A week later, Buffy was discharged and shortly after, she had to go to court for the charges she filed against William. His lawyer accused Buffy for being unfaithful by having an affair with me during their marriage and that she wasn't the doting wife that everyone thought she was. They tried to attack her character, making her look as though she was a bad person. They of course pleaded insanity in his defence...that her actions made William that way.

Her lawyers in return had solid proof that William was the unfaithful one and that he was verbally abusive towards Buffy throughout their marriage. Her lawyers even had witnesses like her mom, other family members and friends who had seen him abusing Buffy. It made me angry! Buffy and I had never shared in detail the reason our respective marriages broke down so hearing how William was towards her was new information to me.

Eventually, the judge ruled in Buffy's favour and William got a seven-year sentence for attempted rape and murder. I wished they would lock him away forever but according to the criminal justice system, because he never actually goes through the act, seven years is enough.

When the bailiff was taking him away, I saw him smirk at Buffy and I swear I felt like running over and punching him in the face. Buffy must have felt my anger because she held on to my arm in an attempt to calm me down. But it was finally over.

We spent the next few weeks rebuilding our relationship and decided to break the news to our kids. Our older kids understood but we knew that they needed some time to get around to the idea of us together. The younger ones didn't seem to fully understand yet but they know Buffy and I will be more involved in their lives.

We also told my parents and Joyce. Buffy and I apologised for keeping her in the dark. Seeing the situation we were in, Joyce understood. My parents were surprised but knew how serious I was about Buffy and told me to bring her to Philadelphia the next time I visit. We also informed the producers, crew and castmates of our show.

Finally, both of us released a joint statement through our publicists to admit that yes, we are in fact together.

I was elated. I can now hold her hand, kiss her, hug her and do couply stuff with her. No more hiding.

Shooting for the third season of our show began on schedule without Buffy. I shot my solo scenes and will shoot my scenes with Buffy when she has fully recovered.

By this time, I was practically living with Buffy. There wasn't a formal discussion whatsoever. It just happened. I started putting my clothes in her drawers and her dresser has my comb and cologne. My coffee, my shampoo and body wash was in her shopping list when she went to buy groceries.

I only went back to my apartment on weekends when my kids came. Even then, Buffy would visit with Connor and Dawn. It was a good thing that our kids were already friends since they were little so they got along pretty well.

Buffy was recovering well with the scars healing well and her doctors have given her the green light to go back to work.

We took time to rebuild our relationship. We still kissed and hugged but it never went beyond that. I wanted to make sure she was ready and I was willing to wait.

It was Saturday and we were at her place. We were planning on having a picnic at the beach with the kids today so on Friday night when I fetched Liam and Kathy; I decided to have them sleep over at Buffy's.

I woke up first and saw that Buffy was still soundly asleep. Waking up next to her every morning…well almost every morning and falling asleep at night with her in my arms is my most favourite thing now.

Usually, I'll be the first to wake up and I would just stare at her; I would take in her features, the way her chest moved when she breathed and her messy hair on the pillow; she was beautiful even when she's asleep.

Today, her back was against me and I was spooning her, my hand securely holding her stomach where our baby was. Thankfully, our baby was not harmed and is healthy. Now at six months, Buffy's stomach has a slight bump and I smiled as I caressed it. Moments later, Buffy stirred.

"Hmm…morning", she mumbled as she turned and lied on her back.

"Good morning", I leaned down kissing her.

"What time is it?"

"It's slightly after seven".

"Too early to get up", Buffy groaned, moving her head to my shoulder and closing her eyes again. I smiled and kissed her temple.

"We have to get up soon though. We need to wake the kids, prepare the food, pack the picnic stuff"

"Ugh…who's idea was it to have this picnic?"

"I think it was yours, baby. I wanted to bring them to the movies but you said 'let's go to the beach!'".

"What was I thinking?"

"Come on…the kids are looking forward to the beach."

"Ten more minutes please…"

I laughed. I couldn't deny her.

"Okay", I said and she snuggled against me and drifted back to sleep.

"Daddy! Wake up! It's beach time!" I hear Kathy say.

"Yeah!...Wake up Mom..I wanna go to the beach", Connor was clearly excited too.

Before we could react, the two of them climbed on the bed and started jumping up and down.

"Wake up! Wake up! We wanna go to the beach".

I laughed and Buffy groaned, clearly annoyed by them jumping.

"Okay…okay…we're up…why don't you two wake Dawn and Liam and we'll come in a few minutes to help you guys wash up."

"Okay!" they both said and jumped down the bed and left our room holding hands. Moments later I hear "Liam! Dawn!...wake up!...it's beach day!"

I smiled at this scene. I feel like well…as corny as it sounds, like we're a family.

"There's no running away now. We need to get up", I whispered in her ear. Buffy ignored me and just snuggled closer.