“Who is the lucky wanker?” Dawn looked at Buffy both girls shared glances and sighs.

“His name is Jake. He is nice guy.”

“Where are you guys heading?”

“We are going to the movies, father” Spike’s eyes widen by Dawn irritation and nick name. He crossed his arms.

“If I am your father then I will have to give you the sex talk and how the movies just start it.” Buffy gasped and smacked Spike’s arm.

“Don’t you dare traumatize Dawn,” Buffy warned. Dawn looked at Spike and rolled her eyes.

“You gave me that talk. You told me about it when I went on my first date with…” The door bell rang. Dawn rushed to the door while Buffy pulled Spike into the kitchen.

“Don’t you dare interrogate him. He is nice and shy guy.”

“I promise I will be on my best behavior, love. Scout’s honor.” Buffy sighed and followed Spike back into the living room. Dawn sighed know she had to introduce Jake to Spike. Spike crossed his arms and eyes the boy. He was tall and was lean. He had brown hair that fell into his face.

“Jake this is Spike. Spike this is Jake.” Jake reached out to shake Spike’s hand. Spike smiled into return.

“Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Nice to meet you, Jake.”

“So, how do you know Dawn? I thought her father was in L.A.”

“You can call me her body guard. Now may I ask you a question, Jake?” Dawn looked worriedly over at Buffy. Buffy looked as worried as Dawn.

“Of course, sir.”

“You don’t have any intentions of shagging my lil’ bit now do you? Because if you do I will snap you like a trig.”

End of flash back

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy and Angel sat there laughing. Angel sat there shaking his head. It sounded like his childe. Very protective but says the wrong things.

“I never have seen Dawn look so pale in my life. It was safe to say that Jake never showed up at the door again,” Buffy said with a sad smile. Angel let out a light sigh.

“That’s Spike for you. Always goes straight to that point,” Angel said sadly as he glanced over at his sleeping childe.

“I think that was the moment I fell in love with Spike. I love how he was so protective of Dawn. I’m afraid for this child if it’s a girl because I think he is going to keep her in closets from boys. By the way, I thought you were heading back to L.A.?”

“After the white van, I decided that I better stay. Plus I have to patrol for you. I promised Spike that I would stay that way you wouldn’t get into any danger.”

“Angel, my life is danger. I mean when hasn’t my life been in danger? I’m the slayer, remember? I’m not supposed to live past 25.” Angel nodded.

“You got me there, but I think for the baby’s sake and Spike’s, I think you should quit.” Buffy stared stunned at Angel.

“I can’t quit. You very well know that, Angel. I was born to do this job.”

“You know about Principle Wood, don’t you?”

“No. What about him?”

“His mother was a slayer and he is trying to find the vamp that killed her.” Angel glanced over at Spike. Without hesitation Buffy caught on.

“He’s look for Spike. Well I’ll make sure to keep him away from Spike.”

“Buffy, I can’t stress enough how dangerous it is for you to raise a family and be the slayer. You could end up dead….again. Leaving Spike to take care of the kid and Dawn.”

“Dawn can take of herself. But I see your point but I won’t do it. Our lives are so hectic right now Angel that we haven’t really sat down and thought about our lives. We have been fighting evil left and right. I’m trying to get things ready for the baby, Dawn in graduating and we are still trying to figure out why Spike is human. On top of that we are planning our wedding. We really haven’t discussed our lives once we are married. Now to top it off Spike’s chip almost kills him and he is basically in a coma right now. I mean one bad thing after another. The baby was almost killed and Spike almost dies. Suddenly…” Buffy’s voice brakes as she covered her face and began to sob.

Angel watches sadly wishing he knew what to do. He put a comforting hand on Buffy’s shoulder. He still feels his love for her and his heart aches for her pain but he knows Spike is also doing the best he can. It wasn’t his fault his chip was killing him. He knows his childe well enough that he knows he wouldn’t try to hurt Buffy.

“Buffy, listen to me. You will always have Spike. You can’t get rid of him as hard as you try. Trust me I know. He finds away to haunt me. Right now, if he could speak he would probably go on about his life.”

Buffy let’s out a small laugh.

“Yeah, that’s Spike for you. I was talking to him earlier and I told him about Riley and he said, ‘Poor poof. I bet peaches would love to hear this.’ I just love that about him. Even thought he considers you a friend. He still calls you Peaches. It’s just who he is.” Angel rubbed Buffy’s shoulder then stood up.

“Well I’m going to head out to patrol. I’ll make to kick some major Vampire ass for you and Spike.”

“Patrol? It’s still daylight out? How did you get here?”

“Buffy, it’s been dark for over hour and a half. I came when sun was down.”

“Wow, it’s that late all ready. Well I didn’t realize it was dark with the lack of windows and all.” Angel and smiled and left Buffy to Spike. She intertwined her finger with Spike’s.

“Come, William. Wake up for me. I need you to wake up for me.”

When nothing happened, Buffy sighed and sat back. She closed her eyes. This was too stressful. She was just released from the hospital and then she had to deal with Spike’s chip. She felt sleep wash over her. She greeted it. She just needed to sleep everything off.

Buffy is walking through the cemetery twirling Mr. pointy in her hand. She is wearing her leather pants like she use to before she got pregnant. She has her slim form back. She is surprised by how fast she got firm body back into shape. She knows the baby is safe at home with her father and her aunt Dawn. It was nice knowing that her life was simple. A husband and child. A real family. She had a comfort knowing that Angel moved into town watching out for her family.

Her slayer senses gave her a heads up about the group of four vamps behind her.

“Don’t they ever teach you not to sneak up on the slayer,” Buffy asked sarcastically. Vamps charged at her. She stood her ground kick a couple of their buts and staked two of them. She was ready for the other two. The third one was simple with one punch he was on the ground and staked. She was surprised by the forth vamp. He was tougher. A lot tougher. She hadn’t a good slay in a while and enjoyed the challenge but from the lack of sleep the baby was giving her she was growing tired. The vampire sensed that and took that as his advantage.

She sensed another vamp. This one was familiar. She automatically knew it was Angel. This distracted her and the vampire knocked her on the ground. They struggled till she was too weak to fight anymore. Her body was exhausted and breath was against her chest. She heard Angel charging but it was too late. The vampire bit into her neck and starting drinking furiously.

By the time Angel got him off, her life was hardly there. Angel dusted the vamp then kneeled down to Buffy. He was talking to her but she couldn’t hear him. It came in as a mumble. She was losing her life as Angel frantically tried to keep her there. She never imagined that she would die like this. She had a family now and her kid would have to be raised by Spike. A broken Spike.

“Angel, make sure Spike make’s it through this,” Buffy said weakly. Then everything went black. She had finally died….again.

“Buffy,” a voice said over her shoulder. Buffy whipped around. She was wearing a white gowned and a colored woman stood in front of her wearing 70’s wear.

“Who are you?” Buffy asked.

“I’m Niki Wood,” Niki answered.

“Oh, you’re the first slayer who had a child.”

“Yes, I am. I was stupid enough to continue to do the job. I ended up leaving my son alone to grow up. He has grown up hatred towards anything.”

“Well, he doesn’t seem so bad. I mean yeah, he has a grudge against my fiancé for killing you but hey, people change.”

“You’re right. I’m here to advise not to make the same mistake I did.”

“I knew I heard it from Angel. I should quit because of the baby and Spike. Well I do things as a please.” Niki led Buffy towards what looked like a bird bath but it showed what was happening on earth. She saw Angel show Spike the body. Spike broke down once he saw her. Dawn was holding the baby. Dawn held Spike as they both cried. Angel soon joined in. Spike was holding the limp body of Buffy.

“Is that what you want to happen? Do you want you’re one true love to grieve over you all over again?” Buffy felt a lump in her throat remembering watching her friends discover her body on the ruble. She knew they would be ok even though she watched them brake down in tears. Spike had caught her eyes as he lost his ability to stand. Just the thought of it happening again terrified her.

“No…..No. I don’t want Spike to go through that again.”

“Then you know what you must do. I advise you it will be ok. World won’t become over feasted with vampires. Things will calm down.”

“But, what am I going to do if I don’t patrol every night?”

“You will live a normal life. Like a normal person with slayer powers just like Spike will live a normal life with vampire abilities. Now wake up, dear.”

Buffy opened her eyes. She felt her hand being caressed by a thumb. She looked over at Spike. He looked drowsy. She moved forward in her chair.

“How do you feel?” Buffy asked with a small smile. He pulled his hand from her and caressed her cheek.

“Like a weight has been lifted from my head,” Spike answered. Buffy closed her eyes as she valued his touch. She almost lost the touch and the dream she had convinced her that she had to start thinking about Spike and their unborn baby.

“I’m quitting,” Buffy said bluntly. Spike started at her stunned for a moment.

She isn’t saying that I think she’s saying, Spike thought.

“You’re quitting what?” Spike asked.

“I’m going to quite my slayer gig.”

She is.

