***

Buffy went to the kitchen and found Spike in there.  

"Got fresh coffee for you pet," Spike glanced in her direction

"Thanks," Buffy sat by the table and sighed.

Spike poured the coffee and handed Buffy the cup

"Everything alright?" he noticed the frown on her face.

Buffy met his gaze and nodded, taking the cup from his hand.

"I know that look…what's wrong?" Spike sat next to her.

"Nothing," Buffy mumbled knowing her answer wouldn’t satisfy his curiosity. After all, she was talking to Spike.

"I know what this is," Spike took a sip from his coffee and watched her.

"You’re worried about the fight…but I told you baby, this fight is piece of cake after what we’ve been through,"

Buffy frowned even harder.

Here's an aspect I haven't thought about…..

"I just wish… you'd stop," Buffy said softly

"I know baby, I know it worries you…maybe-maybe someday…"

"No, let's not talk about it," Buffy cut him off "I want you to know I'll support you whatever you do,"

"I know that too darling," Spike smiled and took her hand in his.

Buffy smiled at him briefly

"Where are you going?"  She asked as he stood up.

"Bathroom,"

"Oh!" Buffy jumped from her chair and blocked his way

Spike raised a brow "Pet?"

Buffy panicked inwardly but then remembered where she’d left the pregnancy test he probably won't see it

"I-I forgot what I wanted to say,"

"You’re acting weird this morning luv,"

Spike kissed her temple and walked past her.

Buffy sighed

"Yeah,"

By the time Spike left for training, Buffy already had the pregnancy test ready….she ran to the bathroom as soon as Spike closed the door behind him,  but she stopped at the bathroom door like there was invisible barrier keeping her from entering…

She took a few slow steps and took the pregnancy test from the top of the counter.

Tears filled her eyes before she could even take a good look at it.

She closed her eyes trying to calm herself

But she wasn't hallucinating….It was positive …

Oh god….oh god…..oh god, Spike! What would Spike think of this?

Sure, he loved her and they had lived together for a while…but this… a baby…

Spike's baby…

Buffy sat on the bathroom floor and stared into space, not knowing what to make of this striking discovery

Spike hurried home that evening, Buffy didn't show up at the office that day and when he called her she’d told him she was taking the day off to do some chores.

Spending the day without her was unbearable, he didn't know how it had happened but they became almost inseparable. When she was away, he felt as if a part of him was missing…a big part… and it scared him sometimes. He’d spent most of his life alone, even with Dru he wasn't comfortable enough to let his guard down.

Then Buffy came…he felt naked, overexposed at times, what made it better was knowing she was feeling the same, knowing the love they shared was so strong it let them be desperately honest with each other…it made everything worthwhile.        

When he came home, he found Buffy standing in front of him, wearing a weird expression.

"What is it baby?" he asked watching her closely.

"We need to talk," 

"You're scaring me," Spike followed her to the living room.

Buffy turned to look at him and paused not sure how to begin.

"You stayed home; you're acting weird…what's wrong?" Spike tilted his head to meet her gaze.

"I'm pregnant," Buffy, blurted without a second thought.

Spike froze

"Y-you what?" he said with a strangled voice.

"Pregnant," Buffy repeated the word slowly, watching his bemused expression for a moment.

Oh god…Say something!

"H-how?" Spike mumbled.

"How?" Buffy complained that's all you have to say?

"I mean….we used…you were on the pill and….well how?" Spike stopped his babbling and looked at her belly.

"I told you I stopped the pill long time ago," Buffy sighed "and there was this one time in-in the shower and – hell Spike what does it matter?" she snapped.

"Well I don't know Buffy-" Spike narrowed his eyes at her "maybe I wasn't planning on getting you pregnant…maybe if I knew we were taking a risk , I could have been more careful-"

"But it doesn’t matter now does it?" Buffy said harshly

"No, it doesn't," Spike replied

Buffy shook her head and looked away. She couldn't believe they were having this conversation…she couldn't believe Spike's reaction. She knew he would be surprised but this…was he really angry at her?

"Look pet," Spike approached her and touched her shoulder lightly.

