Chapter 23
Nighttime trips in the evening had soon become a daily ritual. They kept to the more touristy areas of the city, only venturing into the city when they grew short of supplies.
Buffy and Spike decided to go to their favourite place to unwind, the bay. It was near the old part of town. Eureka had started as a small mining community in the 1800’s and had quickly switched to fishing and logging. This was still evident by the many fishing boats moored at the main quay.
They parked up the car not far from the waterfront. Spike eyed the old fashioned buildings; the Victorian style of their architecture brought back stolen memories of a time long since past. He had tried to ignore that fact that they even existed on previous visits, but Buffy had expressed an interest in seeing them tonight, and he hadn’t wanted to be the one to deny her what she desired.
Besides, he needed this time away from their current abode, so he just pasted a smile on his face. Unfortunately for him, Buffy noticed his feelings of unease.
“Spike, what’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing…it’s nothing, don’t fret about it,” he tried to sound indifferent.
“Fine,” she sighed and walked ahead of him a little.
Spike picked up his pace, still amazed at the gracefulness of her movements, considering the advanced stage of her pregnancy. He caught up to her and grabbed a hold of her hand, making her stop in the street.
“Sorry, just bad memories. I didn’t want to burden you with the ugliness of my past,” he admitted.
Buffy looked up at him.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me anything that you don’t want to. I mean well…I hope you will tell me one day, you just don’t have to right now,” she explained.
“Sorry pet, it’s just all this someone caring for me and how I feel…it takes a lot of getting used to,” he replied apologetically.
“We are both on a learning curve here, we’ll figure it out together,”
They stopped to look at the water. Spike stood behind her, encircling her in his arms. His hands splayed on her belly. She rested her own hands over his as she leaned back against him in contentment.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked her.
“How happy I am and…and…Spike do you think I will be a good mother?” she asked hesitantly.
Spike frowned behind her. She could feel his annoyance.
“I didn’t read any where in those pregnancy books, where it said you should expect your partner to lose IQ points during pregnancy, and stop fishing for compliments Buffy you know you will make a great mother,” he growled.
“Well, maybe I lost I.Q. points when I was mad enough to hook up with you,” she teased.
Spike grinned and kissed the top of her head.
“This is our last night of it being just us. Your friends will be arriving tomorrow, I am going to miss this,” sighed Spike regretfully.
“Me too, just think in a couple of days the twins could be here,”
“Then we will be knee deep in smelly diapers and baby vomit,” he replied.
“I was thinking more along the lines, that we would be a family, but yeah to the other stuff too, I guess,”
Spike looked out towards the quay, watching the ferry come in.
“Will you be okay for a few minutes, I’ve just had an idea. A little surprise for you, to celebrate our last night alone,”
“So basically in your own way of saying things, you want me to bugger off for a moment?” she asked.
“Could you? Maybe later when we are alone, you could cuss some more? I love it when you use the words bugger and bloody and…” he whispered the last word in her ear.
She thumped his arm playfully, before glancing behind her.
“There’s a couple of little antique stores across the street, might go and check those out,” she replied.
They walked off in opposite directions; Buffy crossed the street and entered the first store that she came to. The door jangled loudly as she entered. An old man came in from out the back. He smiled at her warmly Buffy returned his smile.
“Can I help you with anything Miss?” he asked
“I was just kinda looking, nice shop,” she replied.
“Thank you, you must be here on vacation am I right?” asked the man.
“Does it show that much? My fiancé are sort of having a little break before the babies are born, ” Buffy replied.
“Children are wonderful, they make a person feel alive,” smiled the man.
He sat down behind the counter, retrieving a newspaper from behind it, he began to peruse the pages. Buffy studied the shelves; some of them were gathering a little dust. She wiped her finger along the shelf as she stopped at a small leather bound volume of English poetry. Buffy removed it from the shelf and opened it.
She loved poetry she always had, although she knew that she had no talent in that direction herself. Buffy smiled as she turned the page, reading a long ago handwritten dedication to a loved one. The ink was faded and smudged in a couple of places as if tears had once fallen on it.
“Ah that’s a first edition Miss, printed around 1860. It was brought over by a young couple from England, newly weds. They settled in the town, it was passed from generation to generation. The family that owned it died out around ten years ago and a distant relative sold off their estate. I couldn’t resist buying it, but it seems everyone else has, because here it has sat for the last ten years,”
Buffy looked at it, and thought of Spike. A special gift should only be given in love to someone special…
“How much do you want for it?” she asked
The man smiled at her.
“For such a beautiful lady…one hundred dollars, including tax,”
“Oh, I don’t have that sort of money on me, do you except charge?” asked Buffy.
“We may be an antique store, but we do move with the times, charge will be fine. Do you want it gift wrapped too?” he asked as he swiped the card.
Buffy looked out of the window, she could see Spike about to cross the road. She quickly signed the receipt.
“Uh, no thanks. Just put it in a bag that will be fine,”
She took the bag and concealed it inside her jacket. Spike entered the shop.
“Every thing okay love?” he asked.
“Yeah, just having a look around,” she replied.
Buffy slipped her arm through Spike’s.
“C’mon where’s the surprise you promised me?” she asked as she led him towards the door.
“I’ve booked us a couple of tickets on the ferry, it’s the last sailing for tonight,”
“Oh, that’s great. It’s like forever since I’ve been on a boat,” she said excitedly.
“It’s only a trip around the harbour love, but I thought it would be a nice end to our time alone here, before the masses descend on us tomorrow,” he replied.
They walked up the walkway and took a seat out on deck. As it moved off the quay, Buffy snuggled in closer to him.
“I was talking to the captain, he says that this ferry will be 90 years old next year. It’s the oldest passenger vessel in the whole of the U.S. So she’s quite an old lady, still not as old as me though,” he grinned.
“I must have a thing for older guys,” she mused.
“Talking of older guys, wonder how Angel is going to take the news of us, and them” asked Spike as he patted her belly.
Buffy looked up at him.
“No need to look so pleased with yourself. He’ll find out soon enough I guess, but I don’t want to talk about that right now,”
“Sure, suits me fine,” he replied.
“Talking of old things…I have a little present for you,”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“You know, the bit where you give someone you love and care about a little token of that love,” she said ironically.
“I get that part. Despite appearances I am not quite as dumb as I look,” he replied.
Buffy took the bag from her inner coat pocket and handed it to him. His hands were shaking slightly as he took it from her fingers. He removed the book from the bag and looked at it.