“I can’t slay anymore, Spike. I have a family to tend to. I have a job as a mother, wife, and counselor. I don’t think I will have the energy for slaying after the baby. Hell, I barely have the energy for it now. I think it’s time for me to live a normal life.”

“Are you sure, pet? I mean I know you love slaying.” Buffy gave Spike a warm smile.

“I am. If I die then you become undone. You will barely be able to take care of the baby. You need me and I need you. It’s as simple as that.”

“All right, pet. It’s you decision but I won’t lie saying that I’m relieve that you are quitting. I know that you will be around a lot longer.”

“I’ll let me call, Dawn. She has to come and get us. Since we lack in the vehicle department.”

“Captain Cardboard can’t give us a lift back to home sweet home? Or is he still pissed about you telling him how unmanly he is?” Buffy stared wide eyed.

“Eavesdropped on our conversation?” She didn’t need an answer. The look on Spike’s sly grin face was answer enough.

“What can I say…….”

“Don’t you dare pull that I’ve always been bad crap. I know very well you were a sweet shy poetic guy before you turned into a vampire and now that you are human you still have that bad ass demon attitude.”

“Little snappy this morning, love? What happened a dream rub my slayer the wrong way?”

“Will you always call me slayer?” Spike shrugged.

“Not in front of the lil’ bit but you will always be my slayer even if you did quit.”

Buffy and Spike waited outside of the building. Spike had his arm wrapped around Buffy for support. He was still woozy from the surgery. They waited for Xander to pick them up.

“Do you think we need to get a car?” Buffy asked as she watched the cars go by. Spike looked over at her and smiled.

“You’ve read my mind,” Spike joked. Buffy rolled her eyes. Her arm was getting tired and she felt Spike lean on her more.

“Why won’t you sit in a wheel chair?” Buffy asked. Her voice almost gave away to a whine. Spike looked over at her with his evil glare.

“I rather be dead then sit in a wheel chair again.”

Buffy sighed in relief to see Xander’s car pull up. She watched as Xander got out of the car. She got see the exhaustion in his eyes. She new she should have waited but she didn’t want to be around Riley another second.

“How you guys feeling?” Xander asked as he made his way towards them.

“I’m still pregnant and Spike here is getting more stubborn by the second. But peachy side of keen is us,” Buffy answered. Xander had Spike lean on him. He helped Spike into the car.

“So, Buff, You wanted sit in front with me or back with your future husband?” Buffy yawned and looked over at Spike. He was all ready sound asleep in the back.

“I’ll sit in front with you. I don’t want to disturb Spike.” They got into the car and made their way towards home.

“So, are we ever going to settle on a name for Spike?” Buffy looked at Xander confused.

“What?”

“Well half of us still call him Spike and the other half calls him William. He’s human now so we need to decide to call him by one name.” Buffy shrugged and closed her eyes.

“It’s up to him, Xander. I call him both. When I want to be tender I call him William but when I get mad I call him Spike.”

“Well Giles is set on calling him William. I like calling him Spike. Angel calls him both. It seems the scooby gang is spilt in the middle.”

“Well then it’s up to you guys. He doesn’t mind either. Why don’t we worry about it later? Spike just got his chip out and I’m exhausted from everything. I think some sleep would be nice.”

“Angel said you were asleep when he went back to check on you guys. He said he watched as Spike played with your hair then he said Spike caught him. They actually had a conversation that didn’t….” Xander looked over at Buffy. She was sound asleep.

“Well I’m basically talking to myself.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy woke up in her soft warm bed. For a moment she thought everything was a dream until she felt a strong pair of arms around her. She looked over and saw Spike’s gently sleeping face. She moved slowly from Spike’s arms to be sure not to wake him. She kissed him on the forehead and went down stairs.

“Mmmmm…what’s smells so yummy?” Buffy asked walking into the kitchen. Dawn was sitting at the island eating pancakes. Willow was at the stove cooking.

“Oh. I hope you don’t mind. After yesterday I decided to make Dawnie breakfast so you guys to get rested,” Willow said startled.

“Of course I don’t mind but where are my funny shape pancakes?” Buffy said with a sly grin. Willow got down a plate and gave Buffy a couple of pancakes before leaving.

“How is he?” Dawn asked. Buffy smiled and kissed Dawn on the forehead.

“He has a really bad headache but the doctor said that was predictable and it should go away in a few days. He is going to be weak and sleeping a lot. His body needs to gain strength,” Buffy answered.

“How are you holding up?”

“Better now that I have sleep. I get to treat him like a king for the next few weeks.”

“No, you don’t,” A voice came from behind Dawn and her. They turned and saw Angel stretching shirtless.

“Great more half naked vampires, here I thought I was done seeing those days,” Dawn said sarcastically. She got up and put her plate into the sink.

“I’m heading off to school. Can I give Spike a quick kiss before I leave?”

“Go ahead but be quit. He is still sleeping,” Buffy agreed. Buffy watched as she sister rushed off. She sighed and turned back to Angel.

“You know Spike will wake up once Dawn is in there,” Angel said sitting down at the island. Buffy smiled slightly before returning to her pancakes.

“So, why are you up so early?” Buffy asked.

“I figured I would help with Spike until he is back up to his annoy self again,” Angel answered. Buffy rolled her eyes and started back on her pancakes. She savored the sweet taste. Angel watched as the pregnant slayer gouged down the food. She was looked bigger then the day before. Maybe it was just him. He hadn’t been focusing on her stomach. He got up and got some coffee and started towards the basement door.

“Where are you going?” Buffy asked. Angel turned and smiled.

“I’m heading back down stairs and try to go back to sleep. I’ll see you later on.”

“Fine, but make sure you aren’t a cranky vamp tonight ok?”

“I won’t be a cranky vamp tonight, I promise.” Angel turned and went down stairs.

Buffy sighed after finishing her plate and then put it in the sink for her to clean later. She left the kitchen and headed up the stairs to her room. She walked down the hall. She stopped and looked at all the pictures on the wall, Pictures of her mother smiling back at her. It wasn’t right that her mother gets taken away then she is granted with a new life she had created and had no idea how to take care of it. The fear of was she even ready, was surpassed in her brain.

She shook the thought and continued down to her room. She popped her head into the room and saw Spike lying with his eyes closed. He looked so peaceful. She still can hear his words; I saved you every single night in so many different ways. Could she save him? Could she protect him from the danger of the government if they decided to do experiments on him? Could she protect the little one of the creatures that goes bump at the night?

Buffy walked into the room quietly and sat down next to Spike. He looked so peaceful and beautiful as he slept. His chest raising and falling with each new breath. He was given a second chance at life and she was going to protect him even if he was going to be stubborn about it.

“Hey you,” Buffy greeted softly when she saw Spike’s eyes open slowly. He yawned and stretched. He wrapped his arm around her.

“How’s my favorite girl?” Spike asked weakly.

“I’m fine but what about you? How’s your head?” She ran her finger gently over the bandaged area.

“Fine. I almost feel like my old self. It’s the nice thing about having vampire healing abilities.”

“Here, Angel thought you were going to be weak link for the few weeks.” Spike pushed off the covers and got out of the bed. She watched him disappear into their bathroom before leaning against the head board and letting out a sigh. She closed her eyes and she could still smell the scent of tobacco and….she stopped. Something was off about the smell. It wasn’t tobacco. She couldn’t put her finger on it. She heard Spike singing in the shower. She laughed slightly.

“Damn it. It’s going to bug me all day until I know what scent that is,” Buffy whispered to herself. She went over to her closet and got a change of clothes.

~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy sat on the couch cuddled up to Spike. His head was back of the couch. He was sleeping. She smiled as she listened to him purr. To her, he was still a vampire. The only exception was he had a heartbeat and he could go out in daylight. She liked him as he was, her William.

She felt her stomach grumble a little. She sighed. She looked up at Spike and smiled. He looked peaceful.

“Spike,” Buffy said practically yelled. Spike lifted his head abruptly.

“What? What’s wrong? Is it the baby?” Spike asked concerned. Buffy smiled slight and kissed him on the cheek.

“No, everything is fine. Would you get me something to eat?”

“You woke me up, because you want something to eat?” It was more of a statement then a question.

“Yes. Could you make me one of your famous and delicious meals?” Spike rolled his eyes.

“Not right now honey. That medication they are having me take is putting me into bloody coma. Why don’t you ask Peaches to cook for you?” Buffy started doing her pout. She knew it was one of his weaknesses.

“Because Angel doesn’t know how to cook like you do.” Her pout got bigger.

“Bloody hell, woman. Not the pout. You know I can’t resist the pout. You win just put away the pout.” Spike, reluctantly pulled himself up from the couch and headed towards the kitchen.

“What do you want?” Spike asked from the kitchen. Buffy got off the couch and walked into the kitchen and sat down at the island. He stared at her waiting for a reply.

