Chapter Fifteen

The Magic Box

"You're wrong." Buffy stated again as she made her way towards Spike and Angel.

"Elizabeth?" Angel questioned.

"Don't call me that. My name is Buffy. We're in Sunnydale; we're not out in public trying to impress a bunch of rich people. And you had no right to say anything about my feelings towards Spike." Buffy told Angel before turning to face Spike. "You weren't a fling. And you know why I didn't tell you about Madison."

"I know Luv. Peaches over there was just lettin' of some steam 's all." Spike said reaching out to place a hand on her check.

"Get your hands off of my wife." Angel yelled reaching out his hand and pulling Buffy away from Spike.

As Buffy managed to pull away from Angel's bruising hold the door to the back room open and Madison came running out closely followed by Joyce and Giles.

"MOMMY! MOMMY!" Madison called out running into her Mother's opened arms.

"Hey baby." Buffy whispered into her daughter's ear running a hand through her hair as she hugged her before placing her back on the ground.

"Are you alright Buffy? We heard yelling and we tried to keep Madison from coming out here but she got to the door before we could." Joyce told her daughter as she moved closer into the shop with Giles right next to her.

Buffy nodded her head. "I'm fine. We were just talking."

"Like hell you were just talking." Anya stated moving from the spot she had been in ever since Angel had walked through the shop door.

"Anya not in front of Madison." Spike replied in a fatherly tone.

"Look at you being all father like. To bad that was the only opportunity you'll ever have." Angel stated.

"What are you doing here anyways?" Buffy asked in a bitter tone not liking the way her husband was treating Spike. "Did you just come here to pick a fight with Spike?"

Angel turned to face Buffy. "I came to see you. I stopped by the shop first but one of your girls told me that you had a photo shot here today. I wanted to come apologize to you for what happened last night at the mansion after he left."

"You mean after you threatened to have him thrown out by our security." Buffy stated in a sarcastic tone.

"Buffy." Angel stated taking a step closer towards her.

Buffy held up one of her hands. "This isn't the place to be talking about any of this. I have work that needs to be done and I can do it with you here."

"But. . ." Angel started.

"I'll talk to you later." Buffy stated.

"When?" Angel asked.

"When do you get off work tonight?"

"I have to work late on a new case I just got. I'll be taking my dinner break around seven if you want to meet somewhere and talk then."

"Seven's fine. Where do you want to meet?"

"That little Italian restaurant you like so much."

"I'll meet you there." Buffy told him.

"Alright. I have to get back to the office, I'll see you then." Angel stated moving towards the shop's door only to be stopped by a small hand on his lower leg. Angle looked down and locked eyes with Madison.

"Bye Daddy." Madison whispered before removing her hand from his leg and walking back over to where her mother and grandmother were standing along with her real father.

"Bye." Angel whispered back before walking out the shop's door.

*****

Spike watched in shook with both hurt and anger as Madison walked back over towards her Mother's waiting arms. 'She called him Daddy. My daughter called that monster Daddy.'

"Spike?" Anya asked placing a hand on his arms, noticing the look in his eyes.

Spike turned to face Anya and in a low voice responded. "She called him Daddy."

"Spike I. . ." Anya started not really knowing what to say to the bleached man who had become one of her only true friends in the last few years.

"No matter what happens, my daughter will always think of him as her Father." Spike stated keeping his voice low.

Anya was getting ready to say something else when Joyce began to speak.

"Buffy, Mr. Giles and I are going to take Maddie to the park for a few hours while you work. His partner will be running the shop if there are any problems that need to be handled during the photo shoot or any part of the book signing."

"Alright." Buffy nodded giving Madison on last hug before letting her go over to her mother.

"I have my cell phone if you need anything." Joyce told her daughter.

"Okay." Buffy nodded again.

"Mommy?" Madison asked as she walked back over to where Buffy was standing.

"Yes Baby?" Buffy questioned kneeling down to her daughter.

"Do what makes you happy, I'll love you no matter what." Madison whispered into her mother's ear before giving her a small kiss on the cheek.

Buffy smiled at her daughter. "I'll try my best. Thank you Baby, I love you too."

"I know." Madison said moving back over towards Joyce and Giles.

Buffy stood back up and watched as Madison joined the older couple. "Have fun with your Grams and Giles."

"I will." Madison called over her shoulder Giles lead her out of the shop with Joyce close behind.

"Buffy will you be alright?" Joyce asked as she paused at the door of the shop.

"I'll be fine Mom. Have fun too."

After a few moments Buffy turned around and walked over to where Spike and Anya were standing. As Buffy came closer Spike walked away and into the back room to help Giles' partner bring out more of his books.

"Ms. Jenkins?" Buffy asked.

"Yes?"

"I was wondering if it would be alright with you if we do this whole photo shoot thing tomorrow?" Buffy asked.

Anya thought about it for a few moments before giving Buffy her decision.

"How about we do it today, and I cancel the one I have Spike doing here tomorrow so that the two of you can spend the day working on this whole big mess you have to work out before he has to go back to Los Angeles?" Anya asked not really caring how Buffy responded because that was the way it was going to be done.

"That would be great. Thank you." Buffy replied before moving away to set everything up.

*****

Angel's Office

"You wanted to see me Mr. Montgomery?" Darla asked as she walked into Angel's office.

"Yes." Angel nodded. "Please come in and shut the door behind you."

"Sure." Darla replied closing the door to the office and locking it.

"Do you have everything I need?" Angel asked from behind his desk.

"Almost." Darla stated walking over to the desk. "I'm just waiting for a few more things to come in this afternoon. You should have everything by the time you go to have dinner with your wife."

Angel stood and walked around his desk so that he was inches away from Darla. "Everything has to be prefect, there can be no holes in any of the information."

"There won't be." Darla stated as Angel pulled her all the way against his body.

"Good." Angel replied.

"Is there anything else you need right now Sir?" Darla asked.

"As a matter of a fact yes."

"What is it?"

Angel thought for a moment before a grin spread across his face and he lowered his lips to hers. "You."

"That can be arranged."

*****

Chapter Sixteen

The Magic Box

"That was the last person." Anya stated moving away from the shop's door and back to the table Spike and Buffy who was packing up her camera equipment.

"Great. The magazine is going to love these shots." Buffy told Anya.

"Mr. Wnydham Price?" Anya called.

"Yes Ms. Jenkins?" Wesley asked.

"Make sure that you post a sign canceling the book signing that was scheduled for tomorrow."

"Of course Ms. Jenkins."

Anya turned to face Spike who was now standing up. "I'll see you in L.A. on Sunday."

Spike nodded his head. "Alright, have a safe trip." Spike said giving her a hug goodbye and a light kiss on the cheek.

Anya smiled at him then turned to face Buffy. "It was nice to meet you Mrs. Montgomery."

"You too Ms. Jenkins." Buffy added not liking the way Anya had added the Mrs. Montgomery part to the end.