"I'm just surprised, I'm sorry," he mumbled before turning away

"Where are you going?" Buffy watched him put his coat on.

"I'm taking a stroll… need to think," Spike headed to the door

"Spike-"

Buffy followed him only to see the door slamming in front of her.

***         

It was almost midnight when Spike returned from his stroll. The lights at the house were dim and everything felt quiet, too quiet… he thought

Spike entered the bedroom and saw Buffy lying on the bed on her side. He came closer and saw she was asleep.

He looked at the bed and saw it was covered with used tissues. When he looked at her face again, he noticed for the first time she'd been crying.

"Such a wanker," he cursed himself and crawled on the bed to lie next to her.

He moved closer and watched her face

"I'm so sorry kitten," he whispered and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

Buffy cuddled up to his chest and buried her face in the crook of his neck.

"I love you so much," Spike whispered in her ear and put his arms around her.

"So much," Spike kissed her shoulder and pushed back to gaze at her face again.

Spike kissed Buffy's lips lightly and felt her shivering. He looked down and saw she was barely covered. Her short blouse was all furled up and exposing her flat belly.

He slowly ran his fingers over the bare skin, unable to control the rush of emotions, he kissed her again more passionately.

Spike broke the kiss slowly, feeling Buffy moving in his arms

"Spike," Buffy mumbled blinking a few times before gazing at him warily.

"Go back to sleep baby," he let go of her and covered her with the blanket.

"We need to talk," Buffy said quietly, still sleepy.

"Tomorrow luv," Spike kissed her temple. "Everything will be alright," he reassured her, "I promise,"

Buffy closed her eyes, taking comfort in his words.

Spike waited, making sure she was asleep before getting up.

Spike took his coat off, went to the bathroom, and washed his face, looking in the mirror he reached in his pocket and pulled out a little black box.

Opening it, he smiled to himself

"Yes…everything will be alright," 

The next morning Buffy woke up alone in bed, just as she was the night before.

She heard noises and the smell of fresh coffee, so she dragged herself out of bed and walked warily to the kitchen.

Buffy was amazed to find Spike standing in the kitchen, wearing only his underwear and cooking?...she stood behind him and smiled to herself. The sight of him almost made her forget about the events of the day before…almost… 

Her smile faded as soon as he turned to look at her, she couldn't bear looking back

She still feared he was mad at her.

"Good morning luv," Spike watched her as she sat down at the table. “Sleep well?"

"Uh-huh," Buffy nodded.

"Good-good," Spike turned to her and put two plates on the table.

"You made breakfast?"  Buffy watched Spike setting the table.

"Surprised pet?" Spike sat in front of her and put food on his plate.

Buffy watched him eat for a moment. She didn't know what do make from his behavior. He didn't look at her, but he talked to her like nothing happened

What's up with that?

"Don't I get some?" she glanced at the plate next to him

"Sure pet," Spike said calmly "but first…” he added and reached his hand out to put something in her plate.

Buffy looked at her plate confused, at first she thought it was coin, it sounded like a coin…but it wasn't ..It was shiny and little...it was an engagement ring?

Buffy looked up and saw Spike smiling slightly, his expression soon changed to pure anticipation.

"Marry me?" he said decisively.

"Wha…?" huh? 

"Marry me Buffy," Spike watched her frozen expression and wondered if she was even listening.

"This…This is because of the pregnancy?" Buffy finally spoke.

Spike gazed at her softly.

"No pet…It's because I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you,"

Buffy looked as if she were digesting his words.

Spike got up from his chair and kneeled before her. He took the ring in his hand and made her look at him.

"I can't imagine my life without you Buffy…hell, I can't imagine my life before you,"

Spike gazed into Buffy's eyes "I never had the reputation of a thinker. I lived each day as if it was the last one. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, a lot of wrong bloody calls but there's only one thing I've ever been sure of you…"

"Spike…"

"No, let me finish,"

"This might have happened sooner than I thought, but it was going to happen, I’ve known it since the day I met you,"

"But yesterday…"

"Yesterday I went through that door and as soon as it closed behind me, I knew what I wanted to do …there was no doubt in my mind," Spike stated calmly.

