The fragrance of jasmine and moon flowers mixed with the scents of marigold and the various flowers now blooming in the garden. Spike took a deep breath of the heady aroma to steady his nerves, trying desperately to keep himself from bouncing on the balls of his feet waiting for the ceremony to begin.
"Would you relax already?" Clem chided in a low tone from his place next to Spike as his Best Man, tugging on his tie uncomfortably. "I don't know what you're so nervous about, you two already have the whole happy family thing going on," he muttered.
Spike eyed him with mild amusement, suspecting Clem's annoyed tone had much more to do with the suit and tie he'd been required to wear than anything to do with him. "It's not Buffy I'm worried 'bout— it's them—" Spike bobbed his chin toward the guests, nearly filling the short folding pews. He was just grateful they'd kept the guest list short. Very short.
Spike scanned the small audience, his gaze suddenly locking with Angel's, an odd expression on his face. It wasn't his normal brooding, nor did he look like he'd happily use Spike's head as target practice. If he didn't know him as well as he did, Spike might've thought Angel was merely bored. The tense moment shattered when Cordelia passed a fussy Connor over to his father. Spike watched a few seconds longer as Angel entertained the small boy with silly faces before Spike's brain threatened to explode and start leaking out his ears. Despite having children himself, he wasn't sure if he'd ever get used to the idea of his old mentor being a father. But there he was right in front of him puffing his cheeks out and making fish faces for a giggling Connor while Cordelia watched them with a fond smile on her face.
He blinked a few times letting his mind register the fact they had chosen to sit on the Groom's side, his side. It was likely nothing more than an effort to fill out the seating since Angel's little entourage from LA made up the bulk of the guest list, what with most of Buffy's people being involved in the wedding in some capacity. The only exception was the McDaniels'. After coming clean to Ruth about her "night job", Buffy decided it only made sense to invite her and her husband to the wedding.
Spike gave Ruth a polite smile just as he noticed Anya coming out of the house with the babies already in the stroller. Gunn and Loren sprang from their seats to help her get them down the steps safely before going back to their seats. Anya took a place on the end of the front pew next to Ethan where she could keep a close eye on the babies during the ceremony, and immediately struck up a conversation with Ethan. The two of them had formed a close friendship over the last few weeks that had surprised everyone in their little group except for Spike. He watched as Halfrek took the seat behind Anya, joining in on their conversation happily. They were an odd bunch but not surprising, he thought.
Xander waved at his wife before reaching behind Clem to tug on Spike's jacket sleeve. Spike jerked his arm in surprise, jolting out of his thoughts. "Bloody hell, Harris, if you've gotta take a piss then you should've thought about that before we got to the damn altar," Spike hissed.
Xander rolled his eyes as he straightened his boutonniere. "It's showtime, Harmony just gave the signal."
Spike ran a hand over the back of his neck and straightened his jacket. "Oh— right," he murmured just as Harmony pushed play on the CD player and soft classical music began playing.
(*)
The music filtered into the kitchen through the open door as Dawn fussed with the back of Buffy's dress while Willow handed her her bouquet of early fall flowers. Chrysanthemums in various shades of purple, contrasted against orange roses and sunflowers. Harmony had taken the liberty of adding a few of the night-blooming flowers from the garden into all of the flower arrangements, including the bouquets, thus pushing the contrast even further.
Buffy smiled at Willow and Dawn, both wearing A-line dresses with a fitted bodice in a lovely plum-colored chiffon. She couldn't help thinking how beautiful they looked with their hair and makeup done and feeling a surge of love and gratitude toward them both.
"You guys— you look absolutely beautiful," Buffy gushed.
Willow leaned in for a hug, being careful not to crush the flowers. "I can't believe in a few minutes you're gonna be Mrs Married Lady!" Willow squeaked happily.
"You look amazing, Buff," Dawn said, following suit with a sisterly hug of her own. "You're totally gonna knock him dead— dead-er— I really need to work on that."
Buffy giggled, with a shake of her head.
From outside Harmony gave the signal to start the procession, Willow shot Buffy a huge grin and a thumbs up before heading out. Dawn moved closer to the door, waiting for her cue before following, she had barely stepped outside when Giles came into the kitchen from the hallway where he'd stopped to straighten his tie.
He paused a beat taking Buffy in, before a smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he reached for her hand. "I- I feel as though I should say something profound."
"I hear that's a pretty typical requirement for the father-of-the-bride. So go on, hit me with your profoundest words of wisdom."
