Epilogue
"I can't believe we're graduating tomorrow." Buffy was leaning back against Spike, who was sitting against a tree in their back yard. Caitlin was running around, trying to catch butterflies. "And I can't believe she'll be three next week." Spike laughed.
"I know. Time just flies by, doesn't it?"
"And I can't believe we'll be working together next year." Buffy had gotten a job at Sunnydale High teaching English, and Spike was going to be helping the kids by being a guidance counselor.
"Yeah. It's too bad Willow got that job in LA, though, or they could have stayed here." Willow and Tara were moving to LA the following week, Tara studying at UCLA and Willow working at a software company. Xander and Anya were also moving, but not for another two months.
"I know. The house will be so empty." Buffy looked at the big house, overflown by memories.
"Well... we could always do something about that..."
"In your dreams, mister!" Buffy laughed. It was a standing joke that Spike wanted the house full of kids. Secretly, Buffy wouldn't mind, but had decided to let him sweat a little while longer. She watched Caitlin, who had gone from chasing butterflies to blowing bubbles. Yes, she wouldn't mind a couple of more kids. Someday.
"Well, I hope you don't have anything against this." Spike held up a small, velvet box in front of her.
"What's this?" Buffy turned to look at him.
"Why don't you open it to find out?" She did. And found the most beautiful ring she had ever seen.
"Oh... my... God... You're not..." Spike got up and kneeled in front of her.
"Yes. I love you. I always have, and I always will. And I don't ever want to lose you. So, Buffy Anne Summers. Will you marry me?"
"Are you kidding? Of course I will!" She threw her arms around his neck.
"Mommy?" Buffy turned around in Spike's arms and pulled her daughter into her lap.
"Yes, sweetie?"
"Are you sad?" Caitlin looked confused.
"No, sweetie, why?"
"You crying."
"They're happy tears, honey. Happy tears."