~*~ Chapter 18 - Expectations ~*~

The next day, Connor had to go back to work, as did Dawn. Dawn made some arrangements with Martha to have a free hour in the afternoon so she could go with Buffy to the solicitor’s office and organize the transfer of the money. Besides, it was better for Dawn to be represented by her sister who was of legal age.

As for Cordelia, she couldn’t resist of doing some shopping before they left.

Spike and Angel stayed at the hotel. Spike would have love going out and enjoy a walk in the sun, but a part of him was reluctant to leaving Angel alone in the shadow at the hotel. He didn’t really need another reason to brood.

So they were sitting in the bar, having a drink like normal people.

“I think the waitress likes you,” Angel said with a nod to the girl who had been serving them.

Spike didn’t even look in her direction.

“Too bad for her,” he just replied.

Angel watched him thoughtfully for a moment before saying, “You know what surprises me the most about you? Although, at the same time, I shouldn’t be.”

“What’s that?”

“The way you care about Dawn. You really like her.”

“I love her,” Spike corrected. “She’s like my little sis. I’ve been spending the last two years watching over her, and let me tell you it was no picnic. There was that afternoon, it was the summer Buffy was…not there. I had to spend the entire afternoon listening to that soddin boys band with a daft name. Believe me, it was one of the most painful moment of my entire existence. I swear my poetry was better than what those stupid git were singing. And that says a lot.”

Angel couldn’t repress a smile. “But still, you love her. And you loved her long before having your soul, right?”

Spike frowned. “Yeah…I suppose so. What’s your point, mate?”

“Spike, I know you won’t believe I’m saying this - hell, I don’t believe myself- but you have accomplished an incredible journey. You deliberately turned to the good side. Ok, maybe at first you didn’t had the choice because of the chip - Buffy told me,” he explained when he saw Spike’s surprised face, “but this chip never forced you to do good, right? It never forced you to fall in love with Buffy, and to get attached to Dawn…or even the Scoobies.”

Spike shifted in his seat, uncomfortable. If the big poofter was starting to throw flowers at him…

“That’s right,” he admitted nonetheless.

“So even if the soul was an incredible - and crazy - gesture, in the end it didn’t change much who you are…who you already were.”

Spike frowns.

“What are you saying, that it was unnecessary? Believe me, it was. I did it for Buffy, but for me as well. Last year, I did some things…I will never forgive myself for it. But Buffy did. And she fell in love with me before knowing I had the soul. That’s the thing that matters to me. So yeah, maybe the soul wasn’t necessary for Buffy, but it was for me.”

“What I’m trying to say, Spike, is that what makes us human is our capacity to change, to feel emotions, to choose good over evil. Willingly. And you did all that long before having your soul back. You and I know perfectly well that if I lose my soul, I’m just a cruel, vicious monster. And I’ll always be.”

Spike didn’t answer. What could he possibly reply to that?

Angel sighed.

“If this thing happening to you is the Shanshu, I guess that’s because somehow you deserve it more than me.”

Stunned by his statement - by his speech, even - Spike answered, “Maybe, but you’ve been good for over a hundred years. Well, except for that little relapse five years ago…but I’ve been good for what? Two years now.”

“But you chose to be. That’s the whole difference.”

“Even if it was for selfish reason at first? Hoping Buffy would love me back?”

“That’s not really selfish. And you’ve been rather lucky in that department,” Angel added without any trace of resentment.

Spike had a fond smile.

“Yeah…she’s the most amazing, incredible…but you know that already.”

“Yeah, I know. And fortunately for me, I’ve got an incredible and amazing woman by my side as well.”

They smiled, understanding each other and the luck they both had. Angel then shifted in his seat and cleared his throat.

“Now, don’t get any ideas, I still don’t like you,” he said, displaying a suddenly severe and serious face.

“Oh, the feeling’s mutual, mate.”

“Good. We’ll just have to stay civilized for the sake of our children then.”

“That’s right.”

“I’m glad this is clear. You want another beer?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The sun had set, and they were ready to leave. Dawn and Connor had come over to the hotel to say their goodbyes. They would need a few more days to settle everything before coming back to Los Angeles.

“Are you sure it won’t be any problem to leave your apartment on such short notice?” Buffy asked.

Dawn and Connor exchanged a look.

“Don’t worry,” the young man said, “I’m sure our landlord will be understanding.”

