The Dark Years

Epilogue

Posted: October 27, 2004

Disclaimer: See first chapter.

Author's notes: Sorry for making you wait so long guys. I've been grounded from non-homework computer time (as if that ever works) and I recently realized that at Twisting the Hellmouth, they were only up to Chapter Seven of The Next Generation, so I've been trying to get them caught up. They still only have Chapter One of the Dark Years, and I'm trying to get Stolen Innocence up as well.

So, here we are, the final chapter of this series. We've gone from a, well, a 23ish year old Buffy to a 60 year old grandmother, and from her being alone, to her having four grandchildren....

Thanks to all who have read, and all who have reviewed. Your comments were all wonderful.

And if this chapter seems a bit vague, it's meant to be that way. See if you can guess what I'm talking about before I reveal it, and then let me know your thoughts by reviewing one last time! All reviews are sent to my inbox, so I will get them, no matter if you review in half an hour, or in two years from now!

Thanks so much!

READER RESPONSES:

Trickstarr: Where's Spike? He's around somewhere....and NO! There will not be any more stories after this! God, my muse is about ready to shoot me for just thinking it....

I'd like to, but these stories, and this universe is so messed up as it is, my time would be better spent editing them! Maybe, someday, I might decide to write a ficlet or two, but I wouldn't get my hopes up.

Sorry.

BuffyAngelFan32: Thank you for your reviews! You were one of my biggest reviewers throughout this story!

And no more, no matter how much everyone begs....unless I get over 25 reviews FROM DIFFERENT PEOPLE asking for more, then maybe....

The two flutes played the march in harmony as the three fourteen year olds walked down the center aisle. There had been argument after argument about who would walk that walk, and in the end, the honor had been given to them. They could not ask for a better gift.

The oldest - by about a minute - dressed in the lightest pink dress they could find, carried a rose so red it was black. The middle girl, dressed in a light blue the same shade as her sister's, carried a vibrant scarlet rose. Their youngest sister, in matching pale yellow, carried a single white rose, as she walked in front of her sisters.

They beamed at the assemblage of family, and those so close they were considered family. The youngest couldn't help but grin a bit wider, if possible, at her aunt and uncle in the first row, a gorgeous ring on her finger, and a slight bulge in her stomach.

They reached their predetermined positions, as the flutes changed tunes as the audience stood, their uncle balancing Josh on his hip.

The three women that graced the room with their presences were the women the three teens loved the most. Though two were aging, they were the most beautiful women in the world, dressed each in white silk. The matching gowns hung off their shoulders with a low neckline; a more grownup version of the sheaths each of the three girls wore. The dresses showed off the women's figures perfectly. The three men standing at the front of the room stood a bit straighter, and the youngest girl blushed at the intense love, with a touch of lust, that radiated from the six people she cared about most.

Once the women reached the front of the room, the man at the dais started to speak. "Undying love is what gathers us here today, in the eyes of the Lord..." Grace tuned out the voice as she watched the three couples. She didn't come back from her blissful thoughts until her paternal grandmother began to speak.

"These past fourteen years have been the hardest of so many hard years. I'm proud to be standing here with you again. You are my life, my love, my soul mate."

"When I first saw you, I knew I loved you. I never guessed we'd be standing here today, like this. We've had our share of hard times, it's true, but I wouldn't change a thing in all these years, good or bad, that you've been my wife."

Grace smiled at her maternal grandmother, waiting to hear what she'd say, "All those years ago, when I was but a child, I gave you my heart, and though you keep breaking it, I give it to you again, to do with what you wish, because there is no me, without you." She stared passionately up into his eyes. Grace could see her grandmother's much younger self staring up at him.

"Love was the last thing on my mind when I promised to guide you through this world, but now I don't know how I survived all those years, or these past ten, without you in my life."

Graces eyes filled with tears, and she heard her sister sniffle as all eyes turned to the last pair.

"You've seen me through my best and my worst, when I was young, old, sick, and well. All those years ago, I pledged myself to you, and I do it again this day."

"You've known me forever, you were there in my times of trouble and need, as my best friend, my girlfriend, and my wife. You've given me three perfect girls, and never asked for anything in return. I'm under your spell, and I promise I'll love you for forever, and beyond if you wish."

The three girls, in their exuberance, clasped hands as the preacher announced solemnly, "I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."

They followed the three couples out, waiting on the people within to assemble at the bottom of the steps. The three sets of newly weds stood at the front of the crowd.

"Life," Grace tossed her white rose onto the bottom step once everyone had quieted down.

"Love," Melinda intoned, throwing her rose on top of Grace's.

"Death," Faith tossed her rose to land on the other two.

"Live together; love each other; die when your time comes. Forever in love, so mote it be," the three girls chanted as one.

"So mote it be," the assembly repeated.

The girls couldn't think of a better birthday gift.