Spike arrived in LA and simply drove around for several hours before checking into a hotel. He wasn't exactly sure where he was going or what he was doing. He kept pullingthe black and white ultrasound picture from his pocket and staring at, running his finger over it - his son, this was his son!
It him,that he wasn't sure how to be a father, his own father had died quite young leavinghim to be raised by his mum who somewhat spoiled him to make up for the lack of a father figure.
There was the fact that he kept messing up and hurting Buffy, he couldn't support his own family without spending most of his tme away from her working more then one job. He had grumbled at her for wanting to help out and he had let her down more then once by missing not one but two doctor appointments.And in his new humaness, he couldn't fight as well or protect as well as before. Of course the topper was that damn spell Giles had cast, Giles kept insisting that Buffy loved him and would have married him anyway but he remembered the night the spell was cast now, he remembered hearing her say her destiny couldn't be with Spike - that she still hoped that she and Angel would be together someday. Maybe thats what she needed - he lay down on the hotel bed and fell into a restless sleep.
Buffy watched the clock carefully, she wanted to give Angel time to wake up and when she called she didn't want to sound too anxious. She went through the day on auto pilot, shower, get dressed, eat. At five o'clock she picked up the phone and dialed the number to Angel's room at the hotel.
Angel finished drying his hair and began to get dressed as the phone rang. He reached for it , "Hello"
"Angel?"
"Buffy is that you? How are you feeling?" He asked smiling as he sat down on his bed.
"I'm good, can I talk to Spike?" She asked hesitantly.
"Spike?" Angel replied slightly confused.
"Yeah, he said he was coming to LA to help you with something. Isn't he there yet?" She asked trying to conceal her worry.
Angel quickly put on a cheerful voice, "Yeah, Buffy he got here, but he's gone out to question some people for me - you know he got over that allergy to the sun we both used to share."
"Oh, so do you know when he will be back?" Buffy asked chewing on her bottom lip.
Angel imagined her chewing on her lip he could sense her anxiety on the phone, "I'm not sure, but I"m getting ready to go out and I can promise you - that you will hear from him soon. Okay?"
"Okay. Thanks, Angel." Buffy sighed into the phone.
"No problem, don't worry. Bye." Angel hung up the phone and dressed quickly. He had no idea what was going on with Spike but he intended to find out. If Spike was indeed in LA and human Spike was anything like vamp Spike he knew where to look for him. Obvioulsy he and Buffy were having some kind of problem, if he had hurt her, human or not he would answer to Angel.
Spike sat at the bar drinking one shot after another of whiskey, he kept staring at Buffy's note and the picture of his son. It was the first time he had been drunk since he had become human and he wasn't enjoying it nearly as much as he thought he would.
The blond at the end of the bar stood and walked towards him taking the stool beside his, "Hi! My names Cass, I couldn't help but notice that you look lonely." She ordered a drink.
Spike looked up at the woman, she was attractive and he supposed he should be flattered that she had chosen him to approach. "I'm Spike and I'm not lonely,just inadequate."
"You don't look inadequate to me." She smiled as the bartender brougt her drink. "What could possibly make you feel that way, let me guess it's a woman?"
"Buffy." Spike sighed.
"Is this Buffy your girlfriend?" She prodded.
"No, wife." He sighed again.
"Oh, and she doesn't understand you anymore, right?" She smiled knowingly.
"No, she's wonderful. She's a beautiful woman and I don't deserve her." He broke down in to drunken sobs.
"There, there, she can't be that wonderful if she's made you feel this bad."
"She is wonderful and she's carrying my baby too." Spike looked up at the woman, "My son."
"So you are not only married, your wife is pregnant." Cass stood up with her drink, "Nice meeting you Spike." She climbed down from the stool and bumped into a tall dark man. Flashing him her smile, she spoke, "I'm Cass."
"Nice to meet you, but I need to talk to him." Angel nodded at Spike as Cass shook her head and walked away. Spike had lay his head on the bar, Angel took the stool that Cass had vacated. "So your still charming them, huh Spike. That one couldn't get away from you fast enough. What are you doing here?"
Spike looked up from the bar, "What are you doing here, Peaches?"
"I'm looking for you." Angel stared hard at the blond, "Buffy called to talk to you, seems you've come to LA to help *me* with something. You want to fill me in on why you lied to your pregnant wife and left her to come drink yourself almost unconcious?"
"Thats really none of your business is it?" Spike sat up a little straighter now and tried to focus on Angel.
"It damn well is my business, when you start using me as an alibi in your lies to Buffy," Angel grabbed Spike roughly by the arm, "Come on we are getting you out of here. I promised Buffy you would call her later and I won't break my promise."
"Hey, not so rough, remember I'm just human now." Spike grumbled as he paid the bartender and followed Angel out to his car.
"What is your problem, Spike?" Angel asked not bothering to hide his anger.
"Ya want the list?" Spike replied sarcastically.
"Yeah, I do. Cause you have Buffy worried I could tell when I talked to her even thought she tried to act like everythng was okay. Why did you lie to her?" Angel demanded as he started the car.
"I needed to think, okay? I had to get away from everything." Spike replied angrily.
"You needed to get away from the woman who loves you and is carrying your child?" Angel asked rolling his eyes. "If I was married to Buffy and it was my child I wouldn't want to let her out of my sight."
"Well she's not your wife and its not your baby and IT"S ALL A LIE!" Spike shouted.
"What are you talking about?" Angel pulled the car over to the curb.
"Giles did it! He cast this spell," Spike began to explain the situation to a stunned Angel., And I heard her tell him that she still hoped that you and she could end up together someday."
"She said that?" Angel asked softly.
"Yes, she said it, you happy? Cause I"m not, I'm miserable, I'm doubting everything we have together. How do I know that if nature had taken its course that she would have fallen in love with me? How will I ever know?" Spike spit the words at Angel.
"Spike, Buffy loves you. When she came to me and told me that you were getting married, trust me I tried to talk her out of it. But she was so sincere in her feelings - she loves you, and this was meant to be."
"But that didn't happen, not really Angel. She never came to you and explained anything." Spike sighed again.
Angel decided to take another tact, "So what are you going to do then, leave her with a baby?"
"Well, she might be better off without me, I can't really do a good job of supporting her right now monetarily or emotionally, I keep screwing up. Mabye she would be better off without me." Spike leaned back against the seat and closed his eyes.
"What about the baby, Spike?" Angel asked him seriously.
Spike fumbled in his pocket and pulled out the picture handing it to Angel, "It's a boy. She found out yesterday - alone. I missed the appointment after I promised to be there, what kind of father am I going to be?"