Spike took Dawn in his arms and kissed her on the forehead.

“Give me a call when you arrive in L.A and I’ll come to pick you up.”

“Spike, I can take the bus back to Sunnydale, it’s no problem.”

“I’ll come to pick you up,” he repeated in a firm tone. “You may play all grown up, but you’re still my Nibblet.”

She smiled tenderly to him and couldn’t resist the teasing.

“Your Nibblet who’s living with her boyfriend.”

“Yeah, that’s the part I’m not very comfortable about. He’d better take good care of you.”

“He does, don’t worry. And I’ll give you a call, then,” she added, hugging him once more. “I’m so glad you’re back and that everything’s good between Buffy and you. You both deserve it,” she whispered in his ear. He kissed her once again before letting his place to Buffy. The two sisters hugged.

“I’ll wait for you to decorate the Christmas tree,” Buffy said, holding back tears. Since when had she become such a fountain?

“You’d better. Thanks for everything, Buffy. I love you.”

She turned to Angel and Cordelia, and Buffy kissed Connor.

“Take good care of her,” she said, but she didn’t doubt he would.

Connor smiled.

“I will, promise,” he replied, trying to ignore Spike’s threatening glance.

Connor joined Dawn and put an arm around her waist. He still had reservations towards Angel, but his attitude was much friendlier than when they had arrived.

Spike and Buffy walked to the car, waiting for their friends. Spike was watching the young teenage couple.

“He seems like a decent bloke, and he obviously loves her,” he commented.

Buffy nodded. “It’s so great that things turned out like that. I haven’t seen her that happy since…I don’t even remember. Probably before mom died.”

Spike put a comforting arm on her shoulders and a kiss in her hair.

“I must admit they are cute together. They could have their own TV show. Buffy and Angel, the next generation.”

She looked at him, shock on her face.

“I can’t believe you just said my name and Angel’s in the same sentence without even flinching.”

He smiled.

“Well, Dawn’s not the only one who grew up. Besides, you’re in love with me, not him.”

He looked so sure of him she couldn’t repress a smile.

“That’s right.”

“So, no need for me to stress out.”

She put her arms around his neck and lost herself in his blue eyes.

“You know, I like it when you’re jealous, but when you’re confident like that, it really turns me on.”

He pulled her tightly to him and smirked.

“I know, baby. I know.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dawn and Connor waved their hands until the car disappeared around the corner. Then they slowly walked back to their apartment.

“I’m so glad about the way things worked out,” she said, squeezing his hand.

He nodded, happy to see her smile. And if he was totally honest, very hopeful about his relationship with Angel. He had been wrong, and Buffy was right. Family was important.

“Aren’t you glad we’re going home?” she asked him.

He stopped, turned to her.

“For me, home is where you are, Dawn. And I don’t care where we are, as long as we’re together.”

She melted under his tender gaze, and they kissed right in the middle of the street.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I’m tired of rough motel sheets,” Buffy complained. “I’ll be glad to be back in our own bed.”

Spike pulled her so she could lay on top of him.

“There, baby. Better?”

“Much, much better,” she whispered, nuzzling his neck and trailing kisses on his jaw line. She reached his mouth and they exchanged a slow, languorous kiss.

They had stopped just before sunrise to get some rest, but Buffy had other ideas in mind.

She moved her hips suggestively and was delighted to hear a moan of pleasure coming from him.

“Spike, honey…do you want me?” she asked in a silky and seductive tone.

He grabbed her butt and pressed her against him.

“You feel this? This is how I want you, Buffy. I always want you.”

She gave him another passionate kiss and at the same time raised her hips slightly. With a sigh of pleasure, she impaled herself on him. They moved at a slow pace, enjoying the taste and the touch of each other’s bodies. They suddenly gripped each other fiercely, as an intense wave of mind-shattering pleasure swept over them at the same time. She held on tightly as he swelled and finally burst into her. He spoke her name in wonder, relishing into each pulsing throb of his flesh, and an exquisite joy flooded every cell of Buffy’s body. He let escape a groan of intense satisfaction.

For a moment they laid limped, drained and still drifting into some sort of sensual bliss. They stayed in the same position, him still buried inside her warmth. They resumed kissing, sweet, tender kisses. Satiated for the time being, they settled comfortably, not letting one ounce of air pass between them.

“I had a silly thought, earlier,” she said in a sleepy tone.

