11 Months later…

“It’s this way I tell you!”

“Really, Xander, I do believe that is what you have said about the last five corridors!”

“Yeah well this time, Mr Smarty pants, I’m right!”

“Giles, Xander, will you please stop arguing, you’re making my head ache!” the witch complained.

A brunette head popped out of a room ahead, “Not to mention disturbing everyone in the place. God didn’t anyone ever teach either of you any manners?” Dawn glared at the two men.

“I told you it was this way!” Xander had to get the last word in.

Mildly chastened they turned towards the hospital room, speaking quietly to a still-frowning Dawn who was blocking the doorway. “Is Buffy awake?”

An English voice answered from inside the room, “Well if she wasn’t before she bloody well would be after the racket you lot were makin’. Yes, she’s awake. Come in but keep it down a bit, yeah? Bit, let ‘em in.” Dawn stepped aside and allowed the three friends in.

They entered quietly, Willow went and hugged Buffy gently and handed her a huge bouquet of flowers. Next Xander and Giles each gave her a hug and kiss and handed over neatly wrapped gifts. She thanked them all, a huge smile painted across her face.

Spike was seated on the other side of the bed in a chair close to Buffy’s head; he carefully took the flowers and gifts from his wife and mate, his eyes shining with love as he brushed her forehead with a kiss. Rising he placed them on a table next to the chair. Giles stepped forward and offered Spike his hand.  Stunned for a moment the blonde stared at the hand before reaching out to shake it.

Willow could contain herself no more and started to bounce slightly on the spot. “So,” she bubbled, “where is she?”

With a huge smile Spike turned around to the perspex crib he had been guarding non-stop for the last nine hours. Gently taking the small sleeping bundle in his arms and passing her carefully to Buffy he announced, “We’d like to introduce you to Billie Elizabeth Prescott.”

the end