Chapter 16:

What am I doing? Buffy thought as she hurried away from Spike.

She wanted to put as much distance between them as she could. Her insides were swirling, her emotions out of control. As badly as she wanted to put distance between them she also wanted to run to him and never let go. She stopped suddenly and put her hand to her mouth.

Spike watched her rush away and abruptly stop in her tracks. He fought hard to keep himself rooted to his spot. He wanted to run to her. Throw his arms around her and kiss the very sense from her body. Her kisses poisoned him, drugging his senses. He was about to walk back to the ball when she turned around and faced him. He could see the unshed tears shining in her eyes and the next thing he knew they were running towards one another.

They grabbed onto each other and smashed, their lips touched, hers demanding that she open up to him. Buffy sighed against his mouth as she weaved her hands through his bleached locks. Spike had his hands everywhere, her hips, her back, her hair, her face. He couldn’t get enough of her. She opened her mouth slightly and ran her little tongue along the seal of his lips. Spike groaned and opened up, his tongue sliding along hers.

She melted against him, hating and loving him all at the same time. His mouth moved a course across her lips, searing them with his intense desire. Their passion was tangible as they tore their mouths from each other and gasped for oxygen.

“I can’t stop touching you…” she whispered against his mouth. Spike tried to smirk but found he couldn’t, his heart so full of love for this girl.

“Neither can I love.” He ran a hand through her hair and fingered it’s soft locks.

“Your hair has gotten longer,” he mused trailing his hand back to her cheek and running his thumb along her bottom lip.

“So has yours,” she replied, her senses tingling from the mere touch of his hand.

His arm tightened around her waist as he pulled her closer still, he needed to feel every inch of her, every part of her.

“I never thought I would see you again,” he said in low tones, his voice filled with the anguish he tried so hard to contain.

The way he said the words and the look on his face caused her spirits to sink as reality came back to her. This was wrong. They couldn’t be together. She couldn’t let him know the truth. She sighed loudly and pulled herself out of his grasp.

“That makes two of us,” her voice rasped as she took a couple steps backwards to get some space between them.

Spike cocked his head at her, a puzzled look upon his face. He looked down from her face to his empty hands, still held open for her. He reluctantly lowered them and closed his eyes. He pulled a ragged breath into his lungs and lifted his head. He opened his eyes and looked right at her. No hold barred. She was going to pull this and he wasn’t going to give in.

“I take it you didn’t want to see me?” he asked, his voice hard. He crossed his arms over his chest and cast a steely look over her.

“It matters not what I want,” she replied, her gaze hard.

Spike chuckled, the sound rough and dry.

Defeated.

He closed the distance between them and took her chin in between his finger and thumb.

“It matters to me.”

Buffy blinked back the tears that started to form in her eyes. She wanted nothing more then to give in.

To forget the pain of the past and start anew.

He watched her quietly, the battle within herself raging. He knew she was fighting herself and silently wondered who was winning. She met his gaze as a single tear found it’s way down her cheek. He brought his other hand to her cheek and wiped the tear away. Her green eyes widened at the tenderness he was bestowing on her. The way he was looking at her. The way he was touching her.

“William…Spike….”

He couldn’t tear his eyes away from her mouth as she spoke his name. He nodded slightly and waited for her to go on.

It seemed like time stopped just as he heard her soft voice. But what she said was something he had never expected.

“A lot has happened since you’ve been gone. Xander has asked me to marry him…”

Spike took his hands from her face and took a step back. He ran a hand through his hair and grimaced. Hard.

“Have you accepted?”

“I told him I have to think about it.”

“He’s quite a man isn’t he? Allowing you to be in my company.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

“He’s a wonderful man. He has done a lot for Dawn and I,” she said, her hands on her hips.

She knew she had hurt him, she could hear it in his voice. She just couldn’t allow him to talk bad about Xander after everything he had done for them.

Spike ran a hand through his hair and turned around, his back to Buffy. He was angry, angry at himself and angry at her. He wanted to kill Xander; that was a fact.

“I didn’t come here for this. I didn’t come here for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I came here to see my father. I just happened to see you first,” Spike said turning around.

Buffy blinked back her tears of disappointment and looked down at her black satin shoes. She swallowed hard and forced herself not to cry.

I can do this. I did it once and it can be done again, she thought. She rose her eyes defiantly to his and took on an air of confidence.

“Best be on your way then, Mr. Leslie,” she said as the light left her eyes, her voice turning cold and flat.

Spike nodded and with a final look at her he turned away.

Buffy watched his retreating form as he walked back into the gleaming light of the ballroom. Only then did she allow the tears she was holding to break free. She sat down in the cold grass and sobbed, her anguished cries heard only by the full moon above her.
 

Chapter 17:

The next morning Spike awoke stiffly, he found he was sitting at the hard wooden desk in the house he and Oz had rented. After his encounter with Buffy he had gone home and grabbed the nearest bottle, not putting it down until it had gone bone dry.

He had a plan, it was clear in his head. How he would make Buffy pay for making him leave, for breaking his heart. All that careful planning went right out the window as soon as he saw her.

It was like they were kids all over again. Spike couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move. His heart had pounded violently in his chest and his whole body ached for her. It was like time had stopped when their eyes met in the garden. There was nothing left in the world when their lips touched, all that mattered was Buffy. He rubbed his swollen red eyes and heard her voice in his head, the memories of the past fresh.

“I don’t want you William. I could never marry you. You are beneath me…”

He sighed loudly and closed his eyes. The door to the library creaked open and Spike covered his ears, the sound deafening to his alcohol induced brain.

“My god man. What happened last night?” Oz asked as he saw the state that was Spike.

“You don’t want to know,” Spike replied dropping his head into his hands on the hard desk.

“Sounds like I do,” Oz said taking residence in the damask covered chair in front of the heavy desk.

Spike lifted his head, his bloodshot eyes resting on the man in front of him.

“Saw Buffy, kissed Buffy. Plans went out the window. Buffy yet again rejected me. Need to know anything else?”

Oz shook his head and sighed. He knew how Spike felt about Buffy even if he wouldn’t admit it to himself. All the plans Spike made on how to hurt Buffy for hurting him, Oz knew he wouldn’t go through with them. Only a man in love would want to hurt the one he loves the most. And only because she hurt him.

“On a lighter note, I saw you dancing with the red-haired bird.”

“Willow. Willow Rosenberg,” Oz supplied, his voice rose a notch and his eyes lost focus. Spike smirked at him and raised his scarred eyebrow.

“What?”

“You said her name in such a bloody dreamy voice,” Spike smiled.