Buffy frowned as he continued to remain silent.
“What’s the matter don’t you like it?” she asked.
“How did you know?” he asked quietly.
“Know what?” she asked in confusion.
“That I love poetry,” he replied.
“I didn’t. I love poetry myself. I just thought it would be a nice thing to sometimes do, you know read poems together. Read the dedication that the original gift giver wrote when they gave it to their sweetheart,” she sighed.
Spike opened the book to read the dedication.
To My Darling Eleanor,
On this beautiful day May the 20th 1860,
You Became My Wife,
May our life together…
Always Bring a Smile to Your Face
Joy to Your Heart
And Poetry to Your Soul
Your devoted Husband John.
Spike looked up from the book at Buffy.
“What if I can’t give you all that?” he asked.
“Don’t you know that you already have?” she replied.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Giles, Xander, Anya fumbled their way through the darkened sewer tunnels beneath Sunnydale.
“Ew, disgusting and stinky…what does this place remind me of…oh I know your parents basement, that’s it,” Anya said to Xander.
“Thanks sweetie, you know how to make a person feel good, as always,” he replied dryly.
Giles rolled his eyes as he adjusted his overnight bag on his shoulder.
“Look, we just turn left here and then up the ladder. We’re almost beneath the parking lot of the mall if my estimations are correct,” said Giles.
“Smart idea to give Willow the money and get her friend to hire the car. I mean she’s not important so there’s no chance she will have been followed by anyone,” said Anya
“Ah, here we are,” said Giles as stopped at a ladder.
He began to clamber up it and he slipped off the manhole cover and climbed out onto the pavement. Anya and Xander followed, all of them grateful to be breathing clean fresh air, quickly followed him.
“Attract attention much you guys! Over here,” hissed Willow, they looked around blankly at each other.
They spotted Willow and made their way over to her. Xander dumped his and Anya’s bags in the trunk. Tara was sitting in the driver’s seat of the hired car.
She smiled nervously at everyone as she got out of the vehicle. Willow went to stand next to Tara.
“Guys meet Tara, she is my…”
“Friend,” interrupted Tara, hastily.
“Friend…and she has agreed to help us or should I say Buffy,” said Willow.
“Hi Tara nice to meet you,” said Xander as he held out a hand.
Xander could already tell he was going to like Willows new friend, she had a kind face and a shy smile. Well they would soon cure her of her shyness if she were going to be spending a lot of time with them, he thought wryly.
They all welcomed her without question. Giles looked around uneasily.
“We have to be on our way. The longer we stand around here the more chance we have of discovery,” said Giles.
“Good point, the English “men in black” have an uncanny knack of locating us,” said Xander.
“I hope you remembered to bring lots of pointy weapons with you,” asked Anya.
“Sure, I took most of what Buffy keeps in our dorm room,” Willow assured her.
“Time is marching forward,” Giles reminded them as they got in the car.
“How to make a road trip fun in one easy step, take a father figure with you,” said Xander ironically.
Giles turned and looked at Xander, the irritation was plain for all to see.
“This is not meant to be fun. Buffy is out there, she needs our help. We are on our way to give that help,” snapped Giles.
Xander flushed guilty.
“Sorry, I wasn’t thinking, just letting my mouth run away with me as usual,” said Xander quietly.
“Well Giles is right, there is nothing more annoying than people who blurt out rude inappropriate comments when ever they feel like it,” said Anya airily.
Anya totally missed the look of astonishment and disbelief on the faces of her travelling companions.
“Um…er…I think maybe a little music might be in order,” said Giles as he switched on the radio.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Quentin Travers was napping on the sofa in his hotel suite. He awoke with a start at the knock on the door. His personal assistant entered the room.
“Any news?” drawled Quentin.
“I think you will be pleased with what we have discovered, we now have a location for Miss Summers. It seems that she used a credit card for a purchase in some antiques shop,” said the man.
“Where?” asked Travers impatiently.
“Eureka. Seems that they are still in California Sir,”
Quentin sprang to his feet with renewed vigour.
“Have the car brought around and call in the men,” said Quentin as he walked off the bathroom.
Miss Summers had given him just the opening he had been looking for. They may not have an exact location on the slayer and her vampire, but at least it was a start.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Buffy awoke to the smell of freshly brewing coffee. The smell of it no longer made her nauseous, as it had done in the earlier days.
“So you are awake then lazy bones?” teased Spike as he appeared, to stand in the doorway.
She gave a sleepy yawn and held out a hand for him to join her on the bed.
“Ah, I know you and your tricks love, anything to get me into bed,” he grinned.
He came and sat on the edge of the bed, taking her hand and kissing it.
“How well you know me,” she laughed.
“Sorry, but I have breakfast on the stove,” he apologised.
He got up and left the room. Buffy sank back against the pillows, and stretched on in the bed. She still felt a little tired. It was very difficult to get comfortable in bed anymore due to her size.
Spike appeared a few minutes later carrying a tray laden with toast and scrambled eggs and bacon and coffee. He had the volume of poetry tucked under his arm. Buffy sat up in bed.
“Looks great,” she said enthusiastically.
“It’s nothing,” he replied.
“You know I just realised another of the pros of having a vampire boyfriend,” said Buffy.
“What’s that?” asked Spike.
“Well, at least you will never expect me to cook you a fancy meal or anything. Even I can’t screw up heating blood in a microwave, my cooking skills are sadly lacking,” she sighed.
“Yeah, but you make up for it in other departments. Now eat your breakfast, you could do with fattening up!”
Buffy looked down at her swollen belly.
“Are you sure about that?”
Spike arched an eyebrow at her.
“Thought you might like to hear a poem from that lovely gift you gave me,” suggested Spike.
“Mmmmmm,” she nodded in agreement, as her mouth was full of breakfast.
Spike opened the book at the page. He already knew which one he wanted to share with her. It had been one of his favourites in life.
“This is in the words of another English bad boy, Lord Byron…
SHE walks in beauty, like the night…
“Ah, I know this one. Our lecturer read it on the first day in class…” she sighed.
Spike looked at her in annoyance.
“Sorry, carry on,” she blushed.
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meets in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which Heaven to gaudy day denies
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every golden tress
“Golden tress? I thought it was raven tress…”
“Bleedin’ hell woman have you never heard of artistic licence? I was thinking of you when I changed it,”
“Sorry, shutting up now,” she grinned, kissing his shoulder.
Or softly lightens o'er her face,
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place
And on that cheek and o'er that brow
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent.