After Anya was out the shops door Wesley came over to the table where Buffy and Spike were standing in an uncomfortable silence. "Buffy you have a phone call."

"Who is it?"

"Your Mother, she says she's at the hospital."

"Oh my god! Madison." Buffy called out as she ran over to the phone with Spike close behind. "What happened?"

"She fell. . ." Joyce started.

"I'll be right there." Buffy said hanging up the phone.

"What happened?" Spike asked.

"Madison's in the hospital. Mom said that she fell." Buffy told Spike before grabbing her things and heading for the door.

"I'm coming with you." Spike called after her.

*****

Sunnydale Hospital

"Where is she?" Buffy asked as she ran down the hallway to her mother with Spike close behind.

"She's sleeping right now." Giles told her as he handed Joyce a cup of coffee.

"She fell off the jungle gym." Joyce stated.

"Is she okay?" Spike asked.

"She's got a bump on her head and she broke her wrist."

Buffy didn't wait any longer for her Mother to tell her anything else; she had to make sure her baby was really okay.

"The Doctor said that she'll be fine." Joyce told Spike who was now walking after Buffy. "She's in room 104."

*****

"She looks so small." Buffy whispered as she and Spike walked into their daughter's room.

Spike place a hand on Buffy's back as she took a seat on the bed next to Madison. "Your Mother said that the Doc said she'll be fine."

Buffy ran a hand over her daughter's face as a tear ran down her own face. "She's just so small."

"She's a strong girl, just like her Mother." Spike told Buffy who stood up to face him.

"I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost her. It almost happened once. . ."

"What?" Spike asked in shock.

"I almost lost her when I was pregnant. After that moment I knew that I would do everything in my power to keep her safe."

"How?"

"Car accident. Angel and I got into a fight . . ."

"Angel." Spike stated with a newfound anger.

"It wasn't his fault. There was a drunk driver that hit us, Angel didn't see him until it was to late." Buffy tried to make Spike understand.

"Why do you do that?" Spike questioned.

"Do what?" Buffy asked.

"Why do you always defend him? When you told me that he hit you, and now about you almost losing Madison. You always make a reason so that it's not really his fault."

"Because it scares me to think that he's done all of these things just as he is." Buffy whispered. "That he would truly want to hurt me in any way."

"Buffy this has to end. You can't go on this way, it's not good for you or Madison." Spike said as he pulled Buffy into a loving embrace keeping an eye on his daughter the whole time.

"I'm scared." Buffy whispered into his chest.

"You don't have to be." Spike whispered back.

"There's so much to work out and I don't even know where to start." Buffy told Spike.

"Start with the easy stuff first and work from there."

"None of this is easy." Buffy stated.

"Sure it is. What's the most important thing to you?" Spike questioned.

"Madison." Buffy said without hesitation.

"Alright, start from there." Spike told her. "Madison's the most important thing to you then do what you feel is best for her."

"That's the problem, I don't know what's best for her."

"Mommy . . ." Madison moaned as she began to come to.

"I'm right here Baby." Buffy stated moving back over towards her daughter. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired." Madison answered. "Where's Daddy?"

Buffy looked up at Spike as if to ask him what she should do then back down at Madison. "He's here." Buffy said, holding out a hand to Spike.

"Where?" Madison asked.

"Madison, William is . . ."

*****

Chapter Seventeen

Sunnydale Hospital

"How is she?" Angel asked as he rushed into the room just as Buffy was about to tell her daughter the truth.

As Angel joined Buffy on the other side of Madison's hospital bed Spike stepped away and walked out of the room.

"I got a call from one of the nurses saying that Madison was in the hospital." Angel told Buffy who was watching Spike walk out of the room. "What happened?"

Buffy looked back at Angel after she was asked a question. "She was in the park with my Mother and Giles and she fell off of the jungle gym. The Doctor said that she hit her head, and that she has a broken wrist. But all and all she's going to be fine." Buffy told him.

Angel nodded his head and looked down at Madison. "How's my little girl doing?"

"I'm okay. I'm glad you're here." Madison told Angel before he gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"Are you hungry?" Buffy asked.

"No, just tired." Madison answered.

"Why don't you get some sleep and your Mommy and I will be here when you wake up."

"Okay." Madison said nodding her head.

"I love you Baby." Buffy said kissing Madison on the cheek.

"I love you too." Angel stated kissing Madison on her other cheek.

After a few moments of waiting for her to fall asleep Buffy and Angel left the room and went into the waiting room where Joyce and Giles were still seated.

*****

As Buffy walked into the room she noticed Spike was leaning against one of the large glass windows looking out into the now rainy sky. She was about to walk over to him when Angel pulled her in the other direction.

"Angel? What are you doing here?" Joyce asked standing from her spot.

"A nurse called me to let me know that Madison was in the hospital." Angel replied.

"Oh." Joyce said before looking at her daughter. "How is she?"

"She's sleeping again. She seemed to be doing okay." Buffy told Joyce and Giles.

"That's great."

"How long has he been like that?" Buffy asked looking over towards Spike again.

"About five, six minutes. He just walked in here and went straight to the window." Giles stated.

Buffy turned to face Angel. "I need to go talk to him."

"Elizabeth this is not the place for that." Angel warned.

"Yes it is. Madison is 'HIS' daughter, he has a right to be here for her." Buffy stated before walking away leaving both Angel and Joyce somewhat shocked, they had never seen her act this way before. Joyce was proud of Buffy, while Angel was trying very hard to stay relaxed.

*****

"Spike?" Buffy called as she moved closer to him.

"Go away Elizabeth. Your husband is here he can take care of you." Spike stated never looking away from the window.

"What if I don't want him to?" Buffy asked moving so that there was now less than an inch between them.

"Don't say something you don't really mean." Spike told her.

"I never do."

Spike turned around slowly to face her. In the distance he saw Joyce and Giles with smiles on their faces and then he saw Angel growing redder and redder by the second. "Your husband isn't very happy that you're over here with me."

"I'll deal with that later." Buffy told him.

"Don't do this to me."

"What?"

"Don't come over here and say things just because you know that I want to hear them. Don't make promises you don't intent to keep." Spike stated.

"Are you ready for this?" Buffy asked.

"For what?"

"For the reaction and the effect of what I'm about to do is going to cause in our lives."

"What are you about to do?" Spike questioned.

"This." Buffy stated before capturing Spike's lips in a passionate kiss. It was a kiss telling him that this is what she wanted. That's he was the only man in this world that she wanted to be with for the rest of her life. That she wanted him to be with her and Madison.

*****

The nurses and Doctors that were walking by the waiting room stopped and gasped at the site of Liam Montgomery's wife in the arms of another man with him standing a few feet away. A few of the orderlies saw the way Mr. Montgomery was reacting and decided to be closer by incase anything happened.