“What was that, pet?”

“I was wondering, if Dawn and Connor get married, would that make Angel and me some sort or relatives…you know, in-laws or something?”

He chuckled.

“Absolutely not. You’ll be kind of related through Dawn and Connor’s children someday. On the other hand, you’ll be related to Angel if you marry me. Considering we are from the same line, vampirely speaking. Not that I brag about it. Oh, and since he’s like my grand-daddy, he will be your grand-daddy-in law. Now that’s an entertaining thought.”

There was a silence then she asked, “Is this another proposal?”

He smiled, caressing her back.

“Not the most romantic way or place to propose, don’t you agree? But we’re definitely going there.”

“Good,” she whispered, falling slowly asleep.

He disentangled himself from her for a quick run to the bathroom. He then came back in the bed, covering her body with caresses and kisses.

“Sleep well, my love,” he murmured, putting his head on her stomach.

“ ‘Night,” she replied, caressing his hair, but her hand quickly stilled. She was asleep.

Spike closed his eyes, determined to get some rest.

The minute after, he opened them. He could have sworn…he pressed his ear to Buffy’s stomach delicately, careful not to wake her up. Was that…?

No. He was not a vampire anymore, which meant no vampire hearing. He was probably wrong.

Then again, his body had been functioning again for several weeks now, and he and Buffy had been rather…busy. Without using any protection. But no, it was impossible. Too soon. He was wrong.

His heart hoped he was not.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They made it to L.A quickly, arriving just before sunset. The hotel was silent, everyone - that is, Gunn and Fred - were probably still sleeping. On her desk, Cordelia found a message from Wesley, asking them to call him as soon as they were back.

They had some breakfast in the kitchen, waiting for 8.00 to call the former Watcher. Gunn and Fred came down, updating Angel and Cordy on the few cases they had taken care of.

Spike sat on the desk counter and Buffy came to nestle between his legs.

“Tired, pet?” he asked, stroking her hair.

She rested her head on his chest and put her arms around his waist.

“Yeah. I’m dreaming about a long, good night rest. But we should patrol when we get back.”

“I’ll patrol, you get some rest. Also, I wish you would go see the doctor. Just to make sure everything’s alright.”

Buffy nodded, too tired to protest.

“I can’t wait to be home,” she muttered against his shirt.

He smiled.

“Hey, didn’t I tell you that you would someday see your place as home?”

She made a face.

“It was just a manner of speaking. The only way I can see it as home is because you’re there with me. That’s what home means to me.”

“For me too, sweetheart. I never truly had a home since I’ve been turned. With Dru, we were always with Angelus and Darla and surrounded by minions. The factory was creepy, and the mansion kind of belonged to Angel. So the crypt was the closest thing to home I had.”

“Until I blew it off,” she said sheepishly.

“Technically, Soldier Boy did. You just didn’t stop him.”

“But what was that deal with those eggs anyway? Why did you do such a stupid thing?”

“Well…”

Spike hesitated. It was something he had wanted to tell her for some time, but he wasn’t sure she would believe him. And it was part of something he was planning to surprise her with. If everything went as he expected…

“I was stupid,” he said with an apologetic smile.

Wesley arrived at that moment, preventing him to give more explanations to his curious Slayer.

Buffy was very surprised to see how much Wesley had changed. When he was her Watcher, he always looked like he had an umbrella stuck in his ass. The last time she had seen him, almost three years ago, was when there had been the body switching with Faith and she had come to L.A. Faith had tortured Wesley viciously, and he was in a pretty bad shape. Besides, with all that was happening, Buffy hadn’t paid too much attention to him then.

But now she wasn’t sure she would have recognized him. He was really good looking…even sexy.

“Hello, Buffy,” he greeted her with a slight smile.

“Wesley…You look nice,” she said.

Wesley looked at Spike who got off the counter.

“I don’t believe we’ve ever met,” Wesley said, holding his hand to Spike. “Although I heard a lot about the exploits of William the Bloody…I’m Wesley Wyndham-Pryce.”

Spike grinned, took his hand.

“William Atherton-Jones,” he replied with the same tone. Very English. Very stiff.

Wesley frowned, not sure how to react. Was the -former- vampire mocking him?

Buffy elbowed Spike. He looked at her.

“Sorry, luv, couldn’t resist. Besides, it’s my real name.”

“It is? You never told me.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“You never asked. You can call me Spike,” he told Wesley.