“Can I have a pizza? No…wait…. I want chicken.” Buffy licked her lips. Spike sighed. He had read in one of the pregnancy book, he got from Giles for a “present”, that pregnant women have a real apatite. He was glad the morning sickness phase was over. He didn’t think he could take another morning listening to her heave.

“Are you sure, pet? I can make you a sandwich and I can fix you something exotic for dinner.” Buffy was all ready drooling. She looked back at Spike.

“What did you say, honey?” Spike fought to keep his smile to himself.

“I asked you if you wanted a sandwich.”

“No, too plan. Could you make me something like…”

“How about we go out for lunch? We can call Will and Tara and see if they would like to join us. We can also go baby shopping.” Buffy smiled.

“Listen to you. You are Mr. Social. When did that happen?”

“After I lost the last bit of my demon.” Buffy stared at him for a second confused.

“The chip, pet. I finally got the chip out of my brain.”

“Oh right. The chip. Do we get to buy cute little things? Like can we get the baby a black leather coat?”

“Of course, pet. We’ll even see if they have cute little leather pants like you use to wear.” Buffy started with the lip again.

“Oh come on, pet. Don’t give me that pout. We are eating out. How about I order Chinese? I’ll ask peaches if he wants any.”

“Oh ok. Are we still going baby shopping?” Spike looked at her emerald eyes huge with plea.

“Of course, we are still baby shopping. We’ll make it a family thing. Nidbit can come with us. Hey, even red can come too.” He was trying hard to keep Buffy happy.

Buffy stood at the baby rack looking at little dresses. Her heart wanted a girl. She was surprised that Xander asked them to take Brandon shopping. He said it was for practice when they wanted to go shopping with the baby. She glanced over at Spike. He was playing airplane with him. Willow and Dawn were with them. They all agreed more opinions the better.

“He sure looks like he is having fun playing with Brandon,” Willow said with a smile. Buffy looked over at Willow.

“Yeah, he is hoping it’s a boy but I think it’s a girl. No I want it to be a girl,” Buffy said with a smile. Willow just shook her head.

“Aww, Spike, come here,” Dawn yelled from across the store. Buffy turned to Willow.

“I swear she it’s like she is four year old in here,” Buffy whispered. She watched Spike walked over to Dawn with Brandon. Something caught her eyes as she was looking. She looked over at the boy section. There hanging up was a tiny black leather duster. Her eyes went wide. Without hesitation she grabbed it and trotted over to Dawn and Spike.

“You would never believe what I found,” Buffy said with a smile. Dawn and Spike looked from the crib they were looking at.

“What did you find, love?” Spike asked trying to see behind her back. She held up the duster. Dawn’s face lit up.

“Oh, that is so cute. The baby can wear a duster like Spike,” Dawn said in a cooing voice. Spike just stared stunned at the duster.

“Spike, aren’t you going to say something?” Dawn asked excitedly. He opened his mouth to speak but closed it again.

“I think he just a little stunned, Dawnie. Why don’t you go over and help Willow chose bedding for the crib?” Buffy said. Dawn nodded and ran over to Willow taking Brandon with her.

“Are you ok, Spike? You look like you are going to pass out.” Spike looked up at Buffy.

“Huh? Oh, it’s just…it’s finally hitting me.” Buffy tried not to smile but failed. She kissed him gently on the lips.

“Wait till Angel sees it. It will be more fun.” Spike laughed and wrapped his arms around her.

“Did you pick anything else out from over in the baby clothes?”

“Well, I figured since girls and boys wear jeans now I picked up some tiny black jeans and two black t-shirts. I did buy some small jumpers to put the baby in. I figured we could do real clothes shopping once we find out if it is a boy or girl.”

“Well, since you are done clothes shopping, I think we need to pick out a color to paint in your old room. I was thinking maybe a red. You know light for a girl but red for a boy.” Buffy rolled her eyes.

“Why don’t we just leave it be. I’m sure the baby won’t care about the wallpaper.”

“No, pet. We agreed that we were going to paint the room.” Buffy sighed.

“Can we discuss it at home? I’m starving.” Spike nodded. They walked over into the bedding section of the store.

“What did you guys find?” Buffy asked Dawn and Willow. Dawn held up bears.

“I figured bears could go either way,” Dawn answered. Buffy nodded.

“Well we can’t put the bedding on if we don’t have a bed. Spike, we have to pick out a crib,” Buffy whined.

“Now, pet, don’t worry about the bed. Let’s get the bedding then we can come back next week and we can buy the crib.” Buffy nodded.

They bought what they needed then headed home. Willow went home to Tara. They walked in to see Angel sitting on the couch watching television. He looked up and jumped off the couch. He helped carry the bags to the nursery.

“Did too much shopping didn’t you, Spike?” Angel asked as he watched Spike bounce Brandon in his arms.

“No, actually I just walked around the store with Brandon. The girls did the shopping. I just paid. It’s a good system, peaches. You should try it,” Spike said with a sly grin.

“Oh My God!” Buffy cried from the nursery. Spike picked up his pace to get to the nursery. He looked in and the nursery was furnished and the walls were painted a soft blue. They even had a rocking chair by the window. The changing table was on the other side of the room. The crib was up against the wall where her bed used to be. He looked over at Buffy. There were tears in her eyes. The furniture was all wood like she wanted.

“Now, look what you done, peaches. She’s in tears,” Spike said teasingly. Angel rolled his eyes and placed the bags in the corner of the room. She looked over at him.

“You knew about this?” Buffy asked stunned.

“Well of course, love. I wanted to surprise you,” Spike said with a smile. Dawn took Brandon from Spike. Buffy wrapped her arms around him and began to weep. Angel looked over at Dawn and motioned them to leave; Dawn nodded and followed him out of the room.

“Why did you help, Spike?” Dawn asked as Angel took Brandon from her arms.

“I wanted to see Buffy happy,” Angel answered as they walked down stairs. Dawn sighed as the door bell rang.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy looked at Spike with tears welling. She was so happy. It was such a pleasant surprised. He was surprising her more and more. He was changing but in a good way. He still was cocky as hell but he was the sweetest guy when he wanted to be, at that moment she fell in love with him all over again.

“Do you like it, pet?” Spike asked in a soothing voice.

“No.” Spike raised an eye brow shocked. Buffy smile grew wide until she was grinning from ear to ear.

“I love it. Oh, Spike. This is better then I have ever hoped for. I don’t know why I’m freaking out like this. It may be the hormones but you just….” The tears started to trickle down her cheek. Spike took her into his arms.

“Shh, pet. It’s ok. I’m just wanted to give you a pleasant surprise. I’m not only one who did this. Giles helped with the painting. Xander helped putting the furniture and Angel and I picked out them out. It was more like a group effort. Dawn actually picked out the rocker.” Buffy smiled. Her large emerald eyes filled with more tears.

“I can’t believe they did this. I just….” Her voice broke. She couldn’t believe she was so emotional. I hate hormones, Buffy thought.

Spike ran his fingers through her golden locks and smiled to himself. He had done something incredible for her. Something she never thought he could do for her.

“Spike, do you think we could go done stairs and I could thank Angel and Dawn?” Spike whipped a tear and kissed her eyes.

“Of course, love. I’ll do anything for you.” Buffy smiled.

“I know you. This is very much proof of it.” They kissed and then Spike went down and kissed her stomach. Buffy ran her fingers through her bleached curly locks.

They walked down stairs to find Xander, Anya, Angel, Giles, and Dawn sitting in the living room talking. Buffy intertwined her fingers with Spike’s and they walked into the living room.

“Do you like the room, Buffy?” Angel asked. Buffy smiled nodded.

“The room is gorgeous, guys,” Buffy answered. She looked over at Giles. She had been thinking about the engagement when she was in the hospital with Spike and she was putting something together.

“Giles, Can I talk to you?” Buffy asked. Giles got up from the chair he was sitting in and followed Buffy into the kitchen.

“What is it, Buffy? Is something wrong?” Giles asked worried.

“No, nothing is wrong. I…well I was thinking about the wedding while Spike was resting and I realized I needed something important.” Buffy looked down nervously.

“What would that be?” Buffy looked at Giles and smiled.

“I this is going to sound way too familiar but…Giles, would you give me away?” Giles stared stunned. It was familiar. All too familiar. It was the spell only real life with real feelings. He never felt more surprised and more honored in his life.

“Oh Buffy, Of course I will give you away.” Giles pulled Buffy into a hug and they embraced. Buffy pulled back and smiled.

“I guess it’s better then you saying, ‘for god sake, something is making you act this way.’” Giles laughed lightly.

“Well, William has changed drastically. I am glad you two are getting married.”

“Thank you, Giles. It’s nice knowing we have your blessing.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Spike and Buffy sat in the exam room. The place was small and it reminded him of closet. He hated the doctor’s office. He always had. Something about it gave him chills.

“We should ask them if they could rent on of these rooms,” Buffy said with an evil grin. Spike looked at her stunned. The past few days she had been getting erotic fantasies. Just yesterday she made him pull over so she could have her way with him in the back seat of the car. He wasn’t complaining. He actually could get use to it.

