A/N Thanks to everyone for the get well wishes & reviews.
Chapter 25Willow and Tara exited the room to leave the new family alone. Buffy turned to Spike with a weary smile on her face; he stroked her cheek tenderly.
"We did it," she sighed.
"We certainly did. Glad that's all over, I used to enjoy pain, but that was something else," said Spike.
"Ew, please don't share right now, I don't want anything to spoil this moment. And I have the feeling this is far from over. I'd say it was just beginning," grinned Buffy as one of the babies started crying.
Spike kissed her lips.
"Nothing could spoil this moment. Which gets me thinking…what are we going to call our babies? It's not like we have had a long time to think about names. How about the name Tara? I mean she brought them both into the world," he said.
Buffy contemplated Spike's suggestion.
"Tara…I like it, but Willow helped too," said Buffy.
"I don't think our son would do too well with the name Willow. So how about we call our little girl Tara Willow Summers," said Spike.
"Perfect, but its still missing one thing," she sighed.
"What?" he asked.
"Well, we are to be married and I know I am a modern girl by a lot of standards, but I still wanted the children and I to bear your name. Which reminds me…what is your last name?" asked Buffy.
Spike smiled at her with a dramatic roll of his eyes.
"I thought you'd never ask…it's er Musgrove," he admitted reluctantly.
"There, that wasn't too painful now was it? Now we have that out of the way, what do we call this little guy?" asked Buffy as she looked down at their son.
"I wouldn't want to burden it a name like William so don't even suggest it, and Liam is certainly off the list. He might end up as big a poof as Angel," he shrugged innocently.
"Spike behave…I know it's not too original, but maybe, and don't bite me for saying this… Xander?" she asked carefully.
"Xander Musgrove, I guess it has some merit," Spike said grudgingly.
"Xander William Musgrove and no arguments," she said firmly.
"Hey you're the slayer and I know when I'm beat," he sighed with a grin on his face.
The other twin started to wail.
"Guess the babies are getting hungry," said Buffy.
"Want me to make up some formula?" asked Spike.
"So speaks the expert. I was thinking about the good old-fashioned way. And of course it will help me get my figure back a lot quicker too," said Buffy.
"Some things never change oh vain one," said Spike as he took the other baby from her.
"Well would you like a flabby Buffy?" she pouted.
"When will you get that I love Buffy any way I can get her," said Spike.
Willow and Tara eyed the cabin door hanging off its hinges and Quentin Travers seated silently on the sofa.
"Just what's been going on here?" asked Willow.
"We're kinda waiting for Travers to give us the heads up on that one," said Xander.
"Quentin?" asked Giles.
Quentin put his hand up in supplication. He removed a pocket-handkerchief from his suit pocket and wiped at his eyes.
"Please just give me an moment," he said.
"And why should we give you anything except show you the way to the door?" demanded Xander.
"Let's just hear what he has to say. You have two minutes to explain yourself Travers," said Giles.
"How about we save time and let me turn him into the worm that he is," said Willow.
"I'm sorry," said Quentin.
"Yeah right, of course you are. Even I know irony when I hear it," said Anya.
"You'd never have guessed it," said Willow, arching an eyebrow.
"I was wrong, all that I have done to Miss Summers and William…I was doing it for the good of the world. You must understand that we get prophecies of destruction on our doorstep almost on a daily basis, but this one had a ring of truth to it that could not be ignored. I am sure that you are all well aware of why I wanted Miss Summers to have a child," stated Quentin.
"Yes, I know why you did it Quentin, but your methods have been despicable…even for you," said Giles disgustedly.
"You can't just go around messing with peoples lives like that," said Xander angrily.
"What's made you change your mind? I assume you have changed your mind," asked Willow doubtfully.
"The baby…when I arrived here I had only one goal in mind, and that was to take Ms Summers's child and return to England," said Quentin.
"Why don't you want to do that any more, which is a…er a good thing," amended Anya.
Quentin looked around the room at all the faces and sighed heavily.
"Believe it or not, I was a father once for all of…five minutes,"
"What do you mean?" asked Tara.
"Thirty years ago I was happily married, my wife and I were expecting our first child. I took her to the hospital, she was in labour. I had to wait outside the delivery room. You were not allowed to be at the birth in those days. After many hours of hearing my wife in labour, I heard the cries of our newborn son. The nurse told me I could go in to see my wife and child, but just as I entered the room, I was sent back out again. Our son died a few minutes later due to breathing difficulties, or so the doctor informed us,"
Quentin took in a ragged breath before continuing.
"I threw my self into my work as a young watcher at the council at an even greater cost. My wife had no such occupation to get over her grief, she killed her self six months later," he finished.