“Is it the Atherton-Jones branch from Suffolk?”

“That’s where the family is originated, yes.”

Wesley smiled.

“How funny. I happen to know some of your descendants. It’s a very wealthy and extended family.”

“Oh! Maybe you can claim an inheritance,” Buffy suggested.

“Well, since I’m supposed to be dead for 127 years, I don’t think that will work.”

“You could ask Giles if something can be done about it. The Council is very powerful, as I’m sure you already know. It wouldn’t hurt if they used that power to do something useful.”

Buffy chuckled.

“Besides,” Wes added, “What I’ve discovered here might help you a great deal.”

“Hey Wesley.”

Wesley turned to see Angel and Cordelia arriving from upstairs.

“Hi Angel…Cordy.”

The atmosphere was suddenly a little bit tenser.

“Hi Wesley. Want some coffee?” Cordelia asked with a smile.

Wesley relaxed a little bit.

“Yes, thank you.”

He turned to Angel.

“Did you find Connor?”

“Yeah. He was living with Buffy’ s sister in Seattle. They are coming back in a few days. I think things are gonna be ok from now on.”

Wesley smiled.

“That’s good news. And I think that what I have here will only improve the good mood.”

Cordelia came back with the coffee.

“Here you are.”

“Thanks.”

“And now spill. Not the coffee, of course. What did you find out?”

TBC...

~*~ Chapter 19 - Bright Side of Life ~*~

Wesley leaned on the counter and the others sat around. He showed them his papers.

“Well, this is what I found. As Angel and Cordy know, the prophecies of Aberjian were written in a dozen different languages, some of which aren’t even human. So I’ve been very careful, especially since I had made a little mistake the last time…”

Cordy snorted.

“…and didn’t want to repeat it. Anyway, I took my time to explore it further, and finally found what I think is a valid explanation for what’s happening to Spike.”

“The Shanshu,” Angel said.

“It is, indeed, the Shanshu.”

Cordelia’s face fell.

“So if the Shanshu’s happening to Spike, that means it won’t happen to Angel?”

“No, it’s not that. And that’s what I found out. There is a little passage referring to the Order of Aurelius. It doesn’t give any name, of course, but it refers to the male vampires of the Order. The ones with the souls.”

“So it was vampires and souls with an ‘s’ then,” Cordelia noted.

“Yes. The first time I translated this, Angel was the only souled vampire, so I didn’t look any further. Apparently, it concerned Spike as well. In fact, it concerns all the vampires from the Order who will get a soul.”

“So, Spike having a soul was predicted? It was meant to happen?” Buffy asked.

“Yes. But that doesn’t devalue what he did, since he didn’t know.”

“Of course it doesn’t,” Buffy said, taking Spike’s hand with a sweet smile.

“What about the people we sired?” Angel asked.

Spike raised his hand.

“I never sired anyone.”

“Well, I’m not proud about it, but I did. So?”

“If they got a soul and turn to the good side, yes, they will become human. But honestly, it’s unlikely to me. You two are…the special kind, apparently.”

Spike squeezed Buffy’s hand. “Or we had the chance to meet special people. What about the strength? I still seem to have it for the moment, but if I lose it, then what? I’ll be useless to Buffy.”

Buffy knew that it was one of the things that had bothered him the most.

“I was getting to that. According to the prophecies, you are warriors. I know, that’s not a big revelation. But the Powers need you to stay that way, to be able to fight. So you are rewarded by becoming human, but you keep your strengths and skills. The fight against evil, unfortunately, never ends. As long as you’re able to fight physically, it will remain your duty.”

Spike shrugged.

“Fine with me. At least it won’t get boring that way.”

“But then that means Angel will becoming human as well someday?” Cordelia asked.

“Exactly.”

“How come it takes so much longer for Angel, since he got his soul so long ago?”

“Spike got his soul willingly. Angel was cursed with it. That makes a huge difference.”

“That’s what I thought,” Buffy said.

Angel smiled sheepishly. “And I’m afraid I’ve got a lot more awful things to atone for.”

Cordelia smiled brightly. “Yes, but at least we have hope, now.”

“What about vampire hearing?” Spike asked.

Wesley took a look at his notes.

“It’s not specifically mentioned, but it’s part of your skills, so I suppose you keep it.”

“Planning on eavesdropping, Spike?” Cordelia smirked to him.

