Morning came way too soon. The mood of the house was somber. Even behind that though was the laughter and giggles of Bronze. She brought smiles and joy everywhere she went. Willow hardly let go of her all day. I didn't really blame her, she didn't know if Bronze would ever see her again. I really thought the day would drag on, but to my surprise it flew. So much to do, so much to tend do, we were all busy. I noticed that the other couples in the group hugged more made sure they had lots of time together apart. Never long but with what they were facing it was going to be something for who ever survived to hold on too. I know I didn't miss any opportunity and I may have created a few to spend time with Willow.
For Bronze's sake dinner was a forced good mood dinner. Bronze was excited, her and Dawn were going on a trip with daddy tonight. We told her we hoped everyone could come see us soon, but we said no lies and made no empty promises. Shortly before we left everyone took time to spend a few minutes of quality time with Bronze, and with Dawn, giving hugs, kisses, presents in some cases, and in Dawn's advice. Willow and I slipped away for a few moments and then with tears in everyone's eyes, we left. No one wanted to upset wanted to upset Bronze but as we drove away I glanced in my rear view mirror and watched both Willow and Buffy sink to the ground. Faith was down beside them in a minute. I was so glad the guys were there to help since I couldn't be. I was having a hard time keeping my foot on the gas and my eyes clear enough to drive. Dawn was really upset but she kept it together for Bronze. I looked at her once when my emotions were under control, and she just said "Later." And we drove on.
Every turn of the wheel made my heart and soul hurt more and more. I tried to hold onto the hope that everyone would make it home in one peace. They had and they would I kept telling myself.
It was dark when we got home. We all just settled in on a downstairs couch, waiting for news of family that wasn't with us. Bronze wouldn't leave my lap, she slept there with her hand curled up in mine. Dawn snuggled close also, with her hand in my other lap. I managed to drift off several times during the night, waiting for them to come home. I had made all of them memorize the codes to the gates. I didn't know who would make it back, but I didn't want anyone to be left out in case they got separated or were alone. Bronze was asleep on lap, playing with the kids next door had helped her get through the day without her mom. But after dinner she started to quiet down and even without my wolf senses I could see she knew something was going on with her family. When she started to cry just before she fell asleep I didn't know what to say to her. I just rubbed her back and held her and then let her stay on my lap the rest of the night. Dawn was quiet and worried too; she sat beside us on the couch and was now asleep on my shoulder. I was crowded but it was good, you know. We needed each other right now.
I woke up to see the light flashing to tell me that the first gate had been opened. A few minutes later the second light signaling the second gate being opened started. (Remember I have werewolves roaming around 3 days a month, I have high security going both in and out of the property.) When I heard them pull up I quietly said, "Dawn, they are here." She woke instantly and headed for the door. As I stood up I heard Bronze say sleepily, "I smell mom, Spike, Faith, Buffy, Xander …. And with each name she got more alert and awake. By the time I made the door she wanted down and she hurled herself at her mom. I looked them all over, bruised, torn, hurt, but alive. Every one of them! I didn't know how but I sent a quick thanks to all the gods and godess's that might be listening. When Willow got to me she gave me a quick hand shake and kiss and then went into our home. I heard Bronze say, "Put a band-aid on mommy and then I can kiss you boob-boos." I figured she had a lot of boob-boos to kiss before she would be done.
As the woman came in I gave them hugs if boo-boobs allowed and whispered "welcome home" to everyone of them. I started to shake Xander's hand but he pulled me into a big hug and I whispered "welcome home" Spike was the last one in, he even wanted a hug. And he replied to my "Welcome, home," with "Mind if I stay 100 years or so?" As I closed the door behind me I took a moment to reflect. I was home with the woman of my heart and with my daughter who was even now in this short of time my everything. Our house was filled with friends, family, loved ones. What more could a werewolf ask for?