Chapter Thirty-Five

A Christmas snow had begun to fall around the Summer's household. The Christmas tree in Buffy's front window shimmered like a jewel, as the lights and bobbles glowed warmly. Six stockings hung above the roaring fire, each bearing the name of a loved one.

Willow, Xander, Dawn, Buffy, Giles and Giles' girlfriend Amanda were all gathering at Buffy's house to celebrate Christmas. This year was truly a year to be grateful for friends and family.

As everyone chattered and enjoyed the carefree atmosphere, one person was still not cheerful. Buffy was upstairs in her bedroom, staring out her window, as the snow fell. Willow had slipped away from the chorus of voices downstairs, and had gone in search of Buffy. When she found her, she quietly sat down beside her.

"Care to share why you're acting Grinchy?" Willow asked, mirroring Buffy as she leaned against the window.

"Nothing really," Buffy sighed as a lone snowflake touched the glass. "Just that this house feels so empty this year."

"You mean because of what happened with Angel?" Buffy nodded.

"I never should have told him no," Buffy told her best friend before leaning against the glass.

"You were just doing what you thought was best," Willow told Buffy, gently rubbing her arms.
"Yeah, but still Will, if I told him yes, he would be here now."
"Well," sighed Willow. "I guess the best thing you can do is soldier on like you always do. Angel knows that, he would have wanted that."

Buffy lifted her head from the glass and smiled at her friend. "Yeah, I guess you're right," she replied. "Let's go head downstairs, and see if I can make the best of it."

"That's my Buffy," Willow patted Buffy's legs, before helping her up. Together, the two best friends walked into the living room, joining the Christmas activities.

Later after everyone had gone to bed, Buffy walked through the house, making sure all the lights were turned out. Pulling her salmon colored robe around her, Buffy began to climb the stairs. Just as she reached the door to her room, she heard the sounds of the front door being unlocked.

No one's supposed to be here, Buffy thought as she went on the defensive. Carefully, she opened the drawer of the hall table, sliding out her trusty stake. Holding it in a position to strike, Buffy quietly crept back downstairs. Reaching the foyer, Buffy saw a large, black duffle sitting by the coat rack.

Narrowing her eyes, Buffy tiptoed into the living room. Standing at the fireplace, was a large shape, dressed in a creamy yellow shirt, brown jacket, and blue jeans. And they looked like they were hanging something on the mantle. Buffy gathered her strength and spoke to the figure.

"Who are you?" She called out. The figure paused, before turning around to face Buffy.

"It's just me," said a familiar voice. Buffy instantly dropped the stake in her hand and rushed to the figure.

"Angel!" she exclaimed. "I can't believe you're here!"
"I left Chicago earlier than they would have liked," Angel explained as he held Buffy tight.

"But what did they say?" Buffy asked, raising her head.
"Who?" replied Angel.

"That law firm that you went to talk to. They must not have liked that you left early."

Angel pulled away from Buffy, leading her to the sofa. After they were both sitting, Angel continued.

"First, I know how you hated the fact that I had to go."
"Well, you did ask me if I wanted you to stay."
"Yeah, and you told me no. But the point is, I refuse to miss a Christmas, and our first real one, because I have to fly out of town." Buffy smiled at Angel as he spoke. Then, she realized he was hiding something in his eyes.

"There's a 'but', isn't there?" Angel smiled his famous smile.

"Yeah," Angel's face became serious. "But, I don't know how you're going to feel about it."
"What is it?" asked Buffy.

"I didn't take it." He told her. "I didn't take the job."
"But, why?" Buffy was confused. Angel was so excited that he could start doing real PI work, the fact that he had said no, baffled Buffy.

"Because, it would take me away from you," Angel cupped Buffy's cheek.

"I love you," Buffy said leaning against Angel's chest.

"I love you, too," Angel replied, stroking Buffy's back.

"How about I make us some hot chocolate, and you and I go sit on the porch for awhile?"
Angel looked down at his earthly angel, smiling. "Sounds perfect."

"Great," Buffy said, standing. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere."
"Wouldn't think of it," Angel called back.

Buffy and Angel sat on the front porch, swinging back and forth on the Porch bench, a large blanket draped around them to keep warm. Buffy had her head laying across Angel's chest, one hand on his heart, the other holding her steaming mug. Angel had placed his head over Buffy's, an arm draped over her, the other holding his mug. Music softly filtered outside, from the radio inside.

"Now this is the way to spend Christmas," Buffy stated, feeling completely at peace, as the morning sun began to rise.

"Definitely," Angel kissed the top of Buffy's head.

"I still can't get over it," Buffy held out her left hand. On the ring finger, sat a sterling silver ring that resembled a Claddaugh; with two hands holding a crowned heart.

The heart shaped jewel was a Garnet, representing Buffy's birthday. The Crown also carried a jewel. This one was a diamond, representing Angel's birthday.

They also carried a deeper meaning. The Garnet declared how Buffy felt for Angel; Friendship, trust, and eternal devotion. Angel's diamond, told of the eternal love, faith, and purity that existed between them.

Angel looked over at his own ring before answering Buffy.
"Yeah, married. Finally."

Buffy looked up and Angel, sharing a passionate kiss. The sounds of excited voices in the living room, broke the spell.

"Merry Christmas, Buffy," Angel said.

"Merry Christmas, Angel."
"Don't you think we ought to tell everyone that I'm here?"
"Yeah, we should," said Buffy stretching. "Come on, let's go give them a Christmas surprise."
"I like the sound of that," Angel wrapped his arm around Buffy's waist as they walked inside.

The voices in the living room became louder, as they each realized Angel had come home. And on the radio in the corner, an old familiar song rang out:
We drank a toast to innocence,

We drank a toast to now.

And tried to reach beyond the emptiness,

But neither one knew how.

We drank a toast to innocence,

We drank a toast to time.

Reliving in our eloquence,

Another 'auld lang syne'...

Well, folks, that's it! The end! What did you think? Did I succeed in making you think that B/A DIDN"T get married? If so YES! if not, darn! lol But oh well! This past year has been amazing! You guys have been so wonderful with the reviews and comments! It's almost hard to believe that this story is finished! LOL I want to send BIG thanks to my BETA MacKenzie Creations for her help in getting this story to you guys! Girl, you rock! Also THANK YOU to ALL my reviews, good and bad! They truly were the inspiration for keeping this story going! Now, I turn my attentions to my other works : Beauty and the Beast, and my Shanshu Series. Look for them! I look forward to seeing you guys there! CIAO!