*****

Joyce's smile grew wider as she saw her daughter make her choice. She like William and knew that he would treat Buffy and Madison with the love and respect that they both deserved. The only thing she feared now was what Liam was going to do to the couple after this.

*****

Angel was in complete shock. His wife was kissing another man while he was still in the room. He had no idea what to do, he knew that people were seeing this but couldn't figure out a way to make it out so that Elizabeth was the bad guy in this whole thing. 'At least I have the decency to hide my affair.'

*****

"Buffy . . ." Spike gasped as he pulled away from her.

"Shh . . . Don't say anything, just know that this is what I want. You are what I want." Buffy told him looking into his eyes.

"Are you quite done?" Angel asked in a loud tone. "Or is there more that you would like to display for everyone in this hospital?"

Buffy turned to face Angel and the others in the room. "One more thing." Buffy then turned back to Spike. "I love you."

"Enough!" Angel yelled. "You are not going to do this here Elizabeth."

Buffy glared at Angel. "I just did."

"Buffy." Spike called. "As much as I hate to agree with the poofer he is right."

"What?" Buffy questioned, somewhat shocked that Spike was agreeing with Angel in any way.

"There's to much to discuss for being in a hospital." Spike stated.

"Buffy, Honey, Spike's right. You three need to talk this out in a more private place." Joyce told her daughter as she moved closer to the group.

"I can leave. Madison might wake up and need me." Buffy told her mother.

"I'll call you and let you know how Madison's doing." Joyce said. "You need to get this worked out before Madison is released from here."

"Your Mother's right Buffy. You go to dinner as planned and I'll see you tomorrow." Spike said.

"Are you sure?" Buffy asked.

"Yeah. I'm gonna go check in on Madison then I'm going to head back to the motel." Spike told her.

Buffy nodded her head as Spike walked out of the waiting room. She then turned to face Angel. "Why don't you go get your car and I'll meet you down there."

"Sure." Angel said before heading out of the room and to the parking lot.

"I'm going to go check on Madison before I leave."

"Buffy, just go with Liam." Joyce told her.

"I'll only be a minute." Buffy told her mother. "Thank you for being here."

"Of course I'd be here she's my granddaughter."

"No, I meant for me."

"I just want you to be happy."

"And I will be. It's just going to take some work." Buffy told her mother before kissing her on the cheek and walking towards her daughter's room.

*****

"Hey." Buffy said as she stepped into her daughter's room.

"Hey." Spike said turning to face her. "I thought you were leaving with Peaches."

"He's getting the car."

"Oh." Spike stated before looking back at Madison's sleeping form.

"She's beautiful when she sleeps. I love to just watch her." Buffy said moving closer to Spike and Madison.

"She's beautiful all the time. Just like her mother."

"Spike . . ." Buffy began.

"I asked you not to."

"Not to what?"

"Not to say or do something and then take it back."

"I'm not taking anything back. I was going to ask if it was alright if I came by after my dinner with Angel."

"Oh."

"Is it?" Buffy asked.

"Sure."

"I should get going now." Buffy stated.

"You should."

Buffy walked over and kissed him lightly on the lips before walking back out of the room. "I'll see you later."

Chapter Eighteen

Italian Restaurant

“How’s your dinner?” Angel asked over the dimly lit dining booth.

“It’s fine.” Buffy replied. “How’s yours?”

“Good.”

“Good.” Buffy stated as she finished off her third glass of wine.

“Would you like some more wine?” Angel asked as he filled his own glass.

“I can’t do this.”

“Buffy I just asked you if you wanted more wine.” Angel replied to Buffy’s small outburst.

“You’re acting as if nothing happened, and we both know something has.”

“I’m just trying to make the best of this situation.”

“I’m sorry.” Buffy whispered.

“Buffy I need to know a few things.”

“What?” Buffy asked.

“Why? Why now? Last weekend we decide to have a baby and now. . .” Angel questioned.

“And now I’m telling you I want to be with another man?” Buffy finished Angel’s question.

“Yeah.”

“Angel I love you, I do. And I know that despite everything that’s happened between us, you do love me.”

“I do.” Angel stated.

“I know. You took care of me when I thought I was lost. You loved me even thought you knew part of my heart was locked away for someone else. I don’t regret being with you, I regret using you because I was to scared to do what was right. Angel you’re a good man, truly you are. I just seem to be the one who brings out the worst in you.” Buffy told him.

“Buffy. . .” Angel began.

“I’m sorry, I have to go.” Buffy stated moving out of the booth.

Angel grabbed her arm as she pasted him. “I’m not just going to hand you over to him on a silver platter.”

“I’m sorry.” Buffy whispered again as she walked out of the restaurant.

*****

Sunnydale Motel

“Hello?”

“‘ello Luv.” Spike said into the phone.

“William! How are you?” Drusilla asked, happy about hearing from her husband.

“I’m good. How are you?”

“I miss you. When are you coming back to L.A.?”

“I should be back in L.A. around noon on Saturday.”

“That’s great!” Drusilla stated with excitement.

“Luv, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you on Saturday.”

“Alright, see you then. Love you.”

“Love you too Dru.” Spike stated in a low voice before hanging up the phone.

KNOCK-KNOCK

“Comin’” Spike called out.

“Delivery for Mr. Cavanaugh.” A young man stated as Spike open the door of the motel room.

“That’s me.”

“That’ll be $24. 46 Sir.”

“Here you go.” Spike said handing the boy a fifty-dollar bill. “Keep the change.”

“Thank you Sir.” The boy stated somewhat in shock as the amount of tip this man was giving him.

“No problem.” Spike said taking the ordered food and closing the door before heading over to the small table.

KNOCK-KNOCK

Spike looked around the room for a moment before heading back towards the door. “Did I forget someth. . .Buffy.”

“Hey” Buffy said with a smile on her face. “Can I come in?”

“Sure Luv.” Spike said stepping away from the door to let her in. “Just getting ready to eat, do you want anything?”

“No, I’m good. Do you want me to leave until you’re done eating?”

“Only if you want to. I don’t mind you hangin’ around while I eat, I’ll even share an egg roll with you.”

“Are you sure?” Buffy asked.

“Wouldn’t say it if I wasn’t.” Spike stated setting out the ordered food and placing an egg roll on a plate for her.

“Thanks” Buffy said taking a seat at the table across from him.

“How’d things go?”

“He’s not giving up without a fight.”

“Then we’ll give ‘im a fight.” Spike stated.

*****

Montgomery Mansion

“I take it things didn’t go well.” Darla stated as Angel walked into the mansion slamming the door behind him.

“How could you tell? Was it the fact that I didn’t come home with my wife, or the fact that I didn’t come home with me wife?” Angel asked sarcastically.

“What happened?” Darla asked.

“She picked him. She picked him and by this time next week the whole town will know about it.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Fight. I’m going to fight with everything I have, starting with the information you’re gathering on William Cavanaugh. You were suppose to have something for me to give Elizabeth at dinner tonight. What happened?” Angel questioned.