Angel stared at the picture and turned to Spike, "I don't know what kind of father you will be, Spike. But I can tell you that if you arent' willing to stick this out and find out for yourself then there are others who are willing to step in for you."
Spike frowned at the implication of Angel's words, "You - you want to take my place in Buffy's life! You know maybe thats a good idea - you are her first choice afterall." Spike slammed his fist into the dash and winced with pain.
"I would love to be in your place, Spike. But she chose you, even before all of this happened she and I had come to a point that we knew we could never be together. And you - you are breathing, heart beating and married to the woman I love and she loves you and I think you know that. But your letting some stupid memories keep you from her, forget the spell Spike! Go to your wife, love her, raise your child." Angel was shouting now.
Spike turned to him with tears in his eyes, "I want to forget Angel, but you dont' know how hard it is to be the one who carries around this secret. Do you think its fair to keep this from her?"
Angel stared at him for a moment, "Spike, believe it or not I do understand what that feels like. Do you remember a few years ago, Buffy came to LA around Thanksgiving?"
"Yeah, that wasn't too long after I got chipped." Spike replied, "Why?"
"Well have you ever heard of Mohra demon?" Angel asked with a sigh and then he told Spike the story of the forgotten day, "And that is why I do think it's fair to he to keep your secret.What good would it have done Buffy for me to tell her about that day? It wouldn't have changed anything just been another reminder of why we couldnt' be." Angel sighed and tapped his fingers on the steering wheel.
"I guess your right. She doesn't need to know. And before I knew I did make her happy, didn't I?" Spike asked brightly.
Angel shook his head and smiled, "Yes, you make her happy. Now will you please go back to the hotel and call your wife?"
Spike sighed once more, "Okay lets go. I really didn't mean to worry her. You didn't tell her that I didnt' come to help you , did you?"
"No, I covered for your sorry butt, but this Buffy and I think she knew something was up."Angel told him honestly, "You are going to have to face the music Spike."
Spike shook his head solemnly.
"One more thing, Spike," Angel started.
"Yeah?"
"If you don't think you can do this, tell me now. I don't want Buffy hurt." It was Angel's turn to sigh.
"I love her, Angel. I was wrong to let that spell come between us." Spike spoke sincerely and Angel knew he was telling the truth.
They drove back to the hotel in silence, Spike going over in his head what he was going to say to Buffy.
"Spike?" Cordelia asked as the two men entered the lobby.
"Spike needs the phone and some privacy, Cordy." Angel told her as Cordy stood. Angel motioned at her phone and Spike went to the desk. "Come on." Angel led Cordy into the kitchen.
Spike stared at the phone for several minutes before he picked it up and dialed home.
Buffy paced around the kitchen. She was losing patience waiting for Spike to call the ring of the phone startled her and she answered quickly, "Spike?"
"Yes, luv, it's me." He answered softly.
"What's going on? Why didn't you wake me?" She asked anxiously.
"I thought it was best to let you sleep." Spike sighed.
"Something's wrong Spike. You got the picture and you didn't want to talk to me - we're having a son and you didnt' think to wake me up and say something! Helping Angel was more important then that?" She pushed him to answer, she needed to know what was going on in that blond head of his.
"Buffy... I know I handled this wrong. I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. And yes I have the picture. I showed it to Angel. Our son!" Spike wasn't sure how to proceed.
"Yes, our son who at the rate you are working and leaving on trips will never get to see his daddy! Spike whats wrong with you? If this is too much responsibility you need to let me know now! Dawn comes home next week and if you can't handle this I need to know." Her voice trembled and he could almost see the tears in her eyes.
"Buffy, no don't talk like that. I got a bit confused, but it's okay. I'm on my way home now. I'm hanging up and leaving now. I'll see you in a couple of hours."
"Whatever you want to do Spike." Buffy said sadly as she hung up the phone. She sniffled as she drank a glass of milk and went to snuggle under an afghan on the couch.
Spike called to Angel, "Bye, I've got to go."
Angel called back to him, "Wait!" He came into the lobby, "How is she?"
Spike shook his head, "Not good - she gave me the 'whatever' line when I said I was coming home. I've got to fix this.
He walked towards the door and turned to Angel, "Thanks." He didn't notice the picture that fell out of his jacket pocket.
Angel picked up the picture and stared at the baby. He couldn't tell the sex but Spike had said the baby was a boy, all he could see was that this child was growing inside of Buffy. One lucky child, he hoped Spike had not messed this up. Maybe he should call Buffy back just to check on her.
Buffy was angry, she was more then angry she was seething. How dare he think he could just run to LA, if he was worried he should have come to her and they could have talked about it. If he thought that running away was the answer - what kind of future did they have?
The phone rang and she thought about not answering it, but thought better of the idea and answered with a glum "Hello."
"Buffy, it's me, Angel. Spike just left and I wanted to check on you. We didn't get to talk very much earlier." Angel tried to sound nonchalant.
"Yeah, we couldn't do too much talking because you had to think of a cover for Spike! What is it - doesn't matter if you two get along or not, you're both men so you'll cover for each other?" Buffy spat the words.
"Well, no that's not it at all. I ... well Spike helped me and I ... "
"You aren't a very good liar, and just because I can figure out that you talked to Spike doesn't let you off the hook - you've never hidden anything from me, Angel. I'm very dissappointed." She hung up the phone before he could answer her.
Angel stared dumbstruck at the phone in his hand, Buffy had never hung up on him before. He hung the phone up and thought guiltily about what would happen if she ever found about the day he had hidden from her.
After hanging up the phone, Buffy sat on the barstool and cried. She knew she had been hard on Angel and it wasn't his fault. He had done nothing but support her every decision even when she knew it hurt him to do so. She would call him later and apologize. For now she had to get out of the house. She called Giles and explained tearfully what was going on. He came by and picked her up taking her out for ice cream.
"I don't know anymore, Giles. I love him, but if I can't depend on him what am I going to do? I have Dawn and a baby to think about." Buffy sniffled as she licked her ice cream cone.
"Buffy, I know this is going to sound odd coming from me. But I really think Spike will be okay, so much has happened to change him the last year or so, perhaps we should give him a small break?" Giles spoke comfortingly to her, inside he raged at himself for putting her in this position.
"What is it with you men? Always taking up for a guy when he does such a guy thing?" She asked as she finished her cone and wiped her mouth with her napkin.
Giles laughed at her statement, "I don't know, Buffy. I'm sure a woman would never do that."