"It's beautiful," Buffy, whispered looking at the ring.

"Not as beautiful as you luv," Spike smiled and looked into Buffy's eyes "So what do you say?" he asked impatiently.

"What do you think," a tear rolled down Buffy's cheek

"I think you’d better give me a straight answer Summers," Spike teased and watched her smile

"I've told you once before," he kissed her wet cheek and then leaned to whisper in her ear "you give in to me and I would never let you go,"

Buffy grabbed Spike by the head and kissed him passionately, she broke the kiss quickly and stared into his blue orbs "I won't let you go either," she whispered

"So is that a…"

"Yes, it's a yes! You goof!" she smiled and kissed him again before he could say another word.

Present day…

"It hurts!" Buffy cried out as Spike slowly helped her from the car.

"I know kitten,"

"You don't know shit!" she cursed and dug her nails into his shoulder

"Bloody hell woman!" Spike pushed her off his shoulder and grabbed her by the arms

"What did you do that for?" he helped her as they walked through the hospital entrance.

"I wanted you to feel my pain," Buffy mumbled and breathed deeply.

"I don't think that's possible," 

Buffy and Spike turned quickly to the nurse's desk, only to be stopped by a hospital orderly blocking the way with a bed.

 "Can you move it away mate? My wife's in labor," Spike said harshly

"In a minute," the man said as he started to talk to the man next to him.

Spike was about to approach him but Buffy had beaten him to it.

"Look buddy…" Buffy held the man's collar. "I'm going to give birth in a matter of minutes. Unless you want a life time experience, you better move out of my fuckin’ way!"

The man moved aside letting the two get through

"I guess we know who's wearing the pants in your family," he smirked at Spike

"Hey…" Spike turned to him.

"Spike!" Buffy yelled down the corridor.

Spike decided to ignore him and ran to catch up with Buffy.

"Help me," Buffy pleaded to the nurse who'd approached her.

The nurse helped Buffy to sit in a wheelchair and asked her a few questions

"It's going to be alright luv," Spike knelt in front of her.

"Sir, we need to take her to the delivery room," 

"Can I come?"

***

Spike paced nervously at the hallway. He couldn't believe he wasn't by Buffy's side, he didn't know what to do with himself. How could he just sit and wait while his wife was in pain...while she was having a premature birth…

It had been 15 minutes since he’d called Hank. He didn't say much on the phone, he just wanted him to come right over, maybe his presence would calm him down...

Bugger

He knew it wouldn’t be the case. They both shared the same hot temper. They both showed the same concern and loyalty for the people they loved, and most importantly for both of them life revolved around only one woman, Buffy.

Buffy had changed them both so much and Spike had a feeling the baby would change them even more

He never knew he would find that much happiness, he never thought he would be ready to embrace it, but he was ready now. He felt whole, complete

And it was all because of her.

He stopped pacing as he spotted Hank walking quickly his way.

"Where is she? Where is my baby?"  He asked eagerly.

"Having my baby," Spike smiled lightly, trying to hide his concern.

"Why aren't you with her?" Hank said, panting lightly.

"Could you believe she didn't want me there?"

"You should have said no,"

"To Buffy?"  Spike raised a brow.

"Right” Hank agreed knowing his daughter all too well.

"Didn't want to upset her," Spike muttered gazing away.

"She probably thought you couldn't handle it," Hank teased with smirk.

"Hey…" Spike turned to look at him. 

"You are super sensitive-"

"Am not…got kicked in the areas on a daily basis throughout my career,"

"Always watching passions and crying like a baby-" Hank ignored him.

"Louis and Sheridan belong together," Spike replied with slight resentment.

Hank put his hands on his face and sighed.

"I already feel like a complete wanker…no need to make it worse," Spike said quietly. "And that Faith...I should have known she was trouble," he added.

"What about Faith?" Hank asked curiously.

Spike hesitated for a moment but then gazed at Hank.

"Buffy was upset….she thought…"

"What?"

"She thought I was cheating on her, got really jealous, never seen her like that,"

"You can't blame her Spike…she already got too many people…men," Hank corrected himself "too many men disappointing her in her life,"

 "But it's me Hank...she really thought I could that to her?"

