Chapter 21

Buffy smiled at Bam who stood there and looked at her with a slight hint of tears in his eyes. "What do you think?"
"I think you look beautiful." Bam said.

She was standing in her Vera Wang wedding dress that was form fitting to the waist and then it belled slightly. It had a slight train to it and the entire thing was done in intricate embroidery. There was a crimson ribbon around her waist and the bow in the back was small and drooping, the rest of the ribbon flowing down her train. The sleeves of the dress were little chiffon cap sleeves that were just for show. She had put her hair up in a loose bun with a big crimson flower on the side of it and little, random tendrils flowed freely in her face. She wasn't wearing any makeup except for some mascera and chapstick that made her lips slightly shiny. She didn't even have jewlery on, but she looked stunning.

Bam had been under the premis that he was coming to LA for a skatedemo, but instead had ended up in Sunnydale. Then he and his friends and family had been whisked off to a club called The Bronze and it had been done up in crimson and white flowers. In front of the stage was an archway with the same flowers and in the middle of the archway and a white pedistal wrapped in crimson ribbon and a white candle stood on top of it. There were chairs set up in rows facing the archway and an aisle with a white carpet up the middle. Everyone knew what they were there for the moment they walked in. Of course, that was just before Cordelia had walked up and whisked them backstage to change into formal wear. Buffy knew everyone's size and style, so she had picked well for everyone.

Now Bam was standing in the "bridal room" staring at his best friend. "I can't believe... I'm so happy for you."

"Well, save some happiness for later." Buffy said.

"Why's that?"

"The reception."

"I'm kind pissed that you didn't let me plan it."

She shrugged. "Well, I'll let you plan the first anniversary party."

He nodded. "Works for me." Bam paused. "Obviously the guys knew about it."

"I had to tell them. They're providing the music."

He laughed. "I should've known."

"Actually, I was just going to get Ville to do 'In Joy and Sorrow' acoustic, but he insisted."

"Damn, you get a free HIM concert."

"I'm just cool that way."

"Damn you look beautiful."

"You look pretty good yourself. You've always looked good in suits."

"I hate dressing up." He smiled. "But I don't mind doing it for you."

She smiled and took his hands. "Hey, once we get up there, I want you to be my man of honor. Angel has his dad and his brother and Gunn and I only have Ville and mom. Can't have it all uneven, can I?"

"No. Of course not." He looked away, blotting at his eyes with his sleeve.

"Are you crying?"

"No. My eye itches."

Buffy smiled, holding back her own tears. "Ok. I believe you."

Cordelia walked in with a huge smile. "You about ready?"

"Yeah." Cordy stared at her a moment. "What?"

"Hold on." She reached up and took her necklace off. It was a diamond solitare dangling from a thin, white gold chain. "Here."

"What? No, this is yours."
"You need a necklace. The dress doesn't look right without one."

"But, you're dad gave this to you. I don't..."

"It's cool. Just consider it a wedding gift."

"Thank you Cordy. It's beautiful." Buffy hugged Cordelia tightly and she heard the woman sniffle.

Cordy pulled away and dabbed at her eyes. "Come on. Everyone's waiting." She turned and headed out before she started crying.

Buffy started to follow her, but Bam grabbed her hand and stopped her. "Buffy... Even though I wish it were me waiting at the end of the aisle, I'm happy for you. I really am. You're the happiest I've ever seen you."

"I love you too, Bammie."

Bam hugged her tightly and then held out his arm. "Ready?"

"Willing and able." Buffy answered. She slipped her arm through Bam's and he opened the door for them.

Buffy and Angel sat next to each other at the head table while HIM finished up "The Sacrament". Ville looked at Buffy and winked and she got the hint. It was time to make their big announcement. Angel helped her out of her seat and Ville helped Angel help Buffy onto the stage. Ville handed her the microphone, kissing her cheek and wishing her good luck. She smiled and took Angel's hands.

"Hey everyone. Thank you guys for coming on such short notice. It was really the only way to get around being swamped by paperazzi." The crowd let out a polite laughter. "Besides, I want to get this in before I'm too big to look good in white." This time the crowd let out a confused whispering. Ville and the band just stood there and smiled. "The reason I say that is because, we're pregnant. Angel and I are expecting our first child together in October." There was a round of applause and a couple of hesitant claps. "I know it's a little sudden. Hell, we weren't expecting it. Two weeks ago, I ran off to Australia it scared me so bad. But... We're ready now. And we'll let you know when you can start sending baby shower gifts." The crowd applauded and laughed a little. "But now, it's time to cut the cake because I'm getting a craving." She held out the microphone and Ville took it back, announcing that there would be a short intermission. Buffy laughed and walked off the stage with Ville and Angel while the rest of the band put their instruments down.

After Buffy and Angel cut the cake and turned it into an all out cake fight, Joyce caught Buffy in the bathroom area while she was just finishing cleaning the cake off her face. "Buffy, can I talk to you?"

"Sure." Buffy said, drying her face off.

"Are you sure about this?"

"About what?"

"You're so young. And you've still got a career and you haven't even known Angel THAT long..."

"Mom, I'm ok. Angel and I have talked about it. We'll make it through."

Joyce sighed. "Buffy, having a baby..."
"Changes your life, I know."
"I just think it might be wise to wait a couple of years before you have kids, that's all."

"Mom, you can't put these things on a schedule."

"I know that."

"It happened and I'm not turning back. Aren't you happy for me?"

"Of course I am, but I'm also worried about you. You and Angel should have at least a year to get used to being married."

"Well, we don't. And that's ok. It's our first kid, so we'll learn it all together. And it'll make us closer."

Joyce placed her hands gently on Buffy's cheeks and kissed her daughter's forehead. "Little Buffy... You have so much to learn." Then her eyes welled up. "As scared as I am for you, I can't believe I'm going to be a grandmother. I guess everyone goes through this when their daughters or sons are going to have babies."

Buffy hugged her mother. "I'll be ok, mom. I will." She smiled brightly. "Angel and I will be ok. We were meant for each other." She sighed. "Great, I have to pee again."