"It has to be white. It's only proper," Cordelia said, glaring at Faith.

"She looks good in green," Faith continued to insist. "She should wear green."

"Besides, we're not exactly proper," Buffy pointed out. "But, I think she looks beautiful in any color so I don't see what the problem is."

"As long as it isn't red," Graham added his opinion before he continued wiping the glasses down.

"Oh, goodness no," Cordelia said, looking at him with a horrified expression. "It should be white. A traditional color that she looks so pretty wearing."

"What do you think, Dru?" Faith asked, softening her look as she spoke to the pretty vampire.

"I like black," Drusilla said, smiling as she watched all three girls blanch. "but, not for a wedding. My Willow-pet will be ravishing in whatever color she chooses, but I do so love green."

"Ahem," Willow cleared her throat from the doorway where she had been listening to her friends for almost fifteen minutes unnoticed. "Since it is my wedding, do I have a say in anything?"

"Hey, Will," Faith said, smiling at the redhead. She paused a moment and appeared deep in thought. "To answer your question, nope. You just show up and smile and look beautiful. We'll take care of the rest."

"Don't listen to her, Willow," Cordelia said, glaring again at the brunette before smiling at her oldest friend. "What color would you like to wear?"

"I haven't thought about it, honestly," Willow said, moving to sit down.

"You haven't?" Buffy looked at her, rolling her eyes. "The wedding is next month, Willow! Why you couldn't wait until after the new year, I don't know. This seems so sudden. Hardly gives us anytime to plan."

"It isn't going to be a big affair, Buffy," Willow reminded her. "Just a small gathering of friends and family. I never considered that the color of my dress would be a cause for such debate."

"Well, it is," Buffy said, smiling. Suddenly, she frowned. "Are we over planning?"

Willow looked at them all, seeing four sets of eyes on her as they waited for her answer. She sighed, knowing that she was going to be insane before the wedding date ever arrived. Maybe William and Angelus would still love her even if she was crazy. She could hope. "Of course not, Buffy. I appreciate everything you are doing."

Drusilla laughed softly, watching the redhead smile a strained smile. She leaned over, gathering the thick red hair into her hands. "I do not believe white would be a good choice."

"Dru!" Cordelia said, looking at the vampire. "I thought you didn't mind what color she wore."

"I don't," Drusilla said softly, twisting Willow's hair into several different styles for the others to choose from. She noted each nod or shake as she changed the styles. "But, after the legal ceremony, we will have the bonding ceremony."

"Bonding ceremony?" Faith said, looking at Willow with a questioning look.

"I have to be bonded to them, for their race to acknowledge," Willow explained, having no real details of that ceremony, only knowing that William had mentioned biting and sharing blood.

"We will take Willow into our family," Drusilla explained, moving her fingers down Willow's graceful neck. "Three bites, blood shared, words spoken and she will belong to us."

"Blood and white do not mix," Buffy said softly, having not realized that the vampires would have their own ceremony to perform, but understanding it in a way.

"That is true," Cordelia said, nodding absently as she smiled at a style that had Willow's hair swept up away from her neck. She shook her head, deciding not to ponder what exactly the bonding ceremony was at the moment. They had a wedding to plan. She smiled, "Perhaps red would be the perfect choice. A new tradition for our Willow."

Willow had to smile as the girls continued to discuss the color of her dress. A dress that had yet to be designed much less begun. They had decided to have the wedding the day after Christmas, giving them a chance to have a normal holiday with her friends and family before they left for the honeymoon. She had a little more than a month before the wedding and there was so much to do. She glanced at her friends, feeling Dru's fingers in her hair as the vampire brushed it out again. Luckily, she had people to help her. She wondered what William and Angelus would think about a wedding dress in scarlet. Somehow, she doubted anything would shock them.

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

"You can't wear red for the wedding, luv," William said, a soft smile on his face.

"Why ever not?" Willow asked, looking up into his face.

"It wouldn't be appropriate," Angelus continued for his childe. He saw the glare Willow shot him and chuckled.

"Appropriate? As if we concern ourselves with such things," she said, shaking her head in wonder. "I'm about to marry a creature that most humans believe is folklore, intending to become intimate with him and another man, and you are worried about traditions?"

"Not traditions, pet," William said, his fingers moving through her hair. "We worry about you." He put his fingers against her mouth before she could speak. "Listen first, Willow. This is going to be your only wedding and somehow I doubt you've imagined it taking place in a red dress."

"But, the bonding," she protested. "The blood would ruin a white dress."

"Ah, but that is why you have a different bonding dress," Angelus countered with a smile. He saw her eyes widen and laughed, "Did you really think we'd have you ruin your bridal gown with the bonding? What sort of animals do you imagine us to be?"

She smiled, her eyes shining, "I do not believe you to be animals. I just assumed I'd wear the same dress for both."

"You should never assume with us, luv," William said with a smile as he kissed the back of her neck. "What color would you like the dress to be? This is your wedding, dear. No red."

"I don't know," she said softly, moving her head to the side as he slowly teased the tender flesh with his mouth. "I know that white is the color it should be, but I've never been particularly fond of white. It's the only color I usually wear, and I shudder to imagine my wedding dress that color."

"Then it shall be something else," Angelus said, his fingers rubbing her palm. "You have time, honey. It shouldn't take that long to make a wedding dress."

She laughed softly, "I've got a little more than a month, Angelus. That isn't very long at all."

"We have a surprise for you, pet," William said near her ear. He tightened his arm around her waist as she leaned back against him. "It's upstairs."

Willow pulled back and looked at him, her expression playful. "Why William Devlin! Are you attempting to lure me upstairs with lurid ideas in mind?"

"Not an attempt, luv," he said, winking as he lazily got his feet, pulling her along with him. "And no lurid motives, for tonight at least."

Angelus rolled his eyes, gracefully getting to his feet. He offered his hand to Willow, "Would m'lady do us the honor of escorting us to our room for her surprise? Drusilla shall be there, so a proper chaperone will be in attendance."

"I would be thrilled to escort you to your room, Mr. Devlin," she said, her tone regal. She giggled playfully as she glanced at William, "Despite the lurid motives."

William groaned, moving forward and claiming her lips in a tender yet possessive kiss. He pulled back, whispering against her lips, "Only forty days, luv."

She smiled, leaning up and kissing him, "I know." She then turned to Angelus and kissed him softly, "Now, what were you saying about a surprise?"

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

"I trust my brothers behaved properly?" Drusilla asked as Willow walked into the room.

"Like the gentlemen they pretend to be," Willow responded with a smile as William and Angelus groaned.

"That hurt, pet," William said, moving to sit on the bed. Suddenly, he looked at Dru and smiled. "She's here for her surprise."

"Oh, goodie," Dru beamed, moving forward to hug Willow. "You'll love it."

"I'm sure I will," Willow said, not exactly sure what her surprise was going to be. She watched Drusilla move towards Angelus, the two sharing a tender kiss. She glanced at William and then back at Angelus, her expression slightly stunned. She had known that her friend had been intimate with Angelus and William. She and the vampire had had a private talk shortly after she had told Drusilla about her upcoming marriage. She also knew that Angelus felt for her the same things he felt for not only Drusilla but William also. Yet, he stood back and allowed William to woo her. She didn't mind, knowing that she felt enormous love for all three people in the room, though each love was a bit different. This was the first time she had seen Angelus demonstrate any intimacy with Drusilla though, and she felt a bit jealous. She knew it was silly, having often spent time with just William, sharing kisses and soft caresses. Seeing them both touching so softly, she could not deny the evident love and bond that existed between sire and childe.

She found herself wondering if Angelus and William shared the same bond, having a vague idea that the two men shared quite more than that. She had often stumbled upon Angelus leaving William's room in the early afternoon hours, thus making her imagination run wild. But, she had never seen either man in Drusilla's room. She knew from her conversations with the beautiful vampire that Drusilla had enjoyed intimacies with her sire and brother, but that it was not a constant in their relationship. There were things Drusilla had not told her, never speaking of her time before she had been turned or the time right after that event. None of the three spoke openly about their time before arriving in Harrington actually. She knew it was not her place to question, their past more momentous than she could ever imagine. She did not wish Drusilla to remember things that obviously upset her, so she remained silent and listened to the few things the girl would speak about. Her love and devotion to her sire and brother, her enjoyment of having eternal life, her connection to the stars and flashes of future that she was allowed to experience.

"Willow, are you feeling well?" Angelus asked softly, his dark eyes on her suddenly pale face.

"Hmm? Oh yes, sorry. I got lost in thought," she said, smiling at him. She noticed that Drusilla had moved away and was sitting in one of the four chairs that stood in the room. "You were going to show me my surprise?"

"I have it, pet," William said, watching her face and wondering what she had been thinking of so intently. He got to his feet, reaching under the bed and removing a white box. He handed it to her, a smile on his face, "We sent for it a few weeks ago. It only just arrived today."

"What is it?" she asked, looking at the white box, her finger playing with the pale blue loop of ribbon that tied neatly on the top.

"I do hope you like it," Drusilla said softly, glancing at her sire and then at the girl. "I selected it months ago after the stars sung to me."

Willow smiled at her friend, "I'm sure that I will love it. May I open it?"

"Of course," Angelus said, taking a seat, his dark eyes on the redhead. Something had troubled her moments ago. He had seen the confusion in those green eyes before she had pushed it to the side. He wondered momentarily if they were moving too quickly for her. This was an enormous event in her life, after all. Taking a husband in the eyes of her family and friends and allowing herself to be bonded to his family, for eternity. He wondered if she realized the exact nature of the bond, knowing that William would never be patient enough to explain things completely. But, if she knew, she might say no. He couldn't bare that, knowing that she belonged with him and William and Drusilla. Hadn't the stars confirmed that? And they were never wrong. He pushed his doubts from his mind, watching as she slowly unfastened the ribbon.

Willow slid the blue ribbon off, opening the box. She gasped when she saw the beautiful dark red material. She touched it, feeling the soft silky coolness against her fingers. She glanced up, seeing three sets of eyes on her, all watching with worry. She smiled shyly, looking back at the box. She pulled the material out, realizing suddenly that it was a dress of sorts. She stood, allowing the dress to unfold. "Oh my," she whispered, seeing the thin garment completely.

"Beautiful," William said softly, comparing the blood red silk shift to her pale skin and vibrant red hair.

"It's like nothing I've ever seen," Willow said quietly, noticing that this gown would leave her more bare than even that white nightgown that Cordelia had bought her. Thin straps of red would hold this dress onto her body, each crossing one shoulder and crisscrossing against an open back that would dip towards the soft swell of her behind. The front was cut low and she knew instantly that she would be unable to wear any sort of undergarments beneath this dress. The cool silk fell straight down the front, stopping mid calf if she were wearing the dress. She would barely be dressed wearing this beautiful gown. She looked back at them, not sure what they expected of her. "Is this...is this for the wedding night?"

"No, love," Angelus said softly, seeing that she was tempted by the cool silk despite the nagging doubts that must be going through her mind.

"It's the bonding dress," Drusilla said with a soft smile. "You shall change after the wedding and party, that being the dress for the actual bonding ceremony."

"This?" Willow said, her eyes widening. "But, I can't wear this. It's not even proper to wear behind closed doors, much less in front of my family. It would leave me nude underneath!"

"Luv, it is needed," William said, licking his lips as he tried to forget the image of her in that dress and knowing she was wearing nothing underneath. "The bonding is usually performed in the nude, but we have taken the witnessing of your friends into consideration. This is a very important ceremony to our kind, and you will thank us for not ruining your wedding dress."

"I do thank you for that," she said quietly before looking back at the beautiful dark red scrap she held in her shaky hands. "I just...I hadn't imagined wearing so little."

"It will be decent, love," Angelus said, smiling at her. "It shall conceal the important things that need covered. Besides, in time, I would like to believe that humans will realize how silly their ideas of propriety truly are and will realize the human body is a work of true art. You will look beautiful, Willow. And the only people that shall attend the bonding will be those you love as family. I do not fear their finding offense in this gown."

"You're right," she said, smiling shakily. "It's just a bit of a surprise. I'm sure that everything will work out perfectly for the bonding. It truly is a beautiful gown."

"Not as beautiful as you, my love," William said, knowing how much strength it was taking for her to not run from them. He moved forward, taking the gown from her shaking hands and laying it neatly back in the box. He kissed her softly, feeling her begin to calm at his touch. Pulling back, he smiled, "Shall we get you something to eat now?"

"Dinner would be nice," she said, squeezing his hand. So many questions were running through her mind. How was she going to be prepared for two such life-changing events with little more than a month? She glanced at Angelus and Drusilla, "Will you join us?"

"Not tonight, little one," Angelus said smoothly, knowing she needed time alone with William. He glanced at Drusilla, smiling before he looked back at Willow, "You two enjoy yourselves. Dru and I have things to discuss."

"Have fun," Willow said quietly, moving to kiss him before looking at Dru. "I love the dress, Drusilla."

"I'm glad," she replied, hugging her friend before watching her leave with William. She glanced at her sire, sighing softly, "She has no idea what is to happen, does she?"

Angelus shook his head, moving to pour a glass of scotch as he looked at his daughter, "No, she doesn't. Actually, that is what I would like to speak to you about."

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

"Ok. What's wrong?" Faith demanded as soon as she and Willow had entered the attic.

"What?" Willow asked, pulling herself from her thoughts and looking at the brunette.

"Willow, I've known you for how many years?" Faith asked, waving her hand and smiling as Willow appeared ready to answer. "I know something is wrong. You've been lost inside that brilliant mind of yours for the past two days."

Willow sighed, shrugging, "It's silly really. I know I'm going to sound so stupid."

"Spill it, Red," Faith said, moving to open one of the many trunks that littered the attic floor.

"The bonding ceremony," Willow said simply as she began to search through the trunk with Faith.

"What about it?" Faith asked, raising a brow and looking at the girl.

"I'm scared," Willow said softly, looking at a blue shirt she had found.

"Why?" Faith asked, putting down the table linen she had found and looking at her friend. She saw the large green eyes and the nervous look on Willow's face.

"They gave me my bonding gown," Willow explained, knowing she was being silly. "It's beautiful and silk and bright red and revealing. I also have no idea what exactly they plan to do besides bite me. I don't want to be foolish and ask them what I should have been concerned about months ago."

"Willow, you could never be foolish," Faith said. "This engagement has happened so quickly. I know that they have been wooing you for months, but it has been less than a month since you became the intended Mrs. William Devlin. With Xander's injuries and the Clay's and everything actually, I don't find it surprising that you failed to ask some important questions."

"I do," Willow said, sighing. "This is my life, Faith. I love William and Angelus dearly, with all my heart and soul, but not really knowing what is going to happen to me frightens me so much."

"Honey, no one knows what their future holds," Faith pointed out softly, laughing. "Do you sincerely think that when I was younger I imagined my life becoming like this? Buffy doing the same? Things happen that we can't explain or control. If it feels right, you sometimes have to just wander in with those beautiful eyes wide open and hope for the best. Do you trust them?"

"With my life," Willow said, knowing that Faith was right.

"Then that is all that is important," Faith said, smiling as she briefly hugged her friend. "Now, let's see if we can find that trunk Giles was talking about."

"Oh, I hope we can," Willow said, feeling better than she had in several days. She still had some questions, but she realized that sometimes answers didn't change things. Regardless of what she was going to be doing for this bonding ceremony, she would be doing it if it meant being with William and Angelus.

The two girls continued searching through various trunks, talking about their friends and the Rose and the upcoming wedding ceremony. Finally, Willow opened the right trunk, seeing a baby blanket that she had once carried. She brought it to her face, inhaling the scent of her youth. Putting it down, she saw Faith laughing as she pulled out two infant booties.

"They're so tiny," Faith said, holding the white shoes in her palm.

"I can't believe he kept all this stuff," Willow said, pulling out the mementos of her childhood with a soft nostalgic smile. She handed the items over to Faith who held each piece of cloth with fragile hands. She looked back in the trunk, gasping as she pulled out a pink dress. She smiled as she looked at it, looking at Faith and whispering, "This was my mother's."

"It's pretty," Faith said, looking at the dress and then at Willow's face. "She died before you were born, didn't she?"

"As I was being born," Willow said, smiling as she laid the dress down delicately. She pulled out a fancier dress that was made of silk and lace. It was a pretty pale beige color. She held it out in front of her, her eyes moving over the low neckline and off the shoulder sleeves, down the tight waist and full straight skirt. "This is beautiful."

"Yeah, it is," Faith said, her eyes taking in the dress. She knew from her talks with Giles that Willow's mother had been a prostitute, like her and Buffy and Anya. It appeared that she had had very good taste also. The dress was fashionable even now, the silk and lace looking practically new, the off white color flattering Willow's hair. She suddenly smiled, looking from the dress to Willow and then back again. "You know, that dress would look wonderful on you."

"Oh, I couldn't," Willow protested, looking at the dress and smiling softly. "Could I?"

"You do need a wedding dress, Willow. What better than a dress that your mother wore?" Faith asked, running her hands over the delicate material.

"I doubt it would fit," Willow said, liking the idea but reluctant to attempt to wear the dress for fear that it would not fit.

"Take it downstairs and try it on. What can it harm?" Faith asked, looking back into the trunk and finding the book that they had been sent to retrieve at the bottom. She smiled as she looked at it, knowing that it held thoughts that a younger Giles had held. They had been discussing journals the previous evening as they had laid in bed. She had admitted to having always wanted to keep one but never taking the time. It was then he had told her about his from his first years in America and the thoughts he had had while attempting to make his way alone in a strange country. When he had seen the look of interest in her eyes, he had relented and told her where she could find it and that she could read it if she liked as he had no secrets from her. She had never felt so loved until that few moments of conversation. She had no intention of reading it, feeling that it was violating his privacy. She knew that he told her anything she needed to know, she didn't need to read a book of words to know the man she loved. She smiled as she looked at it before she put it away. She looked at Willow and saw the girl watching her in amusement. "What?"