She rolled her eyes at him, "I'm still angry and worried, but I guess I better get home and face him. He should be there by now."
"And he's probably worried that you aren't there." Giles stood and Buffy followed him.
"Good, I hope he is worried." She replied with a pout.
Spike unlocked the front door and called for Buffy, no answer he searched the house and checked the refrigerator for a note. No note, she must really be angry. He shoved his hands in his jacket pocket and leaned against the counter. He felt something in his pocket and pulled out the bracelet he had bought for Buffy. He smiled maybe he should give it to her - when he found her. He picked up the phone to dial Willow's number when he heard the front door. He put down the phone and went to the living room.
Buffy walked into the livingroom, she wasn't smiling. "Hello." She said after giving him a hard stare. "You came home."
He gave her a small smile, "I told you I was coming home."
"You've told me lots of things, Spike." She sat down on the couch, "You said you were going to LA to help Angel. You lied!"
"Buffy, let me try to explain." He sat down next to her on the couch.
"You smell like a bar? Were you drinking?" She leaned forward and sniffed, "and smoking?"
"I did have a drink and a cigarrette. But that's not important now. Buffy, I.." He tried to take her hand in his.
"Your right thats not important at all, unless you take in the fact that you missed my doctors appointment, we found out we were having a son and you...you took off for LA to drink and smoke." She picked up the tv remote and turned on the tv.
"Buffy, I love you. I just wanted to be able to give you and the baby and Niblet everything and I want to be able to protect you from everything. And things are so different now." He began to study his hands intently.
Buffy turned from the tv, "I know things are different. But I have to know I can depend on you, Spike. I have Dawn and our baby to think of. You can't just leave when you feel overwhelmed. It doesn't work like that."
"I know. I was wrong." He took her hand again and this time she let him. "I love you."
She sighed and took his other hand in hers, "I love you too."
He grinned and removed one hand from her grip to dig in his pocket, "Here this is for you." He handed her the box with the bracelet inside.
She opened it slowly and smiled when she saw it, but her face quickly turned serious again, "It's lovely, Spike. But you can't come home bearing gifts and expect all to be right again. It's going to take some time."
"I know, I know. But I bought this weeks ago. I'm going to do better, Buffy. I promise." He leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. She returned the kiss and stood, "I'm going to bed now. Thanks for the bracelet."
"I'll be right up."
"Okay." She yawned as she climbed the stairs. She wanted to trust him she really did.
Spike locked up the house and dialed Angel's number, "I'm home. She's not happy, but I'm working on it... she hung up on you?... I'm sorry, okay... Yeah I owe you big... Bye."
He hung up the phone and went upstairs to find Buffy already sleeping her hand resting on her tummy protectively. He crawled into bed beside her and lay his hand next to hers whipsering softly, "I promise to make you happy again." She shifted in her sleep and snuggled closer to him.
Buffy woke first the next morning, she rolled over to face Spike. He looked vry vulnerable in his sleep. She softly pushed a randon curl off of his forehead, she thought about last night as she looked that the small gift box sitting on the nightstand and smiled. The bracelet was lovely, who would have figured Spike was so sentimental, she sighed
or such a trial to put up with - she rolled her eyes as she placed a soft kiss on his lips and moved to get up.
He woke a few minutes later, "Hey why don't you come back to bed?" He smiled lazily at her.
"I have to go to school this morning" She smiled back, "What are you doing today?"
"I have to go to the carlot." He sat up on the side of the bed.
A frown marred her face, "Guess you'll be very late tonight then." She walked towards the bathroom.
He stood and followed her placing a hand on her shoulder, "No, I won't be late."
"Well you also said you would be at my appointment." She sighed as she turned on the water in the tub. "I don't want to start this again."
"It's not starting again." He told her as he sat down on the toilet and she slipped into the tub.
She just shook her head at him and closed her eyes as she leaned back against the back of the tub.
"I'm going to quit the car lot. With the museum and *your* job, we'll be okay for awhile. And when you quit ...well we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
She opened her eyes and smiled, "You're really going to quit?"
"Yes." He leaned over the tub and kissed her.
"That's good, Spike. But we still have some stuff to work through, I mean you've been kind of distant and it worries me." She placed a sudsy hand on his cheek.
"I know luv, but it's going to be okay. I promise." His forehead leaned against hers and he made a promise to himself that it was going to be okay.
The next morning Spike woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs. He walked into the kitchen and found Buffy standing at the stove humming as she cooked. She turned to him and grinned, he was a bit dissappointed that she wasn't wearing the bracelet. That didn't last long as Buffy kissed his cheek and handed him full plate. "Good morning to you, too." He grinned back at her. She was absolutely beautiful, yes she round now but her cheeks were rosy and her hair shiny and she looked like the picture of health.
They talked about Dawn's return - they were going to pick her up in LA in a couple of days. Hank had to go out of town for a business meeting and he was going to drop her off at the Hyperion with Cordy until they could get there. Spike has assured him that would be okay - he had forgotten that Buffy wasn't very happy with Angel. She seemed a bit hesitant about going with him.
"I can't believe I'm telling you this, but don't take it out on Peaches that I did something stupid, Buffy." Spike put his plate in the sink.
"He lied to me and thats not an easy thing to forget." She rinsed her plate.
"It was my fault he of course only had the most noble intentions." Spike replied in a mock dignified voice.
Buffy laughed at his words, "Okay, I'll go with you to pick up Dawn. I have missed her."
"Me too." He kissed her then a gentle kiss on her soft lips, "I'm going now, I'll see you tonight?"
"I'll be here."
Buffy and Spike fell into a nice routine the next couple of days - almost like old times. Except that Buffy was holding back a little bit, as if she was afraid he might leave again. He accepted that this was his fault and made sure he did everything he could to reassure that he wasn't going anywhere.
"You sure you are up to this right?" Spike asked as he helped settle Buffy into the desoto.
"Yes - I'm okay. Dawn would never forgive me if I didn't come to pick her up." She sighed as she took a sip of her juice.
"Okay, then. Let's go get the Niblet."
Spike stopped three times on the two hour trip for Buffy to pee. She would have him stop so she could go and then buy another drink wherever they stopped ensuring she was going to have to stop again shortly. She was crossing her legs by the time they got to the Hyperion and got out of the car quickly when they parked.
Spike followed her into the hotel smiling,
"Hi, guys. Bathroom?" She said brightly as Wesley pointed down the hallway.
"Is she okay?" Wesley asked Spike as he entered behind her.
