Author's Note:

The daughter and the best friend. How am I going to make this work? There'll be a significant focus on the trust issue, but just as much on the sordid love affair :)

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Twenty one.

That was how old he'd been when he cradled her in his arms as a new born.

Fortunate.

That was how he'd felt holding her, the baby daughter of the man he considered older brother and mentor.

Eighteen.

Was how old she had just turned.

Bombshell.

Was the word of choice everyone used to describe her.

Thirty nine.

The birthday at which he realised he was done for.

'I'm so sorry Mr. Summers. There was nothing the doctors could do.'

'God.'

Bringing his hand to his brow, Liam Summers closed his eyes in resign as he took in the news of his.

'How did the- Was there pain?'

'No sir. The medications would have numbed them significantly.'

'Can I see them?'

'Of course sir, just this way.'

As though in a trance, he followed the young nurse down the hospital corridor where she led him into private room where the body of his beloved lay beneath a sheet. Pulling it back he leant forward to place a kiss on her forehead, struggling to hold back a sob. He remained still for just a moment, taking consolation in the familiar scent and softness of her skin. Hearing the nurse leaving to give him some peace, he quickly straightened.

'Wait, nurse. The- the baby, why isn't …I'd like to see…Was it a girl?'

Glancing down at the lifeless form before him, he gently cleared his throat.

'We hoped it'd be a girl.'

The nurse's brow furrowed for a moment before a small smile coloured her features.

'Yes sir, you have a little girl. I was just about to bring her to you; she's in the incubation ward. This is hardly the pl-'

Shaking his head in confusion, he looked with wonder at the nurse before him.

'Girl? You mean she's alive?'

'Yes Mr. Summers. There were some complications but I believe she's stablised now. I'm sorry I couldn't bring her to you earlier. If you return to maternity waiting area I can have her brought out to you.'

Acknowledging the man's nod, she gestured to the door before adding,

'She's waiting for you.'

Seeing the silhouette of his best mate returning to the waiting area, William Pratt rose from his seat in anticipation. He knew Darla's pregnancy had been riddled with complications, but the lass he had grown to know was a fighter. Yet the expression he saw etched on Liam's face phased him somewhat. But as the eyes of his friend raised to meet his, he knew the impossible had happened. He remained silent.

'Will, she—she's gone. Didn't make it.'

Dropping his head in disbelief, he placed a comforting hand on Liam's arm.

'She was a special one. I'm sorry.'

But just as William was about to ask about the child, the young nurse spoke up,

'Mr. Summers? Here she is. Your little girl. Congratulations.'

Offering the baby carefully to her father, she looked tentatively from his shaking arms to watering eyes.

'Perhaps you should sit down.'

Feeling completely immobile in amazement and devastation, he turned to the young man beside him, gesturing for William to hold his baby daughter. William's large blue eyes widened even further as he took in the sight of the new blonde cherub, gasping in pleasant surprise when her fragile eye lids flicked open to reveal deep emerald green eyes.

For a large portion of his life, William had surrounded himself with the dark and dangerous, but at this time he had never felt so fortunate that his path had taken the turn it had.

'Beautiful, Liam. She's perfect.'

Perfect.

He thought as he watched her descend the steps in a pair of killer black stiletto heels. Flicking back a structured, golden curl she stood at the base of the staircase with her hands behind her back.

'So, what do you think?'

William took in the sight of her slim form and the figure hugging, mid-thigh, lace cream dress which covered it. Usually he prided himself on his ability to articulate his thoughts into words, but for once he didn't seem to be able to think of any suitable.

Watching in amusement as her best friend/pretend big brother opened and closed his mouth; she felt a smirk begin to tinge her lips.

'Hm, I take you approve?'

Taking a step closer to him, she gave him a sweeping glance from foot to head.

'But I must say…I certainly approve.'

He shyly ducked his head, running a hand through his platinum hair.

'Buffy. You- you look…breath-taking. So, so beautiful. I'm sorry- I just…I don't. Amazing, love. Your mum would be so proud. I know it.'

She blinked at his mention of her mother before smiling softly and taking his elbow.

'Thanks, Will. Come on, they told us to take our time getting there, but I don't think they meant for us to be this late!'