He smiled thoughtfully as the two of them moved closer to the door, watching the photographer (a tall lanky half-demon Spike used to play poker with) take photos of Willow making her way down the aisle. "No, I really don't think so. If I'm being completely honest—" he paused, linking his arm with Buffy's. "I'm simply honored. Honored to have had the privilege of watching you grow into the extraordinary young woman you are today. Honored to not only be a father, but also a grandfather, thanks to you."
"Pretty sure Spike and Willow both had parts in that—" she paused, scrunching her nose at her choice of words. "Roles. I meant roles— because obviously there were parts and— other parts, but Willow didn't know and—" Buffy burbled in a rush. "Sorry— I guess the wedding jitters are finally kicking in," she added with a nervous giggle.
Giles used his free hand to pat the back of her hand now lightly gripping his bicep. "Frankly I'm surprised it took this long," he replied good-naturedly.
Buffy nodded and took a deep breath as Dawn reached the end of the aisle and took her place next to Willow next to the arbor. Spike chuckled at something Clem must've said and her heart beat a little faster.
The music changed just as Giles leaned toward her. "It's a shame your mother couldn't have been here," he whispered as they both stepped out onto the porch being very careful of Buffy's gown.
Buffy smiled, allowing him to guide her across the back deck. "I've been thinking about her a lot lately," she replied, squeezing his arm. "But, the way I see it— I have the next best thing, so I think I'm doing alright."
Giles leaned in, planting a fatherly kiss on her forehead. "You really are a remarkable young woman, I'm so very proud of you," he murmured as they made their way down the steps.
"You are so lucky I splurged on the waterproof mascara," Buffy laughed wetly, tilting her head back to halt the waterworks threatening to start. When she looked back down, her gaze immediately locked onto Spike as Giles led her over the carpet of purple and orange rose petals.
She grinned at the sight of him not only wearing a sharp, slim-cut suit but a tie. If she'd had any lingering doubts about the depth of his love for her, they would have been strangled by that tie knowing just how much he hated the thought of wearing one. Warmth flooded her chest, suddenly eager to just cut to the part where she could kiss him.
Giles pulled her into a careful hug, kissing her lightly on the cheek before taking his seat next to Ethan in the front row. Buffy gripped her flowers tightly as she turned to face Spike. It took her a beat to realize he was holding his hands out for her to take and she abruptly turned to hand her flowers to Dawn before twisting back to face Spike, taking his hands and waiting expectantly for Tara.
Tara cleared her throat, and she smiled timidly, taking a breath to master her nerves before beginning. "We are gathered together today to join Buffy Ann Summers and William James Pratt—" A snort sounded from the small audience.
Spike snapped his head around to glare at Angel but didn't say a word. Buffy squeezed his hand gently drawing his attention back and he gave her an apologetic grin as he rubbed the pad of his thumb over her knuckles. Buffy gave him a stern "let it go" look, he squeezed her fingers gently, and she let her expression melt back into a smile.
Tara's nervous grin had returned, but before Angel or anyone else could interrupt again she announced in a stronger, more confident voice than usual, "Alright then, let's get you two married!"
Now, focused on each other, they barely heard the words flowing from Tara's lips while she continued with the ceremony, as their recently ordained officiant. When Tara finished speaking she nodded to Lorne, standing by, and introduced him to the audience.
Lorne sauntered toward the front to the side of the arbor. Not bothering with a microphone for such a small crowd, Lorne began singing Sinatra's 'Fly Me to the Moon', his natural showmanship evident as he engaged with the couple as well as the audience. When he had finished his song and accepted his applause he shook Spike's hand, warmly patting him on the back before he bestowed a hug and a chased kiss on Buffy's cheek. "I wish you all the best, you crazy kids," he said with a departing wink before resuming his seat.
"You've written your own vows, correct?" Tara asked, drawing everyone's attention back to the altar.
Buffy blinked, suddenly feeling more nervous than she had since she had first found out they were having twins.
Seeing her wide-eyed expression, Spike smiled softly. "I'll go first then, shall I?"
Buffy nodded, releasing a nervous sigh.
"From the moment I first saw you, Buffy, I knew you were unique. Your resourcefulness and razor wit drew me in like a moth to a flame. Might've realized I was done for then if I wasn't so bloody thick—" he paused with a knowing smirk that made her chuckle. He sobered quickly before continuing. "I know now that you're so much more to me than a light in the darkness. I've seen your strength and your kindness. I've seen you at your best and your worst. Your complexity is what makes you you, and I understand with perfect clarity exactly what you are— Buffy, you're the woman that makes me want to be the man you deserve— I love you with everything I am and everything I hope to be."