“That was lovely, even with my interruptions,” she sighed.
Spike closed the book.
“That’s enough poetry for now. It was a lovely gift Buffy, however did you afford it? I mean I have been holding on to the money ever since we got here,” said Spike.
“A girl never reveals her sources,” she said mysteriously.
“Buffy?”
“Yes,”
“Please don’t tell me that you used your credit card,” asked Spike.
“Why?” She frowned.
“Don’t you ever watch the movies pet? That’s the first thing the bad guys check when hunting down the runaways,” said Spike.
Buffy bit her lip as tears sprang to her eyes.
“I’m so sorry I just didn’t think. I just wanted to…”
Buffy burst into tears, Spike took her in his arms. He reached for the box of tissues from the bedside table and passed her one, taking one for himself.
“I wasn’t angry with you, just…”
There was a knock at the cabin door. They both looked at each other, sensing as well as seeing each other’s fear.
TBC
A/N Thank you to every one for reading and reviewing!
Chapter 24
There was a second bout of knocking at the door. Spike got up from the bed, Buffy put out her hand to stop him.
“Don’t go,” she said.
“I have to answer it love,” he said as he kissed her hand and made his way to the bedroom door.
“Spike be careful, it could be anyone. Take the crossbow, it’s under the bed,” said Buffy.
“Okay,” he said as he reached under the bed and took the weapon. “You stay here and find something to defend yourself with as well,” said Spike as he left the room.
Buffy took a stake out from under her pillow. They certainly didn’t keep the same kinda things in their bedrooms as most couples, she thought as she eyed the stake.
Spike closed the door behind him. Buffy got up out of bed and dressed as quickly as she was able. Her ear pressed up against the door, straining to hear for any sounds of possible danger.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Xander knocked on the cabin door for a third time.
“Are you sure it’s the right one?” he asked Giles.
“I’ve only stayed here a couple of times before, but I think I would know if it’s the correct cabin or not,” sighed Giles.
“Maybe they’re having sex?” suggested Anya.
Xander shuddered visibly.
“Or maybe the council found out where they were and they’ve kidnapped them,” said Xander.
“Enough of the happy scenarios guys. I am sure they are fine,” said Willow.
Willow raised her hand to knock on the door feeling more than a little concerned herself. They all started as the door was flung wide open. Spike stood there with a scowl on his face and a crossbow levelled at the all.
“Oh, its you lot,” said Spike as he lowered the crossbow and stood to one side for them to enter.
“You really need to work on your meet and greet skills Spike,” said Xander.
“What took so long for you to answer? Did we interrupt your happy time,” asked Anya.
“No, we thought it might be the watchers council or something,” said Spike.
“Why would you think that it was them? You are perfectly safe here,” said Giles.
“Well, we were until last night…”
“When I was dumb enough to use my credit card,” interrupted Buffy as she came out of the bedroom.
“Buffy!” cried Willow excitedly.
She ran to her friend and gathered her up in a big hug.
“Kinda hard to get close to me these days,” said Buffy ruefully as they drew apart.
Willow looked at Buffy’s tummy.
“May I?” she asked.
Buffy nodded and Willow placed a hand on her belly.
“Wow you’ve gotten so…”
“Fat,” interrupted Anya.
“I would have gone with pregnant sweetie. Thank you for stating the obvious as always,” said Xander.
“Would you like to know the sex of the babies? I can do a spell you know,” said Willow.
“Maybe that’s not such a good idea Willow,” said Tara from behind her.
“Tara, hi nice to see you again, and Willow thanks, but no thanks. We’re looking forward to the surprise,” said Buffy warmly.
“Yeah, after all life’s full of surprises ain’t it?” asked Spike ironically, as he came to stand behind Buffy.
Buffy’s friends looked at the pair of them standing together.
“You can say that again,” they said in unison.
“So how have you been?” asked Giles.
“It’s been good, apart from blowing up like a balloon in a matter of days,” said Buffy as she plucked at hem of her maternity dress.
Willow smiled at her apologetically.
“Sorry I didn’t choose you something better when I shopped for you. Time was kinda of against me,” said Willow.
“No big, I feel like my mom in this outfit, but never mind. Which reminds me how is my mother?” asked Buffy.
“Fretting like any prospective grandmother. She really wanted to come up here Buffy. I persuaded her otherwise, I knew you wouldn’t want her to be in any possible danger,” explained Giles.
“Thanks, at least that’s one less thing on my “things to worry about list” smiled Buffy.
“So, what do you do for fun around here?” asked Xander as he looked around the cabin.
“Nothing we’d wanna share with you Harris,” smirked Spike.
“But there is something we want to tell you,” added Buffy.
“Why do the words impending doom spring to mind at that statement?” asked Xander.
“Xander! Will you let Buffy finish?” asked Willow.
Buffy looked up at Spike, a searching look on her face. He smiled down at her and nodded.
“Spike and I are getting married!” said Buffy excitedly.
“Now where have I heard those lines before?” asked Giles.
“Oh Buffy that’s great!” exclaimed Willow as she moved forward to hug Buffy, then moving on to Spike.
As Willow hugged Spike and drew away, he whispered in her ear.
“See Red I can take a hint, decided to make an honest woman of her after all,” he grinned at her.
Xander took a few more moments to recover himself.
“Looks like there’s still room for more surprises after all,” he said as he hugged Buffy and shook hands with Spike.
“Congratulations Buffy…and…er…Spike,” said Giles.
“There it didn’t kill you to say it, did it?” asked Spike as he shook Giles’s hand.
“Ask me that question again later,” smiled Giles wryly.
“You said something about having used a credit card?” asked Willow.
“Oh, yeah sorry I got distracted. Last night I bought Spike a gift and used my card. He seems to think it was a bad move,” Buffy explained.
“Well, that depends on how closely the council are monitoring us,” said Giles.
“Do you think I may have put us in danger?” asked Buffy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The limo pulled up alongside the quay at Humboldt Bay. Mr Travers lowered the window as he scrutinised the surroundings.
“We are here Sir. The antique store where Miss Summers made her purchase last night is just across the street,” said his aide.
“Excellent work John,” said Travers smugly.
The chauffeur came round and opened the car door. Travers looked around before crossing the street and entering the antiques store.
He returned a few moments later, looking very pleased with himself.
“Good news Sir?” asked John.
“The very best. The owner remembers a heavily pregnant woman fitting Miss Summer’s description as well as her companion William,” he replied.
