Chapter 19

The wedding date was set in two months much to Angelus' dismay. If he had his way, he would have married her in two days but Buffy insisted that she wanted a proper wedding with friends and family present. Angelus simply wanted her, Connor and a priest present to officialise their matrimony.

After much discussion and convincing, he relented. He could never deny her but finding her wanting a proper, traditional wedding slightly ironic recalling her phobia on commitment years ago. He decided not to tease her about it and kept it to himself, thankful that she had changed.

The day couldn't come soon enough and Angelus was counting down the days until she was his wife. It was now the day before the wedding and once again, Angelus was disappointed when Buffy told him that he was not allowed to see her until tomorrow.

"What?...why?" he argued hot on her trail as she walked out of their bedroom down to the kitchen. The house was full of their wedding items such as flowers, wedding gifts for their guests and more. It was difficult for Angelus to manoeuvre around the items but he still followed her wanting an explanation.

"Because it's tradition! The groom isn't allowed to see the bride until the wedding. It's bad luck."

"Where am I going to go?"

"I made arrangements for you to stay with Xander and Cordy tonight. In fact, you should leave now because it should be 24 hours before the wedding so shoo", she waved her hand to dismiss him and walked away.

"Shoo?" Angelus stood there dumbfounded for a moment before following her.

Buffy was on the phone with the caterer, finalizing the last minute details of the food items they selected when Angelus walked up behind her. He found himself smiling at her as she multi-tasked making breakfast for Connor and washed the dishes they left from the previous night at the same time.

Moments like these when she was doing the most mundane things, he found himself struck by her beauty and he would long to touch her. And almost always, he would act on instinct, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her flawless neck. Today was no different.

"Angel!" she berated him, pushing his arms away but he was having none of it.

"Honey, please. I'm on the phone", she shrugged him off.

"So hang up", he whispered.

"No, it's the caterer and we need to make sure that…" her words trailed as he nips the one spot on her neck that always turns her on.

Angelus took that as encouragement and wrapped her tighter, leaving wet kisses along the column.

"Angel, no…" she whispered half heartedly.

But Angelus knew her…knows the tone of her voice and when her no actually means yes. So he took the phone from her and hung up the call hurling it to the counter before turning her around and lifting her on the same counter. Angelus mauled her lips and reached for the tie of her robe. Buffy tried resisting but of course, who was she kidding and it wasn't long before her legs were wrapped tightly around his waist and Angelus was thrusting into her.

When they were done, Angelus was resting against her chest dreamily, feeling his legs wobble. Buffy nudged him away and got off the counter, searching for her robe that he had thrown carelessly during their tryst.

"Oh god, Connor is going to be up soon", her eyes looking for the black silk.

He giggled at her panic.

"You think this is funny?" she scolded him.

"No, I think this is….sexy", he said eyeing her physique hungrily.

Buffy wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to stop his wandering eyes. Her attempt earned an eye roll from him knowing that it was useless.

"Cut it out! You were supposed to be leaving."

"I don't want to,'' he said, taking a step towards her.

"No, don't!" knowing that she won't be able to resist him if he got his hands on her.

Angelus of course didn't care, taking another step. She turned and saw her robe in the living room and ran towards it, donning the piece on. 'How the hell did it get over here?' she thought to herself. She jumped when Angelus wrapped his arms around her from behind.

"Angel, please…you need to go".

"Ugh", he sighed against her, defeated.

"Do you really want me to go?" he turned her around.

"Yes!"

"But…I can't sleep without you", he pouted.

Buffy found his petulance slightly adorable but shook her head, telling herself not to fall for it.

"It's just one night and we've had nights apart before", she reasoned.

"Not by choice".

"Baby, after tonight we'll never have a night apart for the rest of our lives", she cupped his face.

Looking down at her hopeful face, he unwillingly relented.

"Fine…if it means that much to you, I'll spend the night at Xander's" he sighed.

"Thank you", she pulled him down and kissed him in gratitude.

When they broke apart, he pulled her closer and whispered, "How about one last romp?", squeezing her behind playfully.

Buffy slapped his chest and told him to get dressed. She had to literally push him out the door and told him that she'll see him tomorrow. Having no choice, Angelus did as asked and spent the day at the office to clear some work as an effort to distract himself.

When evening came, instincts had him driving the route home before a text came in from Buffy reminding him to go to Xander's. He had half a mind to ignore her and just continue the drive home before doing a U-turn five minutes later and headed to Xander's place. He damned himself again for never being able to deny her.