"You had us come up here in the heat with barely any light to find that book only to put it away again?" Willow asked, laughing softly as she held her mother's dress tight.

"Yes," Faith said, laughing as she began to put things back in the trunk. "So, do we put that dress back or not?"

Willow looked down at the dress and the at Faith. Smiling, she shook her head. "No, it will go with us."

"Good," Faith said, finishing repacking the trunk. She stood, dusting off her skirts as she held out her hand to Willow. "Shall we go down and allow you to try that dress on?"

"That sounds lovely," Willow said, following her friend down the stairs from the attic, the dress that might be used for her wedding held against her chest.

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

"Are you sure?"

Xander shifted against the pillow that he was propped against, his dark eyes looking at the man sitting in the chair by his window. He glanced around the room, taking in the signs that made it his. It was really just another room at the Wild Rose hotel, near the back. He had not been able to stay in Anya's room, having moved into a vacancy as soon as he had been well enough to walk down the stairs. Over the past few weeks, he had rarely left the hotel or saloon, having begun to help Graham at the bar during the busy evening time. He enjoyed it actually, making drinks and keeping an eye on the girls to make sure they were safe. He actually felt a part of something finally. He nodded, "I'm sure."

"You wouldn't like some time to think about it...to consider the offer?"

Xander smiled slightly, knowing that his fast answer had caught the man by surprise. "I don't need time, Angelus. Unless you'd like for me to say no?"

Angelus laughed softly, "Of course not. I just want you to be sure that this is the right decision for you."

Xander thought about it then, knowing that the vampire would not be happy until he had spent some time considering the proposal. "It is. I accept the offer with a clear mind and heart."

"Ok. You've convinced me," Angelus said, smiling. "Good. I can have things have arranged soon. Will you accept the second offer?"

Xander frowned, "I don't like charity."

"Charity?" Angelus repeated, shaking his head. "Xander, my boy, you must have confused me with some moralistic mortal. I don't give charity. This is entirely selfish on my part. I plan to be in the midst of a honeymoon the next few years and have no wish to be burdened with this bother."

"Years huh?" Xander said, chuckling. "Poor Will. Has no idea what she's in for."

"I'm sure she doesn't," Angelus said softly, his eyes looking towards the window as he again wondered if things were moving too quickly for the redhead. William was correct. He did worry too much.

"Are you sure you really need me? That this isn't charity?" Xander asked, liking the idea of working for Angelus, yet not wanting this offer to be merely because of his and Willow's friendship.

"Harris, I need someone to oversee the project. It won't be easy nor will it be fun. You will earn every cent that I plan on paying you. Besides, I would feel secure knowing that you are watching over things for me."

"I think I can do that," Xander said, nodding slightly. "I can help build?"

"Of course," Angelus assured the boy. "You are a good carpenter. That will be beneficial on the project. Besides all that, I trust you."

"Thanks," Xander said, feeling a rush of pride. He nodded, "Ok, Devlin. I accept the offer. You've got yourself a new employee."

"Good," Angelus said. "We must keep this between you and me. It is a surprise for Willow, though I'm not sure how I'll keep her from discovering the truth before it is all finished."

"I'll think of something," Xander said, glad that his friend had two men that cared so deeply about her. "Just give me time. I won't lie to her, but I can probably figure out a way to avoid telling her the entire truth."

"That would be wonderful," Angelus said, smiling. "On a different subject, how do you feel?"

"Better. Still sore in here," Xander motioned to his chest, "And I can't carry all that much yet, but Graham keeps pushing me more daily so I expect to be back to normal soon. I miss Anya and it still hurts that she left, but it's getting easier. Still reach for her in the mornings and sometimes think I see her, but I know she did what she felt she had to do. Does it ever stop hurting?"

Angelus shrugged, "No. It will always hurt just a little, but it does get better with time."

"Have you ever been in love, before Willow I mean?" Xander asked, moving to look at the man.

"I love Drusilla," Angelus replied, "And William."

"Oh," Xander cleared his throat, having suspected such a relationship existing between the two handsome Devlins but not expecting Angelus to discuss it so openly. "And you still have them."

"There was another," Angelus said, thinking of his sire. "She still is in my heart, but we grew apart. We both wanted different things and it was amicable. Happened before Drusilla, before William. Just wasn't meant to be. I'm over her, but it still hurts. As I said, it will always hurt just a bit. If it is love, it fades a bit but never goes away."

"Great," Xander muttered, sighing. "You couldn't just lie and tell me it all goes away?"

Angelus laughed, getting to his feet, "I rarely lie, Harris. Especially not to my friends. I'll leave you to rest now. I'll have papers drawn up in the next week and allow you to sign them."

"Give Willow a hug for me," Xander said, covering a yawn.

"I surely will do that," Angelus said, smiling as he left the boy's room, moving towards the stairs to meet up with William and Willow, his mind already planning his project.

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

Graham smiled at Cordelia as she struggled to move the pile of laundry. He leaned against the doorframe, his eyes watching her silently. She was so beautiful with her hair falling from its clips and her face smudged with a streak of dust. She had taken to wearing simple skirts and blouses, her fancy clothes put away upon her leaving home. He hated that she had had to change her life so drastically because of the people that had given birth to her. He wouldn't do them the honor of calling them her parents, their treatment of their daughter disgusting him. He shook his head, getting rid of those negative thoughts. In many ways, he could thank them though. If she hadn't left, he never would have had the nerve to confront these feelings he had for her. Now, he had fallen in love with her. He knew it wasn't the smartest thing he had ever done, nor did he assume it would be the last stupid thing he did. He still had no idea how she felt about him though. She tended to act like he was her long lost brother, treating him in an affectionate way just as Willow did. But, there were times he would catch her staring at him, her eyes holding things that went beyond platonic feelings. Or so he wanted to believe.

Lazily moving from his place, he entered the room. "Would you like some help?"

Cordelia gasped, spinning to face him when she heard the whispered words. "Graham! Do not sneak up on me like that."

"Sorry," he said, a smile on his handsome face.

"Well, don't do it again," she said, moving to face the laundry, her face red. She felt his warmth as he moved behind her, cursing herself for always reacting like such a little girl when she was around him. He made her heart race and her body heat up and her mind go blank.

"Would you like some help?" he repeated, his voice near her ear.

"Don't you have things to do? Work or something like that?" Cordelia asked, her tone sharper than she had intended.

Graham snorted, "With Harris helping out? Not likely. But, if you don't need help, I'm sure I can find someone who does. In fact, I remember Kay saying something about her bed needing adjusted."

"I can use the help," Cordelia said hastily, her eyes narrowing as she thought of Kay and the blatant flirting the honey blonde woman did with Graham at every opportunity.

Graham smiled, wondering if her reaction to Kay's name could be jealousy but deciding it was not worth fretting over. If she did care for him, they might eventually figure it out before they died of old age. "Let me get that then."

She moved back, watching his arms as he lifted the bag of bedclothes. She saw the muscles pull and licked her lips unknowingly. She tore her eyes away from him, grabbing a smaller bag of clothing as they moved towards the back of the hotel. They began to talk about the latest patrons of the hotel as they both slipped into a comfortable conversation, their mutual attraction momentarily forgotten as they slipped into easy friendship.

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

Buffy entered the hotel, her eyes looking around for Willow or Cordelia. Seeing neither of them, she sighed, moving to lean against the counter to wait. She was bored, having woken early. She was having her monthly, unable to work for the next few days. She felt awful, her head aching and her stomach having waves of sharp pain. She moved the wooden stool from behind the counter, sitting on it as she found one of Willow's forgotten books. She opened it, deciding to spend some time reading until one of her friends made an appearance.

She read a few words, proud that she was able to understand some of them. Willow had taught her to read years before, shortly after she had arrived at the Rose. During her childhood, reading had not been something important to her parents. They had assumed she would marry young and have a family. They had never predicted their untimely deaths nor her chosen profession. She sighed, the words blurring as she thought of her parents. She wondered if they would be disgusted with what she had become. She sometimes felt that disgust about herself, so why shouldn't they? She hated what she did every night to survive. But, she appeared to be good at it so it could be much worse. And never did she feel worse than when Riley left her money after an evening with her. She loved him dearly, or at least she thought she did.

He made her feel things that no other man had. He made her laugh and she enjoyed being with him. He was quite handsome and brave also. Yet, she had never seen him look at her even once the way that the Devlins looked at Willow. Or Giles looked at Faith. Or even how Graham looked at Cordelia when he was sure she wasn't looking. Had he looked at her with love and she just hadn't noticed or did he feel nothing for her? She knew her friends didn't like him, often very vocal in their disapproval. She also knew that most of what they said was true. She just couldn't get them to understand what she felt for him. She didn't really understand herself. She grimaced slightly as she felt another wave of pain rush over her head, her fingers moving to rub her temples as she waited for someone to speak to.

He got out of the stagecoach, visibly grimacing as he looked around the snow covered streets. He pulled his coat tighter, having thought he had left the cold behind. He had been wrong. He took his suitcase from the driver, giving the man a few bits before starting up the wooden stairs to enter the hotel. His eyes read the name, Wild Rose, and then glanced around the town of Harrington. It was quiet, people moving along the streets in a pleasant and lazy manner. He shook his head, wondering again why he was there. Why this town? Some unknown town in a small state in a rather dismal country.

He entered the hotel, brushing the snow from his coat as he saw a woman look up at him. He froze, enchanted by her simple beauty. Blue eyes widened slightly as she studied him, a small smile crossing her full lips. He kept his statement neutral, having learned to never trust first impressions. Instead, he set his suitcase down and removed his coat, the snow having begun to melt and wetten the material. He removed his hat, laying it on the chair beside his coat before he moved forward.

Buffy watched the handsome man, wondering why he was keeping her attention. She had seen much handsomer men, having slept with many. Yet, there was something in his eyes that struck her silent. He radiated intelligence and kindness yet also distrust and unease. She realized that he did not want to be there, making her curious as to why he was if he did not want to be. She glanced at the empty desk, having no idea where Willow or Cordelia was at the moment. Getting to her feet, she offered him her brightest smile. "Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to the Wild Rose."

"Yes, thank you," he replied, distracted momentarily by her smile.

She heard his voice and felt a ripple of pleasure. "You're English, sir?"

"Yes, I am," he confirmed, studying her. "From London actually."

"The owner is from England," she said, smiling. "As are several of our permanent guests."

"Aw, well, I assume I shall feel right at home," he replied, smiling slightly.

"Yes, you will," she said, smiling in answer as she moved behind the desk. "Did you have a reservation sir?"

"I believe so," he replied, walking towards the desk.

She watched him walk, surprised at the graceful way he moved. He was tall and thin but his build appeared to be well muscled. Not the usual type of man that attracted her, but there was something mesmerizing about him. "We shall get you checked in then. I'm sure you are rather tired after the journey."

"It was not pleasant," he said, making a slight face before smiling at her. "My employer was supposed to make a reservation for me."

"OK," she said, caught by the gentle look in his eyes before she looked down at the book. "My name is Buffy, sir. If you need anything during your stay, do not hesitant to ask."

"Buffy?" he repeated, thinking that the name did not do her justice.

"Short for Elizabeth," she explained, looking up and smiling at the way he said her name. "I prefer Buffy though. Would the room be in your name or your employer's?"

"Mine," he said, deciding that the stay in Harrington might not be completely dreadful as he had feared.

"And that is?" she urged, laughing as he blushed slightly, realizing that he did not know he hadn't told her his name. She had never seen a man blush, definitely not a man that seemed rather confident and assured. It was pleasant.

"Pryce," he said, feeling embarrassed, "Wesley Wyndham Pryce."

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

William stretched as he entered the hallway. He went to Willow's room, moving away when he did not hear her heartbeat. He glanced at his pocket watch, noting that it was not yet dusk. He headed down the stairs, knowing that she had put heavy curtains on the windows so that he and his family could go downstairs without fearing the sunlight. He began to whistle, wondering where his redhead was hiding. She was most likely working, finishing up any chores needed at the hotel before spending the remainder of the evening with him and Angelus and Drusilla. She had mentioned something the evening before about finding her wedding dress, something that had belonged to her mother.

He had never heard much about the woman that had given birth to his goddess, knowing only that she had died after giving birth. From the few times Giles had mentioned her, she sounded a bit like Willow, caring and beautiful and intelligent. He knew that Sheila Rosen had worked in a brothel in New Orleans, that she had been friends with Giles though according to the human they had never had relations, and that she had given birth to the most special person he had ever met. That, in his opinion, made the woman a saint regardless of her past. He checked the second floor for his Willow, smelling a faint hint of her unique scent but nothing strong. She had been there, probably cleaning rooms, but she was gone now. He sighed, counting the days until he would be able to wake up beside her, hold her in his arms. Not much longer, thankfully.

He headed downstairs, figuring she must be in the lobby. He stopped on the bottom stair, a smile crossing his face as he saw Buffy speaking to a new guest. "Why, you old wanker. What the bloody hell are you doing here? Angelus doesn't expect you until next week."

Wesley heard the familiar drawl and smiled, looking away from Buffy's pretty face and laughing as William came down the last stairs. "The train arrived in Abilene early. I decided to take a stage to Harrington, a mistake that I shall not make again. I assumed it would not be a problem if I arrived a bit early."

"Wait, you know each other?" Buffy asked, confused.

"He is our solicitor and pretty much takes care of all things resembling business," William told Buffy, moving forward to shake Wesley's hand. "It's nice seeing you, Wes."

"I'm rather happy to see that you are indeed still alive. Though, why you would choose to remain in this town, I do not know."

"Aw, a doubter," William said, laughing. "I said that very thing when we first arrived, so mark my words, you won't be leaving either."

"Somehow I doubt that," Wesley said, smiling at his old friend.

"Did you bring everything?" William asked, glancing at the leather bag at the man's feet.

"Yes," Wesley said, his tone offended that William would question his competency.

William put his hand on Wesley's shoulder, moving him away from the listening ears of Buffy. When he was far enough away for the girl not to hear, he leaned in, "I have made a decision concerning the honeymoon. We shall meet after you've had time to settle in to make the necessary arrangements. It is nice to see you, chap."

"Yes, I must confess that I have missed you too," Wesley said, glancing back at the counter and then looking at William again. "Is Angelus awake?"

"No. He's sleeping. He and Drusilla spent several hours talking late into the afternoon."

"How is my princess doing?" Wesley asked, smiling as he thought of the female vampire.

"Well, though she has missed her Wesley," William said, laughing. "She does spoil you."

"Just as you both spoil her," Wesley reminded, knowing that he owed his life to the woman that had become much like a sister to him. "So, you have gone and fallen in love with a human. I must admit my surprise. She must be quite special."

"That she is," William said, knowing he must be grinning like an idiot but not caring at all. "My Red is something else."

"I am happy for you at finding love," Wesley said, "though I may offer her pity for being stuck with you for eternity."

"Keep your pity," William said, laughing, "one day, mate, you'll find that love and I'll be the one offering pity. Mark my words, it shall happen."

"William, you know my thoughts on love," Wesley said, cringing slightly as he spoke the word. "It is nice for others, but is elusive to me. I doubt I shall ever find it, even if I did wish to experience the pain and turmoil it would cause, which I cannot even say for certain would make the pleasure worthwhile."

"Stop," William said, groaning. "You're using that baffling logic that only makes sense to you. If you don't hush, I'll have a headache and then Willow will get cranky. I don't want her hating you before you've had time for her to like you."

"You started it," Wesley said, smiling.

"Did not," William shot back, falling into a familiar routine with the human. Wesley had been taking care of their business, with Angelus' firm guidance, for six years, since the human was eighteen. It was all Drusilla's doing, her having run into the lad during a hunt one evening. One would not know it now if they were to meet him, but there was a time that Wesley had not a cent to his name nor a roof over his head. He had come from a prestigious family that had come across hard times when the boy was sixteen. He had been sent away from home, the family not able to afford to feed and clothe their children. For two years, he had lived from hand to mouth. Then, he had stumbled into Drusilla who had taken one look at him and begged them to keep him. She had taken over mothering the lad, urging them to give him a chance. Over a year, he had proven his intelligence. Angelus had arranged his training, teaching him the ways of business until the man had taken over their accounts. Yet another of Drusilla's lost orphans, though this one was the only human amongst her various pets. William actually liked the man, easily accepting him as a brother of sorts. He glanced at Buffy, seeing the blonde eyeing his human friend much like Faith had begun looking at chocolate pie. He chuckled knowingly, looking at Wesley and seeing the man watching Buffy. This might be fun. "Come on ya wanker. We can get you checked in and then we can find my goddess. You've got to meet my Willow. You'll love her."

"I'm sure I will," Wesley said, walking back towards Buffy, his eyes trying to watch her without being so obvious. He had heard a lot about Willow in the months the Devlins had been in Harrington, receiving a few notes from Drusilla plus his communications with Angelus in which the man would lovingly mention the girl. She sounded like the exact thing his friends needed, and for their happiness, he was glad they had found her.

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

Willow handed the box to Xander, wiping her hand on her forehead. "Isn't it beautiful out there?"

Xander laughed, putting the heavy box of alcohol beneath the bar. "There are several inches of snow and I have yet to see anyone attempting to wander the streets. You believe that is beautiful?"

"Of course," Willow smiled, moving to sit on a bar stool opposite her friend. "You know I love the winter."

