Disclaimer: Joss Whedon owns everything. Buffy and Co. are just being borrowed.
Author's Note: Final Installment in "The Slayer Bride" series, thanks to everyone for the great feedback. Must read other 2 stories to really get it.
Summary: Buffy will say "I do," to the man she is to marry.

Prologue

Buffy laid in bed, wrapped in her fiance's arms. At that moment she felt happy and loved, but at the same time she felt confused and guilty; Angel was still on her mind. Even making love to her soon-to-be husband didn't help, she felt bad about the way she hurt him, but she couldn't help it, he made her so angry she wanted him to feel hurt. Buffy rolled out of Riley's arms, she put on one of his shirts and walked to the living room to sit on the couch.

Now that she had rested, Buffy could really think about what she was doing, her mind told her she was marrying the man she loved, and that she should be happy and excited and filled with dreams of the wondrous times ahead. Instead she was worried about whether this was too fast for her.

"This is the right thing, I love him." She said to herself.

Buffy did love Riley, but was she in love with him and did she wanted to spend her life with him. Casting her thoughts aside, by the sudden sleepiness, Buffy went back to bed, and back to Riley.

**************************

Buffy was heading back to Giles' apartment, Riley thought it would be a good idea if they told everyone the great news, and Buffy complied. But unfortunately she had to tell them alone, Riley had an important job interview that he couldn't miss, Buffy set his mind at ease; she told him she would tell the gang.

Riley smiled down at her and squeezed her hand, happy that she was so understanding. Riley left an ecstatic man, he was about to marry the most wonderful person in his life, and now the whole world was going to know it.

Buffy got to Giles' place and was invited in with open arms, the whole gang was there, for some reason, but Buffy didn't really think about why. She cleared her throat, and the gang gave her there attention.

"Last night, Riley asked me to marry him, and I accepted."

"Married?!?!" Spike and Xander yelled at the same time. The diamond on her hand had become a showcase to everyone.

Willow and Giles had remained quiet they had nothing to say. Especially Willow, she knew last night that it was a possibility, so she wasn't surprised when Buffy announced the engagement. All Giles could do was hug Buffy and accept it, it was Buffy's decision, so there was no need to say anything.

But Xander and Spike had lots to say.

Xander got up and walked over to her. "Buffster, you know I love ya. But I just think you're making a huge mistake. Why don't you take a few months and think this over?"

"Forget that." Spike said rudely. "Pet, just drop the wanker, he's no good for you."

Buffy smiled slightly. "I didn't know you cared."

"I don't." Spike replied. "I'm just giving you a little advice, I mean, why would you want to marry him." He said disgustedly.

Buffy glared at Spike. "Because he loves me and this is what I want in my life. Why not him?

"Let's not go there."

Buffy rolled her eyes, and sat next to Willow on the couch, who smiled at her, giving Buffy some moral support.

"What does Angel think of your engagement?" Xander asked.

Buffy stiffened slightly, and glared daggers at him, trying not to show the hurt he caused just by the mention of his name. "It doesn't matter."

Part 1

Angel sat in front of a roaring fire, he'd been staying at the mansion since he came back to Sunnydale, he sat there wondering why he hadn't just packed up and left; for good. Thoughts about what happened the night before were enough to make him sick, but he had to take some of the blame. He told her to move on, to find someone else, but Angel didn't really think about what it would do to him, when she did find someone else, and it blew up in his face. Angry, Angel kicked the table that was in front of him, just thinking of her with *him* made Angel want to go kill. He began pacing around the room, taking out his frustrations on anything in his way, a china vase, and a marble statue went flying across the room.

"Did that make you feel better?" An accented voice from behind called.

Angel did not feel like having visitors, especially this one. "I'm not in the mood Spike." He growled.

"You really are a stupid poof." Spike said, shaking his head in disgust. "You are just gonna let her marry that pin head, I can't believe I used to look up to you."

"Shut your mouth Spike, you don't know a DAMN thing about Buffy and me, so just stay out of it, if she wants to marry him, that's fine."

Spike's eyes widened. "No, it's not fine, and you know it!!! If everything was so chipper, you wouldn't still be in Sunnyhell. You want her back, but too scared to try."

"I'm not -" Angel started.

