Chapter 22: It's Time

Disclaimer: Joss owns everything, I own the story.

For the last two weeks, life in the Summers' household had been quiet; Buffy hadn't had any more false labors. Being nine months pregnant had been a roller coaster ride for Buffy; her mood swings, like the ocean's waves, rising and falling. Spike never seemed to know what he was dealing with; at times she would be happy and sweet to him, then she would get upset about nothing at all and start crying, or be mean and insulting. Usually when she got into her crying mood, she would ask the blond vampire how he could possibly love her, being so fat and unattractive. With all the patience he could muster in those times, Spike would kiss her and tell her how beautiful and radiant she was and always would be to him.

Everyone kept an eye on Buffy, especially since her due date was only two days away. Dr. Ryan continued to tell her that she was doing fine and that it wouldn't be long before she gave birth.

***

Buffy checked over the nursery to make sure that everything was perfect. Looking around the room, she remembered how long it had taken Xander, Giles and Spike to strip the wallpaper. When it was finally down, they had asked Buffy what color paint she wanted. Spike had suggested pink, Buffy had gently reminded him of their argument about the baby's sex and she had then decided on a cool mint green. Once the room was painted, a border was put in the middle of each wall; it had pictures of teddy bears, blocks and rainbows on it. The crib, chest of drawers (with changing table on top) and the rocking chair, (that she and Spike had both selected), were white, while the bedding for the crib was mint green, to match the room.

In one corner, there were several packages of disposable diapers and a diaper Genie, a gift from Xander and Anya. The closet was filled with tiny clothes that could be for either a boy or a girl and the drawers of the chest were filled with sleepers, onesies, socks, bibs and burping towels. Buffy even stocked part of the linen closet with baby bath towels, washcloths and bed linen for the crib; she had everything she could possibly need. Dawn and the Scoobies had already started a stuffed animal collection and these were scattered around the room, seemingly getting bigger all the time. Willow had also bought some educational toys, for when the baby was older. Buffy sat down in the rocking chair and rested herself, both hands resting on her swollen belly, satisfied with what she saw.

She and Spike had finally had their conversation about what the baby's name would be, in between one of their lovemaking sessions, after the lust cleared from their brains.

Buffy had gone out and bought a baby name book and they'd gone through it together, but nothing seemed to stand out for them. They'd finally decided on a name for a boy: William Alexander Summers, but they were still undecided about a girl's name, although Buffy had made the comment that it would probably come to them when they were in the delivery room.

Buffy's last appointment with Dr. Ryan was the same as all the others, where he said pretty much the same thing, except that this time, he said, "Buffy, I'm going to check to see if you've started dilating yet."

"Wouldn't I need to be in labor to dilate?"

"No. You can begin to dilate without being in labor. It happens, because, in the ninth month, the baby is in the birthing position and, with gravity, you could dilate and not know it."

Dr. Ryan left the room (after giving her a paper drape) and asking her to strip from the waist down. A few minutes later, he came back and had Buffy scoot down and place her feet in the stirrups. He sat down at the end of the table and began his examination, placing two gloved fingers in her vagina and gently pressed down at the bottom of her belly, making sure he felt the baby's head (which he did). Buffy made a light hissing sound as he did this.

"I'm sorry, Buffy, I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I'm fine. No big."

"The baby is definitely in position and ready for its journey and you haven't begun to dilate yet. I don't believe that you'll have any trouble delivering normally, in spite of the baby's size. Ok, scoot back on the table."

Buffy did as he asked, taking her feet out of the stirrups and sitting back up, covering herself with the drape again. Meanwhile, Dr. Ryan peeled off his gloves and washed his hands.

"You go ahead and get dressed and I'll be right back," he said as he left the room.

Buffy got down from the exam table, put her clothes back on and sat in the chair next to the desk. A few minutes later, Dr. Ryan returned and sat down as well, while looking over her chart.

"Ok, Buffy, as I said before, everything is going well and I predict that you should be delivering in a few days. I want to set up appointment for an next week, provided you haven't delivered by then."

"Alright Dr. Ryan. Either way, I'll see you." Buffy said as she left the examining room and headed for the reception desk.

**** As Buffy drove home, she thought about what the doctor had said about how close she was to giving birth. Because of it, she and Spike had had to modify their sex life, leaving her dissatisfied. Determined, she vowed to go home and do something about that, throwing caution to the wind.

When she got in, she sought out her lover, who was in the basement doing some laundry, including their bed sheets. Spike caught her scent before she came down the stairs, although he pretended that he didn't hear her. Buffy came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him.

"Hello cutie, how was your appointment?" Spike said, turning to face her.

"It was fine. Dr. Ryan said it could be any day now and he also checked me to see if I had started dilating."

"Have you?"

"No. But I need you Spike." Buffy's voice became seductive, changing the subject.