“So we have an exact location?” asked John.
“Not exact, but enough to be going on with. Seems there are only a handful of cabins in the area,” said Travers.
Travers gave instructions to the driver and they set off towards the forested area of the city.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“I really think that the best thing is to remain calm,” said Giles.
“Calm! When it’s your fiancée’s and kids necks on the block I’d like to see how you’d react,” exclaimed Spike.
“Spike don’t forget that you and Buffy are connected. All this stress isn’t good for her or the babies,” said Tara.
Spike slapped his forehead.
“Buffy are you okay? Sorry I wasn’t thinking love,” he said.
Buffy had been sitting quietly on the sofa while the storm had been breaking over her head.
“Buffy, you look awful pale,” said Willow.
“I don’t feel so good,” she replied.
“What is it love?” asked Spike as he rushed to her side and knelt on the floor.
“I don’t know…I…Owww!” she cried out.
“Bloody hell!” gasped Spike.
“What’s up with you Spike?” asked Xander.
“Pain, I felt pain right here,” said Spike as he clutched at his abdomen.
“Uh oh,” said Willow.
Spike had sat next to Buffy on the sofa; he clutched her hand in his.
“ Now why don’t I like the sound of that?” asked Xander.
“It’s the connection. Remember when Buffy was in pain at UC Sunnydale and we had to take her to the hospital?” asked Willow.
“Yes, and Spike was in pain too…oh…goodness!” exclaimed Giles.
“Look can someone speak bleeding English around here for a change, and tell me what the hell’s going on,” demanded Spike.
“Owww!” Buffy and Spike yelled in unison.
“Oh boy,” said Xander.
“That’s putting it mildly. Spike, I think Buffy is going into labour and you are sharing her pain,” explained Willow.
“You have got to be joking, right. Please say you are joking,” pleaded Spike.
“I’m sorry Spike, but it looks like you and Buffy are in this together,” said Tara.
“Good! It’s about time you men found out what you put us women through, making us have your babies,” said Anya.
“Spoken like a true ex-vengeance demon honey,” said Xander.
“Are you all gonna stop talking about me as if I wasn’t here and help me into the bedroom?” snapped Buffy.
Giles and Xander moved forward to help her from the sofa, guiding her into the room.
“Hey what about me? I’m in pain too,” said Spike.
“You’re a big boy, you’ll survive,” said Anya.
“Thanks!” said Spike as he winced in pain.
He entered the bedroom and sat next to Buffy holding her hand.
“Are you sure the babies are coming now?” he asked her.
“I think so. Spike I’m scared,” she whispered.
“I know love, me too, but I’m here. We can do this together,” he replied.
“Don’t have much choice on the doing it together thing,” she smiled.
“Now could every one who isn’t Tara, Spike, Buffy or I leave the room?” asked Willow.
“Sure, never was too good round the sight of blood,” said Xander.
“Harris,” said Spike.
“Yeah?” asked Xander.
“Shut up,” snapped Spike.
“Sorry, guess that was a bit insensitive of me,” he shrugged.
“Come on Xander, you’re always putting your foot in it. Don’t know what you’d do without me,” said Anya as she dragged him from the room.
Giles leant over to kiss Buffy on the cheek.
“I’ll just be in the other room,” he said.
“Next time I see you I’ll be a mom,” smiled Buffy.
Giles removed his glasses, reached for a pocket-handkerchief, and wiped at his eyes.
“Sorry I have a little dust in my eye,” he lied.
“Yeah right,” said Spike.
“Look after her,” Giles said to Willow as he left the room.
“How far apart are the contractions?” asked Tara, as she placed a hand on Buffy’s belly.
“Well, I haven’t had a pain for a while. Maybe it’s a false alarm like those Braxton hicks thingies?” suggested Buffy.
“You mean practice labour pains?” asked Tara.
“Yeah, those are the ones,” said Buffy.
“Have you had them before?” asked Willow.
“A few times, but Spike didn’t notice them before,” said Buffy.
“Buffy can you lift yourself up a little. I need to put these towels under you,” said Tara.
Buffy lifted herself off the bed and Tara laid the towels on the bed.
“Okay, but I think maybe we’re…” Buffy trailed off as she felt a rush of warm liquid between her legs.
“Whoa nicely caught,” said Willow.
“What was that?” asked Buffy fearfully.
“It’s okay sweetie, your water just broke that’s all,” said Tara soothingly.
“Oh God,” said Spike as he and Buffy experienced another twinge of pain.
“So much for the false labour theory,” said Willow.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
It had been nearly four hours since Buffy and Spike had been moved to the bedroom. Giles paced up and down the room, while Xander and Anya sat together on the sofa holding hands.
“I hope she’s okay in there. Spike’s been making just as much noise as she has,” said Xander.
“Men are such babies when it comes to pain,” observed Anya.
“You’d know hon, having dished it out for over a thousand years,” said Xander sardonically.
Another muffled scream and a deeper yell emitted from the bedroom. Giles clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles showed white.
“I just feel so helpless,” said Giles despairingly.
“I know, that’s our friend in there. If my friends are in pain, I just want to help, but I know I can’t, not this time,” said Xander.
There was the sound of a car door slamming outside the cabin.
“What was that?” asked Xander.
“Shhhh!” Giles held up a hand.
He advanced slowly towards the window.
“Oh no,” he said as he pulled back a little of the drapes.
“What is it?” asked Xander.
“Quentin Travers,” said Giles.
“This just keeps getting better and better,” said Xander sarcastically.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Oh it hurts so much,” groaned Buffy.
“I know love, believe me I know,” said Spike.
“Will it be over soon?” Buffy asked Tara.
“It’s hard to say, the contractions are closer together. I don’t think you have much longer to go,” said Tara.
“Dammit Willow, isn’t there some kind of spell you can perform for the pain?” asked Spike through gritted teeth.
“I didn’t think you’d want me to do anything,” she replied uncertainly.
“I don’t care about myself. I just hate to think of Buffy suffering this,” said Spike.
“Okay, I will try a little something,” said Willow.
“Oh God,” Buffy groaned again.
“Make it quick Willow, I don’t think there’s much time left,” said Tara.
“I’m so sorry…it’s all my fault,” said Spike as he wiped a tear away from Buffy’s cheek.
“No, I’m not sorry. I would go through this all again just to have the chance to have your child,” said Buffy.
“I love you Buffy,”
“I loooov….owww,”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Quentin Travers? What are we gonna do?” asked Xander.