“The last person I was in contact with didn’t have what he said he would yet.” Darla stated.

“When will we have it?” Angel asked.

“A few days at the most.”

“Alright.” Angel stated nodding his head. “William leaves town on Saturday, that should give us some time to set everything in motion.”

“What should we do until then?” Darla asked walking closer towards Angel.

“I have a few ideas.” Angel stated with a grin.

“Really? Like what?”

“You’ll have to follow me to the bedroom to find out.” Angel said heading up the stairs.

“I like the sound of that.” Darla replied walking after Angel.

*****

Sunnydale Motel- A Few Hours Later

“What are you going to tell Drusilla?” Buffy asked from her spot wrapped in Spike’s arms on his bed.

“The truth.” Spike stated running a hand through her hair.

“You’re just going to come out and tell her?” Buffy questioned sitting up on the bed.

“Course, why wouldn’t I?” Spike asked leaning against the headboard.

“I don’t mean not telling her at all. I just thought that maybe you’d give it a day or two before actually telling her everything.” Buffy looked at Spike for a moment before speaking again. “I understand your wanting to tell her about Madison right away, but everything else. . .I just think that you should take some time, make sure that this is really what you want.”

Spike took a hold of Buffy’s hand. “This is what I want. You, Madison, me, together from now on.”

“And we will be.” Buffy stated. “I just want you to be 100% sure about it. I don’t want you to regret anything that happens from this point on.”

“And I won’t. Buffy I want this.”

“I want you to take some time. A week or so, just to make sure.” Buffy said.

“Buffy. . .” Spike began.

“Please?” Buffy asked.

“Alright.” Spike said nodding his head. “But I know what I want.”

*****

Willow & Tara’s Apartment

“How do you think Buffy is doing?” Willow asked. “It can’t be easy for her having the father of your child around when you’re married to someone else.”

“I’m sure Buffy’s fine Sweetie. We all knew this day would come, I just think Buffy thought she’d have a few more years before it actually happened.” Tara stated trying to clam her lover.

“I’ve known Buffy since high school, she’s one of my best friends, and I’ve known Angel almost as long. He doesn’t like to lose. I’m worried what he might do if Buffy actually wants to leave him.” Willow told Tara.

“Angel loves Buffy, and I’m sure he’ll be upset and hurt if Buffy decides to be with Spike, but he does love her. I think he’ll want her to be happy, even if it isn’t with him anymore.”

“You’re probably right.” Willow stated.

“And if I’m not, we’ll be there for Buffy anyway that we can.” Tara said before turning off the light by the bed.

“Yeah.” Willow whispered as she fell asleep in her lover’s arms.

*****

Sunnydale Hospital-The Next Morning

“How’s my Baby this mornin’?” Buffy asked as she walked into Madison’s hospital room.

“I’m good.” Madison answered.

“How’s your head?”

“It doesn’t hurt as much as it did yesterday.” Madison told her mother.

“I’m glad.” Buffy stated.

“Where’s Daddy?”

“He’s here.” Buffy told her daughter. “Madison, there’s something very important that I need to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“I need to know how you feel about Mommy’s friend.”

“William?” Madison asked and after Buffy nodded her head she continued to speak. “I like him. He’s nice, and fun to play with.”

“Would you like him to be around more often?” Buffy asked.

“Around how?” Madison questioned.

“Everyday. Like when you wake-up in the morning, and when you go to sleep at night. Maybe even taking you to school when you start or the park.”

“I don’t think I like the park very much right now.” Madison stated to her mother who laughed a bit.

“Would you like it though, if he was around?” Buffy asked again. ‘God Buffy quit being such a baby and just tell her.’

“Sure.” Madison said.

‘Okay I can do this.’ Buffy thought taking a big breath.

“Hey, how’s the Bit doin’?” Spike asked as he walked into the room.

“I’m fine.” Madison answered.

“Luv, something wrong?” Spike asked as he looked over towards Buffy.

“No, not anymore. I was just about to tell Madison.” Buffy stated.

“Oh, do you want me to come back in a few minutes then?” Spike asked headed back towards the room’s door.

“No, I want you to stay.” Buffy said holding out a hand to Spike.

“Alright.” Spike said taking her offered hand in his own.

“Tell me what?” Madison asked from her spot in her bed.

Buffy looked up at Spike on last time before turning back to her daughter. “Madison, William is your Daddy.”

*****

 

Chapter Nineteen

A Week Later

"Thanks again for coming with me." Buffy said over her shoulder to two of her friends as they walked into the fourth house they had seen that say.

"Do mention it. We loved that you asked us to help you pick out a house." Willow replied.

"I just want it to be perfect."

"I'm sure it will be." Tara stated.

"So Mrs. Montgomery, what do you think so far?" The realtor asked.

"It's got a nice front yard, and I like that it's brick." Buffy stated looking around the living room.

"The back yard is three times the size as the front and fenced in, so if you ever got a dog you'd be able to let it loose without worrying about it getting into the street. It also has a rather large deck that would be great for parties or family barbeques."

"Does it have a study?" Willow asked.

"Yes. You can get to it from both the living room right over there and from the hall near the kitchen." The realtor said pointing to a wooden door past the fireplace.

"How many bedrooms?" Buffy asked looking out one of the large windows.

"I know that you asked for nothing less than four."

"That's right."

"This one has five, all around the same size. The master bedroom is the biggest with it own private bathroom. It also has a door that connects with one of the other bedrooms. The owners before used it as a nursery."

"Why did they move?" Tara asked.

"The husband got a job offer in Indiana so they had to move."

"So there's nothing wrong with the house?" Willow asked.

"Not at all. This house is less than three years old."

"It has a separate dinning room from the kitchen?" Buffy questioned as they made their way into the large kitchen with a marble island in the middle.

"There is a separate formal dinning room yes." The realtor answered.

"Basement?"

"With another room as well."

"Does that room have any windows?" Buffy asked.

"Not in that particular room itself no. Where the washer and dryer are found there is a window."

'That'd make a good dark room.' Buffy thought as she opened the door to the back yard.

"Wow!" Willow gasped as she followed everyone out.

"What do you think?" The realtor asked.

"I think Willow said all that could be said with her 'Wow!'." Buffy stated.

"It has a nice area for a garden over there and if you wanted more shade you could always plant o few trees here and there."

"Let's check upstairs, and if I like what I see I'd say you just sold yourself a house." Buffy said as she turned around to walk back into the house.

After an hour or so of looking here and there in and out side of the house Buffy finally pulled Willow and Tara off into the master bedroom.

"So, what do you guys think?"

"If you don't buy it I will." Willow stated.

"So you like it?"

"I love it."

"What do you think Tara?"

"It's perfect. It's in a good neighborhood and it doesn't look like you'd have to worry about cars passing by all the time."