“Now, pet, I’m sure…I’m more then sure. I’m bloody positive that they won’t let us use their room for your little fantasies,” Spike whispered to her. She started to pout. Spike sigh.

“I know but I always wanted to. I could put my legs in the stirrups, that way I would be nice and wide for you so you could tease me with your…” Spike cut her off by putting his hand on her mouth.

“I don’t think is right and proper for you to talk about our sex life in the exam room, Especially when there are little snoopy bints out side waiting for the juiciest sodding gossip.” Buffy smiled evilly.

“Well, we could go for a run before the doctor comes in.” Spike groaned slightly feeling the throbbing between his legs.

“Please, pet. You are torturing me. Can’t you wait on this talk until we get into the car?”

“Aww, come here, Sweetie.” Spike walked over to Buffy. She ran her up and down his arm and gently glided towards the much needing touching spot. Spike jumped at the feel of her hand.

“Does that feel better?” Spike swallowed and back off some. She was a sex-freak. He loved it but not at the moment. He definitely was going to miss it once the bit was born. He just wished the doctor would walk in before he exploded and ravaged her.

Doctor Baker walked into the room and smiled at the couple. Spike never felt so relieved to see anyone. He stayed behind the table. He still felt uncomfortable in his jeans.

“Hello, you two,” Dr. Baker greeted. Buffy smiled.

“Hello, Dr. Baker. Are we going to see the baby?” Buffy asked eagerly. Dr. Baker smiled. She had never seen a more eager couple to see their little one.

“Well, I see if I can get an ultra sound in here for you. I’m pretty sure that today will be the day,” Dr. Baker answered. “So, how are you feeling today, Buffy?”

“I’m feeling like good. Been tired lately but nothing horrible.” Dr. Baker looked up from her record.

“You’ve been tired lately? Haven’t you been getting enough sleep at night?” Spike slightly blushed. Dr. Baker smiled looking at Spike.

“So, I take it Buffy has been keeping you busy or is it reversed?” Spike sighed and sat down in the chair.

“She’s been keeping me quiet busy. She wakes me up at the middle of the night asking for food or…..something else. How long is this phase going to last?”

“It’s going to last at least during the rest of the pregnancy. Now, how about you let me check her real quick then I will get an ultra sound for you guys.” They both nodded. Dr. Baker checked her then headed to get the ultra sound machine.

“Well, this has to be our weirdest visit,” Buffy declared. Spike nodded and sat back in his chair. He let out a sigh and looked over at Buffy. He shook his head. He put his head on the back of the chair and closed his eyes. He still felt the throbbing of the chip was.

“You’re head still hurt?” Buffy asked concerned. He opened his eyes and looked at her.

“A little. It’s nothing to get your knickers in a twist,” Spike answered. Dr. Baker game in pulling the ultra sound. She sighed as she hooked it up.

“They really need to keep these in the room,” Dr. Baker complained. “Anyway, let’s get that frustration and eagerness out of you, shall we?” Spike got out of the chair and stood next to Buffy. They both nodded their head. Dr. Baker raised Buffy’s shirt. She turned on the machine and turned off the lights. She rolled over Buffy’s stomach until you could see the baby.

“See, that is your baby so far. It has progressed since the last visit.” Spike stared at the screen stunned. Buffy grabbed his hand as her eyes welled with tears. Their child was on the screen. The tiny human being, they created, was right there in front of them.

Spike looked over at Buffy and smiled. His own tears formed in his eyes. He bent down and kissed her forehead.

“I love you,” Spike whispered. Buffy licked her lips as a tear trickled down her cheek.

“I love you, too. Its own child, William. Ours.” Spike nodded as he looked back at the screen.

“Well, everything seems normal and the baby seems healthy. I can tell you what the sex is,” Dr. Baker said looking back at the couple. She smiled slightly. She lover this part of her job. To see expecting parents so much in love looking at their child.

“I’m six months pregnant. Are you sure it’s clear enough to tell?” Buffy asked.

“Oh, of course Buffy. I can tell you right now if you like,” Dr. Baker answered. Buffy looked up at Spike. He looked down at her. When their eyes met they both knew they wanted to know.

“I think we would like to know,” Spike answered not taking his eyes off of Buffy. Dr. Baker scanned the screen then looked at the couple.

“Congratulations. You guys are going to have a girl.”

Chapter 12

“What about Lilac?” Buffy asked Spike, as they sat together in their living room.

It had been three weeks since they found out, that they were going to have a baby girl. Buffy had gotten bigger. She hardly fit into her old clothes anymore. She had just been out and bought some cool maternity clothes. The night she bought them, she had returned home, and put on a fashion show for Spike…well started out as one, but it ended with the clothes on the floor as Spike ravished her.

“Bloody hell...NO! My daughter will not be named after a sodding plant,” Spike answered wide eyed.

Buffy sighed and closed the baby name book.

“Well then, you think up a name,” Buffy said frustrated.

She threw the book on the floor and sat back on the couch.

“Amber,” Spike said with a sad smile.

Buffy looked at him surprised.

“What?” Buffy asked.

“Amber. What if we named her Amber?” Spike looked over at Buffy seriously.

“Where did you get the name Amber from?” asked Buffy

Buffy got up from the couch, and sat on the arm of the chair that Spike was sitting in.

“It was my kid sis’s name. She used to looked up to me so,” Spike answered.

Buffy smiled sadly at him, and then kissed his head.

“All right, Amber Joyce Giles is going to be our new daughter,” said Buffy.

Spike raised his eyebrow, and shook his head.

“No way, our daughter will be a Giles! We are going to change the last name,” he replied.

Spike sat back and stared down at the floor.

“What would our last name be exactly?” asked Buffy.

Spike looked up at Buffy.

“Winston. She will be Amber Joyce Winston,”

Buffy nodded.

“Well since the name thing is all decided and it’s 2 in the morning, why don’t we get a snack?” asked Buffy hopefully.

Buffy got up, and walked off to the kitchen.

“Pregnant Women,” He smiled, fondly.

Spike softly closed his eyes and envisioned his little sister. Her long brown hair. She had blue eyes, just like him. She had been his world. He had learned to take care of his sister and his mother after their had father died. He had still been living at home, when his sister had been married and left.

They were his world now after one hundred years; he had three most important girls in his life. He wasn’t going to let them go easily. He would rather die then see them hurt.

“Hey, Spike! Your girlfriend is eating up all the chocolate ice cream,” Angel said, popping his head around the doorframe.

He stared at Spike. He looked like he was asleep, but he could tell he wasn’t. He walked into the room, waved a hand in front of Spike’s face, and clicked his fingers.

“Hey, Willie, you in there?” Angel asked.

Spike finally opened his eyes, and stared at Angel. Angel sighed and sat down on the coffee table.

“What do you want, Peaches?” Spike asked annoyed.

Angel read the suffering in his eyes.

“I wanted to inform you that Buffy was eating up all the chocolate ice cream, but I realized something else is wrong,”

“Yeah and that would be?” asked Spike.

Angel sighed and looked straight at Spike.

“You are missing your family. I killed my family, but you didn’t. Your family died naturally,”

Spike raised his eyebrow.

“Your point being?” Spike asked annoyed.

Angel sighed and looked at the floor.

“Look, I know what it’s like to be in love with Buffy. God, you don’t know how much I envy you. You have the life I always wanted. When I was human, even if it was for only a day, I got to know what it was like to hold Buffy while she slept, and to be able make love to her, without worrying about the curse. I had to give it up because I knew lives of people were in danger. Now, I look at her, so happy. She looks like the same Buffy I left three years ago, but in the back of my mind, I wish she were carrying my kid, but…” He looked up at Spike.

Spike’s face was a mixture of confusion, hurt, anger, and pity.

“What are you trying to say, peaches? That Buffy deserves to be with you?” Spike’s voice was hard and his eyes were icy.

“No, Spike. I would never have been able to give her what you have given her. You said, you were destined to be with Drusilla when you were turned. That wasn’t true. You were destined to be with Buffy until the end of her days, or yours. It kills me to say this, but I have to finally admit it. I rather have her with you, than that solider guy she was with,”

“Ok, now I’ve become your bloody therapist. Are you going to tell me all of your bloody terrible things happened in your relationship, or are we going to go into the kitchen, and make sure that Buffy hasn’t eaten all the chocolate ice cream?” asked Spike.

Angel chuckled, as the two of them got up. They heard laughing in the kitchen as they walked in, and saw Dawn and Buffy eating the chocolate ice cream, talking girl talk.

“Ok, little bit, up to bed, now. You have to become that mindless zombie you promised,” Spike said crossing his arms. Dawn looked at him and pulled a face.

“Spike, I’m eighteen years old. I can do what ever I want. Plus I don’t want to go to school tomorrow, and I’m NOT LITTLE,” Dawn said with unnerving self-confidence.

Buffy was certain that it was Spike’s influence in her.