After A LOT of pleading over text requesting to come home, Angelus finally accepted Buffy wasn't going to budge and sulked in the spare bedroom Xander had set up for him. He tossed and turned, finding the bed uncomfortable knowing that sleep wouldn't come so he started fiddling with his phone and browsing through photos of Buffy and Connor, missing them.

It wasn't until 2am when a message came in. Seeing that it was from Buffy, he clicked the message open and saw it was a video of Buffy. He eagerly clicked play and his bride to be was sitting on their bed adorning his shirt that seemed to dwarf her.

"Can't sleep either huh? Well, that makes the two of us", she smiled.

Angelus smiled back at the video but lost the smile when she suddenly lost hers.

"I miss you. I wish I could tell you to screw tradition and come home so that I could sleep in your arms but I don't want to jinx this. I know you're probably wondering why I am suddenly so traditional and conventional when hey…god knows our relationship is far from normal and you probably thought knowing my history, it would seem ironic that I want this big, grand wedding".

Angelus raised his eyebrows at how well she knows him but he shouldn't be surprised by now. The woman had always known him the best.

"But you've changed me. Ever since you came into my life, whether I wanted to or not, whether I was ready or not, you've somehow broken this wall I had and invaded my world in a way no one else ever had and for a long time, I resisted. I didn't want commitment because for a long time, casual worked for me and I hated the change".

He listened intently at her every word.

"Soon, I found myself wanting to be with you all the time, craving for your kiss and your arms to hold me and before I knew it, I became the person I told myself never to be….a hopeless romantic", she rolled her eyes and laughed at herself.

"I know I'm not that great at expressing myself but I wanted to tell you this…The way we met, the way our whole relationship started was far from traditional but every moment I spent with you was perfect and I wouldn't change it for the world. So, for our wedding I thought, we could probably go with the unconventional again and get married in Vegas or underwater or something and it would still be perfect but I don't want just perfect. I want you for the rest of my life and if keeping to this tradition is what it takes to keep the bad luck away so we'll stay married for a long, long time, I'll do it. Call me silly or ridiculous but hey…I'm just a woman in love", she mocked, using the line he always uses on her.

"Try and get some sleep, baby. I love you very much", she ended the video blowing a kiss to him.

He smiled and rewatched the video twice, stroking her face with his finger. He replied her via text telling her that he was going to attempt to sleep and requested that she does the same before ending his message with an 'I love you too'. He doesn't remember when sleep came but he knew that for a long time, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.

That was yesterday and now, he was standing at the altar, eager to see his bride. Xander was next to him, standing in his position as his best man, smiling at him in an attempt to calm his nerves. Angelus nodded his head thankfully and prayed for the ceremony to start soon because he was pretty sure he would pass out from anxiety soon.

Sure enough, the music came on and everyone stood to welcome his blonde goddess. He turned, half in anticipation and half in nervousness to see the woman that had his heart. When she finally appeared accompanied by her uncle, he couldn't breathe. She was even more beautiful than he imagined. He was pretty sure he was physically gaping at her beauty.

Buffy was however a wreck moments before entering the venue, worried that she might trip and fall or that the food wasn't enough for the guests or what if Xander forgot the rings? Her two bridesmaids assured her that everything would be perfect and when her eyes met his, she knew it would be.

Her heart instantly calmed at seeing him and was soothed when she saw him smiling at her. Her worries disappeared and all doubts were gone with each step she took towards him. The moment she was in front of him met with eyes twinkling with love and affection, she knew that today will be perfect.

After being pronounced man and wife, Angelus lifted the veil and kissed her with vigour whisking her off the ground and twirling her around. She broke the kiss and they laughed, basking in the happiness of their wedded bliss.

Later that night

After the wedding reception and party that went well into the night, the couple finally retreated to the honeymoon suite of The Beverly Hills hotel that was a gift from their friends. They had decided not to change out of their wedding attire, wanting to undress each other.

They barely registered the congratulatory wishes of the strangers as they breezed by them to get to their suite. Once inside, they plonked themselves on the bed a little breathless from all the giggling and laughter they shared along the way. The hilarity gradually stopped and their breathlessness from the sprint to their suite was replaced by desire.

Angelus made the first move and leaned closer to her, cupping her chin and kissing her gently at first before increasing the intensity as his passion grew. When he reached for her waist in an attempt to pull her closer, she abruptly pulled away.

"I'm sorry…I don't know why I'm so nervous", she apologised.

She knew this was Angelus, the man she loves with every fibre of her being, the father of her son and the man who would forever be the face of her heart but now, it was daunting on her that this man wasn't just all those. He was her husband and she was his wife. The new status unnerved her slightly. Amidst all her emotions, he was undeterred and moved closer to her, cupping her face, gently giving a quick peck on her lips.