He smiled.

“No. But it can be useful, sometimes,” he said, putting her hand on Buffy’s stomach and rubbing it gently. She smiled at him, but didn’t get the meaning of his gesture.

“Anything on the Nyazian about Connor?” Angel asked Wesley.

“No. I concentrated mostly on the Aberjian, so I’ll dig a little deeper on the Nyazian now. But the last translation I had made didn’t reveal anything new. No big destiny awaiting for him.”

“Thank God for that,” Angel muttered.

Wesley smiled and put his papers on the desk.

“All my translations are there, if you wish to have a look.”

Cordelia got up.

“I guess we know everything we needed to know. And for once, everybody win this time. That’s a nice change.”

“Thanks for your help, Wesley,” Buffy told him.

“You’re welcome.”

She turned to Angel.

“I guess it’s time for us to return to Sunnydale.”

“You’re welcome to stay, if you want,” Angel offered genuinely.

“Thank you, Angel. But I have to go back to work, tomorrow. Spike, can you help me with our things?”

Angel watched them climbing the stairs before turning to Wesley.

“Thanks for taking the time to do this. You should…Wesley, you should come back and work with us. At least you would get paid for your efforts.”

Wesley smiled.

“I’ll think about it. I miss working with you, I admit. I was afraid it would be too awkward…uncomfortable.”

“Let’s make it a clean start, okay? Think about it and let me know.”

“I’ll do that.”

They shook hands, smiling, and then Wesley left.

Angel went to Cordelia, took her in his arms and gave her a passionate kiss. She put her arms around his neck and let loose a laugh.

“Looks like my fat, brooding vampire is happy, today,” she said with a loving smile.

“I’ve got every reason to be, starting with the beautiful woman I’m holding in my arms.”

They kissed again, then Cordelia broke it off, needing to breathe.

“I hope you’ll Shanshu fast, mister, cause I’m getting a little impatient, here.”

“Me too,” he whispered in her ear, pressing her suggestively against him.

They reluctantly let go of each other when they heard Buffy and Spike coming back with their bags. Judging by Buffy’s shining eyes and flushed cheeks, they had apparently celebrated the good news as well.

Spike took their bags and brought them in the car. Buffy and Cordelia hugged.

“Say goodbye to Gunn and Fred for us.”

She turned to Angel and they hugged as well.

“Let’s not wait another year to see each other, this time, ok?”

He smiled.

“We won’t. And we have a good excuse to stay in touch, now. Anytime you and Spike want to come to see Dawn…don’t hesitate.”

“Promise.”

They hugged again and Buffy whispered.

“I’m glad that things turned out that way. I’m glad you’re happy.”

“Same here.”

Spike came back and hugged Cordelia.

“Bye, Spike. Take care of your stomach,” she told him with a teasing smile.

He smirked and held his hand to Angel.

“Angel…”

“Spike…”

The greetings were much friendlier this time.

“Take good care of Buffy or I’ll rip your throat out.”

“Yeah, yeah. You should really consider that diet I told you about, mate. Bye.”

Well, maybe friendlier was too strong a word.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Dawn was closing the last bag when Connor came back. He had gone warn the landlord of their departure and give the key back.

“So? How did it go?”

“How do you think?” Connor asked her with an ironic smile.

“Well then. Everything is packed. I’m ready to leave if you are.”

Connor looked around him.

“I never liked that apartment, but I’ll never forget it. I’ll never forget the time we spent here.”

She came to him, slipped in his arms.

“Me neither. Whatever may have happened, this whole adventure will remain one of my best memories.”

“Same here. My only regret is leaving Nick and Derek. But they said they would visit us as soon as they can.”

“And I’m taking the memory of Miss Annigan with me.”

He kissed her forehead, let her go and took two of their bags while Dawn took the third one.

With a last glance, they closed the door behind them, ready and confident of the future waiting for them.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When she left her work that afternoon, Buffy went directly to he supermarket at the corner of the street. She knew exactly what she needed.

Since they had come back two days ago, Spike had insisted she take an appointment to the doctor. But Buffy was starting to have serious suspicions about the ‘sickness’ she was suffering from.

She came back home and locked herself in the bathroom.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When Spike came back, there was no one in the apartment. Or so it seemed.

“Buffy? Sweetheart?”

The bathroom’s door opened and Buffy appeared, her cheeks flushed and a little tousled.