“The hell you aren’t. Dawn, you will go become the mindless zombie you will become, or you won’t have a place to live,” Spike shot back.

Buffy and Dawn’s eyes grew wide. Spike was acting like real parent. A very strict and some times stupid parent.

“SPIKE!” Both girls said in unison.

The look in Spike’s eyes showed he was telling the truth. Buffy didn’t know what to think. Dawn had promised Spike and her that after her missing half the school year that she would never cut school again, but here she was telling Spike she was staying home from school.

“Spike, cool it a bit would you?” Angel advised.

He put a hand on his shoulder. Buffy remained silent for a moment longer then as the shock passed, she turned to Dawn.

“You are going to school tomorrow, Dawn and that’s final,” Buffy said firmly.

Dawn stared at Buffy, then back at Spike.

“What the bloody hell is this? I am all of sudden 16 again?” Dawn asked frustrated.

It was Angel’s turn to be surprised. He never heard anyone besides Giles and Spike use that phrase, and it sounded eerie. He pushed down his surprise, when he noticed all three of them had started yelling. He let out a sigh.

“WILL EVERYONE BE QUIET!”? Angel yelled.

They all stopped and stared at him.

“Everyone just calm down. Spike, you’re over reacting. She is just flaunting her independence. Dawn, you are going to go to school tomorrow even if I have to drag you with a blanket over me. Buffy, just stop eating the ice cream, ok. I think you and Spike need some time to talk.”

Spike sighed and walked out of the kitchen. Dawn crossed arm and glared at Angel.

“You’re not my boss. You can’t…” she began.

“Dawn, we need to have a talk. I know about life, especially as I have lived 200+ years. I give tips on life and trust me, you don’t want to get out quite yet,” Angel said.

He put his arm around Dawn and led her into the dining room, where they could talk, undisturbed.

Buffy watched them leave, then headed towards the living room. She hated it when Spike was this stressed out. She didn’t know what it was, but it seemed that he was keeping something from her. Buffy had to know what was bothering him.

“Spike,” Buffy said softly, walking into the living room.

She saw him sitting in front of the fireplace with his eyes closed. She walked up behind him, and started massaging his shoulders.

“Are you ok?” Buffy asked concerned.

Spike looked up at her and sighed.

“I don’t know. Sometimes I think I’m living a wonderful dream, and the next I see everything bad that has happened in my sodding life,” Spike answered.

Buffy leaned down and kissed his head.

“You’re just tired, Spike. Why don’t we go to bed? I promise you I won’t bother you.”

Spike placed his hand over hers.

“I like it when you bother me. You’re going to be my wife and I prefer you to know, that you can wake me up for anything.”

Buffy moved her freehand from his shoulder to his hair. She ran her fingers through his curly, now darker locks.

“Well….William, you’ve caught my heart again, you always know just what to say. Now, let’s get upstairs, before I start getting hungry again.” She grinned.

Spike got up, Buffy’s hand still in his hand and they headed upstairs to bed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy sat up in bed, feeling even more swollen than she’d felt, when she went to bed the night before. The past month had flown by, with all the wedding arrangements to see to. She had had a hard time finding the right dress with herself being pregnant, but today was the big day. Today, she was going to become Mrs. William Winston.

They decided on Winston because it sounded better then Giles. Even Giles agreed Winston would be better then his last name, but to his surprise, Spike put Giles, as his middle name. It was Spike’s way of saying that he appreciated Giles’s help.

“Dawn!” Buffy yelled.

Dawn came running into the room. Buffy held out her arms, and Dawn sighed, walking over to her very pregnant sister. She pulled her sister up off the bed.

“I don’t see why Spike just couldn’t stay here,” Dawn complained.

Buffy rolled her eyes.

“It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, Dawn. You know that, and we don’t want any bad things happening,” Buffy warned.

Dawn nodded.

The next few hours were spent talking and getting ready for the wedding. Buffy was in her room getting her wedding dress on when Angel walked in. He stopped and stared, his jaw dropping open at the beautiful vision that stood before him. Buffy’s dress was off the shoulder. Her vial was sewn into her hair.

“Wow,” Angel said breathlessly.

Buffy turned and looked at him. She smiled.

“You look absolutely gorgeous, Buffy.”

Buffy stepped into her shoes and then walked over to Angel. She pulled him into an embrace.

“Thank you, Angel,” Buffy replied.

She pulled back and smiled at him. She was surprised to see tears in Angel’s eyes. She wiped his face with her finger.

“Buffy, I love you. I want you to know that. I will support you no matter what you do,” Angel whispered.

Buffy smiled sadly.

“I love you, Angel, but my heart now belongs to Spike. It’s nice to know that I can count on you if I need anything,” Buffy said softly.

She kissed him gently on the lips. She pulled back and ran her fingers through his brown locks.

Buffy walked away from Angel and went to the mirror. She felt her nerves clenched at her stomach. Angel leaned against the door frame and watched her. He had dreamed of this moment, of seeing Buffy in a wedding dress, but he was marrying her. Instead, he was watching her be married to another.

Giles walked past Angel and into the room. He stopped and looked at Buffy. She really was gorgeous. He felt like a father seeing his daughter playing dress up. He never felt more proud of Buffy, than at that moment.

“It’s time,” Giles said trying to keep his emotions together, but Angel had sensed it and looked over at him. He was just as emotional. Buffy looked over at the two men.

“Ok. I’m ready,” Buffy said nervously.

Angel walked out and walked down the stairs, with Giles and Buffy following. He walked to the backdoor where the bridesmaids were waiting. Dawn looped her arm around Angel’s arm, and they walked down the porch steps and down the aisle.

The bridal march began, and everyone stood up. Buffy and Giles appeared in the doorway and made their way slowly down the aisle.

Buffy and Spike made eye contact.

Spike looked stunned beyond belief. Xander smiled and patted Spike on the back. It was incredible to see Buffy in a wedding dress. He still remembered her telling him that she would probably die, before she would ever have the chance to marry and have a family. Well, she couldn’t have been more wrong.

Giles placed Buffy’s hand into Spike’s. Spike had tears in his eyes, as did Buffy. She couldn’t believe how gorgeous Spike looked in a tux.

“Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony,” The preacher began.

Buffy and Spike never took their eyes off each other during the whole ceremony. Before they knew it the preacher had declared them husband and wife.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the preacher said.

Spike smiled.

“My pleasure mate,” Spike said, before pulling Buffy into his arms and crushing his mouth to hers.

There wasn’t a dry eye in sight as everyone clapped. Spike pulled back and smiled.

“You’re mine now, and forever, Summers,” Spike whispered.

Buffy smiled.

“That’s Winston now,” she corrected him.

Spike laughed and took her hand. They walked down the aisle, as everyone stood and cheered. It was definitely the happiest day, or night of their lives.

Chapter 13

Spike sat on the couch next to Angel, they were both laughing about something on the television. They heard the vacuum running upstairs. Buffy was going through her nesting phase, and both men were trying their hardest to deal with it. Dawn came running down the stairs, she stood in front of Spike, her arms folded.

“SPIKE, DO SOMETHING ABOUT BUFFY!” Dawn yelled.

Spike looked at Angel and sighed. He got off the couch and headed upstairs. Dawn flopped down on the couch in Spike’s spot. She looked at the TV and saw that Interview with a Vampire was on.

Spike walked into Dawn’s bedroom and saw Buffy, busily dusting and picking up some dirty laundry. He noticed Dawn’s homework scattered on her desk. He took a deep breath.

“Pet, why don’t you have nidbit do her room, instead of you?” Spike asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Buffy stopped what she was doing and looked at him.

“She won’t do it, and you know that. Plus….hey!” Buffy protested, as Spike took the towel and cleaner from her hands.

“Love, you have been cleaning non-stop. I want you to cuddle up in bed and read one of those romance novels that you love,” Spike looked serious.

Buffy sighed and kissed him softly on the lips.

“Fine,” she replied.

She walked past Spike and left the room. Spike walked downstairs and put the things away. He heard a loud thumping, coming from upstairs. He cringed and closed his eyes.

He came out of the kitchen and he saw Angel get up from the couch and walk past him, and go upstairs. He followed him and they both went into the baby’s room. They found Buffy, moving things around.

“Buffy!” Angel said sternly.

He took the crib from her and set it back where it was. Spike took Buffy by the arm and pulled her out of the room.

“Come on, pet. You are going to get nothing, but rest and relaxation until the baby is born,” Spike said, as he took her to their bedroom.

They walked into their bedroom and she sat down on the bed. He studied her expression, noticing how uncomfortable she looked. He sat down next to her and started massaging her back. She groaned.

“Spike, I’m so miserable,” Buffy complained.

Spike stopped what he was doing and looked over at her.

“I don’t mean…oh Spike, I love you. I’m just really uncomfortable,” She explained.

Spike nodded and carried on massaging her back. He could feel the tension in her, as he started to massage her lower back. He pressed harder and continued to massage that area.