“She’s a nice girl. I think I’ll make sure to see more of her.”

“Yeah I’ll bet.”

Oz raised a questioning eyebrow at his friend.

“Come on man we got business to do. I’ll call your valet,” Oz said getting up and leaving the room.

Spike sighed again and put his head in his hands. Buffy’s vision danced against his closed eyelids.

So help me god, I will get over you, he thought.

*~*

Buffy hadn’t slept well that night. Images of Spike haunted her. His soft words, his tender kisses. She couldn’t bear to go back to the ball. She looked in on Dawn and smiled as she danced around the room with Chad Masters.

Willow was also occupied. She was in a small alcove off the corner of the expansive ball room talking with the red haired man that Spike had come with.

“Are you ok?” Xander asked coming up behind her and placing his hand on her elbow.

“What? Oh I’m fine Xander. Just tired.”

“I saw you talking with William er Spike.”

Buffy’s head shot up just in time to see the dark look that entered Xander’s brown eyes.

“I was speaking with him yes.”

“I know what he was to you, what he is to you. I know I could never compare to him but, I need to know. Have you thought anymore on marrying me?” Xander asked, his hand still on her elbow.

Buffy turned and faced him. She put her hands on his face.

“Xander you know how very much you mean to me don’t you? I love you as my friend. You have done so much for Dawn and I, I could never show my appreciation for all your doings. I can’t marry you Alexander. You deserve a love that knows now bounds. You deserve a woman who loves you whole-heartedly. Not me, whose heart was given away long ago, I don’t think I ever got it back. Ten years later and I’m still in love with him.” Buffy stopped and sighed. She lowered her head and sniffled, willing the tears to pass so she wouldn’t upset Xander any more.

“Buffy…” Xander said as his hands reached for her face. “I know how you feel about him. You have to tell him the truth. I can’t say this doesn’t hurt because it hurts. It hurts bad but I also want you to be happy. Tell him how you feel, tell him why you sent him away. You happy will make me happy.”

Buffy reached up and kissed him on the cheek. “I do love you Xander. You, Willow and Dawn are my family. But telling Spike how I feel. That is something I cannot do. I’ve already hurt him enough.”

Buffy rolled over in her bed, the lavender scented sheets calming her slightly.

“I just can’t tell him,” she said aloud as she rang for her maid.
 

Chapter 18:

Buffy smiled as she opened the thank you letters from Dawn’s party. Everyone was so happy to have been invited and were showering her with compliments on the lavish soiree. Her heart contracted tightly when she thought of all the things Xander had down for her and her sister.

It was the right thing, turning down his proposal…I don’t love him, Buffy thought as she placed the cards on the heavy oak table in front of her.

She knew it wouldn’t be right to marry one man when she was in love with another. She knew it. But it still didn’t help the guilt she felt when she saw Xander’s face.

Buffy sighed and stood, walking over to the large bay windows overlooking the mansion’s garden. A slight breeze blew through the various plants and bushes, the sunlight streaming and dancing among the flowers. It looked so inviting Buffy couldn’t help herself as she abandoned her stack of correspondence and went outside.

Anything to get away for a moment.

To not think, to relax in the sun-drenched atmosphere, the birds singing and the flower’s scent wafting around her.

Buffy smiled as she sat on her cobblestone bench. The same bench that was still cracked from when she fell off of it. After William left she didn’t have the heart to change anything he had touched, everything was like a security blanket, all she had left.

In the days that followed her miscarriage she was despondent. They told her that she lapsed into a coma type state, her fevered flesh sweating and shaking as she moaned for William, begged for William to come back. The servants and her mom were afraid for her, not knowing if she would pull through. Her father was still mad, humiliated at the fact a lowly stable hand had knocked up his eldest daughter.

And it was Joyce who practically had to use force to get Hank to see his error. It didn’t matter what happened in the past, the fact remained that their daughter was going to die if they didn’t do something soon. It was then that Giles Leslie was allowed to see Buffy. For hours everyday he would sit at her bedside and read William’s letters over and over to her. He would talk about when they were young and the mischief they used to get into. It took four days and then miraculously Buffy’s fevered lowered and was gone completely. She slept silently for another fortnight before finally opening her eyes.

The people of Summerhaven all took a collective sigh of relief when the town doctor assured them that their mistress would pull through.

It wasn’t long thereafter that Hank died followed by Joyce.

It was still hard to talk about her mom and Buffy choked at the lump forming in her throat.

What she wouldn’t give to have her mother here now.

*~*

Spike and Oz finished their business and headed back to their rented house. Spike closed himself up in the library again, doing paperwork and trying his hardest not to think about Buffy. It wasn’t working well and he decided he needed air. The house he had rented was not far from the creek where he and Buffy used to play as children. He longed to get the comfort he felt when looking at the calming water. He put his pen down and gathered his long coat.

The cool air felt good as he breathed it in, the sun playing on his face. It was the afternoon so the sun was still high in the sky. Birds sang happily as they flew from tree to tree above him. He entered the forest that led to the water and stopped, next to the old eucalyptus tree that had always been his favorite stood Buffy. She had heard the crunching of leaves and turned around, catching Spike looking at her.

“Hello,” she said calmly. Her voice may have been calm but her insides were churning. She had wandered here after being in the garden, her legs and feet just took her here. Leading her as if they knew Spikewould show up.

“Hello,” he reciprocated walking up and standing next to her.

“Have you seen your father yet?”

“Briefly. I’m going to see him again later,” Spike answered trying like hell not to look at her. He could see her out of the corner of his eye. Her blond hair shining in the sun, her skin golden and flushed, the yellow dress she had on clinging to all the delicious curves of her body.

Buffy nodded and looked at him. It was hard not to wrap her arms around him and tell him the truth about the baby, her father, and her feelings. Instead she put her arms around herself as the air started to chill.

“It’s getting cold,” Spike said looking up at the sky. He didn’t know why he didn’t notice before but huge black thunderclouds were forming and had started to cover the sun.

“William…”

“I told you I go by Spike now.”

Buffy laughed softly as he stepped closer to her.

“How did you get that name anyway?” She asked, her body starting to break out in goose flesh at the mere nearness of him.

Spike smirked and turned to look at her, his eyes darkening to a deep midnight blue.

“Do you really want to know?”

Buffy nodded, unable to break their gaze, his eyes hypnotic in their intensity.


A large clap of thunder sounded, breaking them both out of their reveries.

“We better go inside,” he said as Buffy looked up.

“Yes like now,” Buffy agreed as a fat raindrop hit her face. Within seconds the rain started, pouring down on them like a waterfall. Spike grabbed her arm and pulled her. They ran looking for shelter.