"Just a pregnant bladder." Spike shrugged,. "Where is Dawn?"
Angel entered the lobby after hearing Spike's voice, "She'll be back soon. Hank gave Dawn some money for clothes and Cordy took her shopping." He looked around the room, "Didn't Buffy come with you?"
"Pregnant bladder." Wesley explained with a smile.
Buffy appeared looking more relaxed a few minutes later. Angel could not help but stare at her. She was really pregnant, her belly stuck out under the large top she wore - he was amazed - his Buffy - Spike's Buffy having a baby.
She frowned at him, "I know I've gained a lot of weight but it is impolite to stare!"
"I'm sorry,Buffy." He lowered his eyes, sighing he added, "For everything."
She let him brew for a minute before crossing the room to hug him, "It's okay."
When she broke the hug he stood back and smiled - relief evident on his face. "Now where is Dawnie?"
"I'm right here!" Dawn called as she dropped her bags and ran to meet her sister. She hugged Buffy tightly before pulling back to look at her sister. "Spike was right, I did get back in time to watch you get big!"
"Gee thanks, Dawn." Buffy rolled her eyes at the younger girl. "So where have you been?" She asked looking at the shopping bags.
"I took her shopping - with your dad's money. I thought that with you being pregnant, your fashion sense might be off." Cordy replied tactful as ever.
"Thank you, Cordy." Buffy replied, "That was kind of you."
"No problem," Cordy went to her desk and picked up an envelope handing it to Buffy, "These are the diets that I found for you for after the baby."
Buffy made a face as she took the envelope, "Well... thank you for caring."
"That's me 'caring girl'" Cordy sat down at her desk and began to go through the mail.
After some visting and a nice dinner out. Buffy, Dawn and Spike headed back to Sunnydale. Where Dawn was stunned that they had to stop four times for Buffy to pee before they got home. Spike tried to explain to Dawn about Buffys bladder and hormones while they waited for her at the second gas station.
"So she has to pee alot?" Dawn asked as they waited patiently.
"Yes and she gets kind of emotional easily so dont' worry if she cries about something kind of silly." Spike whispered as Buffy came back to the car.
Dawn was thrilled to be home she walked through the house as Spike took her bags to her room. "It looks the same." She commented to Buffy sitting next to her on the couch.
"Yep, looks the same except for your blimpy sister." Buffy sighed as she opened the envelope of diet information Cordy had given her.
"You look good Buffy." Dawn patted her sister's hand.
"What if I don't lose the weight, Dawn?" Buffy sighed again as she lay the offending diets down on the couch between them, "Spike, won't want to look at me anymore."
"Buffy that's crazy. Spike is gonna love you no matter what! And you are going to look great after the baby is born." Dawn smiled at her sister to reassure her. "I'm gonna go up and shower - I'm tired. Don't worry."
"Okay." Buffy replied unconvincingly.
Dawn met Spike in the hallway, "I think I finally got all of your stuff unloaded, Bit." He grinned at her.
"Thanks, I'm gonna shower and go to bed. You need to go see Buffy - uh...she's worried about her weight - thinks you won't want her anymore or somethng."
"I knew those diets Cordy gave her were gonna cause trouble." He ran his hand through his hair and walked down the stairs.
Buffy was curled up on the couch reading some papers. He sat down beside her and placed a hand on her leg, "Hey, you okay?"
She looked up at him, "I guess." She put he paper down.
"You know you look beautiful, right?" He put his arm around her and she scooted closer to him.
"Yeah, right. I'm just lovely."
"You are - you are carrying a life inside of you, Buffy. A miracle is going on in your body, nothing is more beautiful then a miracle. I love you - you know that?" He spoke softly his voice calming her.
"I love you too." She replied leaning up for a kiss. His lips met hers and the kiss turned deeper. She moved her small hands to the buttons on his shirt, he grinned, "You sure."
She nodded at him as she returned to unbuttoning his shirt. "We better go upstairs and close the door - Niblet's here now."
She giggled softly as he easily picked her up and carried her up the stairs. He sat her down and smiled as she undressed for bed. Her bare belly stood out proudly - his son was inside of her and he could think of nothing that could make him happier. She walked to him and finished her task of removing his shirt - giving him a seductive grin, okay make that almost nothing could make him happier...
School started the next week for Dawn. Buffy had opted to stay to take the next year off from school. She thought that would give her enough time for them to all adjust to the new baby. She was still working a couple nights a week and though money was tight, they seemed to be doing well. Spike was being the doting dad-to-be and Buffy appreciated it - but something made her hold back a little bit, she was still fearful he might leave again if the pressure got to be too much. The bracelet he had given her still sat in it's box on the dresser - she didn't feel comfortable wearing it yet - it still represented the equivalant of a guilt gift to her.
"I'm home." Buffy called as she entered the house stopping to pick up the mail off the table by the door. A letter from her dad, she quickly opened it and smiled broadly. He had sent her a check to buy a crib for his grandson. Sometimes...Hank could come through.
"I'm in here." Dawn called from the kitchen. Buffy found her standing over the stove watching a pot of potatoes boil. A plate held golden fried chicken on the counter.
"Where is Spike?" Buffy asked as she pinched off a bit of golden crust from a piece of chicken.
Dawn playfully swiped at her sisters hand, "He's gone to get milk for the potatoes and ice cream. We were out of ice cream. Can't imagine why." Dawn giggled she and Spike had a running bet on how many bowls of ice cream Buffy could eat in one evening. Dawn kept winning because Spike felt guilty about saying more then two bowls. Dawn on the other hand had watched her down four bowls one night.
Buffy shook her head and rolled her eyes at her sister, "I've cut down, Dawn."
"I know." Dawn pricked a potato with a fork and announced that they were done as she
turned off the burner. She grinned to herself as she thought about her words to Spike as he left out the door, "She'll eat at least three bowls tonight, cause she could only have one last night."
Spike came through the back door with his arms full of groceries. He sat them down and pulled Buffy close to him kissing her cheek. "How was your day?"
"Full of annoying customers." She answered leaning back against the counter and placing her hand on her belly. Spike grinned as he watched the baby moving under her shirt, he reached over and lay his hand on her belly she grinned and covered his hand with hers. "He's very active today."
Dawn smiled at the two of them as she put away the gallon of ice cream and pulled out a bowl to mash the potatoes in. Buffy and Spike were so very lucky to have each other and she was lucky to have them too.
"I'll do that niblet. Why don't you set the table?" Spike stepped back from Buffy and took over the potatoes.