"No. You listen to me," Spike hissed. "You're right, I don't know anything about you and pet, but I know you love her, and for some reason she still loves you. Believe it or not I care about her, deeply, and I don't want her to make this mistake." Spike pleaded, his love for Buffy clearly showed through his eyes.

"It's her life." Angel stated.

Spike shook his head. "Well, why don't you just walk her down the bloody aisle!!! It's only 4 weeks away."

Angel's head snapped up.

"Yeah, that's right, see ya at the wedding." Spike stormed out of the mansion, muttering and cursing under his breath.

Rage pulsed from Angel, she was marrying him in 4 weeks. The thought made his demon want to lash out at her, Buffy was his and she needed to understand that, but first she needed to know that Angel still loved her. He wanted her with a passion, he let his foolishness get in the way of his needs, but no more, the only thing that could help was to get Buffy back, and damn it he was going to do it; Angel just needed to know how, if he couldn't stop her from marrying Riley, at least he could see her one last time. He had to have that.

*********************

Buffy looked at herself in the mirror, she was at the bridal shop with Willow and Anya, and was trying on wedding dresses. The one she had on was exactly the one she was looking for, a strapless white gown, with an empire waist. The skirt flared out, but not so much that she could not walk without tripping over it.

Buffy turned to Willow and Anya. "What do you think?"

The girls looked at each other, and said. "You look beautiful."

Buffy smiled at her friends, that was the answer she was looking for, she knew that this was the right dress, and that Riley would love it.

"You look so elegant." Willow said cheerfully.

She turned back to the mirror, and looked at herself one last time, and she noticed hot tears were running down her face, and Willow and Anya noticed as well.

"Buffy?" Anya said.

She shook her head, and put on a fake smile. Buffy gave the impression that she was crying because she was excited and happy that she was getting married. But in her heart there was another reason, she didn't want to cry, didn't want to remember everything she tried to put so far behind her. This wasn't the past, it was her life, the present and future and she was going to spend it with Riley. He'd been so good to her over the past two and a half years. When she'd met him, her heart was still broken and aching over Angel. But with his love, and Riley's persistent attitude to make her happy; Buffy had eventually moved on. She couldn't deny the fact that it hurt every now and then.

But she had to get on with her life. Otherwise she'd die, but that was what she was doing now, Buffy knew that in 3 weeks her life would be bonded to Riley, and it scared her to know that it meant; Angel would not be there, it made her wonder could she live without him being there. When he left her before, Buffy knew she could just call him and he would be there, even though the relationship was strained and she held an anger toward him, she could always count on him, and now that was no more. Buffy couldn't run to Angel anymore, and that scared her more than any demon, or creature.

Willow and Anya had no idea about the thoughts in her mind, they thought they were soothing there friend of the wedding jitters, little did they know that it was so much more than that.

After a little more consoling; Buffy, Willow, and Anya left the bridal shop, they had there dresses picked out and in hand. As they left, Willow and Anya were rambling about how great the wedding would be, and did not even notice a listless, withdrawn Buffy, who was lost in her thoughts of him.

Part 2

Riley walked home alone, he had just got off work, his new job as a psycology researcher was a blast. But now he wanted to get home and was looking forward to spending time with his new fiance. A smile splattered on his face when he thought about Buffy, soon she would be his wife, and he would be more happy than ever; things were going great.

Riley arrived home 5 minutes later, the smile on his face brightened when he saw Buffy sitting on the couch watching t.v.

"Hey." Buffy greeted.

"Hey." Riley replied, leaning over to kiss her deeply. "I miss you today."

Buffy smiled and got up from the couch, twisting her hands behind her. "I got the dress."

Riley smiled. "Is it as beautiful as you?" He said, pulling her into his arms, he didn't even notice that she kept her hands behind her back.

Buffy nodded, and pulled out of his arms, suddenly needing to get away. "I'm gonna go for a walk, maybe do a quick patrol."

"Are you sure?" He asked.

"Yeah." Buffy grabbed her coat, and quickly walked to the door.

"You OK?"

"Yeah." She said, and walked out the door.

*********************

Buffy sat under a tree in the cemetery. This was her special place, there special place, where she felt safe and to just let go, and think; where she could free her mind. It may have been a little morbid to others, but this tree held memories, and remembering those memories helped set her mind at ease.