“Over there,” Spike yelled above the sound of the thunder as it pounded in the sky. They ran to an abandoned guesthouse. Luckily the door was unlocked and Spike flung it open, rushing Buffy inside.

Just as he shut the door a huge lightning bolt shot across the sky, landing with a clap of thunder. Buffy jumped as the bright light filled the house they were in.

“Oh my god,” She said as she jumped again.

The thunder was getting louder and the lightning more frequent. The wind had picked up and flung the raindrops against the windows. Spike locked the door and turned around, surveying their surroundings. The house was small but was in good shape. They seemed to be standing in the living room area and there was a couch with a small table and some chairs. Spike walked to the right and found the kitchen and next to that was a small bedroom complete with a large sized bed.

“Ok well the house is sturdy and the roof strong. We should be ok here for some time,” Spike said as another huge clap of thunder sounded and lightning streaked across the sky.

“I wonder who lived here,” Buffy mused as she looked around the large room.

“Well who ever was here left us with some good stuff. There are towels and candles.” Spike wrapped a large fluffy white towel around Buffy and put the candles on the table. He lit the candles and the room was flooded with a soft, dancing light.

“There’s even firewood.” Spike noticed as he looked over at the fireplace. As Spike lit up a nice fire, Buffy turned her back to him and pulled off her soaked dress. She stood with just her chemise on. It’s material wet and molded to her body. Spike glanced over and couldn’t take his eyes off the way the fabric clung to her body. Buffy looked at him over his shoulder and Spike ripped his head away back to the fire, making it look like he was tending to it’s glowing embers.

Buffy sneezed and Spike got up and walked over by her. She was shivering even with the large towel covering her form.

“Go sit by the fire. It’ll warm you,” he said coming up behind her and rubbing her arms. He led her over by the fire and sat her down, careful to cover her legs.

“Where are you going?” she asked as he left her.

“To get out of these wet clothes. I’ll never warm up with these on. No sense in attempting to catch my death,” he shrugged as he pulled the wet black jacket off his arms.

Buffy glanced at him over her shoulder as he began to slide his black breeches down his lean legs. She held a gasp in her throat as he stood and removed his white shirt. He wrapped the towel around his waist took his and her wet clothes into the kitchen area. Buffy could hear him wringing out the excess water into a pail.

She shuddered and tried to huddle in as close to the fire she could get without getting burned. She closed her eyes and must have fallen asleep because when she opened them Spike was next to her, shaking her shoulder.

“Buffy?”

“Hmm?”

“Here drink this. It will warm you up,” he said as he handed her a glass of something.

“I found some mulled wine in the pantry. There was also some crackers and dried fruit. Whoever lived here before must have left recently. Thank god for that,” Spike mused as he took a drink of the red liquid. Buffy watched as his mouth molded around the rim of the glass. He took a deep swallow and licked his lips as he brought the glass down. Buffy shuddered.

“Drink Buffy. It will warm you.” Spike put his arms around her pulled her against his bare chest.

Buffy laid against his body and her senses tingled with the acute awareness of his skin, his touch. She brought the glass to her lips and drank. The cool liquid formed a trail of warmth as is flowed through her body.

“That is good,” She said as she took another drink.

“Don’t drink it too fast. I don’t want you to get drunk.”

“Drunk? I never get drunk,” she protested as she finished off what was left in her glass.

“More?” she asked holding her glass out to him and twisting in his arms so she could look at him.

She didn’t realize their heads were so close that when she turned her head her lips brushed against his.

They looked at each other shocked as thunder sounded outside shaking the house. A crack of lighting zigzagged across the sky illuminating their faces as Spike leant down and brushed his lips against hers again.
 

Chapter 19:

They stared at each other as another crack of lighting lit up the interior of the house. The fire crackled and the clap of thunder made them jump. Spike brought his hand to her cheek and caressed her soft skin with the rough pads of his fingers.

“Spike..” Buffy whispered.

“Shhh,” he whispered back as he placed his finger over her mouth.

She nodded slightly as Spike leant forward. The touch of his lips on hers sent a shockwave of heat shooting through her body. He kissed her softly. His lips merely caressing hers. He released her lips and stared into her eyes.

“Buffy?”

She didn’t respond, she just scooted up and placed her lips upon his. He groaned low in his throat and kissed her back, his mouth demanding more this time. Buffy sighed against his lips and wound her hands around his neck as she twisted to the side, her back against his arm.

Her mouth opened slightly, her pink tongue darting out, tempting his into dancing with her. Spike groaned again, and shifted her so he was able to wrap his arms around her, tightly, her body against his.

Buffy was helpless as he broke their kiss only to travel hot, searing kisses across her jaw and down to her neck. Her head fell back as he laid gentle bites across her sensitive skin. Her long blond hair tickled his thighs as she moved her head allowing him better access to her neck.

His hands wound in her hair, dragging her head back farther as he continued his attack on her throat. He couldn’t get enough of her skin, her smell, and her taste.

She moaned, the sound vibrating in her throat as he ran his lips and tongue across her skin. His lips inched lower as he dragged them down the curve of her throat to her chest. He licked between the valley of her breasts, his tongue a welcome heat against her cold flesh.

His hands left her hair to trail down to her shoulders. Slowly he pushed her down onto the blankets they had laid out. His lips left hers as lightning struck outside. He tilted his head to the side as his cerulean blue eyes captured hers.

They darkened as he gazed into her flushed face, her kiss-swollen lips. The towel she had wrapped around her body and her wet chemise had slipped down slightly allowing her hardened nipples to come into his view. The fire played against her body as her rosy areolas tempted him. They mesmerized him as he leaned down and brushed his lips against their chemise-covered peaks.

Buffy’s eyes slid shut as Spike lowered his mouth once more to her aching breasts. It had been so long since she had been touched, since he had touched her. She knew she push him away but damn it, this felt so right, so comfortable.

She felt loved.

From her head to her toes.

Her hands worked through his blond locks, loosening them from the tie at the nape of his neck. Spike brought both hands to her chest and cupped her breasts, pushing them together. His mouth found one nipple, licking, sucking, and biting before traveling to the other, giving it the same treatment. Buffy’s body was awash with sensations as her fingers threaded through his silken locks, dragging his mouth closer to her skin, as if he wasn’t close enough.

Spike took the hint and worked the sodden material off her shoulders, exposing her naked breasts to him. His sharp intake of breath was almost Buffy’s undoing as he lowered his mouth once again. He rubbed his face against her naked flesh, his stubble rubbing roughly against her straining nipples. She couldn’t take anymore and lifted his mouth to hers, kissing him with wild abandon. Her hands left his hair and traveled down his broad shoulders.