Buffy sniffed in an attempt to stop any tears from falling, unsuccessfully. She extracted one hand from his to wipe away the tears gathered at the corners of her eyes. Waterproof mascara or not, there were still pictures to think about. "Jerk—" she giggled wetly. "How am I supposed to top that?"
Spike snorted a laugh, reaching out to catch a stray tear with his thumb. "Do your worst, Slayer," he teased.
Buffy laughed, composing herself. "You're on." Taking a deep breath, she slipped her hand back into his. "You just don't know when to give up, you never quit. Some might say it's your biggest flaw, but I've come to realize it's also your best quality. William, you've stuck by my side through the worst times of my life. You stayed—" her voice cracked and she gave a sniff. "Even when you probably shouldn't have, but I'm so glad you did. You've been my biggest support and my closest enemy—" It was her turn to give him a teasing smirk. "I've watched you grow into the only man I can imagine spending my life with. When you step up, you really step up and I couldn't ask for a better partner or a better father for our daughters. I'm proud of who you've become for us. I love you, William, now and always."
"Nice hit," he choked weakly, so low that only Buffy and Tara could hear.
Buffy preened slightly but didn't get the chance to answer before Tara asked for the rings. Excitement surged through Buffy's chest as Dawn passed her Spike's ring, now not only a symbol of their love but also the catalyst to a brighter future together. She grinned wildly as they exchanged rings and I Do's, barely sparing a thought for the band now resting on her finger as she clasped his hand in hers, thinking about how she was going to tell him about the secret held within his wedding band.
"By the power invested in me, by the state of California— and some fancy internet witchery," she paused, glancing at her girlfriend who looked like she might wag her tail if only she had one. "I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!" Tara announced.
Spike didn't hesitate, he closed the scant distance between them, pulling her in for a tender kiss full of promise. Buffy sighed into the kiss, ignoring the catcalls from their friends as Spike dipped her.
A moment later, Buffy righted herself blushing, a wide smile on her face as she accepted her bouquet back from Willow. Hand in hand they made their way down the aisle, stopping at the end for a few pictures.
The photographer immediately took over, directing them in front of the arbor and the flowers blooming in the garden while the guests made their way over to the reception area where tables had been placed around a small portable dance floor provided by the rental company.
To Buffy's relief, the photographer seemed to be extremely proficient and she could hardly wait to see how the photos turned out. Especially the few special photos he agreed to take of their daughters dressed in their eyelet dresses with Buffy's bouquet. Even as the photos were being taken, she knew they were bound to be treasured keepsakes.
When they were finished, Buffy and Spike made their way over to officially greet their guests as husband and wife.
As it was a nighttime wedding with guests of the demon variety in attendance, they had decided to serve a buffet-style meal rather than have the catering company serve them. It made for a relaxed atmosphere without compromising the quality of the food which included butternut squash soup, a fresh seasonal salad, honey Dijon chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, and caramelized Brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese.
Spike watched Buffy with an amused expression on his face as she hummed, happily chewing a brussel sprout. He chuckled, pouring himself a goblet of blood from a repurposed wine bottle covered in ultra-fine, holographic glitter. He set the bottle down, briefly checking his hand for traces of glitter.
Harmony had recruited Dawn to help prepare a bottle for each of the vampires in attendance before the wedding. The general idea of having blood disguised as wine had been semi-practical but he had been trying to decide if the glitter-covered bottles were over the top. The normal rules didn't seem to apply to weddings, at least not if the centerpieces adorning the tables were an accurate scale.
Clusters of candles, covered with hurricane glass, flickered merrily atop mirrors on the tables. Flowers and twinkling mini fairy lights surrounding the arrangements in conjunction with the strands of white fairy lights interwoven along the flower beds and the fencing, twining around trees and shrubbery, made their little backyard feel like an enchanted secret garden, not a unicorn in sight.
A poke in the side drew Spike out of his musings and he raised a questioning brow to his new wife. "What was that for?"
She swallowed her food and took a sip of wine to clear her mouth. "You're doing your wax figure impression again. It's a little disturbing when I'm eating."
He blinked and forced a breath through his useless lungs, realizing he hadn't done either since he'd set down the bottle. "Callin' me waxy?"
"If the shoe fits," she replied with a cryptic smirk, wiggling happily in her seat.