A snap of a twig, brought her out of her thoughts. Buffy got up and looked around the perimeter, she made her way from the tree, stake in hand. She felt a presence behind her and she turned quickly.

"Woah, pet." Spike yelled, blocking his heart.

"I've told you not to sneak up on me!!!!" Buffy yelled, she took a deep breath, and walked away.

"What crawled up your butt and died?" Spike said, annoyed by her attitude, but he knew what was causing it.

Buffy ignored him and left the cemetery, she knew that Spike was following her, but she just kept on ignoring him. They made it passed the park before Spike said something.

"You know what the problem is?"

Buffy stopped. "What?"

"You still love him, but you're too scared to try." Using the same line he used on Angel.

"Mind your business, this has nothing to do with you." Buffy said, angrily.

"What is it with you two? I thought I told you once that you can't just shut off the love you have for each other."

"Spike, he made his decision. I've moved on now, Riley loves me and I love him; we are getting married."

Spike breathed an angry sigh. "All right, get married and be miserable, but at least try to have peace between you two."

Buffy was about to protest, but she stopped herself, he was right. She and Angel had too much of a past to just let it end in anger, and it might be the last time she would ever talk to him. "Ok, if you see him, tell him I wanna talk to him."

"Ok." Spike agreed.

He watched Buffy turn and leave, so she didn't see the big smile on his face.

Part 3

Weeks passed and soon it was only one day before the wedding. Buffy hadn't heard anything from Angel, she asked Spike that if he had seen Angel to let him know that she needed to talk to him. But things had gone so fast that Buffy didn't even have time to do anything, life was moving fast and she was attached to it; she wasn't in control. But she did nothing to take control again, she watched how happy Riley was, he would not stop talking about how happy he would make her, that he would do anything for her; and Buffy would smile, she'd tell him she was happy to hear that, and that she loved him. Buffy did love, but could he make her happy.

Her friends were no help. Xander and Spike constantly criticized Riley, and the marriage. Over and over, Buffy listened to them try to persuade her not to do it

But it was too late, the wedding was on green.

***

Buffy sat in her room, at her apartment. She was observing the place she lived in for the past year and a half, soon she would be living with Riley at his place. Buffy reached down to pick up Mr. Gordo from her bed, she held him close as she got up and walked around her bedroom. She lightly touched everything that she owned, pictures of herself and the gang, momentos from high school, she smiled at all the memories that came to her when she touched her things; until she came to her jewelry box. Buffy picked it up and carried it to her bed, she set down Mr.Gordo softly behind her, and let her fingertips trailed over the box. Sighing she opened it, pulling out a secret compartment, there laid the silver cross Angel had given her so long ago, and the book of poetry.

A knock at the front door, disrupted her. Buffy quickly got up, and ran to the door; trying not to run into the couch. She opened the door, and her face paled. "Angel."

Angel stood in the doorway, he glanced her up and down, she was wearing a tank top, and a pair of boxer shorts. He quickly brought his eyes back up to her eyes. "You wanted to talk."

Buffy could only nod. "Come in." She stood aside, and let him come in. Buffy followed him over to the couch, and sat down beside him. She was a little puzzled about what to say, until a thought came to her. "Why did you wait so long?"

"I wasn't sure if I should come."

Buffy turned her head away from him and got up from the couch. Fiddling with her hands she turned back to him. "I...I wanted to say that I'm sorry about the argument, I think we were both hurt by each other, and said something's we didn't mean."

"Maybe." Angel replied.

Buffy scrunched her brow up in confusion, that caught her attention immediately. "Maybe?"

"Yeah, I think we did say things we did mean, at least I did."

Buffy turned from him.

Angel saw her turn, and got up to stand behind her. "I meant what I said, I would rather go to hell than to watch the woman I love marry another."

She could feel his breath on her neck, he knew he was fighting to stay calm, she could hear it in his voice. Buffy tried to blink back her tears. "You're the one who left me, Angel. You were the only one I wanted in my life, but you left me alone, and vulnerable to anyone." Buffy turned to him, and stared into his eyes, she had to get this off her chest. "You walked away, you told me to move on, and now I have. Why pick now, to tell me you still love me, that you want me again?" Buffy wanted nothing more than to throw herself into his arms, but she couldn't trust herself or him.