She bit down on his bottom lip causing him to groan and smiled against his mouth, pleased she had that kind of affect on him.

His naked torso was against her, the chemise she half had on riding low around her waist and high above her legs. The towel that covered Spike had become un-wrapped from his waist. Buffy gasped as the rigid shaft of his passion rubbed against her thigh.
Spike broke their kiss and looked down at her.

“We don’t have to Buffy. I can stop,” he breathed.

“Don’t want you to,” she whispered tugging his mouth back down.

He captured her lips with a growl, his tongue dueling with hers as he fixated himself in between her legs. His hands caressed her breasts as he licked a trail down her neck.

“Don’t want…Need you to…Want you…” Buffy babbled her body awash in a swirling storm of sensations.

Spike felt her urgency and it mirrored his own as he removed the towel completely from their bodies. He lifted her chemise higher, his chest moving against hers as he moved a hand down between him. His fingers found her wet cleft, rubbing it gently. Buffy moaned her hips shaking at his tender invasion. She was hot and wet as Spike slipped a finger into her folds. Her inner walls sucked him in, clinging to him as he added another finger to the fold.

“Oh Spike,” she murmured as she spread her legs wider, giving him better access to her quivering pussy. His thumb moved on her small bundle of nerves, circling it as her hips bucked against his. He continued his assault on her at both ends, his mouth kissing hers with ferocity as his hand worked her into a puddle of pleasure.

She was gasping for breath, her body taut on the edge of her orgasm when Spike removed his fingers from her tempting body. She wanted to cry out at the loss of contact when he slid down her body, his lips fastening on her clit sucking hard. Buffy screamed and bucked against his mouth, releasing a flood of her sweet juice into his mouth. Frantic fingers grasped his head, holding him between her thighs as she rode out her peak on his face. Each flick of his tongue caused another small orgasm to roll through her body eliciting another spasm of her nectar to flow against his lips.

He lifted his head and looked at her, licking his lips before crawling up her body. He kissed her making her taste herself on him as he positioned his hard cock at her entrance. With one thrust he buried himself to the hilt, pressing against her womb.

“Spike!” Buffy yelled as she clung to his back.

His mouth found hers as he started to move within her silken heat. They were both covered in a fine sheen of sweat as their bodies rubbed together. Buffy lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist urging him deeper within her.

Buffy’s eyes fell shut as the tension inside her belly started to build again. She broke from Spike’s mouth and buried her face in his neck as he picked up the pace, thrusting within her with wild abandon.

Spike had no control. He wanted this, wanted her for so long that he couldn’t stop himself even if he was hurting her. From the lustful moans that were coming from her mouth he knew he wasn’t. He was angry at himself and angry at her for making him leave all those years ago. Angry at himself for being with her right now, being inside her, loving her when he should be hating her.

Spike groaned against her neck as her walls started clenching on him, milking his cock as she neared another orgasm. He forced her head away from his neck and kissed her harshly.

“Open your eyes Buffy,” he commanded his hands on either side of her head.

Buffy complied and opened her eyes revealing her green depths filled with passion upon him.

“Oh god Spike,” she wailed, her eyes never leaving his as her body convulsed in pleasure.

“Buffy!” Spike bellowed as his cock jerked, spilling his hot seed within her quivering body.

Buffy finally closed her eyes as Spike slumped against her, his head in her neck as his cock continued to fire inside her wet folds.

She had no idea if it was the wine or Spike on top of her that made her sleepy and didn’t care as she drifted off. She was almost out when she heard Spike’s ragged whisper as he too drifted into sleep.

“Love you Elizabeth…”
 

Chapter 20:

Buffy awoke to the feel of a strong body holding her. She didn’t need to glance behind her to know it was Spike. His arms tightened possessively around her middle as he slept on. She could the warmth of his breath against her neck, as it ruffled her blond hair. The cabin lightened slightly as the sun started to rise in the sky. Buffy sighed relishing the feel of being in his arms again. It had amazed her then and it amazed her now how she felt in his arms.

How their bodies fit perfectly.

Like they were two puzzle pieces that fit together flawlessly.

His scent mingled in the early morning air and Buffy breathed deeply, wanting to imprint that scent on her senses. Regardless of what had transpired between them last night Buffy didn’t think it would happen again. She was determined to keep her secret from him, even if it meant her own happiness.

Spike chose that moment to let her know he was awake by peppering kisses across her neck.

“Mornin’ love.”

Buffy sighed and leaned back against him as he continued to kiss her skin. Her body tingled as her eyes fell closed.

“Morning.”

“Marry me,” Spike whispered against her neck.

Buffy’s eyes shot open and she sat up.

“What?”

Spike lifted himself on one elbow and tilted his head to the side.

“I said marry me.”

“You’re insane,” She said as she got up and hunted around for her dress.

“Why?”

“Why? Because I can’t marry you Spike.”

“Is it the whelp?” he asked as she moved around the room.

“The wha?” She asked as stopped what she was doing to throw a confused glance his way. “No it’s not Xander. He’s my friend. I would never feel that way towards him.”

“Then why?”

“Spike stop. You know why.”

“I honestly don’t Buffy,” he said standing. She brushed past him and he grabbed her arm. “Will you please stop?”

“What Spike?” she asked exasperated. This isn’t what she wanted to do this morning, especially after the night they spent together.

He had both hands on her arms now, forcing her to look in his eyes.

“Tell me why.”

Buffy blanched under his blue-eyed gaze.

“The list is endless.”

“Start at number 1.”

“We are different people Spike. You are no longer the simple stable boy who I would climb trees and swim in the creek with.”

“So?”

“So?” She echoed in a voice that was neither nice nor harsh.

“If that’s all you got then it’s not a reason at all. The only excuse I will accept to my proposal is that you don’t love me anymore.”

Spike tightened his grip on her arms and forced her to look at him.

“Is that it Buffy? Do you not love me anymore?”

“Spike…what we had…what we were is gone. We are not the same people as we had been back then.”
“I don’t care. And that’s not a good enough reason.”

“No Spike. I don’t love you anymore.”

Even as the words tumbled from her lips she knew they were lie. Her heart was breaking and even more so at the look on his face.

She expected him to push her away from him. To grab his clothes and stalk off. What he did next, what he said wasn’t at all like she would have thought.

“Remember that time in the woods, when we were talking against our tree?” he asked her, the grip on her arms becoming tighter but not painfully so.

She nodded mutely and he went on.

“I asked you to marry me. I asked you to spend the rest of your life with me. Do you remember what you said?”

