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~EdwardsBabyGirl2010~

Chapter Twelve: Arrangements

"Buffy Anne Summers, I love you more than anything in this world. I promise to always devote my time, my heart, my all to loving you for as long as you'll have me. Will you give me the greatest honor and be my best friend, my partner, my wife and make me the happiest man on earth?"

I couldn't believe I was hearing this from Spike; the one man who I thought would never want to be tied down.

When he opened the box that held my ring, I could do nothing but hold in the sobs that threatened to consume me. The ring looked almost exactly like my mother's. It was a square cut ring with multiple diamonds. I knew it had to cost a small fortune. I wondered wildly where Spike had gotten the money for this. For some reason, I couldn't picture him having a lot of money.

I covered my face with my hands, trying to hide how shocked and awestruck I was. My tears were falling freely now, and I felt so ashamed that this was the most amazing thing that had ever happened to me. My heart, if it could beat, would be bursting with joy. I didn't know how to react or what to say. The whole night had been absolutely wonderful. Spike had gone to so much trouble to make this evening special. Neither Angel nor Riley had gone to this kind of trouble for me.

I felt his hands pull mine away from my face before he placed a few soft kisses where my tears had been. It was the sweetest thing anyone had ever done.

"What you say love?"

All I could do was smile. If the Powers picked him for this prophecy to be my husband and mate, then he must be wonderful. Natasha was right, all good deeds do have their rewards, and Spike was my ultimate reward.

"Spike, I would love to marry you."

He looked disappointed for a second then did a double take, "Amazing girl say what?" I smiled as he copied a character from a show we'd watched together. The reference made me giggle in response. He and I would secretly make funny things up like that when we were talking about issues or making light of a difficult situation. It had started when my condition had taken a turn for the worse.

"Of course I'll marry you! Geez! I mean, I don't think anyone could put up with you the way I do." He laughed then picked me up and spun me around. I took the opportunity to lean down and capture his lips in a chaste kiss. The feel of his body next to mine was incredible. I wanted to stay forever like this, but knew at some time, we had to go home.

When he pulled away, I felt the weight of a new piece of jewelry on my left hand ring finger, and just smiled in response.

But a scary thought suddenly went through my mind and made me falter for a second. After we fulfilled the prophecy, would he leave or stay? Was he just marrying me so that we could get this done and over with?

"What's wrong love? You look upset." At the moment, I didn't want to reveal my thoughts. Right now, I just wanted to enjoy being engaged. I didn't want reality to settle in and destroy my dreams. I think…I think that at some point, I had fallen in love with Spike.

"Nothing! I am just in shock. What are my friends going to say?" I giggled, not caring for once. I deserved to be happy just as much as they did. It was time I got that happiness.

"Well, actually, they already know and are okay with it."

I gasped. They had all known?

"Really?" He nodded and sat down, pulling me into his lap. "Of course ducks! Xander and Oz actually helped me pick out your ring. Plus, Willow, Dawn, and Anya made sure you were occupied all afternoon. Who do you think paid for your pedicure and manicure?" I kissed him again, thankful that I'd been so blessed. I was one of the luckiest girls alive.

"Well then, I guess the only things we have to do is discuss a date now since we have to be married by the next eclipse, which happens to be on October 31st."

"Which is three weeks from now." I nodded, feeling nervous. I would be a married woman in three weeks. My life would completely change in the next three weeks. Was I ready for that? I had to admit the future scared me. The endless possibilities it held made me want to cower in a dark corner in my room. Nervousness creeped it's way into my soul and I suddenly wished more than anything that my mom was here to talk to. She always had the best advice.

"Well, the twenty-third is on a Saturday. That gives us two weeks to plan and do everything. How does that sound?" I nodded, thinking of the many things we had to do. Where would the wedding be held? Who would be my maid of honor? Would we even have those? How would we avoid Dru and Angelus?

"Buffy? You there love?" I nodded once more, feeling sick to my stomach. I hadn't thought about all the complications that might get in the way of our day.

"Where are we going to have the wedding? How are we going to keep Dru and Angel from ruining it? There are so many things that could go wrong. How are we supposed to have a special day with them in the way?"

"Love, it will all work out okay? Drusilla and Angelus are gonna be too busy with their little plans to worry about us getting married." I wanted to the worry to go away so I took his word, needing to believe that in the end, it would be okay. My whole life, I'd wanted my wedding day to be special. If I could, I would still make it that way.