"That is so sad," said willow, mournfully.
Giles looked at him a little flummoxed.
"There were rumours of this at the council, but I was never sure if it was fact or fiction," said Giles.
"Well now you know. Hearing the cry of Ms Summer's baby made me remember the pain of losing my own child. Prophesy or no prophesy I lost my resolve to carry it through. I suddenly feel so old and tired," admitted Quentin wearily.
"The problem of the prophesy still stands, so what do you propose to do about it?" asked Giles.
"The original plan was to take the child and raise it in England and train it as we would any potential slayer," said Quentin
"And we've all established that that's not gonna happen," said Xander firmly.
"If I give you my word not to interfere in the raising of the child in anything, but a supervisory capacity, would that be acceptable?" asked Travers.
"How supervisory?" asked Giles
"Shouldn't you be asking me that question mate? After all I am the father," said Spike from the open bedroom door.
"I…er…William," spluttered Quentin, seeming lost for words.
"This is how it's going to play out, you are going to get your ass back on a plane to London and never darken our door again until the children are of age. Buffy and I will oversee their training and if, and it's a big if, they want to help you with your little problem then they will have the right to choose," growled Spike.
"Children?" asked Quentin.
"Yes, children. We have a son and a daughter," said Spike.
"Twins? This is unexpected," said Quentin.
"Looks like you're not the big know all about everything after all," said Spike smugly.
"Can I see them?" asked Quentin.
Xander moved forward defensively.
"Over my dead body,"
"Wait here," said Spike as he disappeared into the bedroom, closing the door behind him.
He was gone for several minutes. In his absence the silence stretched out uncomfortably in the room. The occupants of the room looked relived as the door was opened again.
"Buffy is tired and we need to get her to a hospital so make it quick," said Spike.
Travers got up from his seat and followed Spike into the bedroom.
"That's not fair," pouted Anya. "I mean we're her friends, but the psycho baby snatcher gets to see the kids first,"
Five minutes later Quentin emerged from the room with a contented smile on his face. He stopped by Giles and looked up at him.
"I think we have come to a very satisfactory agreement. You won't be hearing from me…unless there's an apocalypse that I need your assistance with," said Quentin.
"Well that's the best news I've heard all day," said Xander sarcastically.
Quentin looked around the room at everyone.
"I really am sorry for all the inconvenience I have caused," he said gravely.
"Inconvenience? I'll give you inconven…" said Willow angrily.
"Sweetie, maybe now's not the time," interrupted Tara.
"You had better keep your word Quentin. Remember Buffy and Spike are not without friends," warned Giles.
"Yes, I have noticed," said Quentin wryly, as he turned on his heel and walked away.
"Can we trust him?" asked Xander.
"What's the alternative, a lifetime of being on the run? I am afraid we have no choice," answered Giles.
"Hello, fiancée in need of medical attention here just in case you've all forgotten," said Spike from the doorway.
Buffy had stayed overnight in the local hospital in Eureka. After a doctor had checked her out and the gang had had a chance to hold the new arrivals, they had left Spike and Buffy alone and headed back to the cabin for the night. Xander had been especially proud that Buffy and Spike had given their son his name. Tara had just blushed shyly and thanked them both when they had informed her of their choice of name for their daughter.
Spike settled down in the chair beside Buffy's bed. Preferring to spend the night with his new family than the others, and the babies and Buffy were fast asleep so he took the opportunity to get some rest himself.
Buffy and Spike were awakened by someone entering the darkened room, the clock on the wall read 3am. It was easily distinguishable to his enhanced vision.
Spike rushed forward, getting the intruder in an arm lock. He ignored the sharp sting of pain in his head. Buffy struggled out of bed and switched on the light.
"Mom!" said Buffy in surprise.
Spike instantly released her.
"Sorry about that Joyce," he apologised.
"How did you know where to find us?" asked Buffy.
"Giles, he rang several hours ago. I drove all of the way here with out a stop. Nothing was going to keep me away from my new grandchildren," said Joyce firmly.
Joyce hugged her daughter and, then turned to Spike.
"Now where are those babies?" she grinned.
"They are asleep in the nursery, but I am sure the staff won't mind bringing them in here for you to have a look," said Buffy.
"I'll go and see about it," said Spike as he left the room.
"Are you okay Buffy?" asked Joyce.
"I'm fine mom, the doctor has checked me all out. Plus with slayer healing I shall be back to myself in no time," said Buffy.
"Good, I was so worried about you,"
Spike returned along with a nurse, they were both wheeling in the Perspex cribs that held the babies.
"Here we are, they were beginning to stir anyway," said Spike.