** “I want to marry you,” William said, his voice breaking through her reverie. Buffy pulled back and looked into his clear blue eyes.

“You want to marry me?”

“Is there something wrong with your ears?” he asked playfully.
Buffy slapped him against his chest and smiled.

“There’s nothing wrong with my pretty ears. I just want to make sure I heard you right.”

William smiled back and her and got on his knee. He held her left hand in his and looked up into her shining eyes.

“Buffy, we have known each other all our lives. I have never met a woman like you before. I love you with my entire being and with my entire soul. In my heart I know you are my other half. With you I am whole. I can’t imagine life without you. Will you make an honest man out of me and become my wife?”

Buffy blinked, trying to hold back tears and she sunk to her knees before him. He reached his sun-bronzed hand up to her face and wiped her tears away.

“Yes William I will marry you,” She whispered against his palm. William gave a shout of yes and kissed her, his mouth cruising possessively against hers.**

“I told you yes,” she whispered, the memory causing tears to spring to her eyes.

“By rights you are my betrothed. In the eyes of God you are already my wife, we just don’t have the fancy piece of paper to back it up.”

Buffy’s eyes widened and she knew he was right. She hadn’t broken off their engagement. She just sent him away.

“What does that have to do with anything? We don’t have that paper so I am still not your wife. We are not married Spike.”

“Why didn’t you find me after your father died?”

“What? Because I didn’t know where you were.”

“My father did. My father always has. Why didn’t you ask him?”

The thought had crossed her mind. As soon as they put her father in ground she had wanted to find him. But by then it was too late. The miscarriage had already happened. The damage had been done.

“I figured your life had changed. You had moved on, met a woman, and fallen in love. I highly doubted you spent your moments thinking of me.”

“Well you’re half right. My life had changed. I was no longer a simple man with simple needs. I was taken aboard the ship and beaten til I was nothing. I thought I was going to die Buffy and I hoped for it. I prayed for death because nothing could be as bad as what I was going through.”

“Oh god Spike. I’m sorry.”

“No…don’t be. I am not telling you this for your sympathies. I’m telling you this because when it got so bad that I wanted to kill myself all I could think about was you. Your face, your eyes, the way you would bite your lip when you got nervous.”

Spike lessened his grip on her arms but didn’t let go.
“The day you said you’d marry me was the happiest day of my life. I loved you Buffy before I knew what love was. I had dreams, plans all involving you. I thought you felt the same way.”

“I did. I did feel the same way Spike.”

He grabbed her arms roughly again and forced her to look at him, their faces mere inches apart.

“Then why Buffy? Why did you send me away? Why did you break my heart?”
 

Chapter 21:
“Spike..”

“No! Don’t Spike me Buffy. Don’t make up a story or say you had to. Tell me the bloody truth damn it. Tell me why you made me leave.”

Spike was trying not to get angry but was failing miserably until he saw tears well up in her emerald green eyes. He sighed and released her, allowing her to back away from him a little.

“You wouldn’t understand.”

Spike laughed, ruefully and dryly.

“I’m not accepting that Buffy. How would I understand unless you tell me what’s going on?”

“Damn you,” she swore her eyes hardening as she looked at him.

“Damn me? You sent me into hell and damn me? All I want to know is why. Is that soo bloody hard for you to admit?”

“You have no idea what you are asking me.”

“Yeah right. Do you remember what you told me the night you send me away? Do you even remember how callous and awful you were?” Spike practically spat the words at her.

“William,” she nodded and swept to the side to allow him access to her room.

William said nothing and walked in, water falling as droplets onto the hard wood floor.

“I saw your father this afternoon,” he said gruffly not looking at her.

Buffy turned away from him and wrung her hands together.

“He is sending me away.”

“I know. It’s for the best really. You don’t belong here. You deserve better,” she said looking at his face. William’s clear blue eyes met hers and she had to turn away from the intensity in his gaze.

“I belong with you,” he said grabbing her arm and yanking her against his body.

“William..”

“Tell me to stay Buffy. I’ll go anywhere you ask. I won’t leave unless you ask me too. I’ll come back. No one can keep us apart,” he said desperately holding onto her, his grip becoming painful.

Buffy laughed a dry laugh and wrenched herself away from William’s embrace.

“William go. I don’t want you here. What we had was nothing. This love you thought I felt for you was nothing. Twas not but a bit of practice. I am now ready for an real man now.”

“Buffy I love you,” William said defeated.

Buffy looked at him one last time, trying to memorize everything about his face, his hair, his body. She knew if he touched her again she would crumble and beg him to stay.

“Go William. I don’t want you, you are beneath me,” she said cruelly.

William’s eyes widened with shock making Buffy cast her gaze downward. She balled her hands into fists, her nails leaving little welts in her palms and silently begged him to leave. When she looked up again he was gone.

“Do you have any idea what you did to me that night?” Spike demanded his blue eyes harsh.

“Do you have any idea what it did to me?” she countered.

“No and you know what I don’t care. You made me leave. You sent me away. All I’m asking now is why.”

“What do you want me to say Spike? That my father made me send you away? That he knew we were in love and I was carrying your baby. That he would rather me bear the life of complete unhappiness then have his eldest daughter married to a lowly stable hand?”

“What?” Spike asked, his eyes wide as he closed the distance between them. “Our baby?”

Buffy sighed and tried to look away from the hopeful look on Spike’s face.

“Yes…I was carrying your baby.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? Where is it? Where is my child?” Spike grabbed her arms once more and looked closely at her, scrutinizing her, almost shaking her in his anxiety about the baby.

“I lost it Spike,” she whispered as tears began to flow in earnest down her face.

He didn’t know what to say. He just gathered her in his arms and held her close as she began to cry, huge sobs wracking her body.

*~*
It felt like an eternity that Spike held the small woman in his arms. Her sobs had quieted and she sniffled but seemed to gain control again. Spike said nothing, just smoothed her hair from her face and placed kisses on her forehead. The fact that he had gotten Buffy pregnant weighed heavily on him, more so because she lost the baby. Between her sobs and hiccupping she told him how she fell down the stairs and blacked out. When she had awoken the doctors told her about the loss.

The thought that Buffy was carrying his child filled him with warmth. This is where he belonged and he always knew it. Hearing that they had created life together only re-affirmed that notion. He just needed her to admit it to herself and to him. He had no intention of leaving her or Summerhaven ever again.

He was so deep in thought that he didn’t even notice that Buffy had twisted in his arms and was looking at him.

“Spike?” she asked softly touching his cheek.

“Hmmm?”

“What are you thinking?”