"Hey…it's just me", he caressed her cheek lovingly.

And as always, looking into his eyes calmed her and she cupped his cheek and leaned in kissing him and this time when he deepened their kiss she didn't turn away and allowed him to pull her close and lifted her so she straddled him. When he broke their kiss, his fingers went to her hair, pulling the clips and ties that held it together, watching her tresses fall softly against her face. He then removed her earrings and proceeded to unzip her dress. As he peeled the garment down, his lips trailed kisses in its wake wanting to express his love and desire for the woman he now calls wife. When the heavy garment was completely off her, he threw it away like it was paper.

Buffy cupped his face and kissed him thoroughly, delving her tongue seeking his. He peeled the jacket of his tuxedo and threw it to the floor before fingering the buttons of his shirt. She reached for his cummerbund, aiding him and the shirt followed shortly after. She leaned down and kissed a trail down his toned chest, finding his taste even more delicious than usual. She gently pushed him down so he lay on his back and she continued her ministration causing him to groan in pleasure.

When she tugged his pants, he helped her, removing his shoes and socks in the process. She gave him a meaningful gaze before leaning down and kissing the tip of his mushroomed head. She stroked his girth for some moments, making him grunt as it hardened in her grasp. When her wet, warm mouth devoured him, his hips jerked uncontrollably, surprised at the change. Buffy didn't seem to notice and began sucking him like he was the sweetest lollipop she ever had. When she felt it tighten, she sucked harder and no longer able to restrain himself, he spurted into her mouth and she swallowed him lusciously.

When he recovered, he flipped her, wanting to reply the deed but she stopped him, her eyes telling him that she wanted him now. Never able to deny her, he kissed her deeply and his fingers journeyed to her core, teasing it. She broke the kiss and gasped as he stroked her sensitive core, gripping his wrist, wanting to climax with him deep inside her and not on his hand. He understood and positioned himself at the opening and gazed into her hazel green eyes that he loved.

"I love you", he tells her and thrusts, pushing himself all the way in.

She gasped and grabbed his shoulders, feeling her sensitive core reacting to his deed. He stilled allowing her to adjust to his girth but it wasn't long that she began squeezing him, enticing him to move and he delivered, moving in and out of her slowly at first before increasing the cadence gradually and making the thrusts intense and aggressive when their bridled passion amplify, wanting to be so much deeper and closer to one another.

Their lips kissed any skin they could reach laving and biting it, him wanting to mark her and she mirroring his thoughts, wanting to mark him as her own. When she was close, she tugged his nape signalling him to look at her and when he did, the innate love and affection they held for each other somehow magnified their hunger as their bodies slipped and slid against the other harshly. He stroked her hair, his senses in tuned with their intimacy, enjoying her hardened nipples against his chest, relishing her intoxicating scent and caressing her smooth skin. She leaned up and latched his lips, very aware that the man on top of her, was now her husband and life partner forever.

Moments later, they groaned in tandem, climaxing together and broke their passionate lip-lock to grasp for air as they felt the intense, blissful high sweep through them for long, powerful moments. When they recovered, they kissed tenderly murmuring words of love and affection to the other. The night was far from over and they made love thrice more before surrendering their tired bodies to slumber, wrapped tightly in each other's arms.

The next day, wanting to surprise her new husband, Buffy quietly went to the front desk while he was still asleep to ask if they could help her organise a surprise dinner tonight. She intended to have a candlelight dinner at the hotel's rooftop garden and asked if they could help her arrange everything. As she was walking with the hotel manager who was recommending her some available options and offering proposals for the romantic night, she hears someone call her name.

"Spike?"

"Buffy...hi"

"Hi", she greeted.

"Didn't expect to see you here".

"You too".

"It's been so long...how have you been?"

"I'm good, great actually".

"That's good.."

"Daddy", she hears a small voice.

She looked down to see a brown haired girl by his side tugging his hand.

"And who is this?" Buffy knelt in front of the tot.

"Oh, this is my daughter, Cecile. Say hi sweetie".

The little girl waved shyly.

"Hi sweetheart".

"So, you managed to work things out with your wife?" Buffy assumed seeing that the girl was probably about Connor's age.

"Um, no...she's not.."

"Oh god! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean..."

"No, that's okay. Don't worry about it."