Dawn gathered the plates and silverware leaving Buffy and Spike alone. "Oh, I forgot. Dad sent me the money for a crib, he wants it to be his gift."
"He didn't have to do that." Spike frowned as he poured the milk into the potatoes.
"He wanted to, this is his grandbaby." Buffy patted Spike's arm.
"Well then I guess we can go crib shopping day after tomorrow? I'm getting off early for your appointment and then we can go from there?" Spike turned on the mixer and whipped the butter into the potatoes and milk.
"That sounds great!" Buffy kissed his cheek and began to put ice into three glasses.
Dawn filled them in about her classes as they ate dinner. She hated math, but the English Lit teacher was cute and she thought she was going to like that class very much. Spike rolled his eyes at Buffy as Dawn went on about the cute teacher. "Maybe Mr. Wonderful and I need to have chat at parent teacher night." Spike teased Dawn.
"Spike you don't have good luck at parent teacher nights, remember?" Buffy smiled at him.
"Oh... yeah, you're right." He laughed lightly, "Joyce almost axed me at the last one I attenended."
"Then you probably should stay far away from the school." Dawn giggled.
"We'll see Lil bit."
The three of them washed the dishes and went to watch tv. Buffy sat for twenty minutes before she stood up and asked, "Anyone else want ice cream?"
Dawn looked at Spike and grinned, he punched her arm lightly and frowned at her.
"I'd like a bowl, luv. You can sit and I'll get it."
"No, I'm already up. I'll get it." She smiled, "You want some Dawn?"
"No, but thanks for offerning."
Buffy went to the kitchen leaving Dawn and Spike alone. "If I dont' have a bowl, it leaves more for her." Dawn giggled.
"Dawn, that's not very nice." Spike told her suppressing a smile.
"Three." Dawn giggled.
"Dawn!" Spike reprimanded her, then added "Two, she'll have two."
Buffy entered the room carrying two bowls of ice cream. She handed one to Spike as she plopped down beside him. "What are you two giggling about?"
"Nothing." Spike and Dawn answered in unison.
Buffy stared at the two of them for a moment then settled into the couch. She quickly finished her bowl of ice cream and sheepishly looked at the Spike. "You want some more?"
"No, thanks. But if you want some more, I'll get it for you." He stood up taking both bowls with him. He soon returned with her bowl refilled. Buffy yawned as she ate the second bowl of ice cream, when she finished it she promptly fell asleep leaned against Spike.
Spike gently picked up his sleeping wife and nodded to Dawn, "You go rinse out the bowls."
"Why me?" She asked with frown.
"It was only two bowls full - I won the bet." Spike whispered over his shoulder as he carried his sleeping wife up the stairs.
"So you'll be here all day then?" Spike asked as he picked up Dawn's backpack and handed it to her.
"Yes, no classes and no work. Why?" Buffy asked as she rinsed the cereal bowls in the kitchen sink.
"Cause he worries about you." Dawn told her fluttering her eyelashes, "And wants to call you a hundred times to check on you."
Spike glared at Dawn, "Enough Niblet, let's get you to school." He kissed Buffy soundly, "If you leave take the cellphone, okay."
Dawn grinned at Spike, as Buffy assured him she would take the phone if she left.
Buffy finished a load of laundry before Spike called to check on her. She smiled as she hung up the phone and went to dust the livingroom. He waited a whole hour and a half before he called again and then wondered why it took four rings for her to answer. She patiently explained she was in the bathroom - pregnant bladder.
The phone rang again an houir, "Yes, Spike I'm fine." She answered this time before he could speak. "Oh, sorry, Dad." She giggled as she sat down on a barstool.
"Okay we'll see you tonight, then." She hung up the phone and began to look in the cabinets for something for supper. Hank was in Sunnydale on business and wanted to come by and see his girls. So she invited him to supper. She was relieved to find the ingredients for a nice casserole and a salad in the fridge. The freezer held dessert, they would have ice cream! She dished herself a big bowl of mint chocolate chip as she picked up the phone to call Spike. *
"William, phone!" called the museum receptionist.
"Who is it?" He called from a display he was working on.
"Your wife."
He ran to the phone, "Buffy, you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm just letting you know, Dad is coming to supper tonight." She explained, "Thought I would let you know."
"Hank's in Sunnydale?" Spike frowned, his father in law was not his favorite person and he thought the feeling was mutual. Looks like Giles could have done something about that with the stupid spell.
"Yes, he had some business here and he wants to see Dawn and I. It's okay right?"
"Of course, your dad is always welcome." Spike was glad Buffy couldn't see the sour expression on his face.
"Okay, I'll see you later. Love you."
"I love you too." Spike said as he hung up the phone.
"So where is that husband of yours?" Hank asked as he sat with Dawn and Buffy in the living room.
"At work, he should be home any moment." Buffy answered, "Dad, I wanted to thank you again for the crib money. We are going shopping tomorrow after my appointment."
"Don't mention it! I wanted to do something for my grandson." Hank beamed at his daughter.
Dawn and Hank talked about school work as Buffy went to the kitchen and checked on supper. Spike walked in the kitchen door, " Smells good. You look great." He pulled her close for a hug.
"Thanks, Dad's in there, go say hello." Buffy pushed him towards the living room.
Hank stood when Spike entered the room and offered his hand. Spike shook it firmly, "Hello, Hank. Nice to see you."
"Nice to see you again too. We don't get together often enough." Hank sat back down next to Dawn as Spike took the chair.
Spike listened to Hank and Dawn go on and on about different things all the while counting down the things that annoyed him about his father in law. Outwardly he smiled and laughed at the mans jokes and didn't comment on the fact that the reason they spent so little time together was that Hank was hard to find when they tried to call him. Hank kept referring to Buffy and Dawn as his girls. Spike wanted to argue with him, they were Spike's girls not Hanks.
Buffy called them to supper and the meal went nicely. Buffy and Dawn decided to clear the table and get some ice cream for dessert. Spike and Hank sat alone at the dining table.
"Buffy tells me that you are going to go baby crib shopping tomorrow?" Hank spoke up to break the silence.
"Yes, we are. About that, you really didn't have to give us the money for the crib." Spike tapped his fingers on the side of his glass avoiding Hank's eyes.
"Well of course I did. I wanted to do it for my daughter and my grandson." Hank smiled broadly at Spike.
"But we can do this on our own." Spike argued back.
"Well I have no doubt you could. But this makes it easier, I remember trying to budget and have a new baby around. You should just take the money and enjoy it."
"I really don't want to take your money. I can buy my son's crib and I dont'think you should pay for it just because it eases your guilt about how you treat your daughters." The words were out of his mouth before he realized he had said them out loud.