"You know it might have been the hormones. They say it makes women act irrational…whatever that means. Couldn’t see the difference myself," Hank laughed, but then noticed Spike's hard expression.

"Oh lighten up Spike…everything will be okay. You know Buffy was born premature,"

"Yeah?"

"Always wondered if that's why she stayed so little," Hank joked and then added "But let me tell ya she was the strongest, bravest little girl I ever met,"

***

"Come on Buffy one more push, you can do it," the doctor encouraged.

"Ugggghhhh!" Buffy screamed at the top of her lungs.

"One more," 

"I can't!" Buffy cried out and let her head drop back on the bed

"Spike….i changed my mind… I need Spike," she panted hard.

"We can't call him now. You don't have much further to go. The head is crowning,"

Buffy shook her head and mumbled her husband’s name, sweat washing over her face.

"Come on Buffy, one more push, a big one and the worst is over,"

"Spi---kkkke!!!"

***

"Did you hear that?" Spike looked up, gazing blankly into space. 

"Hear what?" Hank said standing beside him

"Nothing," Spike shook his head.

"Maybe we should go get some coffee,"

"I'm not leaving,"

"Spike, this could take a while, hours even,"

Spike held out his hand to stop Hank from talking. They watched as the doctor approached them.

 "Doctor?" Spike watched the woman in front of him with strong anticipation.

"Congratulations," she smiled "you have a healthy baby girl,"

Hank let out sigh of joy.

"A-a girl?" Spike muttered.

"I hope you're not disappointed," the young doctor added but felt strong arms around her before she could finish.

"I'll take that as a no," she smiled as Spike let her go.

"I need to see Buffy, I need to…"

"So what are you waiting for?" the doctor smiled and leaded the way "come on skipper,"

***

Spike froze by doorway as he watched Buffy holding their little daughter in her arms. He thought it was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen and he just wanted to capture that moment in his mind.

Buffy was looking at the baby's face as she spoke

"You're gonna learn about your father’s lurking habits,"

"Wasn't lurking," Spike approached with a big smile on his face "Admiring…it's a whole different vibe," he said and sat on the bed beside Buffy

Buffy gazed up at him and noticed him staring at her with awe.

"You should look at the baby…I'm a mess to look at,"

"No you're not," he whispered, "you're glowing," he kissed her forehead.

They both sighed and gazed at the baby

Spike laughed lightly as he studied the baby’s face.

"She looks exactly like you luv," he stated.

"No she's not…look at those cheeks!" Buffy corrected rapidly.

 "You just can't agree with me on anything huh?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Buffy smiled at him

They gazed at each other in silence for a moment and then their lips met in a tender kiss.

"Thank you luv," Spike whispered to her.

"For what?" Buffy asked pushing back slightly.

Spike looked at her face intensely and brushed her hair with his fingers.

"For giving me a family, it’s all I ever wanted," he said softly, as his eyes filled with tears.

"Oh baby," Buffy touched his cheek and rested her forehead to his.

"Now we both have everything we ever wanted," she said wiping his face.

"I hate to interrupt this lovely moment…" Buffy and Spike looked at Hank standing a few feet away “but I want to see my granddaughter,"

"Dad!"  Buffy said surprised

"I had a talk with your doctor…she's a very nice lady," Hank replaced Spike's place on the bed.

"Gave you her number did she?" Buffy teased.

"Umm," Hank choked and gazed at the baby

"Well what have we got here," Hank smiled at the innocent creature sleeping in front of him "it's a little Buffy,"

"Told ya," Spike smirked standing next to the bed.

"…with Spike's cheeks,"

Buffy smiled at Spike brightly.

"Just don't end up melodramatic like your dad," Hank whispered to the baby

 "I heard that!" Spike grumbled.

"I know," Hank glanced at him grinning.

Buffy smiled at them, tired but happier then ever. She’d never felt so peaceful.

She knew somewhere her mom was looking down on her and sharing her joy.

Gazing at the baby tucked safely in her arms she promised herself never to cry over the past or ever doubt the present

She was loved and truly blessed.

The End