"I know," he said, laughing as he began to check the levels of the bottles. "You've always had a high tolerance for cold. I, on the other hand, can't stand when it gets this cold."

"This isn't cold," Willow said, "wait until next month, around Christmas. Or even January. It will be far colder then."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?" Xander asked, shaking his head.

"I never said that," Willow said, smiling impishly. She leaned closer, whispering, "Cordelia and Graham are doing laundry."

"Are they?" he said, glancing towards the back door that led to the kitchen and wash pan. "In this cold?"

"I guess they're too enthralled to feel it," she said, giggling. She had been watching those two for months, knowing that there was something between them. "And JB made it to Kansas City safely. He sent me a wire to let me know that he's met Cody and they are on their way to New York City."

"I wish he could have stayed for the wedding," Faith said, moving up behind them, and startling them.

"Don't sneak up on me like that," Willow said, casting an amused glare at her friend. "But I agree. I really wish he hadn't had to leave so soon, but they needed to be in New York before the new year. He did promise to send us a gift once he gets to New York City."

"A gift is always good," Xander said, smiling.

"I'd rather have had him here than a gift," Willow said softly, sighing. Shaking her head, she smiled, "But I'm sure whatever he sends will be nice."

"Have you seen Buffy?" Faith asked, "I checked her room but she wasn't there."

"It's her monthly isn't it?" Willow asked, listening as Xander groaned.

"Don't. There are some things about you ladies I'd rather you keep me in the dark about," Xander said, making a face.

"Xander, you are living in a brothel. You'd better get used to hearing about female issues," Faith said, rolling her eyes. Looking at Willow, she nodded, "Yeah, it's her monthly. I figured she had found you or Delia. Did you see her in the hotel?"

Willow shook her head, "I was upstairs cleaning and I took the back stairs down. She may be in the lobby. I know that Cordelia is doing laundry out back, and Buffy wasn't there."

Faith nodded, feeling a slight twinge in her stomach. She glanced down, a worried look entering her eyes. She had suspicions concerning the rash of sickness she had been feeling. She did not want to believe that she could possibly be pregnant, but there were very few other alternatives, most revolving around deathly illnesses. She felt a slight wave of panic, not wanting to consider the idea of having a baby. She would wait until she knew for certain before worrying. "She must be there. Just wanted to check on her. You know how she gets during the first day of her monthly."

Willow nodded, making a face, "Yeah, poor dear. She's most likely there. Why don't we go check?"

"Uh oh, husband to be alert," Faith said, smiling as she winked at William.

Willow turned, a smile on her face, "William. You're awake early. Did you sleep well?"

"Very well, honey," he said, moving closer and kissing her softly. Pulling away, he smiled, moving to the side slightly, "Guess who I found wandering around the lobby bothering Buffy?"

Willow smiled, looking at the handsome and blushing man. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Willow Rosen."

"Wesley Wyndham Pryce," he said, taking the pretty redhead's hand in his. He brushed his lips against it before straightening, smiling into her eyes. Yes, he could see exactly what had kept the Devlins in Harrington.

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

Willow smiled at Wesley, looking at William, "Spike, who is this exactly?"

"The families' solicitor, Red," William said, moving towards the tables. "He's been tidying things up in London for us, selling needed property and making arrangements for the permanent move to America."

"You look much too young to be an attorney," Willow said, smiling at the attractive man.

"And you look much too beautiful to be marrying William," Wesley said, watching as she blushed. Remarkable.

"No growling, honey," she said, giving William a mock glare before laughing. "Are you moving to Harrington, also, Mr. Pryce?"

"Wesley, please," he said smoothly. "I haven't thought about it, actually. I intend to remain here as long as my services are needed by the Devlins. Knowing Angelus, I would assume that my permanent residence shall be here."

"Do I hear my name?" Angelus said lazily as he entered the saloon. He smiled at Willow, leaning down and capturing her mouth in a deep kiss before taking the empty seat beside her. He smiled at the human that his daughter had adopted, "Wesley. I trust the journey was pleasant?"

"As much as a train ride for several long tedious days could be," Wesley said. "And then a stagecoach ride for a couple more days. Not as pleasant as the steamer journey across from London, surely."

"Oh, a boat?" Willow said, her eyes widening. "Was it nice? It must have taken such a long time."

"I love the ocean," Wesley said, "though I would not wish to live beside it. Makes visiting it all the more pleasant. Have you ever traveled on a boat, Miss. Rosen?"

"No," she said, "I've never gone beyond Kansas City. I've imagined it before, though. It must be so different than riding a horse or taking a train."

"You shall have to make it a point to try it at least once, Miss. Rosen."

"Willow, please," she said with a smile. "And I will have to, Wesley."

William cleared his throat, exchanging a look with Angelus before glaring at Wesley, "So, Wesley, have you eaten?"

Wesley smiled, knowing William was irritated. He shook his head, having learned when not to push the Devlins, William in particular. "No, I haven't. Honestly, I'd rather take my things to my room and get settled before a meal. I had a bit of breakfast this morning before leaving the hotel, so I'm not famished."

"Perhaps a short nap?" Willow suggested.

"That would be heavenly," he said, smiling at the pretty redhead.

"I shall take you upstairs," Angelus said, getting back to his feet. "We can discuss a bit of business before you retire for the next few hours."

"Of course," Wesley nodded, knowing that he had several interests that Angelus had had him preparing. "I believe Buffy should have my room key ready by now."

"Buffy?" Willow said softly almost to herself, noticing the slight flush on his cheeks as he said the woman's name. She smiled, watching Angelus and Wesley go back towards the hotel. Wesley interested in Buffy? That would certainly make things a bit interesting, she thought with a smile as she leaned into William, discussing the wedding with Faith and her father.

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

Drusilla watched Faith sit down, the pretty human's face flushed. She moved forward silently, knowing that the girl felt ill. She sat down, feeling the woman's eyes on her. "Do you feel all right?"

"Yeah," Faith said, shrugging. "Just feeling tired. What brings you down this early?"

"Couldn't sleep," Drusilla said honestly. "Wesley was up all night with Angelus discussing business again. Their constant chattering kept me awake."

"Ah, Wesley," Faith said with a smile. "He's rather interesting, I must admit."

Dru smiled, "He is a good man. Very loyal and true."

"Buffy seems to find him fascinating," Faith said with a stifled laugh.

"That she does," Dru said, thinking of Willow's words. "Compared to that miserable excuse of a man she claims to love, Wesley is a saint."

"I can't stand Riley," Faith confessed after glancing around to make sure no one was listening.

"I believe that you are not alone in that opinion," Dru remarked casually.

Faith snorted, "You've got that right. I can't explain it, there's just something about him that annoys me to no end. It could be the way he treats Buffy, it could just be him. I don't know. I love Buffy like a sister, and only want her happiness. Looking at Riley Finn, I don't see her ever being happy with him."

"She loves him," Dru pointed out.

"She doesn't know what love is," Faith said, shaking her head. "She's a dear, sweet girl that had her entire life changed after her parents' death, but she has no idea what love really is. She sees Riley as being her salvation from this life, as being the man that can swoop in and make her feel loved and cherished. I see him as being a man that will use that love against her, find his way into her bed and leave her when his mother tells him to marry another. I don't want Buffy to be stuck in that existence. Does it make me a bad person to wish for him to move somewhere else? To leave before her heart truly is broken?"

"You care for your friend. Caring does not make you evil," Drusilla said. "I can not tell you that Riley is not in Buffy's destiny, nor can I tell you that he is. The stars are silent on such things at the moment. I do trust Buffy to make the right choices, to know what her own destiny is."

"I know," Faith sighed, running a hand over her face. "It just makes me so mad when he treats her like a whore. I know that is what she is, what we both are, but he doesn't have to treat her as such."

"Anger is a healthy emotion," Drusilla said softly. "But it might not be good for the baby."

"Baby?" Faith said, her eyes widening as her fears were spoken by the female vampire.

"You are with child, Faith," Drusilla said softly. She looked into the girl's dark eyes and smiled, "But you knew that, did you not?"

"I feared it," Faith said looking at the table. She looked back at Dru and whispered, "I can't have a child. I can not be a mother."

"You can and you are," Drusilla said, studying the girl. "Words will not change what is already done."

"I've suspected for awhile," Faith confessed, "but did not know for certain. I know that it belongs to Giles. He's the only man I've been with since before the summer. How will he react?"

"I have heard the heartbeat for several months," Drusilla said, "as have William and Angelus. It was not our place to speak of such things. Now, though, you must know the truth. You have another life to care for. As for Giles? He shall love the child and make such a splendid father. You will see. Things will be work out wonderfully for you and your new family."

Faith smiled, "I wish I were that confident. Do you have any idea when it shall come?"

"Let me feel," Drusilla asked, moving her hand to lay across Faith's stomach. She closed her eyes, listening to the heartbeats. She pulled away, smiling, "Late Spring, I believe. When the snow is thawed and the flowers bloom."

"I'm having a baby," Faith said, smiling softly as she put a hand on her still flat stomach. "I'm not going to make a good mother."

Drusilla smiled, leaning back in the chair and watching Faith. Thinking over the things she had seen since being in Harrington and taking up residence in the Rose, she had to say, "You already are, my dear."

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

Willow sat on the bed and watched William and Angelus with a smile. They signed the forms and handed them back to Wesley, who read over everything and made sure it was all intact. "Things appear to be in order."

"They should be," William said, stretching his fingers. "My hand is beginning to cramp."

"Quit whining, boy," Angelus said with a smile. "It was only five forms."

"Boy?" William said, looking at his sire, "Who are you calling boy?"

Angelus laughed as William stuck his tongue out at him, "And that is supposed to prove your maturity?"

"Boys, both of you quit bickering or you'll scare Wesley," Willow said, winking at the lawyer.

"I fear that I'm quite used to them after all these years," Wesley said with a smile as he put his papers in the satchel by his feet. He smiled at her before rising. "If you need me, I shall be having dinner in the Rose."

"Give Buffy my best," Willow said with a slight smile. She watched the man blush, his hand pushing his spectacles up as he glanced at her.

"If I see her, I will Miss. Rosen," he answered.

"Miss. Rosen?" Willow said, rolling her eyes. "What have I told you about that, Wesley?"

"Of course, Willow. If I see Buffy, I will gladly tell her you send your best. Will you be down later for supper?" Wesley asked.

Willow looked at William and asked, "Will we be down later for supper?"

"I'm not intending to starve you, luv. Just talk to you," William said. "Wesley, she will be down later for dinner. Save us a piece of pie, will ya?"

"Of course, Devlin," Wesley said. He left the room, straightening his coat and tie before walking down the stairs.

He had been in Harrington for nearly two weeks, easily finding his own place in the Rose. He had come to understand exactly what had kept the Devlins in town. He had found friends in more than half a dozen people that seemed to now consider him family. And, he could admit privately, he had developed a bit of an infatuation with Buffy. He could not understand it. Not really. No other woman had ever affected the way that she did. There was just something about her that got under his skin. He knew what she was, what she did each night with various men. He accepted that much as he accepted that his boss was a vampire. He didn't like that she did what she did, but he understood. They had spent several hours on afternoon sitting outside in the cold and simply talking. She had told him of her life, about what had happened to her family, about what she had become to survive. He had simply listened to her, holding her as she had cried. Then, she had stood, wiped her face, kissed his cheek, and gone in to work. It was that moment, watching her leave, that he had realized he could love her.

He could love her, but he did not love her. Not yet. She was smitten with that Finn chap. His lips curled in disgust as he thought of the deputy. Finn did not deserve Buffy's love, but what was he to say? Buffy loved Riley, according to the blonde. He had his doubts, but did not know if it was merely wishful thinking on his part. Either way, he knew that Buffy considered him a friend. For now, that was enough. He was not looking for a grand love affair, not really believing that love even existed. Yet, looking into her surprisingly innocent eyes, he found himself wavering. God, yes, he could love her. Shaking his head, he continued to walk. He began to whistle as he headed down the stairs, wondering if Willow was going to enjoy her surprise.

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

William sat down on the bed beside Willow, taking her hand in his. "Luv, we have something important to tell you."

"What is it, William?" she asked, glancing between him and Angelus. There was less than three weeks until she would become Mrs. Willow Devlin. Suddenly, she became worried. "Do you not want to marry me?"

"I love you, Willow," William said, wondering why she would have doubts. "Marrying you is going to be the best thing that I have ever done."

"Then why so serious?" she asked, confused.

"We have finalized the arrangements for our honeymoon," Angelus said. "Wesley has just finished making the needed reservations."

"Honeymoon?" she said, her face flushing slightly. She would never admit it, but she was looking forward to her honeymoon. She had been having dreams of touching them, of them touching her, often waking with an ache in her body that she did not understand. She looked at them shyly, "What arrangements?"

"We had planned for it to be a surprise," William said softly, glancing at his sire and then at her, "but we decided that it would be best to tell you."

"What is it?" she asked, excitement in her eyes.

"We are taking a train to St. Louis, then boarding a steamboat and traveling to New Orleans," William said, smiling slightly. "We shall spend several weeks in New Orleans and then take a train back towards Harrington."

"New Orleans?" she said, her eyes wide.

"We thought you would like to see where you were born," Angelus explained.

"It was my idea, luv. I wanted you to be able to see the city that you came from. To see where you spent your childhood," William explained. Seeing her still stunned expression, he said, "You get to ride a boat."

"William, I love the idea," she said softly. "I've always wanted to see where my mother was from, to learn a little bit about her. Giles has told me so much, but I don't remember the town. I left when I was just a few years old and we took a train. I've often wanted to take a boat, but you know that."

"Aye, that I do," he said, smiling at her. "So, you're happy? You like the idea?"

"I love the idea. Truly, I do," she said, squeezing his hand. "I do love you so much, William Devlin. And you too, Angelus."

"Nice to know I'm not forgotten," he said with a smile.

"But," Willow said, seeing them tense at her word. "I can't be gone for several weeks."

"We will only be gone for six weeks or so, luv," William said. "No more than eight, I'm sure."

"Eight weeks, William. Eight weeks away from my family and the Rose. I've never been gone more than a week," she said, looking at him. "I don't know if I can."

"You'll be with us, pet," he said, never having feared her not wanting to be gone that long. He had been worried that she would not want to revisit her past, that being the reason he had told her their plans. He had never once considered her not wanting to be away from home that long. To him, two months was nothing. "Drusilla, Angelus and I will be there. It's only two months."

"And when Xander almost died? That was only one day. What could happen in two months? It will be the middle of winter and Father might get sick. Or one of the girls? I just can't."

"Willow, they'll be fine," Angelus said softly, seeing the fear in her green eyes. "Wesley will stay here to watch over things. If anything happens, he will get in touch with us directly and we'll come home. But, nothing will happen. You can't always be here."

"I just," she paused, not able to explain her fears. After all, they were both immortal and well traveled. She had never been beyond Kansas City. True, she had traveled from New Orleans to Harrington when she had been less than three, but she did not count that as actual experience. She had no memories of that trip. "I need time."

"Of course, luv," William said. He leaned over and gently ran his fingers along her chin. He looked into her eyes, "I love you, Willow. If you want to remain here, we can. I just thought you'd enjoy New Orleans. I would never force you to do something that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy."

"I know that, William," she said. She gave him a shaky smile, "I'm sure I'll love New Orleans. After all, I'll have you and Angelus with me. Oh, and Dru. Can't forget Dru."

"Shh," he said, "don't think about it right now. Take a week and decide what would make you happy. I can cancel the arrangements with a few letters and telegrams. This is your honeymoon, luv. I want you to enjoy it."

"Why don't we send down for some food?" Angelus suggested softly, moving to Willow's other side of the bed. He brushed her hair with his fingers, smiling at her. "You can eat up here and we can just stay in for the evening."

"Will you read to me?" she asked with a small smile. She loved to sit and listen to him and William read, allowing their voices to wash over her.

"Of course, love," he said, kissing the tip of her nose. He stood, looking at William and smiling, "I'll go fetch her some food. I shall be back shortly."

Willow watched Angelus leave, knowing that he would come back with food and Drusilla. The female vampire had been spending more time with them as the winter snow covered the town. They had been spending more nights indoors, usually just sitting around and listening to stories or visiting with others in the saloon. It was these quiet moments with them and her friends that she cherished, that she realized just how lucky she was to have so many people that she loved and that loved her. She settled back against William, laying with her head against his chest, his hand running along her arm slowly as they waited for Angelus to return. She sighed in contentment, enjoying the feel of him beneath her. They did not speak. They did not need to.

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

"New Orleans?" Buffy said, her eyes wide. "That's fantastic."

"Isn't it?" Willow asked, sniffling again.

"Honey, if it is so fantastic, why are you crying?" Cordelia asked softly, looking at the teary eyed redhead.

"Because, I'll be gone for over a month," Willow said, scowling.

"A month away from Harrington during the height of winter and you're crying?" Faith said, a soft smile on her face.

Willow giggled softly, "I know, I'm being silly. It's just, I've never been away for that long."

"It's scary, huh?" Buffy asked, remembering when she and her family had set off several years before. She had been frightened even with her entire family along. "But, you'll have the boys. You know they'd never let anything hurt you."

"I'm not scared that way," Willow said, leaning back against the headboard of her bed. "It's not even that I'm scared. I just hate the idea of leaving all of y'all for so many days."

"We love you too," Cordelia said with a smile.

"But, somehow I doubt William or Angelus will give you very much time to think about us," Faith said with a wicked smile.

"Faith!" Willow cried out, her face turning red. "You shouldn't speak of such things."

"Since when did you get so proper, Miss. Rosen?" Buffy asked with a giggle.