"So you both like it?" Buffy asked.

"Yes." Both Willow and Tara answered at once.

"Good, 'cause I'm gonna bye it."

"Are you sure you can you afford it?" Willow asked.

"All of that is already taken care of."

"So, I guess you're buyin' a house."

"I guess I am."

*****

Later That Day-Coffee Shop

"Have you talked to Spike lately?" Willow asked.

"Yeah, but only for five minutes here and there." Buffy replied.

"Has he told his wife yet?"

"He told her about Madison."

"How'd she take that?"

"Well I guess. He said that she was very supportive and everything, and even told him that if he wanted she would help in any way she could to get custody of the child."

"What did he say about that?"

"He told her that he wanted to think about it for a while."

"Has he told her about you?"

"No, I asked him to take a week or two to make sure that this is what he really wants."

"How's Madison dealing with all of this?"

"She took it well when we told her, but I don't think she really understood it until we moved out of Angel's."

"And how's Angel taking it?" Willow asked even thought she already had an idea of how he was taking it.

"Not well. He was mad that I didn't tell him that I was going to tell Madison the truth when I did, and he doesn't understand why I moved her and me out of the mansion when we're still married. He keeps telling me that William isn't the man that I think he is, and that all that's going to come out of this is myself and Madison getting hurt."

"Do you think he's right about that?" Willow asked.

"No. Spike would never do anything to hurt me or his child."

"Do you think Angel is planning something?"

"Who knows? All I know is that he said that he was going to fight for me."

*****

Angel Montgomery's Office

"How soon will our guest be here?" Angel asked from his spot behind his desk.

"Next week." Darla stated.

"And when is Mr. Cavanaugh planning on coming back?"

"From what the P.I. has reported Mr. Cavanaugh is planning on telling his wife about Elizabeth today, and has plans of coming back in a few days."

"Perfect. That will give him and Buffy a false sense of happiness before their world comes crashing down around them and my wife moves back home with Madison where they belong."

"Didn't she just buy a new house to live in?" Darla asked.

"Yes, she bought it earlier today actually. From the pictures I've seen it's quite nice, a little on the small size for me thought."

"What are you going to do with the house after she moves back in with you?"

"Would you like it?"

"What?"

"It's yours, all you have to do is say the word." Angel stated.

"But a have an apartment."

"I know that, I pay for it."

"A place like that would be to big for myself to live in."

"Who said you would be by yourself?" Angel questioned.

"What do you mean?"

Angel stood from his chair and pulled Darla close to him. "I mean the house has four extra bedrooms. I think you and I could fill a few up."

Darla looked at Angel with wide eyes. "Children?"

Angel nodded his head. "I want you to have my children. And I think we should start right now."

"We don't have to." Darla stated.

"And why's that?" Angel asked.

"Because I'm already pregnant." Darla replied.

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter Twenty

Los Angeles

"How was your book signing William?" Drusilla asked as her husband entered the sitting room of their hotel.

"It went well. I met a lot of my fans, and Anya gave me a few ideas for my next novel." Spike explained as he took a seat across from his wife.

"That's good. Are we still going out to dinner with her this evening?"

Spike shook his head. "No, she had to fly back to New York to check how everything was going at the publishing house."

"That's to bad." Drusilla stated in a said tone. "She's so much fun to chat with. Are we still going out tonight?"

"I thought we could order some room service and just have it be the two of us. How does that sound?" Spike asked.

"Fine." Drusilla replied.

"Good. Why don't you order for us while I go get cleaned up." Spike said as he stood from his seat.

"Alright, what do you want to eat?" Drusilla asked.

"Surprise me." Spike said before he kissed her softly on the cheek and walked into the bathroom.

"Okay." Drusilla said as she walked over and picked up the room service menu.

*****

"Hello Luv." Spike said into his cell phone.

"Spike?" Buffy questioned.

"'Course it's Spike, who else is callin' you Luv?" Spike asked jokingly.

"No one else but you, I'm just surprised to hear from you is all."

"How was your day?"

"It was alright. Willow and Tara helped me in the search for the perfect house."

"And did you ladies find 'the perfect house'?" Spike questioned as he took a seat on the edge of the large marble bathtub.

"Yep! It's amazing. It's everything we talked about wanting in a house a so much more. It's in a small and clean neighborhood. The house itself is made of brick, it's got a front yard and an extremely large fenced in back yard. The living room is big and it has a fireplace. There's a study, which can be entered from the living room or the hallway off of the kitchen. The kitchen also has it's own formal dinning room. There's a good-sized basement with an extra room that would be perfect for my own dark room.

"How many bedrooms?" Spike asked.

"Five. The master bedroom has it's own bathroom and a connecting door to one of the other bedrooms. The owners before used it as a nursery."

'Nursery. I like the sound of that.' Spike thought as a mental picture of Buffy pregnant and decorating the room flashed through his mind. "How many bathrooms?"

"Three an a half total. There's half of one in on the first floor, a whole one in the basement, and two whole ones on the second floor." Buffy explained.

"And why did the owners before move out?"

"Something about the husband getting a job in Indiana I think."

"So nothings wrong with the place?" Spike questioned.

"Nope! It's perfect, and I own it." Buffy stated with excitement.

"Can't wait to see it."

"I can't wait to show it to you."

"How's Madison?"

"She's doing well. She's still trying to figure everything out that's going on between Angel and me, but she's beginning to understand why we moved out of the mansion and why I bought the new house."

"That's good."

"Would you like to talk to her?" Buffy asked as she motioned for her daughter to stop playing and come over to the phone.

"Yeah." Spike replied.

"Okay, here she is." Buffy said handing the phone to Madison.

"Hello?" Madison asked into the phone.

"Hey Bit, how you doin'?"

"Fine. Mommy bought a new house today." Madison said with a smile.

"I know, she just told me."

"Are you going to live in it with us?" Madison asked.

"That's the plan."

"It's a good one."

"Glad you think so." Spike stated with a grin on his face. 'She wants me to live with her.'

"When are you coming back?"

"Soon."

"How soon?"

"Very soon?"

"How soon is very soon?"

"In a few days."

"Okay, I'll see you then." Madison said before handing the phone back to her mother.

"Spike?" Buffy asked to make sure he was still on the other end of the line.

"Yeah?"

"You should see the grin on your daughter's face right now." Buffy said as she watched Madison go back to playing on the living room floor of her Joyce's house.

"I'm glad she's happy." Spike said in a lower tone then he had been talking in before.

"Spike what's wrong?" Buffy asked noticing the change.

"I'm tellin' Dru tonight." Spike stated running a hand through his hair.

"Are you sure this is the right time?"

"There's never going to be a right time, it's just something I've got to do. I want to be with you and Madison, and my not tellin' Dru is only keeping me from what I want."

"Will you call me when it's done?" Buffy asked knowing that his mind was made up.