"Really? How does my daughter feel about this?" Hank asked his voice rising slightly, "Because earlier she thanked me and seemed excited about buying the crib with my money."
Buffy paused at the dining room door when she heard the heated exchange between Spike and Hank. She turned to Dawn and shook her head, "I'm gonna be sick." She ran upstairs to the bathroom leaving Dawn with the tray of ice cream.
"Buffy... " Dawn called after her worriedly. She carried the tray into the dining room and sat it on the table.
"Where is Bufffy?" Hank asked impatiently.
"She said she was feeling sick and ran upstairs" Dawn answered as she turned to follow her sister.
Both men stood at the same time, "Is she okay?"
"I don't know I'm going to find out!"
"Well, I'm going too." Spike and Hank said in unison.
"You are not!" Spike told Hank full of agitation.
"She's my daughter!" Hank replied angrily. "What she ever saw in you is beyond me!"
Dawn hurried upstairs and found Buffy curled up on her bed, "Are they still at it?" Buffy asked miserably.
"Yes, but maybe if you come back down they'll shut up?" Dawn asked as she ran a hand through her sisters hair. "And we can all have ice cream?"
"I don't want any ice cream." Buffy pouted, "I want them to try to get along."
"I know, but they both love you." Dawn smiled. "They both love us."
"Still how is the baby going to feel with his grandpa and daddy hating each other?"
"I love her." Spike shouted at his father in law.
"So do I!" Hank retorted.
"Yeah but I love her all the time not just when its convienient!" Spike paced around the dining room.
"Thats not fair. I' ve made mistakes but I love my daughters." Hank slumped back down into a chair. "Look, William, Spike whatever. Despite my misgivings about you - I know my daughter loves you and I know you love her. And I know you care for Dawn too. I really didn't want to offend you with the money for the crib. I just wanted to do something for my grandchild. Please accept it in the way it was meant to be given."
"So you really just wanted to give us the money as a gift? It wasn't about buying some affection from Buffy or showing off that you can afford it?" Spike asked as he sat back down across from Hank.
"Yes it was really a gift no strings attached. And I have to say if it makes Buffy happy you should just accept it."
"Fine. We'll take the money." Spike sighed.
"Tell them both I'm coming down, but if I hear one angry word Dad won't see me the rest of the night and Spike will have to find a new place to sleep." Buffy stood up and went to the mirror to fix her hair.
"Okay." Dawn smiled as she left Buffy to primp.
"Dad, Spike. Buffy is coming down." Dawn announced as she walked into the quiet dining room.
"How mad is she?" Spike asked cautiously.
"Well she doesn't want ice cream?" Dawn replied seriously.
Spike sighed and shook his head.
Dawn continued, "She said that if she hears an angry word that Dad won't see her the rest of the night and you," she pointed at Spike will have to fnd new sleeping arrangements.
Hank snickered and Spike glared at him.
"Are you two ready to behave like adults now?" Buffy asked as she entered the room. "I refuse to listen to the two of you argue anymore." '
"But Buffy, " Spike started and was quickly quiteted by a look.
Hank smiled again at the look wondering how his daughter managed to shut up his son in law with just a look. "Buffy, your husband doesn't know how to accept a gift."
"Not true, just dont' want a gift from you." Spike mumbled.
"Enough!" Buffy's voice rose, " I love you both! Dad, it was kind of you to give me the money - I appreciate it and the baby will appreciate having a place to sleep"
Hank grinned at Spike.
"But - you often try to put Spike down and I can understand why he felt the way he did about the money." Buffy patted Hanks shoulder as his smile deflated.
It was Spike's turn to grin.
Buffy walked around to Spike, "You on the other hand really don't know how to accept a gift. My dad is our childs grandfather and he wanted to do this nice thing for us. Live with it!"
Dawn watched in amusement as her sister put both men in their places.
"Are we clear now? Is this stupid arguing and jealousy going to stop?" Buffy stood between the two men.
"I'll try if he will." Hank nodded at Spike.
"Fine, I'll try too." Spike offered his hand to Hank and the men shook on it.
"That's much better!" Buffy smiled brightly, "Now lets have some ice cream!"
Hank hugged his daughters at the front door as be prepared to leave for LA. He nodded courteously at Spike who returned the nod.
"That was fun." Dawn grinned at Spike as she started upstairs
Yeah let's do it again real soon." Spike replied sarcasm rolling off his words.
Buffy gave him a look and he quickly changed his tune, "I'm sure Hank will want to come back soon." He said with a large smile.
Buffy smiled at him and Dawn grinned - how did her sister do that?
"Night, everyone." Dawn said as she walked up the stairs.
"Night, Niblet."
"Night, Dawnie."
Buffy and Spike went through the house locking doors before they made their way upstairs to their room. As they settled into their bed, Buffy turned to him, "Don't forget.." she started but he interrupted her with a kiss, "I know your appointment is tomorrow. I'm going to the musueum in the morning, then going by the bank to deposit your Dad's check and then I'll meet you there. I promise!"
"Okay, okay." She giggled, "but you can't blame me for reminding you."
"No, I can't, but this time is different." He held her close to him until she fell asleep.
Buffy drove to her appointment singing along to the radio, it was a beautiful day and she was looking forward to her appointment. She was always excited when the Doctor told her everything was on schedule and going well and this time Spike would be there. The crib shopping afterwards was enough to make her grin too.
"I'm off then." Spike stood and grabbed his coat, "I've got to get to the bank and then to Buffy's appointment."
"See you tomorrow, William. Good luck at the appointment." The receptionist smiled at him as he left.
Spike parked at the bank and pulled out the check from Hank. He turned it over and smiled at Buffy's signature on the back as he filled out his deposit slip. Luckily there were only a few customers in the bank, he wouldn't have to wait long and would be there early for the appointment.
"Buffy, the doctor is running a bit late today. I'm sorry, he had to go deliver a baby. Why don't you have a seat, I've turned the tv on." Gail smiled at Buffy, she was the front desk girl and she knew all of the patients by name.
"Okay, my husband should be her soon." Buffy took a seat and turned her eyes to the television.
Gail smiled again, Buffy's husband was quite memorable, he had only been in a couple times but his accent and platinum hair were not easily forgotten.
"What's taking that guy so long?" Spike mumbled under his breath tapping his foot as he stood behind a large man in line.
He must have been arguing with the teller because she was frowning. The man began to raise his voice, "Now, just give me the money now!" The man pulled out a gun.