"Do you now? Well, we're going to have to do something about that, aren't we, pet?" Spike replied with a sexy smirk, raising one eyebrow.

Spike brushed his lips against hers and Buffy practically leapt into his arms as they kissed passionately, igniting a fire in them both.

"Let's go upstairs," Buffy suggested, as she held his hand and led him up the basement stairs.

Pulling back, Spike asked her, "Didn't the doc say no rough stuff?"

"Yes, but I don't care."

"Aren't you afraid it might make you go into labor?" Spike asked with concern, as they made it to the kitchen.

"No, I just know that I need you."

"Are you sure about this, luv?"

"Yes, now come on."

Buffy began kissing Spike passionately again, then reached down and slid her hand along the bulge in Spike's pants, making him moan.

"You are so ready and so am I, let's go."

They went upstairs and into their bedroom, where they stayed for two hours and where all that could be heard were their moans and screams of ecstasy.

After their lovefest, Spike got dressed, leaving Buffy to sleep, while he went downstairs to start dinner for the household.

Sometime later, when Buffy woke up (and found him gone), she slipped into her robe and went down to the kitchen.

"Hi kitten, have a nice nap?"

"Mmm hmm . . . it was better when you were there," Buffy said, sitting down at the island.

"I know, pet. I had to start dinner for everyone, otherwise I would still be in bed with you."

"No big."

"I'll have dinner done in a jiffy. Red called. She, Glinda and the niblet are going to be late. I think they're at the mall or something. I told them that we'd keep dinner warm for them."

"You are sweet, honey."

"Thank you, luv."

"Where's Giles?"

"I believe he is in his room with one of his books. It's our turn to patrol tonight."

"I want you to be careful out there. The baby and I both need you."

"Don't worry about me sweetness, I'll be as right as rain." Spike comforted her, taking her tiny hand in his and kissed it. Buffy cupped his face with her other hand.

"I'm going up to take a shower before dinner. Everyone should be home by the time I'm done, so, I'll see you in a little while.

"Alright luv, if you need me, just holler."

"Yes dear," Buffy, said with a smile as she stood up to leave.

While Buffy was in the shower, the girls came home from their shopping trip and went into the kitchen, to see what was for dinner.

"Hey Spike, what are we having?" Dawn asked.

"Hey Niblet. We're having oven-fried chicken, sweet peas, scalloped potatoes and for dessert, brownies."

"It all smells so good," Tara replied and Willow nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, luv."

"Where's Buffy?" Willow inquired.

"She's upstairs, taking a shower," Spike replied.

Changing the subject, Dawn said, "Oh! Look what we picked up at the mall."

Picking up one of the shopping bags, she pulled out a tiny dress. It was pink and white, with lace and the skirt puffed out like it had petticoats under it; it also came with a headband, with a bow on it.

"That's beautiful, Niblet. But you know your big sis is going to have something to say when she sees that. She's is going to argue with you about the baby's sex, you know."

"I know. That's why she isn't going to see it until after the baby is born."

"Good thinking. Dinner is in five minutes."

"Ok, I'll check in on Buffy," Dawn said, grabbing some of the shopping bags, as she headed for the stairs.

As she got to the top, she crossed paths with Buffy coming out of the bathroom.

"Hi Dawnie, did you have a good time shopping?"

"Yes, I did. Oh, Spike says dinner is in five minutes."

"Ok."

"How are you feeling?"

"Like a whale, but otherwise, I'm good."

"Well, let me put these in my room and get ready for dinner."

"I'll be down as soon as I get dressed," Buffy said, walking towards her room.

"Okay," Dawn replied.

**** As Buffy collected her clothes, she had a feeling that she thought were cramps, so she rubbed her belly and, after a few minutes, they went away.

"Damn Braxton-Hicks contractions," she said as she started to get dressed.

She looked down at her belly and spoke to the baby, "Please go back to sleep and give your mommy a break."

With that, Buffy finished dressing and went to join the others in the dining room.

She waddled in and went straight to a chair, to sit down. Spike rushed over, pulled one out for her and helped her down.

"Thank you, sweetheart."

"You're welcome, luv."

Once she was seated, Buffy felt the baby shift around some more, so she rubbed her belly again, trying to soothe it, which Spike noticed.

"What's wrong, pet?"

"Oh nothing, the baby just seems to be a little restless."

"Ok, luv."

During the exchange, Tara and Willow had come in and sat down, and Dawn rushed in at the last minute, saying, "Giles is coming!"

When Giles entered, with a murmured apology about being late, Buffy said, "Alright guys, let's eat."

Everyone began passing food around the table; Spike put everything on Buffy's plate before fixing his own and made sure she ate everything.

Xander and Anya had come a little late, but still got to sit with everyone. After they had all finished eating, the gang complimented Spike on the beautiful job he'd done with dinner; even Xander said he was an exceptional cook.