"It might be late."

"I don't mind."

"Alright. I'll call you when it over and let you know how things went and when I'll be back in town."

"Okay."

"I've got to go." Spike said looking at his watch. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bye." Spike said before hanging up.

"Bye." Buffy whispered as the line went dead.

"William room service is here." Drusilla called from the sitting room.

"I'll be right out." Spike called back through the bathroom door.

*****

"Dru everything looks wonderful." Spike said as he walked over to the table his wife was seated at.

"You think?" Drusilla asked as she looked over everything.

"I know." Spike stated.

Drusilla smiled. "I ordered you a steak, medium-rare, just the way you like it."

"Thank you." Spike stated in a sadden tone.

"William is something wrong?"

Spike took a deep breath before looking directly at his wife. "Drusilla I have something very important to tell you."

"You don't have another child do you?" Drusilla asked in a joking tone.

"No." Spike said with a small smile.

"What is it then?"

"I've already told you that I have a daughter."

"Yes."

"But I didn't tell you by who."

"Who?" Drusilla asked.

"You know her as Elizabeth Montgomery."

"Liam's wife?"

"Yes."

"How? When?" Drusilla asked in shock.

"I told you that I knew Buffy, and that we met in England over the summer about five years ago."

"Yes."

"Buffy's father sent her there as a high school graduation gift for three months. We met a few days after she got there and we stayed together everyday after that." Spike explained. "When it was time for Buffy to go back home she asked me to come with her but I couldn't because I had other responsibilities to take care of in England."

"Your mother." Drusilla said making sure she was following the story correctly.

"My Mum needed me." Spike said nodding his head. "A few months later Buffy found out that she was pregnant."

"Why didn't she tell you then?"

"She was scared."

"How does Liam fit into this?" Drusilla questioned.

"He and Buffy dated while she was still in high school, but they broke up right before her senior prom. When she got back from England and found out she was pregnant he asked her to marry him and she did."

"So, you're telling me that Liam's wife is the mother of your child." Drusilla clarified.

"Yes."

"She's the woman from your book." Drusilla said with wide eyes just now piecing everything together for the first time.

"Yes." Spike answered again not knowing what else to really say.

"Do you love her?" Drusilla asked, even thought she already knew the answer.

Spike nodded his head. "I never stopped."

"Did you ever love me?"

"At one point yes, but. . ."

"But not as much or in the same way that you love Elizabeth." Drusilla finished for him.

"I'm sorry." Spike said in a low voice.

"You're going to leave me for her." Drusilla said making it sound more like she was telling him then asking him.

"Not just for her. I want to be a part of my daughter's life in every way possible, and I can't do that if I'm in another town or state." Spike explained.

"Liam's not going to give up without a fight." Drusilla stated. "I've known him and his family for years, he always gets what he wants."

"Buffy."

"Elizabeth comes from a good family even though her parents are divorced. Her father is a very rich man who knows a lot of very important people to Liam's career goals. He won't just let her go, she's young, beautiful, and well liked among many of the people Liam's trying to impress. She's the perfect trophy wife, and he already knows what her children look like."

"She deservers more than that." Spike stated angrily standing from the table.

"I'm sure you'll make sure that she gets more." Drusilla whispered as she stood up as well.

"Drusilla I am sorry." Spike said as he took Drusilla in his arms.

"I know you are."

"You'll always be my dark princess."

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter Twenty-One

Joyce's House

"You know starring at the phone isn't going to make it ring." Joyce said as she took a seat next to her daughter who was seated on the couch looking at the phone she was holding in her hand.

Buffy looked away from the phone and over towards her mother. "I know, I'm just worried about Spike. He called hours ago to let me know he was telling his wife about me tonight."

"He probably just needed some time to himself afterwards."

"You're probably right, I just wish he'd call me and let me know how he was." Buffy said looking back down at the phone.

Knock-Knock

"Who could that be at this hour?" Joyce asked as she stood from the couch with Buffy closely behind.

"I'll get it, you're in your nightgown." Buffy said walking over to the front door.

Knock-Knock

"Coming." Buffy called out. "Spike!" Buffy yelled in excitement when she saw him standing there with a bouquet of yellow roses.

"Hello Luv." Spike said with a smirk on his face at Buffy excitement and also handing her the flowers.

"What are you doing here?" Buffy asked Spike after she took the flowers and gave him a hug.

"I could leave if you'd like." Spike said pointing over his shoulder to his car.

"No!"

Spike smirked again. "Happy to see me I take it."

"Extremely." Buffy replied.

"Hello William." Joyce said from behind Buffy.

"Mrs. Summers." Spike said with a nod. "Sorry it's so late, I just hopped into my car and the next thing I knew I was parked outside your home."

"It's quite alright. Why don't you come in." Joyce said stepping back from the doorway.

"Thanks." Spike said entering the house with an arm wrapped around Buffy's waist.

"William!" Madison yelled as she ran down the stairs and into Spike's now opened arms.

"Hey Bit." Spike said picking her up from the floor. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

"I was, but I heard the door." Madison explained.

"Sorry 'bout that."

"It's okay. What are you doing here? You said a few days, it's only been a few hours."

"I thought I'd surprise you and your mommy."

"It's a good surprise." Madison said with a smile.

"I'm glad you think so." Spike stated.

"Are you here to stay?" Madison asked.

"More or less." Spike replied.

"Good." Madison said with a yawn.

"What do you say to me getting you to bed?"

"Okay." Madison said resting her head on one of Spike's shoulder's as they made their way up the stairs.

"I'll be right back." Spike called out on his way up.

"Take your time." Buffy called after them.

*****

"Where's your mum?" Spike asked as he walked into the living room and over towards Buffy.

"She went to bed. She's got a busy day at the gallery tomorrow." Buffy stated. "What about Madison?"

"Out like a light the minute I tucked her in." Spike told Buffy.

Buffy smiled at that. "She really likes you. I don't know how I would have dealt with all of this if she was so accepting of everything." Buffy said leaning her head on Spike's shoulder after he took a seat next to her on the couch.

"She's a tough girl with a big heart, just like her mum." Spike said running a hand over her hair.

Buffy pulled away and looked directly at Spike. "How'd it go with Drusilla?"

"I told her everything, in some way I think she already knew."

"Why's that?" Buffy asked.

"She didn't really get upset. She was more hurt that she couldn't be the one for me for mad."

"I'm sorry." Buffy said running a hand down one of his cheeks.

"It had to be done. She mentioned a few things about Liam while we were talking." Spike stated.

"Like what?"

"That he won't give up without a fight."

"We already knew that. He said that when I had dinner with him."

"She also told me the reason you're so important to him."

"Which is?" Buffy questioned.

"You make the perfect trophy wife." Spike stated causing Buffy's eyes to widen. "You come from a good family even thought your mother and father are no longer married. She told me that because of who your father is and whom he knows is important to Liam's career. And you have a beautiful daughter." Spike explained.