“Love, you need to relax. You have done nothing, but clean ever since we got home,” Spike said putting his chin on her shoulder. She looked over at him.

They had been home for two weeks. Buffy was due any day now. She got increasingly uncomfortable with each day that passed. He hated watching her discomfort, but was helpless.

“Ow!” Buffy hissed.

Spike took his hand away from her lower back. Buffy hunched over in pain, She got up and ran to the bathroom. Spike watched her flight, stunned.

“SPIKE!” Buffy yelled from the bathroom.

Spike got off the bed, ran towards the door, and opened it. Buffy was bent over in pain, standing in puddle of clear liquid.

“What is it, love?” Spike asked concerned.

He took her hand as they walked out of the bathroom.

“My water broke,” Buffy, said in a frightened voice.

“Your water broke? Oh God!” said Spike.

“Hey, I’m the one who’s supposed to panic!” Said Buffy.

She groaned as another wave of pain hit her. Spike was ready to time the next contraction.

When the next one hit, they saw it was fifteen minutes apart. He grabbed the bag for hospital and yelled for Angel. He instructed Angel to help Buffy to the car, while he got his things. Angel did the exact opposite. He told Spike to take Buffy to the hospital and he would bring the bag. Spike nodded and took Buffy to the car.

“It’s gonna be all right, love,” Spike said, as they drove to the hospital.

He drove with one hand on the steering wheel, and the other on Buffy’s stomach. Buffy placed her hand over his. She would squeeze it, when another contraction hit.

When they arrived at the hospital, the nurses got Buffy a private room. Spike stood by her side, holding on to her hand.

When Dawn and Angel walked into the room, Spike was sitting in the chair by her bed. Buffy was already soaked with perspiration and cringing in pain. Spike hated seeing her like this. Wishing with all of his heart, that he could take the pain for her.

“Hey,” Dawn said, walking into the room.

She held up the bag. Spike smiled.

“Hey nid bit. Hey peaches,” Spike greeted them both.

Dawn put the bag down on the table, and walked over to the other side of her sister. Angel stood next Spike.

“How are you holding up?” Angel whispered.

Spike looked over at him.

“I’m doing fine, it’s Buffy, that’s doing all the hard work,” Spike answered.

Angel nodded

“Then why is your hand turning purple?” he asked Spike.

Buffy finally let go of Spike’s hand.

“It’s nothing I can’t handle,” Spike shrugged.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Four hours later, Buffy was screaming at Spike. Angel sat back amused by the whole situation. Spike way trying to calm her down, but she cursed at him. Dawn yelled at Buffy for yelling at Spike, but Spike yelled at Dawn for yelling at Buffy.

The group was with them, except for Xander and Anya, who were in the waiting room. Giles sat at the table on the other side of Angel, rubbing his temples. It made him so glad that he wasn’t a part of the mayhem.

“This is the beauty of nature,” Angel said wryly to Giles.

Giles chuckled softly.

“One huge headache, is what I’d call it,” Giles said softly.

Spike looked over at them both and frowned.

“I heard that you dimwits. I still have vampire hearing, you know,” Spike snapped.

He looked worn out. Buffy looked the worst though, but Spike was pulling up a close second. He was trying to keep everything calm, but it was anything, but.

“Why don’t we all let Spike and Buffy have some alone time,” Angel suggested, getting up.

Everyone looked at Angel and nodded. They cleared out, and Spike finally sat down in his chair and leaned back. Buffy ran her fingers through his hair.

“Spike, why don’t you….” Buffy stopped in mid-sentence and waited for the contraction to pass.

Spike held her hand, and let go of it when the pain had passed.

“I’m not leaving,” Spike said firmly.

Buffy put her hand on his face.

“You look worn out,” Buffy whispered.

Spike rolled his eyes.

“Please, love, if anyone needs rest, then it’s you. Why won’t you let the nurse give you an epidural?” Spike suggested.

“I think it’s too late for that now. Besides, I’m a slayer remember? I can handle the pain,” she panted.

He kissed her hand and smiled down at her.

“That’s what I love about you, pet. You are such a strong little bugger,” said Spike, the admiration shining from his eyes.

Buffy smiled, but it quickly faded as another contraction hit.

Doctor Baker came into the room and examined her. Spike stood by her side holding her hand.

“All right, Mrs.Winston. You’re fully dilated. It’s time for you to push,” Doctor Baker announced.

Buffy looked up at Spike, the fear evident in her eyes. She squeezed his hand. He caressed it, trying to assure that everything would be fine. Doctor Baker summoned the nurses. They had everything ready.

“Ok, Buffy its time to start pushing, on the next contraction,” Doctor Baker instructed.

Buffy did just that. They counted to ten, then Buffy let out a breath. They did that three more times.

“Ok, Buffy just one more push,” Doctor Baker said, pleased with her progress.

Buffy shook her head.

“I can’t push anymore, I’m so tired,” Buffy said, in a weepy voice.

“Yes, you can, love,” Spike reassured her.

Buffy started pushing, until the doctor told her to stop.

The next thing they knew, the baby was crying. Buffy sighed, relieved that it was all over. Spike smiled and kissed Buffy on the forehead.

“I love you,” Spike whispered.

Buffy smiled, with tears in her eyes.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dawn crept into the room. Spike was standing at the window holding his daughter. She could see the pride in his face. She smiled at the look of pure joy on his features. Dawn glanced over at Buffy. She was sound asleep.

“Hey,” Dawn whispered walking up to Spike. Spike turned, as he registered her presence for the first time, and smiled at her.

“Hey, nidbit,” Spike greeted.

Dawn looked down at the baby in his arms. She had Buffy’s eyes, but her father’s eye color. She had her mother’s nose, but her father’s lips.

“She’s so beautiful, Spike,” Dawn whispered.

Spike smiled and softly ran his finger down the baby’s cheek.

“She is at that. You want to see something?” Spike asked.

Dawn nodded.

Spike gently ran his finger over the baby’s tiny fist. The baby grabbed a hold of her father’s finger.

“Aww,” Dawn cooed. “Can I hold her?”

Spike nodded and carefully placed the baby into Dawn’s arms.

The baby started to fret. Dawn, uncertain about what to do, cautiously put the baby back into Spike’s arms. The baby settled down and quickly went off to sleep.

“I think we have a daddy’s girl,” Dawn whispered with a smile.

She looked at Spike’s face. He had this glow to him. He was a proud papa. The sunlight was hitting them just right.

“Well, I’m going to spoil her rotten,” Spike said, smiling dreamily.

“Hey you two,” a tired voice said over their shoulders. Spike looked up and smiled.

“Hey, I think someone wants to meet you,” Spike said, walking over to Buffy.

He placed the child into her mother’s arms. The baby cuddled up against her mother.

Dawn quickly grabbed her camera and took a picture of the three.

“Dawn,” Buffy whined. “I look horrible. This is no time for pictures,”

“ It’s the perfect time for pictures! I’m going to go and get everyone. They have been dying to see the baby,” Dawn said, heading towards the door.

Spike wrapped his arm around Buffy.

“This is our life now,” Buffy whispered to him, as everyone came into their room.

He looked down at his daughter and smiled.

“That is it, love. That it is,” Spike agreed softly.

A/N: Well guys the story is winding down. There is only a few chapter left of the story. But threat not. There will be a sequel. Yep you heard me right a sequel. Now you are probably wondering why there would be a sequel well only a few people know why. My Beta, and my two best friends. Thanks everyone for the reviews and I hope to get more soon.

Chapter 14

“Say cheese,” Dawn said, as she snapped one more photo.

Spike put on another smile as Buffy started to groan. He took Amber from Buffy, sensing her discomfort.

“Still sore, love?” Spike asked concerned.

Buffy nodded and rubbed her back.

“Nid bit, why don’t you wait on pictures until Buffy gets some rest?”

Dawn started to whine. Buffy got off the couch and made her way upstairs.

“Can I just take pictures of you and Amber then?” Dawn asked hopefully

Spike sighed and nodded. “Just two more and that’s it. Then you can wait till the party for more pictures,”

“Fine.” She replied.

Dawn started to pout and Spike tried not to cave in. He was vulnerable to the Summer’s pout. He was going to hate it when Amber got older.

Spike sat for two more pictures, and then took Amber up to her crib. He settled her and made sure she was safe. He turned on the baby monitor and took the second one with him.

He walked into their room, and saw Buffy sound asleep on the bed. Her breathing was steady, and her heart was at a relaxed pace.

Spike turned and left his favorite girls to rest. He walked downstairs and made his way to the kitchen. He saw Angel sitting at the island with papers around him.

“Aren’t you supposed to be sleeping?” Spike asked. Angel shrugged and put the papers away in a folder.

“I have to figure out if I have enough money to get a place to stay in Sunnydale,” Angel said.

Spike walked over to the refrigerator.

“Aren’t you supposed to be with your wife and kid?” Angel asked.

Spike turned and looked at him.

