Disclaimers:

This is the third and final part of "Forever You" series…maybe in order to understand some facts in this story you'd better read that one first.

Tell me if you like it…

Enjoy,

WA

Part 1 – A New Beginning

The moment the gates of terminal one at Heathrow airport opened, Giles heart sank at the image of a devastated young woman coming through. Tara was carrying very little luggage as if she hadn't had time to pack or as if she was running from something or maybe someone. Touched by the sorrow emanating from the blonde's eyes, he put aside all British formality and opened up his arms for her to fall into; and she did

"It's okay" he tried to sooth her "everything is going to be fine"

"I c-c-couldn't stay" she sobbed "I…I had to get away…I'm s-s-so s-scared"

"It's alright my dear…you're safe now" he whispered softly

The ride home was filled with silence and tears, Tara didn't offer much of explanation and Giles respected that, he knew the blonde witch was grieving and that she would come forward when she was ready. They arrived at his house and he accommodated her in the guest room; still not a word was exchanged except for an offer for food and beverage which she politely decline. After setting her luggage down, Giles was about to excuse himself from the room when Tara called him

"Giles" he turned to look at sad blue eyes "I'm sorry for coming here like that" she began "I k-k-know you must be wondering why I came and…" he silenced her with a gesture

"You don't have to explain it now" he offered removing his glasses "we can talk later…maybe at dinner time?" she nodded mutely "fine then…you rest now, I'll come to get you later"

"Thank you" she whispered, he closed the door and she fell on the bed sobbing again

Later that day, they had a quiet dinner that Giles had prepared for them and Tara filled him with all the events that had transpired after his departure; she told him everything about how Willow had been so engrossed in magic that she couldn't see clearly anymore; she told him about the memory spells, the 'dis-ratization' of Amy and how the redhead was so high in magic that she had driven a car into a wall with Dawn sitting beside her, but more importantly she told him about her pregnancy; in between of a 'dear lord' here and there, she manage to explain why she couldn't stay in Sunnydale anymore, why she decided to put as much distance from Willow as she could

"I can't risk the baby's safety" she said "she's unstable right now" she said already feeling the tears running down her cheeks "a-a-and it's so hard, because she's my life…she's everything that I have…this baby" she said touching her on belly "it was supposed to be the crowning of our l-l-love…and now" she ducked her head and sobbed…again. She couldn't remember crying so much since her mother had passed away, and now here she was feeling once again the heaviness of a loss…yes she was mourning the death of a relationship she thought would be forever "I can't do it Giles…I'm not strong enough to do it alone"

"you're not alone" he stood up and moved to the blonde's side; he could feel his heart tightened in his chest, he had always admired Tara's strength and wisdom; he had always considered her a fine, mature young lady and after meeting her family, his admiration had turned into pride because despite everything they had put her through she became a noble person; the way she behaved during the summer of Buffy's death, the serenity and the force she had shown while taking care of Dawn and helping Willow keep the group together, she was impressive. That's why when she called him asking for help, he didn't even blink, he welcomed her and even offered to pay for her flight ticket, she didn't accept it though, she said she just needed a place to stay, but now he could see she needed more than that, she needed a friend, she needed family

"I'm here Tara" he said kneeling down next to her "and if you let me, I'm willing to try and become the father you deserve to have" she looked at him and saw nothing but sincerity in his warm grey eyes "I'll help you with the baby and neither you nor him will lack anything, I promise you"

"I…I don't…" she couldn't form a sentence, but in her heart she knew she could trust him and that he would be true to his word so she let go of all the rationality and fell again into his opening arms

Days had gone by and turned into weeks, and weeks into months Tara and Giles had developed a routine quite pleasant and although during all this time he hadn't heard her laughing, he did catch a smile here and there, they were rare but were slowly beginning to happen again; she had gone back to university and with a little help from the coven she was able to graduate before the baby's arrival

"I can't believe this is really happening" she said holding her diploma happily

"I can" he smiled proudly "you're very disciplined…this is your reward" he said tasting his fettuccini; they were celebrating her graduation at the best Italian restaurant in town

"yeah, but if somebody had told me three years ago that I would be graduating in England, eight months pregnant and as big as an elephant, I would laugh… really hard" she said sipping her iced tea

"You look magnificent" he complimented and she blushed

"Thank you Giles…I wouldn't have come this far without your help" she said honestly and it was his turn to blush

"Are you sure you don't want to go back to Sunnydale?" he asked seriously "I've heard that Willow is doing really well"

"I know" she swallowed a lump that was formed every time she heard the redhead's name "Dawn and Buffy e-mail me on weekly basis to 'keep me informed'…" she sighed despondently

"So…you don't want to see it for yourself?" she shook her head shyly "you're going to have to tell her some day…you know that, right?"

"Yes" she answered simply and he decided to drop the matter, it should be her decision and he wasn't going to push either way

A month went by fast and Tara was now lying on a maternity bed, holding her precious child in her arms; beside them, Giles stood up proudly and smiling like a fool

"She is the prettiest little creature I've ever seen" he removed his glasses that were all steamed up because of the tears in his eyes

"Yes she is" Tara agreed also crying "she's perfect" she whispered and kissed the little blonde head

"Have you decided on a name yet?"

"Yes" she nodded and adjusted the little infant so she was facing him "Giles, meet your granddaughter…Ariel"