"Oh, hush," Willow muttered, her face now as red as her hair.

"I think William had an excellent idea, actually," Cordelia said, getting serious. "You've always wanted to see where your Mother lived and where you were born. I think it is awfully romantic of him to think of such a honeymoon."

"If he allows her to leave the room, that is," Faith said, smiling.

"You'll be gone for the new year," Buffy suddenly said with a frown.

"I know," Willow said. "He wants to leave the day after the ceremony."

"But, that's before Christmas," Faith said, the amusement leaving her face.

"Now you see why I was crying?" Willow said.

"You were crying because you're scared about being away from us for so many weeks," Cordelia pointed out softly, frowning. "You can't leave until after the holidays. What is he thinking?"

"He's a vampire, Delia. I guess he forgets that those things are important to me," Willow said, shrugging. "I do love him dearly, and I can't wait to be his wife. Maybe it won't be so bad not being here for Christmas."

"You have to be here for Christmas," Faith said, a determined look in her eyes. She had planned to tell them about the baby at their annual Christmas party. Well, after she had told Giles and seen his reaction of course. She knew she couldn't keep postponing that conversation, but she was worried about how he would react.

"The plans have been made," Willow said. "We leave for St. Louis the evening after the wedding, which is two days before Christmas."

"You will be here for Christmas," Buffy said. "Maybe not the new year, but at least for Christmas. Maybe you could push the wedding back until the day after Christmas."

"It's already been arranged," Willow said, wiping her eyes. "I'm sure William would have no problems waiting to leave until after, but I didn't mention anything. I was so surprised at the idea of going to New Orleans that I didn't honestly consider the holidays until later."

"Being on your honeymoon when the new year strikes is a good omen," Cordelia said thoughtfully. "It will be the beginning of your life as a Devlin along with the new year arriving. If you want to spend the holidays here with us, you really must talk to William. If there are restrictions on the tickets, he will have to have things changed until after the twenty-fifth."

"I'm sure Wesley could handle that with no problems," Buffy said, smiling as she spoke the handsome lawyer's name.

"Wesley? Since when did you two become so comfortable around each other?" Willow teased, laughing when Buffy turned red.

"We are just friends," Buffy said primly. "He listens to me discuss Riley and offers solutions to my problem."

"Get rid of the deputy and take the lawyer," Faith suggested with a wink.

"Wesley does not believe in love," Buffy said softly, a flash of regret in her blue eyes.

"Maybe he just needs someone to convince him that it does exist," Willow said, wondering why Buffy always seemed destined to be with men that did not want the same things as she. Of course, Willow had also seen the way Wesley acted around her friend. She was not at all convinced that he was as indifferent to love as he wanted them all to believe.

"Maybe," Buffy said, smiling slightly. She had become so confused over the past couple of weeks that she didn't know anymore who she really loved. She still cared about Riley, but she honestly wondered now if it had ever really been love. How could it have been when he saw her as nothing more than a harlot? Wesley knew what she did, and she knew he did not approve, but he never looked at her with that disgusted look, as if she were worthless. He made her feel special in a way that no other man ever had before. Was it love or mere friendship? And which did she want it to be?

"See? How am I to leave at such an important time?" Willow asked her friends. "Cordelia, you and Graham seem to have become quite close over the past months. Buffy is becoming infatuated with Wesley and finally forgetting Riley. And Faith, you're positively glowing lately. How can I leave for six weeks?"

"You're going to go to New Orleans with your new handsome husband and new family and you're going to enjoy every moment of it," Faith said with a smile. "You will think of us and buy us many lovely gifts, but you will have fun. Think of it, Willow. Seeing the streets where your mother walked. The house that you were born in. The sites that she saw daily. It is what you've talked about for so long."

"But I never expected it to happen," Willow said with a slow smile. "I can't believe I'm going to finally see New Orleans."

"Don't mention the holidays to William or Angelus," Faith said, a thoughtful look on her face.

"Why not?" Buffy asked, not fond of the idea of Willow being gone for so long in the first place but knowing she was not happy at the idea of spending Christmas without her friend.

"Just leave it to me," Faith said with a slow smile and wink. "Willow will be here for Christmas."

"Even if we have to kidnap her on her wedding night," Cordelia said with a smile.

"Can we please forget about my wedding night!" Willow said, laughing as she smiled at her friends. She looked at Faith, "I'll trust that you know what you're doing."

"Of course I do," Faith said. "Just leave everything to me. And you can repay me by buying me something really nice in New Orleans."

"As you wish," Willow said, rolling her eyes. She felt better about leaving after talking to her friends, as she had hoped. They always managed to make her see things with an open mind. And, while she knew she would miss them dearly, she couldn't wait to journey down the Mississippi with her new husband and family and to finally see where she had been born. She glanced at Cordelia, a smile crossing her face as she said, "So, shall we talk about the growing friendship between you and Graham?"

Cordelia glared at Willow as the others laughed, leaning forward expectantly. Smiling slightly, she felt a slow rush of heat spread over her as she thought of Graham Miller. She saw Willow's amused face and smiled, knowing that her friend was feeling better about leaving for such a long time. She sighed, beginning to protest their obvious belief that something besides friendship existed between her and Graham. As if she were that lucky.

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

"What is all this stuff?" William asked, trying to look into one of the bags that Faith had handed him. They were in the attic of the Rose, searching for supplies of some sort. He and Angelus had been nabbed on their way to find Willow and could very well tell Faith no when she asked for their assistance with some heavy packages.

"Decorations," Faith said, smiling slightly at their puzzled looks. "For Christmas. It's coming in a couple of weeks. The Rose always decorates. Has since Willow was a child. Christmas is one of her favorite holidays."

"It is?" Angelus asked, wondering why the redhead hadn't mentioned anything.

"She didn't tell me anything," William said with a frown.

"Who doesn't enjoy Christmas?" Faith asked, looking at them both with shock. "It's such a festive time of the year. We always decorate the saloon and the hotel. Just a tradition around here. Just wait, you'll both catch the holiday spirit."

"We aren't going to be here at Christmas," William said, putting the sack down and sitting on a turned over trunk.

"What?" Faith demanded, doing her best to sound surprised. "You have to be here for Christmas."

"Willow gets into the holiday thing, you say?" Angelus asked, glancing at William.

"More than any of us. This year she's been a bit quiet but I figured it was just overwhelming with the wedding and honeymoon and everything. She's not going to be here?" Faith asked, sighing.

"We're leaving for the honeymoon after the wedding. It's before Christmas," William explained. He ran a hand through his hair, shrugging as he looked at Angelus. "You say she's really really into the Christmas thing?"

"Very much so," Faith said.

"And you knew she wasn't going to be in town," Angelus said, raising his eyebrow as he studied the pretty brunette. "Hence this sudden need for decorations and this little talk."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Faith denied, blushing slightly.

"God," William groaned, rolling his eyes. "Why didn't she just tell me she wanted to postpone the honeymoon a few days? It wouldn't have upset me."

Faith sighed, having to admit defeat, "She didn't want to change the plans. She hadn't planned on saying anything but I knew she was unhappy about having to be gone over the holidays."

"She should have said something," William said, a bit angry with himself for not realizing she was unhappy. He hadn't seen it.

"Willow is good at hiding things," Faith said with a smile. "You should know that by now."

"We do," Angelus said, smiling slightly as he remembered that she had known about them being vampires for months without saying a word.

"I'll talk to Wesley and have the tickets changed. We can leave the day after Christmas," William decided. He and Willow were going to have a little talk about relationships and being open about their feelings. He hated to think that he might have ruined the honeymoon for her by making her miss the holidays with her friends and family. "Thank, Faith."

"It was nothing. Purely selfish on my part. I couldn't stand the idea of her not being here when I tell them about the baby," Faith admitted.

"Speaking of, how is the little brat?" William asked with a smile.

"OK I guess," Faith said, still not believing she was going to be a mother.

"Have you told Giles yet?" Angelus asked their friend, knowing she was having trouble accepting that she was pregnant and really didn't know how to tell her lover.

"No, not yet. I just don't know how to tell him," Faith said, making a face.

"Why not be straight forward and simply tell him, You're gonna be a Dad," William said.

"I'm just scared about how's he going to react," Faith said, finding it rather amusing that she could be so honest with the Devlins. There was just something about them all, despite them being vampires, that made her feel safe and able to tell them anything. "What if he is upset? What if he doesn't want the baby? I can't give it up."

"He's going to want the baby. He loves you," Angelus said softly.

"Quit being so dramatic," William moaned, "just tell him already."

"I know I'm being silly," Faith said, smiling. "I'll tell him soon, promise."

"I'm glad. Stress isn't good for the baby," Angelus said.

"Now, is there anything else we need to know?" William asked.

"Nope, Billy. Staying here for the holidays about covered it," Faith said watching him wince at her nickname.

"The name is William or Spike," he repeated for the dozenth time.

"Sure thing, Willie. When are you telling Willow y'all are staying here for Christmas?" Faith asked.

"Well, Faithie, we'll tell her as soon as we see her," William said.

"Ok, OK," Faith laughed. "William it is." Turning serious, she caught both their eyes. "Thanks for staying. I mean it. The girls and I, well, Willow is like a sister to us. We couldn't really enjoy the holidays without her here. We'd probably miss her more than she'd miss us. After all, it would be her honeymoon so I'm sure other things would be on her mind."

"You're welcome," Angelus said, "and I'm sure she would have missed all of you. Thanks for telling us."

"Purely selfish I tell you," Faith said, noticing that they had chosen to ignore the honeymoon comment. Willow was definitely one lucky girl. If she didn't love her so much and if Willow didn't deserve to be so happy, she'd be green with envy. As it was, she thought herself lucky to count them amongst her friends and soon to be family.

"You're a good friend," William said softly, "I'm glad that Willow has you on her side."

Faith laughed, "Remember that when I start to get on your nerves next time. Come on boys. Let's get this stuff downstairs. I'm sure Willow is waiting for you both."

"Is this everything?" Angelus asked, picking up one of the boxes she had handed him.

"That and the sack," she gestured to the sack by William's feet.

"Got it," William said, tossing it over his shoulder. "Shall we?"

Faith nodded, moving down the stairs. She was glad they had decided to postpone the honeymoon a few days. She tended to get depressed over the holidays and Willow always cheered her up. With the baby coming and her fears concerning Giles' reaction, well, she would be glad to have her friend close by.

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

"Xan, what were you and Angelus talking about earlier?" Willow asked her old friend, green eyes watching his face.

Xander stopped wiping the bar, looking up at her as his face paled. He cleared his throat, not knowing what to say. He didn't want to lie to her, but he'd promised Angelus not to tell anyone. He looked back at the bar, moving the cloth over the wooden surface as he avoided answering her question.

"Xander, what aren't you telling me?" Willow asked. She had to admit that she was curious. It wasn't strange for Xander to speak to Angelus or William, the three actually having spent several evenings playing cards and drinking. This time, though, Angelus had looked guilty. It was a rare emotion for his handsome face and she wanted to know why. She knew he would never tell her if it was meant to be a secret, but Xander she could wear down.

"It wasn't nothing," Xander said, still avoiding looking in her eyes for fear she'd see the dishonesty in his own.

"Xander Harris," she began, "look at me and tell me that."

He looked up, sighing, "Damn it, Willow. It was nothing concerning you. It was about Anya."

"Anya?" Willow's eyes widened. "Have you heard from her? Is she well? Where is she?"

"No, I haven't heard from her," he said, his eyes glancing at the bar again as a hint of remorse entered his voice. "She hasn't even taken the time to write to let me know she's still alive."

"She loves you, Xander. If she didn't, she wouldn't have run," Willow reminded softly, still unclear as to what Angelus had to do with Anya.

"He's having Wesley look for information, to make sure she's safe," Xander said, seeing the question in those clear green eyes. He wasn't exactly lying, though he wasn't being exactly truthful either. Part of the agreement between him and Angelus had included trying to find out if Anya was indeed safe, but that was not what he and the dark haired vampire had been discussing so in depth. He knew that if Anya did not want to be found, she wouldn't be found. He lived in hope that one day a letter would arrive in the post from her, but each passing day that hope faded a bit more. He knew that soon he'd have to deal with the idea that she was gone and not coming back.

"And you didn't want anyone to know," Willow finished softly. She sighed, hating that her friend was still in such pain. In a way, she hated Anya for putting Xander through this. In another, she cared about Anya and knew her friend was doing what she felt was right, even if she was wrong.

"No, I didn't," Xander confessed with a wry grin. "I feel a bit pathetic, waiting to hear from her. It's been months without any word. I just...well, I love her."

"You don't need to apologize for that. I honestly don't know what I'd do if I lost William or Angelus. I doubt I could be as strong as you. I'd fall apart without them. I never knew that love could feel so good yet be so painful at the same time," she said, comparing her love for the Devlins with his towards Anya.

"Love is a funny thing. Sort of different for everyone," Xander said, glad that he had managed to get her mind off the topic that he and Angelus were discussing.

"Did I tell you that we're staying here for Christmas?" Willow asked, smiling as she remembered her talk with William. It seemed the train tickets had been lost in the post so they would be taking a later train. She suspected that Faith had somehow convinced William to delay the honeymoon. Either way, she was thrilled. She had hated the idea of not being with her family over the holidays.

"Yep," Xander said with an answering smile. "Are you excited? About being married and all that girly stuff?"

"Very excited, but also scared. What if I'm not a good wife? What if William and Angelus find it difficult to live with someone that isn't a vampire like them? Xander, I don't even really know what being a vampire is so how am I supposed to know what to expect from being married to one and bonded to another?" she asked in a soft voice.

"Willow, you're going to make an excellent wife. And they both love you deeply. I don't think they're going to not enjoy living with you. I think they're both old enough to know their own minds and what they want. Now, I reckon you know more about those vampire things than I do so I won't pretend that that is going to be too easy. It's different, you know? But, love can do a lot of things, even make those differences easier," he said.

"You think so?" she asked, needing to hear someone reassure her that her fears were unwarranted.

"I know so," he said, winking at her. "Now, why don't you get that pretty little hide of yours over here and help me finish cleaning before we open."

"You know, you're getting rather bossy," she said, sticking her tongue out at him as he tossed her a rag.

"Must have picked it up from you, kid," he said with an easy smile as they both began to wipe down the bar, slipping into idle chit chat about the night ahead.

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

Faith stared out the window watching the few lone riders cross the white blanket of snow. She pulled the blanket tighter against her body, keeping out the cool chill of the room. She hated winter. It was one of the few things she and Willow would argue about. She had grown up with snow, often not able to leave her family's home for days due to the depth of snow. Those days she was forced to remain with them all, listening to their constant arguing and pompous statements. They looked down on so many people, her family did. She knew that if they saw her now, knew what she was and had been, they would cross the street to avoid her, their eyes never quite finding hers. That was the sort of people they were. Her grandmother had not been that way though. Her grammy had been from these parts, having grown up in the wilds of Missouri before it was even formally named. It was her grammy's stories that had sent Faith out west after her death. She had only been fourteen, taking nothing from her family except train fare to St. Louis. It had taken another year or so before she had found the Rose and her true family.

A year of surviving the only way she could, with her face and her body. She had found that men would pay to be with her, more money that she had ever thought she'd see after leaving home. It had become a game to her, making men want her. She enjoyed it, enjoyed what they could make her body feel. It was only years later, after she had met Giles, that she realized that they had never done anything to her heart. Years of growing up with no one hugging her or kissing her, well, she knew she had been aloof with them all. Giles had changed that. She had watched him care for Willow, look out for them all as if he were their father. For awhile, she had looked upon him as the father she had never had. But, as time had passed, she had started to look at him with new eyes. Eyes of a woman looking at a man she loved. She had seen how attractive he was despite the few lines in his face. She had felt her stomach tighten from a casual touch in passing, a mere friendly gesture on his part did more to her body than any of the men she had taken between her legs. She had begun dreaming of him, being with him in a way he had never showed any interest in, waking to his voice whispering sweet words in her ear.

It was then that she had set about seducing him. She had decided that if she loved him, he must be able to find some sort of feelings for her. He was alone, had been since Willow had been born according to rumor. She knew he must have had relations with women in the time since Willow's birth, he just hadn't been in a relationship. Faith had wanted to change that. He was the nicest man she knew, the most intelligent and charming and caring man. He deserved someone to love him. It had taken her more than a month to get him to look at her with anything akin to masculine approval. And then it was with a slight flush of guilt, as if he were looking at a child or something. Another month had passed before she had been able to convince him that he was not taking advantage of her and that she was not a child.

Faith smiled softly as she remembered her first night with him. He had been so gentle, treating her as if it had been her first time with a man though he knew that it was not. In some ways, it had been though. It was the first time she had let herself care about the person she was with. She leaned her head against the window as she recalled waking in the protective embrace of his arms. She had felt so safe, so loved. Every morning when she woke in his arms, she felt those same things. Her love for him had grown over time, though she knew he still seemed to believe it was a passing fancy for her. He believed her too young to be in love with a man his age despite the many couples in town with larger age gaps than theirs. She couldn't honestly imagine not waking up in his arms ever again. She knew eventually she would convince him she loved him as he loved her, it would just take time. Time was something she no longer had.

Her hands went to her stomach, resting lightly above the area she now knew had a baby forming in it. She was going to be a mother. She flashed to images of her own mother, high collars starched and a frown on her angular face. She would not be like her mother, she vowed. She would love this baby with everything that she had. She would never let it feel unloved like she had. She had to wonder if it would be a boy or a girl. She knew it would be wise to wish for a boy. Living in this town, in these parts, a boy would live easily. But, she wanted a little girl. A pretty little girl with dark hair and bluish gray eyes. A girl could survive. Women were tougher than men most of the time. Faith had seen many examples of that since moving out West. Strength came in so many different ways than mere physical. A pretty little girl that would grow up as strong and as smart as Willow, Faith decided.