Angel bowed his head down. "I didn't mean to leave you that way, I wanted you to have better than me, don't you dare think that I stopped loving you or wanting you."

"Didn't you? If you loved me, if you wanted me, it would not have been so easy for you to leave and stay away for 2 years."

"Do you know how hard it was to do that?" Angel stated. "I felt like dying."

Buffy shook her head, not believing him.

"But you're right, maybe I should have fought hard with myself to stay."

Tears fell from her face. "Well, it's too late now."

Angel nodded. "Right, you're getting married tomorrow night." Angel almost shuddered at saying those words, it should be him that was taking her hand in marriage, but instead he let another take his place. "Buffy, I'm not gonna sugar coat this, I love you, I always have and will. I'll love you until the day I die, but I can't stand back and watch you give yourself to him."

Buffy sniffed, trying to hold back more tears.

Angel had one more chance, he couldn't let go without one last attempt. "Can I ask you this?"

"What?"

"Does he make you happy?" He walked to her slowly, until he was standing inches from her. "Can he do all the things you love, things I only did?" Angel's lips got closer to hers. "Does he make your body hum? Does he have that connection with you?"

Buffy became breathless as he spoke, she couldn't answer him, all she could do was feel. Her body hummed at his closeness, her energy connecting with his, in a way her body answered all his questions, all he had to do was ask more.

"When he kisses you, does he make you want to die." He said, and he firmly planted his lips on hers. When she didn't pull back, he deepened it.

It had been so long for them, they had both forgotten what it felt like when they kissed, it was like an explosion of energy. Buffy wrapped her arms around him tightly, not wanting to let go, in that moment she completely forgot that she was getting married to someone else. Having him finally touch her again made her body quiver with passion and need. The same went for Angel, just the feel of her hand stroking his back sent desire running through him, he held her body closer to him, and he pulled them to the floor; their lips still entwined.

Angel laid her beneath him, they had not come up for air at all, but he knew she needed to, he pulled his lips away and placed them on her neck. While she tried to catch her breath, Angel kissed and nibble on her pressure point, he pulled on the strap of her top, and let it hang to the side; he kissed along her shoulder, and made his way down. Buffy opened her eyes and turned her head to the side, giving him more access, there her eyes came in contact with the glass table beside them, and she saw the diamond ring sparkle on the glass. She realized what she was doing and pulled away from him.

"No, stop." Buffy pleaded, pushing him off of her. She scooted away from him, Buffy smoothed her hair down, and pulled her strap back up. She wrapped her hands around herself, she almost let something happen, she almost went to far.

Angel bowed his head, he took a breath and looked back up at her, his face calm. "Don't do this Buffy." He whispered. "We still love each other, we still want each other, I want you back."

Buffy shook her head side to side, she was so confused. Yes, she loved Riley, but she was still so in love with Angel, that she questioned the love she had for Riley, was it a husbandly love. Shaking the thought out of her mind. "No, I'm engaged." She muttered, and pulled herself up off the floor, and headed to her bedroom; not wanting him to see her cry anymore.

Angel jumped up and followed her, he grabbed her arm and turned her to him. "Buffy please, I love you, don't break my heart."

"You already broke mine." Buffy said, crying. "Just go." She whispered, and went into her room, and locked the door. Buffy laid down on her bed with the feel of him still on her body, when she heard the front door close, she broke down, crying hysterically.

Part 4

Everything was in complete chaos. People were running around to get to there place, the wedding started on time, at sunset, 8:00pm. All the decorations were set up, Buffy and Riley were getting married on the top of the beach cove; it was a full moon tonight, and it give the scenery such a romantic setting, especially when the waves would crash beneath them. The cove was decorated with large white posts, white silk hanging from them. Chairs were set up in rows, and a make shift aisle, with a long white silk rug spread out to an altar; white rose petals were scattered everywhere. It was truly beautiful and everything was set.

Riley walked out to the altar, with Graham as his best man. Music played by a group of violinist began, Willow and Anya made there way down the aisle, to stand opposite Riley and Graham. Everyone Buffy cared about was there, except one and she could not blame him.