“Arm ourselves. Travers is not getting his hands on Buffy, Spike or anyone else in this cabin,” said Giles.
“Is he alone?” asked Anya
Giles peeked out from behind the drapes once more.
“No, he has those men from the hospital with him too,” said Giles.
“Damn, where’s all the weapons?” asked Xander.
“They are still in the trunk of the car,” said Giles.
“Handy,” said Xander.
“Oh, I saw some in the bedroom,” said Anya.
“Well you are going to have to get them sweetie. It’s a little out of bounds to Giles and I right now,” said Xander.
“Fine!” huffed Anya.
“And not a word about this to Buffy and Spike please Anya. They are having a hard enough time of it as it is,” said Giles.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
There was a knock on the bedroom door.
“Who the bleeding hell is that?” He turned to look at Buffy. “Who ever you are piss off! We’re kind of busy right now,” said Spike.”
Willow went over to the door and opened it a little.
“Anya what is it?” asked Willow.
“I need some weapons,” said Anya.
“Whatever for?” asked Willow.
“I’m bored I wanted something to look at,” lied Anya.
“Now’s not really the time,” said Willow in annoyance.
“What’s wrong?” asked Buffy from the bed.
“Hi Buffy, don’t worry about it. I just need some weapons. Xander and I are playing the memory game and we needed some stuff,” said Anya.
“It’s Travers, he’s here isn’t he?” gasped Buffy.
“Don’t be silly,” said Anya as she scooped the weapons bag off the floor and quickly exited the room.
“Spike something’s wrong,” said Buffy.
“Can we focus on the task at hand love? I’m sure its just Anya being her usual weird self,” soothed Spike.
The pains took over them again and Anya’s brief visit was soon forgotten.
“When’s that anti pain spell going to start kicking in?” growled Spike.
“It should be working by now, I don’t understand it,” said Willow.
“Willow!” said Tara urgently.
“What is it?” asked Willow rushing to her “Friend’s” side.
Willow looked down.
“Oh my God I can see a head,” said Willow, in awe.
“Where’s a head?” groaned Spike.
“Where do you think?” asked Tara.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Now men be careful I don’t want any one hurt in this situation, especially not Miss Summers,” said Quentin.
“Yes Sir,” they replied.
Quentin eyed the other strange car, parked up next to the Desoto
“Seems Miss Summers and William are not alone, so be on your guard,” he warned them.
Travers walked up the path to the cabin door.
“What do you want Travers?” asked Giles from within.
“I think you know what I want. Send Miss Summers out here and no one will get hurt,” said Travers.
“Oh, like that’s ever gonna happen,” shouted Xander through the door.
“Have it your way Rupert, on your own heads be it,” said Quentin as he motioned to his men to break down the door.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“This is it,” said Giles as the first kick sounded on the door.
Xander gripped his broadsword tightly in his sweaty hands. Anya’s hands shook as she held a crossbow readily primed and aimed at the door.
“No way are they getting their hands on Buffy or her babies,” said Xander as another kick sounded at the door.
“So this is a fight to the death situation?” asked Anya.
“If it has to be,” said Xander.
“Thanks for the warning sweetie,” said Anya sarcastically.
A third kick sounded on the door and it burst open as it was knocked off its hinges. The dust settled and Quentin and his men walked through the broken door.
“Sorry about that Rupert, but you insisted on doing things the hard way,” said Quentin as he removed an imaginary speck of dust from his suit.
“Come any closer and I’ll shoot,” said Anya as she pointed the crossbow at them.
The men behind Travers removed guns from their jackets and pointed them at Giles, Anya, and Xander.
“I don’t think so do you?” asked Quentin, with an arch of his eyebrow.
Anya’s hands slipped on the crossbow and the bolt flew from it, embedding its self in the wall, just inches from Quentin’s head. It was all the distraction that Giles and Xander needed as they bravely launched themselves at Quentin’s men.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“What’s going on out there?” asked Buffy.
Spike had a few ideas about exactly what was happening on the other side of the door, but he schooled himself to keep calm so that Buffy would not notice his fear.
“Nothing love, I’m sure. Just concentrate on the babies,” he said.
“Spike I need to push,” groaned Buffy.
Spike squeezed her hand. The pain was almost continuous in its intensity.
“Come on love, I know you can do it,” Spike encouraged her through their shared pain.
“You are doing great Buffy,” said Tara.
Willow looked on, gripping Tara’s shoulder.
Buffy screamed and Spike yelled as their first child was born into Tara’s hands. Willow took the ball of string from their hastily assembled first aid kit. While Tara took a pair of sharp scissors and cut the cord. She swiftly tied the ends and passed the baby to Willow. She wrapped the newborn infant in a warm fluffy towel.
“So now do you want to know the sex of the baby?” asked Willow, as tears fell down her face.
“I don’t care as long as he or she has ten fingers and ten toes.” Said Buffy tiredly.
“Don’t worry Buffy, your son has all the right parts in all the right places,” grinned Willow.
“A boy, we have a boy,” cried Buffy.
Spike put his arm around Buffy and kissed her. They both looked at the squirming pink bundle that was their son.
“I’m so proud of you love,” said Spike, as his tears mingled with Buffy’s own.
Buffy breathed a short-lived sigh of relief as a fresh wave of contractions gripped them both.
“Bugger! I forgot all about there being another one in there,” said Spike.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Xander and Giles had managed to disarm Travers lackeys and it had erupted into a fistfight. Anya crept up behind one of the men as they tackled Xander. She smashed a vase over the man’s head and he crumpled to the floor.
“There, that’s evened things up a bit,” she said in satisfaction.
Buffy and Spike’s groans of pain were barely discerned over the noise of the ensuing battle. They all stopped mid punch as the wail of an infant cut through the noise.
Travers eyes widened in shock.
“Buffy!” said Xander as he turned and started towards the bedroom door.
One of the men lunged at Xander as soon his back was turned.
“No! Stand down,” ordered Travis, his shoulders sagged as all the fight went out of him.
Travers walked slowly over to the sofa and sat down, the continuing wail of the newborn infant still ringing in the shocked silence of the room.
“But Sir we have them right where we want them,”
“Are you questioning my authority?” warned Travers.
“No Sir Of Course not, but…yes sir what ever you say,” he stammered at Quentin’s expression.
“Leave me, go and wait in the car,” said Quentin.
The men looked at each other uncertainly, but they knew better than to disregard Mr Travers orders.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“This one has a set of lungs on her,” said Willow as she wrapped their second child in a towel.