"Okay. So, October 23rd is the day then?"

"October 23rd is the day, but I want to pay for everything. I have a little bit of family money saved up, along with money I've stored over the years. It's been sitting in an off shore account for decades so you can get whatever you like. There isn't a limited price."

I knew my eyes had gone wide at his statement. No price limit? Willow and I were definitely making a trip to David's Bridal tomorrow.

We left the restaurant and headed home. The car ride home was silent as we listened to more of the calm, laid back songs he'd put on the cd. I still couldn't get over how amazing the whole night had been. I wanted to thank him somehow, show him how appreciative I was, but I didn't know what to do.

I pulled out my phone and quickly texted Willow…

Night was amazing. Nd to do sumthn simple & special for him 2. Help? Idk wat to do!

"What's on your mind love?" He asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I smiled sweetly, trying to look innocent. "Nothing really, just shocked by all that happened tonight. I can't believe we're engaged and getting married soon. By the way, I'm going dress shopping at David's Bridal tomorrow since you offered to pay." I giggled nervously, hoping he wouldn't freak out. For a minute, he was quiet, and I thought for sure he was going to say no or give me a price limit on my dress, but he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. I was shocked when he handed me a blue and silver credit card. "This has no limit so enjoy away my dear." I could feel my mouth literally drop. He was going to be the best husband ever.

My phone went off and I pushed the view now button…

Let him slp w/u 2nite. Nt sex but just in the bed. He gts lonely in the bsemnt. Give him a few xoxos & let him kno that u cre.

I sent a thanks text back and then closed my phone. She was right. I needed to let Spike know I cared for him and that I was thankful for tonight. I would show him just how thankful I was, except not include the sex, wasn't ready for that yet. I felt differently about sex with him. He was so intoxicating. The way he smelled, his scent and his blood called to me, but it wouldn't control me the way it had before. I had to watch what I did.

…

…

…

…

…

Once we arrived home, Spike came around to my side and opened the door for me. I took his hand in mine as he helped me out of the car. He tried to let go, but I held on tightly. A surprised look crossed his face, but I just smiled in return. I had to change my ways if I was ever going to make this work.

"I had a lot of fun tonight Spike. Thank you for everything. It was a perfect date."

"Well I'm glad you had fun love, and glad that you said yes. For a while there, I didn't know if you would."

I laughed lightly as he opened the front door for me. "Why don't you go upstairs and get changed? Take your time because I'll be a minute down here." He gave me a confused look, but nodded and headed up the stairs. I quickly grabbed a movie and then raced into the kitchen to heat up two mugs of blood. His favorite was B negative. I knew he could change fast, so I had to hurry.

When I was done, I raced up the stairs, praying he hadn't come down and I just hadn't heard him.

I opened the door to my room finding him standing in front of my window wearing just a pair of black pajama pants. I faltered for a second, almost dropping the two mugs and the movie that I held in my hands. He looked up for a second, and then turned towards me with a small smile on his face.

"What are you doin love?" he asked, coming to stand in front of me. I handed him the mug of blood and then moved around him to the TV, "I thought that we could watch a movie, drink some blood and maybe have some popcorn. Then, I was thinking that if you wanted, you could sleep here with me tonight…just sleep though. How does that sound?"

I felt my hands start shaking and the nervousness creep its way into my soul. Did he even want to sleep with me? Maybe I was too forward with him. I was about to say that he didn't have to if he didn't want to, but he shut the door and walked over to where I was.

"I'd love to watch a movie and sleep upstairs with you tonight. Now, why don't you let me grab some popcorn and then I'll put in the movie."

"Buffy, here is the popcorn you wanted! Hey Spike!" Dawn said, interrupting him. He chuckled and gave her a kiss on the forehead and a good night kiss before she left the room. I giggled as he rolled his eyes and proceeded to put the movie in.

"Sneaky." He muttered, chuckling again. I just smiled wickedly to myself, loving that I had surprised him just a little bit.

I stepped into my closet and changed into a silky red spaghetti shirt along with the capris that matched. I wanted to look cute and sexy because when I woke up in the morning, I wouldn't look that way.

