedding venue teasers before the year is out.