She heard the door opening softly, the creak the only sound in the room save her breathing. She turned her head slightly, a small smile crossing her full lips as she saw Giles step inside. He smiled at her as he removed his coat, his cheeks red from going from the cold outside to the warmer cool inside. He stepped in front of the fire, his hands warming themselves as he continued to look at her. "Is it cold out?"

"Very. It's snowing again too," he said, his eyes watching her. She was so beautiful bathed in the rays of moonlight and the flames of the fireplace. He again wondered what he had ever done to deserve her coming into his life.

"I noticed. Quiet tonight," she said, gesturing to the window with her head.

"We closed early tonight. Mostly locals this time of year anyway. A few riders came in. Some fellows traveling to Deadwood," he said, feeling a bit warmer.

"This time of year? Must be crazy," she said, wondering what drove men to do the stupid things they did.

"Some good boys, going up to work with their Uncle, I believe they said," he remarked.

"We've seen many of those," she said with a smile.

"Are you warm enough?" Giles asked, seeing that she was standing barefoot with just the blanket around her. "It's chilly in here."

"I'm fine," she said, looking at the floor and gathering her courage. She had put it off long enough. She couldn't wait any longer. She looked up, seeing the concern in his hazel eyes as he watched her. She saw him sit down slowly, a worried look crossing his face as he looked into her eyes. She sighed, knowing it was time. "Giles, honey, we need to talk."

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

"You're what?" Giles asked softly, a stunned look on his face.

"Pregnant," Faith whispered, tears on her cheeks. He had done nothing except sit down and look surprised.

"A baby. You're going to have a baby?" he asked, trying to come to terms with her words. He had been concerned that something was wrong with her for several weeks, an illness that would not go away. Now, he found out she was having a child. His child.

"Yes, I am," she said softly.

He smiled, "We're having a baby? A baby."

"Uh huh," she nodded, smiling slightly.

"I can't believe this," he stood and went towards her. He pulled her into his arms and swung her around, laughing, "A baby."

"Giles, put me down!" she said, laughing.

"I didn't hurt the baby did I?" he asked, his eyes wide.

"No, you didn't. So, are you fine with this?" she asked.

"Faith, we're going to have a baby. You've made me happier than I ever thought I could be again," he said softly. He took her hand, wanting to make sure she understood. "I love you. I loved you before you were pregnant. I'll love you after you have the baby. You are my life. Did you think I would want to lose you?"

"I didn't know," she confessed. "I've been so scared. I didn't know if you wanted another baby. I didn't know if you wanted a child with me."

"Faith, I've lost count of the times that I've asked you to marry me. How could you think that I would not want to have a child with you?" he asked.

"I was being silly," she said with a sheepish smile.

"You were being very silly," he said. "Faith, I'll ask another time. Would you marry me?"

"Giles," she said, "I love you. I have since before you knew I was alive. And I do want to marry you. Dreamed of it in fact. I just...I'm so scared."

"Why don't you come to bed? You can think about it for a while," he said with a soft smile. "It's cold in here."

"Yeah, it is cold," she moved onto the bed and into his arms. "I love you, Rupert."

"I love you too, honey," Giles said softly, kissing the top of her head as she snuggled closer against him.

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

Willow rested her head against William's chest, her green eyes watching Angelus' hand move skillfully over the pad of paper. His dark brown eyes would look up every so often, but he appeared to be sketching mostly based on memory. She smiled softly, snuggling closer to William. They were in his room because it was warmer, on the inside edge of the hotel away from the biting northern wind. It was nearing Christmas which meant snow had been steadily falling for days with no signs of stopping. She had had a white Christmas ever since she could remember, often identifying the cold with some of her happiest memories. This year would be the best yet. Her marriage and her bonding would both take place. She couldn't imagine anything being happier than those two events. She was looking forward to them both, but she was also scared and worried and excited and uncertain. So many emotions that conflicted kept flooding her mind that she had found it easier to forget them all and concentrate on the happiness. And she was so happy.

"What has you smiling, wee one?" Angelus asked as his dark eyes caught sight of the small smile crossing her pretty lips.

"Everything," Willow said in honesty. "Faith and Giles seem happier lately than they have ever been. Cordelia and Graham still seem to be finding a connection that delights me to no ends. Buffy has found out that there are other men besides Riley, and I really like Wesley so I hope for his sake that he convinces her to give him a chance. Xander is happy, even though he misses Anya dreadfully. I have hopes that things will still work out for them both."

"The chit ran from him, pet. Do you think he'd still take her back?" William asked as he slowly ran his fingers through Willow's red hair.

"In a heartbeat," Willow said. "They love each other. When you find that love, well, you don't give up on it easily."

"Is that all that is makin' you smile, darlin'?" Angelus asked, moving the pencil over the paper to capture the look in her eyes.

"No," she said with a giggle. "You and William. You both make me so happy. And Drusilla is the sister that I've never had."

"It's less than a week, luv," William said with a smile. "Then you'll be a married woman and she will be your sister."

"I know," Willow said. "In six days I'm going to be married. It all seems so unreal. Even now I find that I must pinch my arm when I awake to ensure that I am not caught in some glorious dream."

"It is a glorious dream, Willow," Angelus said easily, "but it is one from which you will never have to awaken."

"No need to be scared, pet," William said as he gently ran his free hand along her arm. "I love you, we all love you. In a week, the entire world, living and undead, will know what you mean to us."

"The bonding," she whispered, her eyes flashing confusion for a moment, "you've neither given very many details of that ceremony. Is there something I should worry about?"

"No, lovey," Drusilla said with a smile. "You shall do wonderfully. There is nothing to fear. We shall all three be with you."

"If you say so, Dru," Willow said with a soft look at the female vampire. "I'm just being foolish. I'm feeling so nervous. I can't believe I'll be married in less than a week. Leaving for my honeymoon soon after. Going to visit the place that I was born. Traveling on a boat and a train. It's just too fantastic."

"Are you excited about seeing New Orleans, luv?" William asked, glancing at Angelus to see if his sire was almost done with the sketch. He wanted to shift Willow but didn't dare if Angelus was still working.

"Wesley has made reservations for us in a hotel in the center of town, near the river," Angelus said as he caught sight of William squirming. He narrowed his eyes on the now blonde and saw blue eyes flash yellow before William sighed loudly and settled back into position. He smiled easily as he continued speaking to Willow, "He has reserved two suites that connect with a door. He has also made reservations for us at a local theater for some show or another. I believe he mentioned singing and the name of a French stage actress."

"I can hardly wait," Willow said with a large smile. "How long is the boat ride?"

Drusilla laughed, "How often must we tell you, Willow? You are remarkably like a child with that boat."

"Oh, hush," Willow moved her head to stick her tongue out at the dark haired vampire in a most unladylike gesture.

"Willow, don't move," Angelus said, rolling his eyes. "The boat takes twelve days to journey down the Mississippi with a few random stops along the way. We are taking the train to St. Louis, where we will be spending three days before boarding the ship. There, we shall do a bit of shopping. Breeches and men's shirts are well and good at the Rose, but somehow I doubt they would be tolerated in New Orleans society."

"I'll have new clothes?" Willow asked, not sure she liked that idea. She understood, of course. He was being honest with her. She could wear her comfortable clothing at home but abroad she would be expected to dress as the wife of a wealthy English businessman. She sighed dramatically, winking at Drusilla, "I suppose I shall have to wear dresses and petticoats and such."

"We will make sure that you are comfortable in whatever you wear," William said. "If that is pants and men's shirts, to hell with New Orleans society."

"It's OK, William," Willow said, looking up at him as she heard Angelus curse her for moving. She glared at him before looking at William again. "I expected that I would have to play the part of wealthy bride. I can force myself to tolerate dresses and such for you."

"Aw, pet, I love you," he said, moving down to claim her lips in a gentle kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth as he caught her soft gasp, her breasts pushed against his chest as he tasted her. He felt his body react and reluctantly pulled away. Soon, he would no longer have to stop. He smiled softly, "All I want is your happiness, luv."

"And I shall be very happy playing dress up in the lovely gowns that I'm sure Angelus will choose," Willow said, giving herself a moment to capture her breath. Their kisses had grown less playful over the months and much more needy. She always felt a slight twist in her stomach when they ended, wishing they could continue for hours. She felt her face flush at the direction of her thoughts, knowing those were indeed not ladylike imaginings.

"To hell with it," Angelus finally said, tossing the unfinished sketch to the table. "Neither of you will quit talking long enough for me to complete this."

"Sorry," two innocent voices echoed as soft laughter followed.

"Are not," Angelus said, glaring at them as his lower lip thrust out. He saw Willow roll her eyes and started, his eyes narrowing. "You dare roll your eyes at me, young lady? When you have caused me nothing but trouble this evening? All I ask for was a nice sitting, a few silent moments in which I could sketch two of the three people that I love most in the world. Do you give me that? Nooooo, you give me glares and movements and changing of facial expressions!"

"You're just jealous that she's in my arms this long, mate," William said with a wink at a smiling Drusilla.

"Jealous? Of you?" Angelus snorted as he gracefully rose from his chair and moved towards the bed. "Not likely, childe."

"Boys," Willow started, gasping as Angelus moved onto the bed. His dark eyes caught her face and she gulped at the look in them. She had seen glimpses of this before in their dark depths but he was usually so good at hiding it, of pushing it away. Now, though, the pure desire seemed to have her hypnotized.

"Willow," he said in mock of her strangled word. He leaned forward, capturing her lips in a searing kiss as he kept his body above her, not touching anything except her lips. After seconds, minutes, hell, it could have been hours, he slowly lifted his head, dark eyes flashing yellow at William. "Jealous?"

"No, sire," William said honestly, feeling the front of his breeches pulling against his hardening shaft. Watching his sire kiss his love was one of the most erotic things he could imagine, often taking his mind to places it should not be going before their marriage.

"I believe that I shall escort Willow back to her room," Drusilla said standing and easily removing the passion dazed innocent from the bed as her sire and brother continued to stare at each other. She knew from experience what would be coming from that exchange and somehow doubted Willow could quite handle that at the moment. Two simple kisses had practically knocked the redhead off her feet. Dru gently shut the door behind them as she steered Willow towards her room, the farthest from William's. It might not do for the girl to hear the noises that would soon be coming from that room. Drusilla was not in a mood to explain what they meant. Drusilla looked at Willow and had to smile as they moved into her room, shutting the door. She took the girl to sit on her bed, and smiled, "I thought you needed saving."

"Thank you," Willow said with a smile at her friend. "I've never....Angelus was....thanks."

"Poor dearie. He bit your lip," Drusilla noticed with a frown. Her sire had acted like a child and she was not happy with him. He almost let his irritation scare Willow away. Of course, she knew that William knew of their sire's tendency to become absorbed in a sketch. He had been playing with fire by teasing the elder. She smiled as she saw Willow's confusion. "You did not feel it, did you?"

"No," Willow confessed. She had been so caught up in the kiss, in the strange things his and William's closeness had been doing to her body, that she had not felt the bite.

"It is often like that," Drusilla said as she sat Willow down and joined her on the bed. "You are so busy feeling other things that you never feel the piercing of the skin. Slight pain overcome by the pleasure. Do I embarrass you speaking of these things? You've become flushed."

"N...n...not at all," Willow stuttered, finding herself intrigued by Dru's words but also a bit embarrassed that the woman was speaking so openly. True, she had been raised in a brothel, but she had rarely come into direct contact with such honesty.

"You're tired, lovey," Drusilla said with a smile. "You've had a busy day and an even busier week to come. You need to sleep."

"I know," Willow said, covering a yawn.

Drusilla leaned over and caught Willow's chin with her hand. Gently, she ran her tongue over the tear in the girl's lip. She closed her eyes, enjoying this slight taste of Willow. She moved her head carefully, capturing a startled Willow's mouth in a deep kiss as she slowly explored the redhead's warmth. Drusilla pulled away with an affectionate smile as she pushed Willow back to the bed, curling beside the girl as they prepared to sleep. Willow lay awake, confusion clouding her mind, her eyes open wide as she realized that she had just been thoroughly kissed by the third Devlin sibling.

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

Cordelia entered the lobby of the hotel, her cheeks pink as she adjusted to the warmth. Graham followed behind her, snow falling from his boots as he walked across the wooden floor to set the bag down on the desk. She let her eyes wander over his frame, paying particular attention to the way his trousers fit against his backside. She felt her face flush at the direction of her thoughts and turned abruptly, scared that he might be able to read her thoughts. She unfastened the buttons of her coat carefully, her fingers still cold from having been outside. It was snowing again, the white flakes having been falling since the middle of the night. The ground outside was covered in a blanket of white. She hung her coat up, watching as the snow drifted to the floor only to melt soon after touching the warmer surface. She smiled softly as she walked into the parlor, moving towards the fireplace.

"Do you need any help?" Graham asked Delia, watching as she moved to make a fire.

"No, I think I can handle this," she said with a small smile in his direction before reaching for a log. She began to set about making a fire, thankful for the warmth of the hotel. It was midweek and she had had to go to the bank and run to the store for supplies. She had never been very fond of winter, but this particular winter seemed to be even more chilling than usual. Sharp winds rolling in from the Northern plains and an almost constant falling of snow had kept most people inside since the end of November. The Rose still got a crowd on most nights, it being one of the few warm places in town, but the hotel had been practically empty for weeks. A few stray travelers here and there, on their way to Colorado or back east, but none that stayed more than a day or two at most.

"You look chilled," he said, watching the color move back into her cheeks. There had been a biting wind that afternoon and they had had to walk several blocks down to the general store. He feared she may have gotten too cold. "I'll get you something warm to drink."

"Graham, I'm fine. It's warm in here and about to be much warmer," Cordelia said, turning to look at him only to find him gone. She smiled softly, knowing that her words would not have been heard anyway. He seemed to enjoy taking care of her, something that she was not entirely opposed to. She finished building the fire, watching as it began to flame, it's warmth moving over the damp parts of her skirt. She sighed as she made her way to the sofa that was in the parlor. She sat down, kicking her shoes off and not at all caring that it was unladylike. She tucked her feet under her skirts, resting back against the sofa and watching the fire.

The Rose was almost silent. She could distantly hear noises from the saloon and knew from experience that Xander was cleaning the bar and getting ready for the evening's business. Beyond him, the kitchen was most likely abuzz with activity. The cook and the two kitchen girls would have lunch prepared by three for the girls at the saloon. That was usually the time they began to wake up. Willow used to be the earliest riser, but with the Devlins sleeping habits, the redhead had begun to sleep in later and later with every passing day. Cordelia didn't really fault her friend for changing her routine to better suit that of her fiance, but she missed Willow. During the early morning hours was the time they used to spend hours talking about everything and nothing. They still spoke often, usually spending a half an hour together before dusk in the hotel, but it wasn't quite the same. Nothing was quite the same anymore.

"Are you all right?" Graham asked softly as he handed Cordelia a mug with something warm inside.

She started, having not heard him come up. Smiling slightly, she nodded, "Yes. Just thinking."

"Uh oh," he said as he sat down, watching as she sipped the warm tea. "Should I be worried?"

She laughed as she punched his arm, "No, you shouldn't, Mr. Miller."

"What were you thinking about?" he asked, taking a drink of his own tea laced with whiskey. Nothing like whiskey to warm your body. "You looked almost sad."

"Did I?" she smiled as she looked back at the fire. "I was just thinking how things change, how people change, how things never quite turn out the way you plan."

"Nothing serious at all, then," he said with a smile as she glared at him. "Delia, change is something always happens. It's part of life, of living. Without change, well, things would always be the same."

"What's wrong with that?" she asked, looking back at him. "I liked how things were. I really did."

"Were? When?" he asked. "When your parents treated you like a possession?"

"No," she shook her head. "After I came here, before Willow became engaged. She still had William and Angelus, but I also had a part of her. Lately, well, it seems that I've lost her."

"This is about Willow?" Graham started to laugh. "Honey, she's getting married. She's in love. You haven't lost her, she's just growing up. You're still her friend. Are you worried that they'll take her away from here?"

"No," she shook her head. "Willow is part of the Rose. William and Angelus can see that. They won't make her leave or force her to choose. They like it here. It isn't really about them, you know. They make her happy, they love her. And I'm happy about that. All I've ever wanted for Willow was for her to find someone to love and that would treat her the way she deserved. It's just, I don't know. Maybe I'm a little jealous. I mean, she's got two wonderful handsome wealthy men that are head over heels for her and she's still the nicest person that I know. I envy her a bit, maybe. But it isn't really jealousy because I think she deserves it all and so much more. I just..." she sighed, "miss her."

"She hasn't gone anywhere," Graham said, following some of her logic but getting confused by half of what she was saying. He would never understand women and certainly not the woman sitting beside him.

"You don't get it," Cordelia said. "I guess I can understand that. I don't even understand it myself really."

"I feel a headache coming on," he muttered as he took a long drink of his tea.

"I've been best friends with Willow for years. Since shortly after she and Rupert arrived in town," Cordelia said. "Even after my family inherited Grandpa's money, I always had her friendship. It was the one, the only, thing that I could always count on. Now, she's getting married. She is going to have a family of her own. And I'll still be here. I know that our friendship is solid and nothing will change that, but she's going to be married! She's not going to be Willow Rosen anymore. She's coming back from New Orleans as Willow Devlin. I know that it's just a name, but in so many ways, it means much more than that."