His growl of approval made me giggle softly whenever I stepped out. I looked over and noticed his hungry, lustful gaze focused only on me. His blood stained lips should have turned me off, but it only intensified the desire I was feeling. I decided to play it dangerous for a minute.

I walked over to his side of the bed and crawled over him until I was straddling his hips. I bent down and licked the blood off of his lips before he captured mine in a passionate, hungry kiss. My body turned to mush and my head started spinning. When he pulled away a second later to set me on my side of the bed, I felt confused and puzzled.

"Why?" I asked, still feeling dazed. "You said just sleep tonight, and I don't want to push my luck. Not that I wouldn't love to shag you until morning love, but the movie is starting and we both need sleep, unfortunately." I placed a soft, chaste kiss to his lips before nodding and lying down in his awaiting arms. As much as he tried to put on that bad boy façade, I knew he was different. Spike was nothing but a sweet, cuddly teddy bear underneath that entire attitude.

His warm, awaiting arms encircled my body and I snuggled as close as I could get. The smell of leather and spice filled my nose, and inhaled deeply, loving the way it calmed and comforted my demon. I purred in satisfaction.

"I love you Buffy." I heard him whisper before falling into a deep, sweet sleep. I wanted to say it back, but I wasn't ready.

There was something that kept me from saying those three tiny words. An ache, a fear in my heart that ran so deep that it affected every decision I made when it came to relationships. After Angel and Riley, things had gotten complicated. I felt changed in a way that I never thought possible.

Love wasn't as simple as it used to be. I used to believe that love was this thing that just happened. It wasn't complicated, or hard to keep, it just…was. I was wrong though, on so many levels. Love was the most complicated emotion. It made you feel things and do things that were crazy and out of character. Love made you angry, jealous, and all these different things that I couldn't describe.

I remembered the way Spike acted in the car on the way to the restaurant. He'd been smiling and acting completely unlike himself. That's how I knew he truly loved me. He had shown me a side of him I'd never seen before, and I loved it.

Before I fell asleep, I wondered wildly whether or not I would ever be able to completely let go and love him as freely as he loved me…

…

I woke up the next afternoon snuggled in the arms of my fiancé. The events of the night before ran through my mind and I lifted my hand, admiring the ring I'd been given. Even though my room was pitch black, I could see it clear as day. It held so many promises and feelings. I felt my undead heart clench in response from the worry and nervousness.

I felt Spike place a soft, light kiss to the back of my neck. Chill bumps rose on my neck and my arms and I shivered in response.

"Good morning love! Did you sleep well?" I smiled, wanting to tell him that for once, the bad dreams that had haunted my nights had turned into warm, gooey filled dreams.

"I did sleep well. What about you?"

"Of course. I got to sleep next to you." I giggled, which was so much unlike me, and turned around to bury my face in his neck. I smelled the excitement and arousal in his blood, and the need to feed from his burst forward. I felt my face shift, and I felt a little ashamed. I didn't know what made him so irresistible. I couldn't help but lust after him. I wanted to feed from him and no other kind of blood sated my thirst no matter how much I drank, and I wanted to spend all day of every day exploring his body.

I felt his hand caress the side of my face and I flinched, knowing he was going to get mad. "Are you hungry?" He asked. I nodded, but still didn't meet his eyes. I was concerned that he would see the lust I felt for his body and blood. He tilted my face up so that my eyes met his, "Very hungry."

His eyes glazed over and he pulled me into his lap, "Feed love, I know what you want." I smiled wickedly before leaning down and sinking my fangs deeply into his neck. The first taste was like ambrosia. It flowed into my mouth and down my throat, sating the raging hunger I'd felt upon waking up. I felt his cock, which was nestled comfortably against my core, stir in response. I wanted to take things a step further, feel him moving inside of me, touching the most intimate part of my body, but I was scared. If he was going to be my husband, I had to have more of a relationship with him.

I felt his hands move up the back of my top. I thought he was going to try and take it off, but all he did was start rubbing soft circles on my skin, raising chill bumps all over my body. I quickly pulled back, not wanting to take too much, but when I saw his face, I realized that I unknowingly had. His face was paler than normal.

"Oh my god, Spike, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to take too much from you." He just chuckled and shook his head, like everything was okay. "Eh, don't worry about it ducks. I'll just go downstairs, get some blood, then everything will be fine."