“A girl?” asked Spike in wonder.
He sagged against the pillows. Reaching for Buffy’s hand, he kissed it.
“Are you okay love?” he asked as he brushed the damp hair from her face.
Spike rolled over on his side and looked into her tired, but relieved face. Tara cleaned Buffy up and covered her with a sheet.
“She’s just fine. A job well done the both of you,” said Tara warmly.
Buffy and Spike kissed and turned to face Tara and Willow as they brought their babies towards them. Willow handed Spike their baby girl and Tara handed Buffy their son.
“Are they okay?” asked Buffy.
“They are doing great Buffy, but we still need to get you all to a hospital. The three of you need to be checked over,” said Willow.
Buffy and Spike looked down at their son and daughter. The tears spilled down both their cheeks.
Tara and Willow looked at each other.
“I think we should give the new family some alone time,” said Willow.
“Thank you both,” said Buffy.
“Yeah thanks, we couldn’t have done this without either of you,” said Spike.
TBC
Chapter 25
Willow and Tara exited the room to leave the new family alone. Buffy turned to Spike with a weary smile on her face; he stroked her cheek tenderly.
"We did it," she sighed.
"We certainly did. Glad that's all over, I used to enjoy pain, but that was something else," said Spike.
"Ew, please don't share right now, I don't want anything to spoil this moment. And I have the feeling this is far from over. I'd say it was just beginning," grinned Buffy as one of the babies started crying.
Spike kissed her lips.
"Nothing could spoil this moment. Which gets me thinking…what are we going to call our babies? It's not like we have had a long time to think about names. How about the name Tara? I mean she brought them both into the world," he said.
Buffy contemplated Spike's suggestion.
"Tara…I like it, but Willow helped too," said Buffy.
"I don't think our son would do too well with the name Willow. So how about we call our little girl Tara Willow Summers," said Spike.
"Perfect, but its still missing one thing," she sighed.
"What?" he asked.
"Well, we are to be married and I know I am a modern girl by a lot of standards, but I still wanted the children and I to bear your name. Which reminds me…what is your last name?" asked Buffy.
Spike smiled at her with a dramatic roll of his eyes.
"I thought you'd never ask…it's er Musgrove," he admitted reluctantly.
"There, that wasn't too painful now was it? Now we have that out of the way, what do we call this little guy?" asked Buffy as she looked down at their son.
"I wouldn't want to burden it a name like William so don't even suggest it, and Liam is certainly off the list. He might end up as big a poof as Angel," he shrugged innocently.
"Spike behave…I know it's not too original, but maybe, and don't bite me for saying this… Xander?" she asked carefully.
"Xander Musgrove, I guess it has some merit," Spike said grudgingly.
"Xander William Musgrove and no arguments," she said firmly.
"Hey you're the slayer and I know when I'm beat," he sighed with a grin on his face.
The other twin started to wail.
"Guess the babies are getting hungry," said Buffy.
"Want me to make up some formula?" asked Spike.
"So speaks the expert. I was thinking about the good old-fashioned way. And of course it will help me get my figure back a lot quicker too," said Buffy.
"Some things never change oh vain one," said Spike as he took the other baby from her.
"Well would you like a flabby Buffy?" she pouted.
"When will you get that I love Buffy any way I can get her," said Spike.
Willow and Tara eyed the cabin door hanging off its hinges and Quentin Travers seated silently on the sofa.
"Just what's been going on here?" asked Willow.
"We're kinda waiting for Travers to give us the heads up on that one," said Xander.
"Quentin?" asked Giles.
Quentin put his hand up in supplication. He removed a pocket-handkerchief from his suit pocket and wiped at his eyes.
"Please just give me an moment," he said.
"And why should we give you anything except show you the way to the door?" demanded Xander.
"Let's just hear what he has to say. You have two minutes to explain yourself Travers," said Giles.
"How about we save time and let me turn him into the worm that he is," said Willow.
"I'm sorry," said Quentin.
"Yeah right, of course you are. Even I know irony when I hear it," said Anya.
"You'd never have guessed it," said Willow, arching an eyebrow.
"I was wrong, all that I have done to Miss Summers and William…I was doing it for the good of the world. You must understand that we get prophecies of destruction on our doorstep almost on a daily basis, but this one had a ring of truth to it that could not be ignored. I am sure that you are all well aware of why I wanted Miss Summers to have a child," stated Quentin.
"Yes, I know why you did it Quentin, but your methods have been despicable…even for you," said Giles disgustedly.
"You can't just go around messing with peoples lives like that," said Xander angrily.
"What's made you change your mind? I assume you have changed your mind," asked Willow doubtfully.
"The baby…when I arrived here I had only one goal in mind, and that was to take Ms Summers's child and return to England," said Quentin.
"Why don't you want to do that any more, which is a…er a good thing," amended Anya.
Quentin looked around the room at all the faces and sighed heavily.
"Believe it or not, I was a father once for all of…five minutes,"
"What do you mean?" asked Tara.
"Thirty years ago I was happily married, my wife and I were expecting our first child. I took her to the hospital, she was in labour. I had to wait outside the delivery room. You were not allowed to be at the birth in those days. After many hours of hearing my wife in labour, I heard the cries of our newborn son. The nurse told me I could go in to see my wife and child, but just as I entered the room, I was sent back out again. Our son died a few minutes later due to breathing difficulties, or so the doctor informed us,"
Quentin took in a ragged breath before continuing.
"I threw my self into my work as a young watcher at the council at an even greater cost. My wife had no such occupation to get over her grief, she killed her self six months later," he finished.
"That is so sad," said willow, mournfully.
Giles looked at him a little flummoxed.
"There were rumours of this at the council, but I was never sure if it was fact or fiction," said Giles.
"Well now you know. Hearing the cry of Ms Summer's baby made me remember the pain of losing my own child. Prophesy or no prophesy I lost my resolve to carry it through. I suddenly feel so old and tired," admitted Quentin wearily.
"The problem of the prophesy still stands, so what do you propose to do about it?" asked Giles.
"The original plan was to take the child and raise it in England and train it as we would any potential slayer," said Quentin
"And we've all established that that's not gonna happen," said Xander firmly.
"If I give you my word not to interfere in the raising of the child in anything, but a supervisory capacity, would that be acceptable?" asked Travers.
"How supervisory?" asked Giles
"Shouldn't you be asking me that question mate? After all I am the father," said Spike from the open bedroom door.
