Angel spent few of the daylight hours actually asleep, but he didn't really need the rest anyway. Speaking briefly with Buffy in the middle of the night about her letter to him allowed him to now focus on Willow's letter. First, he needed to contact Oz. Simple enough since they had been able to keep in touch over the years. Angel picked up the phone, dialed the number, and left a message that was simple and straight to the point. Neither of them were big talkers.

After that brooding became Angel's main activity until it was time to meet Buffy. He couldn't help but think about this new future that was possibly being laid out in front of him. Could it really be? Could he and Buffy really have what they both so desperately wanted, but never really allowed themselves to believe in? He knew he had to talk to Buffy tonight and actually do the curse without the loophole before he made any concrete plans. Obviously, he would be telling Buffy with Willow there since he wanted to make sure once again that Willow was sure it could be done.

As Angel was about to walk out the door the phone rang:

Hello.

Hey, Angel. It's Oz. I got your message and I'm actually on my way to LA already. I should be there by sunrise tomorrow.

Oz, great to hear from you so quickly! I'm back in my original apartments if you want to come by tomorrow around dusk.

That's fine; see you then.

Thanks, bye.

Angel was pleased to have good news for Willow and silently hoped Oz wouldn't mind the surprise is store for him.

This time it was Buffy who answered the door. She opened the door wide to see him just standing there smiling at her and she didn't think twice about throwing herself into his arms. Due to the 3 feet that had separated them Angel was able to brace himself for the force of the jump at him. His arms closed protectively around her and he cherished the feel of her body pressed so tightly to his.

Five minutes later they were all seated around the kitchen table. Angel began by addressing Buffy. "Yesterday you both gave me a letter. Buffy, I hope that you begin to realize how much you mean to me. Again, I love you no matter what happened in your past or what is yet to happen in the future." Then he turned to Willow putting a hand over her already clasped hands saying, "I'm not sure where to start." Willow understood he wanted her to decide which topic in her letter she wanted him to cover first, and that he wanted to make sure Willow was ready for Buffy to know. "Go ahead, Angel, she needs to know" Willow responded with a sly grin. They both then turned to Buffy who was looking a little upset about being the last to know. After a moments pause Angel locked eyes with Buffy and took both her hands in his gripping them tightly.

"Willow believes…" Angel tried to begin.

Willow cut him off. "No. Angel, I know!"

Angel looked at her for a moment then refocused on Buffy. "Okay, Willow knows…Buffy, she knows…"

"Angel, what?…What's wrong? Please just tell me," Buffy broke in impatiently.

"Nothing is wrong, Baby. I'm sorry it's still just settling in with me. Buffy, my soul can be bound permanently." Angel was amazed he was finally able to look Buffy in the eye and say that.

Buffy sat in shock for a minute not quite able to fully absorb the words she had never allowed herself to believe would ever be spoken. Then she looked at Willow who nodded in agreement to Angel's statement. Buffy then just looked back and forth between the other two before throwing her arms around Willow's neck as words of gratitude passed her lips. Angel smiled to himself as he slowly began again to allow himself picturing his future with Buffy. After a minute or so Willow passed a silently crying Buffy to Angel's waiting arms and excused herself from the room.

Angel rubbed Buffy's back in slow circles while he let Buffy regain control over her emotions.

Quietly, Buffy asked, "How will she be able to bind your soul?"

"Willow has researched to learn all she can about the Romani who originally cursed me. She knows my curse inside and out now. Willow is confident that she can now remove the happiness clause."

"Does that mean we have to get rid of your soul to be able to redo the curse?"

Taking a deep, physically unnecessary breath Angel whispered yes.

"Okay, that'll be ok. We know it's happening and he will have no chance of being free…Angel look at me - it's well worth the risk. I'm older and stronger - both physically and mentally and it's worth the risk. I love you!"

"Buffy, I've been thinking about this non stop since reading Willow's letter and I agree with you. I don't want to risk Angelus loose, but I will not and can not lose my chance to be with you. I've made that mistake - I will not do so again!" Angel told her proudly.

Angel and Buffy shared a few more quiet minutes together before he filled her in on the second part of Willow's letter and his plans so far. Buffy was thrilled that Oz would be back so soon and called Willow back into the kitchen.

"Willow you have given Buffy and I news that will change both our lives forever. I don't know how to express my gratitude, but I have an idea on how to begin. I've always kept in touch with Oz. The last time I saw him was the battle with WHR and I was so relieved he came to help. I have already spoken with him today and he'll be at my place tomorrow around dusk. If you are ready I would like for you both to come on over as well so we can get this curse fixed," Angel informed her.

"Yeah ready to go with the curse anytime, but Oz…ohymgod," Willow looked at Buffy with wide eyes, "I'm going to see him tomorrow? Oh I need to get my thoughts together for him or I won't know what to say. You guys have a great night!" Willow dashed from the room before Buffy or Angel could say another word. Then they burst out laughing.

"Want to move into the living room where the couch is more comfy?" Buffy asked.

Angel answered simply by picking her up and walking into the other room.