Spike eyed her with a critical expression and took a sip of blood. He'd expected her to be happy— or perhaps hoped would be more accurate, it being their wedding and all— but there was something about that wiggle that pushed his curiosity over the edge. "What do you have up your sleeve?"
She reached her free hand across to her opposite shoulder and tugged on the tiny cap sleeve there. "Have you seen this dress? No way I'm hiding anything there," she replied, tasting her mashed sweet potatoes. "Oh. My. God. These are so good," she moaned, taking another bite.
He smiled, eyes twinkling as he watched her. "You're trying to distract me."
"Am I?" she countered innocently.
Willow leaned forward in her seat, peering around Dawn sitting next to Buffy. "Oh, come on, Buffy, quit torturing the guy, just tell him already," she laughed.
Dawn shifted back in her seat, taking a drink of water. "Is this about the stuff you asked me to look up for you?" she asked Willow.
Willow pressed her lips together hesitantly but before she could answer Dawn added, "I meant the first thing not the— eh—"She cut herself off not wanting to say more.
"It sure is," Willow chirped, quickly catching on to what Dawn was specifically not saying. "Couldn't have done it without the extra info. Big time helpful."
Dawn's grin turned smug. "This is gonna be so cool."
Spike narrowed his gaze at the three women. "Yeah, alright then, out with it you lot."
Buffy bit the inside of her cheek in an effort to keep a straight face. "Willow and Tara have a pretty awesome wedding gift for us— well, you specifically."
"I helped with the research!" Dawn interjected.
"Always thought the gifts came after the guests left," Spike retorted, ignoring Dawn's outburst.
"Yeah, but this one has to do with your wedding band," Buffy smiled.
Spike looked down at the simple braided band now resting snugly on his left ring finger. "What about it?"
Her smile grew wider. "You, Mr. Pratt, can now go out in the sunshine without changing your name to Mr. Big Pile of Dust," she paused for dramatic effect, watching the confusion writ over his face. "Who knows, babe, maybe now you can finally find out if you freckle."
"I—" His brow furrowed as he continued to study his ring, the gears slowly clicking into place. "How?"
"Let's just call it the Gem of Amara's little brother," Willow explained. "We already tested the sun protection-ness, and it worked!"
"You're putting me on," he murmured in disbelief, his gaze shifting from each of their grinning faces and back to his ring.
"Harmony is still with us, right?" Buffy noted.
"Harm was in on this too?" he asked, blinking dumbly.
"Just for testing purposes. No vamps were harmed in the making of this film," Buffy huffed, slightly annoyed as she glanced up to the place where Harmony sat chatting with Cordelia, sipping a glass of what looked like red wine but was really blood. Buffy turned her attention back to him. "At least we know it works though."
Spike nodded and looked up just as Tara came over to them, pulling a seat over to sit at the end of the table beside her girlfriend. "Aww, did I miss it? Did Buffy already tell him?" she asked.
"You're just in time, he's still processing," Willow answered.
Spike blinked a few times, taking in their expectant expressions. "You're serious?"
They all smiled. Spike turned in his seat to face Clem and Xander on his other side. "Did you two know 'bout this?" he asked, waving his ring finger at them.
"Who do you think ordered all the special magic what's its?" Xander countered as he raised his water glass in Anya's direction, where she was sitting with Giles and Ethan.
Clem just snickered and clapped Spike on the back.
"Bloody hell…" Spike's face split into a grin of his own. "I can't believe you lot managed something like this. Thanks. Can't wait to test it out," he replied graciously. He then shifted in his seat, gently removing Buffy's fork from her hand and laying it on her plate. "Come here you," he murmured, pulling her into a kiss.
Buffy pulled away, and wriggled happily as she resettled in her seat to continue her meal, glad the surprise had been received as well as she'd hoped. She was already starting to plan a little excursion into town with Spike and the girls. Just a morning walk as a family sounded like an amazing opportunity they wouldn't have had otherwise. The thought filled her heart with joy, knowing that Spike now had that advantage.
As the reception drew on, they cut the cake— a simple two-tiered design, wrapped in an elegant swath of edible flowers in shades of purple and orange— followed shortly by their first dance as husband and wife. Although it had taken much debate, Buffy and Spike had finally settled on the song 'Always' by Blink-182. It wasn't exactly Buffy's first choice, and even Spike had his misgivings about the lyrics. However, it was one they both decided held an overall sentiment that fit well with the rollercoaster their relationship had once been and the promise of what it would be.