"I…er…William," spluttered Quentin, seeming lost for words.
"This is how it's going to play out, you are going to get your ass back on a plane to London and never darken our door again until the children are of age. Buffy and I will oversee their training and if, and it's a big if, they want to help you with your little problem then they will have the right to choose," growled Spike.
"Children?" asked Quentin.
"Yes, children. We have a son and a daughter," said Spike.
"Twins? This is unexpected," said Quentin.
"Looks like you're not the big know all about everything after all," said Spike smugly.
"Can I see them?" asked Quentin.
Xander moved forward defensively.
"Over my dead body,"
"Wait here," said Spike as he disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door behind him.
He was gone for several minutes. In his absence the silence stretched out uncomfortably in the room. The occupants of the room looked relived as the door was opened again.
"Buffy is tired and we need to get her to a hospital so make it quick," said Spike.
Travers got up from his seat and followed Spike into the bedroom.
"That's not fair," pouted Anya. "I mean we're her friends, but the psycho baby snatcher gets to see the kids first,"
Five minutes later Quentin emerged from the room with a contented smile on his face. He stopped by Giles and looked up at him.
"I think we have come to a very satisfactory agreement. You won't be hearing from me…unless there's an apocalypse that I need your assistance with," said Quentin.
"Well that's the best news I've heard all day," said Xander sarcastically.
Quentin looked around the room at everyone.
"I really am sorry for all the inconvenience I have caused," he said gravely.
"Inconvenience? I'll give you inconven…" said Willow angrily.
"Sweetie, maybe now's not the time," interrupted Tara.
"You had better keep your word Quentin. Remember Buffy and Spike are not without friends," warned Giles.
"Yes, I have noticed," said Quentin wryly, as he turned on his heel and walked away.
"Can we trust him?" asked Xander.
"What's the alternative, a lifetime of being on the run? I am afraid we have no choice," answered Giles.
"Hello, fiancée in need of medical attention here just in case you've all forgotten," said Spike from the doorway.
Buffy had stayed overnight in the local hospital in Eureka. After a doctor had checked her out and the gang had had a chance to hold the new arrivals, they had left Spike and Buffy alone and headed back to the cabin for the night. Xander had been especially proud that Buffy and Spike had given their son his name. Tara had just blushed shyly and thanked them both when they had informed her of their choice of name for their daughter.
Spike settled down in the chair beside Buffy's bed. Preferring to spend the night with his new family than the others, and the babies and Buffy were fast asleep so he took the opportunity to get some rest himself.
Buffy and Spike were awakened by someone entering the darkened room, the clock on the wall read 3am. It was easily distinguishable to his enhanced vision.
Spike rushed forward, getting the intruder in an arm lock. He ignored the sharp sting of pain in his head. Buffy struggled out of bed and switched on the light.
"Mom!" said Buffy in surprise.
Spike instantly released her.
"Sorry about that Joyce," he apologised.
"How did you know where to find us?" asked Buffy.
"Giles, he rang several hours ago. I drove all of the way here with out a stop. Nothing was going to keep me away from my new grandchildren," said Joyce firmly.
Joyce hugged her daughter and, then turned to Spike.
"Now where are those babies?" she grinned.
"They are asleep in the nursery, but I am sure the staff won't mind bringing them in here for you to have a look," said Buffy.
"I'll go and see about it," said Spike as he left the room.
"Are you okay Buffy?" asked Joyce.
"I'm fine mom, the doctor has checked me all out. Plus with slayer healing I shall be back to myself in no time," said Buffy.
"Good, I was so worried about you,"
Spike returned along with a nurse, they were both wheeling in the Perspex cribs that held the babies.
"Here we are, they were beginning to stir anyway," said Spike.
The nurse left them alone and Joyce walked over to the cribs. She stared down at the tiny occupants, one wrapped in a pink blanket the other wrapped in blue.
"A boy and a girl," said Joyce in wonder.
"Just as well, as this is likely to be my only shot at motherhood," smiled Buffy.
"Can I hold them?" asked Joyce.
"Sure sit down over there and I will hand them to you," said Spike.
Joyce sat down as the babies were handed to her. Tears slid down Joyce's face as the little girl yawned sleepily and opened her eyes a little.
"Oh, she is so like you as a baby Buffy," said Joyce.
Their son started up a loud wailing.
"I think he needs feeding luv," said Spike, Joyce placed a kiss on the crying baby's forehead before handing him to Buffy.
"You've done good Spike, the pair of you have. You have a beautiful family," said Joyce sincerely.
"Thanks Joyce, all I needed was someone to believe in me. Both you and Buffy did that when others didn't," said Spike.
Joyce smiled at him.
"There's something else you should know…Spike and I are engaged," said Buffy.
"Well it's about damn time," said Joyce, shocking them with her choice of words.
Spike grinned at her appreciatively. He really felt honoured to be a part of this family and he felt his luck as he sighed contentedly.
"Well this has been a busy three weeks for the pair of you, what do you have planned for next week?" asked Joyce.
Buffy and Spike looked at each other.
"SLEEP!" they both chorused.
As the little girl in Joyce's arms started wailing, the couple were starting to realise that it would be highly unlikely.
SIX MONTHS LATER
"C'mon Spike we'll be late. Take my word for it, you look gorgeous," said Buffy.
"I thought it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding?" drawled Spike.
"We make our own luck," said Buffy firmly.
"And as for you nagging me about lateness Summers, it wasn't my idea to have a quickie in the bathroom when we were supposed to be getting ready for the wedding," said Spike.
"It's not as if we have far to go with the ceremony being held in the backyard," she pouted.
"It's a full moon out there," said Spike, as he glanced out of the window.
"I know, just perfect," she smiled.
"Please don't tell me that you are going to be walking down the aisle to Wind Beneath My Wings," asked Spike.
"Would I do that to you?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes!" he replied as he tried to grab her.
"Spike, you'll ruin my makeup, now run along like a good boy while I change into my dress," she said playfully.
He gave her a mock salute as he went to leave the room.
"See you down there," he replied as he closed the door.
Buffy smiled, as there was a knock on her door.
"Buffy?" asked Willow.
"Come in," she replied.
Willow, Tara, and Anya entered the room as Buffy was putting on her dress. She looked at her three friends dressed identically in their bridesmaid dresses.
They all looked beautiful in lavender silk. Willow and Tara were holding hands, having told Buffy about their relationship a couple of weeks after the babies were born. Tara was now an accepted part of the group.