Spike looked down at her and saw the apprehension on her face, she was afraid of what he would say and afraid if she did not hear it.

“I’m thinking of how I should have never left that night. That I should have fought you when you told me to leave. That I should have made love you to and proved to you how much we belong together.”

“How can you still think that?”

“You’re kidding me right?” he asked sarcastically.

“No…actually I’m not.”

“Buffy…it’s not your fault your father was a complete asshole. You do know that right? It’s not your fault you lost the baby, my god woman you fell down the stairs. How can you think it’s your fault?”

“I was running…I shouldn’t have been going so fast. I should have been treading carefully but I couldn’t help it. Your father had sent me word that he had received a letter from you and I was so desperate to hear it.”

“Wait a minute. You were running for one of my letters?” he asked her, his eyes incredulous.


“Spike, I had locked myself in my room. I refused to eat or drink. I wouldn’t open the curtains. I sat in complete darkness, turning away anyone who came to see me. I wanted to suffer. I wanted my grief to swallow me whole and spit out my bones. I was nothing without you. I was a shell of the woman who was yours. Your father had known what was going on and when your letter came, he knew it was the light I needed to find my way out of the darkness.”

“It’s my fault,” Spike said quietly, his arms loosening around her.

“What?”

“It’s my fault,” he repeated as he moved to stand.

“How could anything be your fault?”

“It was MY letter that you were running for. It was my fault you fell.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Buffy exclaimed as she stood as well.

“Don’t you understand Buffy? You were running because of me. Had my father not gotten my letter…had he not read it, you wouldn’t have fallen.”

Buffy reacted before she knew what she was doing. She reached him in one stride, one hand grabbing his arm and the other stroking his cheek.

“Nothing in my life has ever been your fault William Leslie.”

Spike broke her hold on him and went to the door.

“Except the loss of our child,” he said as he walked out the door, shutting it quickly behind him.
 

Chapter 22:

“Spike!” Buffy yelled as she flung open the door, her eyes becoming momentarily blinded by the bright light the sun was flinging down on them. She blinked once and finally was able to see Spike who had stopped in his tracks.



She ran towards him, her long skirt tangling around her legs. She didn’t care; she just needed to get to him.



“Spike..”




“There’s nothing to say,” he replied in a low, tormented voice.

“Are you crazy? Are you out of your mind nuts?”

Spike looked at her, the sadness seeping from his eyes and onto his face.

Buffy grabbed his arms and forced him to look at her.

“Nothing and I mean NOTHING is your fault Spike. Just like it isn’t my fault. It was an act of fate. I obviously was not meant to have that child.”

As Buffy spoke the words she realized they were true. It wasn’t his fault and it wasn’t her fault.

It had just happened.

Fate had happened.

The same fate that brought Spike back to her.

“Don’t you see? It doesn’t matter now. I love you William, I have and always will love you.”

Spike closed his eyes and sighed. He wanted nothing more then to gather her in his arms and kiss away the pain that was searing both their hearts. But he hesitated, allowing his mind to wander and dance around un-answered questions.

“Spike?” she asked, her eyes reflecting desperation at him.

“How could fate be so bloody cruel?” he questioned her dejectedly, his arms going around her and pulling her close.

“I don’t know…I honestly don’t know. What I do know is that the hardest situations you go through, the stronger you become,” Buffy whispered against his chest.

Spike sighed again and kissed the top of her golden head. He didn’t want to let her go, he wanted to hold onto her forever.

“Tell me what you want.”

Buffy pulled back and looked into his eyes. She placed a hand on his face and rubbed his stubble-covered cheek before kissing him softly on the lips.

“I want this.”

Kiss.

“I want us.”

Kiss.

“I want you.”

Spike groaned in satisfaction and pulled her closer to him. His arms wrapping around her middle, his mouth dominating hers. He kissed her hungrily, his mouth relaying everything to her in teeth, lips and tongue.

“I want this too,” he breathed.

“I missed you,” she said breathlessly between kisses.

“Me too.”

Spike smiled and pressed his forehead to hers.

“Where do we go from here?” she asked him quietly, as casually as she could without her voice shaking from the uneasiness inside her.

“I meant what I said Buffy. I want to marry you. I’ve always wanted to marry you. You are what makes me complete. Without you I’m nothing.”

Buffy sniffled as Spike got down on his knee in front of her.

“Please Buffy. Marry me and make me the happiest man on earth. There’s nothing short of moving the stars and the moon, that I wouldn’t do for you.”

Buffy sank to her knees in front of him, tears spilling down her face as a she touched his cheeks. She rubbed the pads of her fingers against his chiseled cheekbones and smiled at him.

“Of course I’ll marry you…William.”

Spike smiled and caressed her face before crushing her to him, hugging her and crying at the same time. He was laughing as he showered kisses on her cheeks and along her jaw line. Happiness was evident on his face as they clung to each other in the dew-covered grass, neither caring that it stained their clothes.
*~*

Spike smoothed back his sun-bleached hair and cleared his throat as he raised his hand to knock on the great oak door. He couldn’t help the nervousness that crept into his stomach.

The door creaked open revealing a small man with one of those handlebar mustaches, the one that curves into curls on either side of the nose.

“Good Afternoon sir,” the butler replied, his voice light and steady. He stood stiffly at the door his arms to his sides awaiting Spike’s response.

“Good Afternoon, I’m here to speak with the earl.”

“You are?”

“Lord Leslie,” Spike replied.

“Of course sir. Please come in,” the butler swept to the side, allowing Spike to enter.

Spike had to admit the earl had nice taste. His house was impeccable. Large expensive rugs draped the stone floors, beautiful tapestries lined the windows. It was obvious it was a bachelor’s home as it was very masculine in decoration. It seemed to be waiting for a woman’s touch to flourish it, make it homier.

“Lord Leslie is here to see you sir,” the butler said as he opened the door.

“Of course. Let him in,” the earl replied from within the study.

As Spike walked in the earl stood and held out his hand.

“Spike, how are you?”

“Well and you?” Spike took the offered hand and shook it heartily.

“What do I owe the honor of your visit?” Xander asked him gesturing for him to sit down.

“It’s about Elizabeth.”

Spike noticed that Xander paled slightly but his smile was kept intact on his face. He knew Xander had feelings for Buffy and it must have hurt him greatly when she turned down his proposal.

“I’m thinking we’ll need a drink for this,” Xander said as he went to the whiskey decanter and poured some of the amber liquid into two crystal glasses.

He handed one to Spike and smiled.

“To happiness.”

“To happiness,” Spike agreed and brought the glass to his lips. They held each other’s gaze as they drank. Spike whistled as the cool liquid burned fire down his throat.