"She told you all of this?" Buffy asked.

"Yes." Spike said nodding his head. "But I didn't need to be told that you have a beautiful daughter."

"How does she know all this? How does she know what Madison looks like?"

"I showed her one of the pictures that you gave me of Madison when I told her I had a daughter." Spike replied.

"And the other stuff?" Buffy questioned.

"Drusilla and Liam's families have a history together. She knows what type of people they are, and what they value the most."

"Power." Buffy stated.

"Yes."

"Why'd she tell you all this?" Buffy asked.

"Because she wanted me to know what I was getting myself involved in."

"And now that you know, what are you planning on doing?"

"The same thing I was planning on doing before I knew all of this." Spike stated.

"And that would be?"

"Starting a new life with you and my daughter."

"Really?"

"Really. Just because I know what type of man you're married to now doesn't change the fact that I want to be the man you're married to when this is all said and done."

"Be careful what you wish for, it might just come true." Buffy stated.

"That's one wish I'm ready for."

"I love you." Buffy said leaning forward and giving him a light kiss on the lips.

"I love you too." Spike said returning the kiss.

"We should get to bed." Buffy said standing from the couch and holding out a hand to Spike.

"I'm not really tired yet." Spike said looking at Buffy's offered hand.

Buffy leaned forward so that her lips were nearly touching Spike's ear. "You will be when I'm done with you." She then turned away and headed up the her sister's old room with Spike closely behind with a large grin on his face.

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter Twenty-Two

Next Morning-Buffy's New House

"So, what do you think?" Buffy asked as she came up behind Spike kissing his shoulder and wrapping her arms around his waist.

Spike turned to face her wrapping his own arms around her waist. "I think it's perfect, just like you said."

"You're not just saying that because you know how much I like it and you're trying not to hurt my feelings by saying you like it when you really. . ." Spike interrupted Buffy's ramblings by claiming her lips in a light kiss.

"What was that for?" Buffy asked as she pressed a finger to her just kissed lips.

"To get you to shut up." Spike said with a smirk.

"Oh." Buffy whispered and looked down.

Spike placed a hand under her chin and raised her head to face him again. "It's perfect. I can't wait to get moved in and start being a family with you and Madison."

"The decorator said that the house would have the basics to live in as soon as next week." Buffy explained.

"Maybe we should wait then."

"Why?" Buffy asked with a pout on her face. "I know that it's only the basics, like the living room, kitchen, the master bedroom, along with Madison's and our bedrooms. Everything else will take longer, and not all of the final touches in the rooms will be done when we move in, but we could still move in."

"I think we should wait. I'm sure you're mother doesn't mind having Madison around a little bit longer."

"No, my Mom loves having Madison with her."

"Or, we could rent an apartment that's already furnished until the house is done. That way you, Madison, and I can get use to living together before we move into the house."

"The house won't be completely done for a few months." Buffy stated.

"Then we'll rent a place for a few months."

"If that's what you want."

"I think it'd be better that way we're not in people's ways and they're not in ours." Spike explained.

"Do you have any place in mind?" Buffy asked.

"No, but I'll make a few calls and we'll have a place by the end of the week."

"A few calls to who?" Buffy questioned wondering whom Spike could know powerful enough to do the things he was talking about doing.

Spike grinned down at Buffy as he moved her over towards the stairs. "Never you mind. Now, how 'bout we check out that master bedroom one more time?"

"There's no bed."

"Don't need one." Spike whispered into her ear as he started walking up the stairs.

A smile spread across Buffy's face. "I like the way you think Mr. Cavanaugh."

*****

Montgomery Mansion

"We should be at work." Darla stated from her spot resting next to Angel in his king sized bed.

"I decided to work from my home office today, I've already called the firm to let them know."

"And what about me?"

"I can't very well do my work at home without my secretary, now can I?" Angel asked as he kissed Darla's forehead.

"I don't suppose so." Darla said with a smile.

"Well there you have it."

After a few moments of silent Darla rose up from Angel's arms and looked down at him. "Liam?"

"Yeah?"

"What if you plan doesn't work?" Darla asked.

"It will."

"But what if it doesn't?"

"Then I'll just have to try something else."

"Or you could just let her go." Darla stated.

Angel moved out of the bed and pulled on a pair of boxers. "Not going to happen Darla."

"Why not?" Darla asked as she moved out of the bed wrapping the sheet around her body.

"Because I've worked to long and to hard to get where u am just to let some punk writer my wife had an affair with five years ago take it all away now." Angel stated.

"She wasn't your wife then."

"But she is now, and that's the way it's going to stay."

"Why?" Darla questioned. "I've been with you even before your precious Elizabeth came into the picture. It's not like you're in love with her, if you were you and I wouldn't have shared a bed for this many years, and I wouldn't be pregnant with your child." Darla stated angrily.

"You knew what you were getting involved with from the beginning." Angel yelled back.

Darla's demeanor changed as she looked at Angel. "I just don't understand."

"What's to understand? It's simple Darla, at the end of the day you're still considered white trash, while Elizabeth is considered high society."

Darla's eyes flashed with anger. "White trash? That's all I'll every be with you isn't it?" Darla yelled as she started to pick up her clothes. "Just some whore you brought in from the streets."

"I didn't say that."

"But it's what you think." Darla said as she pulled her clothing back on.

"What are you doing?" Angel asked, walking over to her.

"Getting dressed, then leaving." Darla stated.

"You can't." Angel said grabbing a hold of her upper arm and turning her to fully face him.

"I can and I will." Darla said pulling away from his tightening grip and walking towards the door. As she opened the door she turned around to face Angel one last time before leaving. "Good luck with your plan, you're going to need it."

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter Twenty-Three

The Montgomery Mansion-Later That Day

"Damnit! Where the hell is she?" Angel yelled as he paced the length of his home office.

"Sir, we had someone follow her after she left." Bryant stated.

Angel turned to face the other man in his office. "Then why don't you know where she is?"

"The person who was following her got held back during some road construction. We have a car outside her apartment in case she shows up there. We also have someone monitoring your mother-in-laws house as well." Bryant clarified.

"Good." Was Angel's only responds as he turned back to look out of the large window.

"I'll let you know when we have something." Bryant said as he made his way to the office's door.

"You'd better have something soon."

"Yes Sir."

"Where are you Darla?" Angel asked to the empty room still looking out the window.

"Why? Don't you know how to file your own paper work?" A blonde asked in a joking tone as she entered the room.

"Elizabeth, what a pleasant surprise." Angel said as he turned to face her.

"You wouldn't get that feeling from the looks of things."

"Rough day." Angel stated.

"So it would appear." Buffy said as she looked around at the paper work that was carelessly thrown around the room.

"What are you doing here?" Angel asked hopping his luck was turning around.

"The firm told me that you were working from your home office today."