Buffy smiled at them all tearfully, turned around as Willow zipped up her dress and fixed the pearl buttons at the neck.
"You look beautiful Buffy," said Willow.
Buffy kissed her friend on the cheek.
"Come on we have a wedding to attend if you haven't noticed," she grinned "Are the babies behaving themselves?"
"Yes, they are fine. Xander Jr just puked all over Giles new suit, but apart from that they are okay," said Anya.
Buffy couldn't help but giggle. As they were all ready Tara left the room to tell the musicians they could start up the music for the bride to walk down the aisle.
The bridesmaids were in place as they walked down the stairs and out of the back door into the yard, which was lit with what seemed a million fairy lights. Buffy took a deep breath as she walked out to an instrumental version of the song he had sung to her when they were in Eureka, "I don't want to miss a thing,"
Buffy had chosen to walk down the aisle by herself, as she hadn't really wanted her father to be a part of this day. When he had found out that his daughter had had the babies he had only scathingly commented that she had turned out exactly the way he had expected.
She didn't want to think about that now, only about the man who waited for her at the end of her walk. He looked so handsome that she had to swallow a lump that formed in her throat at the sight of him. She smiled at friends and family as she arrived at Spike's side and handed her bouquet to Willow, and took Spike's hand.
Tara and Xander Jr were seated on Giles and Joyce's laps in the front row. The proud parents smiled at their children and turned to face the minister.
There was hardly a dry eye as Buffy and Spike were joined as husband and wife. After the ceremony, they held an open buffet in the garden too. Their budget hadn't run to much more than that, but nobody cared as they celebrated Buffy and Spike's big day.
Spike had taken up a job as a night watchman to earn them money. Buffy was still attending college, as there were crib facilities for her to leave the babies at during her day. She hated parting with them each morning, but Spike and Buffy had decided early on that she should still complete her college courses.
Buffy and Spike cringed as Giles announced Xander who had prepared a speech. They held each other's hands for support. As the applause died down, Xander began.
"I'd like to welcome you all to this happy occasion, but things weren't always this happy…In fact when Buffy and Spike met they wanted to kill each other. Although they tried many times to end each other's continued existence luckily for them, they failed. Then Willow cast a spell on them and they were in love, couldn't keep their hands off each other. Boy did they need to get a roominess that day! Then they went back to hating each other and we all breathed a sigh of relief. I guess they didn't hate each other as much as they made out otherwise Xander and Tara Jr wouldn't be here…" Xander trailed off at the hostile looks he was receiving from the guests. "And…er…I guess I shouldn't have had so much of that alcoholic fruit punch," finished Xander as he quickly sat down.
"I thought it was very good sweetie," whispered Anya in his ear.
"That's probably the problem," muttered Xander under his breath.
"Shall we split this party?" Asked Spike
"Yes, it's time we were getting changed we have to leave for our honeymoon soon. It's becoming more of a wake than a party. Poor Xander," said Buffy as she glanced at her red faced friend.
Buffy and Spike entered the house and crept up the stairs, checking on the nursery contenting themselves that the babies were still sleeping before entering their own bedroom and closing the door.
"Want some help with that dress Mrs Musgrove?" he asked as he pressed up against her.
"Oh, dear Mrs Musgrove, that sounds rather proper," she grimaced.
"Which you are not thank God. So don't even fret about it," said Spike as he worked the buttons and zipper at the back of her dress.
The silk slid to the floor and Spike whistled appreciatively. Buffy soon made quick of his charcoal grey suit, as they tumbled onto the bed.
Spike pressed kisses along her throat.
"Sorry this is going to have to be another quickie love, the guests will start to wonder where we are. The flight is at 11pm too," he said in between kisses.
Buffy suddenly sat up.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You just reminded me, where exactly are we going for our honeymoon. I know that you and mom have been conspiring over the destination," said Buffy.
"Look it's your mum's wedding present to the both us. Don't ruin it for her," said Spike.
Buffy sat there pouting, her arms folded across her chest. Spike's hands soon had her forgetting her annoyance as she touched him back, as eager to consummate the marriage as he.
Buffy and Spike went down stairs an hour later, their suitcases in tow. Most of the guests had moved into the lounge as the night had closed in. They had kissed their children goodbye. More than a few tears had been shed on their part, but they realised that they needed this time alone together before starting their marriage.
There was clapping and cheers as they both ascended the stairs. Buffy blushed furiously, especially as a rather drunk guest yelled out "We all know what you've been doing!"
They said their goodbyes to their friends, Buffy threw the bouquet and Xander caught it. Anya beamed at him.
"That means you have to get married next," she said.
Xander dropped the bouquet as if it burned him.
"No, it doesn't" he said in desperation, "And look I dropped it so it cancels out all obligations," he continued.
"Sweat much Xander," grinned Willow as she passed him by.
Spike and Buffy went out side to his car in a shower of rice and confetti. He eyed his Desoto in horror. Cans had been tied to the rear bumper and someone had sprayed "Just Married" on the back window.
"Who the bleeding hell did this to my car?" Spike growled.
"Aw, don't be such a baby and smile," she replied.
Spike presented a pained smile to the onlookers as he and Buffy got in the car. No sooner had they driven around the corner, than he got out of the car and ripped off the cans and threw them in a hedge before continuing on their way to the airport.
As they sat in their plane seats, waiting for take off, Buffy turned to look at Spike, touching the gold band that rested on his left hand.
"This kinda reminds me of the last time we were on a plane together," she sighed wistfully.
"You mean with all the Teletubbies?" asked Spike.
"No, I mean when we were on our way to…" Buffy was cut off by an announcement by the captain as they readied for takeoff.
"Good evening, this is your captain speaking. I will be flying you to London this evening, please buckle you seat belts and have a pleasant flight,"
Buffy turned to look at Spike incredulously.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Spike! I could kill you, and my mom for that matter,"
"Good to see nothings changed. Don't you like your surprise? I promised you a trip to Harrods, and I don't go back on my word," said Spike.
Her expression softened.
"Yeah, and I do still have that shoe craving…" she trailed off wistfully.
Spike kissed her.
"Don't ever change Buffy, you are perfect just the way you are," he smiled.
"So are you," she replied, pulling his head down for another kiss.
They were so engrossed in each other that neither of them felt the plane as it took off and left the runway.
The End A/N I really want to thank everyone that read and reviewed my story and for your continued support and your patience. It means a lot!
Angela