The teller began to sob, "Okay, okay" She fumbled with her drawer.
Spike quickly realized what was happening, and turned to assess the danger. Only he and the robber and two tellers involved so far. The man turned the gun towards Spike, "You go stand over there" He directed Spike to stand in front of the other teller's station.
Spike did as he was told. He was surprised to hear poice sirens pulling up outside the bank.
The man with the gun glared at the teller in front of him, "You set off the alarm!!!" He screamed and lifted the gun towards her.
"Duck!" Spike yelled at the tellers as he rushed the surprised man. He tackled him to the floor as the gun went off.
Police streamed through the door - the teller was screaming and pointing at the would be robber. "Him, it was him." Policeman stood the man up and cuffed him as Spike slowly stood up he realized he was bleeding from his shoulder and hell it really hurt.
Another policeman radioed for an ambulance as a teller brought a chair out for Spike to sit in. "Thank you, thank you so much." She repeated as they waited for the ambulance to arrive.
"What time is it?" Spike asked through clenched teeth.
"Three o'clock." A policeman answerd.
Hell - I'm late again Spike thought miserbably as the EMT's arrived.
Where is he? Buffy asked herself for the third time, Spike was late again.
"This just in - an attempted robbery at Sunnydale First National Bank was thwarted by a bank customer." The reporters voice came across the tv screen as she walked in front of the bank.
Buffy's eyes widened when she saw the bank, she and Spike banked there. He was going there right now.
"Mr. William Pennington a bank customer was in the bank as a would be bank robber pulled a gun on a teller. Mr. Pennington jumped the man allowing police to secure him, Mr.Pennington was apparently hurt during the scuffle and we are awaitng news of his condition as the EMT's treat him."
Buffy stood up and ran towards the door.
"Buffy aren't you waiting?" Gail called from behind her.
"I can't - my husband , the bank. I have to go." Buffy ran to her car and drove towards the bank silently praying that Spike was alright.
"My wife's gonna kill me. She's pregnant, has an appointment and I missed it." Spike grumbled to the EMT inserting an IV into his arm.
"I think she'll understand when she finds out what happened." The EMT patted his uninjured shoulder as they loaded him on to a gurney and began to roll him out to the waiting ambulance.
Buffy squealed into the bank parking lot. She slammed the car door and ran towards the front of the bank. A police officer stopped her as she started towards the EMT's and the gurney leaving the bank. "I'm sorry Miss. You'll have to stay back."
"No - I have to get to him. That's my husband." She pleaded with the policeman.
The officer noticed her preganancy and the fear in her eyes and walked her over to the ambulance where they were loading Spike. He sighed when he saw her, "I'm sorry, Buffy. I really did try to get to your appointment."
Tears rolled down her face as she took his hand, "You moron - that's not what is important here!" She kissed his hand as she held it tightly, "You could have been killed."
"Nah, I'm okay bullet just grazed my shoulder." He smiled up at her.
"He's right mam, he's going to be okay. They will probably keep him overnight for observation, but he'll be fine." The EMT assured her, "Now we have to go to the hospital, you can follow us if you'd like."
Buffy nodded her head at him and turned back to Spike, "I'll be right behind you."
Buffy called Giles from the hospital ER so he could bring Dawn to the hospital. She knew her sister would be worried and want to see that Spike was okay for herself. She paced the waiting room while Spike was being examined. After what seemed like an eternity, a nurse peeked into the waiting room, "Mrs. Pennington?" She asked.
"Yes - can I see him now?"
"We've put him in a room on the floor just for overnight. Follow me." The nurse led her through the hall until she could hear Spikes voice outside the room. "I'm fine, I need to go home. I really don't need to be here at all."
'Mr. Pennington it's just policy to keep you over night. You'll be released first thing in the morning." The Doctor met the nurse and Buffy at the door and smiled, "You must be the wife - see if you can convince him he needs to be here at least overnight?"
"I'll try but you might have noticed he's stubborn." Buffy grinned at the Doctor and nurse as they walked away.
"Hey!" She called softly as she entered the room, "I hear you are being cranky."
Spike's face lit up at the sound of her voice, "I just want to go home. I don't want to spend a night away from you."
"I can stay right here in this chair all night," Buffy pointed at the bedside chair as she leaned over and kissed him soundly.
"Hmm... " Spike pulled back from the kiss, "Tempting, Luv. But you will rest better at home, so why don't we visit a bit and you can pick me up first thing in the morning."
"You sure?" She asked as she took his hand and sat down in the chair.
"Positive. How was the appointment?" He smiled at her and squeezed her hand.
"I didn't see the doctor I saw the bank robbery on the news and heard that you were hurt. I was scared to death Spike. I can't lose you - our baby can't lose you." Fresh tears formed in her eyes.
"I'm not going anywhere, Pet."
"Don't scare me like that again." She sniffled.
"Promise." He wiped a tear escaping rrom her full eyes with his thumb. "It's going to be okay."
"Spike!" Dawn's squealed as she ran to his bedside. "Are you really okay?" She asked as she stood by Buffy and took her free hand in hers.
"I'm fine, Niblet. Just a bit of excitement."
Giles stood at the foot of the bed he cleared his throat, "Well yes ...you should be commended for your actions at the bank."
Spike looked at Giles with real pride on his face - he had missed talking to Giles, having little contact with him since the spell had been revealed. "Thank you, Rupert. That means a lot coming from you."
Buffy looked from Giles to Spike trying to decipher what was going on between the two men. She shook her head must just be some male bonding. She squeezed Spike's hand again. He smiled at her tiredly.
The visit lasted a bit longer ending with Spike and Dawn fighting over the green jello on his dinner tray. They finally ended up sharing it - while Spike gave Buffy the small container of ice cream. Spike yawned and Buffy took the hint, "We better go - let him get some rest."
Dawn gave Spike a gentle hug , "Feel better." He smiled at her , "I will."
Buffy kissed her husband again, "I'll be back in the morning. Get some sleep."
"I'll be here. You be careful okay?" He waved at her as he watched them leave.
Giles decided it would be best to drive Buffy and Dawn home himself. He told her he would bring her back in the morning to pick up Spike and her car. She was tired and anxious so she agreed. The Watcher smiled as she curled her heavy body in the seat next to him.
"Hungry?" He asked as he pulled into a drive thru.
"Yes!" Dawn called from the backseat. Buffy smiled at the sister, "I could eat."
Giles ordered the food and drove back to Buffy's house. He came in only long enough to eat, feeling Buffy needed some sleep. And he wanted to talk to Spike alone so he told Buffy he would see her in the morning and drove back to the hospital.