By the second song, the rest of the wedding party had joined them on the dancefloor. Clem danced in an awkward brotherly fashion with Dawn while Willow and Xander danced together exactly the way one might expect two people that had known each other since kindergarten would.
It was the Snoopy dance.
Of course, it was.
Buffy laughed and buried her face in Spike's shoulder when she caught a glimpse of the two of them acting like a couple of goofy kids.
Within moments, Anya cut into the dance, reclaiming her husband. Tara followed suit, taking Willow by the hand sweetly. Fred and Gunn soon joined them on the floor as the other guests began to mingle, carrying on their own conversations.
Buffy was particularly happy to see the way Ruth and Les had gravitated toward Giles and Ethan. She let Spike guide her around the small dance floor periodically catching glimpses of them deep in conversation.
Buffy looked up at Spike, catching his eye. "Do you think we should be concerned about that?"
With a firm hand on her back, bodies pressed together, he turned on the spot to see who she was talking about. "Don't see why. Imagine they just want to talk to another couple their own age," Spike murmured in her ear.
"I wonder what they're talking about," she mused.
Spike gripped her hand and extended his arm twirling her. They turned as one when he drew her back to him. "I dunno, think I'm more interested in that potential train wreck," he chuckled, dipping her to give Buffy a better vantage point. Albeit upside down, she could see Harmony was still chatting emphatically with Cordelia and now Angel too. Spike pulled her up abruptly, gazing into her eyes. "Imagine Angel'll be piercing his eardrums with his butter knife in a minute here," he smirked.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Please. While Harm totally has that effect on people, I doubt Angel would resort to self-mutilation, especially when he could just stake her and be done. No fuss, no muss, and way less yuck."
"Suppose that depends on how folks at their table feel about dust in their food," he shrugged.
"You're such a dope," Buffy laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck comfortably and allowing herself to take in the transformation of her backyard. If she didn't know where she was she might've thought they had been transported to some enchanted, fairy realm, or the set of a bridal magazine photo shoot at the very least. "Seriously though, as much as it pains me to say it; Harmony's extra little touches have made tonight extra special. I'm actually pretty impressed."
Spike let his arms constrict more tightly around her waist, one hand splayed across her exposed back. "Is it everything you wished for?" he murmured as he brushed his lips across hers in a soft caress.
Buffy hummed her agreement before deepening the kiss ever so slightly before pulling back, snuggling her cheek against his chest. "It's been pretty perfect so far."
His hand stroked lazily down her spine and Buffy found herself swaying comfortably with him around the floor. At least until the music changed, and Dawn whisked Buffy away unceremoniously.
"Oi! What're you doing stealin' my wife?" Spike shot at Dawn.
"She was my sister first, so it's only fair I get to dance with her, before you take her away," Dawn teased, sticking her tongue out at her new brother-in-law.
"Rot, we live here, remember? Only place I'm taking her is our bedroom," he countered.
Buffy blew him a kiss as her friends joined her and Dawn on the opposite side of the dance floor.
"Ah, huh, don't think I won't remember this when there are nappies to be changed, Luv!" he added with a grin, before turning away to find Clem standing by the dessert table.
"They sure told you," Clem chuckled, unsuccessfully removing frosting from the folds of skin around his mouth with a napkin.
"Night's not over yet," Spike smirked. Then eyeing Clem and the plate he held, he said, "Bloody hell mate, save some for the rest of us. What is that like your third slice of cake?"
"What? It's really good. And have you even tried the sugar cookies? They're delicious."
Spike rolled his eyes and was about to say something else when Angel came up to the table.
"Spike," Angel greeted tersely as he picked a piece of cake and reached for a couple of cookies.
Spike arched his brow. "Don't tell me you're finally learning how to loosen up— enjoy life's offerings as it were?"
Angel's eyes flicked from the desserts in his hand and back up to Spike. "You mean this? It's for Cordy and Connor."
Spike rolled his eyes. "Thought you might've given up the brooding act since you finally got that pesky soul of yours set in concrete."
Clem paused with a cookie in his mouth mid-bite, watching the two vampires.
"What does that have to do with cake?" Angel countered.
"I'm just saying that the whole self-flagellation thing has worn a bit thin, especially seeing as there's no point to it now. Time to move on. You can still help the helpless or whatever it is you do but for Christ's sake, Angel, eat the damn cake and ask that lady of yours to dance already," Spike insisted. The corner of his mouth hitched up. "It's my wedding after all, you should have a little fun," he added smugly.
Angel glared at him. "Easier said than done," Angel muttered.