“Hey. Are you alright?”

She smiled. A broad smile he had never seen on her face before. A…different smile, if that made any sense.

He frowned. “What’s going on?”

She took his hand.

“Come here.”

She led him to the couch and they sit side by side.

“You went to see the doctor, like I told you?”

“In fact, I figured it out by myself.”

“And?”

She was about to spill the big news when she noticed the look on his face. He didn’t look worried. No, he looked expectant and full of hope.

“You know.”

He shook his head, confused now.

“I know what? Buffy, stop…”

“You know what’s happening to me.”

“I…well, I was thinking that maybe you were…but then I thought…oh, bloody hell Buffy, say it already!”

“We’re gonna have a baby.”

His smile became as bright as hers.

“I was right then? I was bleedin’ right!”

He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, and she was all too eager to participate. Spike’s reaction had been one of her concerns, but she should have known he would be thrilled.

He took her on his lap, put his hand on her stomach.

“How did you know?” she asked.

He showed his ear.

“Vampire hearing. Uh, ex-vampire hearing. That’s why I asked Wesley about it, remember? I was sure I had heard a second heartbeat the night before.”

She slapped his arm.

“Why didn’t you tell me anything?”

“Because I was so scared to be wrong. I can’t believe it happened so quickly.”

“Well, I do, considering the amount of time you and me…you know,” she said, blushing like a schoolgirl at the memory of some previous nights.

“I’m so happy. Thank you,” he whispered in her hair.

She put her hand on his face and smiled sweetly.

“You did half of the job, mister. And I’m happy too. And totally freaked out. Do you really think we’re ready for this?”

“Hell no. But we’ll manage. We always do.”

She put her head on his shoulder.

“I already took an appointment to the gyn…I have to tell my boss at the diners…oh, and Giles!” she straightened, opening wide eyes. “ What about the slaying? And, and this apartment is gonna be way too small! We…”

“Hey, hey, hey, relax. We’ll figure it out. We’ll find solutions. Trust me.”

She calmed down.

“I know we will.”

“Stop worrying. It’s not good for you or the baby,” he admonished.

She smiled, her eyes full of love.

“Check out mister Dad,” she joked, but she loved his protectiveness - which would probably get even worse now !

“I love you,” she said softly, meeting his blue eyes.

“I love you too. Both of you,” he added, lifting her blouse and kissing her stomach. She giggled.

“I wish we had some champagne to celebrate,” she said.

He got up, lifting her in his arms.

“Oh, I know a much better way to celebrate, pet.”

She gave him a mischievous smile. “Does it involve you, me and our bed?”

Spike put her delicately on said bed and her smile quickly vanished to be replaced by sighs of pleasure as soon as Spike’s hand slipped under her skirt and his mouth wandered on her neck and collarbone.

Buffy’s last coherent thought was that Spike was certainly a master at celebration.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When she got back in their room, Dawn found Connor sitting on the bed, near her travelling bag.

“Did you call Spike?” he asked.

“Yes. He will be here in two hours.” She put her bag on the ground and sat next to him.

They had arrived in LA two days ago. Dawn had taken the time to settle their things in one of the rooms that Angel had arranged for them, and then had packed again a small back for her stay in Sunnydale. She already knew it would be a short stay. She loved her sister dearly, but she couldn’t bear to be separated from Connor more than two weeks.

“I’ll miss you,” he said with a sad puppy look on his face.

“Me too, so much. But there’s something I want to show you.”

She went to the dresser, took a piece of clothing from it and showed it to Connor.

“Do you know what this is?”

He took it and nodded. “It’s your favourite blue silk blouse. The one your mom gave you on your last birthday before her death.”

“Exactly. And see?” She took the blouse and put it back in the dresser. “I’m leaving it here. Where I intend to find it when I come back.”

She insisted on the last four words, and Connor smiled, understanding what she was doing.

“I get that now. I’m stuck with you forever,” he joked.

She came back next to him, put a soft kiss on his mouth.

“And everyday after that,” she whispered.

“When did you say Spike was coming?” he asked, playing with the buttons of her shirt.

“About two hours…depending on the traffic.”

He lay down on the bed, taking her with him. Hoping, not very charitably, that Spike would get stuck in the traffic for long, long hours...

TBC...

PS: The song used in this chapter is 'I will love you' by Fisher. We don't own it.

When my body is dust When my soul is no more