Disclaimer- I do not own the characters of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. They belong to 20th Century Fox, Joss Whedon, and Mutant Enemy. I am using them without permission, however I am not making any money off them so please do not sue me.
Author's Notes- Alright, this follows "Wild Horses" and "Heart to Heart" and is the last in the trilogy. This story is kind of angsty, but it's also as a happy B/A ending. That's all, enjoy.
Feedback- Please! Send feedback but no flames.
Distribution- Buffy's Passion, Daydreams of BtVS, and anyone else who has any of my stories archived at their site has permission, everyone else just ask me first. I'll almost always say yes.
Rating- PG
Classification- B/A, mild angst.
Spoilers- My stories "Wild Horses" and "Heart to Heart".

Buffy Summers Finn carefully unfolded the letter from her late husband which his lawyer had given her that afternoon after the funeral. He had said that Riley had asked him to keep it until the time of his death and at that point give it to her.

She wondered what her husband had written in this letter and why she had to wait until he was gone to read it.

She blinked away the last of the tears that she had wept for three days straight, ever since she had gotten the news of her husband's tragic death, and began to read.

My Darling Buffy,

I know that if you are reading this, I'm gone. Know that I love you and I will always love you. We're set to be married in a few hours, which is why I'm writing this.

Buffy, I received a visit last night. From Angel. Don't worry, nothing happened, he just promised that he wouldn't interfere with our lives together. That he'd surrender all claim he had on you.

It's a gift I truly appreciate, because losing you to him as been my fear ever since the day you first told me about him. I know longer have to worry about that thanks to him.

Now, I suppose you're wondering why I'm writing all this nonsense, but it's very simple really. Buffy, by the time you read this I hope we've spent several happy years together, but now I'm gone.

Darling, I know you love me in your way and that you'll devote yourself to me and our life together and try not to think about what might have been. You're too good of a person for it to be otherwise.

But, now that I'm gone, I want you to be happy. I know that there is only one way for you to be so, go to him. Let him love you and let yourself love him in return.

What we have, what we will have is precious, but what you had with Angel is a once in a lifetime love.

Buffy, I'll love you the best I can, with all my heart, and I'll devote whatever time I have to making you happy. But I know I can never love you the way he can. You're everything to him, I saw that tonight. He'll love you until the sun sets and never rises again. His love for you will last forever. And you'll love him until you draw your last breath, even though you'll never say it.

Buffy, by the time you're reading this I'll have had you by my side for as long as Fate allowed us, that's why I'm asking you to go to him. I can guarantee that you made me the happiest man on Earth during the time we spent together, but that time is up.

I always knew I wasn't your soul mate, that's him, I'm just the man you loved when you couldn't have him. Don't get me wrong, I'm not bitter, I love you enough to accept whatever you give me, even it isn't everything. All I ask now is that you make yourself as happy as I know you've made me.

With all the love in my heart,
Riley

Buffy stared at the letter, unable to comprehend Riley's words. He wanted her to go to Angel?

*Can I?* She asked herself silently.

It had been ten years since she and Angel had said goodbye, ten years in which she had been very happy. But there had always been an ache in her heart that Angel could heal.

Tears flowed down her face again as she thought of her husband's generosity. Not many men would send their widow into the arms of their rival.

But Riley had never been just any man, he had been good man, one she had loved. Even if it hadn't compared to what she felt for Angel.

She kissed the letter and put it in her purse before grabbing her keys. She'd fulfill Riley's wish, she'd go to Angel.

* * * * *

Angel stared in shock as he saw the solitaire figure enter his office. He'd know her anywhere. Buffy.

"What are you doing here?" He asked, after all he knew her husband had just died. So what was she doing at his office?

She handed him something without saying a word.

Angel read the letter quickly, feeling admiration for Riley Finn. He had truly loved Buffy, enough to want her to be happy after he was gone. Once he was done, he looked up into her eyes.

"I love you, I always have, but if it's too soon-"

"No." She whispered. "It's just on time. I love you Angel, I always will. I loved Riley too, but it didn't compare. Nothing could ever compare."

Angel didn't say anything, what was there he could say? Instead he took her in his arms and kissed her gently, a promise of the life they would share, all thanks to Riley Finn and his wish that Buffy find happiness again.

Send feedback to Michelle M.

Back to the Fanfiction Archive