The nurse left them alone and Joyce walked over to the cribs. She stared down at the tiny occupants, one wrapped in a pink blanket the other wrapped in blue.
"A boy and a girl," said Joyce in wonder.
"Just as well, as this is likely to be my only shot at motherhood," smiled Buffy.
"Can I hold them?" asked Joyce.
"Sure sit down over there and I will hand them to you," said Spike.
Joyce sat down as the babies were handed to her. Tears slid down Joyce's face as the little girl yawned sleepily and opened her eyes a little.
"Oh, she is so like you as a baby Buffy," said Joyce.
Their son started up a loud wailing.
"I think he needs feeding luv," said Spike, Joyce placed a kiss on the crying baby's forehead before handing him to Buffy.
"You've done good Spike, the pair of you have. You have a beautiful family," said Joyce sincerely.
"Thanks Joyce, all I needed was someone to believe in me. Both you and Buffy did that when others didn't," said Spike.
Joyce smiled at him.
"There's something else you should know…Spike and I are engaged," said Buffy.
"Well it's about damn time," said Joyce, shocking them with her choice of words.
Spike grinned at her appreciatively. He really felt honoured to be a part of this family and he felt his luck as he sighed contentedly.
"Well this has been a busy three weeks for the pair of you, what do you have planned for next week?" asked Joyce.
Buffy and Spike looked at each other.
"SLEEP!" they both chorused.
As the little girl in Joyce's arms started wailing, the couple were starting to realise that it would be highly unlikely.
SIX MONTHS LATER
"C'mon Spike we'll be late. Take my word for it, you look gorgeous," said Buffy.
"I thought it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding?" drawled Spike.
"We make our own luck," said Buffy firmly.
"And as for you nagging me about lateness Summers, it wasn't my idea to have a quickie in the bathroom when we were supposed to be getting ready for the wedding," said Spike.
"It's not as if we have far to go with the ceremony being held in the backyard," she pouted.
"It's a full moon out there," said Spike, as he glanced out of the window.
"I know, just perfect," she smiled.
"Please don't tell me that you are going to be walking down the aisle to Wind Beneath My Wings," asked Spike.
"Would I do that to you?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes!" he replied as he tried to grab her.
"Spike, you'll ruin my makeup, now run along like a good boy while I change into my dress," she said playfully.
He gave her a mock salute as he went to leave the room.
"See you down there," he replied as he closed the door.
Buffy smiled, as there was a knock on her door.
"Buffy?" asked Willow.
"Come in," she replied.
Willow, Tara, and Anya entered the room as Buffy was putting on her dress. She looked at her three friends dressed identically in their bridesmaid dresses.
They all looked beautiful in lavender silk. Willow and Tara were holding hands, having told Buffy about their relationship a couple of weeks after the babies were born. Tara was now an accepted part of the group.
Buffy smiled at them all tearfully, turned around as Willow zipped up her dress and fixed the pearl buttons at the neck.
"You look beautiful Buffy," said Willow.
Buffy kissed her friend on the cheek.
"Come on we have a wedding to attend if you haven't noticed," she grinned "Are the babies behaving themselves?"
"Yes, they are fine. Xander Jr just puked all over Giles new suit, but apart from that they are okay," said Anya.
Buffy couldn't help but giggle. As they were all ready Tara left the room to tell the musicians they could start up the music for the bride to walk down the aisle.
The bridesmaids were in place as they walked down the stairs and out of the back door into the yard, which was lit with what seemed a million fairy lights. Buffy took a deep breath as she walked out to an instrumental version of the song he had sung to her when they were in Eureka, "I don't want to miss a thing,"
Buffy had chosen to walk down the aisle by herself, as she hadn't really wanted her father to be a part of this day. When he had found out that his daughter had had the babies he had only scathingly commented that she had turned out exactly the way he had expected.
She didn't want to think about that now, only about the man who waited for her at the end of her walk. He looked so handsome that she had to swallow a lump that formed in her throat at the sight of him. She smiled at friends and family as she arrived at Spike's side and handed her bouquet to Willow, and took Spike's hand.
Tara and Xander Jr were seated on Giles and Joyce's laps in the front row. The proud parents smiled at their children and turned to face the minister.
There was hardly a dry eye as Buffy and Spike were joined as husband and wife. After the ceremony, they held an open buffet in the garden too. Their budget hadn't run to much more than that, but nobody cared as they celebrated Buffy and Spike's big day.
Spike had taken up a job as a night watchman to earn them money. Buffy was still attending college, as there were crib facilities for her to leave the babies at during her day. She hated parting with them each morning, but Spike and Buffy had decided early on that she should still complete her college courses.