Cecile was a product of the one night Spike had with Amy, who got pregnant shortly after. The pregnancy was unexpected but Amy told him that she was going to keep the baby and left it up to him how involved he wished to be. It took some time for Spike to come around seeing that his life was in shambles at that point of time but eventually he wanted to be a part of his youngest child's life. During the pregnancy and shortly after Cecile was born, Amy and Spike tried dating but soon realised that it didn't work choosing to remain friends and co-parent their child together. It was his youngest birthday and he decided to throw her party at the hotel the day before and booked an additional two nights stay to spend quality time with his daughter.

"So, what are you doing here?" he asked, wanting to avert the attention from his complicated life.

"Um...I'm here on my honeymoon", she answered hesitantly.

Spike's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow...um, congratulations I guess".

"Thank you", Buffy said awkwardly.

She could guess what Spike was thinking. She was so certain that commitment doesn't suit her in her rant to him years ago and yet, here she was a married woman and a mother.

"Well, I better get back", she said, wanting to remove herself from this unexpected meeting.

"Of course", Spike said and hugged her goodbye.

"Take care of yourself, Spike and it was nice to meet you Cecile", Buffy said, stroking her hair,

She turned back to the hotel manager and continued walking the grounds shifting her attention back to the dinner arrangement for tonight. Spike could do nothing but stared longingly at her retreating back. He always knew that her rant about not being able to commit was just nonsense. She just needed to meet the right man and was heartbroken the man wasn't him. A tug on his hand had him looking down to his daughter who was smiling at him. She was always a soothing balm for his ails. He returned her smile and scooped his daughter up kissing her cheek before carrying her to the kiddie pool he promised to bring her.

Five years later

The sand underneath her feet was heavenly as she leaned her head back and breathed deep, loving the smell of the sun and sea breeze. Sounds of waves crashing against the shore were like music to her ears. It was serene and she was once again reminded of happier times with her parents, playing tag with her father while her mother sat not far away, with the picnic basket to prepare for lunch.

Her mind was pulled from her memories when a pair of arms wrapped her waist, pulling her back against a broad chest. Lips found her neck and she smiled at the ministration.

"There you are…What are you doing out here?"

"It's just so beautiful here, don't you think?"

"Mmmhmmm", he agreed, nuzzling her neck.

"Can we just stay here and not go back?"

"We can stay here for as long as you want".

"How's forever? Does forever work for you?"

"With you, forever doesn't seem like long enough".

Buffy frowned, finding this déjà vu all too familiar.

He cupped her cheek, nuzzling her nose.

"Happy anniversary, baby".

"Five years…" she whispered, her fingers trailing his cheek.

"…and counting", he smiled down at her before leaning in for a kiss.

"Ugh…are you guys gonna kiss again?" the voice pulled them away from their romance momentarily.

Angelus looked down at the 8-year old and said yes before kissing his wife with vigour.

"Bleagh!" he rolled his eyes.

But his parents didn't care and continued their lip lock.

"Can you two stop already? People are looking".

Angelus ignored his son's cries but Buffy pushed him away and gave him a glare.

"Sorry hon, we'll stop now".

"Thank you! I want to go swimming. Can we please go, Daddy?"

"Sure bud. Come on, let's go."

Unable to resist, he gave Buffy one last chaste kiss earning another eye roll from his son.

"I love you", he told her.

"I love you", she found herself replying easily, the warmth bubbling inside, making her giddy as always.

She watched their retreating backs as her boys walked towards the sea.

"Mummy, look!" she looked down and smiled at the dusty blonde haired girl pointing to the sea shells.

"What's that, kitty Kat?"

"Rocks?"

"No baby, these are sea shells."

"Sea shells?"

"Yes, do you want to hold it?"

She nodded her head vigorously and Buffy bent down to take the shells, placing it in her daughter's palm. The four year old smiled up happily at her and pointed to another not far away. She told her daughter to go get her small bucket and they'll go sea shells hunting around the beach.

Katherine Joyce Callahan was born a year after their marriage and like Angelus had hoped, the little girl inherited her looks from Buffy. She smiled to herself finally recalling why this was so familiar. This life was presented to her in a dream years ago when she was certain this wasn't what she wanted only to panic when her dream family vanished before her eyes.

But now, her family wasn't a mirage. They were real. Her husband was in the waters splashing with their son and she was about to go hunting with their daughter. Who would have thought that the once promiscuous girl who proclaimed she doesn't do normal and that emotional attachment is nothing but a liability is very much living the normal, textbook American life, blissfully entrenched with powerful, overflowing forever kind of love.

Her daughter tugging her hand broke out her deep thoughts and she joined her daughter in the conquest to search for the beach's seashells. This was real and it was nothing close to how she envisioned her life to be but it was perfect.