This was it, the moment of truth, Buffy stood in her gown twirling her hands; she was so nervous and scared, she could barely think. She was plagued with thoughts of what happened with Angel the night before, and what almost happened. All day Buffy tried blocking visions of him out of her mind, but Angel had stirred something in her, something Riley could never do. Buffy started cracking her knuckles, she was seriously debating this marriage, is this what she wanted? Her mind kept saying that she loved Riley and it was true, but she didn't know if it was enough.

Giles lightly tapped her on the shoulder, silently telling her it was time. Pushing all her thoughts aside, Buffy nodded, she was going through with this. Giles kissed her on the cheek, and took her arm. On cue, Buffy made her way down the aisle and into Riley's embrace.

The minister came into view and began the ceremony. "We are gather here on this glorious night to celebrate the union of Riley and Elizabeth. May God bless you and keep you safe, you are his children, and through this holy union, more will be blessed."

"Do you Riley Finn, take Elizabeth to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness, in health, for better or for worst, until death do you part?"

The minister turned to Buffy. "Do you Elizabeth, take Riley Finn to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness, in health, for better or for worst, until death do you part?"

Buffy froze, she couldn't move her mouth, memories of Angel came rushing at her again at full force. Riley squeezed her hand, "Buffy?" He said puzzled, but she didn't respond. She looked back at the minister, and just as she was about to open her mouth.

"Do you?" A voice from behind said, everyone there turned to see Angel standing 4 feet away from Buffy and Riley.

Riley turned red with anger. "Get out!"

Angel ignored him and kept his attention on Buffy. "Baby, I know I hurt you. I made that mistake, but you can't deny this, us; not after last night. I swear to any power that will listen that I will never hurt you again, I love you more than my own life, don't marry him. Marry me.

People in the audience looked from Buffy, who was on the verge of crying, and Angel, who stood there with his hand held out; pleading with her to take it.

Buffy bowed her head, she was breathing hard, she was at lost about what to do; she wanted to run in his arms, and accept him, but could she trust her heart with him again.

Riley took that as a sign that Angel was upsetting her. "Haven't you hurt her enough? Get him out of here!!" He gestured to anyone who would listen.

Friends of Riley's grabbed Angel and tried to drag him away. There were at least 5 of them and he didn't want to hurt them, seriously, hoping his word would get through, "Buffy marry me, you have once, do it now!!" He struggled to get loose "For better for worse, in sickness in health, until death do us part, baby please!!"

"Yes!" Buffy screamed, lifting her head back up, tears rolling down her cheeks

Gasps of shock could be heard echoing from the cove.

Buffy turned to a stunned Riley. "I'm so sorry." She whispered, regretfully; picking up her skirts, Buffy ran down the aisle and into Angel's arms, kissing him passionately.

Most of the guests had left the cove, a long with a heartbroken Riley, they didn't understand what was going on, but what ever it was concerned the two kissing intensely. The ones who did understand, stood from afar, watching the lovers reunited.

Angel held her close to him, he vowed to never let her go again. Pulling his lips away, "I love you, I love you." He said over and over, he would tell her everyday. Buffy nodded and kissed him again, she needed the contact from him, she loved him so much, she couldn't let him go, not again, not ever. But he set her down, and kept a firm grasp on her waist, he looked toward the confused minister and gestured for him to come. Angel nodded to him, and the minister took his cue.

Clearing his throat. "Do you, um, Angel. Take Elizabeth to be your lawful wedded wife, as long as you both shall live?"

Angel stared in her eyes. "I do, and longer than that."

Buffy smiled brightly.

The minister turned to Buffy. "Do you Elizabeth, take Angel to be your lawful wedded husband, as long as you both shall live.

"I do, and much longer than that." She said, making Angel smile.

Closing the bible in his hand. "By the power invested in me, I pronounce you man and wife." The minister proclaimed. "You may seal your marriage."

Angel quickly dug around in his jacket pocket, and pulled out a black velvet box. He opened it, and showed Buffy her claddagh ring, but a new addition stood out. Centered in the heart, laid a diamond. Angel took her hand, removed the ring Riley had given her, and place his on her finger; with the heart pointing towards him.

Buffy looked down at her hand and remember something. She held up her right hand, and pulled off her thumb a wedding band. She took Angel's hand and slid it on the finger that held his claddagh. "I love you. She whispered.

"I love you." Angel said, and kissed his bride.

The moon shone down on the newly married couple, causing them to glow, as the waves below crashed.

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