"We are gathered here tonight, to witness the joining of two immortal souls. One who in the eyes of his friends and family shall forever be filled with strength, happiness and the power to protect the ones he loves. The other, who in the eyes of her ancestors, friends, family and the ones to come, shall remain strong, full of courage and heart and wise beyond her years. Tonight friends, we gather to witness the joining Buffy Summers and Angel Finnagan in holy matrimony and in eternity." The preacher looked lovingly around at the small group of people gathered on the small cliff over looking the ocean.
"If anyone here tonight knows any reason why these two should not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace."
As the preacher spoke, Angel remembered the beginning of the ceremony. It had been private, so only a few people were invited. Buffy's mother stood holding Taryn at the front of the group. All around her stood Buffy's friends and family. Willow, Oz, Xander, Cordelia, Giles, Jenny, even Kendra had shown up. There were a few more people, Buffy's aunt and uncle, Buffy's old friend Pike, and of course in the back, a pip squeak who had come to pay his respects. Angel's old mentor, Whistler.
Angel remembers when they all cleared a path as Buffy, escorted by her father, came down the small aisle, from the woods. Like he had done many times in the past months, Angel sucked in a breath he didn't need. Buffy looked so small and elegant on the arm of her father. She wore a pure white dress that fell past her feet and back into a small train. Her hair was lose around her neck, which was adorned only by the silver cross he had given her when they first met.
Her eyes never wavered from his, her smile never failing. He gazed at her the whole time. Now was the moment he had waited for.
"The two have written their own vows. Angel." Xander stepped up and handed Angel the ring. It was a band of pure silver, with three diamonds placed in the silver.
"Buffy, from the day I first saw you, I loved you. I wanted to protect you, keep you from harms way, which hasn't always been easy." The small congregation laughed at this. "But I know now that I will always be here for you, just as you for me. Now we share a bond greater then friendship, we have love not only for each other, but also for a child that we created. Buffy Anne Summers, I promise to love and cherish you for as long we both shall live, I promise to protect and stand by your side, as your equal and husband till the end of time." He slid the ring on her finger, and her smile grew.
"Buffy." The priest gestured for her to take her turn. Willow hurried up and handed Buffy a pure sliver ring for Angel.
"Angel. The first time I saw you, I saw a brilliant messenger of God, sent to help me, protect me and guide me through my chosen path. Since that time, you have more than lived up to my views. You have been with me during my worst and best times. Let's face it, you've been through life and death with me." Buffy's closest friends were the only ones to laugh this time. "I have come to know you as a friend, lover, protector, family, enemy, savior and most of all a soul mate! My soul mate! Angel Finnagan, I promise to love and cherish and protect you till my end of days. I give you only what I have to offer, me. Myself in mind, body and soul. I love you Angel and will continue to do so in this life and beyond." Buffy slid the ring on Angel's finger and her brushed the falling tears away from her face.
"By the power invested in me, by the church and God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest smiled at Buffy and Angel. Angel cupped Buffy's face in his hands and kissed her, and she held his neck and kissed him back. As they broke apart, their friend and family's cheers of joy blew them back. Joyce handed Taryn to Buffy, and Angel wrapped his arm around her waist. Together they walked into their circle of friends. They were hugged and kissed, and offered words of wisdom and advice. Finally Buffy, Angel and Taryn said goodbye and left their friends behind.
* * * * * * * * * *
The scoobies walked back into the library. They had just left the wedding, after Buffy and Angel had left.
"Life is going to be boring with out her." Said Xander as he plopped down in one of the library chairs.
"Yeah, one less girl to drool over." Countered Cordy.
"I know what you mean Xan. She was like the life of the party." Willow ignored Cordelia's statement.
"A big, dangerous party!" Said Oz. "But a good party.
"Oh come on you guys, we'll have fun. We can still fight the fight." Jenny tried to rally the kids, but came with no avail. "They're right Rupert. Why did Buffy and Angel want to leave anyways?"
Giles sat on the edge of the table and polished his glasses. "They said, they didn't' Taryn to be raised on the hellmouth. And that this was the perfect opportunity to explore the world."
"I don't remember saying that!" The scoobies turned to see Buffy and Angel standing in the doorway. Angel held Taryn, who was snuggled inside of a very fuzzy pink blanket. "Do you Angel?"
"No memory of that, no! Giles must be getting old." He smiled.
"I thought your plane left ten minutes ago." Said a shocked Giles.
"It did." Buffy and Angel walked farther into the library. "But we got to the train station and realized something."
"What's that?" Asked Xander.
Angel handed Taryn to Jenny. "That we would miss you guys to much." To Xander's hocked face, he said. "Even you, boy!"
"This is so great!" Willow jumped up and hugged Buffy.
"We know, but we have some circumstances." Everyone quieted down to listen to Buffy and Angel.
"First." Angel started. "We insist that Willow, Oz, Xander, and Cordelia are referred to as Taryn's aunts and uncles."
"Fine with me." "Ok!" "Sure." Of course!" The four were overwhelmed at this decision.
"Second." Buffy was next. "We insist that Giles and Jenny become Taryn's godparents."
"Not even of question." Said Jenny. "We'd be honored." Said Giles, clearly overcome by happiness.
"And third." Angel let Buffy take the last one. "Raising a baby is really hard. And this one's gonna have it tough with a slayer and a vampire with a soul for parents. So we would really appreciate your help, as much as possible." Buffy smiled at her friends.
Xander stood up. "I think I speak for all of us when I say, well duh!"
With that as their cue, everyone leapt to their feet and hugged welcoming Buffy, Angel and Taryn back home.
THE END…for now