"You're right," he said, "I don't understand. Must be a woman thing cause I'm happy for Willow. The Devlins are good for her. They love her and she loves them. True, it's not exactly what I ever expected for Willow, but she's always been special. I don't see her ever forgetting her friends or leaving us just cause her name is different."

Cordelia smiled, "No, Willow isn't that type. You're right. I'm just being melancholy. It's a cold day and all that snow. Plus, it's getting closer to the wedding and Christmas. I haven't heard anything from my family in months, not since that last scathing letter. Not that I want to, of course. It just is making me think too much I guess."

"It's they're loss," he said softly, watching her smile as the tears shimmering in her eyes didn't fall.

"Thank you, Graham, for listening to me ramble on," she said, her cheeks flushing as she looked back at the fire.

"Aw, it's nothing. I'm rather getting used to it after the past few months," he said with a laugh.

"Oh, you," she glared at him before she laughed. "Well, I've sat long enough. I've got rooms to check."

"It's early yet," he said, glancing at the fire. "Why don't you rest just a little bit longer? I think the rooms could wait."

"All right," she agreed as she stayed on the sofa, her pulse racing as his arm settled on the back, his hand brushing against her shoulder as they sat in silence and watched the fire.

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

"You've been avoiding me."

Buffy jumped at the words, turning her head and looking into she shadows as her hand went to her racing heart, "Riley Finn! I could kill you for scaring me like that."

He stepped from the shadows, pushing his hat up slightly and looking at her, "Didn't mean to scare you, Buffy. This was the only place I could seem to find to talk to you."

"Talk?" Buffy said, her tone disbelieving, "Since when have you wanted to talk to me?"

"You've been ignoring me," he said with a frown.

"Have I?" she asked. She shrugged, "Sorry, didn't mean to."

"Stop that," he said, moving onto the porch and going to the rail. He looked out at the white road, thankful that the snow appeared to have stopped for the moment. "I can handle you being angry with me. Hell, I expect that from you. But I don't like being ignored."

"Riley, what do you want?" she asked softly, her feelings for him still confused and unclear even to her.

"I want you to smile at me again," he said, still not looking at her. "I want to wake up in your bed, in your arms, with you smiling that smile. I miss that smile."

"You want to sleep with me," she said flatly, not at all surprised. For just one brief moment she had thought that maybe he had realized he loved her, that he wanted her with him. All he missed was a warm body in his bed.

"I want to be with you," he agreed. "You're taking other men. I've watched you with them. Dirty cowboys and rough lawmen. Why not me?"

"Why not you?" she asked, struggling with her temper. She was so close to smacking him as hard as she could, consequences be damned. "Because, Riley, they never make me feel as disgusting as you do. They may be dirty and rough, but not one of them has looked at me as if I was lower than they were. They don't make me feel useless and unimportant. They don't force me to see that I'm nothing but a common whore."

"Buffy, you are a whore," he pointed out, looking at her with a puzzled statement on his handsome face.

"Good-bye, Riley," she said tightly, pulling her coat closer against her body.

"Wait, we aren't finished yet," he said, a slight edge of anger in his voice.

"Yes, we are," she said, realizing her words were true. "Go inside. I'm sure that any one of the girls would be happy to take your money. I'm just not one of them anymore."

"Buffy," he started, watching as her face closed up, her eyes looking through him almost towards the snow filled street. He grimaced as he moved towards the saloon door, "You know where to find me when you change your mind."

"Have a good life," she muttered as she heard the door close. She let out a breath, the tears falling silently down her face. She couldn't believe she had ever been foolish enough to love him, to actually think he might care about her. She knew in her heart that she still had feelings for him. Even now a small part of her want to run after him, to beg him to choose her to be his companion of the evening, but she had to be strong. Watching Willow with her boys and Faith with Giles had made her see that love did exist, that she could experience it. It might take her weeks or even years, but she was tired of loving without having someone love her in return.

Buffy stayed outside until her entire body was practically frozen. She finally moved from her spot on the porch, turning away from the saloon and going to the hotel entrance. She wasn't in the mood to work that night. Hopefully Giles would understand. Not that he ever seemed to mind his girls taking a night off. And lately, he had been paying such close attention to Faith that Buffy doubted he'd notice her absence. She entered the hotel, smiling at Cordelia as the dark haired girl looked up from her book. She nodded as she headed towards the stairs, her coat still around her. She hoped that Wesley was still awake. He tended to keep late hours, and she really needed to talk to someone. She was in desperate need for someone that would listen to her without judging, something that he would always do. She was lucky to have a friend like him.
 
 

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

Willow watched William, noticing how handsome he looked in the brown trousers that molded his legs like a second skin. She began to blush as her eyes strayed over his anatomy, not able to ignore the size of him. She reached for her water, taking a long swallow as she tried to calm her nerves. She was become depraved, she decided. Leering at her fiance like some perverted creature. She was a young lady. Young ladies were not supposed to think of how tight a man's breeches were or how they fit across his behind. They were also not supposed to notice the muscles in a man's back or the sensuous curve of his lips. She also knew without a doubt that they shouldn't be thinking of tracing a man's entire body with their tongue or their finger or both, or imagining a man moving against them, his hands caressing areas previously hidden by clothes. She closed her eyes, taking another big gulp of cold water. Depraved and perverted.

"Luv, are you all right?"

Willow squeaked, her eyes flying open as the mental image left her mind and she looked into amused blue eyes. "William! You startled me."

He smiled, moving to take the seat beside her. He groaned when the soft scent of her arousal met him, his eyes taking in the flushed cheeks and passion glazed eyes. His cock throbbed as he wondered what exactly Willow had been thinking. "You were lost in your thoughts."

"I've uh been waiting for you," she said, looking at the table in fear that he could read her lecherous thoughts in her eyes.

"I woke up early," he said, smiling affectionately at her behavior. She was such an innocent. His precious little innocent. "Angelus is still sleeping."

"Oh," she said, knowing that the two men often shared a room. She didn't question this, accepting their love for each other as easily as she accepted their feelings for her. Besides, who was she to question?

"Pet, what are you thinking?" he asked, smiling at Maria as the girl put his glass of whiskey down and gave Willow another glass of water.

"Something happened," she said softly. She looked up at him, her eyes confused and worried. "You might be upset, but I felt I should tell you."

"What?" he asked cautiously, waiting.

"Last night," she began, licking her lips and not noticing his eyes trailing the movement of her tongue or his knuckles becoming white around his glass, "I kissed Drusilla."

"What?" he asked, hearing her whisper but finding it surprising.

"Well, actually, she kissed me, but I didn't push her away. She surprised me with it," Willow stuttered, her face flaming.

"Drusilla kissed you?" he repeated, his lips twitching. This was her big guilty secret? Hell, he'd spent the night shagging his sire like mad. True, Willow knew of their relationship and accepted it. If she didn't, it wouldn't be happening. He loved her too much to risk losing her.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Did you enjoy it?" he asked as he took a swig of his whiskey. He chuckled as her eyes widened and she blushed even more. He didn't think it was possible for a human to turn such an irresistible shade of pink.

"I uh well I um," she sighed, "It was nice."

"Different from when you kiss me or Angelus?" he asked softly, letting her know that he was all right with the kiss. Silly girl really thought she'd make him mad by tasting Drusilla? Of course, he didn't really think she was truly aware of what the bonding ceremony really meant or consisted of, so she probably did think he'd be upset.

"Yeah. It was soft, gentle," she remembered. "Not as urgent or as passionate. It was pleasant."

"She loves you, pet," he said with a soft smile. "We all do. Drusilla's love is different from mine and Angelus'. Hell, Angelus and I don't even really love you the exact same way. That's what makes us all different. Dru's very affectionate and I suppose she'll probably kiss you again, if you let her. Her way of showing you she cares."

"But," Willow looked confused, "I love Faith and Delia and Buffy, but I don't feel that it would be right to kiss them to show them my feelings. It just doesn't sound very pleasurable to me. But, Dru, it felt right. It wasn't disgusting at all."

"Honey, it's a different sort of love," he said, knowing it would take her awhile to understand. "Poor luv, you've had an exhausting few months haven't you? All your ideas and morals being tested. Do you regret us coming into your life?"

"NO," she said, astonished that he would ever think such a thing. She took his hand, enjoying the feel of his skin against hers, "Never think that. Life is about changing one's notions and learning. You and Angelus and Drusilla have taught me so much. You've made me think about who I really am and what I really believe. I was so used to accepting other people's ideas of the norm that I never took the time to figure out what my own were. I'd never imagined that love could exist between two men or even two women. I'd never seen it, though I'd heard rumors about it before. Until I was faced with it, I had no idea how I'd react. Now, I've realized that love doesn't look at things like that. It doesn't care if you're human or vampire or man or woman. Love just is. Without you, I may have never understood that. I don't feel that enjoying Drusilla's kiss was wrong because I love her. Not like I love you or like I love Angelus, but I do love her. I had always imagined it to be the same friendly love that I feel for the other girls, but last night, I realized that it was deeper than that. I'm still a bit confused about it all. I won't lie and pretend that I'm so sophisticated that it doesn't frighten me a little. It does." She laughed softly, "And I'm sure I won't understand it completely for quite awhile, but it's not written anywhere that I have to understand."

"You're amazing," he whispered softly, love in his eyes as he studied her. "So unique and wonderful. What did I ever do to deserve finding you and being able to keep you?"

"William, stop," she said, laughing. "I think I was the lucky one in finding you Devlins. I shudder to imagine my life without any of you. In fact, I can hardly remember my life before you three came into it."

"We aren't going anywhere, luv," he vowed. Smiling, he added, "Besides, in a couple of days you're making an honest man out of me."

"Golly, I can't believe it's almost time," she said, smiling. "I'm going to be married....bonded. We'll be going to New Orleans on a boat. It all seems so unreal."

"You're not scared?" he asked.

"Of tying myself to you and the others forever?" she asked, pausing as if in thought. "I guess I can handle it."

"I meant about the bond," he said with a roll of his eyes at her joke.

She grew serious, "It scares me because I don't really know what to expect, but I trust you. I know that you would never do anything to hurt me. I know that there will be some pain and blood. Drusilla told me that much. I also know that it will connect me with you to your people as the wedding connects you to me for mine. That's all I really suppose that I need to know."

"There will be pain," he agreed, "and blood. I've heard that it hurts but that the pain fades as the bond begins to find its place."

"I'm going to ask my father not to be there," she whispered, "I don't want him to have to see me like that. I know him and he'd feel that he should do something to help. He wouldn't understand that pain is part of the bonding."

"It might be better to have only a few people there," he suggested, knowing that the bonding was something that should only be shared by those closest to the parties involved. He had only seen one ceremony in his short life, a human in London bonded to a local master. It had been erotic and personal with a tinge of violence. While he liked all of Willow's friends, he had to believe that they would not know how to react to witnessing the bonding. It was a very serious ceremony to his kind, a claiming of a human for eternity, linking lives together born out of love and desire. It was not something done often nor was it treated lightly. He knew that Angelus and Wesley had been making the plans and that his sire was getting every detail perfected.

"That might be wise," Willow nodded in agreement. "They'll be there for my wedding. I don't really know what to expect for the bonding so I don't really know if I'd want them watching, even if they are my family and I love them. Some things are just personal."

He smiled softly, kissing her hand, "I have no problems with them watching if that is what you want. I'm just not sure how they would react. It is a very traditional ceremony and the one that I saw was very erotic and hypnotizing."

"Erotic?" she gulped, visions flashing before her eyes at the huskily whispered word. His voice alone could send her thoughts astray, much less when he was speaking of such things as erotic acts. "I think I shall tell them not to watch."

"It's your decision, and you don't have to make it today. You still have a couple more days," he pointed out. He leaned over, kissing her softly, savoring the small taste he was able to get of her before he pulled away. "Angelus is coming. I feel him."

"Thank you," she said, not specifying for what but knowing that he understood. She kissed him this time, short and soft before pulling back and smiling. "I think I'm hungry," she decided, motioning for Maria.

William laughed, his blue eyes finding his sire as the dark haired man entered the room. He looked back at Willow, knowing that he didn't deserve her but not at all caring.

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

Faith woke up to an empty bed. Frowning, she sat up, pushing her hair away from her face as she scanned the darkness. She saw Giles sitting beside the window, a small candle the only light. She sighed, realizing that she had found him this way for the past few nights. He always smiled and shook it off, saying that he couldn't sleep. She had to wonder if she was the cause, her and the baby. She stood, pulling the blanket around her as she walked towards him. "Can't sleep?"

Giles moved his head, indicating that he had heard her but he didn't look at her, "Not really."

She moved behind him, resting her head on his shoulder as her arms went around him in a hug, "Anything I can do?"

He smiled, kissing her softly before looking back out the window, "I'm afraid not."

"Is it..." she gathered her courage, "is it the baby?"

"Good god, no," he looked at her in surprise, seeing the fear and confusion on her young face. Sighing, he said, "Faith, I love you. I love the baby. I wouldn't tell you that if it wasn't true."

"I know. I'm just so scared," she whispered, chewing on her bottom lip.

"You're going to be fine," he reassured her. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you or the baby."

"I love you," she said. "Why can't you sleep?"

His face changed, his eyes growing cloudy as he looked back out the window. "In two days, I lose her."

Faith smiled, realizing what this was about. "Honey, you're not losing her. You'd never lose Willow. If anything, you're gaining the Devlins. I know it's hard...seeing her grow up and get married. She loves you, though. You're not going to lose her to them."

He smiled sadly, "Did you ever read that?"

Faith looked at the journal he motioned to and shook her head, "No. I love you. I appreciate you trusting me enough to share your private thoughts, but I couldn't read it. It's too personal."

"Read it," he whispered, staring into her eyes before looking away. "I wouldn't have asked you to if I hadn't wanted you to."

"Rupert, you should be happy," she said, not used to seeing him like this. The melancholy had surrounded him for over a week. It was starting to bother her. "It's almost Christmas. We're having a baby. Your daughter is getting married to a handsome, wealthy man that loves her completely. You shouldn't be so depressed. William is not going to take Willow away."

"I like William," he said truthfully. "I can see how devoted he and his entire family are to Willow. I'm thankful for that. She's going to need him so much."

"Would you stop?" she said crossly. "You act like you're not going to be in her life!"

"I told you, I'm going to lose her," he whispered, feeling a tear drift across his cheek.

"All fathers feel that way before their daughters get married," she said softly, seeing the tears on his face and having no idea what to do. He was always the strong one, her rock. She didn't understand his sadness. She was thrilled that Willow was getting married, had found someone that made her so happy. Why did Giles seem to think it was the end of the world?

"I've been a horrible father," he said, turning his head and resting it against her stomach as he held her. "I love her, Faith. She's been my daughter since the beginning even if it wasn't by blood. I can't stand the idea of losing her from my life. She's been my happiness for so long."

"Shh, baby," Faith said, running her fingers through his thick hair. "You are her father. And you aren't going to lose her. Why don't you come to bed? It's cold and you've not been sleeping the last few days."

"The honeymoon," he said, "they're still going to New Orleans?"

"Yes. Leaving after Christmas," she answered, feeling his arms tighten around her. "Is that what has you scared? That's she going to get hurt going that far away? She'll be fine, honey. They'll protect her."

"There are some things that even the Devlins can't protect her from," he said softly, his hazel eyes looking out the window as his rested against her stomach.

"Giles!" she said, "I certainly don't want to dwell on the possibility of the boat sinking or the train derailing. Why must you?"

"She's my daughter," he said softly.

"Look at me," she urged, taking his face in her hands until their eyes met. "You aren't going to lose Willow. Period. She's just getting married. She'll be gone for a few weeks and then she will be back here, with us. She's so happy right now. She loves William and Angelus, Giles. Be happy for her. If she knew that you were so upset, it would hurt her horribly. She loves you and would hate to see you unhappy. For her, please forget those silly ideas about losing her."

"I am happy for her," he said quietly. "The Devlins love her as she deserves to be loved. It's just..."

"Shh," Faith said again, putting her fingers against Giles' lips. "No more. Repeat after me. I will not lose Willow after she's married."

He smiled slightly as he repeated her words, his doubts evident in his cloudy eyes. He didn't believe them, but said them to help Faith. He didn't want her to worry. He couldn't stand losing her too, though he feared he might. He sighed, wishing he weren't feeling such depressing thoughts. Shaking his head, he took her hand and stood, "Let's go back to bed."

She smiled, moving to lay beside him, slowly falling asleep as he held her, his eyes wide awake.

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

Xander took the man's money, putting it in the drawer before he shut it. He turned back to the bottles, running the rag over the surface and cleaning up a bit of the whiskey that he had spilled. He tossed the wet rag in the bucket under the bar and went back to Angelus. He leaned in, answering the man's question, "Just about got it done. I figure you should see them before you leave. Approve everything and all. Got most the crew hired too. Some of the boys at the Rocking R don't have as much to do during the winter so they jumped at the chance to make some extra money."

Angelus nodded, an easy smile crossing his face. "You've only got two days, Harris, if you're making the wedding. We won't be leaving until mid next week

though, after the holidays."

"I don't have plans to interrupt your honeymoon for approval," Xander said, laughing.

"True honeymoon won't be starting until we get on the train," Angelus said with a wicked smile. "And it won't be ending for eternity."

"I did not need to hear that," Xander laughed. "Give me a minute."

He moved down the bar to take another order, pouring the tequila and a shot of whiskey before moving back to where his friend sat. He motioned his head towards the upper level of tables, asking, "Did you see your lawyer getting chummy with Buffy?"

Angelus smiled, "They're just friends, or so he vehemently tells me each time I mention her name."

"You know, funny thing is, I hear that same denial from Buffy," Xander said with an amused smile, "Imagine that."

