So here it is, the last chapter I hope you enjoy :)

Chapter 18

The surprise was that the hotel had been decorated with 'Sorry you are leaving' banners and balloons. There was party food, music playing and a slide show of photos of our time in L.A. screening on one of the walls. Lorne had really gone to town and welcomed us with open arms. Everyone was waiting for us, including Willow, Tara and Dawn. There was lots of hugging and straightening of hair by Little Angel Number one, as Dawn was present. Lorne announced that after snacks there would be some games and everyone had to join in. Liam and Finn were telling everyone about their encounter with Drusilla and Finn announced that Dru must have liked him more as Liam had been reduced to 'Little Angel Number Two'. Liam was lost for words and so for once Finn had the upper hand. It was good to see!

I took Willow to one side and thanked her once again for her protection spell.

"I'm just so pleased we have found out that it works, especially under such controlled conditions with Angel being close by," she beamed. I was so pleased and relieved too. She went off to join Beth and Tara who seemed to be in deep conversation.

I went over to Angel and Cordy who were just watching everyone having a good time.

"I can't believe it's the last day." I said, putting my arm through Angel's. I will miss you all so much.

Angel turned to me, "And I will miss you too, it's been wonderful having both families here at the same time."

"Even though we've had a few adventures?"

"I think Angel thrives on adventure," added Cordy who then went to top up everyone's glasses.

"I know you are very proud of your family, and you know how lucky you are," stated Angel.

"Yes I am, and yes I do." I replied.

"Well I think I am just as proud; David is the leader and Beth, Kate, Liam and Finn are warriors who will try to do what is right."

"And me?" I asked.

"You are its heart and soul, and you should never, ever forget that." With that he kissed me on the forehead.

"Is that what your Clare was like?"

"Yes, she was like a summer breeze that kept passing through my life. She loved me and I loved her, but …" The rest was left unsaid as Lorne announced the party games and dances.

We played; musical statues, pass the parcel and musical chairs - and may I say that there was no chivalry during that but rivalry between Gunn and Angel and anyone who was in their way got flattened! I am so pleased that Cordy won that one as she was not taking any prisoners either. We also danced and did the 'Birdie song', YMCA, Time warp, Cha Cha Slide, Macarena, Oops Upside Your Head – you name it, we did it. I was crying with laughter, as was everybody else, especially when Angel put his Mickey Mouse ears back on. Then the Karaoke machine came out, during the night I got up and sang, "The Galway Rover," but substituted 'Liam' for 'Jimmy' to Angel. Angel did a medley of Barry Manilow songs, and was stunned that none of our children had heard of him! Gunn did a mean version of, 'Shaft' and Fred decided she was going to be Dolly Parton for the evening and sang, 'Nine till Five' and of course, 'Jolene.' Tara had the most beautiful voice and calmed things down for a while singing, 'Wuthering Heights' and the theme from, 'The Titanic'. The wine, spirits beer and cider was certainly flowing freely and I vaguely remember seeing Liam, Finn and Dawn dancing on the counter but it was all a blur.

I woke up sometime later with the sun on my face. I wasn't in bed, but lying on the sofa in the foyer of the hotel. Several people were scattered among balloons and paper plates and Gunn was draped up the stairs holding a pizza and wearing a party hat. Finn was lying down in the middle of the carpet. He must have just flopped down, asleep, as he did when he was little.

Dawn and Liam were fast asleep on the counter and Kate was asleep in the chair in Angel's office. I got up tentatively and found nothing hurt. I stretched and looked at my watch. It was only 6.00am and the taxi was only coming to get us at 2.00pm so we had time to recover from our amazing last night.

I carefully went to people and started to wake them up, Gunn, Liam, Finn and Kate headed up to bed for another couple of hours. Angel appeared from nowhere and escorted Dawn up to a room so she could have a few more hours of much needed sleep.

Angel and I sat down with a cup of coffee.

"So, Barry Manilow…" I smiled.

"Don't start," he interrupted.

"I might have been complimenting you!"

"Oh!"

"And now you'll never know."

We sat in companionable silence for a while, knowing that our friendship was secure and lasting.

As Willow and Tara appeared I decided that I should start clearing up.

"No, don't worry." Willow announced and said some words and suddenly everything was cleared away, clean and sparkling.

"I have to know how you do that!" I joked, but as I looked to Tara, I could see that she did not share my enthusiasm for Willow's instantaneous magic. I quickly cast a look at Angel, who had also noticed, but we said nothing and the look passed quickly from Tara's face. They joined us for breakfast.

I showered and packed the rest of my things ready to travel. David was also up and was doing the same.

I went into Finn's room. Finn was out cold on the bed and so I packed his clothes for him. Everything but a change of clothes and toiletries; I wasn't a mum that usually did that but for once, I think my hung over fourteen year old might appreciate it.

I knocked on Liam's door. Mr. Independent was already up, showered and packed. He was just getting ready to come downstairs.

"Definitely, Brownie points to you." I beamed.

"I'm not a Brownie – but you could convert that to hard cash when we get home."

"We'll see – I can smell breakfast, off you go."

"Not before I take a couple of shots of brother dearest."

"Liam!" but he was off and out with phone in hand ready to get back at Finn. Oh Well. Brotherly love is amazing.

After everyone was up and had had breakfast; even a bleary-eyed Finn, we said good-bye to Willow, Tara and Dawn. Beth invited Willow and Tara over and they said that would arrange dates and come and see us at our family home when Beth was back for a visit. Dawn, Liam and Finn had a fond farewell with stolen kisses and promises of msn chats. After they left Liam started,

"You can tell Dawn liked me more…"

"Enough." It was David and so no more was said, well not in public at least, I knew my son.

And so we stood there, six Kerrigans with cases and bags, looking at Team Angel as we had done two weeks before.

"Thank you for making us part of your family." I simply said. No more needed to be said.

Cordy and Fred were crying and of course, so was I. There was hugging and kissing and promises of keeping in touch.

Wesley brought out a tray of sparkling wine.

"A toast," he said, "To the future."

"To the future!" We all echoed.

"Whatever it brings." It was Angel, making the addition to the toast.

As soon as the glasses were down, the taxi let us know it was waiting. Bags were carried out and it was just Angel and I.

He picked up a glass and gave me one.

"Family," he said.

"Family," I echoed.

We clinked glasses and looked at each other, realizing the bond we had.

The moment ended as I heard, "Mum, we'll be late!"

Family indeed.

I knew that life with my family from the past and my family from the present was the most important part of my life… Whatever it may bring.

A/N Thank you for reading. Thanks to Oddments and Tweaks for encouraging me to put mouse to screen - I have really enjoyed writing this.

I have more ideas which involves the characters together so hope to continue with this story thread