Chapter 9

Months went by and Buffy and Spike were still taking things slow. Both still afraid to take their relationship to the next level. They were out walking along the beach because it was a beautiful night and they both loved it there. "So, you never told me why things didn't work out between you and Angel. He finally come out of the closet?" Buffy laughed as she smacked Spike on the arm.

"Sorry to disappoint, but he's not gay. We just had too many differences. He wanted to leave and I wanted to stay. We knew that long distance relationships never worked out, so we just agreed to be friends. Of course, I don't really know how good of friends we are. I haven't heard from him in over a year." Spike only smiled as he put his arm around her.

"Well, his loss is my gain then." Buffy found herself blushing a little at the comment. "What about the other bloke? What was his excuse?" Buffy shrugged as she thought about it.

"I was with Riley for two years and I thought things were great. He just realized that he couldn't commit to one person. The day he broke up with me was when I was going to tell him I was pregnant, but I never got around to it." Spike raised his eyebrows.

"He doesn't know?" He wondered and Buffy shook her head.

"I couldn't tell him. I think it's better this way." She explained and Spike agreed. They continued their walk in silence.

They got back to the house an hour later and headed to the baby's room. Joyce was already asleep and they walked in the room to find Katie awake in her crib. Spike went over to the child and picked her up. She giggled a little and he gave her a kiss on the forehead. Buffy smiled at the display, when she then heard something that made her heart skip a beat. "Dada," Katie said and both of them were shocked. Spike had a huge grin on his face as he looked at Buffy.

"Did you hear that?" Buffy nodded as she walked closer to them. She had tears in her eyes at Katie's first word and that she thought Spike was her father. It made sense since he was around her so much. Spike tried to get her to say it again, but with no luck. He saw how tired she was getting and placed her back in her crib. He turned the light off and walked out of the room with Buffy. They didn't say a word, until they were in her room. Spike gave Buffy a huge hug and let her go after a few seconds. "She called me daddy. Well, it was close enough." Buffy had to smile also at how happy Spike was. He then grew serious as he looked at her. "This is okay, right? You won't get freaked out by the fact that she called me that?" Buffy grabbed his hand and pulled him over to her bed. They both sat down and she took a deep breath before she spoke.

"I'm definitely not freaked." She whispered as she placed a tender kiss on his lips. Spike pulled her closer and turned the kiss more passionate. They both pulled away when breathing became an issue and lay down on the bed. Spike had his arms wrapped around Buffy and she rested her head on his chest. They were soon fast asleep.

Buffy was up making breakfast the next morning. Her mother left for the gallery early and Spike was still sleeping. She knew he was finally awake when she heard someone come down the stairs and then wrap their arms around her waist. "Morning, love." He purred in her ear and she felt shivers up and down her spine. She turned in his arms and gave him a smile.

"Morning, did you sleep well?" She asked and he nodded as he gave her a smile in return.

"Best sleep I've ever had. It was even better because you were there." Buffy blushed a little, even though she was used to his comments by now. It was still really good to hear. She was about to reply, when someone knocked on her back door. She was going to say it was open, but she didn't get a chance. Xander just let himself in and graced her with a smile.

"Hey, Buffster. Something smells good." He told her and Buffy rolled her eyes.

"Did your nose carry you all the way over here?" She wondered and Xander shrugged.

"It could have, but I actually need to borrow your boyfriend for a second." Spike raised his eyebrows as he looked at Xander.

"Oh, I guess you can have him. As long as you promise to bring him back in one piece." Buffy replied and Xander agreed as he then grabbed Spike's arm and pulled him outside. He closed the door behind them and then looked at Spike, with a serious expression on his face.

"So, what do you want?" Spike wondered with a little impatience and Xander took a deep breath before he spoke up.

"Well, I guess I should just say it. Spike, I'm getting married." He said in a rush and Spike raised his eyebrows again.

"Are you serious? You've only known Anya for a month. It is Anya, right?" Xander nodded and then couldn't help the grin that formed on his face.

"I know I haven't known her that long, but I know all I need to know. She's amazing, man. I've never met anyone like her before. I wanted you to be the first one I told because whether you believe it or not, your opinion means a lot to me." Spike was surprised and felt a little touched at what Xander said.

"Thanks, that means a lot. I'm happy for you, Xander. If this is what you really want, you know I'll support you." Xander sighed in relief and gave him a pat on the back.

"I knew I could count on you, now I have a favor to ask. I was wondering if you would like to be my best man." Spike felt touched again and nodded as he graced Xander with a smile.

"Yeah, you can count on it." Xander returned his smile.

"Great, I should get back to Anya now. Oh, she wants Buffy to be her maid of honor. You think you can ask her for me? I'm already running late as it is." Xander said and Spike nodded again.

"Sure, I'll tell her. Congratulations again, mate." Xander smiled again and gave Spike a quick hug. He then went to his car and drove away. Spike couldn't believe that his friend was getting married. Life was full of surprises. He then turned and walked back into the house.