"Bollocks. You just need to make the choice. If not for yourself, then for them," Spike replied with a pointed jerk of his head toward Cordelia who was handing a very sleepy Connor over to Loren.
Angel nodded. "You're annoying when you're right."
Clem let out an anxious laugh, finally allowing himself to finish his cookie.
"So I've been told," Spike grinned.
"Yeah, well—" Angel paused awkwardly, his eyes momentarily catching Cordelia's gaze as she sat waiting for him and her cake. He cleared his throat. "Buffy seems really happy— Congratulations— you better take care of her," he replied in an obviously rehearsed, overly diplomatic rush.
Spike cocked his head at Angel's odd shift. "No worries, I don't ever plan on leaving my girls."
Angel worked his throat like he'd just been forced to swallow something rancid, he straightened his shoulders cutting their conversation short without another word as he grabbed a second piece of cake and returned to his table with Cordelia.
Spike snorted a laugh clapping a very confused Clem on the shoulder. "What the heck was that?" Clem asked.
"Seems our boy Angel has finally met his match. Good for her," Spike laughed again. "Come on, mate, let's get you away from this table and on the floor with the rest of 'em. I've got a wife to dance with," he grinned, pulling Clem along with him into the cluster of people on the dance floor.
(*)
Buffy took a long drink of water, draining the glass as she relaxed back into her seat. She and Spike had taken a break from the limelight, to tend to the twins' and spend some quality time with them. In her mind, it seemed like they were in a little bubble of calm like the eye of a storm and she was just watching the spectacle around them.
Spike rested his hand on her knee. "Think I'll get a drink. There anything I can get you, pet?"
Buffy considered the question. "Maybe see if you can snag a couple of cookies before Clem finishes them," she shrugged.
"Sure thing, gorgeous," he murmured, giving her a peck on the lips before leaving the table.
Buffy smiled down at Lily who was gripping her finger tightly in one tiny fist. The baby stretched her mouth in a yawn and Buffy chuckled softly at the adorable act. "Sleepy time, sweet girl," Buffy cooed and with a gentle hand, Buffy laid Lily next to Grace, already settled in the stroller. Lily was just drifting off to sleep when Ruth came up to them.
"I just wanted to let you know we're getting ready to leave," Ruth said, gesturing to her husband a few feet away. "I'm glad you asked us to come. It was a lovely wedding."
"We're so glad you decided to come!" Buffy replied honestly.
Ruth smiled sheepishly. "I have to admit, it's certainly been an enlightening evening, meeting new— people and hum, not people I suppose," she said.
Buffy smirked. "Yeah, it's kind of one thing to know demons exist and another to go to a wedding where over half the folks happen to be demons, or ex-demon— or witches— or something from the spooky side," she finished weakly, realizing the awkward turn the conversation had taken.
Ruth frowned. "Well, obviously the singer with the horns and the Best Man with the skin, but—" she cut herself off, and with a wave of a dismissive hand, turned back to Buffy, with a smile. "You know what, never mind we'll discuss it in two weeks when you come back to work."
The confusion must have been visible on Buffy's face because Ruth quickly added, "Les and I talked about it and we've decided to give you a nice little vacation. Call it a wedding gift! We figure you deserve a little time to yourselves— or at least as much time to yourselves as you can manage with two little ones," she grinned.
"R-really?" Buffy stammered.
"Of course dear, I know you're not planning on a honeymoon, but really this is such an important time in your marriage. You should enjoy it," Ruth said, pulling Buffy into a hug.
It was all Buffy could do to keep tears from forming as she hugged her back. "You and Les are literally the best bosses ever! Thank you so much!"
"As long as I get a mug to confirm it, I'll be a happy woman," Ruth chuckled.
Soon after the MacDaniels left, Fred and Gunn, (who had driven together in Gunn's vehicle) made a point to find Buffy and Spike to wish them the very best before leaving through the back gate with Loren, heading home to LA.
"Here's the last of the wine, thought you might appreciate a second glass," Spike said as he handed Buffy a glass.
"Aww, thanks, Hun. Yeah, I guess being the Bride doesn't necessarily mean you get all the wine," Buffy pouted, taking a sip just as Angel and Cordelia came up to them to say their goodbyes.
Angel seemed inclined to let Cordelia do most of the well-wishing, and for a moment looked like he might interrupt the conversation when Harmony (closely followed by Willow) ran up to their little group. She bounced with excitement, carrying the pink canvas bag she'd practically been living out of since her arrival.