"I didn't have any pending cases that require me to be in the office, so I thought I'd relax."

"How's that working for you?" Buffy asked with a smile on her face.

"Not as well as it use to I'm afraid."

"That's probably because you're not doing it right." Buffy stated.

"And the right way would be?" Angel asked.

"Lounging around the pool side instead of in here would be a start."

"That's what I would do with you and Madison. I'd be seated in one of the pool chairs reading over some files while you and Madison played in the water." Angel said with a far off look in his eyes. "Do you remember?"

"Yeah, I remember." Buffy whispered as she looked down at the floor.

"How is Madison?"

"She's good. The doctors say that her arm is healing nicely and the cast should be able to come off soon."

"That's good. Will you. . ."

"Of course." Buffy cut in knowing that he was asking her to tell Madison hello for him.

"Where is she?"

"At the park."

Angel looked at Buffy with surprise. "Really? I thought she didn't want to go back for a while."

"She changed her mind." Buffy stated.

"Is she with your mother?"

"No." Buffy said as she shook her head.

"Oh, Willow and Tara?"

"Nope."

"Is she with Xander and Cordelia then?" Angel asked running out of people he knew Buffy would trust Madison with.

"Cordelia's on location in New York for her new movie, and Xander's doing some construction work in Northern California while she's away." Buffy explained.

"Then who is she with?" Angel questioned.

"Spike." Buffy replied.

"Oh." Angel whispered and turned to look away from her.

"She asked him to take her. It's the first time she's actually wanted to go back." Buffy said trying to make Angel understand.

Angel turned back to face Buffy. "Elizabeth it's alright. He's her father, you don't have to justify anything to me."

"I know, I just don't want you to feel like I was rubbing it in or anything."

"I don't."

Buffy noticed the way Angel's body language had changed since he found out that Madison was with Spike and thought it was best if she left. "I should go."

"You don't have to." Angel stated looking directly at Buffy.

"I've got to get back to the store." Buffy explained as she headed towards the door.

"You never told me why you where here." Angel called out.

"Oh, you're right." Buffy sighed as she turned around and pulled an envelope out of her purse. "I need to give you these."

Angel walked over to where she was standing and opened the envelope she handed him. As he pulled out the papers his eyes grew wide. "Divorce papers."

Buffy nodded her head. "I thought I should be the one to give them to you face to face instead of some deliver boy. Take a few days to look them over and everything, if you have and questions you can reach my lawyer at the number on the card inside the envelope."

"I don't think I'll have any questions."

"Right, you being a lawyer yourself and all."

"Right."

"All I'm asking is for you to let me go."

"I don't think that's something I can do."

"That's where you're wrong." Buffy said.

"And if I refuse?" Angel questioned.

"Then I'll have to find my own way." Buffy stated as she walked out of the office and out of the mansion that was once her own.

*****

TBC. . .

Chapter Twenty-Four

The Park

"Can I have some ice cream?" Madison asked.

"I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Why not?"

"Because if I let you have ice cream this close before dinner your mother would have my head." 'Among other parts.' Spike added to himself as he looked down at his daughter.

"We don't have to tell her."

"She'd know."

"How's that?"

"Because Mum's know everything." Spike stated.

"And what about Dad's?" Madison questioned.

"They know everything else."

Madison let out a small sigh. "So what you're sayin' is no ice cream."

"That's what I'm sayin'."

"Fine. Can I go play in the sandbox?"

"If you're careful and you stay where I can see you." Spike said.

"I know all the rules." Madison replied.

"Alright then, go have fun."

"I will." Madison called out as she ran over to the sandbox.

*****

"Mommy can I go play in the sand box?" A sandy blonde boy asked.

"Stay where I can see you." The woman said never looking up from her fashion magazine.

"Okay." The boy said as he walked towards the sandbox.

"And be careful." The mother called after her son.

"I will."

*****

"Can I join you?"

"Sure." Madison said as she looked up from the sand castle she was building.

"I'm Ryan."

"My names Madison."

"How old are you?" Ryan asked as he sat down in the sandbox.

"Four, but I'll be five in seven months."

"Oh, I'm five now. I'll be six in a few weeks."

"Six! Wow." Madison said, most of the kids she got to play with were all her age.

"Yeah. So, what are you doing?" Ryan asked.

"I'm workin' on a sand castle." Madison explained.

"Can I help?"

"Sure." Madison said handing him a shovel to use.

"Thanks." Ryan said taking the offered tool.

*****

Ring-Ring

"Hello?" Spike answered his cell phone never taking his eyes off his daughter and the young boy who had just joined her in the sandbox.

"Spike." The voice on the other end said.

"Is everything in order?"

"Yes."

"How soon?" Spike asked.

"Few days."

A smile spread across Spike's face. "Alright, talk to you then."

"I'll call you if anything changes."

"Good." Spike said closing his cell phone and putting it back in his pocket.

"I think your daughter's made a new friend." A woman said as she took a seat next to Spike.

"Excuse me?" Spike asked looking over to the woman.

"The little girl in the sandbox, she's yours isn't she?"

Spike looked back over towards Madison and smiled. "Yeah, she's mine."

*****

"Who's that man smiling over here?" Ryan asked as he looked over towards Spike.

"Who?" Madison asked before following Ryan's gaze. "Oh, he's my father."

"Oh. . ." Ryan said turning back to work on the castle.

"What about you? Who are you here with?"

"My mom."

"Is she nice?"

"I guess." Ryan said shrugging his shoulders.

"What about your daddy?"

"Don't got one."

"Everyone has a daddy." Madison stated.

"Not me." Ryan said angrily.

"I'm sorry." Madison whispered.

"It's okay, it's not your fault."

"How long have you been here?"

"A day or two. We weren't suppose to be here until Friday but my mom didn't want to wait any longer." Ryan explained.

"Wait for what?" Madison asked.

"Not sure, all I know is what I overheard her tell on of her friends."

"What she tell them?"

Ryan stopped working on the castle and looked over to Madison. "You ask a lot of questions."

"I like to know things."

"She told them about getting a job, and now here we are."

"Where are you from?"

"England."

"That's where my father's from."

"Really?"

"Yep!" Madison said popping her 'p'.

"RYAN!"

"That's my mom, I've got to go."

"Okay."

"Bye." Ryan said before running off to his mother.

"Bye."

*****

"Did you make a new friend?" Spike asked as Madison walked over to him.

"Yep! His names Ryan and he's five years old, but he said he'd be six in a few week. Him and his mommy just moved here a few days ago, but he doesn't have a daddy." Madison stated everything she knew about the boy.

"Oh?"

"And he's from England, just like you."

"Wow."

Madison looked up a Spike with big puppy dig eyes. "Can I have some ice cream now?"

"I don't think so." Spike said picking her up from the ground.

"Please?"

"No, besides we've got to get back to your grams before dinner."

"Okay."

*****

TBC. . .

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