EPILOGUE

TWO YEARS LATER

Spike and Giles stood side by side at the small headstone, both men with tears in their eyes.

"She did good Rupert," Spike said softly.

He knew she wouldn't be coming back this time.  Giles was a Watcher without a Slayer.  And Spike was a man without his world.  Even though they had each other's friendships, they knew that they were alone again.

Giles just nodded, unable to tear his eyes away from the headstone. 

Buffy Anne Summers-Kennedy

Loyal Friend.

Devoted Wife.  Beloved Mother.

1981 – 2003

Spike shifted the tiny weight that was resting in his hip, thankful that for just one day William Alexander was being quiet.  Almost as though he understood that this was a silent moment.

"I seem to recall you saying that this wouldn't be easy," Giles said.

Spike closed his eyes, afraid that he would fall over.  "It never is," he said, echoing his words from when Buffy had been given the all clear from the doctors.

"I didn't think it would be so soon though," Giles said.

Spike nodded thoughtfully.  "I think she knew," he said.

Giles looked at him, surprised that Spike seemed so calm about this.  "The night that she…when she died…we'd already done our goodbyes.  It was like she knew that she wouldn't make it this time."

"At least we know she's in a better place than this.  She's finally at peace," Giles said.  "No more slaying."

Spike shook his head, grateful that he had the knowledge that a part of him was taking care of her.

He shifted young William in his arms for a moment, trying to dig into his pockets for something that Buffy had asked him to give to her Watcher if anything were to happen.  Now seemed as good a time as any.

"She wanted me to give you this," he said, handing over the envelope.

Giles took it hesitantly, as though the envelope would seal everything that had happened in the last two years.  With shaking hands, he opened it and slowly read.

Dear Giles,

If you're reading this, then it means something has happened.  Or else, you went snooping through my drawers and got really curious, but…I highly doubt that that's the case. 

I guess things are finally over for me.  In a way, I'm a little bit glad.  A part of me has wanted to go back to where I was for a long time.  It was so beautiful there Giles.  I'm not afraid of dying anymore.  I know that when you're time comes, you'll enjoy it there.  I'm sure there's a library somewhere there just for you.

I know you haven't approved of some of the things that have happened in the last few years, but, I'm so grateful that you were standing there by my side throughout it all.  You've been the father that I never had.  Thank you so much for everything you've done for me, and for putting up with all of the horrible things I did to you.  You truly are one of the best friends I've ever had.

I can't say that I knew that everything would turn out like this.  Becoming pregnant certainly came as a huge surprise.  Spike proposing may have been a bigger one.  You giving me away was just a given, because who else could possibly have taken over that role?

I know we never said any of the mushy stuff, cos…you would get all British and start cleaning you're glasses, but…I love you.  You've been there through thick and thin and I never said thank you enough to you.  Even though it's too late for me to say it to you face-to-face, I can write it and still mean it with all of my heart.

Thank you.

I have just one more favour to ask of you Giles.  Please, look after my Spike.  I made him promise not to do anything that couldn't be taken back.  But…if something happens, please, I'm asking you to look after my little Will.  Make sure he knows the truth about what happened, about who I was.  I don't want my little boy afraid of the dark though.  Will you teach him like you taught me?  I hope he won't try your patience like I did though.  Make sure he doesn't step out of line.  And please don't let him forget me.

And don't let Spike spoil him!

I wish I could have both worlds.  My Spike and my little Will here with me.  But I want them both to live.  And you too Rupert Giles.  Be happy.

Tell Spike I love him.  And I love you too.

Your Slayer,

Buffy Anne Summers-Kennedy.

END