"I— I thought she was making a run for it," Willow huffed, catching her breath and holding a stitch in her side.
"As if," Harmony rolled her eyes before turning to face Cordelia and Angel expectantly. "Did you tell them yet?"
Cordelia blinked. "I was just about to bring it up."
"Bring what up?" Buffy asked, arching a brow.
Harmony continued to bounce looking from Cordelia to Buffy. Cordelia shifted the sleeping toddler in her arms and when she didn't answer Buffy's question immediately, Harmony blurted out, "I'm going to LA! Angel and Cordy said I can have a room in their hotel and I'm gonna start a demon-friendly event planning service and Cordy is going to be my partner!" She flung her arms around Buffy and Spike with a squeal of delight. "And it's all thanks to you guys for being my very first clients!"
Buffy and Spike exchanged perplexed looks before offering any sort of response as they pulled away from her awkwardly. "Well, eh, good— good for you, Harm," Spike replied with hesitation.
"That sounds like a great plan," Buffy interjected quickly, catching Angel's eye with an "I hope you know what you're doing" expression.
Angel cleared his throat, putting an arm around Cordelia's waist. "Cordy thinks it could be a good business move for the two of them and the hotel since it's not exactly open. I told her we could at least give it a try, just sort of see how it goes," he shrugged. "Who knows, maybe it will help bring in a few clients for Angel Investigations too."
"Wow, that's hum— great— good luck with that," Buffy replied, squeezing Spike's hand in silent warning to play nice.
Spike winced, thankful circulation in his fingers wasn't exactly an issue. "Yeah, right. Good luck with that one, mate. Imagine the hotel'll be the perfect place to operate that sorta venture."
"I know right? Cordy has some totally great ideas already; I can't wait to get started!" Harmony bubbled.
Cordelia chuckled, bouncing Connor on her hip. "Yeah well, even though I think there's a market for it in LA, we're gonna have a ton of work to do before we can get started, right?" she asked pointedly, inclining her head to Angel.
Angel's jaw twitched, but he nodded squeezing her gently. "I heard you the first time, dear, and yeah— I know— you're right."
"Duh, of course, I'm right," she smiled, then turned her attention back to Buffy and Spike. "It was a beautiful wedding, but we really should get home before sunrise. I'm just glad this little guy sleeps just about anywhere," she said, kissing the top of Connor's head.
Buffy and Spike followed them out as far as the garden gate watching them get into the car and driving away. Spike pulled Buffy to him. "At least that took care of the Harmony problem. You think she'll be planning their wedding next?" he smirked.
Buffy chuckled, "Honestly, I have no idea. I guess she'll need a portfolio or something, right? So it might help the business if she actually plans a wedding instead of just embellishing someone else's," Buffy shrugged.
"My wife, the romantic," Spike snickered as they walked back into the yard from the garden gate. "Thought you said you were happy with Harm's embellishments."
"I am! I can't wait to see the pictures! I just meant—"
"I know what you meant, Luv," he said, stopping just shy of the reception area where Halfrek, Ethan, and Anya chatted at one of the tables while the Scoobies started cleaning up. Spike pulled her against his chest firmly. There was a tangible shift in the air around them that made her heart jump. "Not to change the subject, but do you want to know what I keep thinking 'bout?"
Buffy snaked her arms around his neck, grinning as the bulge pressing into her grew slightly. "Is it how glad you are that Dawn is planning on staying with Tara and Will tonight?"
"Absolutely! Get the Double Mints into bed and then it's just you and me," he murmured, wiggling his brows and giving her a lascivious grin.
"I wonder if they'd be willing to keep her a little longer," Buffy purred, remembering that she hadn't had a chance to tell him about Ruth and Les's generous wedding gift.
"Think we can talk the witches into having her for the full two weeks?" Spike asked when she had told him.
"I sorta doubt it," she sighed, "but it will still be super nice to just have some family chill time."
"Right you are, Luv," he replied, pulling her into a long tender kiss.
"Get a room," Xander's jovial voice rang out.
Buffy and Spike pulled apart reluctantly, turning to face Xander, only to find all eyes trained on the two of them.
Buffy blinked, taken aback at the attention. "Hum, hey, what's up, guys?" she asked, looking slightly confused at their odd behavior.
"We have a surprise for you," Willow announced. "We all got to talking and figured you guys didn't exactly need towels and blenders and stuff since you already have all that."
"So we started talking about what you two really needed," Tara interjected.