Spike was watchng the news when Giles appeared in his door way again. "Is Buffy okay? Dawn?" Spike asked apprehensively.
"They are fine. I wanted to talk to you. Have you decided if you are going to tell Buffy the whole story yet?" Giles asked seriously taking the chair Buffy had been in earlier.
Spike looked at the man thoughtfully, "I don't think I'm going to tell her. She doesn't need to have to deal with the questions."
"I'm glad you aren't telling her. But I wish is was for a better reason then that, I think you need to realize that she does indeed love you no matter what, Spike. Think about that." Giles stood and nodded at Spike as he left the room.
Spike shifted in the bed - he couldn't go to sleep. He missed the warmth of Buffy pressed against him. He missed his hands on her belly feeling his son move beneath Buffy's nightgown. He even missed her small breathy snore and her cold feet. He closed his eyes trying to remember life before Buffy and he couldn't come up with a single memory that held a light to the memories he had made with her. Perhaps Giles was right, Buffy did love him no matter what - did it even matter anymore? He loved her, she loved him and they were having a son.
"He'll be here when you get home." Buffy scooted Dawn out the door.
"But I want to be here." Dawn protested as her ride drove up.
"He's going to be resting all day. You'll see him when you get home." Buffy hugged her sister, "Now go before Melindas mom starts laying on the horn."
"Okay, okay. But tell him I wanted to be here." Dawn rolled her eyes at Buffy as she left out the front door.
Giles pulled into the driveway a few minutes later. Buffy met him at the car, "Ready?" She asked with a smile.
"Yes, let's go pick up your husband. You know when I thought about saying those words it never once occured to me that it would be Spike I was referring too." Giles turned to Buffy , "You are happy aren't you?"
Buffy smiled at him, a beautiful sincere smile, "I am very happy, Giles. Happier then I ever thought I would get to be."
"I thought so, but it's nice to hear you say it." He patted her hand.
"Thank goodness you're here." The nurse leaving Spike's room told Buffy as she reached the door.
"Is he okay?" Buffy asked with dread.
"Oh, he's more the okay. He's dressed and ready to go!" The nurse laughed, "He's been up since daybreak."
Giles smiled as he followed Buffy into the room, he was glad that Spike was back to himself.
"I understand you are ready to leave." Buffy giggled as she entered the room.
"Yes, lets get out of here. We have crib shopping to do." Spike led the way out of the hospital room.
"We aren't crib shopping today. You are going home and rest." Bufffy shook her head at him.
"Piffle, I feel fine."
"Humor the pregnant woman." Giles replied as he opened the car door, "she gets testy if you dissagree with her."
Spike laughed, "Okay, today I stay home."
Giles helped Buffy get Spike into her car. He had to smile as he watched her fussing over him like a mother. Buffy had great maternal istincts already, as he watched her lean over and kiss Spike he knew he had made the right decision afterall. He waved as they drove off.
"I have the couch made up and you can lie there today. Are you hungry? I can fix whatever you like." Buffy fluffed the pillow on the couch for him. It was then he noticed the bracelet dangling from her wrist. The bracelet he had given her weeks ago. "You're wearing it?" He held her wrist still and looked at the small charms.
"It was time." Was all she could manage to say to him. He kissed her hand and pulled her down to sit next to him. He looked at the swell of her belly and an immense feeling of love and tenderness swept over him, "I love you, you know that?"
She pulled away and stared at him, "Of course I know that. Are you okay?"
His eyes watered slightly, "I'm okay, it's just that I know this isn't really how you thought your life was going to be."
"Okay - I'll admit I didn't ever see this coming. But this is my life and I can't imagine being happy any other way." She kissed him then, long and hard,running her fingers through the soft short hair at the back of his neck.
He gave into the kiss trying to lie her down on the couch, but her belly and his hurt shoulder prevented this,he let out a small groan of aggravation. She sat up giggling, "We'll have time for that later. You need to heal. How about a nice cup of cocoa instead?"
He pouted for a moment, then grinned at her, "I'd rather have ice cream."
"So did you see him yet?" Dawn asked as Giles and Angel arrived at the hospital.
"No, we only just arrived Dawn." Giles grinned at the excited girl.
"Is Buffy okay?" Angel asked cautiously.
"Spike says she's good. They'll let us in to see her soon. The baby is adorable! He has the clearest bluest eyes and Buffy's nose."
* "You did great!" Spike kissed Buffy on the forehead as a nurse prepared to wheel her to her room.
"Thanks. When do I get to see him again, I didnt get a good look when he was born? He is okay right?" Buffy was tired and anxious, it showed in her hazel eyes.
"He's in the nursery, he's fine. Dawn and the Scoobies have seen him,the others are on their way. He is more then fine he's perfect!" Spike kissed her again as the nurse started wheeling her out of the delivery room to her room.
"Dawn you can see Buffy now." Spike grinned at the rest of the group that had gathered, "Give her a few minutes and she'll see the rest of you." He nodded to the rest of the group noting the arrival of Giles and Angel. He was grinning like an idiot and he didn't care who saw him.
After everyone visited with Buffy and Spike, the nurse brought the isolette into the room and Logan William Pennington announced his arrival with a loud wail. Buffy looked scared as the nurse handed the squalling bundle to her, "He's hungry." She smiled at the new mother. "You're nursing, right?"
Buffy nodded her head shyly. The nurse instructed everyone except Spike to leave the room as she instructed Buffy on breastfeeding techniques. Soon Logan was nursing at him mother's breast contentedly. Spike watched with fascination - it was a beautiful image, his wife nourishing his son.
Angel and Giles peeped into the window on the door at the family scene then turned to leave, "She's happy isn't she?" Angel asked with a sigh.
"Yes she is quite happy." Giles agreed with the vampire.
Spike watched at Buffy unwrapped the recieving blanket from the baby lying in front of her. He joined her in the counting of toes and fingers and they giggled at the perfection that was there son.
"Do you believe in destiny?" Spike asked as she rewrapped the blanket around the baby and held him close to her chest.
"I"m not sure, why?" Buffy smiled up at him.
"Well its just that I always thought that you were destined to be with Angel? Funny how things turn out?" He smiled as the baby grasped his finger with his small fist.
"Maybe I was destined to be with Angel." Buffy sighed as she saw the concern cross Spike's face before she added lovingly, "I'm glad I went with a different destiny." She placed the baby in his daddy's arms, leaning her forehead against Spikes, she whispered, "I love you...both."
The End