“That’s some quality,” he commented as looked at the bottom of his glass.

“My family has made whiskey for generations and generations,” Xander replied as he smiled at Spike.

“They are damn good at it.”

Xander smiled appreciatively at Spike and looked at his glass. He knew why Spike was here. He just didn’t know if he was ready to hear it.

“So Spike what can I help you with?”

“I want to marry Buffy,” he stated plainly.

Spike figured the sooner he got to the point the easier on Xander it would be.

Xander looked at him, trying not to let his feelings show. He did love Buffy but, he knew her heart was with Spike

Was always with Spike.

“Why are you coming to me?” Xander asked softly.

“Well since her parents have died you have taken care of her and Dawn. It’s not only right but its respectful to ask you for her hand in marriage.”

Xander nodded, quite moved by what Spike had said. He may be the man who was taking his love from him but he was a good man and Xander knew Buffy would be happy.

“What do you have to offer her?”

“In Mary’s Land I am rich beyond my means. I own much land and have built businesses on the side. My home is expanse and well cared for. Buffy will want for nothing.”

“What of Dawn?”

“Since she is without a parental figure or a dowry I thought maybe we could keep Summerhaven with her. That could be a part of her bride price. I have more then enough for Buffy and will provide for Dawn as well.”

“You seem to have thought long and hard on this,” Xander commented finding himself very agreeable to Spike’s words.

“I have.”

“I know she’ll be happy monetary wise but, what about love?”

“Earl Xander I have loved Buffy since we were children. My feelings have not lessened over the years, they have only grown stronger. We are meant to be and after everything we have been through it would be a sin not for us to be together,” Spike said as he put his heartfelt meaning in his words.

 

Chapter 23:

Buffy was nervous. She hadn’t been this nervous since she finally realized she was in love with Spike. Seeing him that first time, watching him while he worked, he totally unaware that she was there. All those pent up emotions, not knowing how he felt caused butterflies of every species to find a home within her stomach. She looked into the polished silver in front of her and smoothed down the ivory satin of her skirt. She glanced up at her face again and willed herself not to cry. This day was supposed to be special and instead of having everything she wanted, she was left wanting more.

“Your mother would be so proud of you.”

Buffy turned around and saw Xander standing in the doorway to her room. Xander had to stop himself from gasping aloud. His heart contracted in his chest, overcome by how beautiful she looked.

“You always know what I’m thinking. I just wish she was here,” Buffy whispered playing with her mother’s ring on her right hand.

Xander smiled and walked over to Buffy. He put his hand on her cheek and made her meet his eyes.

“She is here Buffy. She is always with you and Dawn and on this day especially.”

Buffy’s eyes filled with tears as she tried not to cry. It was funny, willing herself not to cry and her eyes becoming more watery.

“This is what she always wanted for you. You told me yourself. She is rejoicing as well. She wouldn’t want you to cry and be upset on your special day,” Xander said honestly.

“You’ve been so good to us Xander. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”

“Nonsense. There is no need. You are like my sister Buffy, I will always be here for you. No matter what.”

Buffy smiled at him and touched his face. He was just a kind man, she hoped he knew that. Knew how special and wonderful he was. The lady who stole his heart was going to be one lucky woman in Buffy’s eyes.

“Are you ready?” He asked her.

“Give me just a minute. I’ll be right out,” she replied.

She smiled as Xander left the room and turned towards the polished silver again. She had on an ivory white satin dress. The neckline fashionably low and cut in a V across the swell of her breasts. The sleeves were off her shoulders, leaving them bare and ending just below her elbow. The dress was tight around her middle accentuating her small form, which flowed out into a full skirt. Along the bodice and continuing down the front of her dress were purple and green seed pearls. Pink and yellow seed pearls designed into tiny flowers lined the bottom of her skirt. Her veil was long, the edges lined in lace and also woven with the same seed pearls. Around her neck she wore her mother’s gold cross.

Buffy smoothed down her dress again and made sure there wasn’t a winkle on her. She pinched her cheeks for added color and willed herself not to cry. She looked down at her skirt as a bolt of sunlight shown through her window making the pearls shimmer and seemingly dance upon the satin. With one last look at herself in the mirror she moved to leave the room. Something caused her to look back and glance at the chair. Lying there on the burgundy brocade was her bouquet of white roses tied with a sheer blue ribbon.

“Can’t forget this,” she said to herself as she grabbed them and left the room.

*~*

Spike was equally as nervous as he stood in Summerhaven’s chapel waiting for Buffy to appear. He had loved her since he before he could remember and finally after all these years to have her, to be her husband was making him intensely nervous. It was as if he expected something to go wrong, something to make his happiness disappear. He knew that wouldn’t happen. Buffy loved him and he loved her. It was meant to be that they marry and everyone knew that. He understood how lucky he was for Xander to consent to this marriage and how hard it had been for the earl to grant it to him.

Spike waited for his speech to have an impact on the earl. He had poured his heart and soul into his words and hoped that Xander would see how much he loved Buffy.

What Spike didn’t know was that Xander already knew how much he loved her and how much she loved him. It was in their eyes when they spoke about each other. In their voices, the way they held themselves. A person in love is a very obvious creature and Xander knew from the moment he met Buffy that her heart belonged to another. Even as he got on his knee and proposed he knew her heart would never be his, not in the slightest.

“Very well Spike you have my consent. On one condition though.”

Spike nodded his head at Xander beckoning him to go on.

“I get to walk Buffy down the aisle,” Xander requested. It wasn’t really a demand because even if Spike said no to that Xander would allow the marriage but he wanted to see the blonde’s reaction.

“Of course Xander. I would have it no other way,” Spike readily agreed.

Xander was such a big part of Buffy and Dawn’s life that who was he to stand in their way. He owed Xander a bounty for everything he had done for them since their parents demise. Frankly he was grateful to Xander for being there for them.

Xander smiled at Spike and stood offering his hand.

“Congratulations! May you and Buffy have a wonderful life together,” Xander said, his words heartfelt.

Spike stood and shook his hand.

“Thank you!”

Spike played with his black silk tie and adjusted it, his hands to the point of shaking.

“Are you ok?” Oz asked him from his place next to Spike.

“I’m just so bloody nervous,” Spike revealed.

“Aww man there’s nothing to be nervous about. This wedding was a long time in the making. Just relax,” Oz said slapping Spike on the back.

“Relax son. You have nothing to worry about,” Giles said as he took his place next to Oz.

“Thanks Dad. I’m trying..” Spike was cut off as the music started to play.