"No, I'll go get you some blood. You stay here, I'll be right back." Not hearing any objections, I got up, grabbed my robe and headed downstairs and into the kitchen.

"So what happened last night?"

"Yea Buff! Dish out the details!"

Willow, Dawn, and Anya were all pigging out on homemade milkshakes. "Nothing special." I smiled to myself, knowing that they wanted more details.

"Bullshit! If that were true then you wouldn't have that huge rock on your left hand." I giggled. I'd been so busted.

"Okay, so I'm caught. Spike and I are engaged! But, I have to get this cup of blood up to him so in about an hour when we go wedding dress shopping, I'll give you the details." I heard them all squeal in excitement as I hurried back upstairs.

It was a strange feeling knowing that in two weeks, I would become a married woman. How on earth had my life come to this point? There were so many experiences that I'd gone through in the past couple of months, that I never thought would have to deal with. I wouldn't admit it to anyone else, but getting leukemia was the best thing that ever happened. Life had changed for the better. It was so much more than I thought it would be, and I couldn't ask for more.

When I reached my room, Spike was leisurely watching TV. He was stretched out with his hands behind his head and the cover at his waist, exposing his chiseled abs. I walked over and kissed him softly before handing him the cup and crawling back in bed.

Yes…this was the life…

…

A couple of hours later, Dawn, Anya, and Willow all piled into the mustang. Of course Willow drove since she was the best driver. They were in awe of the beautiful, sleek car. The sound of it purring to life made me think of a well-sated lioness.

"God this car is incredible! I envy you!" I laughed at Willow's comment. If I wasn't currently engaged to the owner of this beautiful machine, I'd be envious too. I couldn't feel any bumps in the road, and the car didn't jump at all, even when we took off. It was smooth and if I closed my eyes even for a second, I would think that I was flying.

"So he really did all of that? It's so romantic, and unlike Spike. Who knew he had such a romantic side?" I giggled. Spike had always tried to be romantic with me, but it had always gone the wrong way. It was sweet that he tried though, and it made my heart race to think that all this time he'd been trying to romance me. Why had I been so stupid?

"I think i'm in love with Spike." I blurted out. The words fell quickly from my mouth. The feeling, no, the need for them to come out had been bothering me since this morning.

For a long time, I'd wanted to be honest with my friends, who felt like my family. I wanted to share my happiness and love with them, even if they'd make it difficult. I was tired of feeling like I had to lie about what I wanted. I would never apologize for coming to love Spike.

Spike was loyal, honest, trustworthy, hard working, and always himself no matter what anyone said. He'd put his life on the line for mine many times, and even offered to let me stake him myself after he turned me. He was my hero, my best friend, and soon to be my partner. He made me laugh when I was sad, feel better when I was sick, and brought me back to reality when I thought I was lost. Life has been better since Spike came into my life, and honestly, I don't think I could imagine it without him. His smile, his laugh, the way we fought, everything was perfect.

"It's about time!" Dawn said, clapping wildly. "See Willow, I told you they were going to get together! She can't resist Spike's sex. I've heard he's incredible!" I rolled my eyes and covered my face, which I knew was as red as a tomato. Every time the words Spike and sex were used in the same sentence, I pictured the first time we slept together after I'd been turned. The experience itself was mind blowing.

"Gah! Anya! I don't want to think about them having sex! No offense Buffy, but you're my best friend. Thinking about you being naked in the bed with someone else is a place I don't want to do to." I laughed loudly seeing her physically flinch. I understood where she was coming from though. I didn't want to think about her and Oz in the bed either.

"It's okay Wills, I understand what you mean. It's just; Spike is so different than I thought he was. I know you may not approve but he makes me happy. To me, that's more important than anyone being upset about who I'm with."

"No offense Buff, but if you haven't seen how for you and Spike we all are, then you are blind. Xander and Oz helped him pick out your ring. Us girls kept you busy so he could carry out his plans. It's pretty much official, and we're all happy for you." She grabbed my hand and squeezed it tightly before taking it back to shift gears.

I smiled wider as I noticed we were pulling into the David's Bridal parking lot. My mom's friend Birdie worked here so when I'd called to schedule a later appointment, she'd been excited to accept and help out. She missed my mom just as much as I did, and wanted to step in for a job that should have been my moms. I felt a little empty today, but I was thankful to have Dawn, Willow, and Anya. They were my team, and all I needed.