“They’re both asleep. The doctors gave her some pain killers for the pain in her lower back, and the kid just fell asleep in my arms,” Spike replied.

Angel smiled sadly remembering Connor. Connor was good for a baby. He hardly kept them up at night. Cordelia sometimes took over and rocked the baby. He missed those days.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy woke up in the middle of the night. The baby wasn’t crying, but it was motherly instinct. She walked to Amber’s room and saw Spike sitting the rocking chair. Amber was in his arms. He was looking out the window. The soft moonlight that flooded through the window, made his skin glow.

“When did you get up with her?” Buffy whispered in his ear. He looked away from the window and smiled.

“I just thought I hold her,” Spike said simply.

He returned to the window. The baby seemed very attached her father. Amber’s little hand was on her father’s chest.

“She is sure fond of you. I think she might actually be crying for her daddy when leaving for kindergarten instead of her mommy,” smiled Buffy.

“I doubt that, love. Children cry for their mothers no matter how attached they are to the other parent,” His gaze never left the window.

“Is something out there?” Buffy asked.

She looked out the window and recognized the white van that was parked in front of their house a few months back.

“I’ll go get Angel. Have him check it out,” said Buffy.

Spike nodded distantly, as his eyes stayed on the white van.

“What ever you buggers are planning, I will fight to the death,” growled Spike.

“Really? I was sure you couldn’t hurt a human,” said a tight voice said from behind Spike. Spike turned his head and saw Riley standing in the doorway holding a gun.

Spike didn’t want to risk anything at that moment. He was holding his baby girl. He could tell Riley had his eyes on Amber.

“Hello, farm boy,” drawled Spike.

“Careful, Spike. Somebody would think you were human,” said Riley.

Spike rolled his eyes.

“You might want to rethink that. I’m as much human as you are. Well were. You seem to be lacking in the usual human emotions,”

“Riley,” A voice hissed behind them.

Riley spun around and saw Angel, but before Riley could respond, Angel punched him. Spike put Amber in her crib. He sighed. Life was never going to be simple.

“You really need to stop coming back here and ruining everything,” Angel said before throwing another punch at Riley.

Riley jumped up and ducked the punch. He kicked Spike in the stomach and threw a punch at Angel, but missed. Angel went into Game face and punched Riley hard, knocking him out of the room. Spike looked back at Amber. He had a feeling if he didn’t stay with her then she wouldn’t be safe, but he had to keep Riley from turning Angel into another chipped vampire.

Spike reluctantly left the room. He walked down and saw the door opened. He ran down the stairs with grace and speed and was out the door before anyone knew it. He was in the fight.

“I have to say, I always wanted to take you down in a fight,” Spike gushed before kicking Riley, hard, with a high kick.

Angel backed off. He sensed something was wrong in the house. He looked at Spike, who seemed like he was having the time of his life, beating Riley.

He decided to run back inside and check on things.

Riley punched Spike. Spike punched back. It was an all out punching war until Riley kicked Spike into a tree, knocking him unconscious.

Riley grabbed his stun gun, and quickly ran back into the house. He slowly made his way up the stairs, and crept into the baby’s room. This was going to be the greatest experiment the government had ever done. They were going to figure out how to make hybrids.

He walked into the room and smiled, as he saw the room was undefended. Riley quickly scooped up the baby, and made his way out of the house. He smiled as he walked by Spike, who was gaining consciousness. He had dreamed of taking away Spike’s happiness.

Spike opened his eyes and saw Riley get into the white van. He thought Angel had scared him off, until he heard a familiar baby cry. It was Amber crying. By the time everything registered. The van was speeding down the street.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I failed, Peaches,” Spike confessed.

Angel had a grim look on his face. The memories of Connor being abducted into the hell dimension were too vivid, and now, Buffy and Spike were going through what he had. Their daughter was kidnapped from them by the government.

“You tried, Spike. That’s what is important. It wasn’t your fault that Riley knocked you unconscious. I should have gone straight to the baby’s room, but Dawn had got me side tracked with her crying about Buffy,”

“They have Buffy and Amber, Angel. They have my family. The only thing I actually live for. God, We knew that they were planning something and yet we never told Buffy about it. I should have taken them out of town. That bastard, must have grabbed Buffy before he decided to come after the baby,” said Spike.

“Spike, listen to me. Buffy is the slayer remember. She is strong and when she is pissed, well you know how she is when she is pissed. She will protect Amber, and we will find away to get them back, or Buffy will find away to escape with Amber,” Angel replied.

Spike looked up at the window. It was morning, and it was a horrible morning. He didn’t get any sleep since the night before. He was too grief stricken. He knew that he had to be strong, but it was hard, when your whole life had been snatched away from you in one go.

Dawn came running down the stairs. Her eyes were red and her face twisted in shock. She looked as bad as Spike did.

“Please tell me, Buffy and Amber are still here,” Dawn begged.

Spike looked at her. His eyes gentle and sad. It was then that she broke down in tears again. Spike got up from his chair and took Dawn into his arms. He held her close, as he tried to not to cry himself. If Riley was trying to destroy his life. He was doing a good job.

“Angel, call Giles. Tell him what has happened. Tell him to call everyone. We are all meeting here,” Spike ordered, his voice even.

Angel nodded, and got up without a word and called Giles.

The group rallied into the house an hour later. Everyone was silent. No one spoke. The only sounds were of Dawn’s crying, coming from upstairs, with Spike trying to calm her down, even though he had finally broke down and had wept himself.

“Why would Riley do this?” Willow asked sadly.

“I’m guessing he wanted to get Spike back for…..for being Spike,” Xander answered wrapping his arms around Anya and squeezing her tightly.

“Well, he messed with the wrong people,” Angel said angrily. “I will not have anyone go through what I went through. Spike will get his kid and wife back even if it kills me,”

“What if we can’t get them back?” Willow asked.

Angel glared at Willow.

“I mean we will, but we don’t even know where they are,” Willow added quickly.

“We could try that government place,” Xander suggested. “Buffy said that the place had demons and what not there. I’m guessing an initiative above ground,”

Angel nodded, and walked over to the weapon chest and threw it open. He went through the chest and got some weapons.

“Wait, Angel. We need a plan and it’s still sunlight outside. You will get fried extra crispy if you go outside. Plus, shouldn’t we let Spike know what’s going on?” Willow suggested.

Angel sighed and threw the ax he was holding, back into the chest.

“Yeah, I just don’t think Spike in the greatest mental state right now,” Angel said, gazing at the stairs.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Spike, you can’t do this,” Dawn cried.

Spike grabbed Dawn by the shoulders.

“It’s the only way I can get your sister and niece back. I won’t let that sodding bugger ruin my family,” Spike hissed.

His eyes reflected pain and anger. Dawn bit her bottom lip.

“He could kill you. What would happen then?” Dawn said, knocking Spike’s hands off her.

“I won’t go down without a fight, Dawn. If he kills me then….you tell Buffy, that I died trying to save their lives,” Spike said gravely.

His look told her that he was worried. He was stubborn though.

“Spike, why don’t you talk this over with Angel? I mean he can back you up,” Dawn pleaded. Her face begged him not to go.

“They could easily take him as an experiment. He will be backup if I don’t make it,”

Spike grabbed his gun he had found in the back yard and stalked out of the room. Dawn kept yelling at Spike, begging him to stop.

“Angel! Stop him!” Dawn yelled into the living room.

Angel came running out of the room and saw Spike heading towards the door holding a gun.

“Don’t even think about, Spike,” Angel hissed.

He grabbed Spike by the arm and tossed him into the living room.

“Get out of my way, Peaches. I’m going to get my kid back,” Spiked hissed back.

“William, be reasonable,” Giles, said.

Spike looked over at Giles.

“I will get them back, and there is nothing you can say, to stop me,” Spike growled. He pushed Angel out of the way and ran out the door. Giles ran after him. Everyone looked at each other, before joining the chase.

Chapter 15

Xander and Giles dragged the struggling Spike, back into the house. He was calling up a storm. Willow closed the door, and looked at the fragile man. He needed to calm down some and start to think clearly.

“Tara, maybe we should make him some special ice tea,’ Willow whispered.

Tara nodded as they felt Spikes eyes watching them as they walked out of sight.

“William, we need a plan to destroy them without just barging in,” Giles said sitting down in the chair.

He took his glasses off and cleaned them.

“Jeez, G-man some things never do change,” Xander said as he flopped down on the couch.

“Xander, how many times do I have to tell you, don’t call me G-man,” Giles said harshly.

Anya looked over at Xander.

“Xander, don’t flop on the furniture. God, I swear I have two boys sometime well except, when I’m in the bed room receiving….”

“ANYA!” Xander said frustrated.

“Good lord,” Giles muttered, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

“You plan to make some great plan with this?” Spike asked Giles.

Giles looked up at him. Spikes face was full of fear, no matter how tough he acted. It was obvious he was hurting inside.