As the music began to play everyone in the chapel stood and turned to watch Dawn and Willow walk down the aisle. They both looked stunning in violet as they clutched white roses in their hands. Oz caught Willow’s eye and smiled at her. She smiled back, a slight blush staining her cheeks.

“Seems someone else is in love,” Giles said poking Oz in the ribs.

Oz smiled at Spike’s father and chuckled, his observation not at all wrong.

Willow winked at Oz before standing next to Dawn.

The wedding march started to play and Spike straightened, his back ramrod stiff as the chapel doors opened revealing Buffy and Xander.

Her sight stole his breath as she started to walk towards him. Never in his life had he seen anything as beautiful as she was. He tried to smile at her and found his eyes starting to tear. His heart contracted in his chest, so in love with this woman he was.

Buffy was in a similar disposition. When the doors opened she was momentarily blinded but then her vision cleared and landed on Spike. He was absolutely gorgeous in his black velvet breeches and sharp black jacket. His crisp white silk shirt and black tie complimented his suit beautifully. His cerulean blue eyes were filled with tears as she approached him.

Xander walked beside Buffy proudly, her small hand resting on his arm as he led her to the love of her life. He knew this was a moment he would cherish forever, how lucky he was to be the one giving her away.

The two lovers looked upon one another with tears in their eyes and smiled watery at one another. The priest stepped forward as soon as the music stopped and raised his hand.

“Who doth gives this woman away?” He asked, his voice loud and commanding.

“I do,” Xander replied as he removed Buffy’s hand from his arm and rested it on Spike’s.

Spike and Buffy locked eyes then and smiled at one another before touching their hands and interlocking their fingers.

He glanced at Spike who smiled at him and nodded, signally his thanks. Xander nodded back and stepped down, looking for his place in the pew he was supposed to sit at. His eyes landed on a brownish blonde haired woman who smiled at him and scooted over. Her warm brown eyes regarded him sweetly as he sat next to her. As her hand touched his arm he felt a tingle go through him. Maybe love wouldn’t be lost on him as well he thought as he smiled at her.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join William James and Elizabeth Anne in holy matrimony. If anyone here protests to this union please speak now or forever hold your peace.”

 

Chapter 24:
A hush fell over the chapel as they waited to see if anyone would protest. A minute passed without so much as a peep from anyone or anything and the priest smiled at the waiting couple.

“Very well,” he said as he cleared his throat.

“Dear children of God, you have come today to pledge your love before God and before the Church here present today in person of the priest, your families and friends. In becoming husband and wife you give yourselves to each other for life. You promise to be true and faithful, to support and cherish each other until death, so that your years together will be the living out in the love of the pledge you now make.

May your love for each other reflect the enduring love of Christ for his Church. As you face the future together, keep in mind that the sacrament of marriage unites you with Christ, and brings you, through the years, the grace and blessing of God our Father. Marriage is from God: he alone can give you the happiness which goes beyond human expectation, and which grows deeper through the difficulties and struggles of life.

Put your trust in God as you set out together in life. Make your home a center of family life. Now as you are about to exchange your marriage vows, the Church wishes to be assured that you appreciate the meaning of what you do, and so I ask you:

Have you come here of your own free will and choice and without compulsion to marry each other?”

“We have,” Spike and Buffy replied.

“Will you love and honor each other in marriage all the days of your life?”

“We will,” the answered.

“Do you Elizabeth take William as your husband?”

“I do.”

“Do you William take Elizabeth as your wife?”

“I do.”

The priest smiled down at them, his wise face full of comfort as he held his hands above their heads.

“May I have the rings please?”

Oz reached into his pocket and withdrew their wedding bands. They were simple gold bands engraved on the insides with their initials and the date. Spike had gone one further and written “Keeper of my heart” on Buffy’s band. Little did he know Buffy had a special inscription written on his ring as well. His said, “Key to my soul”.

The priest took their rings and placed them in one hand while placing his other hand on their joined hands.

“May the Lord bless these rings, which will be the sign of your love and fidelity.”

“William take this ring and as you place it upon Elizabeth’s finger recite your vows.”

Spike smiled at Buffy as the priest placed the ring in his hand. He took it between his thumb and forefinger as he looked into her eyes.


“I, William, take you, Elizabeth, to be my wife, confident in my heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a true and loving companion. One this wondrous day, in the presence of God, our family and friends as witnesses, I give to you my sacred vow that as your husband, I will always be with you and support you. In times of sickness and in health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. I further promise to love you completely, to console and comfort you during difficult times, to respect you and to protect you from harm. To honor you and to provide for your well-being, to be truthful and honest with you and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live and beyond,” Spike finished as he choked up, a stray tear making its way down his chiseled face. He slid the gold band upon Buffy’s hand and watched as his tear fell on the ring illuminating it, making it shimmer.

Buffy sniffled as she looked into Spike’s eyes. As if it were even possible more love flooded her being for this man.

“Elizabeth as you place this ring on William’s finger please recite your vows.”

Buffy was holding onto Spike’s hand as the priest handed her the ring. She took it in her hand and prepared to slide it down his ring finger.

“I, Elizabeth, take you, William, to be my husband, confident in my heart that you will be a faithful friend, and a true and loving companion. On this wondrous day, in the presence of God, our family and our friends as witnesses, I give to you my sacred vow that as your wife, I will always be with you and support you. In times of sickness and in times of health, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. I further promise to love you completely, to console and comfort you during difficult times, to encourage you to achieve your full potential, to laugh with you and to grieve with you, to share with you life’s simplest but most enduring pleasures, to be truthful and honest with you and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live and beyond,” Buffy recited, her voice shaky as she cried with love for Spike.

The priest reached for their hands again and gazed upon them.

“The couple has proclaimed their love for one another and have exchanged their tokens of promise. Let us look upon them with love and respect. William and Elizabeth, may you both be as in love and happy as the Lord allows. Today has been a happy and joyous day, may it continue to be so. In as much as you have pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love, and devotion, I now declare you to be husband and wife. William you may kiss your bride.”

Spike let go of Buffy’s hands and reached for her veil. He slowly lifted it off her face and saw the tears running down her cheeks. He cupped her face in his hands and smiled as he leaned towards her. His lips touched hers tenderly a shock going through the two of them. Around them everyone cheered. Spike pulled back and pressed his forehead to Buffy’s.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you,” she whispered back.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be the first to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie,” the priest said as he touched both of their backs.

The chapel erupted in applause as the happy couple walked down the aisle smiling and holding hands. As they reached the door they turned towards one another and kissed. Neither had been so happy as they were today. To finally be together, for it finally to be right. For their love to finally be shown. And in the end their love had seen then through.