{{SN: Okay I know there was never a character in the show named Birdie…but she was someone I made up for my own story SO…keep reading! LoL!}}

"Well I'm glad you all approve. Honestly, even if you didn't, I don't think it would matter, but it's easier to know that my best friends agree with my choice."

"Have you told Spike you loved him?" Dawn asked. "No…not yet." I said hesitantly. Dawn's eyes met with mine, and she smiled wickedly. I'd been busted. Even though I'd admitted to them how I felt about Spike, he was the one I was truly scared about. What if I told him I loved him, and then something changed? I still felt like I was risking too much.

"Buffy! When are you going to tell him?"

"Probably next time they have great sex!" Anya said, making us all laugh. I would have felt uncomfortable discussing my sex life around her, but I was so used to hearing comments about her and Xander that it didn't matter anymore.

"I might tell him after we get married. Its just…right now, I'm not ready to admit it to him. Admitting it to you guys was hard enough." I felt saddened by my fear and anxiety about telling him. I shouldn't have to worry so much about telling the guy I loved him. He'd already told me, so what was wrong with me?

"Buffy, when its time and you are ready, then you'll know. But we're here, so lets head inside and get you a dress!" I nodded and followed them.

When we were right outside the doors, I stood still for a moment, looking around the parking lot and then up into the beautiful, starlit night sky. It was a gorgeous night, and I suddenly wondered why all those years ago, I'd been nervous about joining the undead that scoured the night. Spike told me that I'd been made for the night, like him, and I was starting to believe he was right. Ever since I'd been turned, life was so much more meaningful. I don't know if it was the freedom or what, but it was different.

"Buffy? Are you coming?" Willow asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I nodded and followed her inside, excited about the possibilities the future would bring. For a long time, I'd focused on the past and how many things had happened, how many people had wronged me. However, it was time for a change. I was making wishes and hoping for the future, for the first time in a while.

The girls and I spent hours talking and laughing as I tried on dress after dress. Birdie was glad to take the extra time to help me find the dress that I'd been waiting to find my entire life.

"Birdie, I want something sexy and edgy. I want a dress that will make a statement. I don't want safe and normal." She put her hand on her chin and then looked around at the rows of dresses that were in the store. When she smiled that signature smile of hers, I knew she had an idea. My mom had showed me the smile Birdie gets when she has the perfect thing in mind.

"We got a dress in a few days ago that's in the back of the store. Most brides that have seen it think it's too out there for a wedding, but I personally believe its perfect. I'll be right back!" I nodded and sat down in the huge fairytale looking dress I'd tried on for Anya's sake. It was hideous and not my style. It looked exactly like Cinderella's ball gown except it was white.

"So have you found any that you like?" I shook my head, feeling a little disappointed. I'd tried on every style there was, but none had taken my interest. They were too much, not enough, or dangerously ridiculous.

"She has now!" I heard Birdie say from behind me. I turned around and gasped. She was right. The dress she held in her hands was simply beautiful. It was elegant but edgy, which was perfect for me.

The dress was a bright white color. The silky texture felt so soft and smooth to my fingertips. It fitted my body perfectly, leaving little to the imagination. It was a halter-top style, and went down in a V-shape, showing off the huge swell of my breasts. I turned my head, loving the way it didn't cover my back. It dipped down to stop right above the curve of my luscious booty where it bunched up a little in a cute design. I giggled, knowing that I'd found the one. The dress hugged my body until it hit my thighs, then it flowed out loosely, until it reached the floor. The train was at least three or 4 inches long; I couldn't help but immediately fall in love. This was it. This was the dress.

"Buffy, you look absolutely gorgeous. If you don't get that dress, then you are SO dumb!" I giggled at Dawn's comment, turning to look at the vision staring back at me in the mirror. It was incredible how one moment can change your entire life.

{{SN: I know that in the show, they make it to where vampires cant see themselves, but I think that's stupid sooooo in my story I'm changing that idea!}}

"Buffy…I'm speechless…" I met Willows tear-filled eyes, and almost burst into tears myself. "You look incredible." I turned back around to look at myself one more time. In two weeks…I would become Spike's wife, and for once, that thought didn't seem as scary as I thought it would.