“William, we will get them back and we will make a great plan but…”

“BUT….BUT! There are no buts when it comes to Buffy and Amber. Not as long as I, live on this bloody earth. So, if you want to make up a plan then do it fast, because I know what it is like in that hell hole. It isn’t quite the fun it was, when you guys were in there,” Spike snarled.

Spike stormed out of the room and went upstairs. The group heard a door slam. The room stayed silent.

“Well I think someone should go talk to him except for me of course,” Anya offered.

Everyone in the room looked at each other. It wasn’t going to be easy, calming Spike down. Especially, since his world revolved around Buffy, and their baby girl.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Buffy sat in the cell rocking the baby. She had severely injured the last four doctors who tried to get the baby from Buffy’s arms. This place was hell. She shuddered to think what it was like for Spike.

“I never thought of you as the ruthless type,” Riley said smugly.

She looked up at him and scowled.

“Get the hell away from me,” Riley, Buffy hissed.

She held Amber closer to her chest.

“Easy, Buffy, we have no intentions to hurt you,” Riley said softly.

He touched her arm. She grabbed his hand flung him to the ground.

“Don’t you dare touch me,” Buffy said through her clenched teeth. Riley stood up a little wobbly.

“You and the kid are just bait. We have no interest in you. We want your husband. Once he gets here, you will be free to go. You can raise Amber in a safe place without him hurting you,” Riley said before walking out of her cell and locking it up.

Buffy looked down at Amber before bursting in tears. They were going to kill Spike and she couldn’t do a thing about it.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“So, you think they only want Spike?” Willow asked, optimistic.

Angel nodded, and continued to pace, as he told the scoobies what the government wanted.

“They have no real interest in Buffy. If they wanted Amber, they would have never taken Buffy. It would be too dangerous and hindering to them. So, I was thinking, what if they had their own intention of leading Spike to their building. They want to do experiments on him,” Angel said, as he finally got dizzy and sat down.

“Why though? I mean he’s human,” Xander asked.

Angel shrugged.

“They never have heard of an evil being turning human,” Angel answered. “They aren’t used to our world. They never saw the things we see and fight every single night.”

Giles sighed and leaned back in his chair.

“So, what’s the plan?” Xander asked looking around at everyone.

“I go in and kill them,” a voice said from the doorway.

Everyone turned and saw Spike standing in army gear.

“You can’t just go in and kill them,” Angel argued. “You’ll need back up and they’ll know you’re there because of that radioactive hair of yours.”

“That’s why I bought this,” Spike said, as he held up a box of hair dye.

Everyone stared at him, stunned.

“You’re not,” Angel said.

Spike shrugged.

“It’s time for a change. I can’t be a bleached blonde forever,” Spike said settling the box down on the table.

“I’ll dye it for you if you like,” Willow offered.

Spike smiled.

“I was going to ask you anyway,” Spike answered.

Willow nodded and they disappeared into the kitchen.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

An hour later Spike walked into the living room with his new hair color. Everyone gawped, stunned by the now brunette Spike. Angel crossed his arms and shook his head.

“I don’t know. I expected for you to go to a red head,” Angel said trying to stifle a grin.

Spike rolled his eyes.

“Stuff it, Peaches. It’s my natural hair color, you stupid git,” Spike said as he pulled out his gun to check it.

“Ok, you’re ready, but we still don’t have a plan,” Willow said as she wiped off her hands.

“Will, you can perform some kind of spell to make the computers malfunction, while Peaches and I, get Buffy and Amber out of there. Xander and Giles can fight off some of the army guys. Anya and Tara will keep watch outside. Everyone got that?” Spike ordered.

Everyone nodded as they went over the plans again, and they all waited for nightfall to hit.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Sergeant Finn, there seems to be trespassers on the property,” a solider man said.

Riley looked over the soldiers shoulder. He didn’t recognize the leader but he recognized the rest. Riley straightened with a wicked smile on his face and crossed his arms.

“Boys, its time to get our ginger pig,” Riley said with joy in his voice.

He looked over at Buffy, who was in a new cell by the look out quarters.

“Don’t worry, Buffy. Ill make sure it’s quick so it would hurt him or Angel,” Riley teased.

Buffy hit the bars with her hands and got shocked. Riley laughed.

“He’ll kill you, Riley. Spike or Angel will kill you and it won’t surprise me if it is both of them,” Buffy hissed.

Riley started laughing and left the room.

Buffy looked over at Amber as she started crying. She scooped baby up and rocked her back and forth. She kissed her forehead then looked back at the screen.

“I just hope they don’t get killed in the process,” Buffy whispered, as a tear trickled down her cheek.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Spike was the first one to see the commando guys charging. Everyone attacked as they did. Spike grabbed a few of the commandos’ guns and tossed them to everyone. It was easy getting past the guards, getting to Buffy was the hard part.

“This is where we split up, Angel and I will go this way, and Giles, you and Xander go that way. If you guys find Buffy and Amber, get them out of here as fast as possible. Don’t be afraid to shoot those things. Leave Riley to Peaches and I,” Spike ordered.

Everyone nodded and they went their separate ways.

“What if they run into Riley?” Angel asked as they walked down the halls.

Spike looked at him and shrugged.

“Then they shoot at him. We can only hope that we run into Riley instead of them. That way I can kick his ass for taking my family,” Spike answered.

Angel nodded.

“You boys don’t have to worry about that. You won’t last long enough to hurt me,” A voice said over their shoulder.

They turned and their faces got darker.

“Well, I’m sure as hell I’m going to kill you. Not sure about Peaches though,” Spike said harshly.

“Give it up, Spike. You’re not strong. I beat the crap out of you once. What makes you think I can’t do it again?” Riley asked.

“Are you going to stand there and bicker all day, or are we going to fight so I can get my wife and kid back?” Spike asked.

Riley didn’t wait. He and six of his men charged at them. Riley went straight for Spike. Spike knocked him down to the floor. He punched him.

“Now, tell me where they are,” Spike demanded.

Riley smiled smugly.

“I’ll never tell,” Riley said.

Spike punched him again.

“Wrong answer, farm boy,” Spike said as he kicked him in the groin and punched him four more times.

“Now lets try again, where are they?”

Spike punched and beat Riley to a pulp until he finally gave up.

“Ok, Ok! They’re in the lookout room,” Riley said before sirens went off.

A computerized voice came on.

“System Meltdown, the place will be destroyed in 1 minute.”

Spike got up. He got his gun and pointed it at Riley.

“Now you will show me where…..”

“Spike, they’re in here,” Angel interrupted.

Spike nodded.

“Get them out of here. I have business to finish and don’t argue,” Spike ordered.

Angel rushed into the lookout room and helped Buffy to escape. He took them through the opened window. Spike licked his lips and looked at his Riley. Spike was shaking his head.

“You changed into a nothing. Too bad you won’t live long enough to change,” Spike said before he shot Riley twice.

He put his gun away. He walked back towards the entrance. He saw he took a wrong turn and cursed. He hit the back door as the place blew up.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“NO!” Buffy screamed as the place blew up.

Giles and Xander had barely made it out in time. Buffy started to run, but Angel grabbed her and pulled her into his arms as she cried. Everyone watched in horror and grief, as the building burned to the ground. The death of a hero, the death of a person who had grown to become family and a great friend was unexpected.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy stood looking at the grave. It was an empty grave, but his grave nonetheless. Tears were flowing from her eyes. Angel was watching Amber, while she visited with Spike alone. It wasn’t Spike. They never found his remains or what was left of him.

She traced his name on the headstone, and sighed as she tried to hold back fresh tears. She never imagined life without him. He had always been there. Even when she didn’t love him, he had been there. She had grown to rely on his presence and now he was gone.

“Why didn’t he just run and get out of there?” Buffy asked with an emotional voice.

She placed flowers on top of the headstone.

“I know you feel like flowers were for weak people, but I cant place cigarettes on the grave. Some one will steal them. You should see Amber, William. She’s beginning to...look….like you.” Buffy’s voice broke.

She pressed her forehead against the headstone, and closed her eyes still remembering the smell of him.

“I just wished I kissed you before I ran to get Angel. I miss you so much, William. I miss your touches, your kisses, and your strong arms. I don’t think I’ll ever get over you. I thought I would never go through what I went through with Angel. Except in the end you won’t come back. You’ll still be dead.” She kissed the head stone.

“I love you, William. I will always love you.”

She got up and headed towards her car. A sick and twisted man had shattered her life. She hated for leaving him and moving on while she was still in pain of what had happened between them.

“I hope you are rotting in hell, Riley Finn. Because if you’re still alive I will kill you,” Buffy whispered. She got into her car and drove to her only rock left….Amber.

The End?

A/N: Ok No one panic. There is a sequel in the works Called When You’re Role Isn’t Over. I know you guys don’t feel it was right for Spike to die but we aren’t certain his dead. That’s why I mentioned the open grave. I just want to thank you guys for reviewing. The sequel will take place five years later and a new mysterious man comes to Sunnydale that will change everyone lives forever. So please follow. Trust Me…You’ll want to read it!