"Haven't seen the lawman around much either," Angelus said, his distaste for Riley evident in his slow drawl.

"He's in Abilene. Visiting some girl his ma is trying to get him married to," Xander said, making a face. "Good riddance, in my opinion."

"And how are you doing?" Angelus asked the human that had strangely become a friend over the past months.

Xander nodded, "I'm fine. Went out to the house the other day...had to. It was tough. Lots of memories, but I'm dealing. No pain left at all, but I sometimes wake up with these bad headaches. Figure it's something in my brain trying to wake me some nightmare or something. Luckily, I don't ever remember them when I'm awake."

"Probably for the better," Angelus said, adding, "You've suffered enough."

"Naw," Xander shrugged. "Wasn't suffering. It was life. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's real bad. I love it here, though. Graham thinks I'm doing great. Of course, since he's taken to helping out Miss. Cordelia at the hotel so much lately, he could just be saying that to get me to run things over here."

"Ah, yes. Cordelia and Graham," Angelus chuckled. "Those two are taking longer than William did with Willow. Amusing kids. And, knowing Graham, I doubt he'd leave you here if he wasn't sure you were doing the job."

"I know," Xander admitted with a smile. "I just like to tease him about his feelings for Cordy."

Angelus glanced at his watch, slowly getting to his feet. "Well, I'm off to fetch Willow. She's over at Edna's getting the wedding dress fitted. Seems happy with how it looks. Since William and Drusilla went out to dinner, I get the pleasure of escorting Willow home. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it."

Xander laughed at Angelus' wink and told his friend goodbye. He moved back down the bar, filling a couple of orders. He was surprised at how busy they were. It was a Thursday night in the middle of December. They usually were lucky to have more than a dozen people on a Saturday this month. He wouldn't knock it. A train had been stuck in the snow a few miles outside town. It was on its way to Kansas City, so most of the travelers had been stranded until the morning when the snow melted the ice enough to get the train through to the station here to reload. It was a train from Denver and most of the men were now sitting around the saloon. He knew from Cordelia earlier that the Rose was booked solid so most of these men would be sleeping in the saloon overnight.

He wiped the counters again, knowing it was close to closing time. He reached over to grab an empty bottle and knocked the rag to the floor. Cursing, he leaned over to pick it up. As he straightened, he heard the door open. Smiling, he called out, "Hello there," his smile fading as he saw who had entered the saloon. His eyes widened as he whispered, "Anya?"

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

Willow entered the saloon, her head resting against Angelus' chest. She had her wedding dress. It fit perfectly, making her look prettier than she had ever imagined. It was almost like a fairy tale, she realized. Meeting the Devlins, marrying William, loving them all. Even after all these months, it seemed like a dream that she was lucky enough not to wake from. Even the bad things, Xander being hurt, William and Angelus killing those men, Buffy calling it off with Riley finally, weren't as bad as they could have been. Xander could have died. William or Angelus could have been hurt. Buffy could have stayed waiting for Riley forever instead of getting on with her life. Willow moved to set her packages down before deciding to put them behind the bar. The place was so crowded and she had no intention of losing her dress.

"Why don't we put those in your room?" Angelus suggested, his dark eyes looking around at the dozens of people sitting around the Rose. "I would hate for something to be spilled on them."

"It's crowded, isn't it?" Willow remarked, studying the different people. "Do they think they'll have the train through by tomorrow?"

"I ran into Sam on my way to collect you and he seemed to believe it was possible," Angelus said, mentioning the stationmaster. "He said that they were clearing the path, have a dozen men working on it. If it snows again tonight, though, it will just cover what they've removed and freeze again."

"You like it here, don't you?" Willow said with a smile, noticing the easy way he spoke of Sam and their conversation.

"It's a nice town," Angelus said with his own smile. "I like the people, one in particular."

"Whoever would that be?" she asked with a teasing smile as they entered the hallway connecting the hotel to the saloon.

"A cute little redhead that drives me crazy," he said casually, his arm around her waist as he took the packages from her.

"Crazy is a good thing?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

Angelus laughed, the sound husky and too sexy for her own good. His voice lowered as he said, "Depends on the kind of crazy, I guess."

"Oh," she whispered, suddenly aware of his closeness and the feel of his large hand on the small of her back. If he moved it just a little lower, he would have been cupping her....Willow's eyes widened at that stray thought as her face turned red.

Angelus laughed while fighting his demon. He could smell the soft scent of her arousal, it acting like an intoxicating perfume to him and his demon. He could hear her heartbeat racing and knew that she wanted him. Soon, he'd have her. Instead of giving in to his desire, he said, "Damn, I love you."

"And I love you," she said with a smile as she willed her body to quit acting the way that it was acting. They entered the lobby of the hotel and she frowned when she saw Buffy and Faith seated with Cordelia and Graham. "Is something wrong?"

Faith looked up, smiling at the redhead, "Where have you been?"

"I had to pick up my dress," Willow said, motioning to the packages in Angelus' hand.

"I can't believe you're getting married in two days," Buffy said with a wide smile. "Does it seem real?"

"Not at all," Willow answered with a laugh. "Now, what's wrong? Why are all of you here instead of at the saloon?"

"You missed it," Cordelia said with a shake of her head.

"Missed what?" Willow asked, looking at Angelus and seeing a similar look of confusion.

"We're waiting for Xander," Faith explained, the amusement leaving as a look of seriousness entered her pretty face. "To see if he needs anything."

"What happened?" Willow asked again, deciding if she did not get a straight answer this time, she might just hurt someone.

"It's Anya," Buffy said with a sigh, "she's come back."

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

Xander leaned against the wall, his hand on the dresser. He tapped his fingers as he looked at Anya. She hadn't changed in the months since she had left him. Her hair was a bit longer, falling below her shoulders. The light brown seemed like dark gold, lighter than he remembered. She was wearing a pretty dress that was light blue, clinging to her curves in a way that made his heart race. He hadn't said a word since he had seen her in the bar. When he had realized that she was indeed real, not another figment of his imagination, he hadn't known what to say. She had looked at him, her eyes staring at him and he had seen the light sheen of unshed tears. Rather than make a spectacle of them in the saloon, he had just nodded at her, moving from behind the bar and finding Graham to take his place. He had caught Anya's eyes, letting her know that if she wanted to talk to him, they were going to do it privately. She had followed him without speaking.

Now, they were in his room at the hotel. Had been for several minutes. Neither wanted to speak, it seemed. He still wasn't sure what to say. So many conflicting emotions were coursing through his body that he was sure whatever he said would be the wrong thing. Damn, but she was still beautiful. Her face had lost a bit of the edge, her eyes softer. She looked younger in a way. He didn't even know how long it had been since he had seen her. He'd tried to quit keeping track when it was evident that she would not return. It had been a couple of months, since before his parent's death and his shooting. It seemed so long ago. His free hand went to his chest, above the spot he knew still held the scar from the bullet. So very long ago.

Anya watched his hand move over his chest, her eyes seeing the slight scowl that crossed his face and the flash of pain in his dark eyes. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands playing with the lace of the bed spread. She knew that he was waiting for her to speak. She had been the one that had left after all. He hadn't. He was still in Harrington. She looked around the room, noting the personal items. This was his house now it appeared. He had moved into the Rose. She could still feel the shock at seeing him behind the bar at the saloon, smiling and joking with several patrons. He looked happy. Happier than she had ever seen him outside of her bed. The regulars seemed to know him, seemed to like him. Of course, Xander had always been a likable guy. That was one reason she had left.

She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as she struggled to figure out what she wanted to say. Finally, she said, "You look well."

"As do you," he said, his fingers continuing their tapping as his dark eyes watched her face. Memorizing every detail before she left him again.

"It's new," she said softly, her hand spreading over the dress she had bought before leaving Denver. Her hand went up to her hair, running through it as she added, "And I let my hair grow."

"It's nice," Xander said, his eyes moving along with her fingers as they ran through her hair. "Anya, it's late and I'm tired. Why are you back?"

"I heard," she whispered, her eyes wide as she looked at him.

"Heard what?"

"Your parents," she said, closing her eyes as a tear slid down her cheek, "the Clays shooting you."

"You could have sent a note of sympathy," he said, knowing he was being cold to her but not sure how else to react. She had broken his heart when she had left. He couldn't let her get close enough to do it again.

"I could have," she agreed, gulping at the look in his eyes. This was tougher than she had ever imagined. And she had imagined it. So many times over the past months. Everything from the happiest to the most horrible. Yet, in all those dreams, she had never expected this indifferent, this emotionless Xander. He had changed over the months.

"Why didn't you?" he asked, his fingers stopping their tap as he saw the fear in her eyes at his simple question.

"I wanted to see you," she admitted softly. "When I read about in the Denver paper, they didn't know if there were any survivors. I didn't like thinking you were dead."

"And it's taken you this long to come see me?" he asked. "It's been nearly three months, Anya. Three months! You suddenly decide to come here to see me because you were scared back then? That doesn't make sense."

"I wasn't ready before," she said, her voice cracking. "I was so scared. The relief I felt when I realized you were still alive, I can't even explain it."

"Anya, why are you here?" Xander asked again, wanting nothing more than a truthful answer.

"I missed you," Anya said softly. "I had to leave, don't you see? I was suffocating here. My feelings for you scared me so much."

"Then why are you back?" he asked, not liking the tears that were silently falling down her cheeks.

"I went to Denver," Anya continued as if he hadn't spoken, "it's a nice city. Bigger than Harrington. So many people that a girl can let herself get lost. I had some money saved and made some more. Playing cards, not doing the other thing. Got myself a bit of a reputation as a lucky girl at several of the saloons. I made money but I wasn't happy. I had a nice room at a small boarding house, bought myself some nice, new dresses and I still wasn't content. I missed the Rose. Missed the girls and Giles. Didn't miss the work, the men touching me and paying to lay with me. Last week, I finally realized why I wasn't happy in Denver."

"Why?" he asked softly, having heard her say more in that brief time than she had ever said during their years together. She rarely spoke about her thoughts or her feelings, content to pretend that she didn't care about anything or anyone. She had changed in more ways than just longer hair and a new dress.

"You weren't with me," she whispered, her eyes meeting his and holding his gaze. "Xander, I'm not used to love. I don't know how to love, what to do or how to act. But, I love you. Being without you was a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from."

"You love me?" Xander repeated softly, seeing the difficulty that Anya was having in saying the word.

"I know you hate me. I don't blame you. I left with a note and never looked back," she said, her fingers picking at the lace as she spoke, "but I couldn't stay in Denver. I couldn't be away from you."

"I don't hate you," he whispered, moving towards her and smiling softly as he saw the hope enter her beautiful eyes. "I won't pretend that I wasn't hurt, Anya. It's taken me a long time to get on with my life without you. Now, just when things are going so well, you're back and telling me you love me. How do I know its real? I can't lose you again."

"I'm not leaving you ever again," Anya said softly. "I'm going to talk to Giles, see if he needs me at the hotel or the saloon. I can't go back to what I was doing, though. Having those men touch me when you're the only one that I want to be with. If he doesn't need me, I can gamble. I've learned the tricks, I'm good at it too."

"This is so sudden," Xander said, still not knowing if he could believe her. Did he dare trust her?

"I love you, Xander," Anya said softly.

"Do you know how often I've wanted to hear those words?" Xander whispered as he kneeled in front of her. He put his hands on hers, laying them flat against the lace border of his bedspread. Their eyes caught and she smiled softly.

"I'm so sorry," she said, moving to rest her head against his shoulder. She inhaled, smelling his scent and feel finally that she was home.

"You were scared. You ran," he said quietly, moving one of his hands to run through her hair. It was real. She was really there. It wasn't another dream that he would wake from. "You're home now. That's all that matters."

"I love you," she whispered as she moved her head and brushed her lips against his neck.

"I love you," he said, kissing her cheek. He knew it wasn't that easy. He still had nightmares about the night his parents had died. Anya hadn't been there to help him, had no real idea what he had experienced except what she had read in the paper. And he didn't know what she had done during her time in Denver. No, it wouldn't be easy, but they were in love. That was a beginning.

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

Willow opened her eyes, a smile crossing her pretty face as she realized that it was Christmas. She sat up, her enthusiasm so great that she didn't realize Drusilla's head was on her stomach. The beautiful vampire was woken from her deep sleep as her head tumbled to the mattress. She opened one dark eye, looking at Willow with curiosity, "Are you all right?"

Willow looked apologetic, "I'm sorry. I forgot you had slept with me last night. But, it's Christmas."

"And?" Drusilla asked, smiling slightly as she watched her soon to be sister.

"I know it's strange that I could be so excited over one silly day, but it means something to me that I just can't explain," Willow said with a thoughtful look. "Ever since I was a little girl, this has been a special day. Dad always closes the saloon and has a party for the staff. Some people from town, regulars to the Rose, always come by and drop in. It's always been such a pleasant time. This year, I get to share it with you and William and Angelus. I'm just so happy."

"And it is one day closer to the wedding," Drusilla pointed out with a smile as she sat up.

"Yeah, the wedding," Willow said, chewing on her bottom lip. One day until she spoke her vows in front of her family and friends and became Mrs. William Devlin. They had changed the wedding date several times since agreeing to marry, that she had almost forgotten that they had decided to wait until the day after Christmas. Who was she fooling? She had the date memorized and the hours counted. "And the bonding."

Drusilla nodded, seeing the flash of uncertainty enter Willow's lovely green eyes. "You should not be scared, Willow. The bonding will hurt, but pain fades with time. The bond will never fade. You will be part of our family, our claim of you evident to all of our kind. Angelus has taken the time to make sure that every detail is perfect. You shall be so pleased with his and Wesley's efforts."

Willow pulled her knees up, resting her chin on them as she looked into the dark eyes of her friend. "Tell me what I should know."

"Lovey, you know that I cannot provide details," Drusilla said softly.

"I do not want details," Willow said, speaking the truth. In a way, knowing what to expect would probably be more thought consuming. "I just need to know something."

"It is a simple ceremony, honestly," Drusilla said, thinking about it. "But very serious for our kind. It is not performed often so it means more. Oh, honey, I don't know what to tell you. It will take longer than your wedding, more vows repeated than your ceremony. As I said, it is very serious and, once performed, it cannot be altered. There is no choice of divorce or separation. One the bond is in place, its strength, its power, it is forever."

"But I'll still be alive," Willow said, not able to understand forever and being alive.

"Yes, you will. But the bond is a promise, a notice of intent," Drusilla explained, trying to give Willow some sort of definition. "It is your commitment to William and Angelus and myself along with our commitment to you. A claim is made. You will die one day. You will choose," Drusilla stopped, sighing softly, "I am sorry. I cannot say more. Just know that we love you and want you to always be with us. If the emotion was not so strong, if William and Angelus did not want you for eternity, there would be no bonding. They would have simply turned you."

"Why did Angelus not bond with you? Instead of making you like him. He loves you," Willow asked, curious.

Drusilla laughed softly, "Lovey, I was a passing obsession, in the beginning. After he," she trailed, not wanting Willow to know the true 'courting' her sire had performed, "found me and turned me, after I became part of the family, that was when the emotion grew. It took time for him to grow to care for me as he does now. He was a different person. He has changed, as has William, as have I. Time changes people, even demons like us."

"I'm sorry," Willow said quietly. "That you were not given a choice like I have been. I can only imagine how terrible that must have been, to die like that and not have the love."

"Shh, pet," Drusilla put her fingers against Willow's lips. "Do not think of such things. I do not. Today is your Christmas, your wonderful day. Tomorrow, you will join our family as we join yours. Soon after, you will be going to see your birthplace, exploring the world before coming back home. Think of those things, of the excitement and happiness that is your life. The past is past. Let it rest there peacefully."

"You're right," Willow smiled, shaking her head. "It's much too happy a day to sit here in worry and sadness. Anya is back, with Xander where she belongs. Faith has mentioned important news that she wants to share. We shall have presents to open and friends to enjoy. Besides, it shall be my last day as a single woman. I should enjoy it."

Drusilla laughed as she got to her feet, "Do not let William or Angelus hear you say that. I fear they might lock you up until the wedding, just to keep you safe."

"I shall keep that statement between you and me, just in case," Willow said, laughing as she walked towards her closet. "Come along, Dru. Get dressed. We have the day waiting for us."

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

By the time that Willow and Drusilla had woken William and Angelus, the two men had dressed and all four had made it downstairs, they could hear activity from the saloon. Willow smiled, almost skipping as she started off towards the sounds of her friends. She looked back at the amused vampires and scowled at them, "You're moving too slow."

"You're moving too fast," William countered, his blue eyes lit with humor. He couldn't believe that he was awake, out of bed and dressed, before noon. Thankfully, Willow had taken the precaution the night before of having Graham and Wesley cover the windows with dark curtains. She hadn't wanted the Devlins to miss any part of her Christmas day festivities.

"Not fast enough," she said, tapping her foot impatiently.

"The day will not be going anywhere," Angelus said, moving to place his arm around her waist. "See? We're almost there now."

"Always the logical one," she muttered, giving him a small smile as she rested her head against his broad chest.

"Ahem," William cleared his throat, taking her hand and giving his sire an annoyed look, "she is my fiancée."

"Yes, I remember," Angelus said with a silky tone as he continued to walk along with Willow.

"Boys, no fighting," Willow said, her tone amused as she gave them each a mock glare. "It's Christmas. A time of celebration and love."

"But, luv, he's being selfish," William whined, giving her his best pitiful gaze.