Giles stepped forward, handing Buffy, a narrow envelope. She opened it to find a thick brochure for what appeared to be a Hawaiian resort complete with reservation information. "What's this?" Buffy asked in awe, looking up at her friends. Spike looked over her shoulder to read the brochure and looked up just as puzzled.
Anya stood up, wrapping an arm around her husband. "It's a full honeymoon package at a family-friendly resort. They even provide daycare for newborns, we checked," she explained.
Xander took over the conversational tennis ball. "We knew neither of you would want to leave the girls and with Spike's fancy new ring we thought 'Hey what could be better than a Hawaiian getaway?'"
Giles moved closer to Ethan, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We thought it was an excellent idea, so we pulled our resources to make it possible."
"And as much as I would love to meet some hot Hawaiian guy, I'm totally staying right here with Willow and Tara," Dawn chirped. "That way the only ones even close to the gross, that is you two, will probably sleep right through it and if they don't, at least they won't remember," she finished with a grin.
Buffy blinked several times and looked back down to the resort information. "This is for two weeks—" she eyed Giles. "This is what you were talking to Ruth and Les about. They were in on it too."
"I admit, yes I did talk to them but it's not as though we waited to spring it on them tonight. I went into the office while you were on your lunch break. It took a little convincing but once I explained the plan they were happy to help," Giles explained. "We've become quite friendly actually, they've even invited Ethan and me to dinner on Tuesday."
Buffy's mouth gaped slightly, and she looked around at everyone there before inspecting the contents of the brochure more closely. "Check-in is tomorrow— or- no, it's today! How can—"
"We covered all the bases," Willow interrupted.
"Everything's packed. Clothes, beach wear, sunblock, diapers, floaties, everything you or the babies might need," Dawn replied.
Just then Clem came out of the house lugging three huge rolling suitcases behind him. "She's not kidding. It wasn't easy trying to pack everything, let me tell you," he huffed, drawing a clawed hand across his wrinkled forehead. "I even made the girls sun hats," he added with a grin.
Spike squeezed his arm around Buffy's waist and she looked over to see him examining his wedding band with renewed enthusiasm and she felt like she might burst with excitement for this adventure. But then a thought hit her. "But how are we getting there?" she blurted.
Halfrek laughed heartily. "Don't be silly, why do you think I hung around? I'm taking you there myself, first class." She snapped her fingers and suddenly Buffy and Spike's wedding attire was gone. Instead, they were both dressed in casual beachwear. Buffy in a light flowing white dress, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sandals carrying Grace in the crook of her arm now wearing a gauzy yellow sundress, hat, and glasses on her tiny face. Spike carried Lily, dressed the same as her twin except in coral pink. Hallie had chosen to dress Spike in a cream-colored linen suit with brown sandals and a straw fedora.
He looked down at himself and yelped. "Bloody hell! I'm not wearing this!"
Halfrek examined him critically, suppressing a delighted smirk. "Really now, William, you can hardly blame me for having a little fun."
At his unamused glare, Hallie shrugged. "Very well," she huffed and with a flick of her wrist he was suddenly changed into gray linen slacks a black button-down shirt in a lightweight breathable fabric, and black canvas shoes. "Better?"
Still glaring, he inspected his new ensemble. "Immeasurably. Hope there's no more of that dandy nonsense in those cases there," he added with a pointed look toward the suitcases Clem brought out.
"Not a chance," Dawn answered. "Anya and I had the final say on everything we packed."
"Not sure if that's exactly comforting," he grumbled, glancing down at his daughter in his arms. "What do you think, Itty-bitty, should we trust 'em?"
Lily giggled up at him, kicking her feet happily.
"Should've realized you'd side with them," he sighed.
"Of course she does. Now go on you two! Take the little ones and go have a great time. There's a camera in Buffy's bag. I expect lots and lots of pictures!" Dawn said, waving her hands in a shooing motion.
Buffy adjusted Grace in her arms and glanced up at Spike. "I'm definitely not passing up Hawaii."
Spike grinned and tilted his head expectantly toward Halfrek. "So, when's his flight takeoff? I wanna try out this fancy new ring," he smirked, wrapping one arm around Buffy before murmuring, "Amongst other things, I'm looking forward to."
Fin
A/N: And there it is folks, the ultra fluffy feel good ending of the story! I've had so much fun writing this story and I'm immensely grateful to everyone who has stuck with me throughout the process. The biggest of thanks to the ever supportive Geliot99 for all she does. Thank you for letting me pick your brain and for telling me when something just isn't working ;) You have helped me in more ways than you know, thank you!