Buffy and Spike cringed as Giles announced Xander who had prepared a speech. They held each other's hands for support. As the applause died down, Xander began.
"I'd like to welcome you all to this happy occasion, but things weren't always this happy…In fact when Buffy and Spike met they wanted to kill each other. Although they tried many times to end each other's continued existence luckily for them, they failed. Then Willow cast a spell on them and they were in love, couldn't keep their hands off each other. Boy did they need to get a roominess that day! Then they went back to hating each other and we all breathed a sigh of relief. I guess they didn't hate each other as much as they made out otherwise Xander and Tara Jr wouldn't be here…" Xander trailed off at the hostile looks he was receiving from the guests. "And…er…I guess I shouldn't have had so much of that alcoholic fruit punch," finished Xander as he quickly sat down.
"I thought it was very good sweetie," whispered Anya in his ear.
"That's probably the problem," muttered Xander under his breath.
"Shall we split this party?" Asked Spike
"Yes, it's time we were getting changed we have to leave for our honeymoon soon. It's becoming more of a wake than a party. Poor Xander," said Buffy as she glanced at her red faced friend.
Buffy and Spike entered the house and crept up the stairs, checking on the nursery contenting themselves that the babies were still sleeping before entering their own bedroom and closing the door.
"Want some help with that dress Mrs Musgrove?" he asked as he pressed up against her.
"Oh, dear Mrs Musgrove, that sounds rather proper," she grimaced.
"Which you are not thank God. So don't even fret about it," said Spike as he worked the buttons and zipper at the back of her dress.
The silk slid to the floor and Spike whistled appreciatively. Buffy soon made quick of his charcoal grey suit, as they tumbled onto the bed.
Spike pressed kisses along her throat.
"Sorry this is going to have to be another quickie love, the guests will start to wonder where we are. The flight is at 11pm too," he said in between kisses.
Buffy suddenly sat up.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You just reminded me, where exactly are we going for our honeymoon. I know that you and mom have been conspiring over the destination," said Buffy.
"Look it's your mum's wedding present to the both us. Don't ruin it for her," said Spike.
Buffy sat there pouting, her arms folded across her chest. Spike's hands soon had her forgetting her annoyance as she touched him back, as eager to consummate the marriage as he.
Buffy and Spike went down stairs an hour later, their suitcases in tow. Most of the guests had moved into the lounge as the night had closed in. They had kissed their children goodbye. More than a few tears had been shed on their part, but they realised that they needed this time alone together before starting their marriage.
There was clapping and cheers as they both ascended the stairs. Buffy blushed furiously, especially as a rather drunk guest yelled out "We all know what you've been doing!"
They said their goodbyes to their friends, Buffy threw the bouquet and Xander caught it. Anya beamed at him.
"That means you have to get married next," she said.
Xander dropped the bouquet as if it burned him.
"No, it doesn't" he said in desperation, "And look I dropped it so it cancels out all obligations," he continued.
"Sweat much Xander," grinned Willow as she passed him by.
Spike and Buffy went out side to his car in a shower of rice and confetti. He eyed his Desoto in horror. Cans had been tied to the rear bumper and someone had sprayed "Just Married" on the back window.
"Who the bleeding hell did this to my car?" Spike growled.
"Aw, don't be such a baby and smile," she replied.
Spike presented a pained smile to the onlookers as he and Buffy got in the car. No sooner had they driven around the corner, than he got out of the car and ripped off the cans and threw them in a hedge before continuing on their way to the airport.
As they sat in their plane seats, waiting for take off, Buffy turned to look at Spike, touching the gold band that rested on his left hand.
"This kinda reminds me of the last time we were on a plane together," she sighed wistfully.
"You mean with all the Teletubbies?" asked Spike.
"No, I mean when we were on our way to…" Buffy was cut off by an announcement by the captain as they readied for takeoff.
"Good evening, this is your captain speaking. I will be flying you to London this evening, please buckle you seat belts and have a pleasant flight,"
Buffy turned to look at Spike incredulously.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Spike! I could kill you, and my mom for that matter,"
"Good to see nothings changed. Don't you like your surprise? I promised you a trip to Harrods, and I don't go back on my word," said Spike.
Her expression softened.
"Yeah, and I do still have that shoe craving…" she trailed off wistfully.
Spike kissed her.
"Don't ever change Buffy, you are perfect just the way you are," he smiled.
"So are you," she replied, pulling his head down for another kiss.
They were so engrossed in each other that neither of them felt the plane as it took off and left the runway.
The EndA/N I really want to thank everyone that read and reviewed my story and for your continued support and your patience. It means a lot!
Angela