She laughed, moving away from Angelus who growled softly as he glared at a smiling William, "He's not being selfish," she said, brushing her lips against William's, wondering when she had grown quite so daring. She pulled back, hearing the soft growl from the large, dark haired vampire. She looked at him then kissed him too. A stray thought entered her mind as she realized that this was going to be her life. Sharing them both, keeping them both happy as they both kept her happy. She smiled at that image, a feeling of love for them both consuming her. She moved away from the men, taking Drusilla's arm as she smiled at them, "Since you're both being so silly, Drusilla can escort me to the party."

"Cheeky brat," William said, a large smile crossing his face as he moved to catch up to the women in his life.

"Beautiful temptress," Angelus corrected as he moved to Drusilla's side, taking his mate's hand as he and William shared a smile.

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

"Willow! Merry Christmas," Faith shouted as she saw the redhead enter the saloon. She got to her feet, running over and embracing the petite redhead in a tight hug.

"It's about time, lazybones," Buffy said, following Faith's example and joining the hug.

Cordelia, not one to be left out, joined the now group hug, giving Willow a kiss on her cheek, "We thought we might have to come get you."

"Guys, breathe, need to breathe," Willow said laughing as the girls loosened the hug. She hugged them back, knowing one reason they were acting so silly. She was getting married the next day. While that wouldn't really change too many parts of her life, it would make things different in a way. She could understand her friends being a bit uncertain, a bit frightened, even if they had no reason to be. She loved them as family and could never imagine her life without them. Also, in two days, she would be leaving Harrington for nearly two months. It would be the longest she had ever been away from any of them, something that not only scared them, but also her.

"I will never understand chits," William said, shaking his head as he watched the four girls hug and giggle.

"That is certainly true," Drusilla said in a royal tone though her eyes sparkled with mischief.

"I didn't ask you, Sis," he said, sticking his tongue out at her as he ventured past the group of girls to take a seat at one of the tables.

"Actually, I'm with William on that one," Graham said, speaking up. "I've tried, but I just can't get them."

"Nothing they do ever seems to make sense, though it almost always does in the end," Xander said, taking a drink of his water. He looked at Anya and smiled, seeing the envious look on her pretty face as she watched the friends.

Willow pulled back slightly, her eyes searching until she found Anya. She saw Xander looking at her, her friend's attention focused on their group. She smiled, offering her hand in an unspoken invitation. She watched as Anya smiled, probably the first true smile she had ever seen the girl give. They had always been friends, but Anya guarded her emotions carefully, never letting too much of her true thoughts or feelings out for them to see. Now, she looked so pleased to be included in this hug. Anya stood and came forward, hugging Willow as she whispered in her ear, "I'm so sorry I left."

"Shh," Willow said, shaking her head as she looked at Drusilla then at Anya. "The past is in the past. You're here now and that's all that is important."

"I'm so happy for you," Anya said, meaning the wedding and the Devlins. If anyone deserved happiness, it was Willow.

"Thanks," Willow whispered, looking at her all of her friends. They meant so much to her, being the family that she had never had. She smiled, her eyes saying things that she couldn't put into words. They all just smiled back, knowing what she wanted them to know. She moved from them, going over to her father as they moved back to sit in their original places.

"Willow," Giles said, getting to his feet. He hugged her tightly, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Dad," she whispered, kissing his cheek, surprising to find the wet traces of tears. She pulled back, looking at him with curiosity only to find him smiling his normal smile. She smiled, hugging him again before moving to the table that Angelus and William and Drusilla had taken over. As she sat, she noticed that Wesley was sitting with Buffy, her blonde friend looking so happy that she had to smile. Maybe, just maybe, those two would find happiness together. Anya was with Xander, clearly intending to stay in Harrington and be with the man that she loved, no matter how scared she was. Graham and Cordelia were at the same table, but not sitting beside each other. Would those two ever realize that they both felt the same way? Faith was with Dad, a large smile on the brunette's face as her hand rested on her stomach. Willow's eyes widened as something clicked. "Faith! You're pregnant!"

Conversation stopped as all eyes flew to the now blushing brunette. "Willow! You've ruined my surprise."

"Oh my God," Willow felt tears of happiness in her eyes as she looked from Giles to Faith. "A baby? An honest to goodness baby?"

Faith nodded, a smile on her face, "You're going to be a big sister."

Willow was out of her chair and hugging the brunette before the sentence was finished. "This is so wonderful. The best Christmas gift you could have given me."

"There's more," Giles said, speaking up with a smile. "Faith and I are getting married."

"Married?" Buffy said, smiling. "That's so sweet."

"When?" Willow demanded, knowing she would be gone for two months. She could not miss her father getting married.

"After you get back," Faith said, brushing her lips over Willow's cheek. "Can't have a wedding without my daughter."

"Oh, my. You'll be my mother," Willow said, giggling at the idea. Congratulations were heard all around as Willow went back to her seat. She saw the smile on William's face and suddenly realized that they must have known about the baby. Surely they had heard the heartbeat. And they hadn't said anything to her. She couldn't be angry though. It hadn't been their place to tell her. She just smiled as she sat back down, glad that she had heard the news before leaving for New Orleans. She could purchase the baby some things while away on her honeymoon.

"Speak of gifts," Xander said after things had quieted back down. He smiled a goofy smile, "When can we open them?"

"After we eat," Cordelia said, giving him a look that dared him to object.

"Why not one before dinner?" he whined, knowing in his heart that nothing could be better than the gift of having Anya back in his arms.

"Harris," Graham warned, supporting Cordelia's decision without thinking.

The others exchanged smiles as Xander rolled his eyes, "Fine. Presents after dinner."

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

"I love it," Buffy said as she looked at the last gift she had unwrapped. She looked at Wesley, her hazel eyes shining. She held the empty journal close, knowing she was acting silly over the gift. It was just touching that he had given her something like that.

"It's for your thoughts," he explained, fighting the blush that threatened to cover his face at her look. "I have one myself. Helps me to write out what I'm feeling or thinking."

"I truly love it," Buffy said again, resisting the urge to kiss his cheek. Friends didn't kiss, did they? Why, then, did she find it hard to stop at kissing his cheek? Her eyes looking at his lips, wondering what he tasted like. Her eyes widened slightly as she looked away, wondering what had brought those images to mind.

"I think I now understand why you love Christmas so much, pet," William said, looking at the pile of gifts surrounding their table. True to their nature, no one had forgotten the Devlins this holiday season. He, Angelus and Drusilla had had as many gifts to unwrap as the others. And, also true to their nature, they had managed to find some last minute gifts for Anya so that their friend did not feel left out.

"It's not about the gifts, silly," she said, rolling her eyes. She looked at Angelus who was still unwrapping his, noticing that nearly half his pile remained. "Angelus, remember our talk about moving faster?"

"Willow, I am not going to rip into this pretty paper just to get at what it conceals," he said, looking up at her. "Trust me, you'll be glad that I'm so careful with things that I love soon enough," he added with a wink that caused her face to turn red as her heartbeat raced.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Giles stood up and moved behind the bar. He returned with a large box wrapped in brown paper. Handing it to Willow, he said, "This arrived a few days ago. It said not to give it to you until Christmas so I kept it hidden."

"What is it?" Faith asked, looking at it. "Oooh, it's from New York."

"JB!" Willow said, smiling as she took the box. She looked at Angelus, seeing him carefully removing the covering of his gifts and then looked at the box in front of her. Laughing, she ripped it open, tearing the paper into several pieces as she got it off. She frowned when one of the strings holding the paper in place stayed knotted, smiling in relief when William leaned over and cut it quickly with a knife. "Thanks," she said, knowing she didn't have the patience of Angelus to untie every single string.

"Anything for you, luv," he said, winking at her as he sat back.

"I wonder what it could be," Cordelia said, watching Willow with interest. She had already placed her presents neatly in a pile beside her chair, the strings and paper put in an empty canvas bag that Xander had brought out along with the remains of everyone else's Christmas wrappings.

"With JB? I would not want to guess," Anya said, smiling.

"It's a rather big box," Buffy remarked. "Does it shake?"

Willow stopped and smiled, shaking the box, "Yep. There's more than one thing in it."

"Just open the bloody box," William said, his impatience showing.

Willow finished with the strings and paper, handing it to Graham who put it in the bag for her. She opened the box, laughing as she said, "It's four more boxes plus a note."

"What's the note say?" Wesley asked, having no idea who JB was or what his position in their lives meant, but finding himself curious regardless.

"What if it is private?" she asked, turning to look at William as he growled.

"He'd better not be writing you anything private," the blonde said, noticing that Angelus had finally finished unwrapping his gifts.

"I'll read it," she said, smiling at his jealous tone. "Dear Rose, hope this finds you well on your way to wedded bliss. Tell those boys to treat you right or I'll hunt them down and let them know first hand who Wild Bill really is. Billy and I both bought you a gift for the holiday and also something for after you're married. Wish we could have been there, but we could not get away from New York. Smells here, worse than Harrington. I do not like it very much and fear that I will not be staying here for long. It is rather nice to catch up with my old friend Billy though. I miss the land, though. There are too many people in this town. I've been hearing about some prospects in the Dakota Territory. May try that for a while. Either way, pretty Rose, I wish you luck and happiness. And be sure to tell those boys to treat you the way you deserve to be treated. With all my love, sweet one, JB."

"How nice," Faith said with a smile. "I'm glad he seems to be doing better."

"He should stay there," Drusilla said softly, her eyes looking at a spot on the wooden floor. "I do not like that place he wrote of, the Dakota Territory? You shall write him and tell him to avoid that area, Lovey."

"I will when we return from the honeymoon," Willow promised with a slight frown. She saw Drusilla nod and look up, dark eyes clear as a smile crossed the vampire's face.

"Good," Drusilla said.

"What did he send to you?" Angelus asked, finding himself curious, especially now that his own gifts were opened.

"Let's see," Willow looked at the boxes, reading the words scrawled on each one. "This says it is from Cody. A Christmas gift."

She opened it, laughing in delight when she found several books. "He sent me a few books. Says they are new titles that were just published in New York." She looked underneath and smiled, "He also included a couple of novels about himself and JB from the Beadle Half Dime Library and an article from the Atlantic Monthly about his daring deeds out west."

"Books?" William frowned, "Is that it?"

"I like books," she said, giving him a look. "Besides, you and Angelus will now have several more to read to me."

He smiled at that, "All right. Books can be good. What else?"

"Is anyone else reminded of an impatient child?" Faith asked, laughing with the others as William glared at them all.

"This is the Christmas gift from JB," she said, showing a smaller box. Opening it, she gasped when she saw what was inside. "Oh my. What must he be thinking?"

"What is it?" Giles asked, seeing the surprise on his daughter's face.

She held up what was obviously a garter that had a small loop of cloth on one side. She then held up the surprising item, a small gun that fit in her palm. She looked at the note with it, telling them, "He says that it is a . 41 Caliber Remington, says that folks call it an over and under for some reason. It's no bigger than my hand!"

"I saw a man with one of those before," Buffy said, thinking back. "A gambler from St. Louis I think."

"Why did he send you a gun?" Drusilla asked, clearly confused.

"For protection, according to him. Said that it's for the times the Devlins aren't around to keep me safe," Willow said, taking the garter and sliding the gun into the loop. "See? It would fit under my dress so no one would see it."

"He even sent shells," William said, shaking his head.

"A very thoughtful and caring gift," Angelus said, speaking up for the first time. "William and I will not always be around to protect Willow. It was very nice of him to think of a way she could protect herself."

"Never imagined thoughtful and caring along with a gun before," Buffy said.

"Actually, I see Angelus' point," Willow said, smiling as she placed the small gun back in its case.

"Well, what's next?" Graham asked, agreeing with Angelus and JB. There were some dangerous men in these parts. He felt a bit more secure thinking Willow might be able to protect herself if she needed to.

"A wedding gift from Cody," she said, laughing. "I'm not sure I want to open this."

"I think I might like this Cody chap," William said, winking at her.

"You probably would hit it off. Both of you being such flirting teases and all," she said with her own wink before opening the box. Her face flamed when she saw what was inside. "I knew I should have kept it shut."

"Oh my," Faith said, looking at the pretty peach colored silk that Willow drew from the box. "That's beautiful."

"It's for the honeymoon," Willow whispered, her face more red than she had thought possible. "Trust Cody to be a romantic."

"I do think I like how this fellow thinks," William said, his hand moving along the silk as his mind imagined his Willow in the peach colored material and then out of it. Groaning softly, he pulled back, counting to ten as he reminded himself that it was less than a day.

"What did JB send?" Wesley asked, finding that books and a silk gown seemed to match and he struggled to figure out what might fit with a gun.

"Uh oh," Willow said, smiling as she read his scrawl. "He says that his gift is for after the honeymoon, something to remind you boys to care of me."

"Why does that not sound good?" Angelus asked, making a face as he wondered what on Earth JB had thought up.

She opened the box, laughing as she pulled out a wooden stake, the tip carved to sharp point with an elaborate design at the other end. She then pulled out a small box that held a beautiful silver cross on a chain that was more delicate than the chain now hanging from her neck, the chain that held Angelus' family crest. The silver did match her ring perfectly, something that JB must have remembered. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"It would be if it wouldn't burn my skin if I touched it," William said crossly, a sulk crossing his handsome face as he vowed to find JB and smack the man.

"A stake and a cross? Did he send anything else? Maybe a jar of sunlight perhaps?" Angelus asked, also looking rather sulky.

"Yes," Willow said, pulling out a bottle of rose colored water. She opened the top, smelling a beautiful aroma of roses. "It's perfume."

"Finally something that doesn't threaten my unlife," William said, leaning forward and touching the bottle. Startled, he pulled back with a curse as he felt a burning on his fingers. "Bloody hell. It's holy water!"

Willow couldn't control it any longer. She looked at the beautiful peach colored nightgown and then at the stake paired with the silver cross and holy water scented like roses. She started to laugh, trying to stop as Angelus and William glared at her, but she couldn't. She managed to say, "Trust JB to get the last word on Cody."

"I don't find it all that amusing," Angelus said, rolling his eyes.

"Guys, it's nearly ten," Faith said, speaking up before the vampires started pouting too much. Her own lips were twitching slightly from JB's choice of gifts, but she controlled it. "We should think about going to sleep. After all, tomorrow is a big day."

"Sleep is good," Cordelia said, standing as she covered a yawn. She began to gather her gifts as did the others.

Willow stopped laughing, a slightly guilty look crossing her face as she saw that William and Angelus did not appreciate the joke. Drusilla was smiling, but the dark haired woman had spoken to JB often, knew how he tended to think. Her fiancé and Angelus had not. She sighed, knowing that she shouldn't have laughed. It was not good to annoy both the men she loved the night before her wedding and the bonding. She began to gather her gifts, hoping that they were teasing her and weren't really that annoyed.

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

"I'm sorry I laughed," Willow said as soon as she and the Devlins were alone.

"Luv, it wasn't your laughing," William said, moving to sit. He patted the bed beside him, watching as she sat down. Taking her hands, he said, "It was the idea that he felt that he needed to send you those things."

"I don't think it was meant seriously," Willow said, looking into his blue eyes.

"I'm sure that it wasn't," Angelus said, knowing JB well enough to know the strange sense of humor the man had.

"It was just surprising," William said, making a face. "Being reminded that we are what we are and that you are who you are. We live with our demons all the time, pet. After a while, it's easy to forget them. His gifts were just reminders."

"It wasn't you we were annoyed with, nor was it JB," Angelus explained. "It was ourselves."

"I know JB didn't mean those things to hurt you boys," Willow said. "He was trying to be funny and probably thought they'd be useful if we ever did fight."

"The stake is like the gun," Angelus said thoughtfully. "If you aren't with us, I'd feel better knowing that you had protection."

"Me too, luv," William said with a smile, feeling like an idiot for reacting the way that he had. "Now that rose water can be thrown out, the sooner the better. The cross is lovely though."

"I like this better," she said with a smile, her fingers moving along the lines of the crest hanging from her necklace.

"Me too," Angelus said with a possessive flash in his dark eyes as he looked at his family crest, knowing it lay nestled in between her sweet breasts.

"Faith is right, pet. You need some sleep. Tomorrow is a big day," William said, moving to hug her. He brushed his lips across her head, knowing that in less than a day he would no longer have to stop there. He would no longer have to watch her leave his room while straining to keep control of his desire for her.

"I know," she said softly, her eyes wide as she pulled back and looked at him and Angelus. "I cannot believe that it is finally time. It has seemed to take forever, hasn't it?"

"Longer than you can imagine," William said with a smile.

"It feels almost like a dream at times, loving you both," Willow confessed. "Having you both love me."

"We do love you, Willow," Angelus said, seeing the flash of uncertainty in her green eyes. "It isn't a dream."

"I know," she smiled, her love evident in her eyes as she got to her feet. "I guess I should go back to my room and try to get some sleep. With the wedding and the bonding tomorrow, I think I might need my strength."

"And that doesn't include afterwards," William said with a wink.

"Oh you," she scolded him as she fought off her blush. She leaned over and kissed him, letting the kiss deepen as his tongue took possession of her mouth. She felt her stomach tighten as his hand moved along her neck, pulling back reluctantly before the kiss grew into something neither one could control. Next time they kissed like that, in his private room, there would be no need to stop. She hated to appear wanton, but she could not wait until she was married to William and able to do things with him she had been spending many a night dreaming about lately. She looked at Angelus, seeing that he was waiting for her move. She smiled, kissing him in much the same way she had kissed William. He, too, haunted her dreams with these teasing kisses and promises of things to come. This time, it was he who pulled back.

"Get some rest, Willow," he said softly, not wanting her to leave but almost pushing her out the door so he could find much needed release with William. Tomorrow, he reminded himself as she smiled shyly and left, closing the door behind her. Tomorrow, she would be theirs.

next