"Thank you, everyone. Niblet, will you help me clean this up?"

"Sure."

Spike helped Buffy up from the table and, once she was on her feet, she waddled into the living room and over to the couch, where she sat right down again. Tara, Willow and Dawn helped clear the table and the kitchen. Giles was preparing for his and Spikes' night out.

****

Afterwards, he and Giles went out to patrol and the Scoobies joined Buffy on the couch to watch a movie. Buffy became restless during it, occasionally rubbing her tummy.

"Buffy, are you ok?" Willow inquired.

"Yes, I'm good. I just seem to have a bit of indigestion . . . I think."

Everyone turned and stared at her, looking a little tense.

"Don't worry guys, if I was in labor, I think I'd know it." They all seemed to relax after she said that.

About 11 PM, Xander and Anya decided it was late and went home. Dawn had gone upstairs, to get ready for bed and the witches had gone to their room, leaving Buffy lying on the couch, watching tv. When Spike and Giles returned, they found her asleep. Spike turned the tv off and carried Buffy upstairs, to their bedroom, while Giles put their weapons away. After putting her down on the bed, she opened her eyes and smiled up at her husband.

"How are you feeling, kitten?"

"I'm fine, I just have a little indigestion. I've had it the whole evening."

"I'm sorry to hear that sweetness, can I get you anything?"

"No, it'll go away. I'm good.

"Ok, pet."

"Let me change into my gown and I'll come right back to bed."

While Buffy changed and did her nightly ablutions, Spike undressed and slipped into bed. They cuddled each other as Buffy drifted off. Spike lay awake for awhile, listening to the baby's heartbeat and to Buffy's breathing. He felt her body tense against him while he held her and he heard her make a grunting noise while she slept. After a few minutes, she relaxed and her breathing slowed again. Not knowing what to think about that, he decided to go to sleep and ask her about it in the morning.

About 1 am, Buffy felt an urge to go to the bathroom. Before getting out of bed, she kissed Spike on his forehead and admired her husband's beauty, as he slept. She went to the bathroom, and upon closing the door behind her, Buffy felt a sudden gush of water come from between her legs. Once the initial shock wore off, she realized what had happened.

"Uh oh!" she gasped, "My water broke!"

She pulled off her wet nightgown and put it in the hamper. Then, she cleaned herself up and put on her robe. As she began to clean up the mess on the floor, she had a contraction and had to stop until she could catch her breath. She waited until it passed, then, she went back to Spike, sat on the side of the bed and called his name.

"Uh . . . hmm, what is it luv?"

"Spike, it's time. My water broke and I had a contraction."

Spike's brain didn't comprehend anything she said except the word contraction. He sat straight up in bed with a terrified look on his face. He then focused on her.

"Did I hear you say that you had a contraction and your water broke?"

"Yes."

"How long ago was this?"

"I'd say about five minutes."

"Ok, let's get you dressed, we have to get to the hospital."

"I'll dress myself. You get dressed and wake up the others while I call the doctor, Xander and Anya."

"Alright luv," he said, as he wrestled his pants on and zipped them up.

Spike went out into the hall and knocked on the other bedroom doors, to wake them up.

"Wake up. It's time, Buffy's in labor!"

Give or take a minute, the doors opened and the occupants of the rooms had shocked looks on their faces, not sure what to do next.

"Get dressed, we're going to the hospital. NOW!"

Giles caught Spike by the shoulder and calmly instructed him to get Buffy and himself ready to go to the hospital, then he and the girls would follow. Spike rushed back into the room to finish getting dressed and to get Buffy ready. As he entered, he saw her sitting on the side of the bed, dressing herself, while talking to someone on the phone (the doctor, he assumed). Spike finished getting dressed, then went over to Buffy and helped her slip on some shoes. Helping her off the bed, after she hung up the phone, he grabbed his duster on the way out.

"Come on, baby, let's go," Spike said, helping her down the steps.

"Where are the others? Aren't they coming with us?"

"They're coming, luv. Giles is going to bring everyone; we really need to get you to the hospital."

"The doctor is on his way and so are Xander and Anya."

"Ok, pet."

They got to the front door and Spike grabbed both the overnight bag and his goody bag as they made their way to their SUV. Spike helped her in, put the bags in the back, jumped in and quickly started the car.

Giles rounded up the girls and they all hurriedly went out of the front door, locking it behind them. They headed for Giles' car and the hospital.

**** Spike, in the meantime, had just pulled into the hospital parking lot when Buffy began making a loud moaning sound.

"Oh Spike! I'm having another contraction!" Buffy said, gritting her teeth and one hand pressed to her belly, and the other in Spike's hand.

"Breathe luv, breathe," Spike said, timing her.

"Hee, hee, blow, hee, hee, blow, hee, hee, blow."

"That's it, luv, keep going."

TBC